[A/N: I know, I know, it's late than usual. =_= Forgive me, I overslept and I was tired from training so my body simply woke up late. Anyway, I hope you enjoy and I get to hear your lovely comments for my efforts, ne? ;)]

Next Life

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 7: Past

It was dark. Rhythmic and terse footsteps echoed all throughout the empty, spacious halls lit by numerous oil lamps. It was too loud for his taste, or perhaps it was his heartbeat that rang incessantly in his ears. He didn't know nor did he waste his time for it as the tensed teenage brunet obediently followed behind a tall regal blond. He discretely and nervously gulped down his anxiety. It was his first time in the main palace. To even be before the king's presence was already unnerving enough! He couldn't imagine what his assigned task would be, since even his highness went through the trouble to guide him to the designated room that no one was allowed entrance to.

"Iruka." The king's soft, but firm voice caught his attention.

Iruka nearly jumped, but winced instead when his one week old wound was disturbed. He cleared his throat, "Yes, Hokage-sama?"

The king warmly smiled at him, slowing his pace as his tone became gentle. "Come now. There's no need to be too formal, especially with me. Just call me Minato."

Iruka's aghast expression upon that suggestion made Minato release a loud laugh. The brunet blushed with embarrassment, stuttering, "H-Hokage-sama, I am not worthy of such privilege."

Minato grinned at the young soldier to put him at ease. "Surely not. For the task you will be assigned to is considered mine and my queen's most precious treasure."

Iruka audibly gulped down the boulder in his throat. Good gracious, what had he done to deserve this? He paled at the thought of somehow losing this precious treasure… He could nearly feel his soul detach from his body. Lord, have mercy. He would be disgraced for the rest of his life! He stole a glance at his liege, wondering why he was the one who was summoned. After all, there were so many talented and more experienced warriors than him, why choose him? Why would the king entrust something so crucial to a beginner who was even injured in the recent battle?

Iruka ashamedly lowered his head. He knew that he wasn't the best, since he even got injured on his very first battle. It was a dishonor since he was the only one injured in his batch.

"Iruka, do you know why you're here?" Minato's wise eyes gazed at him, making the teen feel as if he was reading his thoughts. Suddenly, they stopped at the front of a large door, making him guess that this was the designated room. "Well?"

"I'm sorry, Hokage-sama, I have not a clue why I was summoned." Iruka humbly answered.

"I heard that out of all the wizards of your batch, you were the most gifted at barriers, yes?"

Iruka became confused at this query. It was true that he was the most gifted in that area, but having an offensive type of powers was more advantageous than having a defensive type. What was the good of barriers when it only received attacks without reciprocating the damage? It was also known that the upperclassmen were in charge of the defensive side, since they were already experienced and balanced in their offense. He shook his head. "I am fairly good, but I don't follow…"

"I heard that you were injured during the war, correct?"

Iruka winced, his hand subconsciously moving to a part of his chest where he was pierced, feeling if it had somehow opened, because of the pain it brought when mentioned. He couldn't find his voice to answer, so he nodded his head with reluctance.

"I also heard that your wound was due to your saving of a demon child. Is that true?"

Iruka couldn't face the king's face, especially not when he knew that he saved an unholy one's offspring. He slammed his eyes shut with disappointment and fear. He knew that what he did was not even customary, rather it was unthinkable! Despite his rationality, when he saw the unconscious little one, his compassion got the better of him. He couldn't leave an innocent child in the middle of a battlefield! Even though one day that same child could also be his enemy in the future, the boy was still harmless and too weak to even fight for himself! He was defenseless!

"Yes, but…" Iruka abruptly stopped, he wished to excuse his actions, but instead lowly bowed his head in shame. He didn't even have the right to reason his selfish act, he bitterly thought as he awaited the king's response to his silence.

"Then you're the man exactly for the job!"

Minato smiled when Iruka shot his head up with surprise. His blue eyes sparkled with mirth. "My queen and I have decided that the person to guard our most precious treasure should be honorable, despite of the shame he's encountered. He should defend the weak and innocent, despite the rules we're all bound to follow, even if it meant breaking them. Lastly, he should display compassion at all times even when the situation is uncalled for, and you, my young wizard, fit all these aspects."

Iruka noticed that the king's hand gradually inch towards the door of the room. His breath hitched. What lied beyond that room? He glanced at the king's kind face who was gazing at him to see his reaction.

The door to the room slowly and silently opened, but surprisingly, there was not even a single lamp alit in the dark room. How could that be? If he was to guard something of importance to his king and queen, shouldn't they have placed some guards and constantly brightened the room to make certain it wasn't stolen?

Minato motioned his head to Iruka to enter first, smiling once more at the brunet's profound confusion, mouthing, 'You'll see.'

Iruka nodded, walking inside the room with the same rhythm he had outside, until the king grabbed his shoulders. He looked back in inquiry, only lately realizing how quiet the king's actions were upon their very entrance.

"Shh…" Minato placed his pointing finger on top of his lips to indicate silence.

Iruka cocked his head to the side with wonder. Why? It wasn't like they were intruding someone's territory. All of a sudden, the king was gone! Being startled wasn't sufficient to describe his shock at the king's disappearance. Iruka's eyes hurriedly squinted to search for an oil lamp, quickly grabbing the contraption and softly chanting a swift fire spell. "Hokage-sama!"

Unexpectedly, laughter filled the room. Iruka blinked his eyes when he saw the king on the bed with a yellow bundle in his arms. His astonishment became more pronounced when he noticed that the yellow bundle moved as he directed the light to illuminate the object that tackled the king. He couldn't contain his gasp when he noticed that it was a child! The child who was a blond-haired girl!

Iruka scrutinized the young child's appearance, noting that she had the same shade of hair as the king and the similar almond-shaped face as the queen. His breath was suddenly caught when the child laid her eyes on him. She even had the exact eyes as the king!

The blond-haired girl noticed Iruka's surprise of her, releasing Minato's neck when she tackled him to hug her and coming closer to Iruka. "Ne, ne, who are you?" she asked, craning her neck up to get a better look at him when he remained still. She turned her head to Minato, "Ne, daddy, who is he?"

Iruka shot his eyes to the king to confirm the little one's words and when Minato's eyes softened at her words, brown eyes widened with surprise. He was surprised to discover that the king and queen had a child.

"Come here, sweetie." Minato's stretched his arms as he sat upright on the bed, hugging the blond-haired girl as she released a jubilant laugh and pointed to Iruka. "He'll be here when daddy and mama aren't around."

Iruka blinked, bowing his head in respect, "My name is Umino, Iruka. You may call me Iruka, princess." He warmly smiled at the hesitant princess, but her swift response was radiant when she smiled back.

Minato grinned at the two, ruffling the princess' hair. "And this little bugger here who was supposed to be asleep, her name that she can't even pronounce yet is—"

"Na'uto!" She indignantly cried out, puffing her cheeks in irritation at her father's teasing as he continued to ruffle her hair.

"Minato…"

Minato's head turned when he heard his name at the entrance of the door. Naruto jumped down from his lap and rushed towards the voice. His smile became tender as his blue eyes melted. "Kushina."

"Mama, mama!" Naruto ran to the red-haired woman who stooped down to pick up her daughter, hugging and kissing her cheeks. "Mama, I met someone today!"

Iruka bowed once more when Kushina directed her gentle gaze at him. "My queen."

"Good evening, Iruka." Kushina replied. "Thank you for taking your time to meet Naruto."

Before Iruka could respond, Naruto struggled to be noticed as she asked, "Mama, is he my new playmate?"

"Excuse me?" Iruka's voice was weak, thinking that he might've heard it wrong. He looked at Minato's sheepish and guilty smile that was directed at him as if he was caught. His attention was transferred sideward when he felt the little princess tug his sleeves.

"Daddy promised me a playmate!" Naruto brightly smiled at Minato. "Thank you, daddy!"

Kushina glared at the guilty blond before she gave up the reprimanding look and instead shook her head with exasperation, muttering to her husband, "You spoil her too much, Minato."

Iruka couldn't agree more as he grimaced at the implication of his 'assignment', inwardly sighing. He knew it was too good to be true.

Iruka gazed backwards, his brown eyes softening when it fell on the sight of Naruto's sleeping form. Has it really been centuries? It felt as if it was only yesterday when he was baffled by his little princess. He was more than baffled when on that same day, the princess showed him her powers to heal. He looked at Kakashi driving the car, before letting his gaze fall to his lap. Should they really tell him? Wouldn't that make Naruto realize his own faults and hurt him in the end? He would never wish him to be in agony anymore…

"You need to tell him eventually."

Iruka snapped his head to Kakashi's face, tiredly sighing and diverting his gaze. He knew that, but the still relented to his temptation to put Naruto under a sleeping spell. He excused his action for the best of Naruto's health, but he knew better, whispering his fear to Kakashi, "I don't want him to be hurt…"

"And yet, we both know that he has the right to know, especially about Sasuke."

The vehicle stopped in front of their house, the rainfall lessening as they arrived. Iruka's face crumpled with worry. He knew Kakashi was right… But still! He could only wish that what they were about to reveal would turn for the best.

Kakashi awaited for Iruka, solemnly staring at him in silence.

Iruka nodded. "Fine… But I don't wish to tell him," before Kakashi could oppose, he quickly and firmly added, "I want to show him."

Naruto stirred in his sleep and gradually woke up. He slowly sat up to see where he was. His eyes widened at the unfamiliar and yet, somehow, nostalgic place. He took in the venue with great shock. He was in the middle of a large garden surrounded by trees and wild bushes, the sun brightly illuminating the place. How did he get here? He observed his surroundings to confirm where he was. As expected, his first question proved to be right… Where was he?

"Naruto!"

Naruto turned to the direction where he heard his name called. He jumped up from the grassy ground when he saw Iruka pop out from behind the large bushes. Iruka's face held great concern and exasperation when he saw him. Naruto almost let out a relieved breath when he saw him, "Iruka-sensei, thank god you're here! I thought I—"

Out of nowhere, Naruto noticed that his teacher was looking past him… How come? He was right there. How could he not see him when he was this close? Naruto started to feel his panic rise, walking up to Iruka, "Oi, sensei, it's not funny anymore. Why aren't you looking at m—"

Iruka suddenly walked through him, causing Naruto's blood to run cold as his eyes shot open. His legs gave under him, falling to his knees and quivering with shock. 'What just happened? Did Iruka-sensei walk through…?'

"Naruto, there you are!"

Naruto looked up when he heard Iruka proclaim this, faintly hoping that what he experienced was merely a nightmare or a sick joke, but stopped cold when his eyes landed on Iruka reprimanding a blond teenage girl… What was happening?

Naruto continued to stare at her, taking in her similar attributes and features of him from her hair to her skin, scars and lastly, her striking blue eyes. She looked exactly like him if he was a girl! Why…? Who was she? And her name was Naruto…? How?

Naruto flinched when a hand patted him on the shoulder, finding Iruka. He was taken aback, darting between the Iruka who before the blond-haired girl and the Iruka in front of him. He could no longer contain his bewilderment. "What the hell?!" His yell made Iruka wince at the intensity, making Naruto note that this was the Iruka he knew, since he was glaring at him for his crude remark. Naruto sheepishly grinned and muttered, "Sorry."

Iruka merely shook his head. "No, I should've expected that. If you didn't, then that would've been worse. Telling about your past would be hard enough…"

Naruto's face hardened, his eyes steeling and his whole body turning rigid. So this was his previous life…? But how did they go back?

Iruka spoke up just in time, "You're under a spell as your real body is sleeping. I wanted to show your past using this method, instead of relying on words to describe it." He forlornly smiled at him. "Sometimes, words are never sufficient, don't you think so?"

Naruto averted his eyes and looked at his past life with Iruka, tersely asking, "Hinata said you've lived for centuries, is it true?"

"Yes," Iruka softly replied, "I've lived along with Kakashi."

Naruto indifferently nodded, before his eyes held Iruka's look with bitterness. "So that means, you're a demon, too? Did you bring me here so I'd reconcile with that teme? Are you also on his side?" he asked accusingly as his eyes turned into furious lightning blue.

"No, I was human, Naruto. As for Sasuke," Iruka fondly ruffled Naruto's hair to banish away his hostility. "I was against it since you've met him in your past life. You were always stubborn, too stubborn to listen. Now, I just want to show your past to see if you still love him. If anything, I was and will always be at your side."

Naruto nodded, turning away from him as he remained focused on his previous life and quietly inquiring, "Why was I a girl? No… Why am I guy, now?"

Iruka shook his head. "I don't know. When I sought you on our current era, I was expecting you to be a girl, but when I found you, you were a young boy."

Naruto absent-mindedly nodded his head, continuing to stare at the visions. He opened his mouth to ask another query, but soon stopped when he heard a familiar name escape from his girl version.

"Hinata," she warmly smiled at their direction. "You're here."

Naruto looked back and there he saw Hinata with the same lavender eyes with a soft smile on his lips, but as a guy. He looked similar to Neji in their past lives with his long hair, but Hinata's ebony hair color, tender smile and gentle nature made him more charming than his cousin. Hinata was almost similar to her present life too.

Naruto felt eyes intently watching him as he turned to see Iruka closely observing him and his reaction. He looked back at his previous self, whispering, "I'll determine with my own eyes of the truth. We'll just watch at the sidelines."

"As you wish…"

"Naruto!"

Iruka's voice came as he erupted from the bushes when his eyes fell on his ward, exasperatingly calling out, "Naruto, there you are!"

Naruto's long blond hair swayed as she turned to see Iruka walk towards her, pouting at being followed. Again. She twisted her head, showing her displeasure upon the confinement and crossing her arms. "I refuse to be in that tower for a minute more!"

Iruka heavily sighed at the head-strong princess. He couldn't call her 'princess' when they weren't near the palace's premises, especially since the kidnapping incident. "Naruto, you know it's for your own benefit. You were abducted for heaven's sake! You need to be hidden until the culprits are dealt with. Be patient, until then."

She openly frowned at Iruka's response, but understood why his reasoning was correct. She knew that! But that didn't mean she liked it. Not at all. She missed her room, she missed her friends and she missed her parents! How could she live there with no one but herself and Iruka? It's not like she was ungrateful of Iruka's presence. She knew that he was even the one who persuaded her father to join her, instead of simply dropping by to give necessary food and water to her.

"Naruto, don't be disheartened by this." Iruka consoled the upset blond, sighing. Well, he knew that this was bound to happen, since they've already been cooped up there for nearly two weeks. It was no wonder she was dying to go home already. He tried to think up of a topic to distract her thoughts to cool her temper. "You want me to tell you a secret?"

Naruto's head turned with slight interest, trying in vain to hide her pique of curiosity, mumbling, "What is it?"

Iruka comfortingly smiled when the blond-haired girl looked at him. "When you were young, you used to be here. You even liked this place, claiming that this was your own castle."

Naruto blushed at this. "N-No, I did not!"

Iruka chuckled. "Come now, this was even the first place that you met Hinata-kun. Don't you remember? You could ask him if you want to, since he is coming here shortly." He watched Naruto reluctantly concede upon the mention of her fiancé. Bless Hinata's soul for frequently dropping by. With him around, it reassured him that the princess had some form of entertainment.

"Hinata," Naruto warmly smiled as Iruka faced the direction she was looking at. Sure enough, the young heir of the Hyuuga clan was walking towards them. Naruto walked up to Hinata to meet him half-way. "You're here."

Hinata's soft smile fell on Naruto as he tenderly looked at her, slightly fidgeting under those blue eyes. Even after all those years, those eyes still had the power to make him weak. "I-I couldn't find you in the tower, so I thought that you were troubling Iruka-san with your escapades again."

Naruto blushed at his comment, pouting as she walked back to her tower. "I was not! I was just taking a stroll. Come on, I want to ask you something about what Iruka mentioned." She brightly smiled when Hinata followed closely behind as she waved her hand to Iruka. "We'll be by the garden."

Iruka bowed, "As you wish." He replied, watching the two disappear. At least with Hinata around, there was a better chance of guarding the princess. He smiled when he noticed that Hinata's fondness for Naruto grew. Their marriage would surely be fruitful, especially the merging of two supreme demon-hunter clans through their union. He was only glad that Naruto was happy.

Naruto listened for Iruka's footsteps to slowly disappear. As soon as he was gone, she faced Hinata. "Hinata, you can show me your wounds now."

Hinata was shocked by this. "Wh-What wounds?"

Naruto mischievously grinned. "Nice try. I'm a demon-hunter too you know, so I could differentiate the smell of their blood between yours."

Hinata sighed, finally relenting to Naruto as he sat by a large stone. "I swear that I concealed it thoroughly, how-how could you still detect it?"

Naruto delicately wrinkled her nose. "I'm used to the smell of blood, remember? I can tell that it was your wounds. Nothing big." She knelt beside him. "Come on, before Iruka returns. You know how he hates it when I use it outside the castle."

Hinata shook his head, mumbling in embarrassment, "Your father would be disappointed of me." He winced when he lifted his shirt to reveal a patch of cloth firmly placed above his wound on his sides. He lied down on the large rock, so that she could start with her healing. He watched her cry, her warm tears dropping on his wounds as it healed quickly. They remained silent through the whole ordeal, until Naruto's signal.

"All done."

"Th-Thanks," Hinata muttered with a small blush as he sat up and clumsily tucked his shirt in. He frowned when he saw small blots of wounds on Naruto's arm. "You know, it's a shame that you can't heal your own wounds with that."

Naruto arched her dainty eyebrow at this. "Why? It's fine if I can't heal myself. In fact, I'm even glad. At least there's one part of me that's human."

"It's a gift, Naruto-chan, not a curse." Hinata said seriously, shaking his head in disapproval when he noticed Naruto's bitter tone, brushing a stray hair away from her forlorn face. "You've helped a lot of people with it, always remember that."

"Yeah, and a lot were also attracted to it, causing the ones I've healed to protect me." Naruto muttered under her breath with dissatisfaction. "I want to become strong too. I want to protect my loved ones too."

"You won't need to." Hinata smiled soothingly, fervently whispering. "I'm here for you."

Naruto nodded to appease Hinata's worries to rest. She forced a smile to hide her uneasiness. "You're right, I'm sorry I fretted over such trivial things. I won't think of it again."

Hinata nodded with satisfaction, gently stroking her long blond hair as he smiled down at her. "Sorry, I need to leave. Father wishes me to accompany him against the Snake clan. I promise I'll bring you a treat next time."

Naruto smiled back. "Have a safe trip."

Hinata escorted her to her chamber of the tall tower, chastely kissing the back of her hand as a sign of farewell and whispering, "See you tomorrow." He glanced back once more, taking in the image of Naruto sitting on her comfy bed with a soft smile and quietly leaving through the door.

Naruto plopped down on the bed when minutes passed, curling to her side. She hated being left behind. She sighed, opting to sleep through her loneliness. She felt the sun's rays diminish from setting to welcome the night that accompanied her heavy eyelids. Her hazy mind was about to drift asleep when there was the sound of something land softly on the windowsill of her room.

Naruto's eyes immediately opened. What was that?

She sat up and discretely moved to hide herself, her heart beating loud as she clutched her mouth from keeping her heavy breathing. It was without a doubt. Someone was in her room! She clamped her eyes shut to grip herself together. She needed to escape before the stranger sensed her! When she recollected her will, she crawled softly, careful not to make a noise.

The creaking of old wood sounded under Naruto's hand.

"Who's there?"

Naruto cringed, before briskly running towards the door for escape. But when she nearly reached it, a hand grabbed her arm and tugged her back. Her eyes grew wide with fear, wishing that Iruka was near or Hinata was still there with her. Fear froze her in place, paralyzing her senses at the form of her captor as she tightly clamped her eyes.

"Naruto…?"

Sapphire eyes opened to be greeted by hypnotizing onyx eyes. Naruto lost her breath as she staggered backwards at the handsome stranger. Blushing when he pulled her closer, his face drew closer to hers. She became utterly speechless when he started to sniff her. "Pervert!"

Naruto's hand aimed at the stranger's porcelain face when his hand stopped her. She struggled, "Let me go!"

"Finally found you…" He smirked at her, making her falter at that action and drawing her closer till their lips met. She froze, her eyes widening when the intruder started to kiss her. The kiss gradually became hot and addicting, causing jolts of excitement to flow within Naruto's blood. She didn't notice that his grip on her loosened, until the stranger gently let her go as he ended the kiss. Her shock of the situation blocked her initial reaction as she bemusedly touched her lips. That was her first kiss…

"In my clan, we can only kiss one person for the rest of our life," he huskily whispered against her ear. He smirked when she blushed to the ends of her roots at this proclamation. "Don't forget, you were mine ever since you kissed me."

Naruto snapped out of her heavy daze when the black-haired man started to walk away and head towards her window. What did he mean? Where was he going? Suddenly, she felt her heart tear to pieces when he thought of him leaving her. She immediately clutched the back of his clothes without thinking. When the stranger glanced back, she abruptly let go of the fabric with panic. What was she doing? It's not like she knew him!

"It would seem humans are terribly forgetful." The black-haired beauty smirked, creating a wreaking havoc of her stuttering heart and melting mind. He stroked her face with excruciating gentleness. "Too bad I can't let you forget me."

With that as her only warning, he grabbed the back of her neck as he pulled her to him. Her hands clutched the front of his shirt in response. Their lips melding together as he deeply kissed her, her soft breaths resounding upon the silent room. The kiss was more intoxicating than the first one, electrocuting her senses with each stroke as his lips bonded with hers hotly. It would've continued if he didn't slowly release her lips, gradually letting her go to cool down her flushed face. His smirk morphed into a small smile when he saw the effect he had on her, "You're mine, Naruto."

Naruto felt him gently remove her clutch on him as he hopped onto the windowsill, preparing to leave which caused her to panic once more. "Wait! Your name? I want to know your name!" She demanded as his soft chuckles reached her ears like treats, making her wish to hear more.

"Those same words reminded me of our first encounter," Sasuke said as his physique shifted. His onyx eyes turned into scarlet and then to gold, his skin color shifting to grey as his hair lengthened and became grayish blue. Grey wings sprouted from his back in an instant, blocking the moon light from entering the room as it also shadowed Naruto's lithe form. He swiftly stooped down, stealing her soft lips and leaving her breathless for more. He smirked at her speechlessness. "It's Sasuke."

All of a sudden, those pair of large wings spread apart, making Naruto close her eyes upon the strong gush of wind that entered the room as her arms shielded her face. She immediately opened her eyes to watch him go, and felt her breath abandon her at the marvelous and mesmerizing sight of the demon's flight illuminated under the silver moon. 'An Uchiha!' She hurriedly stretched out her arm, wishing that she could somehow grasp him again as she urgently yelled, "Sasuke! Don't go!"

Naruto watched as the demon stop from his departure at her desperate plea, her heart frantically racing when she saw him come down to fly near her windowsill. She was about to beg him to stay with her for a little longer when his hand reached her face, eliciting another blush from her. She vaguely noticed of the tear he removed from her eyes. When did she start crying…?

Sasuke slowly leaned and kissed her for one last time of that night, although unlike the ones before, it was filled with tenderness and was sweeter that caused Naruto subconsciously crave for more. He released her, whispering on top of her sensitive lush lips. "I'll be back."

Naruto's eyes gradually grew wide at this simple, yet meaningful promise that sent her whole thrumming with life.

"Ne, what's your name?"

Naruto's eyes dilated with remembrance. Her breath was caught by this random memory, hearing a young child's voice in her head. Was that her? She paused as she tried to rummage what happened next and saw a blurry image of a black-haired boy. "My name's Sasuke…"

"Naruto?" Iruka's distant voice called, startling the blond.

Naruto abruptly turned to check her closed door and looked back out her window, but he was immediately gone. She leaned unto her windowsill to check outside to at least catch a glimpse of his silhouette under the moonlight, but regrettably found none.

"Naruto?" Iruka knocked, before opening her door. He looked at her quizzically when she held a bemused face. "Didn't you hear me? I've been calling for you for a while now… I heard voices. Was Hinata-kun still here a second ago?"

Naruto swiftly shook her head. "Ah-Ah, no, Hinata left a while ago… I-I was… I was just recalling a line from a book! Yes, I was changing my voice to show to daddy." She smiled, nervously changing the subject, "U-Umm, up to when will we be staying here?"

Iruka cringed, sighing as he relayed the bad news he was hoping to hold till dinner time. He knew that the princess would certainly dislike this bit, "Naruto, I know that this may be hard for you, but please endure it. The king has decided that we should remain here until your eighteenth birthday… Naruto?"

Silence was his answer. Iruka became alarmed by this, hastily adding, "We could take visits of course! Staying here for months isn't that—"

"That's great!" Naruto burst out, her eyes brightly shimmering with unconstrained excitement, until she realized her mistake. She coughed, trying to hide her blush and muttering, "Ah-Ah, I mean, yeah, I could deal with that… I guess. Sure."

Iruka suspiciously looked at her blushing face, and smiled with understanding. "You must want some more private time with Hinata-kun, huh? Well, I won't interrupt you two, only not at night hours, alright?" He called out when he left the room to prepare their dinner.

Just when Iruka closed Naruto's door, he felt a foreign signature of energy. His face crumpled with worry. It was faint, but still a different aura signature. He was about to open the princess' door when he contemplated about asking her. He shook his head, releasing a sigh. What was he thinking? Of course, no one was able to enter. Only he, Hinata and the king knew of their location. There was no way someone that could've gone unscathed by his nine barriers, especially the fourth. It concealed the whole tower's presence. No one could've been here.

Iruka chuckled at his folly and constant worry. He shouldn't be so concerned of this. After all, no one could pass those barriers, unless they were a demon. He slowly shook his head at that possibility. That would be unlikely, since the territory belonged to humans. Only humans wanting the princess would dare cross them, not demons. What would the demons achieve by getting through in the first place? Nothing, they were their enemies, but demons wouldn't stoop down to take a human for possession. They were that arrogant.

Iruka immediately dismissed his anxiety, but somewhere in his mind, it never dropped his suspicion and still caused him to feel uneasy. Until days turned into weeks as weeks turned to months when this anxiety grew and grew, Iruka knew that he shouldn't have cast it aside… That's what he thought when he heard Naruto's laugh from the other side of the door.

'Is she reading something?' Iruka wondered when he overheard Naruto's muffled laughter. 'Strange… Hinata-kun never said about any visit today.' He shrugged, at least the princess was no longer lonely and was also having fun. He turned to leave the two alone when he heard something that caused him to stop cold from the other side of the room.

"Sasuke, stop it."

Iruka's breath stopped in an instant as he slammed the door open, his shocked eyes taking in the form of the youthful dark-haired lad beside the princess. He narrowed his eyes at his stoic face, grabbing Naruto's arm to pull her away from the intruder's side. "Demon." He hissed low at the word, a gust of wind appearing from Iruka's hand that released a long golden staff and dangerously directed his staff at him as he heard Naruto's incessant pleas of sparing the demon. He glared at the intruder, swiftly chanting with unseen speed to attack him.

"Iruka, don't! Please stop!" Naruto tugged his sleeve, crying as she watched with horror when her guardian continued to chant. "I love him!"

Iruka's surprise was evident, but it was too late. The incantation was done and he couldn't afford misleading the spell to any part of the room, but at the demon. Suddenly, a grey blur moved in between them, causing a blinding light to fill the room in matter of seconds. Iruka covered Naruto from any damage from the blow. When the light settled, he turned to see the damage.

Iruka's eyes widened when a figure stood between him and the black-haired demon.

"Prince, are you unharmed?" the grey-haired demon tersely asked, his mask hiding the half of his face.

"I'm fine, Kakashi."

Kakashi nodded, stepping aside to take Sasuke's side. His eyes adjusted to the smoke when it landed on Naruto's guardian. His breath got caught as he stopped mid-way of his breathing. Kakashi held his ground, but it was astounding how he was reacting towards the brunet-haired human. His blood boiled with passion, his eyes shifting to crimson; his vision too turned gray, until all he saw with color was the human male. Was he his mate?

"What are two demons doing here?" The human male scathingly asked, barricading his body to detain the struggling princess to his side.

"Iruka, they're not going to hurt us!" Naruto said with conviction and glared at her stubborn guardian. "This is an order, stop this!"

Kakashi and Sasuke watched as Iruka reluctantly release his staff, disappearing as soon as it was free of his grasp. His brown eyes suspiciously narrowed at the two demons, especially the one who blocked his attack. How could the demon still stand after receiving a blow like that? He crossed his arms, carefully watching and observing them. One thing was for certain. The one named 'Kakashi' was strong. He would need to keep a close eye on him, since it was apparent that he was the more experienced and knowledgeable one. And like him, he was also a guardian. This 'Kakashi' was dangerous.

Out of nowhere, the gray-haired demon smirked and winked at him. Iruka's eye twitched, openly frowning to show his displeasure upon the demon's actions.

Definitely an enemy.

"Stop following me!" Iruka yelled, turning once more to see the persistent grey-haired demon behind him. "Shouldn't you be guarding your ward?"

Kakashi's eyes crinkled with amusement and curiosity at the brunet. "Ne, Iruka, how come you haven't reported this incident yet?"

Iruka glared at the mention of that topic. "Despite my complete disapproval of this, demon, I value the princess' happiness first. And stop calling my name!"

Kakashi pouted, further teasing the other man, "Eh… Why not? You can call me Kakashi."

Iruka's glare intensified and wanted to retaliate when, all of a sudden, he was cornered by the demon's body. His eyes narrowed. He should've taken note of their apparent height difference when it was obvious that the demon had the upper hand. He grit his teeth at their closeness, pushing away Kakashi's chest, "Release me!"

Iruka felt the demon lean closer to him, making him stiffen when he felt his breath near his ear. What was he going to do?

"Kakashi. Say it." Kakashi whispered to the brunet's ear. "If you don't, we won't be moving from this spot, not even when our dear wards are here."

Iruka paled at this threat. How dare this demon intimidate him with this humiliation! He silently fumed, contemplating which decision was better. It was apparent that he didn't want to call this jerk's name! Why was he doing this to him in the first place? What would he gain out of it? Even if he did call out his name, it would be nothing! Unless, counting his relenting to the demon as a reason of power play, then all the more reason for him not to concede to his wishes! But if he pushed him aside, it would make him feel like he lost to his twisted mind game! He despised being labeled as someone who would run away.

"They're coming," Kakashi broke through his thoughts. "You want them to see us like this? It could be very suggestive…" he huskily whispered, sending shivers to run through the brunet's whole body.

Iruka's eyes flicked to the open door of the kitchen, inwardly cursing the demon's stubbornness. He worriedly looked back when he heard voices coming closer. Appearances meant nothing! It could be explainable! There was nothing wrong! Wait… Did he just think it was explainable? Why should he need to explain? They weren't even doing anything! Yes, it was nothing.

The voices from the garden drew near with each excruciating second. Iruka felt the grey-haired demon push close to him, further cornering him until their bodies touched. His face was engulfed by deep crimson, slamming his eyes shut at the truly suggestive positions they were in. He heard Naruto's laughter near the door, and shot his eyes open with anxiety.

Despite the reasons of not caring of their disposition, it still bothered him!

"Fine!" Iruka frustratingly whispered, taking a deep breath to calm himself down, and mumbled, "K-Kakashi…"

With a bat of an eye, Kakashi was leaning against the wall at the other end of the room when Sasuke and Naruto entered the kitchen. Iruka blinked twice as he found himself bereft of the sudden coldness when the demon's body heat was no longer pressing down on him.

"Iruka…? Are you alright?" Naruto peered at Iruka's flushed face, concern shadowing her face. "Do you have a fever? You look flushed."

Iruka blushed at Naruto's last statement, sending a glare at the older demon's way as he stiffly answered, "I'm alright."

He was most certainly not alright!

Iruka thought, panicking inside when he finally reached the palace after so many months. It was two weeks before the day of the princess' return and was also considered her eighteenth birthday — the proper age to marry. He was sweating bullets through the whole trip because of that small; yet dire implication. For unknown to all their countrymen, their beloved princess was pregnant. Not only was she almost nine months pregnant, her child came from her demon lover! Lord, he was going to pay hell for this.

Iruka could clearly remember the heart-stopping day when they discovered her delicate condition. He groaned for the nth time of that day, almost feeling his judgment day on him.

Naruto hurled herself to the bathroom for the third time that morning, causing Iruka to worry. It's already been a week since that phenomenon started, and he has yet to cure this unknown disease that was ailing the princess. He worriedly glanced upon her bedroom window. So far, the demons were also absent during that period of time. What was happening? Usually it was the princess urging that her demon lover to leave when he wished to stay, but now there wasn't even a sign of him or the grey-haired demon.

When Iruka was about to go to Naruto's side, there was a strong gust of wind that bombarded the room. He slowly peered when the wind lessened and saw the two demons in question. He watched with wonder when Sasuke suddenly sniffed the air, probably searching for Naruto's scent, and immediately went to the bathroom with urgency. He sent a look of question to Kakashi who looked too serious, which was a first. What was happening? Why were they so uptight? What was the cause of all this?

Iruka marched to the bathroom too, not noticing Kakashi followed him. He stopped at the door frame when he saw Naruto hugging her demon lover, not wanting to intrude into their privacy, and kept his distance. Why was the Uchiha looking pained? More importantly, why was Naruto comforting him as if he was in agony? He carefully inclined closer, until he was close enough to hear Naruto's soft whispers to the Uchiha.

His brown eyes widened, instantly paling when his loud gasp caught both of the teen's attention. Iruka staggered and felt Kakashi's firm hold on him, but for once, he didn't mind it, he needed it when he knew was in danger of hurting his beloved princess for the first time. "What have you done…?"

Sasuke's arms securely held Naruto against him in defense, shielding the blond from the brunet's gaze as he narrowed his scarlet eyes with warning at her guardian, but it wasn't enough to deter him when Iruka yelled with anger.

"Naruto! H-How could you do this? This-This is unacceptable!" Iruka's voice broke, looking straight at the terrified and guilty blue eyes with fury. "Abort it! Are you insane? Surely, you're not planning on raising this abomination! Don't be a fool!"

Naruto flinched as Sasuke further encircled his lover, hissing at Iruka's words. Iruka directed his hateful glare at the Uchiha, balefully pointing at the dark-haired demon. "You! You're the root of all this! Demon, even you would know the consequences of your foolish fruit!"

Sasuke glowered at Iruka, "Shut up."

"I shan't! No wonder you were nowhere near, you were negotiating with your damned race! But it didn't work out, and only one thing is in store for you because of your sin!" Iruka struggled from Kakashi's tightening grip, summoning his staff as he held their gaze. His words cracked like snaps of a whip, his cold eyes glaring viciously. "Persecution. That's what awaits you both! In fact, you're better off dead."

"Iruka!"

Iruka recoiled at Kakashi's loud and abrupt voice, snapping him back to his rationality when he noticed the tears streaming down Naruto's face. He cringed at his hurtful words, slowly backing away. What had he done? He felt shame wash him in a sudden rush, dropping his staff and quickly leaving the room without a glance back. He continued to run away until a strong grip brought him to an abrupt stop.

"Iruka…" Kakashi's gentle tone incited Iruka's composure to crumble. "Look at me."

"Let me go."

"Not until you calm down," Kakashi said, his hold easing when it no longer hindered the brunet from leaving, but posed as unheard comfort. He forced Iruka's dead eyes to look at him, soothingly whispered, "Don't hurt yourself…"

Iruka broke.

Tears slipped from his eyes one by one, his face crumbling as he gripped the front of Kakashi's shirt for support, "What have I done, Kakashi? I didn't mean those words! I didn't mean to hurt Naruto! I was just so scared! I was scared for her! What would happen to them? Didn't they consider their fates? Even the king and queen couldn't do a thing if this reached the grand council or anyone for that matter! No one would help them! She'll be killed, Kakashi! She has not even lived her life yet! How could she condemn herself to this?"

"She loves him… That's why." Kakashi softly answered, slowly soothing the brunet as he heavily sighed, "It's not even your fault. You merely reacted, you were taken by surprise. Hell, I was even more surprised when you didn't even chant for release. Although you aren't the only one affected by this. Sasuke truly loves her, but even he couldn't dissuade her when she was adamant upon keeping their child. We've tried to talk some sense into her, but she simply won't listen."

Iruka ruefully smiled at this. "That's so like her. Stubborn."

Kakashi smiled at this, although it was covered under his mask, Iruka could still see its shape and felt his heart stutter. His brown eyes immediately diverted his gaze away, hurriedly removing his hold on the grey-haired demon as he removed any trace of his embarrassing tears. What was he doing depending on a demon? His eyes flickered back and saw Kakashi's intense look on him, creating havoc on his nerves as he abruptly dodged his eyes once more. What was wrong with him?

Kakashi patted Iruka's head. "We'd best go."

Iruka stilled at the demon's hand caressing the top of his head, subconsciously leaning to linger for more warmth till it was gone. He blushed at his unexpected action, discretely watching the back of the gray-haired demon's back as they began to walk. Why was he reacting like this…?

Iruka passed another corner of the huge castle, his eyebrows coming up with wonder. He hasn't seen anyone ever since he'd stepped foot inside the main castle. 'Where is everyone…?'

Just when he was about to turn around, Iruka caught a glimpse of something shimmer that caused his spine to crawl as his eyes widened. All of a sudden, a spear pierced through his midsection as his scream broke through the eerie silence when the glistening scarlet blade was retracted from his body. Pain burst through his very being as he agonizingly turned, clutching his large wound. "Mi-Mizuki… How could you…?"

Mizuki leered at Iruka's face, glaring. "Traitor! You know of the consequences of hiding the truth!"

Iruka was shocked by this, but it was nothing in comparison to finding a whole group of armed men behind Mizuki. He started to tremble with pain, blood gushing out and staining the carpeted hallway. He narrowed his eyes at his comrades and subordinates. "I don't know—"

"I saw it, you traitor! You let that thing, that demon, touch the princess!" Each pair of cold eyes hardened at Mizuki's every word, gripping their weapons to suppress their urges of slaughter. Mizuki stepped closer to Iruka's broken form, leaning in to whisper, "And I thank you for giving up your place, supreme commander. As my show of gratitude… Run."

Iruka's eyes reflected his fear, his mind unable to register the words yet when, suddenly, blinding pain erupted once more from being stabbed near his heart and causing him to puke up blood when the blade was removed. He stumbled backwards, his heart deafening with every thundered beat. He continued to watch Mizuki triumphantly smirk above him.

"Kill him."

Iruka ran.

His ragged breaths became shallow as he struggled to set up barriers and spells to protect him. His eyes frantically searching for any refuge to heal himself, but it was clear that he wasn't summoned there for the welcome party. His face crumpled in agony.

It was a trap to kill him.

Naruto shook when she felt that the barriers around her tower collapse, the illusion of her large swollen womb started to show. She fearfully looked at Hinata who was in for one of his daily visits as he mirthlessly smiled at her dreaded shock.

"I knew it…" Hinata sadly whispered, his head hanging downwards. "You're pregnant, perhaps even due today."

Naruto became bewildered at what was happening. Why were the barriers gone? Why was the illusion dispelled? Did something happen to Iruka? Her worried eyes beckoned at Hinata's eyes for the truth.

"The barriers being gone, it would seem that Iruka…" Hinata's eyes hardened, his lips set into a thin line. "It appears that your countrymen has found out about this."

Naruto reached out to touch Hinata when Sasuke's demon form appeared before them, shielding her from the demon's slayer's sight. "Sasuke, what are you doi—"

"Demon," Hinata bit out, his stance was guarded and rigid as he glared at the baleful Uchiha. "I'll only say this once."

Naruto tried to voice out her confusion, "Hina—"

"Protect her." Hinata muttered, turning around to face his back at the couple. "Because by midnight, every demon hunter will be hunting you down."

Iruka stopped the flow of memories. His gaze was solemn and devoid of life as he turned to face Naruto, taking in his anguished look, softly asking, "Do you wish to know the rest?"

"What will happen next…?" Naruto muttered mostly to himself in a daze, blankly staring at his former self behind the Uchiha. He already knew what would happen, he didn't need to know, but the question simply slipped. He wanted to know. He needed to know which path he chose.

"This is when you die."

[A/N: What do you think happens next? Will this convince Naruto to return to Sasuke? Or will Hinata's previous life's actions sway Naruto's heart to love her instead? Review to know! Of course with every of your awesome reviews, it inspires me! Please Review and Comment! ^_^]