Votes (this has now closed and these are the results)

a) Sakura comes around in the end (note, there will be minimal bashing) – 3

b) Continue, Sakura's a bitch – 8

c) Something else interiorly – 7

Ok, the votes state that b) wins, however I found it really strange that majority (besides one vote) of c) was the same thing. So, I'm combining the two.

Result; Sakura bashing will commence however after a bit it will go into the backgrounds and be left alone until I'm in a mood and want more bashing. Thanks for the votes – any ideas on how to go about the bashing let me know.

Right... Sorry about the late update again. I've been a little busy with assessments and other family problems. Please forgive the tardiness. Anyways, this is a belated birthday gift for my Birthday yesterday. I was too busy to finish it before hand to post it yesterday.

I have another chapter on the way for Liason; please check it out. Due to demands, I'm continuing it and making it into a snarry. Another fanfiction is in the process as well – it will most likely be a oneshot and I won't post it until it's finished.

Thanks for the reviews guys.

On to Chapter 8....

Naruto waved cutely over Sasuke's shoulder as they left Iruka and Kakashi's apartment later that afternoon. They had a couple of hours to kill before heading over to the Hokage Tower, to talk to the Hokage – something that Sasuke was both anticipating and dreading. Tightening his grip on the child as they once again passed through the market, Sasuke glared at any and all villagers to even glance their way. No one was going to hurt his dobe again if he could help it. Turning down the next street into the quieter parts of the village he looked at the few stalls around the place.

A shriek stopped him in his tracks as a flying yellow blur ran out of a flower shop and skidded to a stop in front of them.

"Aww, my little baby Naru-chan. What has Sasuke put you in?" Ino said as she rubbed noses with Naruto, the little boy giggling happily.

Sasuke stared at the blonde in shock, 'What had he put him in?'. He looked at the blonde child in his arms – he had a neutral white T-shirt with a green frog on it, and tanned pants that came to his knees and sneakers. (1) He couldn't see anything wrong with it – in fact most of the kids he saw running around were wearing similar clothing. Naruto didn't need a nappy, so what had he done wrong? Had he put the clothes on back to front? No. Inside-out? No. Naruto had all the right body parts in all the right holes.

He looked up inquiringly at the girl.

Ino just giggled god-naturedly before picking Naruto up out of his arms and started towards the shop – Sasuke trailing behind them. Tickling Naruto and giggling along, she walked inside and called out,

"MUM!!! I've found a cute little model willing to help. Naru-chan's come to play with us~ 3" (2)

Sasuke stared in shocked horror as in just moments, before he could even gain a bearing on what the hell just happened – they were in the back rooms of the shop where Ino and her family lived and Naruto was sporting a sailor's uniform...complete with skirt.

Ino and her mum were cooing over the blonde child as they pulled out outfit after outfit, with Naruto glowing and giggling under all the attention.

Before Sasuke could even think of going into the fray and pulling the child into his arms and high-tailing it out of there, Ino turned back towards him with an evil glint in her eye and smirk on her lips.

"Oh, Sasuke-kun~," she said grinning wider, "we do have some matching outfits – it would look so cute to see you and Naru-chan matching."

Sasuke paled dramatically – which was surprising with his already pale skin tone – and quickly sat himself away from the pair as Ino smirked knowingly and turned her attention back towards the willing child.

'Sorry dobe, you're on your own with this one.'

Sighing, Sasuke and Naruto continued on their trip to the Hokage Tower, for their appointment. Having finally escaped the clutches of Ino and Mrs. Yamanaka (3) with the excuse of having to see the Hokage – something which Sasuke was glad to have – Sasuke looked down at his young charge in his arms. Naruto seemed to be a little happier than he was before, and he was now wearing a cute green shirt with a hoodie in the shape of a frog's head (4) with denim short overalls on top. Sasuke had to admit; Ino knew what she was doing when dressing the dobe – he just wasn't too pleased with the heavy duffle bag he had strapped over his back filled to the brim with more clothes than they would ever need; even if Naruto changed three times per day for a whole year. Not that he was going to mind you – 'No way,' Sasuke thought.

However, on the bright side he had got some really good blackmail material for when Naruto returned to normal – if he returned to normal. Sasuke shook his head at the dark thoughts and smiled down at the blond child looking up at him questioningly. He would come to that when it was time to cross that bridge; in the time being his dobe needed looking after.

"How about we get some ramen on the way home for dinner," Sasuke asked the child, laughing as the small child perked up at the sound of his beloved food.

Arriving at the Hokage Tower; Sasuke was directed into the waiting chairs until the Hokage was ready by an impatient woman with light brown hair pulled up into a bun, and blue framed glasses on the end of her nose. He didn't have to wait long – thank god.

Walking into the Hokage's office, Naruto let out a delighted squeal as the Sandaime smiled grandfatherly behind his desk. Nodding to the Sandaime, his assistant left to go back and do whatever it was she was doing before their arrival.

Smiling, Sasuke sat Naruto down on the Sandaime lap and sat back down in front of the desk. Naruto giggled, and delighted himself with pulling on the Hokage's goatee. Chuckling at the blond's antics, the Hokage turned towards the older boy.

"Afternoon Sasuke, I'm sure you two had an interesting day. I hope Naruto wasn't too much trouble last night?" he said as he watched the normally stoic boy smile gently at the child that was currently tugging his goatee.

He was glad to note that Sasuke's eyes didn't stray far from the child he was so obviously protective of – yes, he had done well to leave Naruto in his care.

"Of course Hokage," Sasuke replied politely,

"Other than a few minor...problems, we have had a good day."

Noting that Sasuke paused slightly before problems, Sandaime chuckled as he remembered his own experiences in babysitting the energetic blond child – or more specifically bath-time.

"That is good. I am very proud of you for taking such a large responsibility so well," the Hokage said.

Sasuke preened a little – not that he would admit it – under the praise. He didn't get much in the way of praises growing up – those idolisations from his peers didn't count.

"Well, we are just waiting on a friend of mine," the Hokage continued.

Soon after he said that, there was a knock on the door before the impatient assistant from before tuck her head in and said in an irritated tone,

"Miyusaki-san is here."

"Send him in please Aya-san," the Sandaime said nodding.

With a frown, the assistant left muttering something about old coots, and a man of medium height and greying brown hair walked in. He was wearing a lond white medics coat over the usual ninja garb. (5) Smiling tiredly, he walked in and said the usual greetings – seating himself in the chair next to Sasuke's.

"Hokage-sama. I've looked into what's happened with the information you've given me yesterday, however, I haven't had much luck," Miyusaki said in a quiet, calm voice.

Naruto – who had stopped his playing and sat down to watch the new comer – brightened at the voice before cooing softly. He placed his thumb in his mouth and sat watching the proceedings with childlike curiosity.

"Do you know what jutsu he attempted to use?" Sasuke asked, as the Hokage nodded in agreement.

Miyusaki, turning towards the dark haired boy said soothingly,

"Not quite. It sounds familiar – but I will have to look into it further. We have no idea what effect the mistake he made could have or even if it could be reversed. This jutsu must have been an older one as it doesn't sound like any of the ones we use now at the hospital."

"I see, perhaps the Medic Records?" Saindaime asked, as Sasuke frowned.

What had his dobe gotten himself into?

"I've been going through that; but with the size of it, it could take awhile – even if the answer is in there," Miyusaki replied,

"Do you know where your friend learnt this jutsu?" he asked Sasuke.

Sasuke just shook his head and answered in the negative. Miyusaki relaxed a little and smiled gently at the concern he could see in the boys eyes. Obviously the child meant something to him.

"It will be ok, I'm sure we will have everything sorted in no time," he said reinsuredly (6) to Sasuke before turning back to the Hokage,

"I would like to do a quick examination of the child before they leave – just to be on the safe side."

The Hokage nodded in agreement. At the slightly panicked look the blond child took and the worried expression on Sasuke's face, Miyusaki smiled gently down at the child.

"It will be alright. Just a quick little check up Naru-chan. It won't hurt at all," he said gently to Naruto,

"You can even sit on Sasuke-kun's lap if you want."

Smiling at both Naruto and Sasuke's reassured faces, he waited patiently for them to settle. Yes, his assumptions were correct, the boy did care for the child.

"Ok, just place your arms here... Yep, just like that. Right, and you can hold his hand if you want Naru-chan, that's alright. Ok, now just sit back and relax – I promise this won't hurt at all. This won't take long."

That said, Miyusaki gently called his chakra into his palm, and the two boys stared in awe as a soft green light surrounded the medic's hand. It was warm and soft. He gently placed his hand just touching Naruto's chest and he closed his eyes. A couple of minutes later the light vanished as Miyusaki sat back with a gentle smile.

"Well done Naru-chan, you did very well," he said smiling at the big yawn the child pulled.

Sasuke turned the child in his arms until he was laying in the crock of them, and started rocking the child slightly – his other curling protectively around him. Naruto in turn snuggled into Sasuke's chest and clutched at his T-shirt.

Smiling at the protectiveness of the last Uchiha heir, he turned to the Hokage.

"He's alright. A few bruises and scraps – though that seems about right for his age. Other than that he is a perfectly healthy if in need of a little more food," he stated.

"Thank-you Miyusaki-san," the Hokage replied, exchanging a knowing grin at Sasuke's expense.

Sasuke nodded his thanks and stated that it would be best to get Naruto home – he still had to stop by the ramen shop on the way.

The Hokage dismissed the two after telling them to come back again at the end of the week for another check-up.

Saying goodbye, Sasuke left the Hokage Tower, nodding in acknowledgement to Aya-san at the front desk, before heading out – Naruto clutched protectively to his chest as he napped for a bit.

TBC

(1) Simular to what Naruto wore when he was a child – only with a cute green frog print instead of the orange spiral.

(2) Yes, you can practically hear the heart in her voice.... scary.

(3) I don't know her name, if anyone does, please let me know.

(4) I think Naruto in frog clothing is absolutely adorable, and green would contrast nicely with his blond hair and blue eyes. I was also thinking about a red kitsuni and a Tora-cat ones too.

(5) Like what Iruka and Kakashi wear, but without the green vests and put on a white doctors coat.

(6) Is this even a word? Or am I spelling it wrong.

Thanks for the reviews. I am now wanting to start the NaruTora War; so if you have any ideas please let me know. The first two ideas sent will possibly appear in the next chapter.

Please let me know what you think.