Naruto: Demon's Path

by Scribe of the Apocalypse

A six-year-old Naruto taps into the Kyuubi to save Hinata from a cloud-nin who is being helped by Mizuki. Events force him to flee the village and he eventually apprentices under 'The Demon of Mist' Zabuza.

58. Chapter 58 Conflicting Plans

An: Sorry for the late update. Time just seems to be moving faster and faster. Again thank you to everyone that takes the time to review as always, your humble author S. o. t. A. Also as a sidenote while I'm glad for the most part adding the Bleach characters did go over well there were a few who didn't. To explain my reasoning to those who didn't review, let me just say, I don't like creating O. C's. Granted they are sometimes necessary after all take this story for example which will focus on Kiri. There are currently only like three or four main characters of that village, not exactly believable as far as a major shinobi village is concerned. Therefore as a word of warning to those who don't like the idea of bleach characters showing up as shinobi but sorry you can expect more. They will like many of the characters that have shown up from other sources of course be shinobi not death gods or substitute shingami. My reason for this is mainly nobody will care for any O.C.'s that I create to the same extent as me. Also to be honest in my opinion of them there tends to be a overpowering of them if you will. But if I say that Kenpachi were to fight Kisame and come out the winner there are quite a few people who would say that is a acceptable outcome. But if I create an O.C that does the samething I think most people just roll their eyes saying to themselves, "Oh boy here we go another gary or mary sue." Plus lets face it we are all here because we love the world of anime and if I'm going to take the time to create my own character I think it'll be in a world of my creation. Well I guess this was just basically a long winded way of saying, if you liked it you can expect to see more and if not I hope it's not a dealbreaker and that you'll still enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.

Chapter 58: Conflicting Plans

Kushina left Inoichi's office feeling a little disappointed. Tsunade had finally given approval for the Yamanaka to look inside Kakashi's mind. When they had first mentioned the Rouran mission, Kakashi hadn't even remembered it. Therefore, they had questioned both Shibi Aburame and Chouza Akimichi. But neither clan head had remembered the mission either. When Inoichi had mind-walked the two men he had found a powerful seal created by Minato blocking off the memories. The seal had taken the form of a door with massive chains hanging in front of it. Thus far all the attempts made to break down the seal had failed. When Inoichi had allowed Kushina to view the seal she had been amazed at how intricate it was. While she had some skill with them and had even taught Minato some things when he had first started out, he had soon completely outpaced her ability. But what she did realize after looking at the seal design was that they were tied together.

Having seen the one in Kakashi's mind she realized that his held the lock to release all three. When Inoichi had first entered Kakashi's mind he had come to the door and much like the two clan head's had found it barred by a seal. But unlike in the other men's this one had a handprint in the very center of it. When Inoichi had pressed his hand to it, he had been expelled from Kakashi's mind so violently he was sent across the room from the backlash.

Naturally after seeing that, Kushina had been a little hesitant to try next when Inoichi had recovered. Still she had allowed Inoichi to use his jutsu so she could view what they believed to be the memory of the Rouran mission that Minato had sealed. When she had approached it though she was just glad she had been alone since when she had touched the pad she had stood as far back as possible and winced as her hand made contact. Thankfully, she wasn't rejected like Inoichi, but the door hadn't unsealed either. Instead the chains holding it closed had slackened for a moment. As a result Inoichi had theorized that either she wasn't meant to view it at the moment, or she wasn't the key. Since the seal would only respond to the person meant to open it and Minato would need a sample of that person's chakra to power the seal they had tried Jiraiya next. Unfortunately for Jiraiya, he had been expelled as violently as Inoichi.

With plans to ask Sarutobi next, they had agreed to try again at a later date to see if it would react to Kushina differently to see if more of the chains would fall away indicating they were getting closer to the time when the memory would be unlocked since up to that point it had reacted to her the most favorably. Before she left the office, Kakashi had stopped her to ask that she help out with what he had planned for Naruto once he retook command of his team. When she had asked what he had in mind, he had told her that he wanted to complete the Rasengan.

When she had mentioned that Minato had believed that he'd need a hundred years to fully complete it, Kakashi had simply smiled at her from beneath his mask before saying, "Perhaps, but I believe Naruto is the man to surpass him. I have an idea of how, but I'm going to need your and Yamato's help." She had nodded grateful to have a role in helping make Naruto strong enough to defend himself from Akatsuki.

As she made her way to the Academy, she began to wonder what the future held in store for her family. But her mind quickly switched to another matter that had been bothering her, which was if Minato had been granted a glimpse of the future and had know enough of his own fate to leave a clue in Kakashi. Then surely he would have left something behind for Naruto. She had already asked Sarutobi, but he had told her that Minato had left no will behind. Not to mention the home they had moved into towards the end of her pregnancy had been destroyed by the Kyuubi. Still, she knew Minato would have found a way to be sure Naruto would have had something of him to be remembered by, or at the very least, something to make him strong enough to defend himself from Madara.

Then there was the theory Kakashi had brought up. Which had been, that if Minato had been given a glimpse of the future, then he had also probably used the same memory altering jutsu on himself. After all, the temptation to meddle in events to bring out a better outcome may have been impossible to ignore and the results of such meddling could have been far too catastrophic to take the chance. Kushina had been forced to agree with the theory since after returning from the mission Minato had seemed burdened by a great weight. But a few weeks later had seemed almost as light spirited as always. Although the burden did seem to appear and disappear at random after he had become Hokage, with the frequency increasing after she had become pregnant. At the time she had simply assumed it a result of his duties and impending fatherhood. But now believed whatever seal he had placed on himself released itself to let Minato view coming events and to best make minor preparations for them. This all but assured her there was something out there for her to find related to Naruto, resulting in a feeling that she was forgetting something important.

Setting foot in the Academy filled her with a great deal of nostalgia. Such as introducing herself to the class on her first day, and then promptly kicking the crap out of several members of the class for teasing her dream of being the Hokage. First laying eyes on Minato and writing him off as a wimp, especially when she learned he shared the same dream as her. Then there had been the day she had met Mikoto. Kushina pushed the memory away feeling her nails digging into the palms of her hands as a result of her anger. She swore on the day she joined Minato in the afterlife she'd storm into whatever hell Kami was keeping the traitorous bitch, and when they did meet again whatever torture she had endured to that point would seem like pleasure when she was done.

Arriving at classroom two hundred and one, Kushina slid the door open and smiled at the man who had been waiting for her. Sarutobi returned the smile patting a large stack of papers next to him before saying, "Ready for your recertification test, my dear?" Kushina gulped, having never liked written tests but determined to join her son in the many battles to come, nodded before taking her seat.

---

Anko sat in her hospital bed staring at the cast on her leg. A knock at the door of her room pulled her attention away for her to see Iruka enter the room. "Hey," she said cheerfully trying to put him at ease do to her battered state. She was aware that he had returned to the village sometime the night before. Her nurse must have liked the man as she had let him in despite it being past visiting hours. Unfortunately she had been asleep and he hadn't wanted to bother her but had left her a note saying he'd see her the next morning. He tried to keep the concern he felt at seeing her like that from his face, but he failed causing her to say, "You should see the other guy."

He smiled despite himself and after kissing her said, "I'm just glad you are alright. Very few people get to walk away from a fight with Orochimaru."

Anko stared at her broken leg before saying, "Well I won't be doing much walking for a while."

Iruka nodded but kept his peace that a part of him was glad she'd be remaining in the village for a while to himself as he knew Anko would think he was coddling her. "Look on the bright side though. You'll have me around to help take your mind off that."

Anko's smile turned mischievous before she said, "Maybe you'd like to get an early start on helping me forget then?" As she spoke she began running a finger along the neck of her hospital gown pulling it away as if she was hot.

Iruka instantly blushed shooting a look to the door of her room saying, "Anko, as much as I like what you're suggesting…"

Anko began laughing saying, "Iruka you're too easy. I'm just teasing. As much as I would like to, I'm not anymore eager to be caught in the middle of the hospital." When Iruka nodded, she added, "Although it might be fun…"

"Anko!"

Waving her hand she said, "I kid, I kid." Iruka stared at her like he would one of his students who were misbehaving causing her to cross her arms as she said, "You're no fun."

Getting serious Iruka asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Sure, if that'll make you feel better," Anko said, not nearly as bothered by the event as she knew Iruka thought she might be. Her face took on a distant look as she began to recall the events that landed her in the hospital. "Let's see where to begin…"

Team Anko and Yamato landed near the bridge that they would be meeting the spy at a full day earlier than when the meeting would be taking place. Once they were sure the spy wasn't there earlier as well they gathered around to plan a strategy. Deferring to Yamato, due to his role being the one that would make contact she asked, "Since it's your bacon on the line, what's the plan?"

Kneeling down, Yamato began drawing in the dirt an outline of the bridge with his finger. When it was complete he said, "From my talks with Sakura and Hinata I believe I can accurately portray Sasori for a short time."

Kin stopped him asking, "Doesn't he have some sort of code phrase or something for the spy to verify you are who you say you are?"

"Not as far as they were able to inform me. However, since we never learned who helped Akatsuki get into Suna there is a chance they have a spy in their midst as well still. This suggests to me some sort of puppet or deep cover jutsu."

"What do you mean?" Sasame asked looking up from the dirt drawing.

Anko explained it saying, "He means that there exists a jutsu that allows enemy spies to assume whole other identities. They are used to lower the chance that a spy will be caught. If anything it increases their effectiveness since this identity might be completely loyal to whatever village he has been tasked with infiltrating."

Yamato nodded picking up the explanation saying, "Exactly, as such they tend to rise higher in the ranks then normal spies do and are entrusted with more important tasks. When the spymaster activates them though the original personality takes over retaining all the information they have learned. Therefore if this spy is on his way here he must have already been activated meaning he'll be expecting Sasori, and not need to worry about a code phrase."

Sasame nodded so Tayuya said, "The spy might be pissed to learn his master is dead though so we can probably expect a fight either way."

"Yes," Yamato agreed, "Once I make contact. I'll quickly attempt to subdue him after he tells me any relevant information about Sound." Looking at Anko he said, "If things don't go as planned and the spy gets away I'll give the signal and we'll attempt to catch him before he can escape."

"We'll make sure to nab him," Anko said confidently.

"Good, let's stage a few drills to get a lay of the land before turning in."

After a few light drills in which her girls had impressed the ex-Anbu, Anko had them turn and take turns on watch through the night. She had told Yamato not to bother since the man would need to be a hundred percent focused on the coming task of that she was sure. Sitting in a tree that looked over her team and offered a clear shot of the bridge Anko couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with the set-up. She wasn't sure what was eating at her, but just knew the mission wouldn't be as simple as advertised. She supposed it was because she knew that Orochimaru didn't have a habit of trusting anyone. Therefore to get into his good graces the person would have to be immensely loyal and even then Orochimaru had a habit of conducting experiments that would probably reveal a jutsu such as the one Yamato had theorized Sasori had probably used. Watching the sun rise she supposed it didn't matter as soon they'd be on their way home with a captive in tow or corpses strewn over the ground, as the alternative to that was even worse.

As morning turned to afternoon Anko could feel her team getting restless. Staring at Yamato who was disguised as Sasori and waiting in the middle of the bridge, she admitted to herself she was beginning to feel that way as well. She felt it ease a little at the sight of a cloaked man approaching the bridge. As he stopped in front of Yamato and threw back his head she heard Tayuya say, "I don't fucking believe it."

Shushing her, she watched as Yamato began speaking to the supposed spy Kabuto. She cursed due to her inability to hear what was being said. However, that all faded to being unimportant as the area was suddenly bathed in a massive Killing Intent she knew almost as well as her own chakra signature.

Focusing on the man that was appearing from the ground on the opposite side of the bridge she felt the burning desire to charge right into battle. But to Yamato's credit he kept his cool and treated the new arrival almost like he expected him. Kabuto though had taken up a position defending what he thought of as his Akatsuki master.

"Ah, how long has it been Sasori," Orochimaru said walking onto the bridge closing the distance between Kabuto and the false Sasori.

"Not long enough," Yamato said in the gravelly voice of Sasori having had Hinata and Sakura imitate it for him when they had henged into the man.

Orochimaru chuckled and stopped just outside of striking distance of Kabuto before saying, "True, it's a shame I'll never get to thank you for giving me such a valuable associate as Kabuto."

Kabuto struck suddenly spinning around and channeling a chakra scalpel into his hand sliced through the puppet's head and body revealing Yamato who leapt out landing behind his wooden construct. Orochimaru stared at the empty shell for a moment before saying, "How interesting." Turning his attention to Kabuto, he continued, "It would seem that the rumors were true and the Leaf has managed to kill my old partner."

Adjusting his glasses, Kabuto said, "A shame really, I was looking forward to ending his life."

"Nevertheless, today had been one full of surprises," Orochimaru said eyeing Yamato, "and here I thought all my experiments into passing on the genes of the First Hokage had failed. Sarutobi was wise to hide you away. Perhaps we can pick up where I left off? After, we kill the little mice hiding behind you of course."

Yamato raised his hand giving the sign to spring into action. Anko leapt first her girls' right behind her. They landed between Yamato and the two Sound-nin. Upon their landing Orochimaru said, "Anko what a pleasant surprise." Directing his gaze to her girls his smile grew as he said, "Tayuya and Kin, my so Anko has been picking up my discarded trash after all."

Both girls tensed to attack but Anko raised her hand saying, "That's your problem Orochimaru. You never had a good eye for talent."

"Is that right? Well I suppose you can't help being a little biased against me since you fall into the category of trash as well."

Anko stare hardened further amusing her old teacher, but Yamato's voice entering the conversation calmed her as he said, "Since it appears that you came here to kill Sasori, it seems if only for the moment our goals are aligned in seeing Akatsuki destroyed. Perhaps, it would be best if we avoid weakening each other in light of that."

Orochimaru directed his attention to his old experiment before saying, "An interesting proposal, but I'm afraid the temptation to put my house in order is just too great to pass up."

Orochimaru charged at Anko who leapt backwards along with her team and Yamato. All four kunoichi threw kunai at the Sannin who effortlessly slipped between them taking on the form of a slithering snake. Anko landed first just at the start of the bridge and Orochimaru closed with her. Getting back to his feet he dodged the punch his old student threw before backhanding her into the support of the bridge. Before he could capitalize though, Yamato attacked using his Wood style to cause several sharp wooden poles to launch from the ground at him. Orochimaru dodged them but was forced away from Anko who slowly got back to her feet.

Kabuto made straight for the former Anbu who had attacked his master, yet was forced to change course as several senbon attempted to bury themselves into his legs. Rolling away from the attack, he got to his feet only to be hit in the side of the head by Tayuya. Allowing the punch to spin him around he swept her feet from under her.

Tayuya hit the ground hard, but rolled away from the man before getting back to her feet. Sasame took the opportunity to close with Kabuto having pulled her daggers from their sheaths. She swung at Kabuto who dodged her swipes while retreating backwards. Kabuto caught one of her wrists and pulling his hand back formed a chakra scalpel and was about to jam it into her chest when a senbon flew inches from Sasame's head burying itself into his shoulder forcing him to let go of her. Sasame spun downwards running her daggers against Kabuto's thigh opening a deep gash along it.

Cursing, he leapt back feeling a burning sensation that told him the blade had been poisoned. Glaring at the three kunoichi, he kept his guard up as he reached into his pouch to pull out a vile that he quickly drank. Feeling the all purpose antidote staving off the effects of the poison temporarily he knew he'd have to analyze and neutralize the poison more thoroughly once he returned to base.

Tayuya stepped forward saying, "Make it easy on yourself and give up."

"Sorry, I have my pride after all and surrendering to someone so unimportant to Lord Orochimaru's plan that he turned her into a walking bomb is beneath me." Kabuto smiled as Tayuya stepped forward menacingly at his taunt.

Kin though stopped her teammate saying, "Don't."

Shaking the hand off Tayuya said, "He's practically crippled. Let's just finish him off."

Kin responded by throwing a senbon. Kabuto tracked it and gauging it wouldn't kill him prepared himself to take the hit. However, Kin flashed through several hand-signs and suddenly the one senbon multiplied into a hundred as she used the Shuriken Kage Bushing technique. Kabuto was forced to reveal he was playing possum and had healed the cuts to his legs by quickly leaping out of the way.

Kin gave him a knowing smile before saying, "Don't forget that this chump went against Lady Tsunade and took a full on punch to the face from her but was able to still limp away."

"Very astute Kin," Kabuto said wiping the blood from his legs to reveal healed skin. "Looks like I might actually be forced to break a sweat after all."

Before any of the three kunoichi could respond a large cloud of smoke erupted from inside the forest behind them revealing Manda.

---

Anko stared up at the giant purple reptile. When the giant creature settled his gaze on her and Yamato, he said, "You've summoned me for this. I should eat you myself."

"Come now Manda, don't tell me you aren't feeling a little nostalgic at seeing Anko again. Feel free to dine on her as the first of a hundred sacrifices for my summoning you."

"Very well, Orochimaru," the Boss summons said before rearing its head back to launch itself forward.

As the snake charged forward Anko jumped out of the way. The snake quickly rounded on her causing her to curse but it was forced to alter its course as a large block of wood sprouted from the ground and slammed into its side.

Anko took the opportunity that Yamato gave her to summon Naga. In the three years since first signing the Snake contract with Naga's faction the green constrictor had grown in size until she was almost as big as Manda. The two serpents stared each other down before Manda said, "So that old serpent did have an offspring after all. Well child interested in meeting the same fate as your father."

"You'll be the one taking the trip to the afterlife," Naga countered.

"You little whelp," Manda shouted before charging at Naga. Instead of also charging forward though, Naga dove underground forcing Manda to come to a stop in order to better prepare himself for her attack. He didn't need to wait long as the ground began to shake.

Orochimaru looked about spotting the spot where the ground was distorting as the serpent made its way to the surface. Manda saw it as well turning to face it but Naga's tail appeared causing both to turn behind them as the green summon's head shot from the ground behind them. Naga clamped her jaws around Manda's throat and began trying to coil her body around the purple snake.

Orochimaru prepared a fire jutsu to burn the snake off his summons, but hearing a shout of, "Orochimaru!" turned in time to see his old student charging up the back of Manda's head. Caught out of position he took a vicious punch from her to the head and was knocked from his perch.

Anko leapt after her old teacher and sticking her hand out sent dozens of small snakes after him. They bit into Orochimaru's flesh causing him to grimace in pain. Pulling her hand back she pulled him towards her and then lashed out with a kick knocking him downwards to the ground.

As he fell away though Orochimaru opened his mouth and his tongue shot forth wrapping around her ankle pulling her down with him. Orochimaru hit the ground but merged with it slipping beneath the grass. Anko wasn't so lucky instead hitting hard and sending up a large dust cloud. Cutting the part of the tongue still around her ankle off she kicked it away disgusted as it turned into a snake.

She pulled herself from the crater she had created and crawled along the ground trying to get back to her feet. Orochimaru appeared from behind her saying, "Is this it Anko? Is this the limit of your ability after all this time devoted to killing me? I'm insulted."

Orochimaru opened his mouth and his tongue again shot forward but turned into a snake that in turn opened its own to reveal the Kusanagi sword. It pieced Anko directly in the back pinning her to the ground. Walking forward Orochimaru pulled it from Anko's corpse but said, "Very good. I remember only showing you that jutsu once." Kicking the corpse, Orochimaru expected it to shatter into dried dirt. But he was shocked as hundreds of snakes burst forth. One of which sunk its poisoned fangs into his leg.

Orochimaru cursed angrily, leaping back and landed heavily and glared as Anko rose up from the center of the mass of snakes. "Clever," he said standing, "but poison won't work on me."

"How about wood?" she asked, before several large stakes shot out of the ground impaling him from several angles. A look of surprise appeared on his face before sending her a smile which widened grotesquely before a pair of hands opened the mouth and an uninjured Orochimaru slithered out.

Yamato landed near her saying, "This is bad. We should attempt to link up with your team and withdraw."

Despite the sound suggestion Anko noticed that Orochimaru appeared to be breathing harder then he should. "I doubt he's going to let us go and I'd rather face him now then later," she replied charging forward.

Orochimaru waited until the last second to avoid Anko's punch bringing his knee up into her midsection. Lashing out with a kick next he sent her skidding back. He jumped into the air calling his blade to him. It sailed up from where it had lain next to his shed skin landing smoothly into his outstretched hand. He then attempted to bury it into Anko's skull but a wooden barrier rose up in front of her. Still the blade effortlessly slid through makeshift shield only stopping when it hit the hilt.

Anko stared up at the sword which only stopped about an inch from burying itself into its target, her skull. The blade then seemed to shrink back a moment causing Anko eyes to widen as she rolled out of the way as it shot forward the blade elongating until it buried itself into the ground. Orochimaru pulled his blade free in time to cut a pillar of wood that sprouted from Yamato's arm in half, but was knocked off his feet by a sweep from Anko who appeared from around the wooden barrier.

Rolling backwards the Sannin came to a stop crouched and using his sword to support his weight. Now obviously breathing heavily, Anko said, "Look at you. You're pathetic a few years ago you'd have mopped the floor with both of us. Is this the price you are willing to pay to be immortal?"

Glaring at his student Orochimaru said angrily, "We'll see how unimpressed you and the rest of the Leaf are when I've taken over Sasuke's body."

"That's not going to happen," Anko said running towards her former mentor with the sole purpose of ending his life. Orochimaru brought his blade up to defend himself, but Anko kicked it from his grasp. Hitting him next with an uppercut that sent him flying up and backwards she tried to press her advantage. Orochimaru landed on his feet blocking her next kick and brought his elbow down on her lower leg breaking the bone.

Anko cried out in pain and was sent flying backwards by a palm strike to her stomach. Orochimaru smiled as her backward trajectory sent her right towards his blade that was flying towards him to return to his hand. The smile faded though as Yamato tackled her to the side and out of its path. He caught the blade and prepared to charge but stopped when Yamato created a wood clone to tend to Anko.

He heard the sound of a large poof of smoke and heard Anko's summons shout, "Coward." Cursing Manda for abandoning the battle, Orochimaru said, "We'll meet again after my accession." He then began to disappear as a fire began engulfing his feet and traveled upwards like it would with a piece of paper as he retreated.

Yamato helped Anko stand after setting the bone and creating a split for her leg. A few moments later a bruised and bloodied Team Anko appeared as Naga dispelled herself. Taking in her team's haggard appearance she asked, "Kabuto?"

"The fucker ran when he saw Manda unsummon himself," Tayuya said taking her sensei from Yamato.

Anko nodded her head, figuring as much, before looking towards Yamato and saying, "Sorry, for losing my head like that."

"Forget it," Yamato said, "Our job was to gather information. Thanks to your pushing Orochimaru we've learned he's getting weaker and will soon make his move on Sasuke."

"But we are no closer to preventing it."

"True, but now at least we can prepare for the worst case scenario," Yamato said. "We should report this to the Hokage."

"And that's basically it," Anko said.

Standing from his chair Iruka kissed her forehead saying, "I'm just glad you're safe." Turning towards the door he said, "I'll be back later, but I have to grade a recertification test."

As his hand touched the knob Anko said, "If Orochimaru succeeds it isn't your fault."

Iruka stopped and looking over his shoulder said, "I've never said that it was."

Anko looked at him sadly before saying, "You don't have too. You hide it well, but deep down you wonder if graduating Sasuke was a mistake."

Iruka stared at her before admitting, "He never hid his ambition and his desire to go it alone. It was foolish of me not to hold him back until he learned the value of teamwork."

"Do you really think holding him back would have changed anything? If anything doing that would have made the problem worse. All that kid ever wanted was one thing and one thing only."

"Yeah…" Iruka admitted before opening the door. Stepping through he added, "What worries me is what he'll become after he achieves it."

---

Naruto frowned as Yamato called an end to the days training. Before he could approach Sakura and Hinata both girls took off waving and heading in opposite directions. Sighing, he began to head to the village taking a leisurely pace and was soon joined by Haku.

"Seeing as you aren't dead yet, I guess you haven't told either of them that you have a date with both of them," Haku said teasingly.

"Ha-ha," Naruto said dryly, pulling his mask down, "Keep it up and I'll die laughing before they can get to me."

"Seriously Naruto you should tell them," Haku said seeing his friend's somber mood. "What happened was an accident, explain it to them and I'm sure everything will be fine."

"I'm not so sure it was," Naruto said. "Haven't you noticed they never spend time with me after training and do everything in their power to prevent being alone with me. I've thought about bringing it up during training but don't really want to embarrass them in front of Yamato. I'm beginning to think they knew that they asked my clones out."

"What do you plan to do?"

"That's the hundred million Ryo question now isn't it?" Naruto tried to think of a response but since he had yet to come to a conclusion turned to his tried and true; W. W. Z. D. Sadly much as he imagined Zabuza would react to solving the current crisis in his love-life. Chibi-Zabuza simply shrugged his shoulders before walking away.

Feeling desperate he then turned to the chibi-version of the man he spent the past three years with by asking himself W. W. J. D or What Would Jiraiya Do?" To answer that question Chibi-Jiraiya was asked on a date by two chibi-versions of the many women that worked in the clubs that Jiraiya liked to frequent. Gladly accepting Chibi-Jiraiya had a grand time until running into a Chibi-Tsunade who cracked her knuckles and then attacked. A dust cloud surrounded them until it disappeared to reveal Chibi-Tsunade walking away and a grave stone marking where Chibi-Jiraiya laid.

Naruto shook his head wondering why a Chibi-Tsunade had appeared in his imagination and was so angry at Chibi-Jiraiya. He thought about continuing but figured that the only two sensei he had left were Kakashi and Yamato. He figured he knew how useless their chibi versions would be as he could easily picture Chibi-Kakashi blushing behind his book and Chibi-Yamato giving him a creepy look.

Noticing Haku looking at him funny, he finally said, "I guess I'll give them what they want before telling them why we can't do it again."

"Are you sure? In time they may find themselves happy with someone else. Will that not that hurt as well?"

Naruto nodded but said, "If that happens, I probably should consider it a punishment for not being able to decide between them. But all I want is for them both to be happy, in the end that's all that matters." Coming to his decision Naruto seemed to cheer up if only a little before saying, "I'll see you later. If I'm going to do this I guess I need to go all out." With that Naruto took off running determined to make the dates as special as possible, hoping that at the very least he avoided a fate similar to Chibi-Jiraiya.

---

Team Ebisu neared the gates of Konoha. Konohamaru was both glad and a little apprehensive about his return to the village. Glad because he'd get to see Hanabi again, but the apprehensive stemmed from the fact that so would Moegi. He just didn't understand what was with his two female bestfriends. Things would seem fine and then out of the blue they'd be firing snide comments off at each other.

He supposed if he thought about it the bitterness between them began shortly after Hanabi had asked who he liked best. Although Udon had been there he didn't seem to be hanging on to his answer as breathlessly as the two girls had been. Without thinking he said, "Aw that's not important guys I like everyone the same." The two girls had been less than thrilled with his answer crossing their arms and turning away from him. He had looked to Udon who simply shrugged as confused by the two girls as he was.

Entering the gates of the village Ebisu said, "Well Team I'll go make my report to the Hokage. Well done on the mission."

"What's there to report," Konohamaru said sarcastically, "All we did was pick up pieces of the stone army. We didn't get to see any action."

"Now, now Konohamaru," Ebisu said, "Being picked to leave the village on such a mission is a high honor for recently graduated genin."

"Great, I'm sure that garbage pickeruper will look great on my resume when I apply to be Hokage. I'm sure the council will pick me over Naruto, freaking demon slayer."

"I'm sure Naruto's role in the mission was just blown up…" Ebisu tried to say but stopped when he realized Konohamaru wasn't listening instead counting off other achievements of his rival.

"…then there's rescuer of the Kazekage, savior of the snow princess, and less we forget he has a bridge named after him."

"Well you were named after a village," Moegi supplied helpfully.

"Not the same thing," Konohamaru said rounding on where his sensei had been standing he noticed his teacher had left. Grumbling about lame missions Konohamaru was surprised when Moegi grabbed his arm saying, "How about we train to catch up to the Boss?"

Konohamaru was about to agree that it was a good idea but heard his name being called. Turning to the caller he saw Hanabi running towards him waving. Coming to a stop she asked, "Did you just get back?"

"Obviously," Moegi said snidely prompting a glare from Hanabi.

Trying to play peacemaker Konohamaru said, "Uhm, yeah. We were just about to go training, do you want to come?"

"But Konohamaru, I thought it was going to just be the two of us," Moegi said holding his arm tighter.

"Udon wanted to come too, right Udon?"

But Udon instead of helping said, "Sorry can't," having spotted who he was hoping to see. Taking off, he waved to his friends as he approached his target.

"Guess it'll just be the three of us," Konohamaru said lamely noticing that the two girls were glaring at each other. Noticing that Moegi had let go of his arm he quietly slipped off in search of his Boss hoping he could explain the mysteries of girls to him.

Tired of glaring at her rival Moegi said, "We'll be going now," and reached back for Konohamaru only to grab ahold of air. Turning she saw that Konohamaru had left and rounded on Hanabi saying, "Why can't you catch a hint and realize he doesn't think of you like that?"

"This coming from the girl who just came back from a mission with him but the only thing he wants to do with you is train," Hanabi countered crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"We were busy during the mission," Moegi said weakly.

"Really," Hanabi said with a small smile.

Crossing her arms Moegi said, "It's not like you've managed to get some grand love confession from him."

Hanabi felt her own smile slip before turning on her heal saying, "Just you watch I'll get it out of him right now."

Following in the Hyuuga's wake Moegi said, "Oh no you don't. I'm going to get it from him first."

---

Team Anko minus their leader was returning from the mission that saw the defeat of Moryu. Their role had been to act in conjunction with the force tasked to stop the Stone Army. Unfortunately the many traps they had laid at Shikamaru's command had proved to be almost worthless. Still after the demons defeat they had been tasked with overseeing the clean-up efforts by acting as deterrents to possible looters. The three young women were going to visit their sensei when a shout of, "Sasame," was heard. All three turned to see the young glasses wearing genin running up to them.

Elbowing the girl in question Tayuya teased, "Look out here comes your admirer."

Taking it in stride Sasame said, "At least I have one. What can I do for you Udon?"

Blushing, the boy began digging in his backpack and pulling out a stone head of Moryu's army said, "I got this for you as a souvenir."

Both Kin and Tayuya giggled but Sasame took it saying sweetly, "Thank you, that's very nice. I'll be sure to cherish it."

Udon nodded digging his toe into the ground and his blush intensified when his crush kissed his cheek. He opened and closed his mouth several times before simply taking off causing Tayuya and Kin to burst out into laughter.

"Don't tell me you are going to keep that thing," Tayuya said.

"Of course I am," Sasame said, "I told him I would."

"A little young don't you think," Kin said jokingly.

Shrugging Sasame said, "For now. But who knows how he'll turn out in a few years. Besides I don't want to end up an old maid like Tayuya."

"What did you say bitch," Tayuya said.

Sasame skipped forward a few steps before turning and pulled the skin down near her eye saying, "I don't think it needs repeating." She then took off running as Tayuya chased her shouting obscenities. Kin for her part just shook her head as she considered asking Haku if he knew anyone he could introduce to her teammate.

---

Naruto was lying on a roof staring up at the clouds finalizing his plans for Operation: Dating Two Very Dangerous Kunoichi Who Will Probably Kill Me. Since his operation hadn't already ended in failure he was positive that the two girls hadn't told each other yet. That all but told him that at the very least on some level they understood the same thing as him. That by dating one it would change the dynamics between all three of them. Naruto didn't want that, but as Haku pointed out he could simply lose both of them anyway.

He wanted them to be happy but at the same time didn't want to be the cause of destroying the friendship the two girls shared with each other. Therefore he'd show them each the time of their lives before telling them why it wouldn't work between them afterwards.

He was forced to put his thoughts on hold as the sun was blocked out. Directing his gaze to the obstruction he said, "What's up Konohamaru?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure"

"Well I know a guy and there are these two girls. He likes both of them, but lately I… I mean he can't spend time with them without them trying to bite each other's head off. "

Sitting up Naruto rubbed his forehead in annoyance saying, "Did Haku send you to razz me?"

"What no, this is a serious question boss," Konohamaru said unaware of Naruto's own mounting problem.

Standing and waving behind him as he walked off sure that Konohamaru was part of some trick by Haku he said, "Well whatever you do, don't promise to get some foreign priestess pregnant otherwise things will just get worse."

"Huh," Konohamaru said making a confused face before realizing his rival was leaving. "What kind of advice is that?"

"The best kind, believe it."

---

Kushina watched patiently as her test was graded by the Chunin that had entered as she took it. Finally the young man looked up and said, "Lady Kushina?"

"Yes,"

"Um, I hate to ask this but you did become a chunin right?"

"I was a jounin by the time of the Kyuubi attack. Why do you ask?"

"Well while you did pass. Some of these questions appeared on the chunin exam and you only got one of them right."

Blushing in embarrassment she said, "Really again. Damn I really thought I answered the one about throwing in a kunai in a tree right this time around."

Iruka's eyes went wide as he flipped to the question and holding it up showed a stick person in a tree and a line that indicated the path of the kunai with another stick figure who the kunai was imbedded in before he said, "You drew a picture."

"Well…if the situation the question described were to happen, do you really think I'd be sitting there calculating wind speed and all that other nonsense? I'd just throw the kunai."

"That nonsense is what I try and impart to my students," Iruka said.

"Well it's still silly if you ask me," Kushina replied with a shrug. "You should have the kids go outside and throw the kunai instead."

Sarutobi chuckled at the exchange before saying, "Still the poor student as always Kushina. Did she manage to pass this written exam?"

"Yes…but barely sir. Perhaps it would be best if she remains a civilian for the time being."

"What! Passing is still passing," Kushina said.

"That may be but…"

Holding up his hand Sarutobi said, "Iruka, trust me although her book skills are low if you watch her in action it will silence all doubts as to her true ability."

Kushina stood excitedly saying, "Alright I'll see you there."

Kushina quickly left the room heading to the Academy locker-room to strip out of her dress. Reaching into a bag she pulled out a blue and black jumpsuit. She had seen an orange one just like it that she had almost bought for Naruto so they could match but in the end had only bought the one. Pulling it on she smiled at the comfortable fit and admiring herself in the mirror struck a pin-up girl pose for a moment before blowing herself a kiss. Giggling she gathered up her things to head to the training field and the physical portion of her test.

---

Kotohime felt good as she exited the shower as it had been too long since she had been able to enjoy one at home. For most of the past three years she had been a key member in Jiraiya's spy network. She had been the one that had passed the information of Iwa's jinchuriki being kidnapped to Konoha having attained a position as a court musician in the Land of Earth Daimyo's court. She had only recently been called back to shift her focus on Ame at Jiraiya's behest. However, she had stopped in the village for a little downtime before needing to get back on the road again.

All Jiraiya had said about the mission was to locate one of three people of interest. He had given vague descriptions of them, but had said they could be radically different as it had been years since he had seen any of them. Still if they were out there Kotohime vowed to find them not willing to let her adopted home down, since although Jiraiya hadn't said why he wanted them found had been antsy enough that she knew it was important.

Dressing in a thin robe, she heard knocking at her door so went to answer it. Opening the door, she came face to face with Naruto Uzumaki who said, "Hey, um…do you have a minute?" Nodding, she opened the door to let him in.

---

Kurenai looked over her shoulder to see that Gai still appeared to be rather pale. She directed her attention to the two chunin with them, Izumo and Kotetsu, who also noted her boyfriend's condition. Following his line of sight, she saw him staring at their opponent who was standing on the opposite side of the field stretching. Wondering why the red-head was affecting him so she asked, "Guy, what's wrong?"

"This is bad," he said sounding as grave as when he'd talk about Lee accidently ingesting alcohol.

"I know it seems unfair for her to face two jounin and chunin," she said soothingly, "but she was the one that wanted the physical part of her recert test to be the Gauntlet."

"That isn't what I mean," Gai said near hysterically surprising Kurenai as well as the chunin. "We don't have nearly enough people to make this test even partially fair."

Both chunin snorted with Kotetsu saying, "Come on Guy. She's going to be lucky to score high enough that they consider letting her rejoin as a genin."

Guy noticed that Kushina stiffened causing him to say fearfully, "I…I think she heard you."

The two chunin waved it off as Guy being eccentric but Kurenai had seen him face enemies that she doubted even Kakashi could defeat as easily as Guy had. Getting close to him she asked, "She's only one woman. I'm sure you can take her."

Calming slightly he replied, "I know most of her history is classified but she would show up to train with Team Minato from time to time." Shivering slightly he continued, "Sometimes I would participate due to my rivalry with Kakashi and when she would appear well…" For a brief moment he saw Kushina standing in a center of the training field the battered and broken bodies of Team Minato as well as his own scattered about around her. Her eyes seemed to be glowing white and her hair was waving around like tails causing him to shiver again as he said, "She lacks the ability to hold back and fights like a demon."

Proving that she could hear what they were saying Kushina said, "You still say the sweetest things Guy."

"Oh Kami," Guy said fearfully. Turning towards the two chunin he said, "Do you have your Kunai blades and mace."

"Yeah, but…" Izumo began to say.

Only to be cut off by Gai as he said, "Trust me you are going to need them." Getting into his fighting stance he straightened and turning serious said, "Lady Kushina, I too cannot hold back here."

"I'd be angry if you did," she replied sweetly causing the jounin to gulp.

A sudden shout of, "You can do it mom," washed over the training field.

Kushina smiled but didn't take her eyes off Guy saying, "My son is watching and I can't bear the idea of looking uncool in front of him."

Gai nodded sensing the rest of the team meant to defeat her taking up positions around him. Sarutobi raised his hand near the other spectators and the moment he dropped it Kushina was charging the team much to their surprise.

Gai though recovered quickly charging as well but Kushina created a clone that tossed her over him before engaging the jounin. Kushina landed in front of Kurenai with the two chunin on either side of her. Kurenai reacted first throwing a punch that Kushina caught around the wrist and sensing her clones defeat tossed her at the Jounin who was charging to reengage her.

Guy caught Kurenai and winced in sympathy as Kushina backhanded Kotetsu with her closed fist sending him spinning away. Izumo jumped away attempting to unseal the weapons that he carried and as Guy had suggested. However, Kushina wasn't about to allow that to happen. Flashing several hand-signs a whip of water appeared in her hand. She then cracked it and wrapped it around Izumo's wrist before pulling him towards her. As he flew in the air, she leapt at him as well catching him in the chest with a kick. She landed on his chest causing Izumo's limbs to flop into the air before falling back to the ground.

As she stepped off of him, she said spinning the water whip around, "That's one."

Kotetsu landed next to Kurenai and Gai saying, "Shouldn't someone remind her that we're all from the same village."

"She knows," Gai said taking in Izumo's unconscious form, "That's why he's not dead."

Smiling sweetly Kushina said, "Well is one chunin enough to be considered a genin. Guess I'll take out both to make sure."

Kotetsu tried to say, "About before…"

But Kushina made a cross hand-sign and disappeared in the smoke from which several clones shot forward. Kurenai and Gai moved to engage them since it appeared as she had said she was targeting Kotetsu. The chunin watched as the clones engaged the two jounin in battle. Looking around the battlefield he saw the scroll that Izumo had dropped as the red-head had attacked him. He rushed forward and almost made it but tripped just out of reach of it.

Starring at his foot he saw a hand around it and screamed as it pulled him into the ground up to his chin. Kushina appeared in front of him saying, "That's two."

She dispelled her remaining clones allowing Gai to focus on her. The Green Beast of Battle charged her while Kurenai took up a position behind him flashing through multiple hand signs. Kushina focused on Gai positive the woman was about to use a genjutsu on her. She blocked Gai's punch before lashing out with one of her own. Gai caught it though and attempted to kick her in return. The kick connected sending her skidding over the ground.

As she regained her footing she suddenly became aware of a tree sprouting from behind her. The tree grew branches which grabbed her pulling her close to the trunk binding her to it. A moment later Kurenai appeared above her from the trunk of the tree saying, "Yield."

"Why, when I have you right where I want you?"

Kurenai felt a light-headed sensation before shaking it off to see that they had switched places, "How…"

"How did someone with no talent in genjutsu cast a genjutsu reflection? For the answer to that, look to your wrist."

Doing as instructed Kurenai could see a seal that she assumed Kushina had placed on her when she had grabbed her earlier. She looked up in surprise just in time to see Kushina bring her hand down knocking her out.

Gai had watched as both women stiffen and confident that Kurenai had the upper hand waited for the fight to end. Needless to say, he was surprised when Kurenai was the one to fall to the ground. Kushina shook her head and getting her bearings locked eyes with Guy.

Gai prepared to meet his end bravely but before Kushina could charge Sarutobi said, "I believe that Kushina has adequately shown she is worthy of rejoining the ranks of her fellow shinobi." Guy blew out a breath before moving to Kurenai to make sure she was alright.

Kushina was quickly hugged by Naruto who said, "You rocked mom. You completely floored those guys."

"Indeed," Sarutobi said joining them. Watching as Iruka helped Kotetsu from the ground he said, "You still have something to learn about restraint though. I shudder to think of what tortures you have inflicted onto Guy in the past to make him react to you like that. Come to think of it Kakashi was also hesitant to participate despite his recent clean bill of health."

Blushing in embarrassment Kushina said, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Smiling knowingly Sarutobi said, "Well regardless, report to the photographer to have your I.D. photo updated tomorrow."

Kurenai allowed Gai to help her to her feet. Leaning on him, she said, "I'm glad she's on our side." Gai simply nodded before smiling at her. Directing her attention to the two Uzumaki who were walking away talking animatedly she thought of her father and his request he made of her on the night of the Kyuubi attack. Looking up at the man she was against she began to consider finally fulfilling it.

---

"Man, I still can't believe how cool you were back there," Naruto said walking back to the village with his mom.

"You don't think your father was the only talented shinobi in our family do you," Kushina asked giving a mock pout.

"No," Naruto said quickly causing his mother to laugh.

Naruto smiled at his mom but feeling the sensation of one of the clones he had left with Kotohime dispelling felt his good mood slip a little bit. Kushina sensed it and wanting to broach him about the reason she suspected said, "It's a shame Sakura and Hinata couldn't come." As she expected Naruto's smile slipped further so she asked, "You aren't fighting with them, are you?"

"No…not exactly," Naruto admitted before adding almost silently, "At least not yet."

Not catching the last part Kushina said, "Naruto, you can tell me anything you know."

Naruto nodded, but unsure of how to put his problem instead asked, "Mom, how did you know dad was the one?"

Kushina blushed but answered saying, "Well after he rescued me from Kumo… nobody really stood out in my eyes."

"Were there a lot of girls after him?"

"Tons, but I sent those hussies packing, believe it," Kushina said grabbing her wrist in a gesture Naruto had come to recognize as his mom recalling her beating up on people. Calming, Kushina added, "Although to be honest they only showed up after your dad became a war hero. By then we were already together."

"Really," Naruto replied honestly surprised.

"Oh yeah, your father didn't stand out until during the war. Jiraiya and Sarutobi knew he was destined for big things. But Minato was really humble and didn't try to draw attention to himself, therefore a lot of girls passed him over for the more flashy shinobi of the day. Does that help any?"

Seeing the hopeful look on his mom's face Naruto said, "Tons, thanks mom. I'll see you at home."

Kushina watched her son take off down the path and although positive that her recalling the past with Minato didn't help solve Naruto's problem, hoped everything turned out alright for him.

---

Sakura was looking over the book on Uchiha poisons that Tsunade had provided for her to study from. She could hear Hinata in the kitchen area humming to herself as she prepared dinner for them. Looking up from the book Sakura felt a small pang of guilt that tomorrow she and Naruto would be going on a date and if everything went well she'd no doubt be responsible for some pain in her friend's life. Still, she was hard pressed not to feel the same lightheartedness as her roommate, although she had yet to find a way to broach the subject.

Putting that matter away for the moment Sakura again studied the book trying to process all that Tsunade had told her. Although she was positive her mentor wasn't being entirely truthful about why she suddenly felt it necessary to have Sakura study poisons associated with Sasuke's clan. She was hard pressed to deny it was a precaution worth pursuing, especially after learning about some of the poisons the Uchiha had come up with.

The book Sakura was studying from was a copy of the actual one that rested in the Senju compound. The original had been pieced together from the many notes accumulated from the centuries of battle between the two clans. While many knew of the ancient enmity the two clans had held for each other as well as it being the cause of Madara Uchiha's betrayal. Sakura had only learned yesterday that the First Hokage's life had been stolen by a poison that was listed in the book, the Wasting Disease.

When Sakura had asked if that meant it had no cure, Tsunade had said, "It didn't during the time of my grandfather. At least the Senju didn't have one and when we implored the Uchiha for help they claimed none had existed." As she had spoken Sakura noticed that her teacher's hands had been clenched into painful looking fists that shook with her rage. Calming only slightly Tsunade said, "But truthfully I believe that they did, but that they viewed this poison as their ultimate trump card so were unwilling to hand over an antidote."

Sakura nodded and although saddened by the idea, knew that despite the peace Konoha's founding had brought about many clans still kept secrets from one another. "I take it there is one now though," Sakura said pressing on.

"Yes," Tsunade said sporting a unfamiliar blush of embarrassment as she added, "Back when Team Hiruzen was still whole Orochimaru approached me with the idea of finding a cure for it."

"I find that hard to believe," Sakura said skeptically.

"You'd be surprised," Tsunade said with a hint of a mild rebuke. "Not all monsters show their true nature so early in life, just as some heroes give off the air of buffoonery before showing their true nature." Although Sakura couldn't be positive she had the distinct impression Tsunade was referring to Jiraiya, causing her to wonder why her teacher's cheeks were turning redder. Getting ahold of herself, Tsunade continued, "Anyway, it was all a ploy to gain access to my grandfather's DNA. Still with his help I was able to come up with a cure, although it has never been actually tested."

Sakura nodded but asked, "Why have me learn this now though? Do you believe Sasuke would use such things? I know he might be lost to Konoha, but poisons seem beneath him for some reason."

"Perhaps, but perhaps not," Tsunade said before adding, "But consider this. Despite going over every inch of the Uchiha district recently due to those uncovered tunnels, we have found no trace of how to make any of the poisons you will find in that book. Therefore someone has access to them and will no doubt use them, most likely against Naruto or those he cares for."

"How can you be sure of that?"

"Experience," Tsunade said before telling her to flip to the first page to begin her lesson.

Sakura shivered a little at how sure Tsunade had sounded and was glad when Hinata said, "Dinner," to distract her from her thoughts. Closing the book Sakura made her way to the table and sitting was surprised to see it lined with her favorite dishes.

"I wasn't aware that it was my birthday," Sakura said teasingly.

Hinata smiled but Sakura noted it didn't reach her eyes as she said, "I just thought it would be nice to make a dinner I'd know you'd enjoy."

---

After Naruto had left, Konohamaru had spent the day training in stealth and avoidance although he doubted the two girls looking for him would appreciate him thinking of it that way. Unfortunately it was proving quite difficult to remain hidden as one of his pursuers was a Hyuuga. He had no idea why Hanabi and Moegi were suddenly working together but was positive that if they caught him it would be bad for him in the long run. Suddenly from his vantage point on a nearby rooftop he saw Moegi create two shadow clones. They then ran in opposite directions from the two girls. Eyes going wide, he realized that the clones were trying to get around him.

Moving quickly he took the only path available to him and could almost feel the two girls give pursuit. Dropping down from a rooftop, he cursed realizing he was trapped right back where he started the day which was the Main Gate of Konoha. Considering how late it was getting he doubted the guards would let him leave without a mission authorization pass. He heard two sets of feet hitting the ground behind him so spinning said, "Ha-ha, guess you caught me."

"Konohamaru," the two girls said dangerously.

Taking a step back and praying to whatever gods would listen that some miracle would happen his wish was granted in the form of a demure voice saying, "Konohamaru?"

Spinning he saw a familiar looking girl and for a moment imagined her a few years younger. Recognizing her he said, "Kaede?"

Smiling brightly the girl said, "It is you Konohamaru. I had trouble recognizing you because you cover your face with the scarf now."

Pulling it down below his chin Konohamaru said, "I wear it like that because of the boss."

Tilting her head Kaede said confused, "Boss?"

"I'll explain it as we catch up," Konohamaru said walking towards her.

"What about your friends?"

Almost forgetting the two girls he turned to see them staring at him and Kaede in confusion so said, "Hanabi, Moegi, this is Kaede Yoshino she is a friend of mine. Her parents were transferred out of Konoha on a mission shortly before the Sound-Sand invasion."

"A close friend, right Konohamaru," Kaede said getting closer to the boy causing him to blush. "You did get me a fabled red four lea clover to make my wish come true."

Konohamaru smiled at the memory saying, "Yeah, boy was grandpa mad when he had to rescue me from the training field they were at."

"By the way, where are your parents?"

"Oh they're still on their mission. I'm here to get things ready for their return."

"You're moving back that's great Kaede," Konohamaru said excitedly.

"I'm glad to hear that," Kaede replied with a shy smile, "I'll see you later then Konohamaru, so we can catch up. I still have to attend to some things."

"Sure," Konohamaru said waving to her as she left with a bright smile. Turning to Moegi and Hanabi he said, "I'll see you two later," and then began running in the direction of his house.

Standing there feeling like they had been blindsided by fate Moegi asked, "What was that?"

Shaking her head, Hanabi said, "I don't know."

---

Naruto admired his reflection one last time in the mirror. Swallowing heavily he turned to gaze upon his desk where the various preparations he had made for the night laid. Among them was a script to a popular new play that had opened recently in the theater district as well as a Koto he had borrowed from Kotohime after learning to play it from her. There was also a map since he knew that he'd have to be careful to make sure that the path his clones would take while escorting the girls wouldn't converge. All in all he knew he'd have to handle the night with careful timing.

He made his way out of his room to find his mom wasn't home, no doubt arguing with Sakura's about some matter related to the district. It was just as well though since Naruto still wasn't sure how to bring up the matter with her. Especially as after breakfast a note had been slid under the door and his mom had opened it. It had been from Sakura and told him to pick her up at Ino's. She had teased him asking if it was a date. When he had confirmed as much she had then asked, "What about Hinata?"

That had surprised Naruto since he hadn't been aware his mom knew about the two girls' feelings. But instead of telling her he had a date with her as well said, "I'll talk to her." He knew his mom suspected there was more going on but she nodded on the way to have her picture taken for her I.D before heading to the council chambers.

Focusing on the present, he created two clones with one using the door to pick up Hinata and the other used the window to pick up Sakura. After his clone escorted Hinata out of the apartment building he then took the window heading to his first location.

Hinata was blindfolded as she took the forest path outside of Konoha with Naruto guiding her along. To get outside the village they had taken one of the lesser gates that generally didn't have guards at them during the night. Naruto had then pulled out the blind fold asking if she mind. She didn't, but getting a little restless finally asked, "Are we there yet?"

Naruto chuckled, before saying, "Yeah," and removed the cloth from her eyes. What awaited her was a clearing surrounded by paper lanterns. A small table was set up by which a clone of Naruto dressed as a waiter waited holding a cloth napkin over his forearm. To the side another clone this one a dressed version of Naruto in his sexy jutsu knelt next to a Koto.

Naruto walked her to the table pulling out her chair for her before taking his own seat. "Naruto," she said blown away by all the preparations he made, "this is incredible."

Naruto smiled saying, "Thanks…but see if you feel the same after the same song is played for the hundredth time."

Hinata giggled as the clone began playing the instrument, "I didn't know you played an instrument."

"I didn't, at least until yesterday," Naruto said with a smile, "sadly even with a hundred clones all I managed to learn was one song and that I have no talent for music."

The waiter clone came up to the table handing a menu to Hinata saying, "I believe I'll know what you'll be having sir, but how about you my dear."

Hinata giggled at the snotty voice Naruto's clone was using before taking the menu. Opening it she saw that it was filled with dishes from several different restaurants since where it would come from was listed next to each meal. Telling the waiter what she wanted, she watched as it went to another clone passing on the information. The clone then dispelled no doubt informing another clone waiting in the village, where it would then place the order and deliver the meal.

Hinata turned back to Naruto asking, "What about you?"

"Ramen, of course," Naruto said sending her a bright smile.

Hinata smiled and nodded saying, "Of course," before making small talk confident tonight was going to be a memorable one.

---

Sakura thanked Naruto as he held open the door to the Academy for her before taking her arm again. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise," Naruto said giving her a bright smile.

Making their way through the quiet halls she asked, "Is it really alright for us to be here?"

Reaching the auditorium door Naruto held it open for her and Sakura was surprised to see a bunch of people standing on the stage practicing. "What's this?"

"Well I was going to take you to that new play, but wouldn't you know it the thing was sold out. So I decide to put it on for you myself," Naruto said brightly.

Naruto led her to a table at the front of the stage and pulled out her chair. After pushing it back in he took his own seat and smiled as he told her to pick what she wanted to eat from the menu sitting in front of her. She told him what she wanted and Naruto relayed it to a clone that dispelled itself to pass the message on.

As they waited the curtain on the stage closed and Sakura could hear the sound of the clones moving about. When it opened again she saw several people standing on the stage and could only assume they were henged to look like the actors. As the clones began reciting their lines Sakura watched on positive the night would be a memorable one.

---

Naruto was running towards the restaurant that Hinata had ordered from. As he made his way there he paused a moment to receive Sakura's order as well. He spent a moment looking over the river that ran through Konoha. As he looked at it he thought it'd be a romantic spot to visit sometime. Shaking the thought off he hurried on his way glad that thus far things seemed to be going his way.

---

Hinata snuggled a little closer into his side as they reentered the village. The clone blushed at the contact and feeling rather romantic decided on a path towards where Naruto was waiting that would take them past the river having received an image of it during the night. As they walked the clone Naruto said, "Sorry, I'm sure hearing the same song over and over again seemed a little repetitive."

"Not at all," Hinata said. But receiving a skeptical look from Naruto admitted, "Well maybe a little. But you played it well."

Naruto chuckled causing Hinata to relax afraid she had offended him. Snuggling once again into his side she loved the way the moon played off the water of the river. Looking away from it she could see another pair of young lovers making their way down the path towards them. Losing herself in the moment she closed her eyes allowing Naruto to guide her along and only opened them when she felt Naruto stiffen. Wondering what was behind his sudden apprehension she focused on the two coming towards them only to wonder why it was Naruto who was with Sakura.

"What…" she began but stopped as her Naruto said, while moving closer to his counterpart, "Hey what's the big idea you're supposed to be taking another path."

"I could ask you the same thing," Sakura's Naruto replied getting in his doppelganger's face, "You aren't supposed to be here either."

"I wanted to give Hinata a romantic night."

"Well Sakura deserved one also."

The two clones continued arguing until a deathly sounding, "Naruto," emitted from behind each of them. Spinning they went back to back only to see their two dates closing with them. Sakura was cracking her knuckles while Hinata approached with the bangs of her hair covering her eyes. Fearfully a clone said, "Dammit, I knew this was a bad idea. The boss is on his own." Puffing into smoke he was soon followed by his counterpart.

As the two clones disappeared, both Sakura and Hinata glared at one another. However, they both calmed before Sakura said, "I guess we both sort of had this coming huh?"

Hinata nodded saying, "Sorry…I should have told you. I was going to during dinner last night but chickened out."

Sakura nodded but said, "Well I should have too. Sorry, I just didn't know how to put it where you wouldn't be hurt."

"What should we do now?"

"I don't know, but I just want to go home and to bed."

Hinata nodded and followed next to Sakura as they neared their home she asked, "What about Naruto?"

"I'm not sure, can we talk about it later."

"That's not what I mean, his clones were pretty scared. He might be afraid we are hunting him down right now."

Placing the key in the apartment door and opening it slightly, Sakura said, "Yeah, maybe we should go find him."

She was about to shut the door when Naruto said from inside the apartment, "That's alright. But we need to talk."

Sakura opened the door fully to reveal Naruto sitting on their couch. Unlike his clones from earlier he appeared a little haggard and they guessed it was because he had pretended to be the clone that had delivered the food. Standing he said, "I'm sorry you found out like this. I was going to wait till morning, but I guess with all the creating of clones and what not, things got a little confusing."

"They said they felt we deserved a romantic night," Hinata said poking her fingers together.

"You do," Naruto said, "I just wish I could be the one that gave it to you."

"You did," Hinata quickly said, "I mean the dinner was lovely and…"

"That's not what I mean," Naruto said gently cutting her off. "I mean I care deeply for you," directing his gaze to Sakura he added, "both of you. And it makes me sad when you fight and my being the reason behind it." Rubbing his hair in frustration he said, "I really wish I was good at this kind of thing… but despite how much I care for you both it would be a bad idea for me to pursue a relationship with either of you."

"Why," Sakura said, "I mean…"

"Because Sakura," Naruto said again interrupting, "Despite both of you living under the same roof you didn't talk to each other. I think you both know why and that is if I chose one and exclude the other then somebody's feeling are going to get hurt. Maybe some would say that is the way things are supposed to be, but I don't want to be the reason behind it. You are important to each other just like you are important to me." Making his way to the door he said over his shoulder, "I'm sorry if that disappoints you two. But I really don't see any alternative but to keep things between us strictly platonic. Good night."

After Naruto left Hinata and Sakura stood there for a few minutes before making their way to their rooms. Before entering them, they shared a sad look before turning in for the night.

---

Hinata woke up feeling terrible, since sleep had been hard to come by. Deciding that despite feeling that it was the last thing she wanted to do, getting out of bed was necessary. She groggily pulled herself from the comfortable covers. Making her way to the shower she turned on the water hoping the hot water would give her some energy by which to face the day.

Although it did temporarily, by the time she got dressed she felt the same dark cloud settle above her. Plopping on the couch she wondered if it would be alright to eat the pint of ice cream sitting in the fridge to help her get over the events of the previous night. But the ice cream was granted a reprieve by a knock at the door. Sighing, she pulled herself from the couch to answer the door only to see Haku on the other side.

Smiling cheerfully he said, "Do you mind if I come in?" Hinata considered telling him that she did but motioned him inside before retaking her place on the couch. Looking around Haku asked, "Is Sakura here?"

"No, I heard her leave earlier."

Nodding he took a chair by her saying, "I take it Naruto came clean about his feelings."

"Only so far as he said dating me was a bad idea," Hinata said leaning her head back against the couch to stare up at the ceiling.

"I think you mean you and Sakura, don't you," Haku said, trying to keep a smile from his face as Hinata's head shot up.

Hinata glared at him but it softened as she nodded her acceptance of the correction. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" Hinata shook her head so Haku asked, "Well would you be alright with him dating Sakura?"

"Why… did he say he wanted too?"

"No," Haku said quickly, "and from your reaction I think you would be bothered by it. Perhaps if he had chosen her it would make you wonder what was wrong with you. Am I correct?"

"No, I'd…be happy for them." However even to her own ears Hinata had to admit it sounded like a lie.

Smiling sadly Haku said, "I know you'd try, but I don't imagine it would be easy." Continuing he added, "Still only Naruto would think it was a good idea to give you a taste of what you wanted before telling you why it's a bad idea. You know for as long as I've known him. He's held both of you in a special place in his heart. Despite all the hardships our lives as missing-nin piled on us, he was never sad or complained about it. I think it was because as long as he believed the two of you were safe he could take on anything." Standing Haku said, "I know I speak the truth when I say all Naruto wants is for the both of you to be happy, and he'd rather both of you be happy with someone else then only one of you with him. Perhaps in time one of you will find someone freeing the other to date Naruto if you still desired too."

As Haku left, Hinata stared at Sakura's door for a while before deciding that they needed to talk.

---

"And then I found out I was dating a clone …" Sakura said trailing off as she filled Ino in on her date.

"That jerk," Ino said but was surprised when Sakura shook her head.

"It's not entirely his fault. Both Hinata and I purposely asked a clone out in order to get our date. I guess Naruto only figured it was fair that we spent the night with one."

"Still…"

"It's alright Ino," Sakura said calmly, "I guess Naruto was also right about why it's a bad idea for us to date."

Before Ino could respond, the bell to the front door of her shop sounded causing both girls to direct their attention to Hinata as she entered. Smiling gently Hinata said, "Ino, I need to speak with Sakura."

Sakura dropped down from the counter saying, "I'll see you later, Ino," before following the Hyuuga outside.

The two walked in silence before Hinata asked, "How was your date with Naruto?"

Sakura was surprised at the topic but recalled, "It was great. Although the clones kept getting the lines of the play wrong, it somehow made the night more enjoyable and memorable. Especially the way Naruto kept blushing when they'd screw up. What about you?"

"Naruto set up a romantic dinner outside of Konoha with a Koto playing clone that only knew one song," Hinata said smiling at the memory. "I could tell by the end of dinner Naruto was getting quite sick of it, but it didn't bother me since he told me that he learned it for the occasion."

"I guess he couldn't learn more because he was trying to learn the lines to the play," Sakura said.

"Or he couldn't get the play exactly right in order to get one song correct." When Sakura nodded, Hinata asked, "Would you go on another date if he asked you?"

Sakura looked at her in surprised but asked, "Would you?"

"Yes," Hinata said without hesitation.

"Me too."

Hinata nodded already suspecting as much before saying, "Do you remember our promise?"

"That we'd stand out of the way of whoever landed Naruto and would wish the victor nothing but happiness," Sakura said remembering the day in the hospital shortly after Hinata's woke up from the injuries she sustained during the Sasuke retrieval mission.

"Yes, to be honest I think we were a little naïve then."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I don't think I could be happy for you if you ended up with Naruto."

Sakura looked surprised at the confession but said, "Yeah, I know what you mean. I guess Naruto was right in saying it was a bad idea."

A half smile appeared on Hinata's face before she said, "Actually, he was only partially right." Sakura looked at her in confusion so she said, "What I'm proposing might sound a little different but I think it's the best solution to our problem."

---

"Um, so to get this straight your asking me to implement the CRA in order to allow both of you to date Naruto," Kushina said eyeing the two girls kneeling in front of her.

"That's not entirely correct," Sakura said smiling at the way Kushina was lounging on the dais she was sitting on as it reminded her of how disrespectful Naruto had sat in the presence of Shion, "While we're asking for your blessing for both of us dating Naruto. We're actually asking you to make sure nobody can use the CRA to muscle into our relationship."

Hinata nodded saying, "The CRA, was created to clear the way for multiple marriages to a lone male survivor of a clan. It was a way to clear away all the politics in case the marriages were to members of different clans or countries. Truthfully it was also authored with the idea that the male was also the head of the clan. Your own survival means you have the right to deny its use."

Scratching her cheek Kushina said, "Granted, I think it's a rule that only a pervert like Jiraiya would love but still I don't exactly feel I have the right to deny Naruto the opportunity to use it if he wanted too. Besides wouldn't you need it Hinata, since I can't imagine your clan would be pleased at the idea of you dating someone outside your clan?"

"No, and while rare, marriages outside the clan do happen, and since my father is well aware of my feelings for your son and has done nothing to discourage me from pursuing a relationship. I can only feel he will support me in my endeavors, despite this probably unforeseen outcome. But things for me may become noticeably harder if the CRA was active since although the elder's of my clan will no doubt not be thrilled with me being in such a relationship. They will definitely not stand for one where I am but one of many brides as it will diminish the importance of the Hyuuga in their eyes."

"Besides, Lady Kushina," Sakura said, "Naruto already told us that he couldn't date us because he couldn't bear the idea of hurting one of us. That means that as far as he is concerned the idea of dating multiple girls is just a pipedream. I honestly don't think Naruto would take advantage of it even if he knew of it. For all we know he'll turn us down as well, but we just want your permission to go ahead with talking to him about it really."

"While I agree with you about him, what if I refused to not implement it?"

Hinata and Sakura smiled at each other before saying, "Then we'd just have to make sure he'd never have a reason to look elsewhere."

Kushina smiled before saying, "Then I guess the only thing for me to say is good luck."

---

Lying on his father's head on the Hokage monument Naruto once again stared up at the sky. In truth he had been nothing but a bundle of nerves all day. Although it had only occurred to him after leaving the girls' apartment he realized that for all he knew they'd want nothing to do with him as a result of his speech. He was hoping his father would send him some sign that everything would turn out alright but thus far all he had gotten was hungry. He was about to sit up and leave when the sun was blocked. Focusing on the reason he sat up quickly and turned to face the two girls. He was about to get up to his feet while saying, "Hinata, Sakura…" when both Hinata and Sakura dropped to their knees placing their fingers on his lips.

Hinata went first saying, "You said plenty last night it's our turn."

Sakura then said, "Naruto, both Hinata and I care for you deeply. So much so, that the thought of you with another woman makes us unbearably sad."

Hinata nodded as she continued adding, "But you also had a point since we even saw each other as rivals. And the idea of one of us dating you and not being that person also would hurt."

"Therefore we've decided that if you are willing we'd both like to date you," Sakura said inching closer to his face.

Pulling her finger away Hinata asked, "Well what do you think?"

"I-I'm not sure I understand what you're saying?"

"What we're saying…," Sakura said aware that Hinata was mirroring her actions as she kissed his cheek.

Pulling her lips away Hinata finished Sakura's sentence adding, "Is that Naruto, you've hit the jackpot."

Naruto just moved his gaze to stare at both girls who simply stared back waiting to hear his reply. Eventually a big grin broke across his face giving both girls all the answer they needed. Meanwhile in the back of Naruto's mind at a lonely grave that marked the final resting place of Chibi-Jiraiya a hand burst forth from the ground.

---

A man looked over his shoulder at his apprentice before shouting, "Come on Amaru. I know it's hard but keep up. We need to reach Konoha if we're going to help your village."

"I'm trying master. Are you sure those shinobi will help?"

"Quite, don't forget the Hokage herself is in my debt. I'm sure she'll honor it by lending us some aid."

"Will it be enough?"

Smiling sinisterly while facing away from his apprentice he said sounding ever the optimistic medic, "Oh I'm positive it'll be more than enough."