Ta-sa= what Amat calls Sasu. The flashbacks last chap are to represent a happier time in both Naruto's and Sasuke's life. This one however signifies one of the darkest of times. Kill me later about the whole flashback for the first half. *stands ground and shivers* Okay make it quick and painless please! *hides behind something* Again not a sympathetic bone in me…damnit! Another thing I hope I pulled of the whole flashback scene off. I don't have children…or in that case something like this never happen to me. So I hope its ok.

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"Sasuke, wake up!" A frantic Naruto shook at the pale shoulder. The raven, in questioned, groaned rolling over to look at his husband. Once he saw panic swirling in blue eyes, the Uchiha was wide awake.

"Naruto what is it? What's the matter?" Sasuke asked concern lacing his sleep ridden voice. His dark eyes scanning over the blonde, making sure he was okay visibly. But the words that spilled from Naruto's mouth sent a very cold, spirit breaking chill down his spine.

"Someone took her! Someone took Amatsuki! I went to go check on her before I went to sleep and she wasn't there. All I could sense was her faint chakra trail and another unknown one. They had masked everything but their chakra which was faint enough." The blonde practically yelled. He was near tears at this point. His mind was so frazzled Naruto couldn't think straight. Sasuke was up and dressed as soon as Naruto said 'took her'. His sharingan activated and swirling wildly. No one dared to mess with his family and lived to get away with it, especially not his little girl. Whoever took Amatsuki was going to pay dearly for their indiscretions.

"Naruto, I want you to stay here. I'll go look for Amat." The raven's tone was detached, cold, and deadly. Anger swirled in blue eyes but fear still shone brightly. Naruto would be damned if he was going to sit behind.

"Sasuke, I'm not going to stay behind! I have to come with you. If you have…" Sasuke shook his head. He knew Naruto wasn't thinking straight and the dobe was rash enough as is. There was no way he could let his husband go any where in his state.

"Naru, if who ever did this comes back, they'll be after Raiden and Satoshi next. You have to stay here and protect them. They might be chuunin but that doesn't mean they would be of any match against a jounin or higher ranking ninja. You're the only one that can be there to protect them, koi." The blonde stood frozen to his spot. He couldn't bear to lose his children if something like that happened. He felt strong arms wrap around him and lips kissing his crown. Naruto knew Sasuke's words were true but he didn't want to feel helpless. But there was no other choice he had.

"Teme, bring her back please. Bring our little girl home safely." Naruto whispered into the broad chest. Tears leaked out the corner of worried blue eyes.

"I promise dobe. Keep the boys safe. I'll be back with Amatsuki." With that said Sasuke was gone out the window, trying to pick up any trace of his daughter's trail. Naruto tried to pull himself together. He had to protect the boys no matter what happened. The blonde shivered as he stood up. It was the least he could do after he couldn't protect Amatsuki.

'Kit it wasn't your fault. Stop blaming yourself.' Kyuubi sounded. Naruto just ignored the fox. He knew he wasn't at fault but he couldn't help it. He should've known something was amiss when Amatsuki was being way to quiet. Naruto shook his head trying to shake away the negative thoughts that invaded his mind. He straightened himself out doing one set of simple hand signs creating a clone.

"I want you to follow Sasuke and help him if need be. Come back if there is any trouble." The clone nodded and followed Sasuke's trail, quickly catching up to the raven. While Naruto did another set of more complex hand signs. Red chakra whirled madly around his still form as his hands moved faster, blurring into one fluid movement. A thin dome shape began to form around Naruto's body. The invisible barrier spread steadily the more the Kyuubi-vessel concentrated. Sweat beaded down Naruto's neck and forehead. Pants left the moist cavern. But the blonde refused to give up. The jutsu might take a lot out of him but, it was the maximum defense he had so it was worth it. The barrier soon surrounded the main house completely, not letting a single soul in or out of it. As soon as the invisible dome shaped barrier was in place, Naruto dropped to his knees, panting heavily from exhaustion.

Ever scent, sound, touch, everything was amplified. Nothing could escape Naruto's senses. The smell of a rainstorm was on the way. The small breeze pushed and mixed the scents around him. The sound of Raiden and Satoshi awake and quietly conversing filled Naruto's ears. They knew something was wrong and wanted to help. Naruto stood. His gummy limbs were stiff but controlled. Anger overshadowed what fear resided within his heart. He was far too pissed now to even be horrified. His footsteps fell silent until he was at the twins' door. He twisted the knob, hearing the boys stealthily slide back into bed.

"I know you're awake." Naruto stated. Any other time he would have smiled at the fact the twins tried to fool him, but situation was too critical. Another rustle was heard as Raiden and Satoshi uncovered their heads.

"Chichi-ue, what's going on?" Satoshi asked, noticing that their father wouldn't come out of the shadows.

"Nothing, loves." The fox hesitated a second. "Everything is fine. There is no need for you two to worry about anything." The twins could hear the strain in the elders' voice. Something was definitely off.

"Are you sure? We felt a huge chakra flux and found out that otou-san's is missing as well." Raiden sounded.

"Yes I'm sure. Your father went to do a perimeter check and set up a small barrier. Nothing major. Just the random night he picked to check things out. Go back to sleep for now. I'll see you guys in the morn…" An untraceable footstep resounded off of the walls; someone must've been here before he made the barrier. Naruto stopped mid-sentence and snapped his head around. His face briefly flashed in the dim moonlight showing the dark jagged whisker marks and sharp canines. A tint of red outlined normally jovial sapphire blue eyes. Once blonde hair had turned to a fiery orange, almost red color. All in all, their dad was frightening in this form. Unconsciously the boys moved away from Naruto. The slight movement caught Naruto's eye and a twinge of pain stabbed at the nin's heart.

"Go back to sleep." Was the growled command, before Naruto disappeared locking and sealing the door behind him. He knew that the boys could handle themselves but he couldn't handle it if anything happened to them.

Naruto's sharp hearing picked up another creeping footstep. This time it was more careful, trying keep as quiet as possible. But to the pissed fox the sound was as clear as day. Naruto sniffed the air quietly, but was miffed. The intruder had no scent unless they had masked that as well. The blonde could only go on hearing. The steady heartbeat the low even breathing, led the predator to its prey. Naruto lurked in the shadows, eyes glowing in the dim lighting. Another sound emanated from the figure now nearing the steps. The sound of a kunai being drawn. Naruto's lips pulled over his teeth as he pounced.

"Who are you?! You have ten fucking seconds to explain yourself and reason for taking my daughter." A fierce snarl ripped through the older male. He had the man pinned against the wall, by his collar. A chuckled bounced off the walls from the tacked silhouette.

Sasuke leapt through quickly, following the quickly diminishing trail. He cursed under his breath when he came to a division in the chakra signatures. All trace of Amatsuki's chakra gone. There was absolutely no way he could follow all of them and get there on time to save Amat. The Uchiha cursed again but this time punched the tree he was standing, leaving a gaping hole in the center.

"Sasuke!" A voice called out. Said raven spun around pulling out his katana ready to strike. He semi-relaxed when a hint of blonde came barreling out of the trees.

"Naruto, what the hell?" Sasuke whispered angrily.

"Relax, it's only a clone. The real Naruto wanted to make sure everything was alright. You know he couldn't be left at the house like that. He felt too useless." The clone explained, sniffing slightly. The damp moss covered forest dulled any real scents there were left, which frightened him a little. Sasuke sighed, turning away trying to figure out his next plan of action.

"Dobe, you should've treated this as a mission. You can't simply follow me, what if…"

"Uchiha, this is not a mission it's our daughter and I'm not going to sit back and hope you find her alone. Teme I know you're able to do it but I need to be there to help find Amatsuki." The wind rustled in the trees. Naruto's head picked up smelling something off.

"What is it?" Sasuke asked anxiously.

"There's something different to the west. It smells like sea water and sake. Sasuke we're not…"

"Let's go." The raven stated heading west at top speed. Naruto close at his heels. Both hoping, praying that the kidnappers slipped up. The one chance they might have to get Amatsuki back with the chance of an ambush. Both jounin moved stealthily through the thickening trees. The scent of strong rice wine getting closer, almost chocking the air with the alcohol. Sasuke's sharingan spinning wildly, looking for any trace of a chakra trail.

After about thirty minutes of sniffing alcohol saturated air Naruto collapsed. He was coughing profusely. Sweat slid down his forehead to his chin on to the brown tree branch below. Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks racing to the blonde's side.

"Naru, are you okay?" Concern, fear, and anger filled the raven's soft voice. When he went out to brush away sweaty bangs out of blue eyes Naruto smacked his hand away.

"I'm fine; there is no time to worry about me. There are more pressing matters at hand." Naruto wheezed out.

"Dobe…"
"It's only the air getting to me. The alcohol is dulling the sense of smell." The fox stood shakily using the support of the tree. "Come on." Naruto leapt out in front of Sasuke. He almost slipped but covered it up by catching on to another branch and using that to propel himself forward. Amatsuki's scent was coming into play now. Naruto could smell it on the exact same path.

'Kuso, the air is not only filled with the stench of sake, but it's drugged somehow as well.' Naruto cursed internally. His red eyes temporarily cut to Sasuke.

Sasuke eyed his husband warily, while searching at the same time. To his surprise the trail was becoming stronger the farther west they went. Hope welled in his heart. The kidnappers were getting careless. Then it all went downhill. Sasuke heard a small movement come from the left side. Not too soon afterwards a glint of metal was seen in the dense leaves. The metal object headed straight for Naruto. With chakra pulsating in the soles of his feet, the Uchiha lunged forward, knocking the Kyuubi-vessel to the muddy forest ground about 20 feet below. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around Naruto and took the brunt of the fall, landing on his right side, with his husband mostly to his left. At he impact Sasuke let his hold on Naruto go and they rolled apart from each other, landing in a heap of unmoving bodies. The sound of breaking tree branches and bones filled the abnormally quiet forest. Sasuke and Naruto lay completely still, in the mess of twisted limbs.

The man Naruto held pinned to the wall, chuckled maliciously. The fox growled pressing his arm into the man's throat.

"Explain yourself!" Naruto roared losing what little patience he had left. A swift kick to his left side sent the fox crashing into the opposite wall. The china cabinet shattered into tiny splinters. The dishes crashed loudly to the floor. Leaving the hard wood covered in broken parts of chinaware.

"I don't have to explain anything to a demon like you!" The male snarled, rubbing his throat. The Kyuubi-vessel stood all the while a sneer fell on to his lips.

"I'll make you talk then." A fierce roar left Naruto as he lunged at the dark-shrouded figure. The man easily evaded the original attack but missed the kick aimed for his head. Naruto had twisted his body in an awkward way that would've been painful to anyone else and sent his left leg swinging at the man's head. He felt the kick connect along with a few of his bones breaking. The supposed kidnapper went soaring through the air and crashed into the dining room table, breaking it in half.

The man groaned placing a hand to his head. He wiped the trail of blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. His jaw hurt like hell. Before he had a chance to recover Naruto was on him again, with a kunai to his throat.

"Talk!" Naruto commanded deathly low.

"You're too late to do anything." The man sneered.

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

"By time you get to your husband and daughter they'll both be dead. There's nothing you can do to save them." Naruto threw the man across the room through the wooden wall. He stalked forward slowly, with the grace of a fox. The man still had that sickening smirk twisted on to his face.

"What do you mean?" Naruto's eyes narrowed into slits, flicking back and forth between angry blue and merciless red. The fox pressed the kunai to the man's throat once again. The male laughed.

"You have no chance in saving them. Too bad though, Azrael would've loved to see the look on your face as you watched your daughter and beloved Uchiha die." The blonde snapped, as he slit the man's throat unforgiving. Blood splattered on to the too large white shirt and whiskered cheeks. Not too long after killing the man Naruto jolted straight up…his clone.

A tall lanky figure, covered in a pitch black coat and boots stepped out of the shadows. He eyed the bodies precariously, making sure they were out cold. Sasuke stirred, opening his dark orbs looking around for his husband's clone. What he found was the clone being held by its throat gasping for air. His heart clenched as his body refused to move. Naruto's hands clawed literally at the stranger's hands in a futile attempt to get him to let go.

"Little Uzumaki…it would be wise for you to stop struggling if you want to see your daughter again. Ah…Uchiha I wouldn't try anything either if I were you." The man mocked. Naruto went dead in the guy's hand as Sasuke froze on the spot.

"Where is she?" The blonde asked quietly.

"Not faring to well. Deathly sick…she might not make it if you don't get to her in time." The man waved his hand and an image of Amatsuki curled into a ball shivering harshly appeared to the behind him. The small blonde had huge beads of sweat rolling down her face. Her arms wrapped around her small body, trying to keep in the heat. The surrounding area was a drafty cave, with water dripping down the stalagmites.

"You bastard, let her go!" Sasuke yelled, throwing three shuriken at the male's arm. But they stopped even before they got to him.

"No can do, Uchiha. You have to find her on your own."

"Damn you to hell." Naruto growled, flipping and kicking the man in the jaw. Effectively breaking the stranger's hold and landing next to Sasuke. When they looked back to the spot the guy had disappeared and his voice filled the surrounding forest.

"As you may have noticed, Uzumaki, the air had been laced with a narcotic drug. The drug makes those with impeccably strong sense of smell feel woozy and extremely weak, soon after they pass out. Before that happens though, you have to watch your dear Uchiha die." The voice faded out followed by wave after wave of never ending ninja tools. Both Naruto and Sasuke cursed. Neither in a great condition to dodge all of those weapons. Sasuke tried with all his might to move but one of his legs were broken in about two or three different places. Naruto had cracked three ribs, and felt a fracture in his pelvis. He looked over between his husband and the attack.

Without hesitation the fox jumped in front of Sasuke, picking him off the ground and dodging the first wave that pelted the ground. Naruto jumped into the nearest tree, only to jump again when he sensed the tools were following them. Blades nicked by Naruto and Sasuke's arm, cutting them shallowly. The more he moved the more sluggish he became, that's when Naruto realized the blades were poisoned with something.

'Kit you think you can heal him?'

'No the poison is affecting my chakra and nervous systems. So that means we're dealing with a medic-nin.' Naruto cursed as he leapt into another branch. Sasuke felt useless. Here he was doing nothing while Naruto was trying to protect his ass. The poison taking a longer time to affect him because he wasn't moving. Sasuke's eyes grew wide as a demon shuriken came flying toward them. With his one good leg, Sasuke swung his body over Naruto's head to take the hit from the shuriken.

"Go back and get help…!" The Uchiha demanded coughing up a mouthful of blood. The clone looked at his husband, eyes widened in fear.

"Sasu…"

"GO! Our daughter's life is more important! You are the only one who can save Amat now!" Sasuke yelled, hobbling to stand on his leg. He pulled put the overly large weapon, spinning it lightly in his hand. He could at least let the clone get away and warn Naruto. The cloned Naruto nodded and took off away without any further argument. But Sasuke felt the despair that he left behind.

"Where do you think your going, Uzumaki?" The malevolent voice sounded. Sasuke caught the tone in one specific part followed by the glint of metal.

"You're my opponent!" The raven growled, throwing the dragon shuriken. The sound of metal clashing together filled the stale air. Red eyes glowed with deadly intent, his ears stayed alert. He was figuring out how the guy worked. After every time his voice filled the space, the poisoned ninja tools would appear. Typical.

"Che…such a pain." The words floated around Sasuke. Thirty seconds later another wave followed. Sasuke dodged with slight difficulty, rolling on the ground and flipping on to the trunk of the nearest tree. He channeled extra chakra into his broken leg keeping it stable so he can fight.

'Well that problem's figured out, now how to attack him.' The Uchiha huffed, narrowly evading the next attack. His eyes widened when a clawed hand made from dirt and rocks shot out from the midst of the weapons.

"Well this is new." Sasuke spun in mid-air pulling out his katana and charging it with his chidori, slashing into the hand.

"Hurry up and die Uchiha!" The voice sounded angry almost to the point where it consumed the owner. Sasuke growled, pushing off the ground with his right hand, back flipping into the air.

"This is getting tiresome." He snorted, using his sword to block to the kunai and shuriken as well as the earth claws. Sasuke flew through the air flipping, twisting, and bouncing off the talons that never seemed to give up.

"Ta-sa…" Amatsuki whimpered faintly, throwing Sasuke off balance. In his time of weakness he was gripped by the clawed hand, pinning him to the ground. Sasuke dropped his sword in favor of scratching at the large hand cutting off his air supply.

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"Naruto…" Tsunade, Neji, and Sai breathed out at the same time. Naruto smiled broadly at them, fighting the tears that were gathering in the corner of his bright eyes. Tsunade, Neji, and Sai were rooted to their spots. They couldn't believe that after seven years they were seeing the hyper active blonde once again. They thought that after no word that something had happened to Naruto. But now, they just couldn't believe their eyes. Neither could determine if this was real or a dream. The same little blonde that they had lost seven long years ago.

Naruto hadn't grown much over the time, but there were subtle differences. His blonde hair, bright as the sun was longer shaggier t6han when he left. Once blue vibrant eyes dulled with loss and pain of the years, they were still slightly jovial but not a much as when he was younger. His build still lean, lithe, and muscular covered in an expanse of golden tanned skin. Three sets of eyes roamed over the tall body, taking in the sight of him.

"G-gaki…is it really you?" The Godaime stammered out. A smooth manicured hand wiping away the tears. In her wildest dreams she never thought Naruto would come back to them. A warm smile spread over pink lips.

"Y-yes…Tsunade-baa-chan." Naruto choked on the tears that were stuck in his throat. The woman he thought of as a mother or aunt had not looked any different. Minus the bags under her eyes from the lack of sleep. But she had maintained her jutsu, making her more radiant than Naruto remembered. In a flash the Godaime was around her desk and squishing the blonde to her overly large chest. The former Konoha nin hugged her back, breathing in her scent. Tears fell freely from wide blue eyes as well as hazel ones. The two stayed like that for several moments. Just reveling in each other presence once more. Not long after that Naruto was cradling a large lump on his head.

"Itai! What the hell was that for?!" Naruto wailed glaring at Tsunade, through blonde bangs. The other three occupants chuckled lightly. It was like nothing had ever changed.

"For seven years of silence! It should've been a lot harder but…I didn't want to risk knocking you out." Tsunade glowered daring the idiotic moron to dig his grave further. Naruto flinched remembering that look very well; in fact it had gotten him thrown out the window a few times and smashed through the floor. He bit his tongue from the smart comment playing at the tip.

"Would it mean anything if I said sorry. Somehow…" Naruto trailed off not knowing how much Neji and Sai knew. Blue eyes glanced at the two ANBU standing there stock still.

"Hehe…Neji, Sai, aren't you going to move from your spot?" The fox giggled. Neji was the first to move, he took a step closer to the blonde, still thinking this was an illusion. Naruto jumped in the Hyuuga's arms, squeezing tightly. Neji's arms wrapped hesitantly around the hyper blonde.

"Neeeeeji!!! You still think this is a twisted joke?!" Naruto whined looking into the slited lines of the ANBU mask. Wide blue eyes bore innocently into pale lavender ones. A hand moved up to remove the eagle mask. "Neji…may I remind you of the countless blackmail photos of you and Gaara right here in this very room…on Tsunade's desk? Or would you like it if I…" Naruto leaned up to place a light kiss on Neji's lips breaking him out of his stupor. How could he ever forget those lips he had a taste of a long time ago? The Hyuuga heir immediately took response. His tongue traced the seam of soft lips asking for access. Naruto couldn't say no…gods he remembered how skillful Neji's tongue was when they were together that one night. The smooth organ slithered inside mapping the inner cavern. A small moan bubbled in the blonde's chest.

"Naruto!" Kyuubi snapped, bringing said kit back to his senses. Naruto pulled away from the brunette taking a few steps back to stand next to the demon fox. He didn't know what had come over him. He'd never meant to kiss Neji…not like that at least. Neji looked as stunned as Naruto did. He hoped to the heavens Gaara never found out about this…he'd like to keep his head and other parts where they were.

"Where the hell have you been, Naruto?" Neji finally asked after catching his breath. Hurt swirled in lavender eyes. Another painful stab to the heart shook Naruto to the core.

"Here and there. We were in the Land of Wind for a few months. Then in the Land of Lightning. For the past two years we've been in a small village in the Land of Fire. I made sure to keep tabs on the teams Tsunade sent out and moved accordingly. I didn't want anyone to find us. Not yet at least." The blonde answered truthfully, looking away from the Hyuuga. He couldn't bear to look at the hurt and betrayal in his eyes.

"But why…"

"Neji, I'm sure Naruto had his reasons. We should just be happy that he came back to us for whatever reason he did." Sai interjected placing a hand on Neji's shoulder. Naruto let out a sigh of relief. Apparently no one else knew the whole story. That was a good thing.

"Still that wouldn't explain why his so called husband didn't try harder. If Sasuke truly loved Naruto as much as he claimed he would have been out night and day searching for his husband and daughter." Pain had once again found its way into Naruto's heart and decided to stay. If Neji only knew.

"Hyuuga…" This time Tsunade snapped watching the heartache flitter across the tanned face. Neji took one look at Naruto and shut his mouth. Sai walked over to Naruto hugging him and giving him a warm smile.

"It's good to have you back dickless. You've been terribly missed." The rat ANBU said.

"You guys as well. I'm sorry to hear about Tenten, Sai. Ayame told me the whole story." Sai was speechless. He had been trying to block out the torment of his wife's dying minutes.

"Thank you Naruto." Sai stated sadly. "Naruto…why have you come back? And what news do you have on the ANBU tracking team?" Sai asked pulling away.

"Wait Naruto, before you answer, who is that next to you?" Tsunade asked eyeing the red head next to the blonde. Kyuubi snorted in the back of his throat. He was hoping that no one would ask it saved a lot of explaining.

"Hehe…err…Tsunade-baa-chan…this is…umm…Kyuubi in his human form." Naruto said scratching the back of his head nervously. Tsunade, Neji, and Sai stared at Kyuubi. The looks on their faces flashing between disbelief, fear, and bewilderment.

"How…?" The Godaime asked leaning against her desk.

"Well…Hokage-sama…" Kyuubi took a step forward into the light. In an instant Neji and Sai had a kunai to the fox's throat and one to his heart. Kyuubi sneered.

"You guys relax! It's just a jutsu that allows Kyuubi a body. I made it so he could help me raise Amatsuki and train her. He has taught her a wide variety of jutsu I could never have taught her. He's still sealed in my body…not that he's complaining. Kyuubi can't do anything major with the amount of chakra his temporary body holds. The most he could do is transform into his fox form." Naruto quickly explained, removing Sai and Neji's arms from his inhabitant. Naruto saw Kyuubi claws retract and sighed.

"Neji…Sai" Tsunade commanded lightly and they backed off to her side. "Naruto…are sure Kyuubi no Kitsune is restrained?"

"Yes ma'am. And really Kyuubi is as harmless as a fly. He wouldn't hurt anyone if he could avoid it. There is no need to fear him."

"Is that the truth Kyuubi?" Hazel eyes calculated the handsome man before her. The Kitsune bowed.

"Yes it is, Hokage-sama. There is no need to be fearful." His voice filled with honesty. "Now baa-chan…Naru-chan here has something to discuss with you besides me." Kyuubi chirped happily nooging the blonde chibi. Naruto and Tsunade glared. Tsunade hit the playful fox over the head.

"Just because you're a demon doesn't mean anything. I'll throw you out the window if you call me that again." The busty woman growled, with promise lacing her tone.

"Naruto!!" Kyuubi hid behind Naruto in fear. That hit hurt, now he saw why he never wanted to piss this woman off.

"Wimp." The blonde chided with a chuckle. The cowering fox stuck out his tongue. "See nothing to be afraid of." Naruto smiled.

"Apparently, has he always been like this?" Tsunade wondered.

"When he's not being perverted…pretty much." The four of them laughed, while Kyuubi pouted coming out from behind Naruto. It wasn't his fault that Tsunade and Sakura scared the living crap out of him. They both were abnormally strong and crazy. Not a good combination. Soon the joyous laughter and carefree atmosphere was gone. Naruto had a serious expression on his face.

"Tsunade-sama…I need to speak with you…in private first." Naruto said locking eyes with Tsunade. The elderly Hokage had a feeling she would need some sake after this. She nodded slightly to the two ANBU in the room. She knew that they wanted to protest but the look she gave them stopped that in their throats. They bowed to her respectfully.

"It's great to see you again Naru-chan." Neji said turning to his friend. Like any other time Naruto bristled at the given nickname.

"You too Neji."

"See you soon blondie." Sai stated.

"Yea. Please don't tell anyone that I'm here." Naruto closed his eyes and smiled. Hiding the tears that threatened to fall.

"Sure." With that said the two black ops disappeared in a swirl of smoke. Making sure they were out of hearing range Tsunade began. She took her place behind her desk and linked her polished nails together.

"What is it you need to talk to me about, Naruto?"

"It's about Amatsuki and your ANBU team. Firstly you should know that Satoshi was poison badly by one of the rouge nin's you had them chasing. He was put on bed rest for two to three weeks. During that time your team had been staying with me in a village not far. Raiden and Ayame suffered less critical wounds of their own. But they are all doing well. After I go back they should be home within the week. As for Amatsuki, she has grown with amazing progress. Better than anyone I've seen before. She misses her home terribly as well. So with your permission, Hokage-sama, I'd like for her to be readmitted back into the village with no penalty." Naruto asked humbly crouching into the respectable position. He had his head bowed down, looking at the floor. One hand balled into a fist holding up his upper half. The lower half of his body weight placed on his right knee.

"Hmm…I see. Naruto you know that when you took her you became…"

"I know. But she is my daughter and had the right to grow in a loving home even if I couldn't provide enough for her. It shouldn't be a crime for trying to save the life of your child, by taking them away from a home filled with cheating, lying, and neglect. But since Amatsuki was too young to know what was going on nothing should happen to her. As the counsel sees it I'm dead anyway. So they cannot put the blame on a little girl for my actions." The kneeling male's voice didn't raise an octave, but Tsunade felt the raw passion in the little moron's tone. He had thought this out well.

"As the Hokage, I can permit her re-admittance, without you being here. Since the ones who bought her back were her brothers. There was no sign of you having been with her there will be no punishment against her. But gaki…tell me the real reason you came back. Like I said before you did not have to come back just to ask me to readmit Amat back into the village." Naruto stood up to look Tsunade in the eye. She had caught on to his plan quickly, he couldn't blame her either.

"I came back…" Naruto's eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body swayed. He reached up a hand to his forehead feeling dizzy and faint. Naruto shook his head trying to shake away the feeling but only making it worse. He registered broken bits of his name coming from Tsunade's and Kyuubi's mouths, but couldn't answer them. His vision blinked from black to fuzzy back to black before he fainted.

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Naruto went from shock to pure fury in the matter of seconds. He heard another sound resonate throughout the bottom floor of the house. He crept stealthily to the sound. Something in the back of his mind telling him it wasn't a threat but he was too far gone. With the grace of a fox Naruto pounced on to the person, grazing them with his sharp claws.

"NARUTO!" The voice yelled pulling the crazed fox out of his bloodlust haze.

"Itachi, how the hell did you get in?! The barrier is up." He questioned the elder Uchiha.

"You showed me the jutsu to get passed it, remember. What is the matter? What's happening to have you put it up?" Itachi inquired pushing his brother-in-law off of him.

"Someone took Amatsuki, right from under our noses. And they came back for the twins but…were unsuccessful." Naruto practically growled out. He was growing more restless by the minute. He needed to get to Sasuke and Amatsuki before…

"Where is Sasuke?" Itachi broke Naruto out of his dark train of thought.

"He's out looking for her. Watch the twins for me and get Tsunade and a medical team ready soon." Before Itachi had a chance to answer Naruto was gone. Itachi gave a heavy sigh as worry filled his heart. An emotion he never remembered having. It only happened when he returned to Konoha and laid eyes of his nephews. He got up and went to search the house again for danger. This person, whoever they were, was going to pay.

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Sasuke's hands scratched at the rocky hands futilely. His blunt nails bleeding from exertion. His sharingan blinking from blood red to deep onyx. He was turning blue from the lack of oxygen he was receiving.

"How does it feel Uchiha? To be so close to saving your daughter yet so far. There is nothing at this point you can do. By the time anyone gets here to save you it will be too late for the both of you. Quite sad actually for your darling Amatsuki to die at such a young age." The man taunted from the shadows. Sasuke had half the mind to sneer.

"Quit your babbling. You think you're high and mighty just because you killed a little girl and hid in the shadows while you killed me. In truth you're nothing but a coward, hiding behind cheap tricks and your medical ninjutsu just to win. Kill me and let my daughter go." The raven growled. The clawed earthy hand squeezed his throat.

"You talk big for someone in your position." A man said coming from beneath the shadow of the trees.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Sasuke wheezed out.

"Isn't it obvious? I want you dead." He mocked. Black eyes narrowed at the tall lanky figure standing in front of him.

"What else is new? You still didn't answer my question: Who. Are. You?" Sasuke enunciated the words trying to remain conscious. But it was a futile act. The earthy claw squeezed his neck tighter every time he struggled. It was to the point where the talons dug into his back, piercing into his flesh. His vision was starting to fade. Blackness crept around the edges of his gaze. The last thing that flashed in his mind was a basically a flash reel of his friends and family. Most of it had to do with bright blue eyes filled with merriment and a blinding smile. Malicious chuckling filled his ears but didn't reach him fully.

"That's it Uchiha, give into the darkness."

"Naru…" The raven whispered. His hands fell limply to his sides. Finally he gave into the bleak never ending abyss.

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"…ruto…Naruto can you hear me? Come on, kit wake up!" Kyuubi's voice was beginning to break through the haze. His eyes still refused to open, but his sense of touch and hearing were slowly beginning to return.

"Fox, you should relax. Naruto will be fine. He just needs to rest a bit. Give him time." Tsunade growled.

"Can you blame me for being worried?" The demon retorted, glaring at the Hokage.

"No, but I can definitely blame you for him fainting!" Tsunade roared back.

"And I told you this is the first time we've held the jutsu this long!" Naruto didn't know if he should stay unconscious or stop them from killing each other. Either way he'd end up with a headache and a mess to clean up.

"Jeez, I see you two are getting along swimmingly." The blonde groaned, cradling his head. From what he could tell he was lying on the couch in the Hokage's office. The smell of various medicines and herbs filled his nostrils. He could smell the worry rolling off Kyuubi and Tsunade in droves. The scratchy material of the cushions made his skin crawl and itch.

"Naruto!" Both Kyuubi and Tsunade said at the same time. The fox immediately kneeled at the blonde's side holding his hand. The Godaime patted blonde spikes also checking for any signs of a fever. Naruto's eyes cracked open to take in the light of the setting sun outlining both of the other inhabitants.

"How long have I been out?" He asked trying to sit up. Tsunade gently pushed him back down.

"You've been out for about two hours. But, you need should rest more. You fainted because your chakra levels were nearly depleted." The Hokage persuaded softly. Naruto laid back down. He looked at the worry etched into Tsunade's face. Damn, he's just gotten back and she was worried about him already. Naruto grunted. He reached his free hand up to stroke the elder blonde's cheek.

"I'm sorry Tsunade-baa-chan." The blonde stated genuinely. Light hazel eyes gazed at him. A perfectly manicured hand covering his own.

"Runt…how long have you been holding this jutsu?" She watched Naruto push against

"Two maybe three days max. I didn't want to do the separation jutsu and a henege near the village; for fear that Sasuke would pick up on my chakra signature." The blonde said nervously looking away from. Instead he stared into the red eyes of Kyuubi. The fox had yet to say anything to him. Most likely he was just letting Tsunade do what she does best. Go straight into over-protective sister mode and nag the hell out of him.

"Naruto I see your point very clearly, but you should be more careful. What if you had been alone or worse in front of the Uchiha brat himself? What would have you done then?" The blonde tried his best not to wince and if the tow before him didn't know him so well they wouldn't have noticed.

"I don't know. Kyuubi would have been right there with me so I didn't think it over." Naruto shrugged. He didn't want to think about the alternative view Tsunade just gave. The elder blonde glowered.

"Naruto…" A tanned hand stopped her. Her eyes widened considerably.

"Baa-chan, it's a good thing that it happened here then. What happened…happened it's over and done with. There is no need to worry about it now." He smiled wearily. His head still swam and light. His body felt weak almost numb. Something he would have been glad to be several years back. Naruto sighed.

"Kit, you should really lay back down. You're still weak." Kyuubi whispered quietly. It sounded fragile, like he was struggling to stay focused.

"Kyu, what's the matter?" Naruto asked. Tsunade slipped on to the cushion where Naruto's head would be. The biju put his head in her lap, staring intently at the fox.

"Nothing, I'm trying to concentrate on a few things. I need you to lie still." He said. Naruto did as he was told, kind of reveling his sister's warmth. The next thing he knew cold hands were placed over the seal on his stomach. He jumped slightly, but stopped squirming when Kyuubi growled at him.

"Kyuubi, what are you doing?" The Godaime asked petting soft spikes. Red eyes glanced at her before going back to the seal.

"I'm trying to transfer the excess chakra Naruto gave me when we separated. I had a feeling this would happen so I tried to use as little chakra as possible. This was also the reason I was still here instead of disappearing. " Kyuubi explained, his hands starting to glow red. Naruto twitched again and stifled a giggle. The demon growled again.

"But Kyu, you know what messing with the seal does!" Naruto whined. Kyuubi's eyes narrowed and snapped at his host.

"Then picture the most disturbing thing you can and stay still!" The fox almost roared but controlled his voice. Naruto pouted imaging the worse thing he could, Gai naked. Kyuubi closed his eyes concentrating on the flow of chakra, making sure it was steady and even. If there was even the slightest flux there could be damage to Naruto's chakra system. About ten minutes in Kyuubi relaxed a bit. A little more and Naruto would be ok. Tsunade saw the change. The moron's breath had evened out after he stopped fidgeting.

"Kyuubi, how has Naruto been these last years?" She asked looking down at the peaceful angel in her lap. The fox hesitated for a moment, piecing the words together in his mind.

"For the first year or so he was…closed off from the world. He wanted to stay strong for Amat, so basically he locked his emotions away. The Naruto you see now is nothing compared than the one six years ago. He was so cold and desolate to those around him except Amat. That was the one spark in his eyes that no one could kill. She was probably Naruto's reason for staying alive. But as the years wore on Naruto became more and more like his normal self. As you can tell he hasn't reached beyond a certain point. It's like he's holding back, for a reason I don't even know. Once we moved to our current town, the joyous idiot was semi-back. His infectious smile and ability to attract people to him returned. He even has a love interest but I don't know he seems to be holding out on that too." Kyuubi's expression looked sad almost to the point of tears. Tsunade couldn't grasp how much Naruto had changed just by hearing it. She had to be there to witness it. Luckily, the brat in Tsunade's lap was only a shadow of him from six years ago.

"What love interest?" She questioned, raising a thin eyebrow.

"A merchant named Kyo." Kyuubi didn't elaborate on the topic. Naruto was going to awake soon and he didn't want to hear the earful he would probably get for telling Tsunade about Kyo. The elder blonde didn't push the subject once she felt Naruto begin to stir.

"Mm…Kyuubi that tickles." Naruto giggled twisting to get away from the glowing hand. The fox sighed and removed the appendage. The twerp was lucky he was done.

"Do you feel better, moron?" He asked, his ear twitching back and forth from the door to Naruto.

"Much. Hey baa-chan, do you have any ramen?" Naruto questioned snuggling into her thigh. Tsunade snorted and 'accidentally' pushed Naruto off her lap. The blonde ungracefully went tumbling down, landing face first on the hardwood floor. Kyuubi stifled a laugh, whereas Tsunade chuckled evilly.

"Ah…what the hell you old hag!?" Naruto yelled indignantly holding his nose.

"No reason. Now gaki what did you come back?" She asked wanting to know the truth. She knew that Naruto knew the rules and regulations of the village better than anyone. It was a huge possibility that if he had stayed in the village he would have become the next Hokage.

"Right…I don't want Amatsuki to be influenced by Sasuke's poor judgment in some areas. I want her to remain the same little girl that she grew up to be." Naruto stated getting up and sitting in one of the large wooden chairs in front of the large desk. Hazel eyes narrowed assessing the situation.

"So what you're saying is that you came back to check and see how far that 'influence' had spread, correct?" Tsunade spat the word like it was poisoned. Naruto felt a little guilty at assuming so much. He should've known better.

"That is correct." Kyuubi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. His eyes closed, waiting for the yelling that was sure to ensue. But it never came, instead he felt thin strong arms wrap around his shoulders, embracing him.

"Gaki, you're an idiot. Your friends would never let the Uchiha have that much of an influence over them. Yes there were times when he could have been wise and his advice was worth listening to, but when it came to you or the kids the pureness couldn't be touched. The few of us that know the truth wouldn't have let that influence happen if it were to spread. Naruto, you must've been aware of this." Tsunade whispered in tightly squeezing the blonde in her arms.

"Of course baa-chan. I-I just…I missed you so much!" Naruto cried wrapping his arms around the Godaime's neck. He was trying his hardest not to cry. It was just what Tsunade had said, so full of hurt and very slight accusation, that broke down the walls Naruto had tried to build up. Damn, why was he always hurting someone unintentionally when he thought it would be best for them? Was he just destined to screw up others lives thinking like that?

"I missed you too. And so has everyone else, Naruto." Tsunade said biting back the tears that gathered in hazel eyes. Kyuubi had taken a few steps back letting them let it all out. He could sense that they had been holding back their feelings ever since they first laid eyes on each other. The scene that unfolded before him was that of a brother and sister meeting after years apart. A joyous reunion but they were only going to be torn apart again when they left.

Kyuubi felt a sharp kind of stabbing pain in his heart. How could he have been so foolish to convince, or rather force, Naruto come back here. It was only going to be harder on Naruto and everyone again. Who the hell was he to be putting this kind of strain on already fragile hearts? Sure at the time he was thinking about Naruto and how badly the blonde gaki wanted to be home again, but he never thought about the after effects. The heartbreaks that would definitely ensue in a few more hours.

Kyuubi was broken from his horrid realization when the sound of heeling running down the long hallway filled his ears. His red ears twitched back, picking up on the heavy breathing and racing heart of the young female. That ruled out it being Shizune, meaning it was a huge possibility that it was Sakura. The fox composed himself a bit before looking over at Naruto and Tsunade.

"Baa-chan, I thought I told you to lay off of the sake!" Naruto scolded plucking her in her arm. Tsunade glared.

"Shut up, this place drives me to drink. It keeps the stress level down." The Hokage shrugged, moving to sit on the edge of her desk in front of Naruto.

"I'm sorry you guys but we have company. Sakura is on her way now and if we don't hurry our cover will be blown." The blonde haired woman eyes widened. Naruto stood up quickly.

"How long?"

"Around 45 seconds. That's barely enough time to do the henege and release the barrier around the room." Kyuubi answered. Naruto merely nodded his head. Both of their hands moved in a flurry of motion. Tsunade watched as hand sign after unfamiliar hand sign flew by in a whirl of movement. The next instant a swirl of smoke engulfed the two standing before her, replacing both Naruto and Kyuubi with Kokoro and Akumu, they're alternate identities. The petite female's hands stopped whereas the older male's kept going. The Hokage felt the barrier thin and dissipate in a matter of seconds. Not soon after the barrier dissipated was Sakura rushing through the door.

"Hokage-sama, you're needed at the hospital right away!" The pink haired-nin panted.

"What happened?" The Godaime stated as calmly as she could upon seeing the panic on her pupil's face.

"The team you sent out to do scouting was ambushed by an S-class nin from the Land of Lightning. The rouge nin escaped leaving our men on the brink of death."

"All right I'll be right there!" Sakura's eyes widened slightly when she saw the two other occupants in the room.

"Yes Tsunade-shisho sorry for intruding!" With that Naruto's ex-teammate was gone. His heart was pounding wildly in his chest, just seeing the one who was there for him through everything. He wanted so badly to embrace the woman, but he couldn't. No…no one is to know he's here. Naruto couldn't see the hope in their eyes only to have it die when he was gone once again. He buried the pain and tears back into the deepest part of his heart, gladly to deal with it later.

Tsunade turned calculating hazel eyes back on to Naruto…uh…Kokoro. Her pale silver-blue eyes were disheartened. But like that the emotion was gone replaced by false happiness. Just like before…

"It was good talking to you Hokage-sama." The gentle voice tilled. A small smile gracing pale features. Akumu took his place next to his sister.

"Will you not stay?" Tsunade's voice cracked. Her bangs covered her eyes hiding the pain that flashed across them.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama, but we can't stay any longer. We have to get moving early tomorrow and we have one more stop before we leave. Besides…you have strengthen the faith in me once again." Naruto's smiled wavered a bit. Kyuubi took Naruto's hand on his squeezing it.

"I should've known. Be safe…gaki." Tsunade whispered the last part. She had known Naruto's answer but couldn't help asking. The tiny part of her hoping Naruto would have said yes and come back. But it truly was a shot in the dark.

"I will. Send everyone my love. Don't forget to tell Sai, Ayame will be home safe and sound. I'll be around…even if you don't know it. I won't be gone for another seven years again." The girl sniffled.

"I'll hold you to it. Goodbye." Tsunade vanished once the last syllable rolled of her tongue. Kokoro dropped her head eyes glued to the ground.

"Goodbye." She said with such sadness and tenderness it only twisted the knife that lay embedded in Kyuubi's heart.

"Let's go Koko-chan. You said there is one more place you wanted to go before we left. It's already getting late." Akumu said softly, covering his emotions well.

"Yea…" Was all that left the girl's throat before she was pulling her brother out the door, toward the one person who kept him together all this time. He couldn't leave Konoha without seeing his Iruka-tou-san.

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"Sasuke!!" Naruto yelled rasengan-ing the hand made of earth. He watched as his husband fell to the soft forest floor beneath him lifelessly. The fox turned rage filled red eyes toward the man behind him.

"Dear Naru-chan, always getting in the way of everything. You should learn when to stay down and not put up a fight." The man chortled evilly. With that Naruto was roughly thrown into the trees surrounding the area. He easily flew through ten of the sturdy barks. The angry fox moved in blurred motion, dashing out of the fallen debris at the figure. Naruto's fingers missed the kidnapper but left a scratch underneath his eye.

"Naruto, get away from him! It's only a clone!" Itachi yelled coming into view, from the same direction as Naruto. The red head looked at his brother-in-law furious and confused at the same time. It was long enough for his foe to land a hard blow to the gut, sending Naruto crashing into Itachi's chest.

"It seems our fun has ended for today. Until next time. Oh and I'll be keeping your daughter as a prize until then."With that the clone disappeared into thin air, leaving no trace behind. Naruto lunged at the man too late to do anything about it. He roared into the air scarring away what little wildlife roamed about. Just as he was about to give chase to nowhere, Itachi's voice broke through his haze.

"Naruto…!" The elder said...the blonde could hear the undertone of panic to his voice.

"Itachi what are you doing here?! You were supposed to be watching Raiden and Satoshi! Why have you come?!" The fox roared; anger flared in his chest. His chakra spiked. One…two…three of Kyuubi's tails began to sprout.

"Uchiha Naruto!" Itachi locked eyes with the transforming fox halting all progression. Kyuubi growled rattling the bars on his cage. "Naru-nii-chan…you must calm down. Your rage rampage will not bring Amat back home any sooner. It might even delay it. Think rationally about your actions." The raven stated as calmly as possible. Naruto sighed Kyuubi's red chakra fading back into his body. The blonde fell to his knees, cradling his head. He was powerless to help Amatsuki in the end and now…now he wasn't sure if he'd ever see his baby girl ever again. Naruto turned teary eyes toward his still husband. In that same instant he was next to Sasuke across from Itachi.

"Nii-san is he…" Naruto's words trailed off, not wanting to believe that Sasuke could possibly be dead.

"No he's not dead, his pulse is faint…but he's still alive." Itachi replied. His blazing eyes glanced to Naruto. The young parent seemed so unstable and unpredictable at the moment, but what parent wouldn't be when their child had been taken.

"We need to get him back home…before it's too late. Did you at least get the medical team together?" Naruto asked quietly as he picked Sasuke's body up and placed him on his back.

"They're at the hospital waiting. And to answer your question before Neji and Hinata are with the twins. They are both fine but worried about you and Sasuke. They don't know about Amatsuki yet." Naruto nodded silently, not bothering to answer. Itachi would understand by the gesture. The elder followed behind the seething jinchurikin. Naruto knew his anger wasn't going to get them anywhere but it was hard to even think straight, let alone go back to the village empty handed. How was he going to explain this to his sons?

Time skip …ten days later

"You've got to be kidding me?! It's been ten fucking days and there is still no trace of Amatsuki anywhere?!" Naruto yelled outside of Sasuke's hospital room. It had been ten days since Amatsuki was kidnapped. Since then the kidnapper has shown no sign or at least lead at to where she maybe. The chances of her getting found were getting slimmer and slimmer each passing day. To top everything off Sasuke had been in a coma for the past ten days as well. The doctors don't know what to make of it and had no clue as to when the Uchiha was going to wake up…if ever.

"Naruto you have to calm down." Tsunade said watching the blonde pace back and forth. With every step he made his anger grew.

"I'm tired of everyone telling me to calm down. It's not helping anything! Nothing but empty words and promises spill from everyone's lips. It's not going to bring Amatsuki back or get Sasuke out of his coma. So quit it!" The fox roared. His eyes flashing red back to angry blue. The Godaime stood slightly frightened of him. She had never seen Naruto this mentally unstable before.

"Gaki, we're trying our best. But patience is the key right now." Naruto glared at her. But once he saw the hurt and fear in her eyes his expression softened.

"Baa-chan, I'm sorry. It's just too much to handle right now." The blonde said apologetically.

"I understand, just remember we are trying everything." She left out the part about how they were going to have to give up the search though. She had the council breathing down her neck because she was using the villages resources to look for one little girl. To them children disappeared every day there is no point in wasting others time and money on one kid just because you have a person connection with them.

"Yea…yea." Naruto replied dully, walking back into the sleeping raven's room once again. He sat in the chair next to the uncomfortable hospital bed. Naruto gently intertwined his fingers with Sasuke's, squeezing it slightly. He laid his head on the pale shoulder. The blonde was trying desperately not to cry out his frustration. But some of his tears leaked out of his blue orbs. He was so lost and confused right now. Naruto had no idea what to do.

"Teme…you have to wake up soon. We need you. Amat is still missing. Everything is basically turning to shit." Naruto whispered, nuzzling the pale neck. The younger Uchiha twitched a little, making a small noise in the back of his throat but didn't wake. Blue eyes gazed harder at the perfect porcelain face…just wishing deep black eyes would open. But no such luck. The sleeping raven didn't rouse after his movement. Naruto sighed heavily, kissing Sasuke's cheek.

"Mm…you sleep S'uke. By time you wake up Amat will be back and waiting for you." The fox said softly, drifting off into a restless sleep. Thinking of a way to get their daughter back…along with that bastard's head who took her.

TBC-----------

Well damn that turned out WAY different than I planned. Sorry to end it right there. I didn't want to delay the chap more than I already have. Next chap Naruto will see Iruka and head back home. Plus a few more plot twists and turns in there to. Oh and the flashback will be finished as well. Again sorry if it seemed…blah and hella repetitive. This is un-beta'd seeing as my beta disappeared. But will have the beta'd chapter up ASAP. Hope you liked it.