Naruto:Death's Second Chance

by Le loup de Kaiser

Ever since the attack of the Kyubi, Naruto was shunned as ‘Konoha’s Demon’ when he was born with the Kyubi sealed in him. His life was miserable beyond grief. NaruHina, Naruto/Bleach Crossover.

19. Truth and Consequences

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Ever since the attack of the Kyuubi, Naruto was shunned as 'Konoha's Demon' when he was born with the Kyuubi sealed in him. His life was miserable beyond grief. Time passed by and he has slowly proven himself as its jailer instead of its incarnate. But despite this, love never truly touched the young jinchuuriki's heart until death came over him.

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A/N: I do not own Naruto, Bleach or any other canonical characters. If I did, I wouldn't be here in FF now would I?

A/N: I got a lot of criticism and thank Kami for all the errors they pointed out. I am so grateful for your help in pointing out my many mistakes in my fic. It looks like I have a long way to go and I seriously need a beta since I can't really proofread them myself. I am currently cursing myself for my incompetence. Anyway, Naruto will finally have some explaining to do to old Sarutobi and Sasuke will get the night of a lifetime.

Talking
'thinking/flashback'
Kyuubi Talking/Jutsu
'Kyuubi Thinking'

Chapter 19

Truth and Consequences

As daylight breaks through…

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With the bridge finally repaired, the joint team plus Haku was packed up and ready to depart back to Konoha. The team was on the other end of the said bridge as they began to bid their goodbyes to the very grateful people of Wave.

"We've completed the bridge thanks to you, but we're going to miss you." Tazuna said to the ready joint team.

"Be well." Tsunami added to express the emotions of the entire crowd gathered.

"Thank you for everything. We are very grateful for what you did for our team." Kurenai stated as she bowed in respect, as did the rest of the joint team.

Naruto then made a genuine smile to the villagers as he said, "Now, now, Tazuna-oji-san, we'll visit you again one day."

The young blonde's words made the villagers grateful even more knowing that their heroes would come back one day. However, Inari couldn't stand the idea of Naruto leaving after what he did for them. Especially since the young blonde was the savior of both Inari and his mother's lives.

The young boy cried as he clutched the swords that Naruto gave him with all his might. Naruto knew that Inari was sad that he was leaving, but he had many tasks to accomplish so it would not be possible for him to stay any longer.

Inari then gazed his teary eyes at the young blonde and said, "Promise?"

Tazuna could feel the young lads swelled heart as he placed his hand upon Inari's head. Naruto as well felt the young lad's emotions and smiled at him.

"It's a promise Inari. But when we do meet again, I want you to stop crying and see how strong you've gotten with those swords." Naruto said to the young lad as he gave him a foxy grin and the nice guy pose.

Kiba then scratched his head and faced the blonde. "The little guy can barely hold one and you expect him to be able to use two?"

Haku then joined in the small talk as he smiled and faced Kiba. "Well, he is still a kid. And the best way to get stronger is when you start early so that you can be the best at what you wield." Haku then gripped the handle of his Zanbato and said, "Maybe I should give him Zabuza's sword instead. What do you think?"

All of them shook their heads as Inari shouted at Haku, "No way! I only accept Naruto-nii-san's gifts! And besides, there's no way I can even lift that thing you call a sword! You have to be a monster to even lift it."

Sasuke smirked as he turned on his heel and replied, "I agree." The young Uchiha then took two steps and turned his head around to face the team. "I'd like to get to the checkpoint before sunset."

Kakashi nodded as he said, "Alright, lets go. I need to buy a new copy of my book as well so let's pick up the pace."

Kurenai frowned as Sakura moved closer to Sasuke's side. The raven-haired boy paid it no heed as the team followed suit while waving good-bye to the villagers. Haku took one last look at the village before he finally turned around and joined the team.

'Zabuza-san…I'm finally living my life on my own. I now have the right to choose. When we meet again, I'll tell you all of my adventures and the fascinating life you have given me.' The young bishounen thought as he walked in the sunlight wit the rest of the joint team.

As the shinobis marched off into the distance, Tazuna gazed upon the emblem of the young blonde's jacket and smiled. "That boy changed Inari's heart and Inari changed the hearts of the people." Tazuna said to the villagers while never leaving his gaze from the symbol on Naruto's back.

"That boy created a bridge, known as courage, which led to hope." Tazuna said as he wiped a tear streaming from his eye as Inari began wiping his.

With the mention of the bridge, one of the villagers then said, "Bridge…oh yeah! We have to name this bridge too."

Inari then pulled out his sword and pointed it at the top of the gateway of the bridge.

With a newfound confidence, he then said, "Let's name this bridge, the Great Naruto Bridge."

The villagers agreed as the joint team marched out of their line of sight into the great unknown.

As the joint team traveled through the bridge, Naruto then placed his hands behind his head and made a foxy grin.

"All right! Once I get home, I'm going to have Iruka-sensei treat me to ramen to celebrate the completion of this mission." The young blonde said as he laughed at the thought of seeing Iruka broke due to his large appetite.

Hinata shook her head as she said, "I don't think it would be wise to do that. He might make you pay back all the money since now you are able to as a genin."

Kurenai chuckled as she saw Naruto frown. "Hinata is right Naruto. Lately Iruka has been complaining about the large debt he has because of your stomach. With the pay your getting from this mission and the four missing nins you've killed, I think it would pay up most of his expenses for all the treats you get from him." Kurenai said as Sakura nodded in delight.

Kiba began laughing as he said, "Wow. At twelve years old you have the debt of a middle-aged man all because of ramen! What's next, an early mid-life crisis?"

Naruto frowned even further as he replied, "Alright already! Sheesh. You make it sound like I'm a thug of some gang boss."

Sasuke smirked as he replied, "With the way you act and fought, I can't see you so far from being one."

Naruto was pissed as he gazed at the young Uchiha with hate and shouted, "Kuso! Take that back teme! Or else I'll tell everyone…" Naruto's expression changed into one of deviousness making Sasuke shiver in fear as a cold sweat began forming upon their heads.

"Who you have a crush on." The young blonde finished causing Sakura to blush as she quickly approached Naruto and grabbed him by the collar as she went into Tsunade mode.

"OI! TELL ME WHO IT IS OR I'LL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE NEVER BORN!" Sakura screamed as she shook him profusely before Hinata stepped in and held back Sakura as much as she could.

Naruto began rubbing his neck as he said, "Urgh…Man…cherry demon really suits you as a codename. And before you go on beating the shit out of me, I never said a specific gender."

Sasuke was extremely pissed this time as he shouted, "NARUTO!"

Naruto ran for his poor life as Sakura and Sasuke began chasing him down. Hinata followed suit to make sure her boyfriend wasn't going to get a very nasty bruise after as the rest lagging behind sweatdropped.

Haku just laughed as he said, "He really knows how to change the mood."

Shino then adjusted his shades in reply, which tickled the young bishounen's curiosity.

"By the way, why did you guys agree to allowing me to come with you? I didn't expect any of you to be this accepting." Haku said as he faced Shino.

Shino, as stoic as can be, then replied, "We aren't that accepting. But when you think about it, a shinobi of your caliber can be beneficial for Konoha in the long run. That and Naruto seems to trust you."

Haku was surprised by Shino's reply. Kiba however, still did not agree as did Kakashi and Kurenai who knew much better based on experience but tagged along with the idea for now since Naruto was the one who offered him a haven in the first place.

"You seem to regard that boy highly." Haku said as he saw Naruto being pummeled by Sakura in the distance.

Kiba then decided to speak out as he said, "That baka is still a baka no matter what you say. Sure he got lucky a few times but, he isn't all that. But it's just that you can't really hate him. That's all."

Haku shook his head as he replied, "I'm really sorry but I don't understand at all."

Kakashi, who had been paying attention the whole time, then looked up to the sky and replied, "That's the whole point. You really can't understand him. He's like the wind. Never in one place too long to fully understand. But the great thing about him is that he is the kind of person who can change people just by meeting them. That's his greatest strength that even he doesn't know of."

Haku pondered on Kakashi's words as he gazed at the young blonde who was being tended by Hinata as Sakura managed to pour out all of her frustration upon the young blonde as they continued their trek into the wilderness.

Dusk was setting in rather quickly while they brushed away the occasional twigs and branches that hindered them from reaching the checkpoint where they would spend the night once more.

Kakashi and Kurenai began unpacking the tents as Haku decided to help out and build the fire. Kiba decided to help out the young bishounen not out of courtesy, but rather out of necessity to make sure that he wasn't planning on anything devious during their time of rest. After all, what better way of defense than by keeping your friends close and your enemies even closer.

When the fire was built and the tents were standing erect, Kakashi took out the pot to once again make his stew. Of course, they all protested making Haku wonder why.

"Is there something wrong with Kakashi making dinner?" Haku asked of them.

Sakura crossed her arms in vexation as she grunted before replying, "Let's just say he's not the best cook in the world and we almost died of food poisoning."

Kakashi felt her words skewer his heart as he cried anime tears and said, "It's not that bad."

Despite Kakashi's dismay, they knew that there was only one other person aside from Hinata who could cook as they turned their heads to the young blonde who quickly got the point.

"But why me? How bout Hinata-chan? She can cook too!" the young blonde complained.

Hinata, without shifting her gaze from him, began poking her two index fingers together as she said, "I barely know how to cook food aside from onigiri. And besides, what better person to cook than someone who has experience cooking."

The Hyuuga heiress smiled and blushed causing the young blonde's resolve to wane as he finally gave in. "Alright I'll cook. But you better take notes this time so you can cook it yourself." The young blonde said causing Hinata to nod in response as she began taking out the food from her bag and a small notebook and pen.

Kakashi took the hint rather well as he stood up and said, "Well, it will take a while before the food's ready. Haku and Kiba, you guys take the first shift." The two boys nodded as Haku went ahead with Kiba following suit to the roadside to keep watch.

Kakashi then turned to Kurenai and Sakura and said, "How bout you two grab some water from the nearby lake. We're pretty low on water." The two kunoichis understood as they took out everyone's canteens and headed to the lake just southwest of their location.

"So what do we do?" Sasuke blurted out lazily as Naruto and Hinata began preparations.

Naruto then turned to the two other genins and said, "I'm gonna need some mushrooms. You think you can get some for me?"

Shino decided to take that task as he left to forage for the much needed food. Sasuke decided just to sleep lazily in his tent while waiting for the meal. Kakashi however decided to bring out his camera once more as more devious thoughts came to mind when he saw the young couple preparing the meal.

It was awkward for the both of them, but they very much enjoyed cooking together as Naruto held Hinata's hands to cut the vegetables the proper way as well as help her with the mixing of the soup as the water boiled.

Hinata was blushing the whole time while Naruto, aware, yet outwardly unaware of his actions, was responsible for the red complexion of the lavender-eyed girl. But he loved holding her small, soft hands as she began to do most of the cooking.

Just as the moment got sweeter, Shino arrived with the mushrooms in his hands as he placed them upon the makeshift cutting board for Naruto to work with. The young blonde nodded to the bug user as Shino excused himself and entered one of the tents.

"Alright Hinata-chan, let's begin boiling the soup." The young blonde said as he poured the minced vegetables and mushrooms into the pot. Hinata decided to watch the pot as Naruto took out some paper from his sack before placing the sack back in his tent and forming makeshift bowls out of the paper in his hands. The lavender-eyed girl was curious as to what he was planning this time.

Deciding that it was probably just another step in cooking, she took note of it as she opened the lid to see the lye erupt from the now opened pot.

"Na-Naruto-kun! The pot is full of lye!" the panicked Hinata said.

Naruto then took out several paper bowls and placed the soup stock into the paper bowls and began boiling them once more as he said, "Don't worry about the food. When you cook that much vegetables at once, you end up with lye. That's why I have these paper bowls so that I can remove the lye. Look."

Hinata and Kakashi, who also was silently taking notes to make up for his terrible culinary skills, were amazed to see that the lye disappeared leaving crystal clear water that you can clearly see the food boiling in it as Naruto changed the bowls every few minutes.

Hinata smiled even brighter as she said, "That's amazing Naruto-kun! Where did you learn this?"

The young blonde faced her and scratched his head as he said, "Like I said last time, it's from the cookbook I found. Here, why don't you have it?" The young blonde then handed the cookbook from his pocket to her as he discreetly whispered into her ear, "It's my mom's cookbook that Ichigo gave me the other day. Please take care of it."

Hinata's eyes widened as she backed away a step while holding the book close to her chest. "But, it's your book. Are you ok with this?"

Naruto made a charming smile as he said, "It's alright. Compared to me, you're a better cook. And I'd love to eat your cooking one day so get better at it ok?"

Hinata blushed even more at that as she let out a small gasp. Kakashi's visible eye became a u shape as he placed his hand on his mask-covered mouth and giggled like a little girl at the lavender-eyed girl's reaction.

Hinata was embarrassed at the idea of Naruto eating her hand prepared meals but nonetheless felt compelled to give out her best knowing that she had a goal to reach.

She placed the cookbook near her rucksack and faced the young blonde. She then rolled up her right sleeve and raised her right arm as she placed her left hand over her now bare right arm. With determination in her eyes, she then said to him, "Hai! Leave it to me. I'll do my best!"

Confidence emanated from her voice that took Naruto aback for an instant before he placed his hands behind his head and smiling. "Yosh! I'll look forward to it! I better go and tell everyone the food's ready."

And so, the young blonde ran out to look for the other members of the joint team as Hinata rolled up her other sleeve and began the final preparations to cook the meal.

Her determination was unfaltering as she kept focus of her task not knowing Kakashi was just right behind her until he was close enough for her to feel his presence as she leaped out of shock before grabbing the pot she accidentally threw in the air along with all the contents of it as it landed back in the pot in her hand. Kakashi clapped as he said, "We're pretty determined tonight eh, Hinata-chan?"

Hinata blushed as she prepared the food for the team and replied, "I-I guess s-so."

Kakashi began to giggle some more as he helped her pour the food into the pots. Seeing the happy expression on her face, he decided to tease her even more.

"With food this good, I'm sure everyone will be happy to eat. I'm jealous that Naruto has a wife that's this good at cooking." Kakashi said trying to sound envious.

Hinata began to fumble as her face became crimson in color as she thought, 'Me? Naruto-kun's wife? Kami-sama…I'm speechless…'

Kakashi could see that she was ready to faint and was about to catch her until they heard the team return which snapped Hinata out of her trance as Sasuke and Shino crawled out of their tents and could sniff the wonderful aroma of the soup as Hinata smiled at them and said, "Welcome back everyone. The food is ready."

Kakashi then decided to make Hinata even more embarrassed as he said to the lavender-eyed girl, "You're even sounding like a wife welcoming home her husband. Are you sure you're not married yet?"

Hinata blushed even more as she bowed her head down to hide her red face.

Kurenai then said, "It looks good and smells good too. It was definitely better that you and Naruto cooked the food instead."

Naruto placed his hands behind his head and smiled at that comment. Hinata too felt elated about the comment and blushed into a faint pink as she gave them a loving smile and said, "Arigato. We greatly appreciate your thanks. Let's eat our dinner before it gets cold."

Kiba and Akamaru gazed at the soup with hunger in their eyes. They lost control of their inhibitions and restraints as the smell of the soup tingled their noses. "Yahoo! There's vegetables, shrimp, and mushrooms. Itadakimasu!" the dog boy and his companion began devouring the soup with haste.

Sakura pouted and sighed seeing Kiba's lack of manners as she huddled closer to Sasuke and said to him, "Sasuke-kun, How about I feed you. We can share the food and you wouldn't have to be so tired of using your arms." She smiled as she took some into her spoon to feed Sasuke.

The raven-haired boy then left her side and took his bowl and moved to another side causing her to cry anime tears as he ate alone.

Haku stared into the bowl with worry until Naruto placed his hand upon his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry. There's no poison in it so eat up!"

Haku nodded and said, "Itadakimasu." The moment the soup entered his mouth he blushed and exhaled in delight as he said, "Wow! This is the best food I have ever tasted in my entire life."

Naruto was happy seeing him devour his food without hesitation the same way everyone else did around the fire. But when he saw Hinata eat the soup heartily, he blushed slightly as he returned to eating his meal and feeding Kohaku, who was perched in his hood, every now and then.

Despite the happy mood that passed around the fire, many thoughts were running through their minds as they ate.

'I still don't trust the guy. What the hell's going on in that thick skull of his? Allowing the enemy to join us on the way home.' Kiba thought as he finished his meal.

Kakashi kept a steady gaze at Haku as he thought, 'this is still too risky even for us. Having Haku along isn't exactly wise, but Naruto has been acting differently. Then again, maybe this is how he normally acts. I really need to ask him about a lot of things but we'll save that for when we get back.'

Kurenai also was wary of the ex-mist nin as she thought, 'I see now what Kakashi means when Naruto is unpredictable. Taking along the enemy is a dangerous choice even if it is for the good of Konoha. But Naruto doesn't seem like the type of person to do unnecessary things. Even his pranks have some sort of good reason for it so we can just be patient for now.'

Instead of eyeing Haku like most of them, Shino was eyeing Naruto as he thought, 'Naruto is definitely different. He's been very subtle about many things but something was odd with the way he acts. He's been more serious and everything he does seems to have a purpose behind it. I've never seen him act this way back in the academy. And lately, he's also taken an interest in Hinata.'

Sakura began pouting as she thought, 'Sasuke-kun is becoming colder than before. Maybe it's because he's not interested in me and in someone else.' She began to swallow as the thought panicked her heart. 'Could it be that Naruto is right? And if he is, how does he know? And who is it?'

Sasuke ate his fill while keeping a steady gaze between Naruto and Haku. His normally levelheaded mind was now disturbed by the new revelations concerning the blonde. Sure he still was foolish in many ways, but as the young Uchiha spent time with him, he realized so many 'unNaruto-like' qualities of the young blonde. His pranks always held a reason behind it and he has this aura of mystery around him because he spends most of his time alone.

'I don't get it. When he's not fighting, he's a baka who loves ramen and making pranks. But the moment we take our eyes off him, he's just unpredictable. But when he gets into a fight, he's…deadly and unflinching. What's up with him?' Sasuke thought as he focused his gaze upon the young blonde.

Naruto sweatdropped as he realized how much suspicion he's raised among his team.

Hinata on the other hand, blushed as she gazed upon Naruto. When the young blonde saw her loving gaze upon him, he sighed in relief knowing that everything was going to be all right one way or another. He had achieved so much in his life so something as minor as this did not compare to the amount of blessings he gained in return.

The young blonde smiled back at his girl before asking around, "So how did you like the meal?"

"It's really good Naruto-kun." Hinata said, as she blushed even more. "I really love your cooking." The lavender-eyed girl replied as she smiled.

Naruto scratched his head and blushed as he said, "I'm not that good."

Haku smiled in delight as he said, "I may not be a gourmet, but your cooking is great!"

Sakura then decided to pitch in her thoughts as she said, "I still can't believe you're a better cook than me. Gosh it's irritating." The pink haired girl then sighed in vexation to emphasize her feelings at that moment.

As the fire began to wane, the young blonde cleaned and packed up the bowls and cooking utensils as the rest of the team went into their respective tents to call it a night leaving only Naruto and Hinata, who also helped him pack up, to clean the mess while Kakashi and Kurenai took the next shift.

As they packed up the pots and cleaned the utensils, their hands would occasionally touch making them blush and laugh as Hinata said to him, "I'm really happy that I got to be with you kitsune. But I really wish I could have helped out more during the mission. I was almost useless."

Naruto then lifted her downcast face as he quickly gave her a kiss. She was embarrassed to say the least as he forced entry of his tongue in her mouth. She felt his tongue enter deep and tickle her own as she played along with the same vigor and wrapped her arms around his head to deepen the kiss if only for a moment. He pulled away rather quickly since he knew not who was watching aside from his tenant and Ichigo who he could feel blush every time he saw their intimate romantic moments together with his love.

The Hyuuga heiress was shocked to say the least as Naruto brushed aside some of her hair behind her ears and with love emanating in his voice, then said, "It really doesn't matter to me if the things you can do for me are small and insignificant. Your feelings are more important for me. And I'm happy that you are trying so please remember that I love you for who you are and not what you do."

Hinata brightened up even more as she wrapped her arms around his waist in a hug that he also returned. She then said to him, "Arigato kitsune. I will always love you for who you are as well and will always have. But I still want to be able to fight alongside you."

He then let go of his embrace and gently took a hold of her face, causing her to blush and gazed his azure eyes into her lavender ones and said, "That's a good ambition Hina-hime. If you work hard at it, I'm sure you can achieve it. Gambate…Hina-hime. Your fire in your heart is like a wild dragon. And I'm glad I can have such a beautiful one too."

Hinata looked down as she nervously poked her fingers once more while a shade of crimson painted her face as she thought, 'Me? A powerful dragon? I find that hard to believe. I am the complete opposite of one. But Naruto is just being nice to me. And he's so romantic when he's nice to me. If only we were older, I would have given myself to him already…' Hinata's face became even redder as her thoughts suddenly took a turn in another direction. 'Wait! What are you thinking Hinata?'

Kakashi on the other hand, wasn't ready to sleep yet as he silently captured the sweet moments on his camera from his perched position at the lookout point where Kurenai was already asleep from exhaustion.

"Oh, well. I can't read my book, but I have plenty of blackmail material in exchange." The white-haired jounin said to himsef as Hinata gave Naruto a goodnight kiss and entered the tent of Sakura.

Naruto had a feeling that something was not right until he saw Hinata carrying Sakura bridal style with a smile on her face.

"A-are you planning what I think you are?" Naruto softly asked of his love. Hinata nodded making Naruto smile deviously as he opened Sasuke's tent allowing Hinata to place Sakura next to the young Uchiha.

Naruto chuckled silently as he said to Hinata, "Payback eh? I never expected you to pull something off like this. What else is new about you?"

Hinata then smiled as she pulled down Sasuke's shorts and turned over Sakura so her back faced the ceiling and then turned Sasuke over on top of her. Naruto got the idea as he placed Sasuke's hands inside Sakura's red dress and an alarm clock next to the young Uchiha.

The two deviants chuckled as they left the tent and Hinata bid him goodnight once more and entered Kurenai's tent. Luckily for Naruto, the two jounins had come just before Naruto was about to enter his tent.

"Oh, Naruto. You're still up." Kakashi said causing Naruto to face him. "I forgot to tell the team the watch arrangement so if you're not too tired, can you take the next one?" the one-eyed jounin said as Kurenai entered her tent.

The young blonde nodded in acknowledgement and told Kakashi, "Alright. But Sasuke is still pretty worn out so him and Sakura should take the last watch."

Kakashi agreed and entered the raven-haired boy's tent and took some more pictures before changing the alarm on the alarm clock as he thought, 'Hehehe. Jiraya-sama would be proud of the way Naruto thinks.'

The one-eyed jounin then woke up Shino and Shino joined Naruto for the watch as Kakashi slept peacefully.

Naruto and Shino took the watch pretty well as the young blonde sat upon the tree branch and read his black book while Shino kept a wary eye of the surroundings until their tired bodies gave way and slept through the entire watch leaving the rise of dawn to urge and caress their bodies into awakening. However, the normally quiet mornings would be a bit more rowdy this time as the alarm clock in Sasuke's tent rang, alarming the pink haired girl to wake up. She was still sleepy and groped her surroundings until she felt something she wasn't supposed to feel.

'What the hell is this thing? It feels…weird.' The pink haired girl thought as her left hand grasped the object with curiosity and then groped around some more and finally hit the alarm clock buzzer. She sighed in content knowing the sound finally died. But as her consciousness was waking up, she got the feeling that she was in another awkward position as she felt the floor on her back expand and contract as well as a warmth in her stomach. She sat up and rubbed her eyes as the light finally shone on her face from the open tent. By now, consciousness finally hit her as she saw Haku just outside the tent with a deep blush on his face.

'Don't tell me!' The pink haired girl thought, as she finally understood her situation. To Haku's eyes, it was…. different. He woke up early to wake up Sakura for the next shift. When he entered the tent, he saw Sakura on top of Sasuke with Sasuke's hands on her hips as his legs were in between hers as his shorts were pulled down revealing his striped boxers and a throbbing…well, lets just say throbbing lump.

Sakura looked at what she was sitting on and a deep blush formed on her face as she saw his hands on her hips and felt the tip of his lump touch her crotch area as she looked back at Haku with wide eyes.

"G-go-gomenasai! I was going to wake you up f-for the next watch but you-re still busy so…I'll take my leave!" the blushing Haku said as he left the tent.

Sakura panicked and tried to stand up but Sasuke's grip was strong making her fall down on her chest as her butt stuck out with Sasuke falling on top of her as she shouted to Haku, "Wait! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!"

Her words woke up everyone in the area as Kurenai, Kiba and Kakashi rushed to the scene with Sasuke waking up just in time to see another awkward position that he was in and a very, very wrathful Kurenai as Sakura blushed even more than before.

'Oh, shit. Here we go again.' Sasuke thought as Kakashi began creeping away again only to get pummeled hard by Kurenai as his and Sasuke's wails of agony and girlish screams shook the forest making the birds fly off in fright while the sound woke up Naruto and Shino.

"Sounds like they're up already." Naruto said as he stretched to get blood flowing in his limbs while the two watched Sasuke being put in a headlock and getting the beating of his life while Kakashi was strung up upside down in a tree branch with bruises on his face as Haku and Kiba looked on in horror.

Naruto was a little worried that things were taking a turn for the worst as he faced Shino and asked him, "Should we help them out?"

The stoic bug user turned to face the young blonde for only a moment before watching the scene once again as Kurenai began beating Kakashi's private area with his camera and burning it once again making Kakashi cry.

Naruto got the point as they waited a couple more minutes before they trekked once again towards Konoha. Everyone was several feet away from Kurenai while Sakura had a blush on her face but still stayed beside the beat up and swollen-faced Uchiha while Kakashi lagged behind the rest of the team holding his crotch and brusied and battered face.

Hinata giggled inwardly as did Naruto when they saw Haku, Kiba and Shino hold their privates in fear of their sensei as the team leaped from tree branch to branch.

Since Tazuna was no longer with them, they were able to move much quicker than usual and reached the gates of Konoha in a matter of hours. The guards that waited at their posts near the gate had wide-eyed expressions as they saw the badly beaten Kakashi and Sasuke along with a furious Kurenai and the rest of the joint team a few feet away from the crimson-eyed jounin. The two guards swallowed hard knowing things didn't go well.

When the team entered the academy to give their report to the sandaime, the old leader was shocked to see the state of Kakashi and Sasuke. But when he saw the several veins throbbing on Kurenai's forehead, he sighed and began puffing on his pipe.

"I think I can say that the mission was successful, no?" Sarutobi said to them.

Naruto stepped up and smiled as he said, "Everything went nice and dandy!"

The old hokage nodded seeing the smiling expression of the young blonde. But as he gazed at team, he noticed a longhaired youth hiding behind Kakashi. When he looked back at Naruto, he could see that the young blonde was a bit nervous as the young blonde glanced at the youth and back at him, the old hokage, who could decide the fate of the youth.

"So who is the guy hiding behind you Kakashi? I'm sure there were seven going to Wave yet the same number came back." Sarutobi asked of the white haired jounin.

The team stepped aside as Haku stepped forward and bowed. "I am Momochi Haku, Hokage-sama. I would wish to join the ranks of the leaf to atone for my sins and hopefully make a living here."

The sandaime looked at Kakashi and Kurenai for an explanation. The two jounins just looked at Naruto making the young blonde nervous when the sandaime eyed him.

"Well, I guess we have a lot to talk about this afternoon." Sarutobi said with a smile.

"Since there is much to talk about, the rest are excused except for Naruto, Kakashi and Haku." The old hokage told them as he puffed on his pipe once more. Kiba yawned and left along with Shino. Kurenai then left with Hinata to escort her back to her house much to the Hyuuga heiress' dismay.

Sasuke then turned on his heel as Sakura gazed at his back before Sasuke turned his head to Sakura and said, "Are you coming or what?"

The pink-haired girl was surprised by what she just heard. Her face brightened up as she blushed and said, "Y-you're e-e-escorting me home?" stars begun to light up her eyes as she held her two hands together close to her chest.

Sasuke turned his head back and sweatdropped. "Only until the corner. Let's go."

Sakura then tailed Sasuke like a lost puppy while the raven-haired boy kept inwardly beating himself for making such a stupid decision.

Naruto chuckled seeing that his plan worked nicely. Though, it was Hinata's prank in the first place.

The sandaime then cleared his throat to grab their attention allowing Kakashi to give the report of the mission. Overall, Sarutobi was surprised by what he heard. He expected that things would go wrong since normally they did despite being such rare occasions of missions suddenly changing in rank. But what he never expected was that Naruto was showing to be capable in so many ways than he could've imagined that it began to ponder on his mind what was going on with the young blonde.

The sandaime squarely looked at the young blonde and smiled. "I see. So that's what happened. And now Haku wishes sanctuary in Konoha. But I'm afraid the council will not like this since outsiders aren't normally accepted into Konoha for security reasons but I'll see what I can do."

Naruto and Haku both brightened up knowing that things were going to be all right.

"By the way Kakashi," the sandaime said causing the trio to pay close attention. "If by any chance that Haku is permitted into Konoha, which is likely because of his bloodline despite arguments, what rank do you think he should get?"

Kakashi pondered for a moment before finally giving his answer. "I suppose with his skills and experience I'd say chuunin."

"What do you think Haku?" the sandaime asked of the bishounen.

Haku bowed politely indicating that he would humbly accept the offer.

The sandaime then began writing on a form and said to Haku, "In order to become officially accepted, we need to make up a story so that your existence is erased from the BINGO book permanently. Also you will need a new last name if you don't mind."

Haku then placed his chin on his right hand and his left arm to support his right. He pondered for a while before speaking. "Since Naruto did defeat me in battle, we can tweak the story to say that he killed me and confirmed I was dead and my body accidentally went downstream so there was no way to retrieve my head."

Naruto and the sandaime nodded in understanding that it was a sound story as Sarutobi handed out the application form to Haku and the form for his temporary residence to Kakashi.

"Kakashi, please escort Haku to the hotel he will be staying in for the meantime. I'm afraid all the good rooms are taken due to the upcoming events since we will be the host for the exams this year. But make sure he doesn't stray too far since the hotel he is in will be close to the red light district." The sandaime told Kakashi.

Kakashi nodded and escorted Haku out the door and to his hotel with hopes of getting a new copy of his book and the thought of the chuunin exams in mind.

Naruto still stayed in the room as he pulled out a chair close to the desk of Sarutobi as the sandaime sighed. 'His first real mission and already he killed so many men. Seven total if you include the fake story. This makes it five chuunins, and two ronins in his record. But the stench of blood smells muskier than that number.' The sandaime thought as he remembered the report of the mission.

Any experienced nin knows that the stench of blood forever remains on a person after they have killed. Even if you were to wash the physical smell, the spiritual smell remains and taints your aura permanently and the higher the body count, the stronger the stench. And Naruto reeks of blood as if he bathed in it making the sandaime worry about what really happened during that mission.

The old hokage gazed his eyes deep into the young blonde's azure ones to search for an answer as he asked him with seriousness, "How are you doing Naruto? Are you all right?"

The young blonde grinned and said, "I'm fine oji-san! And speaking of last names, can I change mine?"

'Trying to change the subject. That's not a good sign.' The sandaime thought as he doused his pipe on the ashtray near his left side and took off his white coned hat with the kanji of fire on it as he rested his chin on his two hands as his elbows supported the weight of his head over the table.

"You know Naruto, a lot of people in this career go through what you go through. You can tell me how you feel. It's all right and I will listen with all ears. Your first kill can be very traumatizing." The sandaime said with worry in his heart.

Naruto just made a genuine smile and said, "Arigato oji-san. I'm glad I know that you care. But I'm fine with it. Speaking of which, you didn't answer my first question."

Perplexed by what Naruto said, the old hokage then replied, "But why would you want to change your last name? You don't like being an Uzumaki?"

The young blonde closed his eyes and said, "Not that I don't like it, but…I think another last name sounds cooler."

'I guess he really is fine. But I really wished that he could really tell me what's going on. All this worrying is going to make my stay as the hokage much shorter if this keeps up.' Sarutobi thought as he then pulled out Naruto's form from the drawer and took out his pen. "So what last name do you want to put in Naruto?" the hokage asked after erasing Uzumaki on Naruto's profile.

'This is it. I hope you can accept things oji-san. I don't have much time left and my affinity to wind just jumped a few levels again.' Naruto thought as he took a deep breath and said, "Namikaze."

The name struck deep in Sarutobi's heart as he dropped the pen out of instinct. He was beyond shocked as his wide-eyed expression showed on his face.

"That's a nice name Naruto. Where did you hear that? Or did you make it up?" the sandaime said trying to keep his cool though fearing the worst.

"I've known for a long time Sarutobi-oji-san. There's no point in hiding the truth anymore. I'm all grown up now and I'm not as dense as everyone claims me to be." The young blonde said with a mature aura emanating from him.

Sarutobi was even more shocked than ever. Naruto knew all this time making the old hokage even more worried than ever but happy that the young blonde knew the truth. But where he could have found out and how began to haunt the old hokage.

Before Sarutobi could say anymore, Naruto then continued as his face showed seriousness. "I'm sorry oji-san but what I'm about to tell you is top secret and mind boggling. Everything I will say to you must not leave this room or you will run the risk of mass panic. Everything I will say from now on is the truth that if you choose to accept will involve you in something much greater than our own village secrets and if you choose not to believe it I have permission to erase this conversation from your memory as if it never happened. Please hear me out."

Sarutobi was put in a bind. He knew that something was up but for it to be this grave meant serious business and Naruto was not one to kid around with something as serious as this. If he were to accept, then he could finally understand Naruto and what has been going on. But if he couldn't accept it, it would mean that the young blonde would do something that only he could see in his dreams.

"Alright Naruto, I accept. But I'm not sure about what you're talking about." The sandaime said, as he listened with all ears.

"Trust me. You'll understand in a while." The young blonde said before slowly, but surely explaining his story. It would take a while for Sarutobi to fully understand everything, but they have the whole afternoon to do so.

While the young blonde began conversing with the sandaime, Sakura was still actively following Sasuke. The pink haired girl didn't relent as the several embarrassing things that happened to them seemed to strengthen their relationship even more giving a spark of hope to the pink haired-girl.

Fed up with being followed, he then stopped and asked Sakura, "Why are you following me so much?"

Sakura blushed as she placed her hands behind her back and leaned on a lamppost. "Well, a couple of days ago, I…we…well…it kinda felt like we touched each other."

Sasuke then blushed as he remembered that morning. He felt it as well in his sleep and when he was forced to wake up. It reminded him of the things he read in his father's copy of Icha Icha Paradise.

Sasuke then looked away and said, "You don't need to apologize for that. It wasn't our fault in the first place."

Sakura smiled seeing the shy face of Sasuke.

"Oh yeah! I almost forgot." The pink haired girl said as she looked through her rucksack and pulled out the infamous orange book and handed it to Sasuke.

"It's your book Sasuke. I forgot to return it." Sakura said as she handed the book to Sasuke making a few onlookers blush and chuckle while some began whispering to each other. The raven-haired boy was distressed and took the book and Sakura by the hand as he rushed toward the Uchiha Complex with haste.

He panted until they stopped right outside the gate of the Uchiha clan.

"I can't believe you did that right in front of all those people." Sasuke said to Sakura with an annoyed look in hi eye.

"Well it's not like you're not interested in stuff like this. But at least it's better than having an interest in guys or little kids." Sakura said with confidence and her hands at her hips. Yosha! Operation Sasuke Leverage for Love Success Shannaro!Inner Sakura yelled with her fist in the air.

Sasuke sighed knowing that she was right. But somehow he didn't feel elated since Naruto mentioned him knowing who it is the raven haired Uchiha's crush is and it worried him to no end because he knew that Sakura will be all over the subject.

"Ano, Sasuke-kun…" Sakura said, snapping Sasuke to attention. "Naruto said something about you liking someone."

Sasuke laughed and then replied, "You actually believe that baka?"

"But not everything he says is a lie. In fact, most of it is true." Sakura said defending her claim while pointing at the orange book in his hands.

Sasuke sweatdropped knowing she was right.

He gave her a smug smiled and said, "And what would you do if I did?"

Sakura held her breath as she tried to calm her beating heart that rose to her throat.

"So it is true." Sakura said to him.

Sasuke smirked seeing her surprised predicament. But Sakura smiled knowing that there was a chance for her after all since she could be the one he desires.

"That's good to know. I hope she makes you happy. Though I really want to know who it is." Sakura said, as Sasuke was about to enter the Uchiha complex when he saw his mother in the distance.

"Sasuke! How are you? How was your mission?" Mikoto asked of the raven-haired boy as she approached him.

Sasuke was about to greet her until he remembered that Sakura was with him. But it was too late for the young Uchiha since his mother was already there in front of him. She gave him a hug and ruffled his hair until she noticed the pink-haired girl behind him.

"Oh! I'm afraid we've never introduced ourselves." Mikoto said as she bowed in respect to the pink haired girl and continued. "I'm Mikoto Uchiha. Sasuke's mother."

Sakura was embarrassed and panicked as she bowed as well and said, "I'm-Sakura-Haruno. I-I'm pleased-to-meet-you!"

Sasuke sweatdropped again knowing he was in an embarrassing situation.

Mikoto then looked at the pink haired girl and smiled as she said, "Thank you very much for taking care of Sasuke. He's stubborn, but he can be nice at times."

"Okaa-san!" Sasuke exclaimed in distress since his mother obviously got the wrong idea.

Mikoto looked at Sasuke with disappointment as she said to him, "Sasuke-kun…you should have introduced to me your girlfriend the moment I spotted you two.

Sakura blushed, as did the raven-haired boy.

'Do we really look like a couple?' Sakura thought as she still was surprised by the older woman's comment.

Sasuke then desperately tried to clear up the misunderstanding. "Okaa-san! She's my teammate, not my girlfriend."

"Even so! You're just like your father…no manners at all." Mikoto retaliated. She then went over to Sakura and said, "Sasuke-kun never tells us much of his missions or his teammates. I made a lot of food tonight so I was wondering if you can join us for dinner."

Sakura then backed away and flailed her arms around and said, "No! I don't want to impose. And I still have to get back home and tell my mom about everything."

"I see. It's too bad. We were hoping to get to know Sasuke-kun's friends." Mikoto said understanding Sakura's situation.

"Looks like we have to go." Sasuke said as he turned on his heels and placed his hands in his pocket and began to walk.

Sakura followed suit but stopped halfway to bow to Mikoto and say, "It was nice meeting you."

Mikoto returned the greeting with a bow of her own as Sakura managed to catch up to Sasuke.

"Hey, don't just leave me all of a sudden. You don't have to be that rude." Sakura complained to the young Uchiha.

But Sasuke paid her no heed as they walked towards Sakura's house. Most of the time on the way to the pink-haired girl's home, Sakura kept on talking to Sasuke. Occasionally, Sasuke would respond back but for the most part it was Sakura who was speaking. She was happy to spend time alone with the young Uchiha but still wished to know about who has stolen his heart.

When they finally arrived at Sakura's home, Sasuke bid her goodnight and went on his way but still pondered upon Naruto and the last mission. It strangled his mind. He could not make any sense out of the so-called 'dobe' of the class.

It infuriated him that Naruto was so much better than him. But as he took a turn at the next corner, he saw the young blonde walking with his clones carrying several boxes that, judging from the expressions of the clones, quite heavy.

'What's he doing out here by himself?' The young Uchiha thought as he decided to tail the young blonde.

Sunset had settled in and Naruto had just finished talking to the sandaime about the truth. Though things did not always go as planned, everything went well. Naruto gave him the information bit by bit through the hours. He was hesitant at first, but with all the things he had witness Naruto perform, it wasn't just speculation anymore.

"Man, he really did forget everything. But at least now he's informed and we can begin planning for the chuunin exams." The original blonde said to his clones as they marched onward into the streets.

'Chuunin exams? That's right…the chuunin exams are coming up. But what does that have to do with him? He may be good, but he's still nowhere near chuunin level.' The young Uchiha thought as he continued tailing the blonde from a distance.

Naruto knew he was being followed since he could easily feel the young Uchiha's presence miles away. He decided to pay it no heed for the moment since eventually, his teammates will know after the chuunin exams about him traveling to the past and changing history.

The young blonde and his clones turned and passed through the alleys. They moved for quite a while but eventually reached their destination. It was a medium sized house. Not too big, but enough to house a family. Aside from the house, the yard was pretty large and much vegetation had over grown indicated by the tall grass and the several vines that clung on the black metal gate, the cement walls, and the house itself. The young blonde then whistled to his furry friend who then with his tail, handed out a silver key to the young blonde.

Naruto looked at the silver key as he remembered what the sandaime said during those last few minutes with him in the academy.

Flashback

When the young blonde finally finished his story to the old hokage, Sarutobi was utterly stressed by the information given to him.

"It still sounds unreal and farfetched but I'll try to believe everything Naruto." The old hokage said to the young blonde as he scratched his head in frustration.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. But Kami-sama's orders are absolute. And…I wanted to see Hinata-chan in a time were we can grow up together and get to know each other better." The young blonde said to him to relieve his stress even if only a little.

"How sure are you that everything is going to be the same as before? Aren't there other repercussions aside from the release of the elemental gods?" Sarutobi asked as he crossed his arms in thought.

The young blonde then replied, "We don't really know but so far, it's as Kami-sama told me. Kyuubi and I will be back in my old timeline and I would have all my old memories as well as my shinigami powers and my black notebook while Soul Society continues on as if nothing happens and the seal on the elemental gods will gradually break."

"So far yes. But just in case Naruto, we have to be prepared for the unexpected. But I'm glad you came up to me with this. At least I can prepare for the carnage to come." Sarutobi said as he removed a lock on one of his drawers allowing a piece of the flooring to pop open revealing a small scroll inside and a key.

Naruto picked up the scroll and key and said, "So what's this? Is this the key to otou-san's house?"

Sarutobi nodded and said, "Yes it is. Although the scroll might already be useless for you, but maybe you'd like to read it and find out your father's feelings during the time of the attack. While you go and move in Minato's house, I'll be busy making the preparations as soon as possible. It won't be easy finding and excuse to get Tsunade here, but I will do what I can. Your bank account is still separate from your inheritance so I still need some time to find the account saved up for you. As for the name change, that's easy enough. But I can't guarantee that when the invasion starts, we will be able to spare any of the sand nins. And I can't send you alone to fight Orochimaru right away since it would raise unwanted attention that you seemed to have accumulated already."

Naruto nodded knowing full well how it would turn out. He knew he couldn't save everyone, but with his strength, he'll save those he can.

The young blonde then bowed in respect and said, "Thank you oji-san. I'll take my leave now."

As the young blonde got up from his seat and turned around, Sarutobi then said, "Naruto," the young blonde halted for that second as he listened. "You don't have to take the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have friends and family who will help you if you allow them to. You already have a family and a wonderful girlfriend and many comrades at your aid so don't take everything on your own ok? Even heroes need someone to watch their backs."

The young blonde shed a tear as he looked back and smiled before using shunpo to vanish from sight, surprising Sarutobi out of his chair.

End of Flashback

The young blonde then grasped the key and opened the gate as the black gate screeched with its opening indicating the amount of rust accumulated over time.

"Finally! Can we get inside already?" one of the clones asked in frustration.

The troop of clones and the original entered the dusty and ill maintained estate as Naruto used the key once more and opened the front door to the house to let in the clones to unpack the stuff. Naruto then closed door behind him and locked it properly as he made another clone and placed a henge on it so it would look like a muscular drunken man.

The disguised clone then leaped out the nearby window and shunpo'd behind the young Uchiha. The plan was successful because Sasuke never noticed the presence of the clone until the man then placed his hand on the raven-haired boy's shoulder and said with an Austrian accent, "What are you doing here so late in the night gaki?"

Sasuke felt a spine tingling sensation down his spine and not a good one as he turned to face the man.

The man was over six feet tall. He wore a green, tattered muscle fit shirt that looked like a second skin on his vein showing, well built and defined muscles, brown pants with a black belt, combat boots, and had brown hair in a flat top cut, and green eyes deeply seated in his square face that had a blush on it from being drunk with the bottle of sake in his left hand as he knelt down and rung his left arm around Sasuke's neck.

Sasuke was too petrified to move let alone speak as his face became paler and felt disgusted with the stench of alcohol from the man's breath as the man eyed the young Uchiha wearily before looking at him with his chiseled face and smiling wildly as his blush became deeper.

The young Uchiha was even more terrified than before as the man then spoke, "I'm glad you came around. I've been broke since my last callboy retired this afternoon. But now that you're here, I can get my business rolling once again. My office is downtown where we can bring out your manliness and you can make money for me."

Did I say terrified? I meant to say utterly horrified as the man lifted him by the collar with his right hand and drank the bottle of sake with his left as he marched towards the red light district.

"Oi! Put me down! Do you know who I am?" Sasuke screamed at the man but could not hide the trembling of his body in fear of the man.

The man smiled even wider as he said, "An arrogant jerk. I love your type, very frisky and feisty. But my business comes first over my personal satisfaction. But if you fight me any more, then I won't be able to control myself and have my way with you right here in the streets."

The man began to chuckle darkly after he made his point causing Sasuke to shut up as he resigned to his fate knowing how strong the man was to carry him like that with ease.

Sasuke began to cry anime tears as he thought, 'I never thought it could end this way. It would have been better if it were Sakura who raped me instead of this guy. But I can't do anything anymore. He's too scary to even think of fighting back against. I feel so helpless.'

The original Naruto laughed his way to the floor from the mental feedback he got from his disguised clone.

By the time his fit of laughter ended, he stood back up as he wiped a tear in his eye as his clones dispersed themselves to relay the newfound knowledge about the entire estate.

There was a master bedroom where his parents stayed, a few guestrooms below it, a small kitchen, a small warehouse/library filled with books and scrolls as well as a few stowed away weapons, two bathrooms, one for the personal use of the master, and one for the guests, and a nice living room with a small t.v. the yard however, was the most important place of the estate since it was the largest piece of land of that lot and contained a small forest in it as well as a few places to be used as a training ground.

Everything was complete and perfect for the young blonde. Although he needed an inside dojo for his other forms of training, it wouldn't be hard to construct since he had the time and funds for it.

"Looks like everything is settled. I have a room for you to stay in Ichigo." The young blonde said to the man waiting in the shadows of the house. The orange haired man then turned on the lights to the hallways and living room before responding to the young blonde's statement.

"Finally, a place to sleep in. thanks a lot Naruto. I got word that they're here already but are scattered all over the place. The nearest one to Konoha would be Youichi-san. But before the chuunin exams begin, they should be here." The strawberry named shinigami told him.

Naruto then replied, "Thanks Ichigo. I'm really glad you guys are helping me out. If you don't mind, can I have my GPS back? I need to use it."

Ichigo then handed the pink phone to Naruto and went to bed in one of the guestrooms.

The young blonde then traveled to the mini forest and was amazed by the beauty in showed during the night. The trees bathed in the splendor of the moonlight as fireflies glowed close to the roots. Many small animals lived in the forest but of all the animals, surprisingly, foxes were the most plentiful as they dashed through the forest to meet the young blonde. Naruto smiled as he pet and cuddled the foxes making Kohaku leap out of his hood and onto the ground to meet the other kitsunes.

"There's so many of them!" the young blonde said as they gathered around him.

You're the magnet of them. Live with it. The young blonde's tenant replied to him.

Naruto then walked around the forest a bit more as he explored it further. The trees were as tall as the ones in the forest of death as they towered over the scenery but their shadows would not darken the path since the moonlight glowed gently upon the grassy road that the young blonde trampled on with a battalion of kitsunes following behind him. Despite the wondrous, loveliness of the forest that he had just entered, every time he delved deeper, he noticed that more plants were ebbing away than the ones before him. It was as if the very heart of the mini forest was dying of a plague.

When the young blonde reached the very heart of the forest, everything around him looked dead as the kitsunes behind him steered clear of the ground he stood upon.

"All these plants are dead, especially the big one in the center. What happened here?" the young blonde said as he looked around the mass of decay that was the heart of the forest.

Take a good look closer and use that brain of yours. His fiery tenant told him when he saw the necropolis of vegetation through the young blonde's eyes.

Naruto grunted in frustration as he did as he was told. He peered closer to understand what could have possibly gone wrong. But when he recognized the way the plants wilted and the stench of death that flowed from them, he realized what they were.

"No wonder they're this dried up. These are Konoha Fire Lilies. Better fix them up." The young blonde said as he leaped up and landed upon the invisible flooring in the sky.

He then drew on Kyuubi's chakra as it engulfed him until four tails emerged from his fox cloak. The mini Kyuubi then made two handseals and growled, "Makyoton, Kitsune-bi!"

His four tails rose above him as a dark red flame erupted from the tips and gathered into the center as one huge flame. He then threw the fire towards the dying area of the forest leaving only the largest dead plant in the center to remain as the fire spread and engulfed the dead plants as he recalled the Kyuubi chakra back into his body as he fell back to the floor where he panted from exhaustion.

It took a toll on his body, but it worked as the dead plants began to grow and intertwine the surrounding trees as they bloomed into blood red flowers that glowed a faint red in the night with tiny pink and orange sparks erupting from them every now and then. The sparks were harmless as they rained down like snow. The kitsunes frolicked in the garden of Konoha Fire Lilies with more joy than ever. They played and danced around the garden of fire born plants as the sparks harmlessly rained down on them.

Naruto smiled as the plants grew in many unique and different ways. He then got up sloppily onto his two feet and leaped up once again to land upon the invisible flooring in the sky. He then pointed his right hand towards the largest lily in the center and began incanting.

"Dominator. Mask of flesh and blood. All living things fluttering. That which has the name human. Truth and temperance. Slightly imbed your claws into the walls of innocent dreams. Hado number thirty-three, Sokatsui!"

A huge burst of blue flame then flew from his hand and fell upon the dead Lily as it consumed it whole.

The azure flame burned brightly as it's cyan glow overpowered the red glow of the surrounding fire plants for that moment before it slowly died down and receded as the largest of the Konoha Fire Lilies, consumed the flame. It's worn out and dead stem began to rejuvenate as the leaves grew with renewed vigor as many more grew from the stem that soon became branches. The Konoha Fire Lily grew into a bright and beautiful tree that had a perpetual blue glow as a huge flower bud at the top with many more flowers along the trunk and branches as well as the roots with a tiny blue flame in the middle of the blue and white patterned flowers that bloomed from the tree with the largest flower on top having the largest flame.

"Wow! It's so beautiful. I should get Hinata-chan to see this!" Naruto exclaimed as he gazed upon the arcane, but bewitching woodland around him. Without hesitation, he then transformed into his kitsune form and bolted away in a flash of lightning. And in the blink of an eye, he was in Hinata's room where she covered her mouth as she gasped in shock to see him enter so suddenly.

"Kitsune! What are you doing here so late?" she whispered into his ears as she activated her Byakugan.

She searched around for a moment. She saw the servants entering and walking through the halls as well as her father and Hanabi, her younger sister. She quickly searched through the entire mansion for a way out until the white furred kitsune leaped on top of her head and bolted them away in the same manner.

Within the same number of milliseconds he used to travel the first time, he expended it to bring them back just outside the forest in his yard.

The kitsune then leaped off her head and transformed back into his original form as he landed back on solid ground. He then faced his beloved beauty and saw her blushing furiously as she poked her fingers together. Why she was suddenly so bashful was very apparent since she was outside in an unfamiliar place with the boy she loved in her elegant, white yukata that she was going to sleep in until Naruto spirited her away.

The young blonde blushed and scratched his head as Hinata modestly asked, "So where are we Kitsune? I'm not really ready for whatever you planned for us."

Naruto blushed two more shades of red before waving his hands around ridiculously and saying, "I-it's n-not what you think Hina-hime! I swear!"

'He's stuttering again…It's ironic that he's the one stuttering this time.' The Hyuuga heiress thought as she chuckled lightly before replying, "But with the way you're reacting, it sounds like you were planning something."

Naruto was a bit speechless. Hinata then held both hands of the young blonde and leaned her head on his chest. The young blonde then quieted down as he then shifted his hands from her soft grasp and embraced her lovingly. She then embraced him in return until they both pulled away.

Naruto smiled brightly at her as the moonlight revealed her face in its soft glow.

'Kawai! I still can't believe she's my girlfriend. Hinata-chan is so sweet and kind and strong-willed too. If only I could speed up time so we can get married, then I will. But it's better this way. I got to know her better and she interests me every step of the way.' The young blonde thought as he then led her by the hand into the forest.

Hinata knew he had something planned for her but was worried about her sudden disappearance from the Hyuuga compound.

"Ano…Kitsune…What about…" Hinata asked worriedly until Naruto said, "I already placed a genjutsu on the room so that people won't realize that you left. Don't worry. The genjutsu is very strong so not even a Hyuuga will notice it."

Hinata nodded as she then embraced his arm and leaned upon his shoulder. She blushed as he shifted his arm once more and placed it around her waist as they walked into the forest.

"So where are you taking me Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked of him.

The young blonde gave her a charming smile as he said, "It's a surprise Hina-hime. I made it just for you."

She giggled at the thought of him making something just for her. "You didn't have to. I'm just happy to be with you. But I'm glad that you really love me and think of me this way."

"I don't see a reason why not. For my lovely hime, I'll give you the world if you ask me to." Naruto said to her as they entered the zone of the fire born plants and were showered with a snowfall of light.

The lavender-eyed girl was shocked and amazed to see the illuminating plants that lit up like lanterns with their faint red glow. She shifted her gaze to her surroundings as the forest literally lighted up the night as many kitsunes burrowing new homes in the glowing locality of this forest in Naruto's backyard.

Hinata begun to catch the sparks of light as they harmlessly fell upon her hands. She noticed that the sparks did no harm to her hands or her clothing. They were just warm speckles of light.

"That's only half of the surprise." The young blonde said as Kohaku leapt out of Naruto's hood and led the way. The young blonde then excitedly took her by the hand and led her into the heart of the forest where the glowing blue tree stood.

She was even more amazed than before when she laid eyes upon the azure glowing tree. The trunk, roots and branches had this beautiful azure glow that complimented the blue and white flowers that bloomed and had a faint blue glow to it as a plume of pure azure flickered to life in its center without dying out. The sparkles of light that poured out from the tree snowed down upon its surroundings like a gentle feather.

Hinata then admired the tree as its beauty dazzled the eyes of the young couple. She then reached out to the light and felt rejuvenated the moment the light touched her. She never felt so relaxed and energized before as the speckles of light revitalized her. She began spinning and dancing around the tree making Naruto blush as he saw her dance with elegance and grace.

'Wow. She looks even more beautiful with this tree. No, the tree is just the outward manifestation of her inner beauty. Then again, she's beautiful both inside and out. The flame of love is a mysterious one. But I'm glad that I'm consumed by it. And with this person to boot.' The young blonde thought as he saw her dance.

She then stopped for a moment and smiled as she outstretched her hand to him.

"Join me Kitsune. I'd love to dance with you." Hinata said as she saw him blush once again.

Naruto then bowed and took her hand as he said, "I'd love to Hina-hime."

And so they danced the night away. They danced with grace and elegance, as the kitsune's adored their romance from a distance till they kissed passionately when the dance ended.

While they had the time of their lives alone, Sasuke's dance with the disguised clone would be an awkward one.

Kakashi finally managed to show Haku around town and escorted him to his hotel room for the night. After an exhausting day of traveling, he decided to stop by the red light district where he saw his favorite book on sale in large stacks where they were selling like hotcakes. He then approached one of the stands and bought himself a new copy and the latest addition to the Icha Icha series. He was happy to see the new book and decided to read it the moment he gets home.

After all, what self-respecting jounin would want to be seen wandering close to such a place?

'I don't even know how the hokage would allow such a place to exist. Oh, well. At least I have my book.' The white haired jounin thought as he marched his way back.

However, he realized that he was missing something else. As he thought for a few seconds, he then halted and said, "That's right! Kurenai burned my camera. I need a new one if I'm going to get back at her for all the bruises and beatings." Kakashi said to himself.

Seeing that he has one more task to perform, Kakashi then proceeded to the shop in the district that sold cameras. And he was in luck.

"Welcome sir! What can I help you with?" the beautiful girl by the counter said as Kakashi entered the store.

She had wild, shoulder length brown hair that she tried to comb down but would stand out at the ends (think Yuna's hair from FFX-2), deep blue eyes, striped stockings in black and pink, a black tank top with shinobi sandals of the same color and a hooded yellow jacket with black, long sleeves that hid her arms as she ate a lollipop in her mouth.

Kakashi was stunned by her lazy beauty but preceded to ask away the clerk for the item he was looking for.

"I'd like to buy a camera worth twelve thousand ryo. It's the price for my last camera since I lost it in an accident on my mission." Kakashi said bluntly.

The woman then walked over to the shelf behind her and said, "Your in luck. We got a new video camera that costs about that much and has about four hours worth of video and a twelve hour battery life."

Kakashi's visible eyebrow lifted up as he said, "Really? What's the catch?"

The woman then placed the camera on the counter and said, "Nothing. It's just brand new so we're not sure about the problems with it."

Kakashi looked at the video camera on the counter with intrigue. It was a two-piece set. The first piece was the clicker and main controlling functions of the camera with the battery inside and a retractable see-through screen that shows you what the camera sees. And by its design, it should be worn on ear with the screen over the eye. The second piece was just the lens. It was just and ordinary camera lens except for the pivoting piece underneath it with a remote link to the first piece.

Kakashi was very interested in the camera. The woman was pleased to see him so curious of the camera as she took it and said, "Here. Let me show you how it works."

The woman then attached the earpiece over her right ear and pulled the screen over her right eye. She then turned on the lens and began turning a knob on the piece making the lens focus and the image projecting on her right eye to focus as well as Kakashi saw the reverse of the image from his view of the screen. She then moved her head around and the lens followed the movement of her head.

"That's pretty ingenious. You sure it's legal though?" Kakashi said to her.

"Not yet. First come first serve. It's one of the first copies so don't get your hopes up too much. But hopefully, it'll be a hit and I'd be able to make legit sales with this stuff." The woman replied.

"I'll take it." Kakashi replied as he placed the money on the counter and got a free roll of film with it and extra batteries.

"Thanks for the camera. Maybe I'll drop by someday for some more." Kakashi said to the woman.

The woman then took out a newspaper and begun reading as she said, "Sure no problem. You can control multiple lenses with just one scanner. Just drop by if you need more since the parts are easy to replace. And my name is Akayashi Mizore by the way."

Kakashi waved goodbye without looking back as he exited the store happy with his purchases. But as he was about to leave, he got a glimpse of Sasuke being hauled around by the collar from a very muscular foreigner.

The white haired jounin's shinobi instincts activated as he casually tailed the man to a dark corner where he listened intently.

The muscular man approached the door in the dark alleyway and said, "Bleeding Mascara."

The door slid open allowing the man inside as he took a very frightened and pale Sasuke with him. Kakashi then put a henge on himself and knocked on the door and gave the password. His infiltration of the pub was successful. He was horrified by what he saw. Okamas were waiting the tables in nothing more than bowties or suspenders that attached to netted stockings like garter belts while the customers were people from all walks of life asking their orders as the stench of alcohol and cigarettes and another obscene stench that smell like Clorox fumed the air.

He then decided to view place a bit more since he needed to act as casual as possible. So he sat down to a table where a hairy okama in bowtie came up to him and gave him the menu.

"I can't read what's on it. Can you please explain it to me?" Kakashi asked the okama.

The okama then swayed his hips a bit and said in a girly voice, "well sir, this is the pulutan menu. We have peanuts, calamares, those are deep fried squid rings, talabang sinusundot, those are oysters with lemon and Tabasco, chicharon bulaklak, those are pork rinds, Crispy Pata, those are crispy pork legs, and Inihaw na Tahong. Those are fried mussels."

Kakashi wasn't too pleased with the menu to say the least. He felt like hurling just from the okama let alone the menu or the food. But since he couldn't afford to look suspicious, he then said, "How about one out of each." 'I know I'm going to regret this.'

The okama then smiled seductively as he took away the menu and gave him a flying kiss before walking in a girly way towards the bar. Kakashi abhorred his stupid idea of entering this place after what the okama did. With all the inward groaning he was making, he wondered how Sasuke got into such a mess.

As he looked around while waiting, he was able to get a layout of the place. At one end was a set of pool tables, a new game in Konoha, along with TV's along the wall close to the bar. At the other end, was a small arena where the mixed sounds of betting could be heard as people raised white tags or red ones while two roosters with a blade attached to their right leg, fought in a death match. And in the center of the room was a stage with several poles and a curtain in the back of it.

But while Kakashi waited patiently in search of Sasuke, the raven-haired boy in a room in the backstage, was being fitted with leather clothing by two women as he helplessly blushed while the door was guarded by two very muscular bald okamas in a dominatrix outfit.

Suddenly, the muscular man from earlier entered the room and said, "Angry jerk, you have thirty seconds before your debut. Now dance like you never danced before and seduce the crowd or else, Sakuya and Sakura over here will make you ride the horses all night long." The man said as he pointed to the two dominatrix-clad okamas making Sasuke shiver. "And if you don't earn me money by the end of the night, I'll make you pick up the soap later."

Sasuke didn't like the sound of that even though he didn't understand the last part very well as the two women began doing his makeup while the opening song was being played.

Kakashi's order arrived just in time for the opening act on stage as a familiar woman sat down next to him and said, "Never expected you to be in a place like this. Especially since we just first met up in my shop."

Kakashi turned his head to face the woman and said in surprise, "Akayashi-san? What are you doing here? And how did you know…"

"I can spot my products anywhere. It has the store emblem on the plastic. And you have the first purchase of a new protoype camera." Mizore said as she pointed on the plastic that contained Kakashi's purchase.

The white haired-jounin then scratched his head as Mizore asked, "So what brings you here to a place like this? Don't tell me you're an okama too."

"No, I'm not. My student got into some trouble and wound up here and I'm trying to find him without arousing suspicion." Kakashi replied, as he looked at the delicious spread before him and begun to re think that the food might be terrible.

"I see. He probably got abducted by that foreigner named Dodong and might become the next act." Mizore said as she shamelessly began eating the chicharon bulaklak.

Kakashi shuddered. Not because of the fact she was eating pork rinds, but the fact that his student is the next act for these customers and it wasn't a good thing. But feeling a hint of deviousness in him, he decided to put his new camera to the test as he assembled it and prepared it the moment Sasuke went on stage.

"So aside from the food and the waiters, what else do you know about this place?" Kakashi asked of the lazy looking beauty that just finished the peanuts on the table.

"Well, on that side, is the pool tables where you can watch some shinobi news and play the new game of pool that Dodong brought in. he also brought in that new betting ring called Sabong or Tukaan meaning rooster fighting where as you can see, two roosters fight to the death for money. I heard that when this place earns enough money, Dodong is going to expand the right wing a bit more and have a mud pit for women or okamas to wrestle in." Mizore said as she finished the calamares.

Kakashi sighed seeing that he was left with the not so good sounding food to eat while waiting for Sasuke's debut. He swallowed hard before putting up his orange book to cover his face and quickly made short work of the food.

"Wow! These are pretty good. I think I'll cook these for my meals next time." Kakashi said, as his visible eye became a u shape the moment he tucked away his book.

Mizore then smiled at his expression as she ate another lollipop. "Pulutan cooking is easy and cheap. I can teach you if you stop by again."

"Maybe if you bring your prices down I might." Kakashi said trying to be shrewd.

"No can do. Black market prices are as cheap as they can be already. And besides, Dodong is on stage already for the introduction." Mizore said as she turned on her seat and watched the muscular man pick up the microphone and said, "Good evening ladies. We have a special dancer for you tonight. It's his debut so give a warm welcome to LEATHERMAN!"

Strobe lights begun to flicker as the man entered through the curtain and whisper to a frightened Sasuke, "Now remember gaki, do the dance moves I taught you or else you know what happens." The muscular man then grabbed a hold of Sasuke's loins for a moment to emphasis his point before slapping his butt on the way out. This of course, caused Sasuke to keel over the curtain and onto the stage as okama, backup dancers took to the poles as the music "Satisfaction" begun to play and a spotlight shone on Sasuke.

Kakashi couldn't hold his laughter as he hollered out loud his feelings in the mixed noises of the crowed as he watched Sasuke dance the night away and strip at the same time. Sasuke the whole time was crying anime tears as he danced until he couldn't take it anymore. The crowd saw his awful performance and began to boo him.

The muscular man then came out with a crack whip as the okamas, Sakuya and Sakura, came out with him.

"So he didn't do too well. If that's the case, then lets punish him." The muscular man said as the barkeep changed the music with the song, "Let's get it on". Sakuya and Sakura became Sasuke's partner as they stripped down slowly to make him pick up the soap a lot of times on stage. Kakashi had about enough filming and was about to make his move when the real Dodong entered the pub and shouted, "Hey, what the hell's going on here?"

The disguised clone then dispersed himself as Sakuya and Sakura groveled at Dodong's feet and began speaking in a foreign tongue.

"Do you have any idea what he's saying?" Kakashi said to his new friend as he disassembled his camera and tucked it away.

"Actually I do. He's speaking in my native tongue. The two okama's are begging for forgiveness and Dodong is really mad that they followed an impostor." Mizore said as she picked up a knife and fork from Kakashi's table since the white haired jounin just used the chopsticks to eat the food.

"That sound's like my cue. You better get out of here the moment a brawl goes out." Kakashi said as he discreetly walked around to another table and threw a saltshaker at the infuriated Dodong before placing the peppershaker in another man's hand and walking away. The man was royally pissed as he looked over to see where it was thrown and saw an okama there with a peppershaker in his other hand and quickly rushed the man and began beating him as his friends gathered around to help their bloody comrade. Dodong's men began to surround the group as an all out brawl erupted.

Kakashi then approached the barkeep and said, "Know any good fight music?"

"I sure do. It's a local song where me, my daughter and the boss come from, but it gets the mood going for this type of fight." The barkeep said as he changed the music to the song, "Bakbakan Na". Kakashi was amused by the change of pace. It was foreign no doubt, but it did fit the mood well as broken glass and blood littered the floor as mass panic and confusion from the melee gave the song some substance.

Sasuke tried to crawl his way out so as not to be detected until a very horny okama found him and ripped his pants down to do the deed.

But before the okama could plunge his yardstick into the young Uchiha, Mizore used the fork to stab down on it and follow up the attack with a knife up his chin as the blade pierced his brain leaving one less okama on the floor.

"I don't think you can handle another one after what happened on stage." Mizore said as she helped Sasuke out of the pub while Kakashi tried to inch his way out of the crowd until he noticed Mizore waving at him with Sasuke in her arms before they fled the pub.

Kakashi then approached the barkeep who, surprisingly with his old age is holding his own, and said, "Hey barkeep, one last music change before I run out of here."

The barkeep then kicked an okama in his balls and then quickly changed the music to the song, "No Falter" by Wolfgang. The quickness of the song made the melee even rowdier than usual until one okama fell upon the radio accidentally hits the button to change the music making the speakers wail, "How can I live without you?"

Kakashi had no time to sweatdrop at the awkwardness of the song was in the midst of a riot as he and the barkeep ran out until they met up with Mizore and a now grateful Sasuke as Kakashi and the barkeep met up with them.

"Looks like you guys got out in one piece." Kakashi said as he tore down the transformation, which shocked Sasuke to no end.

"Kakashi-sensei? WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING IN THERE!" Sasuke said as he backed away from the white-haired jounin.

"Well, I was walking around until I spotted one of my students being hauled away by some muscular looking guy into a strange pub which made me wonder what you were doing in there." Kakashi retorted.

"At least everyone's safe. Right otou-san?" the lazy beauty said to the barkeep.

"Yup. So no more accusations and let's call it a night." The barkeep responded.

"So he's your father. Now it makes sense why you were there in the first place. What a small world we live in." Kakashi said to Mizore who nodded in reply as they chuckled for a while.

Sasuke now had a bad impression of his sensei after hearing how well acquainted he was with these two people and the fact that he was in such a place. Not only was the raven-haired boy emotionally scarred for life, but he was now worried since he now knows about Kakashi's dark secret and probably the reason why he's always so late.

"C'mon Sasuke. Let's get you cleaned up and on your way home. You can cry on my shoulder on the way there." Kakashi said as he extended a hand to Sasuke.

Sasuke backed away even more as he shouted, "No way! I now know your dark secret and you might take advantage of me hentai!"

"You're the one to talk. You were all over Sakura during those fateful nights." Kakashi replied causing Sasuke to blush.

The barkeep then shook his head as he said, "Sakura eh? I never knew you had such interests and an okama at such a young age. What has become of our world?"

Sasuke then shouted, "Not your bastard Sakura! My teammate Sakura!"

Kakashi then slyly replied, "Oh, so you're admitting it. You must like doing stuff like that to Sakura. Though sandaime law states that you are an adult once you become a genin, please keep your intimate sessions with her discreet. It's for my safety as well."

Sasuke then blushed three shades darker in both embarrassment and fury.

"Kuso! I should have never followed Naruto to his house and avoided this mess!" Sasuke shouted again as he banged his head on the wall.

"My gosh. A hentai and a stalker! You really take the cake in being an askal. In our language, that means a street dog." Mizore said as Sasuke hung his head in defeat.

"I really don't care anymore. My ass is sore, I'm weak in the knees and I don't like to get close to another guy for a couple of days. I'm going home." Sasuke said as he walked as if he had a bottle stuck up his ass.

Kakashi then bid goodbye to Mizore and her father and used a henge to make him look like Kurenai to accompany the psychologically distressed Sasuke.

"Somehow, that isn't really comforting…" Sasuke said with a very pale and worn out expression on his face.

"Don't worry Sasuke. These things do happen especially in prison. So now you have experience on what it's going to be like if you become a prisoner during a mission." The disguised Kakashi said as Sasuke began to cry anime tears once again.

"I really appreciate Sakura's affections now. Better to have Sakura drool over me than that okama named Sakura and his accomplice Sakuya use me as a sperm bucket." Sasuke said as he cried on his way home with Kakashi keeping him company in his disguised form.

When the raven-haired boy quieted down, Kakashi then asked him, "So you followed Naruto home?"

Kakashi was distressed that Sasuke had found the young blonde's hideaway in area forty-four and needed an explanation.

"Hai. I saw him on the streets with his clones carrying a lot of boxes and talking about the chuunin exams. I got curious and followed him to his house. It looked abandoned with all the vines and moss that grew on the walls, the gate and the house. But it was pretty decent for that baka to have." Sasuke said to the disguised jounin who felt relieved but intrigued at how Naruto got a decent house by the sound of Sasuke's description. But then again, the mission to Wave provided him with the salary so it isn't so hard to believe.

The disguised jounin then decided to listen in some more as Sasuke continued, "After I followed him from a safe distance, he entered his house with his clones and then that big guy came up behind me and hauled me down there. I couldn't move when grabbed me by the shoulder. He was feeling me and it didn't feel right."

Kakashi shook his head at the sad and rough night Sasuke had this evening. When they finally reached the Uchiha compound, Kakashi then dropped the henge and said, "I can't say that I know what it feels like to nearly get raped. But I think this is a lesson you need to learn and appreciate the good things in your life like our Sakura's affection towards you. You may feel annoyed, but be happy it's a girl and not a guy who's madly in love with you. And with the way you reacted down there in the pub, it was obvious you were weak in that battle. That's why you have your friends with you to help you and support you. You're not alone Sasuke. And I'll make sure that nothing like that ever happens again."

Sasuke had a hard time believing him, but he had to trust him since the jounin has info that can be used against him.

"Alright. We will never talk about this again." Sasuke said to Kakashi.

"What talk?" Kakashi answered back, gaining a smirk from the raven-haired boy as he walked away.

Kakashi then walked in the opposite direction. After he confirmed that no one was around, he took out his camera and begun viewing the shameful dance of Sasuke as he said to himself, "Hehehe. Action speaks louder than words Sasuke. All I need now is a TV and the real fun will begin."

For Naruto, he gave out the truth of his existence to a wise old friend. For Sasuke, he learned the consequences of his actions against a wise old friend. All in all, they both learned truth and consequence.

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This chapter is shorter so I can gauge my ability to write since I want a continuous stream of updates within at least three to five days. Another reason is so that I can have more page space for the Chuunin Exams Arc without any cliffhangers. Thanks for reading and if there is a willing beta among my readers, please pm me so that I can have it proofread in order to write better. Ja ne!

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Makyoton, Kitsune-bi(Demonic release, Fox Fire)- derived from an aged legend of foxes being capable of producing fire. The attack is very simple. Its raw power of flames scorches anything it comes in contact with. The greater the chakra, the stronger and more powerful the flames.