A short time later, Sakura met Naruto and Gaara at the top of the Hokage tower. Shizune had given Temari instructions on where their Chuunin candidates were staying so she and Kankuro had taken them to find their quarters.
"Enter!" a voice nearly growled after Sakura had knocked on the door.
"Sounds like Baa-chan's had a bad day," Naruto chuckled. His mate rolled her eyes and entered her master's office with the two men trailing behind her.
XXXXXXXXXX
Tsunade hated paperwork work to death. She'd been working her way through a pile of reports for the last seven hours, and what's worse, she'd run out of sake halfway through. She was annoyed, pissed, and frustratingly sober. She almost hoped it was an enemy at her door so she could kick someone's ass! Instead, she was treated with seeing her apprentice, the Kazekage, and lastly (her jaw dropped at how he looked) was Naruto.
"Shishou, I would like to present the Kazekage and his second in command. The other sand-nin went to their quarters since the exams don't begin till tomorrow."
Tsunade's mood immediately lightened as she saw the bright smile on her apprentice's face. She also noted a sparkle in Naruto's eyes that she had never seen before.
'So Sakura, looks like you got your man,' she chuckled inwardly.
Rising out of her seat, she turned her eyes to the Kazekage and bowed slightly.
"Welcome to Konoha, it is good to see you again, Gaara."
"It is always a privilege to meet one of the Sannin, Lady Hokage," he replied and bowed slightly in return.
"I see you have a very capable second in command," she said with a grin and winked at Naruto, and he smirked.
"I am aware that your village council has ordered that Naruto Uzumaki not be allowed within the limits of Konoha. I do not wish to contradict that order, but the man behind me is merely here to participate in the Chuunin Exams and will leave graciously after they are completed. Also, I have insured that his proper name is on his registration forms for the exams – Naruto Namikaze."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly, but her smile only grew when hearing the Kazekage's words.
"I do not see any problem with his participation. I will submit a copy of allowed participants to the council because they always ask for it; I do not see why they should have any reason to deny his entry."
"Thank you, Lady Hokage, I will take my leave know and rejoin my siblings," and he bowed once more.
"I'll see you later, Gaara," Naruto stated, and his friend nodded his head as he exited the office.
Tsunade nearly ran around her desk and crushed Naruto in her arms.
"Baa-chan…I can't breathe!" he groaned. She only squeezed him tighter.
"I missed you…you loud-mouthed knucklehead," she sighed happily and felt her eyes tear up.
Naruto wrapped his arms around his surrogate mother; he rarely saw Tsunade fight to keep her composure like this.
"I missed you too…you crazy, old lady," he teased.
Sakura smiled at seeing the two hug each other. By talking with Naruto about his past, she'd come to realize how much Tsunade really meant to him. She knew that her shishou held Naruto in a very special part of her heart so she wasn't surprised to see the two so emotional at seeing each other again.
Tsunade let him go several minutes later, and her eyes scanned him rather appraisingly.
"Well…well…well…Naruto…you certainly look handsome; I'm glad to see Sakura has been a good influence on you."
Naruto tensed up slightly, and the Hokage grinned widely. She saw Sakura trying not to blush and laughed out loud.
"Don't even try it you two. I can read it on both of your faces which means that you were successful weren't you, Sakura?"
"Hai Shishou, very successful," the pinkette replied happily.
Naruto looked back and forth between the two women trying to figure out what he was missing. Tsunade decided to give him an explanation.
"You see, Naruto, when Sakura asked for permission to travel to Suna, I agreed but gave her one order to complete."
"What was that?"
Sakura came over to his side and hugged his arm. She smiled warmly and kissed his cheek making him blush.
"She told me to 'go get my man'."
Naruto blushed even harder, and the two women he loved the most broke down laughing. He couldn't help it and joined them soon after.
"So Naruto, tell me, what brings you back here? Don't tell me the Chuunin exams because I know that's just a cover."
All humor left the young man's face, and he looked the Hokage right in the eye.
"I came back to settle several matters – first, restoring my true name; second, seeing that the bastards who caused the Kyuubi incident are punished for their crimes; and third, to settle certain issues with Sasuke. I am also fulfilling a promise to a good friend I acquired while I was gone, and I want you to meet him, Baa-chan. However, I believe it would be best to let you meet him in person."
"Who is he?" questioned Tsunade.
"First off, there is something that you should about me regarding Kyuubi."
The Hokage's eyes widened in apprehension as red chakra burst from Naruto's body, and she saw multiple tails erupted from behind him.
"Naruto…stop! You're going to break the seal," she ordered. The young man merely smiled and continued.
Tsunade started sweating as she saw more tails appear behind him until her worst fears were realized as all nine tails burst out behind Naruto. She was shocked to see that Sakura hadn't budged since he had started releasing red chakra.
"Relax baa-chan, it's all right; I'm still me," Naruto stated, and Tsunade saw that his eyes were still a vivid blue.
"Naruto…what are you doing? How are you…controlling him?"
"I'm not controlling Kyuubi; he is a part of me."
Tsunade nearly fainted and grabbed the edge of her desk for support.
"What do you mean a part of you?"
The red chakra flowing around Naruto separated from his body, and Tsunade's eyes widened further as it began to form right next to him. The chakra formed into a large fox with nine, long tails flowing behind it. It saw up on its haunches regally before lowering its head and bowing.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Hokage," the fox stated, and it was then that Tsunade really did pass out.
"Was it something I said?" Kyuubi asked.
Naruto couldn't help it and burst out laughing, and Sakura was trying not to chuckle as well. She managed to compose herself and went to help her overwhelmed shishou.
XXXXXXXXXX
Tsunade opened her eyes about five minutes later and rubbed her temples.
"That was weird; I thought I just saw the Kyuubi sitting in my office," she grumbled.
"He is," came a voice.
The Hokage's eyes widened in shock as she turned her head to see the nine-tailed fox next to Naruto. It looked at her curiously but without malice in its eyes.
"You…you…how are you…here? What do you want?" she asked nervously.
"I mean you no harm, Lady Hokage."
That statement got Tsunade's attention, and her temper kicked in.
"No harm! You nearly destroyed our home twenty years ago! I should kill you myself!"
"Enough!" a voice thundered.
Tsunade was surprised to hear the tone in Naruto's voice as he stepped between her and the fox. His eyes held no anger but also held no room for argument.
"Calm down, baa-chan, and I will explain everything. Kyuubi is not at fault for what happened twenty years ago; he is as honorable as I am."
"He is correct, shishou; please, allow Naruto to explain," Sakura added.
Tsunade nodded her head but kept her fists clenched.
XXXXXXXXXX
Naruto began to explain everything that he had learned from his father and Kyuubi. He explained what happened with Madara Uchiha and Danzo. He also explained about how he and Sakura had traveled to the spirit realm to visit Kyuubi's village. Sakura added in her own explanations as well, and Kyuubi would occasionally add in tidbits of information that were needed. In addition, Sakura added her conversations with Kyoko and what she had learned from the elder vixen.
Tsunade was stunned as she listened to the story unfold, but like Sakura had, she began to see the pieces fall into place. Sakura had left out the part about her and Kyoko being merged together; she wanted to leave that for a later discussion.
"That slimy, one-armed bastard," she growled after everything was told to her.
"Now, you see why I came back here, baa-chan. I need to fix what happened here twenty years ago. Neither my father nor the old man will rest in peace until this matter is dealt with. I would suggest that none of what has been said here leave this office yet."
"Good idea, Naruto, we will bide our time, but this must be taken care of before the exams end. Otherwise, the council may have you arrested for staying longer," Tsunade stated.
"Yeah, I know. Well…if you don't mind, I'm going to visit some old friends," Naruto said with a smile.
Tsunade looked at him skeptically, and she saw Sakura roll her eyes.
"He means he's going to Ichiraku, shishou," she said with a grin.
"Hey, it's been six months since I've been there. Give me a break!"
"Go on, Naruto, I'll meet you there shortly; I want to talk to Tsunade-sama alone."
Naruto pulled her close and kissed her gently. Sakura blushed as she was surprised he'd do this in front of the Hokage, but her teacher merely sat at her desk with a grin on her face.
"Love you," he whispered and let her go.
"Oh, go on you," she sighed and pushed him towards the door. Naruto laughed as he left the office.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Well Sakura, it looks like you two have become quite the item," Tsunade laughed making her apprentice blush harder.
"Yes, in fact we're a lot more than that. To give the simplest explanation, I'm Naruto's mate."
"His what?" the Hokage asked. Sakura smiled at her teacher.
"I know it sounds a bit primal, but I like it when he calls me that. When I met Kyuubi's mate, she explained to me that she didn't need a piece of paper or a ceremony to know that he was her intended or future husband. All she had to do what look into his eyes. I feel the same with Naruto. Even though we haven't had the ceremony or exchanged vows, I know that he wants to be with me for the rest of my life; I don't know how else to explain it."
"I'm glad to see your convictions are so strong, Sakura. Which reminds me…" Tsunade's voice trailed, and she grinned at the young woman.
"What?" the pinkette asked confused.
"…don't 'what' me, young lady, I want details."
"Shishou!" she gasped and blushed furiously.
"Oh, don't be shy, Sakura. Come on, spill it. I'm sure you found some other uses for Naruto's stamina right?"
"That's none of your business!"
"Don't pout. You don't have to mention the juicy bits – unless you want to," Tsunade teased.
"That's not the point. I'm not going to tell you about sex between Naruto and me."
"Ah, so you did sleep with him. Sakura, you naughty girl."
The pinkette suddenly realized she'd been suckered. The older woman's smile became genuine, and she laughed happily.
"You don't have to tell me anything else, Sakura; I was just teasing you. I saw the smile on your face and the look in Naruto's eyes when you came in here. I'm glad that the two of you make each other happy."
"Thank you, shishou. A part of me wonders if I should be allowed to let Naruto love me. I hurt him so many times over the years, and yet, he would gladly go through it all again just to see me smile. What did I do to deserve someone like that?"
"You probably already know this, but I'll say it anyway. A lot of times, the men who are the best husbands are also the biggest idiots. I've known that Naruto has loved you for a long time, but I was not going to try and push you two together. Loving someone can't be forced. I wasn't going to help or interfere until you gave me reason to. Now, why don't get out here and go join Naruto for lunch."
Sakura smiled and bowed to her teacher when she realized she almost forgot something. Reaching into her weapon's pouch she withdrew a sealed envelope.
"One other thing, shishou, could you please deliver this to the town registrar so it can be recorded. It was approved in Suna, but I figured you would want it on file here as well."
Tsunade took the letter, and Sakura left without another word. The older woman looked at the envelope and figured she might as well read it. Reaching for her letter opener, she cut open the seal.
XXXXXXXXXX
After closing the door to the Hokage's office, Sakura stopped by Shizune's desk to see her.
"Hello Shizune, I think shishou will need you shortly," the pinkette said with a wide grin.
"What do you mean?"
Sakura didn't answer her but began counting down.
"Five…four…three…two…one…"
"THEY'RE WHAT!" came a voice from inside.
"Shizune, get in here!"
"See what I mean," Sakura laughed and headed down the hall.
XXXXXXXXXX
Shizune cautiously entered the Hokage's office to see her mistress seething at her desk, clutching a letter in her hand.
"Lady Tsunade…is something wrong?"
"Those conniving, little brats. They didn't even tell me!"
"Um…who are you talking about?"
"Here," Tsunade growled and shoved the letter into Shizune's hands.
The dark-haired kunoichi opened the letter and was surprised to the see words 'Certificate of Marriage' at the top. Her eyes widened as she read the document, and she looked at her mistress in surprise.
"Why didn't they tell us? Perhaps they didn't want anyone to know yet."
"He should've at least told me," Tsunade growled and crossed her arms.
"Maybe Naruto knew how easily you spout out things when you're drunk," Shizune stated.
"What was that?" the Hokage hissed, and her assistant cringed slightly.
"Hmph. Stupid brat can't even tell me when he gets married."
"Maybe they haven't had the ceremony yet. I don't recall her parents leaving town at all, and you know she would have wanted them there. Maybe they just did the legal part before leaving Suna."
"You may be right, Shizune, but if that's the case, this is going to cause quite a stir."
"Well…Naruto always knew how to get people's attention," Shizune replied and starting laughing. Tsunade shook her head and joined her a moment later.
Naruto finished wolfing down his seventh bowl of ramen when Sakura walked into Ichiraku. He set the bowl down next to the others and padded his stomach.
"Ah, I'm stuffed," he sighed happily.
"Finished already, Naruto," Sakura teased as she took a seat beside him.
"Yeah, I was really hungry. Sorry, did you want something too?"
"No, I'm fine, and you're always hungry, baka," she said with a warm smile.
"She has you pegged, Naruto," Ayame said with a smile as she took the empty bowls to the back to be cleaned.
"Hey, I haven't been here in six months, and you're already ganging up on me!" he pouted.
"Stop pretending you're upset; I know you're not. Besides, I have something important to talk to you about," Sakura retorted.
"What is it?" the blonde stated and immediately turned serious.
"I went to see my parents, and…Sasuke was there talking to them."
Naruto felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, but there wasn't really anything wrong with Sasuke talking to her parents.
"Did he say why he was there?"
Sakura frowned and tried not to look annoyed.
"Yes. The bastard was actually there to ask permission to marry me," she growled.
"He what!"
The temperature inside Ichiraku suddenly dropped about fifty degrees as Naruto's chakra whipped around him like a tornado.
"Why is it so cold out here?" Ayame stated and froze as she came out from the back room. She had never seen Naruto angry before; he usually always had a big smile on his face. Now however, what she saw before her was a powerful shinobi, and he was pissed!
"Calm down, Naruto, nothing became of it. I told my parents that Sasuke and I had broken up before I left for Suna. Of course, Sasuke tried to say it was a misunderstanding, but I vehemently denied him. Then, he tried to discredit you by telling my parents you hurt me when Kyuubi took you over during the fight with Orochimaru."
Naruto tensed slightly, and his fists clenched. He was still very touchy about Sakura having been hurt. Her small hands wrapped around his fists and squeezed gently. She felt him relax, and his chakra returned to normal levels.
"I immediately denied that you had ever hurt me, and I explained to them exactly what happened. I then went on to explain that Sasuke wasn't even there so the only way he knew was from either Orochimaru or Kabuto telling him. I told them about how I realized that you were the one I wanted to be with and how happy you made me. When I said that you were my mate, Sasuke went through the roof and lost his temper. I didn't stop and went on to convince my parents how serious I was about you, and…they accepted my decision."
"So…they're okay with us being together!" Naruto said as his face lit up.
"Yes. Of course, Sasuke didn't take it too well – especially when my father asked him to leave."
"What happened?" the blonde asked with narrowed eyes.
"He called me a slut and stomped out the door."
"Teme's a dead man," Naruto growled as his eyes flashed red.
"Naruto, wait!" Sakura ordered and grabbed his arm as the young man tried to run out of the ramen stand.
"Don't stop me, Sakura-chan, no one insults you twice and gets away with it."
"I know you're angry, Naruto, but let me finish. I was going to deck Sasuke for calling me that again, but my father beat me to it. He slammed Sasuke into the door and told him that if he ever insulted me again, he'd rip out his eyes. After I told my father to let me handle him, I picked up Sasuke by the scruff of his shirt and kicked him right in the crotch."
Naruto visibly winced, and even Ayame cringed at that description.
"Just before I threw him out the door, I told Sasuke that he would never beat you, and that you were twice the man he was – in every way," Sakura finished with a wide grin.
"Remind me never to make you seriously angry," Naruto sighed and pulled her against his chest. The pinkette giggled and hugged him tightly.
"It's about time, you two," Tenchu said happily as he came out of the back room wiping his hands on a towel.
Naruto looked at two of his oldest friends; he didn't know what to say so he just shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess I'm just lucky," he replied and laid a kiss on her pink head. Sakura smiled happily and nuzzled his neck.
"Naruto…Sasuke aside…I wanted you to come meet my parents tonight. I know you've met them before, but this time, it would be as-"
"-the man who loves you," he finished for her.
"Will you come to dinner at my parents' house tonight?" she asked hopefully.
Naruto looked down at his mate, and his blue eyes glowed with pure warmth.
"Of course, I will, Sakura-chan. As if I could ever say 'no' to you," he chuckled.
"Thanks baka, I'll go tell my mom to expect you for dinner."
Sakura stepped out his arms, but just before she parted the hanging banners, Naruto grabbed her hand and yanked her back against his chest.
"Hey, what are you-"
She was cut off as Naruto claimed her lips hungrily. Grandstanding a little, he bent her over and savaged her mouth. Ayame giggled and pushed her father into the back room to give the couple some privacy. The pinkette was helpless as her mate practically sucked the life out of her.
"Hmm…sweet yet spicy…that's my Sakura-chan," Naruto teased as he nuzzled her playfully.
He let her back up, and the kunoichi's legs wobbled as she tried to get her brain working again. Wow, that had been phenomenal.
"What was that for, baka?" she sighed with a flushed face.
"To keep me going until I see you at dinner," he replied with a cheeky grin.
"So I'm your sustenance now," Sakura asked and cocked her hips to the side as if she was striking a pose for him to admire.
"I'm completely addicted to you, Sakura-chan."
Naruto's hands wondered over her body, and he did a quick check of the area to make sure they were alone. Sensing no one coming down the street, he nearly purred in his mate's ear.
"I love the taste of your sweet lips and delectable mouth. I also adore this mouth-watering body you have been graced with. I love to feel the weight of your breasts fill my hands, and your hard nipples pucker in my palms," he said huskily while his voice was just high enough for her to hear.
"Naruto…stop…" she protested as her body heated up as the rumbling baritone of his words drove her crazy.
"I especially love how my cock fits perfectly inside you, Sakura-chan. I love how it feels to fill up your tight, little pussy or your plump, little ass. I'm addicted to the look in your eyes when we make love, my cherry blossom; I will never let anyone else see you like that except me."
Naruto's hands glided down her sides and squeezed her firm, ripe ass. He ground her against his hips, and she felt the growing erection in his pants.
"I'm glad you enjoy me so much, Naruto, because I enjoy you just as much. I love feeling your hands run across me with such thorough yet gentle movements. I love seeing the desire in your eyes when I ride you, or you pin to the bed. I love how deep you go inside me and touch the very depths of my being with that wonderful cock of yours. I'm yours and only yours, Naruto. That will never change."
Sakura stood up on her toes and kissed him passionately. After several heated minutes, Naruto pulled back and looked down into her lust-laden eyes.
"Do you have to go see your mother right now?" he asked. Sakura smirked and licked her lips.
"Why…did you have something else in mind?"
"You've got thirty seconds to head for apartment before I come after you, and you better make it there before me," he growled.
"Why is that?" she prodded and almost gulped at the evil smile on his face.
"Wherever I catch you is where I going to fuck you; I don't care if it's the middle of the damn market!"
"Oh, that would make quite a site for Tsunade-sama to explain away."
"Hell, she'll probably praise us for doing it," Naruto laughed.
"Give me one minute, instead, Naruto, and I promise to be waiting for you – naked, wet, and wanton," she cooed into his ear and felt his erection pulse.
"Done. Now…go," he immediately released her, and Sakura took off like a shot.
He mentally began counting down in his head while Ayame came out of the kitchen.
"Sakura left already, Naruto?" she inquired, and the blonde just nodded his head.
"Everything alright?"
Naruto reached sixty and nodded his head again.
"Yes, Ayame-san, everything's fine; I just have a very important appointment to keep. Bye!" and he dashed out of the ramen stall and leapt up onto the rooftops.
XXXXXXXXXX
By the time that Naruto got to Sakura's apartment, he was so worked up he was afraid he'd tear the door off its hinges. Thankfully, he saw that her bedroom window had been left open, and he smiled at her forethought. Leaping through the window, his eyes took in his own personal slice of paradise.
Sakura lay on her bed stark naked. Her legs were spread wide, and her fingers were caressing her glistening slit. Her other hand was kneading her breast, and she showed her mate the wetness on her fingers.
"Hey handsome, come to claim your horny vixen," she teased and nearly made him cum as she licked her own juices from her fingers.
Sliding the window closed, he latched it and closed her curtains. Naruto nearly tore his clothes off and was relieved to see she had shut her bedroom door. He quickly formed the hand signs to soundproof the room before he leapt on top of his wanton mate. His lips eagerly latched onto one of her hard nipples while his fingers took over the job of teasing her womanhood.
"Naruto…don't tease me…" she pleaded.
He smirked at how horny he could make her and slid into the cradle of her thighs. Lining himself up, he thrust himself deep inside her exquisite body.
"Hmm…feels good to be home," Naruto said with a wide smile.
Sakura almost laughed at his words, but she saw the love and happiness overpower the lust in his eyes. He was home because he was with her, and she loved him even more for feeling that way. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him completely inside her.
"Make love to me, my husband," she ordered playfully.
"As my lady wishes," and he kissed her hungrily as their passion carried them off into their own world.
XXXXXXXXXX
Author's Notes: So, our couple returns to Konoha. Next time, we'll see what happens with Naruto and Sakura's parents. Also, the fighting should start in about two chapters. I haven't narrowed down Naruto's opponents yet, but I have finalized list. See ya next time.