Dream of somewhere Warm Chapter 3, a naruto fanfic

I do not own Naruto or Venom/Carnage

stretching out it felt the walls of its cage

still smooth, still strong

Chapter 3. Aftermath

A soft shaking tried rousing him from his sleep. Struggling against the feeling he rolled over and pulled the covers more tightly around his still sleepy form. A soft feminine voice called out to him again before the warm coverings were torn away. A blast of cold air and the feeling of weightlessness brought him careening towards consciousness. With a thump Naruto's head landed on the floor his legs still astride his bed.

Glaring bleary eyed at the source of his misery he spotted the two beatifically smiling faces of his mother and sister. Ever the witty conversationalist he chose his response carefully. "whaz going on." he mumbled.

Oddly his mom and sister were dressed in kimono's. Kurenai's kimono in a very demure cut was red and white with a subtle tracery of leaves and vines embroidered in to the material. Anko's black and gold kimono on the other hand was just this side of indecent.

Smiling at Naruto Kurenai tapped her own forehead, next to her Anko grinned. That's weird why are they smiling like that? He wondered.

Reaching up a hand he finally realized there was something wrapped around his forehead. Running his fingers over the soft silky material his fingers encountered the cool surface of a metal plate. Eyes widening as his fingers traced the symbol cut into the metal. Tearing it off his head he stared disbelievingly at the Konoha head protector that was the badge and symbol of Konohagakure's shinobi ranks.

"But... How When Why" he stammered incoherently from his prone position on the floor.

"Sarutobi and Anko saw the whole thing Naruto. When you beat Mizuki you earned your place as a shinobi of the leaf. Congratulations." Kurenai replied. Smiling proudly she held out her arms to him.

Sobbing Naruto crashed into his mothers arms. Feeling her arms wrap around him and Anko rubbing his hair, let all of the emotions of the past few hours stream out of him.

When he was calm again he looked up at Kurenai and Anko and asked. "Why are you two all dressed up?"

Grabbing his shoulder Kurenai steered him towards the bathroom. "Your party remember, now hurry up and shower you don't want to be late."

"But what about Mizuki" he asked as he fought ineffectively against his mother's grip.

"We'll deal with it tomorrow" she replied firmly. Giving him a final shove she closed the door to the bathroom. Reaching down she picked up the discarded head protector and smoothed out the material.

"Mizuki's dead correct" she asked Anko her face set in an unforgiving mask.

"Ashes" came Anko's grim response.

"Good. Orochimaru?"

"No trace of him." Anko's hands tightening into a white knuckled fists.

"I see." Tapping her chin Kurenai walked around the bedroom slowly. Glancing at Anko's still form she walked over to her and enveloped her into a hug.

"shhh now Anko." she whispered into her ear. "well find him soon enough. He can't hide forever. And when we do our family will erase every trace of him from this earth."

"It's not enough" Anko whispered back in a hash grating voice.

"Don't worry We'll make sure he suffers, by the time were done hell be begging for death"

Pulling away a bit Anko looked at Kurenai a wan smile tugging at her lips "Promise?" she asked.

"Believe it" Giggling a bit the two pulled away from each other.

"Thanks Kurenai I needed to hear that."

"Your welcome dear one."

"Dear one you haven't said that in a long time"

Brushing aside the implied question Kurenai walked over to the foot of the bed where some wrapped bundles were. "Come on lets get Naruto's things ready."

"Hai." Anko's voice finally returning to the happy timber of its usual tone.

oOo

Feeling the warm water rushing over his skin Naruto tried to put his thoughts into some semblance of order. Finally realizing it wasn't going to happen he decided to simply try and remember just what exactly had happened. He groaned a bit at the after shocks of opening three of the gates made themselves abundantly clear. Three gates I finally did it. I caught up to Lee. Pumping his fists in excitement the bone deep twinge of pain brought him up short. Oww, oh right I opened the gates.

Concentrating he thought back to everything that had happened earlier that day. Wow that was all one day, geez it feels like forever since Kakashi brought me to the academy. Then I got the scroll and came back. I gave it to Mizuki. Mizuki. Why did he attack me? He said I was the Kyubi. Looks like the fourth's legacy came back to haunt me again. Unconsciously one hand reached down to his stomach where the seal that kept the Kyubi locked away was located.

But I think Mizuki was angry about something else. Like he'd been angry for a long time. Mom said that anger is like medicine a little bit can help you when you need it, but too much was like poison. Was Mizuki poisoned?

Then we fought. In the moment before Mizuki attacked me I opened the first gate. The second when all those weapons came flying at me. And the third. The third came right when I needed it, and I launched Mizuki into the air. And then what happened.

A voice. He remembered someone calling him. Anko. She had shown up just before he had used the lotus. And then nothing. Nee-San must have brought him home.

And then I woke up. And mom told me I was a ninja now.

Wait a minute.

That means it all really happened, I'm a ninja now!

oOo

A loud whoop from the bathroom from the bathroom startled the two women.

"Looks like it all finally sunk in." Kurenai commented quietly.

"Looks like it."

oOo

Getting out of the shower Naruto wrapped a towel around his waist. Looking around he saw that someone had laid out a change of clothes for him. Hurrying up he dried off his body, his short hair dried quickly enough on its own that he didn't bother drying it off.

Quickly throwing on his boxers he pulled on a pair of black cargo pants, a deep blue shirt and his ninja sandals. Suitably attired he left the bathroom.

"Mom Sis" He called out to the seemingly empty apartment.

"In here Naruto" Kurenai called from their armory/closet.

Walking into the room he saw that they had lit a few candles in the room.

"Sit down Naruto and take off your shirt" Kurenai said.

Nodding obediently he sat down in the center of the room, shrugging out of his shirt he dropped it on the floor next to him. He looked up at his mother for more instructions, he didn't know what was happening but he knew it was important.

"Today you became a shinobi of the leaf." Kurenai began. "You have been trusted with the safety and protection of our village and the land of fire. This is only the first step in a path that you will walk for the rest of your life. Anko the oath."

Anko her face uncharacteristically solemn sat down in front of him. Drawing out a kunai she held it point down between the two.

"Naruto are you ready to take this oath."

"There's an oath?"

"Yes there is. Its a promise you make to this village, are you willing to take it? you don't have to. The Hiate is the symbol and proof that you are a ninja. This is something older." Kurenai explained.

Straightening up he swallowed nervously. But his voice was firm when he answered. "I'll take it"

"Very well Naruto place your left hand on this kunai and your right over your heart. Now repeat after me." Anko said quietly.

"I Naruto Yuhi" she began

"I Naruto Yuhi" he repeated.

"Do swear on this blade and my life"

"To protect this land and this village"

"To kill those who I am required to kill"

"To kill those who I am required to kill" here his voice trembled a bit.

"To defend those who need it"

"To obey the orders of my Kage"

"To always strive to succeed no matter the odds"

"For as long as there is life in my body"

"So I swear as a Shinobi of the leaf"

Smiling proudly Anko leaned over and hugged him. "Good job"

"I am very proud of you Naruto, not many Ninja take the oath anymore its an old custom" Kurenai said with a proud smile on her face.

"Really?" he asked curiously.

"Yes really. That oath is from Konoha's founding days. Now stay right there we have a few gifts for you." Reaching behind her she grabbed a few small parcels.

"Here is the first, Armor Weave. This will protect you much better than anything else you can find. Rhea made these." She said holding up three rolls of the expensive fabric two white one gray. "Now pay attention and hold still."

Moving smoothly she took the largest roll, the gray one and began winding it around his chest. Starting at his waist she showed him how to take the two ends and wrap them around himself in a simple pattern. The slightly iridescent fabric crisscrossing across his chest and stomach.

"And now your arms Anko you take the other one."

"Got it." with that the two wrapped his arms with the remaining two rolls. This part at least he knew, they used the same pattern that Guy and Lee used. Maybe its a standard pattern? The Armor Weave was now wrapped around his arms and hands all the way to his elbows.

"Were done" Kurenai said with a satisfied look. "Anko go ahead and give him the last one."

"Here you go Gaki Gramps told me to give you this" she held out a small scroll.

"Thanks what's inside" he asked as he took the scroll.

"It's a clone jutsu that he said will be perfect for you." Anko replied happily.

"A clone jutsu. I hate clones" He whined.

Whacking him on the head Anko continued. "The Hokage himself picked out a jutsu for you, be grateful."

"Thanks." he grunted tucking the scroll into a pocket.

Joining them on the floor Kurenai tied Naruto's head protector onto his head again. "And now its done."

Getting up again she consulted the clock on the wall. "Well let's get going, we have your party to get to Naruto. You did tell Teuchi you would be eating upstairs today."

oOo

Sitting alone in a quiet section of the park Tayuya was mad. No she wasn't mad she was beyond furious. If another shitless braindead assfucking shiteating BOY asks me if I want some company I am going to kill him. As her hands tightened on the cup ramen she had been eating she splintered the soft Styrofoam spilling noodles and broth all over her hands.

"FUCK!" she screamed and threw the offending item onto the ground. Ignoring the stares of the few people in this area of the park she shook her hands getting most of the gunk off. Staring at her hands she did her best to clean them off but the her hands remained sticky. Cursing under her breath she looked around. There was a small stream a few dozen yards away. Picking up her pack she trudged down to the stream.

Why that bastard picked a park to meet I'll never know. But meeting in a semi public place isn't that bad of an idea. Any number of cover stories would seem plausible here. She thought as she washed her hands. Hearing footsteps behind her and a dog? She stood and turned around tossing her hair over her shoulder.

Looking up she stared into two black diamond shaped eyes.

Kiba felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. He and Akamaru had been hurrying home after his genin exam when he had decided to cut across the park to get home faster.

He had been the last one to finish the genin exam. But Iruka-Sensei had been nice enough to give him extra time to finish the exam even after the official time had run out. Iruka had been nervous and preoccupied all day, but he was a great teacher and hadn't let it show too much. Probably since Naruto had bailed on the exam, Idiot. But even his mom respected Iruka, greeting him politely on the few times he had seen the two meet, so he hadn't done anything to bother Iruka.

When he had finished he had waited anxiously as Iruka had graded his exam. Finally Iruka had finished, standing up he had solemnly handed him his Hiate. Taking it he had shouted with joy and left the classroom in a rush, shouting a happy goodbye at his teacher. That was when he had decided to detour through the park to get home.

He had smelled her first, flowers and wet earth, an errant breeze had carried her scent to his nose. Had he been moving even a step faster or slower he would have missed it. He had never smelled anyone like that before.

So he had detoured again to see who or what it was. Then he had seen her for the first time. The sunlight had turned her hair into a crimson halo around her head. When she had turned around and he finally saw her brown eyes his heart had skipped a beat. He and the guys had been making fun of the Uchiha fan girls in the academy for their sappy and lovestruck ways for a long time.

Now. Now he was getting a crash course in lovestruck.

oOo

Ichiraku's was lit up like a summer festival. Colored paper lanterns hung from the eaves of the building, while colorful streamers adorned the windows, and wind chimes sang merrily in the evening wind. From where they stood Naruto and Co. could hear music coming from the usually bustling restaurant. The only jarring note to the decor was the sign at the main entrance that boldly proclaimed. Closed for Private Event. Even now there were still people who were being turned away by Ayame. She waved cheerfully at them before running back inside.

Kurenai was only just barely able to keep Naruto from rushing inside the second he spotted the restaurant. "Relax Naruto were almost there. You don't want to spoil the surprise."

"But mom were almost there."

"Then it can wait a bit, Anko and I aren't wearing running shoes, so you will act like a gentleman and walk to your party."

"Yes mom" he sighed

"That's telling him Kurenai" Anko shot at her from her place on the other side of Naruto.

Soon enough the trio made it to the restaurant entrance, ignoring the offended looks of some of the people who tried to follow them in before being turned away by one of Teuchi's employees, a fairly skinny boy named Shinji who had recently begun working there.

"Everyone's upstairs ma'am" He said bowing politely to Kurenai and the others.

Taking the lead Kurenai led the way to the back of the restaurant where there was a recessed hallway.

Naruto had always wondered what the point of it was, since Teuchi had never put anything there, it was simply a small hallway that led nowhere. Besides the three of them the restaurant was completely empty though Naruto could hear voices and music coming from upstairs. The restaurant seemed oddly bigger without the hustle and bustle of customers and the staff.

Reaching the end of the hall Kurenai stopped and pointed up with her left hand. At the end of the hallway there was a hole in the roof. It was large enough for two grown men to fit comfortably side by side.

"Well Naruto this is how you get upstairs."

"So there's no stairs or ladders."he asked eying the hole suspiciously.

"No, most ninja tend to use the entrance on the roof or the sides of the building."

"How come I've never seen them?" he asked curiously.

"Well we always come in through the main entrance and the other entrances are camouflaged from ground level."

"So what are you waiting for? Get up there Gaki" Fitting action to words Anko grabbed Naruto by the back of his shirt and tossed him up into the hole.

Landing on his ass Naruto groaned.

"YOU MADE IT!" the shout almost deafened him.

Finally coming around completely Naruto opened his eyes. The first thing he saw were two enormous black caterpillars.

"Gaack" jumping back a bit he finally saw the face those two monstrosities were attached to.

"Lee!" he exclaimed happily.

"Naruto, my friend let me be the first to welcome you to the ranks of shinobi" Lee exclaimed before picking up Naruto and shaking him like a rag doll. Though he supposed Lee would have called it a hug.

Suddenly the nausea inducing ride became even more disturbing. "NARUTO LEE, my two greatest students are both finally ninja. IM SO HAPPY!" Maito guy shouted to the room as he picked up the two genin in a hug as well. Crushed between the two Naruto strained to keep his lungs from collapsing from the combined might of Guy and Lee. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the strange genjutsu that Lee and Guy seemed to cast when ever they got emotional.

"You know Sensei I'm standing right here." an annoyed female voice called from somewhere next to Naruto's flailing feet.

Feeling a slight loosening In Guy and Lee's grip he managed to squirm out of their grasp. A useful skill that he had mastered years ago. Landing with a thump he staggered a few steps back before being braced by a pair of huge hands. "Easy now Boy"

Looking up he gazed into the smiling face of Hiashi, TenTen's dad. Giving Naruto a small push he set him back upright.

"Looks like you made it boy" he rumbled his usually grim face splitting into a pleased grin.

"Congratulations Naruto, I am pleased to see you succeed." Rhea said stepping out from behind her husband. As always her voice was quiet and even. TenTen's mother was a small woman scarcely a few inches taller than her daughter and even more slender. Long black hair fell straight down her back in a simple braid. She and her daughter shared the same brown eyes. Other than a few wrinkles she could have easily passed for TenTen's older sister.

"Thanks Hiashi Aunt Rhea." looking around he spotted TenTen doing her level best to avoid Guy who was profusely apologizing for forgetting even one of his students.

"Well Naruto you had me worried me for a while there." Iruka's face was split into a wide grin even though he looked out of breath, he must have ran here or something, Iruka approached the small group followed closely by the Hokage and Teuchi and Ayame.

oOo

At the same time Anko and Kurenai joined the table with Kakashi Asuma, and Kakashi's ninken summons.

"Looks like your boy made it Kurenai" Asuma pointed out as he lit a match to light his cigarette.

Casually snuffing out the match with one hand Kakashi added his congratulations as well. Lowering his voice a bit he whispered softly. "Mizuki?"

Nodding discreetly Kurenai accepted two plates of food from a waiter and handed one over to Anko who dug in happily.

"Did the Hokage brief you" she asked equally quiet

"Yeah we heard I'm sorry we didn't catch on to him sooner" Asuma replied chewing on the end of his still unlit cigarette.

"Thank you for your concern but everything worked out in the end."Turning her head she looked at Kakashi "I'm glad to see your here on time Kakashi."

"Yeah well after we left your house me and Pakkun decided to round up the rest of the gang. After we were done we came here." the silver haired jounin commented as he took another drink.

"Thank you for that Pakkun" She nodded politely to the ninken pup.

Giving her a polite nod in return Pakkun returned his attention back to the other ninken and the plates of food that Teuchi's employees brought them.

oOo

Teuchi and Ayame crowded around Naruto pushing Iruka cheerfully aside.

"Ha ha looks like you finally made it upstairs boy." said Teuchi as he slapped Naruto on the back.

"Dad don't hit him that hard" said Ayame even as she slapped her father on the head. Leaning down she gave Naruto a quick peck on the cheek. Laughing at his suddenly bright red face. "Good Job Naruto."

"I'm proud of you Naruto" Sarutobi said as he gently pushed past Teuchi and Ayame. "Looks like your one step closer to your dream."

"Dream what dream." Ayame asked him.

Smiling broadly "Its. A. Secret." he said enunciating every word distinctly. Before backing away quickly.

"Oh yeah come here." on that note Ayame charged after the boy.

As he watched his daughter chase a boy around his restaurant Teuchi couldn't help but laugh.

"So what is his dream Sir." He asked the Hokage.

Taking a puff on his pipe Sarutobi let out a knowing grin. "Hes going to become Hokage" He answered quietly.

"He doesn't reach low does he." Teuchi mused.

"He never has, one day the entire world will know his name." Iruka said confidently.

"Yosh" Maito Guy added his own acknowledgment as he joined the group.

Together the four watched as Lee and TenTen joined Ayame in chasing after Naruto.

oOo

"What" she finally snapped.

"Huh I mean Hi" stammering Kiba did his best to answer.

Arching an eyebrow Tayuya crossed her arms and glared at him.

"Kiba Your name. I mean my name is Kiba what's yours" Kiba tried again.

Just before she knocked him out Tayuya noticed his Hiate and and the small dog next to him. Forcing down her temper and her hand she tried diplomacy.

"Fuck off, I'm not interested." with that said she walked past him and tried not to scream or pull out her hair. What the fuck is wrong with this village. Do I have some fucking sign on my head that says I need help.

As she walked past Kiba did something stupid, he grabbed her arm. "Wait at least tell me your name." he called ignoring Akamaru's warning.

WHAT THE FUCK! She screamed internally. Seconds from snapping she chose a measured and well thought out plan to express her displeasure. She kicked him in the nuts.

Akamaru could only watch as Kiba fell to the ground his face distorted in a mask of pain. He had tried to warn Kiba. But... He hadn't listened.

Stomping back Tayuya sat down on her bench and tried to force down her anger. If she lost it completely there was a good chance her curse mark would activate and that was the last thing she needed. She had no doubt that she could easily fight her way past any number of chunin and even a few jounin but she knew that Konoha had quite a few elite ninja. They had featured prominently in the sound's bingo book.

She had made sure to check it before she left the sound. Mostly because it was the only intel on Konoha that wasn't locked away in Orochimaru's private vaults. Asshole could have at least let me know if there were people I needed to avoid. Still there are some really powerful ninja in this village. Guess with this many people odds are some of them would be decent ninja. The sound preferred quality over quantity she thought smugly.

Even as he staggered away from the park Kiba couldn't help but think Wow.

oOo

Laughing Ayame rejoined her father and company. Slipping her arm through Iruka's she asked how everyone was doing.

"So does anyone need anything." She asked cheerfully ignoring Iruka's slightly stiff posture. Teuchi and Sarutobi exchanged knowing smirks.

"No were fine dear, where'd you leave Naruto." Sarutobi asked.

Gesturing over her shoulder she pointed to the table where it looked like Lee and Naruto were having an eating contest with TenTen watching in horrified fascination.

Chuckling Sarutobi reached inside his robes and pulled out a folder with some files in it. "Guy would you mind taking these over to Asuma and the others. Tell them id like to see them make some team selections as long as their all here."

"At once" Guy grabbed the folder and took off at a run crossing the room more or less instantly. Nudging Ayame with his arm Iruka indicated they should follow.

Finally alone Teuchi and Sarutobi chuckled and sat down together.

"So wheres your grandson?" Teuchi asked

"He pulled a prank on his teacher so hes being punished"

"the noodle incident?"

"Yes, he claims he was framed"

"Live and learn I suppose."

oOo

"Asuma, papers from the Hokage."

"Oh" Kakashi wondered lowering his cup of sake.

"What are these Guy." Asuma asked opening the folder.

"The Hokage wishes you to make your team selections" Guy said as he sat down opposite Kakashi.

Spreading the stack out onto the table Asuma pulled three of the files out and arranged them in front of him.

Taking a glance at the papers Anko said. "So your taking Ino, Shikimaru and Choji? Aren't their dads on a team too?"

"Yeah they asked me to keep the kids together, they're hoping to continue the tradition" Asuma replied.

"Are you taking a team this year Kakashi" Iruka asked as he and Ayame joined them and sat down.

"I take one every year Iruka." Kakashi replied sounding insulted.

"You fail a team every year that's not the same thing." Iruka shot back.

"So who are you taking" Ayame said as she looked over the picture's and bios.

Glancing at Kurenai who nodded Kakashi reached out and pulled one file out and after a moments deliberation grabbed another."

"So Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha" asked Guy. "A fine choice my rival."

"I'm not your rival Guy, Iruka who do you suggest for the third." Kakashi grumbled.

"Well my first choice would have been Ino, but I suggest Sakura." Iruka replied after a moment's thought.

"Sakura who's that?" Anko said as she rummaged through the pile before pulling out a file. "Oh she's cute."

"Why this girl Iruka? She doesn't seem to be quite in the same league as Naruto, or Sasuke." Kurenai asked disdainfully as she took the file from Anko.

"Well Sakura is quite possibly the smartest girl I ever taught and she is very strong willed. I think she'll balance out Naruto and Sasuke quite well. These two need someone to hold them back and keep a clear head." Pointing out a few more files Iruka continued.

"Shino is Naruto's friend and a natural leader but the three of them would clash over every decision.

Hinata is very shy and would agree to whatever the other two suggested. The other choices are even worse"

"Wow Iruka, how come your not a jounin?" Ayame asked.

Rubbing the back of his head Iruka smiled bashfully. "Well the truth is I just love teaching, I'm happy there."

His small speech was greeted with a small round of applause and an impromptu toast.

"Thanks, Ill go with these three then. Kurenai will you be taking a team as well." Kakashi asked as he looked over the papers in front of him.

"Yes, Iruka I'm sorry to keep bothering you but do you have any suggestions?"

Without hesitating Iruka grabbed one file then one more. After a moments searching he pulled out a third and handed the three to Kurenai."

"Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka?" she asked.

"Yes I think Hinata will benefit enormously from having well umm ah a female sensei." he finished cautiously.

"Calm down Iruka, I won't bite" Kurenai laughed at the expression on Iruka's face

"Right well Hinata has access to her family blood line the Byakugan though she isn't very proficient yet. Shino is however very skilled in his family's jutsu, he's the best I've seen in quite a few years. I mentioned before that hes a natural leader, he'll mesh well with the other two. Kiba however needs a fairly large dose of humility. Hes the number two taijutsu fighter in the class, after Sasuke."

"Where does Naruto fall in? Third?" asked Asuma curiously.

"Actually hes near the bottom" said Iruka.

"Why" asked Anko sharply.

"That's my fault" said Guy from where he'd been sitting quietly grunting to himself.

"Mind explaining that?" Anko asked acidly "You've been training Naruto for years how is he at the bottom of his class."

"Yes Guy I would like to hear why as well" Kurenai asked quietly.

"The taijutsu style I teach to Lee and Naruto is called the Eight Fold Path. It was developed to cause maximum damage to bones and muscles, it is also a primer for opening the Eight Gates of Life." Guy began.

"The Eight Gates" Asuma whispered softly. A forbidden jutsu and he taught it to Lee and Naruto.

"Lee and Naruto are the only ones in their age group who can use this style. If Naruto had used it in the academy his sparring partners would have ended up in the hospital. So I forbade him from using it at the academy."

"so hes been using the academy style for his spars, he's not very good because its not his primary style."Iruka finished. "it wasn't a big issue since Naruto knew why he was being restricted, so I'm sorry we never told you."

"I see, My apologies Guy Iruka" Kurenai gave a slight bow in Guy's direction. "So back to the original topic Kiba needs a firm hand, Hinata needs support and Shino is fine for the moment. Thank you Iruka I will be taking these three then."

"Looks like its all settled" Iruka said happily as he gathered up the remaining files.

"What about the other students" Ayame asked indicating the half dozen or so files In Iruka's hands.

"They'll be assigned to the general ninja pool for orientation and training. one jounin and a team of chunin will supervise them instead of a single jounin Sensei. " Iruka answered.

oOo

"Hey Lee TenTen guess what" Naruto asked as he finally put down his chopsticks.

"Tell us Naruto." Lee asked excitedly.

"Yeah what happened" TenTen asked over her cup of tea.

Standing up proudly Naruto pointed at lee. "I just caught up to you, I opened three gates today."

Standing up as well Lee pointed right back. "Not so fast Naruto, I advanced to the fourth gate last week."

TenTen almost choked on her tea over the flabbergasted look on Naruto's face. Lee and Naruto had been rivals almost from the day they had met she recalled fondly. They had also been friends from the day they met. They were also the top two students of Konoha's top taijutsu expert. Neji and her weren't allowed to spar with Lee or Naruto without pads.

Unconsciously she rubbed her left arm. One year ago in a fit of whimsy she had challenged Naruto to a spar without pads. His very first counter had broken her arm. But they hadn't known it was broken until the pain refused to go away after a few days. Neji had been the one to spot it. He had covered for her saying it had been a training accident with him. That had also been the day when he had started opening up to her and the rest of the team.

Smirking a bit she remembered something she had to say. Grabbing two chopsticks she flicked them towards the two boys who were well on their way to an impromptu match. The chopsticks hit the two in the ears.

"What" Naruto yelped rubbing his ear.

"Neji sends you a message Naruto" TenTen calmly stated.

"What hes not here?" Naruto asked spinning in a full circle as he scanned the room.

"No hes not. Remember Hinata graduated today too. Hes at her dinner party."

"Who?"

"Hinata. You know his cousin."

"..."

"Dark hair Silver eyes."

"..."

"Looks like a girl version of Neji."

"..."

"Wears a jacket all the time."

"..."

She's in your class in the academy Naruto." Staring at his still confused face she let her head fall into her cupped hands and groaned.

"Wait... do you mean that really quiet girl that sits next to Shino." Naruto finally asked.

Resisting the urge to take the nearest solid object and beat some sense into her friend TenTen simply chose to nod.

"Anyways here's Neji's message" Sitting up straight she schooled her face into a serious mask. "I am not surprised that you graduated. Your fate made it inevitable that you become a ninja."

"Umm thanks I guess. Hes still going on about that fate stuff?" Naruto replied as he scratched his head.

"Yeah he is." TenTen smiled at her team mates odd view on life.

"Oh look we have cake" Naruto exclaimed and dashed off with Lee close behind.

"Hey what kind of cake?" She called after the two.

Gathering around the table with the cake Naruto raised the knife over his head and prepared to bring it down to cut the cake. Even as his hand flashed down the knife was plucked from his hand. Looking up he saw Kakashi grinning down at him through his mask.

"Oi were cutting the cake." He called to the room as a whole.

With a shuffling of chairs everyone gathered around to get cake. Spinning the knife around his fingertips in an impressive show of skill Kakashi began to cut the cake into neat even slices. The flash of camera alerted everyone to Ayame holding up her camera to take pictures. A great deal of the pictures downstairs had been taken by her. Ichiraku's was the Hokage's first choice for meetings with foreign dignitaries when the Hokage Tower wasn't a viable option.

"hey everyone say cheese" she called out happily.

"CHEESE!"

oOo

"Man that was a great party." Naruto shouted out as he and his family walked home with the Hokage.

"Ladies I'm feeling a bit full, would you mind if we walked through the park a bit?" Sarutobi asked Kurenai and Anko who was leaning heavily on Kakashi.

"Actually I was going to suggest that myself." Kurenai said.

Belching loudly Anko put in her two cents. "Yeah I think I need to walk of some of this Booze." Watching Naruto walk into the park ahead of them she called out. "Oi Gaki make sure you don't fall into the river and drown, I'm not getting ya this is a new kimono."

Glancing at the trees Kurenai made a subtle motion with one hand and two fingers, informing the ANBU that were shadowing them in the change of directions. In the trees a shadow flickered and was gone, somehow leaving a feeling of indignation behind. Smirking a bit Kurenai turned back to Kakashi who was hiding a what she though was a smile behind his mask.

oOo

One hour, that's how long Ill give him before I find him and shove an explosive tag up his ass. Then I'll make him find all the pieces and eat them. Tayuya thought darkly as she sat in the park. She was not sulking, but this mission had gone bad right from the beginning. This morning she caused a scene with that blond haired shithead. Only blonde in this whole god damn town and I run into him. Then I get hit on by every prepubescent fucktard that sees me. And I'm supposed to stay here. Fuck.

Finally hearing footsteps she sat up straighter. Stretching out her senses she could feel a strong chakra presence coming towards her. Tracking the signature she followed it as it came closer. She felt her heart beat speed up as she got ready for a confrontation. Her sight narrowed down into a tunnel as everything that wasn't a threat or an asset washed away. Feeding chakra into her senses she felt some of her senses dull while others sharpened.

She could hear him now, his heart beat steady and regular, the crunch of dried leaves and grass as he passed over them, the swish of his clothes as they rubbed together, the soft exhalations as he breathed. In a few moments he'd be visible.

There.

He stepped around a hedge and was in sight. His blond hair glowing dully in the streetlight.

Wait? Blonde? No fucking way. That was IT! She stomped forward and spun him around to confirm her suspicions. Laughing cerulean eyes widening in surprise as they stared back into angry brown eyes. It was him!

"YOU" she screamed. In a repeat of their first meeting she began to shake him like a rattle again. Only the fact that she was under cover kept her from tearing his head off and playing hackeysack with his nuts.

"Ah hey let go" Naruto's first reaction was to simply shove her away. But even as his hands went up to push her away his motion caused his feet to slip. Not being too steady on his feet, what with being shaken like a maraca, the result was pretty much what you expect.

Feeling himself slip backwards he instinctively grabbed onto the nearest object, unfortunately said object shoved him away violently as soon as he touched her. Landing on his back he windmilled his legs and knocked Tayuya's feet out from under her causing her to land on top of him. Blocking a knee to the groin with his left hand he just barely managed to catch her fist before she cracked him over the skull with a handy rock. Squeezing her wrist he managed to get her to drop the rock with a gasp.

"Aren't you going to buy her dinner first Naruto?" An infinitely amused female voice interrupted the pair."

"Fuck off, this is between me and shithead here" Tayuya snarled and glanced up to see who had interrupted her.

And very nearly screamed in fright. Staring right back at her with an indulgent smile was the Fucking Sandaime Hokage Himself! The man known as the god of shinobi. And standing right next to him was Sharingan no Kakashi. And two other broads with Hiate's. Four ninja. Fuck.

"So who's your little friend Naruto" The purple haired one cooed at the pair.

"Umm I don't know." Glancing back at Tayuya he asked. "Hey have we met before you look kinda of familiar?"

"You ran into me this morning! You knocked me on my ass. And you don't remember!" She screamed at the now thoroughly cowed boy underneath her. For the moment her anger won out over her fear. But she had to come up with a plan fast.

"Naruto is that true?" Kurenai asked as she stepped forward. Bending down she grabbed hold of Tayuya's arms and easily lifted the girl onto her feet. Idly brushing a few stray leaves and debris from her hair, she pulled the girl a bit closer.

Glancing at the girls clothes Kurenai noticed the weave and make. Wherever the clothes had been made they hadn't been made in Konoha. They looked like farmers clothes especially with the dirt stains on the knees and hems of the pants. Besides her choice of words seemed to indicate a personal grudge rather than the institutional hatred of the Kyubi. Still no reason not to be safe. Unnoticed by the girl she slid a senbon needle into the palm she had resting on the girls back.

Tayuya was actually so mad she was shaking but it looked like so far no one suspected what was going on.

"Umm Maybe" scrunching up his face Naruto tried to remember.

"Naruto" This time Kurenai's voice had a slight but unmistakeable edge to it.

"Yeah I mean yes Sorry." he ducked his head a bit as he apologized.

Feeling the girl tense up beneath her hand Kurenai moved quickly. "So tell us your name. We haven't been introduced, My name is Kurenai Yuhi, the blonde there is my son Naruto." Naruto gave Tayuya a small wave. "His sister Anko Mitarashi, the one with the mask and the silver hair is Kakashi Naruto's uncle." Kakashi flashed Tayuya a peace sign and Anko waved. Turning the girl a bit she walked to just out of arms reach of the Hokage. Maintaining control of the girl she continued. "And this is Hiruzen Sarutobi the Sandaime Hokage, and leader of our village."

"Hi I'm Tayuya." she managed to say, she didn't need to fake her nervousness. She recognized all four ninja now. They figured prominently in the sounds bingo book. The girl Anko also had the odd distinction of being marked as a priority alive capture.

"So what brings you to our village young lady" The Hokage asked indulgently. In the background Kakashi and Anko were quietly grilling Naruto on just how far he'd gotten. Kakashi was even taking notes.

Even if all the odds were stacked in her favor and a few miracles happened to come her way Tayuya knew that there was no way she could attack these ninja and live. So time for plan B. Lie her ass off.

"umm I just got to the city today. I was hoping to find work here." she responded quietly.

"I'm sorry miss but you seem a little young to be moving to the city? How old are you exactly." Sarutobi asked. Something was odd about this girl but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"16, and I can go wherever I want." Tayuya stated defiantly. 16 was the age when a child was considered an adult in the land of fire. Not much of a plan but it seems to be working.

Standing behind the girl Kurenai arched an eyebrow at Sarutobi. When a cat masked ANBU suddenly appeared next to the Hokage only Kurenai's hand on her shoulder kept Tayuya from jumping. Noticing what was in his hand she gave an indignant shriek. "Hey that's my bag." she shouted.

Letting the girl go Kurenai casually slid the senbon back into her sleeve.

"Lord Hokage it looked like the girl was sitting there quite a while, there was a blanket next to the pack as well. I believe she was going to spend the night here." the masked ANBU said tonelessly as Tayuya snatched back her bag.

"Is that true miss? Why don't you tell us what's really going on. I assure we can help you if you need it." Sarutobi asked once more.

Fuck fuck fuck. Thought Tayuya as she glanced around for a way out. Seeing none she opened her mouth and started talking.

"Fine I'm 14 and I ran away from home. My Father" she spat out the word. "Engaged me to this fat son of a merchant. I rather die than marry that dickless boyfucker." Finishing she took a step back to gauge the reaction.

She wasn't expecting to be suddenly hugged and feel a hand running through her hair. Eyes wide she looked up into the angry face of the red eyed woman who had introduced her to the others. But the angry look wasn't directed at her.

"Hiruzen." Kurenai's voice was flat and angry. Off to one side Anko approached Kurenai and crossed her arms and glared at the Hokage as well. Kakashi stood off to one side holding Naruto in a headlock. Both of them instinctively knew to stand very still and not draw attention to themselves.

Taking a step back Sarutobi took a moment to consider his options. Normally he would have just arranged for the girl to return home, or failing that put her in the orphanage. But it was fairly obvious that Kurenai wasn't going to allow that. Glancing at Naruto gave him an idea.

"Well young lady you've placed me in quite a difficult situation. I take it you have no intention of going home?"

"No." Tayuya spat out.

"Well then by your own admission you are too young to stay by yourself" Taking a long pull from his pipe he looked at the girl who was still wrapped in Kurenai's arms.

"I can take care of myself." Tayuya shot back as best she could. Fuck this is getting out of hand.

Chuckling a bit Sarutobi addressed the girl again. "Well then if you wish to stay here you are going to need a guardian. Kurenai I know this is more than a little unorthodox but would you consider caring for the girl?" Watching Kurenai's eyes light up and the girl's Tayuya he corrected himself, eyes widen in shock he knew he had made the right decision.

"WHAT!"

"Id love to." Kurenai could barely contain her glee. Her arms tightened reflexively on the poor girl.

"Naruto" Kakashi's voice was calmer and more serious than Naruto had ever heard it. "Remember if you get caught make sure she's on top. That way you can claim you were raped."

"Yeah... Wait. WHAT!"

oOo

AN: Thanks to my Beta's Whitedragon17 and Psudocode Samurai, without whose help and inspiration this story would never have gotten off the ground. Both are amazing authors and I highly recommend all of their fics. And thanks to all my reviewers.

AAN: If you think I made a mistake or have a suggestion or an idea, Please PM me or leave it in a review.

P.S. Major bonus points to anyone who can spot the Calvin and Hobbes reference.