An: Well here it is the next chapter of Intentions. As warned there is a Lemon in it, so if those things offend please don't proceed further as I don't offer a separation of where it starts and ends. Sorry, but it's there and part of the story so read at your own risk. Also, I would like to thank all the reviewers as always, your humble author S. o. t. A. Furthermore, if people wish to discuss aspects of the story I encourage P.M.'s as some of the discussions I've had really force me to think about the direction I take the story so again, thanks.

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

Chapter 12: The faith to move forward

Sakura awoke to find Naruto gone. A part of her was afraid that whatever he had felt at her kiss had been replaced with his doubts and fears. She wanted to know but knew he needed time to think. Getting ready she made her way outside to see Naruto sitting against the log where they had celebrated his birthday. Tempted to go over, she could see he was lost in thought so decided to leave him be. She had made her intentions clear so now he needed to come to a decision on her one way or the other. Deciding to go bathe she made her way deeper into the island hoping for some sign he wanted her back in his life when she got back.

Naruto was aware when Sakura left the hut and was thankful when she left him alone in favor of bathing most likely. He knew Jiraiya would be rolling in his grave since Naruto had yet to spy on the girl, but the tale he used to tell of what happened to him when Tsunade had caught him provided all the inspiration he needed to resist that temptation.

Now that she was gone he held up the mask he had worn since becoming Kyo. The name Kyo had no meaning to him as he had simply picked it since he liked the sound of it. However the mask did, and that meaning was on who he tried to model Kyo after, Sasuke. Yet in the end he had failed, he just couldn't pull off that cold and calculating demeanor that had come second nature to the Uchiha. Although, when they were younger it had simply been what they considered cool. Nonetheless that wasn't entirely true either, as he had succeeded with one person and that was Sakura. So much so that she had come to hate the mask he wore while as Kyo. Something he had known from the very first time she laid eyes on it after learning it was him underneath. But he had still worn it even on the island when it was just the two of them.

Looking up at the sun he had to laugh at the irony as he had convinced Nagato that he was capable of putting his anger and hate behind him. Yet, he had held onto it with a woman that he had claimed to love. True she had hurt him, but so too had Nagato's actions which had resulted in the death of Jiraiya. However he had managed to get over it, if not forgive the man exactly. But in a sense that was forgiveness as well, letting go of those negative feelings and allowing people to move forward instead of back. She had never said it but Naruto knew Konan had a hand in Jiraiya's death but that hadn't stopped him from starting up their quasi-relationship.

Naruto knew what caused him to hold onto his negative feelings for Sakura and that was the fear that her greatest betrayal had yet to happen. That he'd buy into her sweet words and let her in his heart, but once Sasuke entered the picture she'd dump him like yesterday's garbage.

But the kiss she had given him, her first, that was something that pushed all those fears away, at least while it happened. By morning they had all returned, if slightly muted. Staring into the plain white mask he thought of what Tsunade had asked him back in Konoha, about if he had captured Sakura's heart before things had turned out so wrong. How would he know? He had still yet to answer that question but he now believed there was no answer. At some point he figured he just would have to have faith that Sakura had come to love him. That she cherished him for his merits, not as some silver medal. He understood that she had given him her first kiss as a sign that she meant what she said about loving him. That she was moving forward.

What about him though? For a time he had been obsessed with returning Sasuke to the village. So much so that he had covered up his friend's faults trying to paint a picture that the current Sasuke saw fit to destroy. Now though he accepted that Sasuke and Konoha would most likely forever be at odds. Which meant he and Sasuke would most likely never fight as friends or allies again. Sakura had been no different though having an ideal image of Sasuke that she had clung too. He had a part in her forming that image he supposed, due to what he had said to her on the bench on the first day of Team Seven's existence. Another thing he had come to believe was that he was also to blame for how everything blew up between him and Sakura. The reason he believed that was because he had not been honest with her. He should had told her that it was him on the bench or how he understood her pain when Sasuke defected because hearing her speak like that about him broke his heart. How upon seeing her for the first time in three years he found her as stunning as ever. Instead he had consigned himself to the background. He had convinced himself to stand aside in favor of Sasuke when all he really wanted to do was claim her love for himself. He had said he loved her, yet had been unwilling to fight for her. While that might not have changed her mind about him, at least it may have prevented the lies between them to grow to the point where they exploded in both their faces.

The sun was setting and he realized he had been going around in circles all day. Sakura had to be worried that he was pushing her away again, yet she still gave him the time and space to decide. He was tempted to enter his sage mode to see what she was feeling but resisted. As he knew what he had to do which was to forgive her, a lot had passed between them, but forgiveness was simply getting over the hurtful past. It often was easier after some sign from the person you were forgiving such as an old enemy taking a kunai meant for you being a single case. But it often meant more if such measures were unnecessary that you forgave someone because you wanted to move forward. Not as a result of some great sacrifice showing a person's sincerity but that sacrifice being the result of the faith you put in them before hand.

Standing he made his way to the hut mask still in hand. Upon entering he saw Sakura's gaze quickly dart to the mask a small look of concern appearing for a moment before she controlled it. He made his way to the back wall hanging the mask on a peg before moving to his side of the room. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the smile that appeared on her face. There was so much he wanted to say but for now lacked the words so settled for a simple, "Goodnight Sakura."

However for her it was enough since in the six weeks since they had been trapped together it was the first time that he had spoken to her in such a familiar fashion and without the mask. Mostly before then he would wait until she was asleep and would be gone before she awoke in the morning. Hoping that it was a sign he was ready to allow her into his heart at least a little she replied, "Goodnight Naruto." He nodded before rolling over and going to sleep. She watched him for awhile until she too gave into the temptation to sleep. While it was restful her dreams began returning to the kiss and the desires that her simple kiss had awakened within her.

The Kiri hospital was busy in the days following the failed attack by Sky and Waterfall. Despite suffering only minor injuries Shikamaru was consigned to bed rest. Something he normally would relish but with the war and all found a waste of time. The one upside was he was sharing a room with Chouji who was admitted for Chakra Exhaustion.

His friend was currently being dotted on by Ino who was part of the hospital staff that had arrived with the Akimichi's. Although he really hadn't spent a lot of time with her during the past year, he had heard about her recent behavior mostly from Chouji. But watching the two was glad she seemed to have settled down. Ino gave Chouji a kiss before moving on having to perform her rounds. Watching his friend sit there with a smile he hoped to find a way to end the attack on Kiri once and for all.

The problem he had trouble overcoming was the ships sitting off of the coast and how to attack them. They had apparently learned their lesson from their attack on Konoha because they regularly sprayed pesticides on the ships to prevent them from being destroyed by the Aburame. Any force he could send to attack them directly would free the gliders to attack Kiri in turn. Sending Shinobi over the water was out of the question as they would be sitting out in the open while they closed with them.

"Hey crybaby, how much longer are you going to play up your injuries before you get back to work?" Temari said entering the room.

"Talk to Ino," Shikamaru said, "She's the one keeping me hostage."

"Yeah sure," Temari said with a smile before tossing a file on his lap.

Having a good idea about what it was he said, "Do I even want to know?"

"Probably not," Temari answered her voice a little strained, "It's not all bad, we gave as good as we got but…"

"A few more victories like that and we'll be undone," Shikamaru said finishing for her.

"Sadly yes," Temari said sitting next to his bed. "As things stand, we're running short on food. Kunai aren't in short supply, but uninjured shinobi are. On a positive note, we did secure those gliders that the enemy used to transport their forces so they have to build more before moving that quickly again."

A half formed idea appeared in Shikamaru's head causing him to smile as he said, "I think we can be more accommodating then that." Both Temari and Chouji looked at him in confusion till he began explaining his plan.

Shibuki was nursing the drink that Yato poured him feeling like he needed it after seeing the report of their losses. Waterfall had escaped relatively light but Grass did not, suffering almost thirty percent casualties during the attack on the capital and losing another ten during the retreat.

"At least that fool Kotarou will no longer be an issue," Yato said pulling Shibuki from his thoughts.

"An expensive price to pay in order to remove one man from command," Shibuki said placing the drink down to look over the map of Kiri.

"Sadly yes, but war often is like that," Yato said. "We must find a way to press our advantage."

"I'm not sure I see an advantage to press," Shibuki said eyeing the map. "The capital was defended. We were repulsed from Kiri and many of our men are the walking wounded."

"Agreed, but our enemy is in a similar state. A few more attacks like that and they'll break," Yato said.

"What of the Akimichi? With them in Kiri it'll free up the Alliances fliers to attack us here directly," Shibuki said feeling less excited about the prospect of more fighting than his compatriot.

"They say nothing leads to innovation like war," Yato said, "and they are right. We've cooked something up for the next time they enter the battlefield."

"What would that be?"

A grin appeared on Yato's face as he said, "Let's just say I doubt they'll see it coming."

Sakura watched Naruto shave using a kunai that had seen better days from her vantage point near the hut. It had been several days since the kiss and although things were less tense. They hadn't progressed as far as she would hope, especially since her body had been acting in overdrive since then. She supposed that it had been her lack of actual experience that made her almost immune to the more primal desires she had. Sure she had dreamed from time to time and fantasized but the actual experience blew those out of the water. Leaving her to wonder if a simple kiss could affect her so, then how would a more passionate one. The kiss had awakened a creature inside of her that was hungry to feel more.

Naruto was still cautious of her but the wall he had tried to build didn't seem to be getting any higher. Watching as he cursed that he nicked himself again she smiled and decided to test the waters between them.

"Naruto," she said causing him to stop his task.

"Give me a minute Sakura. I need to concentrate or else I'll probably slit my own throat."

Dropping to her knees in front of him she gently took the kunai out of his hand saying, "We can't have that." Cupping his face she began to use her medical ninjutsu to gently shave his face for him using a technique they used for prepping patients for operations. When she finished she asked, "Is there any place else you would like me to shave for you?"

She resisted the urge to laugh as his eyes went wide at her little innuendo. As she knelt there cupping his face she felt the strongest urge to taste his lips again but resisted that as well. Naruto's mouth kept opening and closing as he attempted to think of something to say so taking pity on his she said, "How about we just trim up the unruly mess on your head?"

Figuring that was safe enough Naruto said, "Sure."

Sakura moved around behind him to begin. This time though she used normal scissors which she had in her medical pouch. As she worked on his hair she couldn't help but feel how right it felt to be there with him. The truth was, that if not for the fact there was a war going on, in which her friends were fighting, she wouldn't have mind spending the rest of her days on the island with Naruto. Preferably in a more intimate fashion, she tried to squash down the fantasy that threatened to distract her from her task as she was sure Naruto wouldn't want to be bald if she kept cutting while her mind wandered.

But being that close to Naruto after so long she couldn't help it as she imagined placing the scissors down and then planting kisses along his neck. Which of course would prompt Naruto to turn towards her, where in her daydream she captured his lips. Her daydream fed her images of Naruto deepening the kiss before almost taking over by pulling her into his lap. Where she would allow him to take what he wanted from her.

A delicious shiver running through her body brought her back to reality where she realized that her body had begun to react to the fantasy. The slight dampening of her panties and the hardened nipples she sported where the obvious signs her body wanted her to follow through on the images she had indulged in. Shaking her mind clear of the images, she was pleased to see that at least she didn't mess up his hair-cut.

However she felt self-conscious that Naruto would be able smell her arousal or would detect the other signs of it so putting the finishing touches on his hair said, "There you go," but before he could turn and thank her, she was disappearing into the woods.

"Uh, thanks," Naruto said, wondering what had caused Sakura's sudden retreat. Figuring she just needed some alone time he pulled out his notes on the Hiraishin and got to work.

Sakura leaned against a tree breathing hard due to having broken out in a run as soon as she disappeared into the woods. Sakura couldn't believe how aroused she felt and was tempted to take care of her problem. Only the thought that Naruto might catch and the mortification she would feel stopped her. Although a part of her said, "He might join you."

The way her body responded to the images the voice's statement showed her told Sakura just how much she wanted that. She idly wondered if the kiss was affecting Naruto the same way but figured it probably wasn't as he was much more experienced in such things. Biting her lip as the temptation to handle her problem became almost overbearing. She decided to make for the waterfall hoping it's cool waters would douse the searing heat she seemed to be feeling.

"This is a silly idea," Temari said as she watched several team's prep the gliders as Shikamaru had instructed. The response to her statement was a paper airplane that buried itself in her hair.

She glared at the thrower as she pulled it out and crumpled it, so Shikamaru said, "You wouldn't think so it you had slacked off in school."

"Well excuse me for having aspirations," Temari said tossing the crumpled paper at him.

"I have aspirations too you know," Shikamaru said. "I even remember thinking about them during our match at the Chunin Exam."

"Oh yeah and have you met any of them," Temari said interested.

Thinking of the one about meeting and marrying a woman that wasn't too pretty or ugly, he said, "No, but I think I'm on my way to surpassing one."

She wasn't sure why, but the way Shikamaru said it while looking at her made her blush prompting a mumbled, "Idiot," from her.

Watching as the Akimichi practiced throwing mockups of the gliders at posts she shook her head in amusement at Shikamaru's unorthodox plan.

Naruto tried to concentrate on his notes but the trimmed hair that had worked its way beneath his shirt had begun to really irate him. Walking to the waterfall to clean up he called for Sakura to make sure she wasn't there. Not receiving a reply he stripped and dived in. One thing he really wanted to get back to civilization for was warm water not liking the time it took to get used to the cool water. Swimming to the waterfall as the water ran pretty deep he climbed onto a submerged ledge beneath the falling water and began to set about washing himself.

As he absentmindedly went about his task he thought once more of the kiss that Sakura had given him. Despite the time that had passed neither of them had brought it up in a conversation as there wasn't much that needed to be said about the kiss. Sakura had made her intentions know and now it was up to him to come to a decision and although he had choose to move on he hadn't really thought of the words to convey what he wanted to. He didn't know what he was waiting for though, maybe some sign that it was time to move forward or something.

His thoughts were interrupted though by a splash in the center of the pool of water. He went on guard the second the sound registered but was shocked as a nude Sakura appeared from out of the water.

Sakura had run towards the body of water that the waterfall fed. Her path took her along the creek that would begin spilling over the edge into the pool below. Seeing the edge approaching she began stripping not wanting to wait and take it slow. The heat she was feeling becoming almost oppressive. Diving off the edge she landed in the cool water feeling slight better as she sunk beneath the surface. However her respite only lasted until she popped out of the water to see a surprised and equally nude Naruto staring at her from beneath the waterfall. For a moment they locked surprised glances but almost at the same time both looked down to take in the rest of the others nude form.

However, that seemed to break the spell for Sakura at least who shouted, "Naruto…"

Holding his arms up defensively he said, "Hey now, I was here first."

Knowing that he was right, she blushed in embarrassment cursing as the previous cool water that seemed to almost raise a few degrees making her wonder if she was the reason. Swimming to the edge she quickly darted into the surrounding trees having to take the long way back to the top to get her clothes.

Naruto was thankful for the cold water as that had probably been the only thing that had prevented him from showing his arousal in a more obvious manner. He chuckled as he heard Sakura barging through the brush making her way to the top probably where her clothes were stashed.

A few hours later Sakura had returned to the hut. Naruto had returned right after the incident and returned to his notes doing his best to get the images of Sakura appearing out of the water out of his mind. Swallowing heavily she approached saying, "Naruto about earlier, I'm sorry."

"Forget about it Sakura. I suppose it was only a matter of time before an accident of that sort happened," Naruto said although he didn't turn to look at her afraid his mind would replace the clothed version with a nude one.

Sakura thought, "Easier said than done," as an image of the blonde flashed in front of her. But she settled for simply saying, "Thanks."

She settled down next to him but despite wanting to ask him so much about the kiss and the incident that had just happened. Like did he like what he saw? She kept quiet not willing to embarrass herself further.

Naruto was suffering from the same dilemma and growing tired of the heavy silence between them said, "How about some training?"

"Kami yes," she said hoping a little training would help settle her down and clear away the awkwardness between them. Which it did lessen a little as they chuckled at Sakura's enthusiastic way of agreeing with Naruto's proposal.

The moved to a clearing away from their hut, as they knew both of them could be pretty destructive when they went all out and they didn't want to smash their modest home. "Don't hold back Naruto," Sakura said lining up in front of him adjusting her gloves.

"Well I want to get a little out of this as well," he said taunting her slightly, "But I'll try not to be too easy on…"

He never finished his sentence as Sakura moved faster than he ever saw here move before almost disappearing from his vision. He dodged her kick before striking out with a blow of his own but she blocked it before jumping away.

"Somebody's been training with bushy brows," Naruto said eyeing her with a little more respect.

"Well quite a few people have taunted me with my strength doesn't count for squat if I can't hit them so I decided to work on it," Sakura said watching for another opening.

Each of them moved in a circle around each other keeping their guard up while searching for a gap in their opponents to exploit. Naruto decided to make one crossing his fingers in the handsign of the shadow clone jutsu creating three clones that charged Sakura. She easily dispelled the first two but had to block the kick delivered by the third. She lashed out with one of her own taking that clone out but was caught in the back by Naruto.

She rolled to her knees attempting to regain her bearings but had to leap back to avoid a punch by Naruto. She landed against a tree having to dodge again as Naruto threw another punch which hit it hard enough to splinter the wood.

Spinning she kicked through the tree since she knew it wouldn't slow her down in the slightest not to mention the shrapnel it would create as tree practically exploded. Naruto replaced himself with a clone that took the brunt of the flying splinters dispelling.

Moving back to the center of the clearing she searched the area wondering where the next attack would come from. She almost didn't sense him as he appeared next to her moving to hit her with a punch to the ribs. Using the hours of training with Tsunade she managed to get herself out of the way lashing out with a kick that caught him sending him flying into a tree.

She moved to follow up but he recovered quickly using the tree to launch himself at her. Sakura threw a punch first which Naruto caught and used to pull her off balance. As she was off balance he stepped up behind her wrapping his arms around her in a grip that prevent her from moving. Both were caught by surprise at how right it felt for him to be holding her against him like that. So much so that Naruto wasn't really conscious of the fact that his grip lessoned into gentle hug.

Eventually he did become aware that he was hugging Sakura from behind causing him to drop his arms but instead of moving away Sakura pressed herself closer to him. He was about to ask if she was alright but stopped when she turned her head to look back at him. The pure need and desire he saw reflected in her jade orbs stole his breath away almost as much as the searing kiss that followed.

He felt the tip of Sakura tongue run along his lips understanding he opened his mouth and instantly her tongue moved to explore but found itself in a battle with his. As the kiss continued he became aware that she had begun grinding her rear against his crotch. Placing his hands on her hips he began aiding her in her rubbing as they let their passions take them over.

Sakura couldn't believe how incredible the sensations she was receiving felt. As their tongues battled for supremacy she felt the warmth spread from her core to her nether regions and when she felt Naruto harden against her rear she couldn't resist rubbing up against it. The way he groaned into her mouth caused her panties to further dampen as she began to lose herself to sensation. When the need to breathe became too great the kiss ended but Naruto simply began placing them along her neck.

As Sakura's rhythm increased against him, he moved his hands, moving one against her breast as he began groping it through her red shirt the other he moved to her shorts where he began rubbing her slit through them having lifted her pink skirt. He couldn't believe how wet the thin material was.

Hearing the breathy moan of, "More…please…more…" from the pink-haired kunoichi inspired him to be bolder as he opened her vest. Pulling her sport bra up to expose her breasts he began to play with the nub of her right one while nibbling her ear. His other hand rose up to the waist band of her shorts before plunging down past it feeling her sex directly. He couldn't believe how hot and wet she was or how close he was to his own release as he rubbed her lower lips. Pushing a finger past her lips elicited a throaty moan from Sakura which cut right through him.

Sakura felt Naruto tense behind her and it wasn't in a positive way as whatever spell they had been under began to break. He pulled his hand from her shorts holding it front of them Sakura flushed in embarrassment at how her juices coated them. But she could tell Naruto was pulling away from her hoping to prevent that she leaned forward taking them into her mouth and licked them clean. She knew she surprised Naruto by her actions but was desperate to get him to continue so spinning she kissed him again. Hoping that by tasting her juices on her lips it would encourage him to continue.

Watching Sakura lick his fingers clean of her juices was the single most erotic thing he had ever seen. However, tasting her as they kissed almost induced him to throw his concerns away, however what had forced him to begin pulling back from her was just how right everything felt. Grabbing Sakura by her shoulders he pushed her away. The hurt in her eyes almost made him take her back in his arms but he said, "Sakura…I can't…"

Taking a step forward she said, "Naruto…please…."

But she stopped as he took a step back from her, performing the shunshin jutsu he disappeared in a swirl of leaves. Recollecting herself she made her way back towards the hut and felt her heart drop when she saw the mask that he wore was missing. Sadly moving to a corner of the hut she pulled her knees to her chest and tried not to think about how perfect everything had felt moments ago.

Naruto after grabbing his mask settled himself down. He didn't need to enter his Sage Mode to know what Sakura was feeling but the fear that everything with her was temporary had proved too overpowering. All his thoughts on moving forward had flown right out the window as the fear that she would leave him in favor of Sasuke someday had threaten to overwhelm him.

Looking at the mask he finally understood that when it came to Sakura it was going to be all or nothing. He loved and wanted her, but he couldn't live with the constant fear that she would betray him. Knowing what he had to do he placed the mask back on and returned to the hut.

He wasn't quiet as made his way to it, so he was fairly certain Sakura knew he was coming. He guessed right as she looked up the green chakra surrounding her hand fading as she watched him. The sadness and disappointment that he had placed his mask back on were easy to see in her face and eyes. Looking away she began to stand moving from the center of the hut back to the corner that housed her roll looking completely miserable.

"When did you begin to love me?" he asked obviously surprising her since she probably figured the mask being back in place meant he was done with her.

A measure of hope shown in her eyes as she said, "I don't know."

It obviously wasn't the answer he was expecting as he tilted his head to the side. Clarifying what she meant she said, "I can't really put a day or time on it. I know what I felt for you changed on the day you went after Sasuke with the others. I know you occupied my thoughts when you were gone for those three years and that I missed you. I know it broke my heart to see you turn into the four-tails because you were motivated so much to bring him back. So much so I wished you would give up and let me do it for you. But the day I finally understood what I felt for you was love was the day I thought I lost you.

Staring into the emotionless mask Sakura truly wanted to know what was going on behind it. Was he in his Sage mode trying to determine if what she said was true? Did he even care? Was he simply asking to indulge some curiosity before telling her he couldn't be with her? She rejected the last as being cruel and not Naruto but still the fear persisted.

A silence hung between them till he said, "I've loved you since I first laid eyes on you. I know I came off as clumsy and annoying but I did. When you begged me to bring back Sasuke I accepted that we would never be together as you loved him too much. I decided it would be enough simply to make sure you were happy. However that was all shattered when you said you loved me." He paused causing Sakura to look away but when he started up again his tone seemed a little vulnerable which became apparent why when he said, "Sakura…if any part of you is unsure…if there's some voice that says this will only last until Sasuke comes around…please walk away…"

He trailed off but he didn't need to say anything else. He was giving her the key to his heart but telling her to be sure it was what she wanted before unlocking it. Standing she walked to him, reaching up for his mask she expected him to flinch but he didn't as she grabbed the edge. Pulling the mask up she saw that his eyes were blue showing none of the signs that he had entered Sage mode to read her moods. She was puzzled for a moment but thinking back to her first confession on the island gave her the answer as to why. He could tell if everything she said was the truth true, but then he wouldn't be putting any faith in her.

The simple fact that he was putting his heart in her hands based solely on the faith she would never intentional hurt him, told her she had made the right choice in loving him. Standing on the tip of her toes she said, "Never," before dropping his mask and pressing her lips to his.

There was no hesitation in him as Naruto surged forward picking her up as he deepened the kiss. Sakura wrapped her legs around his waist as he moved her to the bed roll she slept on. As he carried her, Sakura's fingers fumbled with the flak jacket he wore. Eventually she managed to get it loose and stopped kissing him long enough to pull it over his head and threw it to the side of the room when it cleared his head.

As soon as he was divested of his shirt as well she was on his lips once more. Apparently he wanted to even the score as moments later her blouse was opened as well. Letting go of his neck and holding her arms behind her as he held her she let the article of clothing slide down her arms to the floor. The sports bra she wore was quickly pulled over her head so that both were completely topless. Wrapping her arms around his neck again and pressing her chest to his while Naruto traveled the final few feet before roughly dropping to his knees and setting her down.

Pulling back from her to catch his breath and to take in her form he smiled as he leaned back in placing a kiss along her jaw. Moving down he placed several more kisses along her neck and chest before stopping at her breasts for a moment before latching his mouth to one teasing it with his tongue. Sakura arched her back in response. While he sucked the one his free hand pinched and rolled the other between his thumb and forefinger. "Naruto…." She said.

"What Sakura," he said looking up from her chest a knowing smile on his face.

"Please…"

"Please what," he said enjoying teasing her a little but also wanting her to tell him what she wanted.

Embarrassed but needing more stimulation she said, "Down there, please touch me down there."

"Down where Sakura," he said reaching down and rubbing her thigh. "Here?" he asked, prompting her to shake her head. "How about here," he said ghosting a finger along the back of her knee. "You have to tell me. You know how thickheaded I can be sometimes," he said placing several kisses along her stomach moving tantalizing close to where she wanted him to be.

Wanting the teasing to end and to make sure there was no mistake about where she wanted him to direct his attentions she practically shouted, "My pussy…I want you to touch my pussy."

A lecherous grin spread over his face before he said, "Good girl." Kneeling he pulled her towards him before raising her waist. Grabbing the edge of her shorts he pulled them down her thighs. Once her lower lips were exposed he stopped allowing the shorts to remain around her knees. Sakura watched as he lowered his mouth down to her snatch but then moaned her approval as he took a tentative lick before diving in with the same enthusiasm he showed for ramen.

Despite being alone on the island a part of Sakura was still self-conscious about giving voice to her rising pleasure as she bit down on the knuckle of her finger. She was reaching her peak when suddenly he stopped, having screwed her eyes shut, she suddenly opened them to see Naruto staring at her.

"Naruto…I was almost there," Sakura pleaded, "Don't leave me like this…not again…"

"Don't worry," he said, "But you need to let your voice out Sakura. I want to hear your cries." As he talked he began to rub here gently not letting her relax too much. Giving her clit a gentle nudge she groaned a deep primal sound causing Naruto to smile before finishing what he started this time cheered on by Sakura's cries.

Sakura moved her hands to his hair pulling him deeper into her pussy before indicating how close she was. Flicking her clit with his tongue he latched onto it sucking gently which was the final push she needed as she cried out her release. He laid her waist back down as she panted her eyes half lidded the orgasms she had experienced the few times she indulged herself before palling in comparison. While she was still dazed he pulled her shorts the rest of the way off tossing them away.

He then set about releasing his own hardness which had become almost painful trapped as it was. The sight of Naruto's cock springing out was enough to get Sakura interested in the world around her again as she licked her lips. Crawling between her legs he leaned down to kiss her allowing her to taste herself once more while sliding his length along her slit coating it in her juices.

Pulling back he looked into her eyes asking for permission. Receiving it in a nod he rose to his knees lining himself up and began sinking into her hot and waiting hole. He didn't get much more than the tip in before he came up against a barrier. Eyes going wide, he realized that the reason Sakura had been healing herself when he entered the hut was to repair the symbol of her innocence.

"Sakura…" he started but was silenced by a kiss.

Wrapping her arms around his neck she said, "I knew that you were either coming back to accept my feelings or reject them. I wanted you to experience taking me completely."

Shaking his head Naruto said, "Sakura, it'll hurt much worse now. I don't ever want to cause you pain."

"I wanted to Naruto so please accept the pain I feel as a small penance for all the pain I've caused you."

"We've hurt each other Sakura," Naruto said kissing her lightly, "We need to stop worrying about the past and move forward."

Sakura nodded bracing herself for the pain to come. Naruto leaned in kissing her with all the love and passion he possessed for her before pushing in the rest of the way breaking her barrier. Sakura tensed beneath him. A tear escaped from her eye and she was grateful that he remained still allowing her time to adjust to his size.

"Naruto…go ahead," she said as the pain faded to a dull ache.

Naruto began moving slowly sliding in and out of her gripping sheath. He set a deliciously slow pace which caused Sakura to begin raising her hips to meet his thrusts. "Naruto…faster harder," Sakura panted into his ear before nibbling on the lobe.

Doing as instructed he began moving faster enjoying the sounds of his hips meeting hers. The tightness of her passage proved almost too much for him forcing him to slow down less he explode before helping her reach her peak as well. The slower pace frustrated Sakura but Naruto began to kiss her again distracting her as their tongues dueled once more. The danger passed and he began to increase the speed and strength of his thrusts once again. He also broke off the kiss in favor of attacking her breast. Moaning her agreement with his choice of attack she panted, "That's it right there Naruto…fuck…it's so fucking good…"

Giving her nipple a gentle bite caused her to scream saying, "I'm going to cum Naruto…"

"So am I Sakura," Naruto said sweat covering both their bodies "I'm going to cum right here inside…"

"Yes…I want it," she said tensing and wrapping her legs around his waist as he slammed into her fully, the head of his cock hitting her deepest spot and then she exploded screaming "Naaaarrrruuutttttooooo…" as his release began coating her velvet tunnel and pouring directly into her womb.

He collapsed on her whispering, "I love you."

Legs still wrapped around his waist she held him gently saying, "I love you too and always will."

They lay like that for a few moments catching their breath till Sakura realized that his hardness hadn't gone down at all. Naruto began to shift a little before pulling out of her. Feeling empty she sat up saying, "Wasn't I good enough?"

"Of course you were," he said meaning every word, "It simply has a mind of its own sometime…"

The rest of his sentence was cut off as Sakura leaned forward wrapping her lips around his head giving a clumsy yet enthusiastic blowjob. As she ran her tongue along his shaft she marveled at his size. Never being one for estimating sizes she knew that she had one hand wrapped around the base as she bobbed back and forth on his tool and there was still another hand length for her to suck on. Sakura found their combined taste to be a heady tonic and vowed to indulge in it fully later. But for now, she wanted him buried back inside her where he belonged. Letting his cock slide out of her mouth with a popping sound she turned away from him presenting her pussy for him to house his member in once again.

It would be a sight that Naruto always remembered as he watched her spin. As some of the evidence of their earlier coupling running down the inside of her thigh. However his merely standing there staring prompted Sakura to stare back at him before giving her rear a little shake. Getting the hint he moved up behind her grabbing her hips and slid back in. After the feeling of coming back home passed he began slamming into her again guessing they wouldn't be stopping until both of them where completely satisfied.

Sakura awoke alone the next morning but wasn't concerned. Naruto loved her so she knew everything would be fine. The slight soreness she felt was a small price to pay for the pleasure she had felt the night before, her final orgasm having been the one that robbed her of consciousness. The sound of crunching gravel alerted her to her lover's return who smiled at seeing her awake.

"Good morning," he said handing her the canteen they used for water when she tried to croak out a greeting of her own.

Placing it down she said, "I guess I got pretty vocal there at the end."

Chuckling he kissed her again saying, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

She smiled before leaning in to take his lips but when she tried to deepen the kiss he pulled back. Lest it distract him from what he wanted to talk about. Seeing how serious he was she said, "What is it?"

"Sakura I take it Tsunade never taught you to summon," Naruto said already having a good idea.

"No," she admitted, "She might have but then…"

"Okay," he said, "Get dressed and meet me outside."

Allowing the covers to fall away she laughed as Naruto turned away to leave saying, "You don't have to be shy after everything we did last night."

"It isn't that," he replied walking for the door, "But if we're going to get anything of value done today then I think it's best if I remove myself from temptation."

Regardless Sakura walked nude to the waterfall to clean up before returning to the hut fully dressed. "So what do you have planned?" Sakura asked.

"I want you to sign the toad contract," Naruto said surprising her. "That way they'll be able to summon both of us to Mount Myoboku. From there we'll be able to return to wherever we're needed."

"You could have done that from the start?" Sakura asked not accusingly but curiously as if had they had left right away she would probably never have closed the gap between them.

"Yes," Naruto admitted, "I wasn't…If you sign the contract we can summon each other as well and I wasn't sure that was something I wanted."

Sakura nodded not needing an explanation. Naruto bit his thumb before summoning Fukasaku. "Ah, Naruto-boy," the elder said, "I believe I've worked out the problem from last time."

Rubbing the back of his head Naruto said, "About that Pa the thing is I've decided to let Sakura sign the toad contract."

The elder looked annoyed that his efforts would go to waste but seeing the way Sakura stepped close to Naruto and the way he absent-mindedly placed his free arm around her shoulder was secretly pleased at the turn of events. "Very well," he said disappearing for a moment before reappearing moments later with the scroll.

As the elder unraveled it Sakura read some of the names listed. It felt a little overwhelming to add her name to such a document. Doing as the elder instructed she signed her name in blood but before she pressed her hand down Fukasaku said, "Hold up dear. Are you sure that is the hand you wish to use?"

"Does it matter?" Sakura asked confused.

"Well Tsunade may wish to pass her contract on too you," Fukasaku said. "As such you may come to rely on the slugs more than us toads and therefore wish to use your primary hand for that contract."

"You're right," she said but then asked, "Wasn't one of pains bodies able to summon multiple creatures though. I didn't notice him using different hands."

"Very astute," the toad said, "However Pain didn't sign a contract with the creatures directly but simply captured and converted them to his own ends. In a sense he created his own contract with each of the summons. I suppose you could call it a Corpse Contract."

Sakura signed and placed her left hand on the contract with the hope Tsunade would one day allow her to summon slugs. "So what now?" Sakura asked as she finished.

"Now…" the toad elder said disappearing. A moment later Sakura felt a strange pull like she was traveling incredible fast despite standing still. It only lasted an instant but when it ended she was standing on paved stone next to a fountain spewing oil.

"Wow," she thought hearing the elder finish saying "…we summon you home."

"Thanks," Naruto said, "Come on Sakura we should get going if we're going to get to Kiri."

"Hold on Naruto-boy," the toad said stopping Naruto in his tracks, "Let us see what Kakashi-boy thinks is the best course of action."

"What do you mean," the blonde said turning.

"I mean you can't go around fighting every battle," the elder said, "True you may send those Sky ninja packing. But the men and women fighting them now have invested their own efforts in seeing that outcome achieved."

"I don't get it," Naruto said.

"He's saying that for the good of the Alliance's own pride, you need to let them see it through to the end, Naruto," Sakura said clarifying the point for the elder.

"Exactly, you can't keep whooshing in to save the day or else they won't come to believe in their own power and strengths. Besides, Kakashi believes Madara is up to something and will probably wish to keep you around in case he is right. But we'll send a messenger toad to Kiri to keep an eye on things so we can summon you there if things take a turn for the worse."

Both Sakura and Fukasaku could see that Naruto wasn't thrilled about remaining on the sidelines but Sakura said, "Besides, you can spend the time teaching me how to summon." Sliding up to him she whispered into his ear, "And if you are really good sensei I'm sure your student can think of an adequate reward," enjoying the way his body tensed in response.

"Sounds like a plan," Naruto said more eagerly then Fukasaku would ever think Naruto would be about staying in one spot.

"Well since it's decided, I'm sure Ma has some breakfast ready so let's go eat," the elder said missing the way Naruto shivered at the idea of breakfast.

Death had been a blessing freeing the man from guilt. The guilt of killing those related by blood, or of harming the one closest to him. He had planned so much to happen upon his death but had failed to predict how his actions would prompt the one he had planned to be his executioner to throw away friends, allegiances, and possibly his soul in order to see it through.

That blessing had been taken from him by some bastardized combination of science and jutsu. Upon returning to the land of the living Madara had made sure to taunt him with all the deeds his brother had committed since his death."Foolish little brother," he said to no one as the cell he occupied was empty.

Apparently the disease that racked his body had been cured by his passing and so Madara locked him away. A present for Sasuke when he awakened from his coma positive the boy would need Itachi's eyes as a replacement when Sasuke realized the price of the Mangekyou Sharingan. He didn't doubt that although Madara had twisted the truth to make it look like the Uchiha were blameless in their attempted rebellion and painted the picture that Itachi was a victim, that the man planned to maneuver Sasuke into killing him again further pushing him down the dark path he had chosen.

However that confrontation would come later. For now he needed to concentrate on escaping and warning Madara's enemies. The man planned to resurrect the jinchuriki they had killed recombining them with their Bijuu and then setting them loose. Even though they could only bring back five of the seven they possessed what five jinchuriki could do once unleashed on their enemies was beyond imagination. Itachi also imagined that the human hosts would be far easier for the ancient Uchiha to control, as he had done so with Yagura until his death at the Mizukage's hands.

Hearing the sounds of people approaching most likely the men responsible for feeding him he began formulating a plan of escape. His chakra may be sealed and he may be chained to a wall. But Itachi Uchiha did not rise to the rank of Anbu on the strength of his eyes alone. He'd escape eventually and when he did Madara would rue the day he brought him back from his eternal slumber.