Am I worthy to love you?

by Gravenimage

Naruto is rejected by Sakura for bringing Sasuke back to Konoha and he snaps at her badly he leaves the village 5 years later he becomes the leader of the strongest team of kunoichi assemble team Kitsune Flash rises Naru/Saku/Ino/Hina lemons in the future

12. Unexpected reunion

Chapter 12 Unexpected reunion

Discalimer: I wish I own Naruto but I don't so it pisses me off that I don't.

'' this means thoughts

Bold letters Kyuubi speaking

Italics are flashbacks

Authors Notes: thank you for everyone who are still reviewing and still reading, the story will get better now I assure you however I having some problems with some readers. They have been asking me to write a lemon already well sorry, like I said before lemons are coming in the future not now if that's the reason why you're reading the story so you could read a kinky sex scene then you will have to stop reading this story because lemons won't be for a while. I don't want Naruto to have sex with Ino, Hinata or Sakura just for the fact that he's horny or just to relief himself and his hormones. I want to create a powerful bond between him and the three kunoichis, I want him to care for them very much I want them to become people that are very precious to him. I want him to love them for who they are not for their looks or bodies, I'm only doing this to create more drama and romance until he finally desires them and decides to be intimate with them. However those who have been patient with me since the first chapter will be rewarded handsomely with a romantic and steamy lemon in the end the waiting will worth it trust me, so keep reviewing and now on with the chapter.

(Location: graveyard memorial ground Konoha fire country territory)

Naruto was standing in front of the big monument with the leaf symbol of Konoha in the middle of a big flame he was holding two pairs of white lilies, he was wearing his usual uniform and mas because he didn't wanted to create attention from the women in the village. But that wasn't all but he has also taken a lot of attention from the villagers in general, ever since his date with Ino and Hinata last night people have been getting suspicious of his appearance. Since he wasn't wearing his mask that night a lot of people have confused him with the fourth Hokage, or they were murmuring if that was the fourth or the fourth is alive. He sighed this is the last thing he needed, he already have enough because he was Kitsune Flash but now this. He didn't wanted to create a big commotion about his physical so he decided to always wear his mask wherever he goes, he was already used to always had his mask on so it didn't bother him at all.

He knelt down in front of the grave stone putting the bouquet of white lilies next to the monument he smiled at the flowers Ino has given them to him on the house when he went to the flower shop. She was going to charge the flowers to him until he told her the reason why he was buying them, after that she gave them for free saying that it was a good cause for what he needed them. He didn't know Ino could be so kindhearted when it comes down to it, besides being a big flirt she was pretty cool. He let a small smile gazing at the grave that belongs to one of his precious people, someone who was always there for him and helped him get through his painful childhood.

Sarutobi Hiruzen

Third Hokage

A true ninja who ruled Konoha with compassion and heart

His ninja way inspired us all

A mentor

A teacher

A father who protected every citizen of Konoha like his own children until the end

Your will of fire will never die it will be carry out by all of us

Naruto smiled at the father part, those were the words Asuma chose to put in his grave as his son wich he thought it was a very honorable thing to do to honored his father's memory. He knew he was right when he chose those words because they were true, as long as he has known the elder Hokage he was always worrying about the villagers. He was always walking the streets of the village checking on his people it was the regular behavior a father will do to watch over his child. He will never forget him, Sarutobi has always been there for him when he was still a child back when he was hated and looked down by the village.

Six year old Naruto was once again at Konoha hospital after experiencing yet another beating by the villagers, he has receive a couple of bruises and he had various lumps on his head. He was grateful the beating was nothing compare to the ones he usually gets, this was kinder and merciful than the rest. A couple of tears were now falling from his cerulean eyes, it was always the daily routine he got glare by the villagers he was verbally insulted and then he ended up being beaten by an angry mob. He tried to dry his tears but he couldn't no matter how he tries to get used to his way of living he always ends up crying, just then the door opened revealing Sarutobi wearing his usual Hokage robes.

The third Hokage smiled at him as usual entering the room" I'm glad to see that you're well Naruto, the doctor sad that you're injuries aren't too serious you should be able to leave the hospital in a couple of days."

"Thanks old man I don't like this place anyway…." he sniffed.

Srutobi got seated on the bed next to him" do you want to talk about it?"

"There's nothing to talk about it's always the same, the mean grownups always give me so many angry looks always calling me monster and evil child on my back and when they attacked me….why does everybody hate me?"

Sarutobi sighed" I know it's hard Naruto but the people don't hate you, they just fear you after all you were born on the same night the Kyuubi attacked the village. When people are afraid they feel the need to find someone to release their anger and fear o, since you were born on that day they feel to release their anger on you because of that mere coincidence…"

"So it's my fault for being born on that day I hate myself a lot, it will be a lot better if I was never born…" he started sobbing.

Sarutobi shook his head of course he couldn't tell him the truth yet he gave the small boy a serious look" listen to me Naruto don't you ever think like that, the village may not think so but you are very important your existence is important. I believe some day you will gain their trust and they will believe in you, the time will come when you will meet people that will become precious to you…"

Naruto smiled" you mean like you? You're precious to me old man…"

The elder Hokage chuckled" yes I guess just don't forget, when you're lonely and need attention I will be here don't ever think that you're alone."

"Thanks old man…." the blond gave his fox grin.

"And also" Sarutobi hugged the small boy" sometimes a hug can heal the deepest wounds, when you're hurt I will be your pillar of strength Naruto…"

Naruto let a couple of tears of joy fell ad he embrace the Hokage" thank you…."

Naruto took off his mask while a tear fell from his left cheek smiling" hey old man I'm sorry for not visiting you in a while, come to think of it I haven't visited you since your funeral what kind of person am I anyway? But I'm finally here I promise you I'll come and visit every now and then to put new flowers in your grave, I want you to know that I'm very grateful for everything you did for me. You were always there to make sure I didn't lose myself in the darkness, I can't even think what would've been my life if you weren't there when I was hated by everyone."

He smiled again at the grave stone" thank you for everything back then you and Iruka sensei were the only ones who care for me not caring of the burden I carry inside, I don't know what kind of person I would've become if you weren't there for me when I needed love and attention I guess I would've become like how Gaara used to be thank you again and I hope your happy on the other side."

He put his mask back on and walked out from the monument before heading to his next destination, he went to another monument similar to the third. The grave stone had the same leaf symbol and design from the previous Hokage, however the information was different because the grave belong to another great Hokage. Naruto took off his mask again while putting the second bouquet of white lilies next to the grave stone he smiled this was a person he couldn't forget, after all the man was his hero and idol since like forever.

Namikaze Minato

Fourth Hokage

A gifted genius

A man who could easily put a smile on everyone's faces

A kindhearted soul

A legend

A hero who gave his life to save Konoha from the nine tails demon fox

Your will of fire inspire us to become better and stronger people

Your courage and your bravery will always be remembered and your legend will never die

"Hey dad" Naruto said softly gazing at the grave stone of his father" like the old man I'm sorry for not visiting you in a while, but then again I have no idea you were my father and yet I should've visit you because you were my hero I adore idolize you. You were probably the one who inspire me to train hard and even inspire me to have the dream of becoming Hokage, but just you wait someday I will become an even better Hokage than you."

"Even if I never meet you I feel like I knew you somehow, I mean the villagers were always talking about you saying how strong and amazing you was you were a true hero. I want you to know that I will never hate you for what you did to me I know you did for the protection of the village, sometimes you're force to form a drastic decision that will lead to a great sacrifice and you were force to made that decision when you chose me to be the fox's container. Now I'm the one who carries this burden and responsibility I will keep it seal and make sure it doesn't harmed anyone ever again, thank you for everything dad…."

He smiled again before putting his mask back on and left the grave stone before giving it one last look, he left the monument before eventually leaving the memorial ground. As he left the graveyard heading to the streets of the village district he felt a familiar chakra signature, he already knew who it was. As he walked ahead he was met by Tenten who was smiling at him, it didn't surprise him she was part of the people who didn't believe he devours peoples souls.

"Hey Kitsune-sama!" the bun haired jounin said smiling.

"Hey Tenten" he replied smiling.

"So you're finally at Konoha I though you'll be traveling around like usual."

"Yeah but I was needed here and besides I missed this village a lot…."

"Oh I know you do after all it's been five years since you were here isn't that right?" she smirked hitting the nail on the head.

Kitsune was actually amuse of her comment' so she knows of my identity I'm not surprise.'

Before he got a chance to say another word he quickly blocked a kick from Rock Lee" nice kick Lee but I already knew you were coming from behind me."

Lee composed himself" yosh it's good to see you again Kitsune-sama or should I say Naruto-kun!"

Kitsune chuckle" yup you guys got me it's me I'm guessing granny told everyone from the group about my identity."

"Not quite we actually figure out who you were back when we met at demon country." Tenten said.

The mask mercenary gasped" and how in the world did you figure out about my identity back then?"

The bun haired jounin giggle while Lee nodded" it wasn't hard to figure out Naruto, once we you started talking to us like we were good friends it was pretty clear you're way of acting and your sense of humor, not to mention your appetite you ate so much when we were eating with the priestess."

Kitsune frowned" hey I was hungry okay I back then I haven't eaten in days."

"Yosh you ate so much I wonder if Shion-sama didn't had any food after that dinner" Lee said while Tenten laughed at the comment her boyfriend made.

The mask mercenary frowned" you guys really know how to push my buttons, I meet up with you guys and the first thing you do is tease me of my appetite."

"Naruto you ate like twenty bowls of ramen I remembered seeing Shions'a guards reaction to your appetite they had their jaws to the ground" Tenten said holding her laughter.

"Hey stop making fun of me I told you I was really hungry on that day" the mask mercenary crossed his arms in annoyance.

"Sorry about that I was just kidding but anyway welcome back to Konoha."

"Yes Naruto-kun welcome back!" Lee said.

"Thanks you guys it's great to be back I haven't felt this happy in a while."

"Yosh I'm glad you feel that way Naruto!"

They turned around to see Gai giving his nice guy pose" it's good to see you again Naruto."

"Gai sensei!" Lee said seeing his teacher.

"I'm glad to be back Gai" Kitsune said smiling' and I can still see you're still wearing that jumpsuit, it took me a while to finally realize that green jumpsuit is so lame.'

The jounin nodded" glad to hear that since you're here how about if you joined us to the training field for a nice sparring session?"

"A sparring match?" he asked smiling" don't tell me you guys want me to fight me all of you?"

"No we will make it tag team battle royal two on two it's more fair that way, how about it Naruto?" asked Gai.

"I'm in as always Gai sensei!" shouted the excited Lee.

"I'm in too if I don't practice my skills will get rusty" Tenten said.

Kitsune chuckle" well I can't turn down such an offer after hearing that, all right let's do it I don't mind having a nice sparring match I already got a taste from Lee back when we were at demon country."

"All right to the training field!" shouted Gai while Lee had his eyes filled with his flames of youth.

(Time skip: in one of the training fields)

The members of team Gai were ready to have one of their sparring matches Gai and Lee were always enjoying a nice sparring match to test their skills, while Kitsune was thinking the same thing. He always enjoys a good match especially with two taijutsu masters like Gai and Lee, although he didn't know what Tenten was capable if she was going to be part of the match. Perhaps he was going to show some of his skills he has learned during his training with Jiraiya.

"This match will be more interesting if Neji were here" Lee said while doing his usual morning stretches.

"Lee you know that can't happen remember that he's in ANBU now and he doesn't has time to be here with us" Tenten said joining him in the stretches.

"I know but I do miss my teammate."

"Hey you're not the only one" replied the bun haired jounin.

"We all do Lee Neji will always be a member a team Gai no matter what" Gai said.

"So are we doing this or not?" asked Kitsune with a smirk.

"You bet Naruto-kun!" Lee said.

"So who are going to be the teams?" asked Tenten.

"Good question Lee why don't you decide?" Gai said.

"Very well Gai sensei I want Tenten to by my tag team partner, no offense Gai sensei but we both make a great team" he smiled while Tenten nodded at him.

"Yosh none take Lee I know your partner of youthful love to be your partner too, then that means Naruto will be my tag team partner"

"That's fine with me" replied the mask mercenary.

Lee and Tenten went together while Kitsune got next to Gai.

"I will handle Gai sensei, Tenten think you can handle Naruto-kun?"

"Hey who do you think you're talking to? I'll be fine I will show him what I'm capable off" she winked at him.

"Just don't get too serious it's just a sparring match" the taijutsu jounin said.

"I should ask you that question Lee I know how excited you can get when it comes to fighting."

"Looks like they are planning their strategy already" Gai said.

"I'm guessing you'll be taking on Lee Gai" the mask mercenary said.

"Of course what kind of teacher I'll be if I don't test my students skills his flame of youth will burn brighter than ever" he smile giving his teeth the small shine.

"I guess that means I'm taking on Tenten I will go easy on her."

Lee got into his taijutsu stance facing his teacher" Gai sensei let's make this match a worthy between equals."

"Of course Lee show me the true extent of your flame of youth."

"I won't go easy on you Naruto just because you're Kitsune Flash" Tenten said.

Kitsune smirked" I'm not expecting you Tenten."

In a blink of an eye both Lee and Gai vanished as they started their sparring clashing fist and kicks at impressive speed, Kitsune was staring at Tenten until he saw her doing Gai and Lee's taijutsu stance.

"Tenten don't tell me bushy brows have been training you?"

"You could say he has taught me a few moves you'll be surprise."

Kitsune smirked getting into his fighting stance until Tenten was out of sight appearing in front of kicking him on his stomach, he was shocked he never thought she will be this fast. Tenten appeared next to him but this time he blocked her kick and counter with a fist, the bun haired jounin dodged it and counter with taking a small scroll releasing a barrage of kunais. Kitsune has quickly dodged the weapons while using a kunai to dodge the remaining weapons, his eyes widened seeing that Tenten was already next to launching a powerful punch which the mask mercenary barely blocked. He couldn't believe that this was the same Tenten from five years she was putting one hell of a fight against, not that he was going all out on her but she was still proving that she was a strong fighter. He could see a few feet away from them that Lee and Gai were going all out punching and kicking blocking and dodging, it seems that both were equally match. He blocked another kick from the bun haired jounin, he smirked launching a fist filled with wind which Tenten dodged it. The wind blast Kitsune released from his fist hit a tree smashing it to pieces he was grinning looks like he wanted to use some of his techniques in the sparring match.

'Tenten has become quite strong since the last time I saw her and she has learned taijutsu from bushy brows too, I guess that explains why she's a jounin.'

"You really caught me by surprise there Naruto that wind gust from your fist must be one of your new tricks I'm impressed" the bun haired jounin was smirking like she was expecting to see more of his abilities.

"You know me I may be Kitsune Flash but I still hold the title of most unpredictable ninja in Konoha, I have so many new tricks I don't think I'll be able to show them all to you after all were just having a friendly match right?"

Tenten giggle at his comment" well try telling that to them."

The mask mercenary saw where Tenten was pointing seeing that Lee and Gai were going all out not caring if they collapse from exhaustion, he smirked looking back at her" those two haven't change at all they could probably be fighting like that for a while, all right Tenten where were?"

"Right here I'm about to make this little match more exciting" she unstrapped the first scroll on her back putting it on the ground she smiled at him" don't blink."

Kitsune gasped Tenten vanished appearing above him high in the air, she opened the scroll releasing a rain of weapons. Kitsune reacted quickly as he created a shadow clone the clone threw him in the air heading straight at her. Tenten saw it coming and took a small scroll changing into a red staff and blocked Kitsune's kunai, she quickly grabbed the big scroll ready to form another attack.

'What is she up to now?' thought Kitsune.

"Rising heavenly dragon!"

The whole scroll transformed into a white dragon charging at the mask mercenary, his eyes widened as the dragon transformed into another barrage of weapons. He was caught by the rain of weapons only to vanish replaced by a wooden log.

Tenten landed safely on the ground seeing his stunt to evade her attack' looks like he used a substitution just in time to escape my technique not bad Naruto.'

Kitsune was hiding behind a tree not too far from Tenten's location, he saw the results of her techniques the whole ground was covered by ninja weapons he sweat dropped at the sight' this supposed to be a friendly match and she's fighting me like her life was on the line, she's insane.'

"Lee!"

"Gai sensei!"

Both fighters have collided using their dynamic entry flying kick, they have going at it for half an hour and they still had plenty of energy to fight. The heat from the sun and their work out proves that their faces were soaked in sweat but that wasn't going to stop them. They charged again unleashing a barrage of kicks and punches, both have proven to be equally strong, either one will blocked the attack or they will dodge it countering with another attack. They continued their match for another ten minutes before they stopped staring at each other, both had their flames of youth running through their eyes.

"Lee you have become so strong your flames of youth burns so bright!"

"Thank you Gai sensei I am so honored you feel that!"

"Now let's take this match to the next level remove your weights!"

"Yosh yes Gai sensei!"

Lee revealed his heavy weights taking them off creating two large craters when they hit the ground, Gai also removed his weights and both vanished becoming faster than before unleashing their attacks with no holding back.

Meanwhile Kitsune was having his own fun with Tenten who was dodging weapons like there was no tomorrow, he summoned his shadow clones charging at her but she used one of her weapons scrolls to summoned a large chain. She used the chain to block the incoming kunais from Kitsune clones, he threw more kunais and she blocked them using her staff. Naruto summoned more clones but Tenten was quick she unstrapped the second big scroll on her back, she throw it in the air revealing a rain of weapons.

"This is my double dragon scatter destruction!"

All of Kitsune's clones were hit by the barrage of weapons making them vanished, the real Kitsune was stun at the sight' shit if this keep up I'm going to get caught!'

Tenten sweat dropped seeing the destruction her technique cause, the whole training field was covered with ninja weapons" oops I guess I went a little overboard, I hope I didn't hurt Naruto."

'Only a little!" the real Kitsune shouted mentally hiding from a tree looking at the field while holding his father's kunai' if I hadn't used the flying thunder god jutsu I would've been turned into a needle doll but with kunais replacing the needles' he smirked as he jumped down meeting up with the bun haired jounin" not bad Tenten I can see now why you're a jounin, you have become quite the weapons master and with learning bushy brows taijutsu you're a force to be reckon with."

"Thanks all that training I went through really paid off, anyway I wouldn't forgive myself I got you hurt at least I know Sakura will get upset with me for getting you hurt."

The mask mercenary frowned at her comment why should she get upset with her if he got injure' yeah right' he completely ignore the question without even looking at her.

Tneten however notice his reaction as soon as she mentioned the name of the pink haired kunoichi, she could tell that he wasn't happy in the least' Naruto….don't tell me that he's still upset with her for what happened at the hospital five years ago?'

"Naruto what's wrong?"

Huh…oh nothing is wrong with me" he replied coolly.

"Yeah right you can't fool me even if you're wearing that mask I saw how you tensed up when I mentioned Sakura's name so what's wrong?"

Kitsune sighed he didn't needed this now" look Tenten let's change the topic okay?"

The bun haired jounin crossed her arms getting upset' to this very day he is still upset with her after all, I know Sakura has done a lot of mean things to him in the past but to still have a grudge with her after five years that's not right' she looked back at him" Naruto you're still angry with Sakura?"

"Tenten I said drop the topic!" he raised his voice a little giving her the warning.

However Tenten can sometimes be more stubborn than Naruto, she needed to tell him about Sakura about her suffering and her condition" Naruto you must know that Sakura is….."

BOOM!!!

"What was that?!" asked the startle Kitsune.

Tenten was startle too" I..I don't know but it sounded near our location."

"Let's go!" Kitsune said running to the location where he heard the explosion with Tenten following him by.

Although they were feeling a little frantic afraid that the village could be under attack Kitsune was feeling very relief because Tenten dropped the topic of Sakura' oh well things aren't so bad its better that the village gets attack than talk about her!'

When they arrived to the location where they heard the noise their eyes widened, in front of them was a large crater where the ground of the training field used to be. What surprise them the most is the cause of the crater was done by Gai and Lee for using their strongest against each other, both were panting while covered in sweat. Soon they started crying feeling happy for the outcome of their match.

"Amazing Lee you have become so strong!"

"It's all thanks to you Gai sensei!"

"Lee!"

"Gai sensei!"

The two sweat dropped seeing that they have hugged each other creating a sunny beach scene with a wave crashing.

"Okaaaay…." Kitsune said' well these two haven't changed at all since the last time I was here.'

Tenten sighed" you get used to them eventually."

"I don't know if you should be lucky Tenten for having bushy brows as your boyfriend or curse" Kitsune said chuckling.

"Haha funny" replied the bun haired jounin sarcastically" laugh all you like you're not the only one who has told me that" she frowned' Ino told me the same thing but she's still single and with her looks none the less I showed her though' she grinned in triumph.

Gai and Lee finally broke from their weird embrace and went to the group.

"I see you two are done with your match." Gai said.

"Yeah and I have to admit Tenten you were very good I actually broke a sweat" Kitsune said.

"Hey you were pretty good yourself Naruto even if you were holding back" Tenten smirked a little.

"I didn't wanted to hurt you Tenten but then again you were kind of holding back too, if bushy brows have been teaching his taijutsu I'm sure that you must be wearing weights" the mask mercenary smirked.

The bun haired jounin blushed in embarrassment" I guess I'm guilty too…"

"Yosh were grateful that you decided to join us in our sparring match Naruto-kun." Lee said.

"No problem I'm glad to have a friendly match with you guys."

Tenten for a moment forgot about the Sakura topic she was going to tell Naruto about it, but then again she decided to ignore it with the way he was evading the topic it looks like he wasn't interested in knowing about the pink haired kunoichi at all' why does he has to be so stubborn? Naruto if you only knew how much Sakura has suffered you're not the only one who has felt pain too.'

"Well anyway I should get going now I have places to be today I guess I will see you guys later."

"Take care Naruto-kun!" Lee said.

"Keep your flames of youth burning" Gai said giving the nice guy pose.

"See you Naruto…" Tenten said.

The mask mercenary before heading off leaving the training field, suddenly the three ninjas saw an hawk flying around the in their position. They already knew what it was all about just by looking, it was one of Konoha's messengers' birds however this hawk was the message.

Tenten smiled" that's the signal."

Gai nodded" yes looks like the party will begin soon."

(Time skip: apartment complex)

After Kitsune returned to his apartment to take a quick shower to cleaned himself from the sparring with Tenten he decided to visit more of his friends, he was now standing in front of a door and he just couldn't wait. He knocked on the door twice he really wanted to know if it was true ever since Ino told him about them and their little creation, the door opened revealing Kurenai wearing regular clothes. Now Kitsune was expecting the woman to become alert showing some fear, but instead the red eye woman just smiled at him pretty obvious that she knew about his identity.

"Oh my I wasn't expecting the one and only Kitsune Flash to come and visit me, it is truly an honor please come on in we were just in the middle of having lunch."

"Thanks…." he entered the apartment while Kurenai closed the door behind them.

She lead him to the hall reaching the dining room where he saw Asuma also wearing civilian clothing, he was seated on the table his eyes had a big shine in them when he saw that they were eating ramen.

"Well who do we have here?" the Sarutobi said with a grin" I never expected that the legendary mercenary Kitsune Flash will come and pay us a visit."

The mask mercenary just grinned sheepishly" I'm sure granny must've tell you already."

"Yes you can take your mask off Naruto."

"Thanks sorry if I have to wear it, but I really don't want to attract any unnecessary attention."

"You mean the female population?" Asuma chuckle knowing that he has become the target of every single woman in Konoha

"Yeah that besides the point" he answered with a goofy grin' and also the fact that they have been murmuring me being the fourth Hokage damn I should've wear my mask last on my date with Ino and Hinata.'

He sighed taking his mask off reveling his seventeen year old face to the two jounins, Asume gasped a little of the blonds' resemblance to a certain Hokage but he sweat dropped seein that his girlfriend Kurenai was gazing at the teen with a small blush on her cheeks.

Asuma cleared his throat to awaked Kurenai from her day dreaming" anyway Naruto come seat with us, we'll be honored if you joined us for lunch right Kurenai?"

"Yes I don't mind if you joined us Naruto."

"Thanks I guess I'm a little hungry after my sparring match with Tenten" he got seated next to Asuma.

Kurenai didn't have to say it as she prepared the bowl of ramen to the blond because like everyone else they knew of Naruto's love for ramen. They started eating and Naruto ate the ramen with so much delight, and he was impressed because it was tastier than Ichiraku's.

"Whoa Kurenai this ramen is good!"

"Thank you I added some seasonings giving it a unique taste."

"It's good to see you again Naruto" Asuma said.

"Thanks I'm very happy to be back in Konoha I have really missed the village after being away for so long."

"We have heard lots of things about you Naruto as Kitsune Flash, most of the elite from other hidden villages fear you" Kurenai said.

The blond grinned" that's the result of my training I guess I have become that strong" he slurped more noodles to his mouth.

"Jiraiya-sama has done it again training another strong ninja just like he did with the fourth." Asuma said.

'I guess it's to be expected' Naruto rolled his eyes since the teacher of his father trained him and his son obviously he was going to become stronger like his father or even more" so anyway you guys must be very proud of your teams with their progress."

"Yeah who would've thought that someone lazy like Shikamaru will become ANBU captain but then again he has done a good job when he was a jounin that Tsunade-sama made him ANBU, the poor kid must be so annoyed and tire from being so busy" Asuma chuckled at the thought.

"I thought the same thing too I never thought I would miss so many things while I was away, I was being too stubborn for thinking about not coming back but that's all in the past I'm here and I want to know everything that I have missed. So Asuma with your team Ino told me about when they took the chunin exams and became team Asuma, so tell me about the rest."

"When we became the official team Asuma Chouji and Ino were doing some serious training, Chouji has been training with his father because Chouji wanted to take the position of the guards guarding the gates of the village so he was nonstop training preparing himself for the jounin exams. Ino was in the same boat but she was different from Chouji, she was more interested in becoming an herbs specialist than a ninja but that all change."

"Really how so?" asked the blond slurping more noodles in his mouth he was very interested in the conversation.

"It happened when Ino started hearing about Kitsune Flash, when the rumors about you started spreading throughout the entire village she suddenly had the urge to train hard and make herself stronger. She went to her father who works at the interrogation department and she wanted to learn how to use her clan's jutsu in the field of interrogation, her father along with Ibiki has helped her in the training unfortunately they weren't the only ones to contributed in her training" the Sarutobi finished with a sigh.

"What's wrong?" asked the curious Naruto.

Kurenai who was quiet eating her ramen shook her head" let's just say that Ino had some bad influences during the training which it's not something to be proud of."

"Bad influences what do you mean?"

"She's talking about a certain person who took over Ino's training and sharpen her up and changed her personality for the worst" Asuma sighed again feeling sorry for his formal student.

"I'm still not following you here"

"He's talking about Anko" Kurenai said" she's the one who took Ino under her wing and taught her a lot of her jutsus and her ways of seducing men along with her personality, I can say that Anko has created a complete replica of herself."

"Yeah I feel sorry for Inoichi" Asuma said thinking about the older Yamanaka crying because her daughter was no longer a sweet innocent girl, she was not daddy's little angel anymore.

Naruto was grinning thinking about the platinum blond' that will explain why she has became quite the flirt and teaser, damn I just can't stop thinking about her ass in those purple shorts she has gotten to me now.'

"However Ino has become quite the fighter in both combat and the field of interrogation that'swhy she has become a jounin" Kurenai said.

"That's the only good thing about Anko because of her Ino has became a great addition of Konoha ninjas, as for Chouji after the hard training with his father they finally gave him the position of gate guard of the village after becoming jounin. With the amount of money he's been earning he opened his own restaurant in the village district Akamichi's bbq, the food is very good in quality and good taste is their motto." Asuma said.

"Yeah Shikamaru already told me about that maybe I will go there later and pay a visit to Chouji, and your team Kurenai?"

The red eyed woman smiled" they did very good when they took the chunin exams again and since they already knew what to do in the exams since they took them already they had the upper hand of passing the tests, especially at the third test I was impressed with their performance Hinata fought Sakura at the preliminaries….." she gazed at the blond expecting to see his reaction along with Asuma.

Naruto stood quiet for a moment before talking back" really I'm sure Hinata had no problem beating Haruno-san, after all she's not an opponent you would consider to be strong or worthy to fight…." although his reply was calm, Asuma and Kurenai could sense the harshness in his replied.

Kurenai was surprise but she continued eating her ramen, she could see that Naruto was still feeling some anger towards the pink haired kunoichi" actually Sakura is not as weak as you think Naruto, she was trained by Tsunade-sama and she gave Hinata quite a fight her performance at the preliminaries was very impressive…"

"She beat Hinata?" Naruto asked coolly.

"Hinata barely won the match Sakura put up a good fight though, her quick thinking and her well knowledge for medical ninjutsu earned her the right to become a chunin" Kurenai said.

"I see….well it doesn't matter…." the blond replied finishing his bowl of ramen.

The two jounin looked at each other, ever since they mentioned Sakura's name it looks like a powerful tension was brought upon the apartment coming from Naruto it was getting very uncomfortable right now and they knew they brought a bad topic mentioning her name in his presence.

Asuma was quick to change the topic" anyway Kurenai's team did a good job at the chunin exams, they all became chunins and in two years they went to take the jounin exams isn't that right Kurenai?"

"Yes they did they also show a lot potential when they took the jounin exams, they all did well that they were given the rank of jounin becoming the youngest jounins in the village."

"From your team Kurenai I expected anything less" Naruto said and by now he was back to normal now that Sakura's name was no longer being mentioned.

"Right now Shino is assisting the ANBU in mission because his clan's insects Hinata expected to have a genin team but they aren't any available teams this year and as for KIba……" she finished her ramen.

'This is going to be good' the blond thought smirking" Kurenai is it true that Kiba has a genin team?"

Kurenai saw that Asuma chuckle which she sighed" yes Naruto he does."

"Really because a rumor about him" the blond was smiling innocently.

The red eyed woman sighed again" about the fleas"

Naruto chuckled" yeah is it true?"

"Unfortunately yes one of his students gave him and Akamaru fleas because he got upset with Kiba, he thought it was a more suitable punishment because he's from the Inuzuka clan after that little incident Kiba hasn't seen eye to eye with the genin…."

"He sure sounds like a troublemaker…." Naruto said.

"I don't know much about him but from what I heard he could be a prankster"

"Kind of like you Naruto" Asuma said.

"Hey that was a long time ago I am not going to return to those old days anymore, although they are days I missed being one I really had a lot of fun…."

Suddenly their conversation was broken by the sound of a crying baby near, both jounin sighed at the sound of the crying baby.

"Thirty minutes since she fell asleep must be a new record" Asuma said.

"So it seems I'll go get her" Kurenai said getting up from the table heading to the hall.

Naruto finally knew about that baby cry because he forgotten about it, he was so caught up in the conversation that he forgot about their baby according to what Shikamaru and Ino told him. He saw Kurenai returning to the table carrying something in her arms covered by a red blanket, Naruto the small thing in her arms and smiled.

"Is that the baby?"

Kurenai nodded coming closer to him so he could get a better view of the small baby, the one year old baby was small and had patch of black hair like Kurenai she had red eyes.

Naruto smiled seeing the baby girl smiling at him" oh she's so pretty I can see that she looks just like her mother."

Kurenai just smiled while Asuma sweat dropped at the comment' that's what everyone says.'

"What's her name?" asked Naruto.

"It's Miyaki it was my mothers' name."

"Congratulations Kurenai you have a beautiful daughter" Naruto smiled seeing the baby giggling at him and she grabbed his finger with her small delicate hands" hey aren't you the cutest little baby I have ever seen yes you are."

Kurenai and Asuma were amazed to see the Miyaki giggling loudly at him with a big smile on her cute little face they have never seen her acting so lively and happier than before.

"Naruto I didn't know you were good with children…" Kurenai said seeing how much the baby girl was enjoying the blonds' company.

"I didn't know it either" replied Naruto with his fox grin" I would like to continue talking to you guys but I want to see more people I really want to make my stay in Konoha count" he got up from the table.

"I guess we'll see you around Naruto" Asuma said.

"I'll show to the door Naruto" Kurenai said leading away from the table.

She opened the door while Miyaki was laughing at the goofy faces Naruto was doing to her" thank you for taking your time to come and visit Naruto."

"No problem I'm glad to have come here I'll see you around, bye bye Miyaki-chan…" he smiled seeing the baby giggling at him before he put his mask back on leaving the apartment.

Kurenai closed the door carrying her daughter who was back to normal from smiling at Naruto's antics, when she arrived at the dining room she notice Asuma was outside on the balcony looking at something.

"What's wrong?"

Asuma went back inside before giving one last look at the hawk that was flying around" it looks like the party will begin soon Tsunade-sama has send one of our hawks as a signal…"

Kurenai sighed holding her baby" I wonder if it's the right thing to do."

"What right thing?"

"About the party" replied the red eyed woman" I think Tsunade-sama is rushing on things in reuniting Naruto and Sakura at the party, I don't think Naruto is ready to face her yet."

"Maybe you're right but this is a chance that Tsunade-sama is not going to waste, you know Naruto won't stay in the village for too long as the mercenary Kitsune Flash he's bound to be outside of Konoha always traveling she may never get another chance like this…."

"But you saw his reaction when I mentioned Sakura's name his eyes became cold and his face, I could tell that he was angry I think he really hates Sakura and maybe he's not interested in knowing about her."

"You could be right maybe Naruto doesn't want her in his life or even to have her as his friend again, but there's also the slight chance that he's just hurt and he's afraid that Sakura will hurt him again that will explain why he feels so hostile towards her." replied the Sarutobi.

"Or maybe he really hates her and he has given up on her, Sakura will never hit him we both know how she has lived her life so far…."

"Let's hope the welcome home party is successful and Naruto will hopefully forgive Sakura."

Kurenai nodded seeing that her baby was asleep' I hope you're right Asuma for Sakura's sake no one can't live a life the way she has.'

(Time skip: village district)

Kitsune was walking the streets passing the happy villagers who were waving at him a lot of the people were no longer fear in the mask mercenary knowing that the most of the rumors they have heard about were not true. He was now heading to Chouji's restaurant, although he forgot to asked Asuma for directions of the place looks like he will have to walked and find it for himself after all he had plenty of time to find the restaurant. He suddenly stopped reaching a small red bridge, the feeling of nostalgia returned again while watching the flow of the river run. This was the same place where team seven always meets to wait for Kakashi and received their missions, of course like all of his bad memories this place also brought some painful memories.

Naruto arrived at the bridge seeing Sasuke and Sakura waiting for their teacher to arrive, however Kakashi as usual was late again. He shrugged his shoulders knowing that the mask ninjas will never change his ways of tardiness, he smile as he went to Sakura who was as usual ogling at the Uchiha.

"Morning Sakura-chan!"

Sakura ignored him like he wasn't even there and continued to stare dreamily at Sasuke, the blond frowned as he went to a corner of the bridge and Sasuke grinned at him because he knew why he was upset.

"What's wrong dobe?"

"Nothing is wrong with me teme so back off!"

WHAM!!!

Sakura smacked the blond glaring at him" Naruto I told you not to call Sasuke-kun that!"

Naruto slowly got up feeling the painful blow courtesy of his pink haired crush, why did she always have to do that? She obviously didn't know that it wasn't the physical the hurt him the most but it was the blow to his heart that hurt him the most, will always every time he insulted her precious Uchiha.

"Hey dobe" Sasuke called him interrupting his thoughts.

"What?" replied the annoyed Naruto.

"When Kakashi gave us our mission make sure you don't get in my way."

Naruto growled at his comment" what the hell are you talking about teme were supposed to be a team!"

WHAM!!!

Sakura glared at him again" Naruto I told you to stop calling Sasuke-kun that!"

Naruto got up again feeling his heart breaking from the physical blow by Sakura.

"Sakura the same goes to you don't get in my way" Sasuke said being his usual emo self.

Sakura was hurt" but Sasuke-kun I….."

Sasuke didn't said another word ignoring her he went to a corner far away from his two teammates, while Sakura was still hurt about his harsh comment. Naruto was staring at Sakura feeling hurt for he ,it was always the same when Sakura was in pain he was in pain too he just couldn't stand her seeing this way.

He went to her before she started crying giving her a big smile" it's okay Sakura-chan don't listen to the teme…."

"Leave me alone Naruto!" she shouted in anger.

WHAM!!!

She punched him sending him away from the bridge while Sasuke grinned at the sight muttering loser; just then Kakashi appeared in a cloud of smoke sweat dropping at the sight.

"YOU'RE LATE SENSEI!!!" the pissed off Sakura shouted.

"Sorry a black cat crossed my path….."

"LIAR!!!" shouted the pink haired genin.

Kakashi sighed giving up on the lame excuse" anyway I have your next mission right here…"

That's when he noticed Naruto on the ground still feeling Sakura's punch" what happened to Naruto?"

"Who cares let's just do the mission and get this over with" Sasuke replied while Sakura went back to fan girl mode staring at him dreamily and completely ignoring the heartbroken Naruto on the ground.

Kitsune growled in anger remembering that day like it was yesterday' good old days, yeah right good old days my ass it was nothing but bullshit.'

He immediately left the bridge not wanting to be in the place anymore because it brought him painful memories that upset him a lot, while walking back to the streets he felt it another familiar chakra signature one he recognize perfectly' well it's about time he show up.'

He jumped out of the way dodging something powerful that crushed the ground he smirked gazing at the visitor he was riding on a familiar large white dog wearing a jounin vest his leaf headband strapped on his forehead traditionally, he was a gray jacket with a fish net shirt and dark blue pants with grey ninja sandals. His shuriken hostlers was on his right leg and his kunai hostler was behind him on his left side, Kitsune smirked recognizing the familiar spiky brown hair style and the familiar red marks on his cheek.

The jounin smirked at the mask mercenary" well what do we have here? It's Kitsune Flash I have heard that you were in the village, I never thought I will run into you."

"Let's see judging from the way you're riding on your dog I say you're from the Inuzuka clan, what an honor to finally meet someone from canine clan" Kitsune chuckle' canine clan that's a good joke I should write that one down.'

"Canine clan?" the jounin raised an eyebrow" I have heard that Kitsune Flash is a very strong fighter I didn't know that he was terrible at telling jokes" he smirked.

Kitsune frowned' after all these time he's still a smart ass that Kiba.'

The jounin laughed while his dog companion bark" I'm tire of playing this lame game just drop the act already Naruto."

"Sheesh did granny told everyone about my identity?" asked the annoyed mercenary.

"No she didn't you may fool other people wearing that mask but not me" Kiba pointed to his nose" you can't fool my nose I could smell your scent all the way from the village gates when I got back from my mission with my team…."

Kitsune gasped mentally' wait Neji told me that Kiba left on a mission with his team and Sakura, then if he's back that means that…..' he didn't finished his thinking he just didn't even wanted to think about it.

"Hey Kiba"

"What's wrong?"

"If you're back then Haruno-san is back too right?"

Kiba blinked hearing the last name" you mean Sakura yeah she's back in the village after I went to visit Tsunade-sama to bring the mission report I gave my team the rest of the day off, she must've returned to the hospital that's where she works"

"I see…" Kitsune was in deep thought' note to self avoid the hospital at all cost.'

'It doesn't surprise me looks like Naruto wants to see Sakura….'Kiba thought" anyway Naruto how you've been doing it sure has been a while since I last saw you, I was beginning to think you were never coming back to the village."

"Yeah there were times I was thinking like that but now I'm finally here and boy I have really missed on a lot I can also see Akamaru has grown what did you feed him Kiba? Did you give him steroids?"

"Really you think he's big, I really don't know he's always with me so I can't tell you if he has grown."

Kitsune sweat dropped" seriously Kiba Akamaru used to be so small that he could be on top of your head."

"You're right I guess you have grown a lot Akamaru" he smiled while petting the large dog" but then again" he got off from Akamaru standing face to face with the mask mercenary" you have become very tall Naruto and you used to be a small fry."

Kitsune frowned at his comment" we first meet after five years and you're already disrespecting me."

"Come on I was just kidding don't get mad Naruto it's not like you're going to devour my soul or anything."

"In your case I really wish I have that ability" he smirked.

Kiba chuckle" funny but anyway welcome back buddy it's been a while."

"Yeah I know what you mean I never thought I will miss Konoha for so long, so Kiba you wouldn't happen to know where Chouji's restaurant is?"

"What a coincidence I'm actually heading there to meet up with Shino, let's go together."

"Thanks I was a little lost."

They started walking the streets before Kitsune looked back at the Inuzuka" so Kiba how about telling me about your genin team?"

"They aren't so bad they have teamwork and they can handle themselves, what else is there to say?" he replied coolly while Akamaru gazed at his master for some reason.

Kitsune couldn't take it anymore he just wanted to say it already" really are you sure the team is good? Are you sure you and Akamaru didn't have a flea bath?"

Kiba got annoyed the same with Akamaru" goddamn it why is it that I'm always reminded of that day? I know the whole village is still talking about it but it's getting very annoying, I will never save myself from that horrible day me and Akamaru can still feel the bites of those damn little suckers."

"Sorry Kiba but when I found out that someone from the Inuzuka clan who's supposed to take care of their dogs got a flea bath I think you find it rather amusing." Kitsune smirked.

"Thanks for giving me your opinion it wouldn't be funny if the same thing happened to you…" the Inzuzuka replied annoyed and Akamaru gave a growl of disagreement to the blonds' comment.

"Sorry man I didn't mean it like that, you must be feeling terrible"

"Let's just drop the topic okay…."

"Sure so anyway you like working with your team?"

"Yeah I do with exception of having the smart ass who gave me and Akamaru the fleas the team works well they still have ways to go though…"

"So you don't regret having them as your team?" the mask mercenary smirked.

"Nah I like them even that smart ass…."

'I guess even someone like Kiba can change I still think of him having a genin team is pretty shocking.'

(Time skip: Akamichi's bbq grill restaurant)

When Naruto and Kiba arrived at the front of the restaurant they were met by someone standing in front of the place, Kitsune sense another familiar chakra signature coming from the stranger ahead. He was wearing a black hood covering his entire face with familiar round shades. Kitsune could sense his chara and he already who he was, not to mention the sworn of insects he could sense from inside of him.

"It's been a while Shino" Kitsune said smiling at the hooded Aburame.

"So it's you Naruto my insects could sense your chakra from far away, at first I couldn't tell if it was you your chakra level has increased a lot since the last time I saw you…"

"The wonders of training my friend" he grinned.

"And you're also Kitsune Flash I guess this proves you have become very strong" replied Shino.

The mask mercenary scratched the back of his head" I don't want to rant about that because I don't want to sound cocky but yeah you could say that…"

"Well let's go inside already" Kiba said while Akamaru bark in agreement.

"By the way Kiba Naruto was able to recognize me and you and Hinata who are my teammates couldn't, I think you should feel ashamed not recognizing your allies especially when he's your teammate" Shino said.

Kitsune smirked at the comment while Kiba sweat dropped' he's still sulking about that.'

They entered the restaurant and the place had a lot of people, Kitsune saw the different kinds of plates they were eating and it was enough to make him drool. They all looked very good he could taste the food just by looking at it, he suddenly felt Kiba tapping on his shoulder with a smirk.

"I know what you're thinking so stop torturing yourself and let's get a table already."

They were looking for any available tables until and saw an empty grill table on the far left corner while they got seated while Akamaru lied down on the ground before one of the waitress went to them.

"Hello welcome to Akamichi's bbq grill can I take your order?"

"Yes I will like the bbq pork and what do you want Shino?" Kiba asked his teammate.

"I will the bbq chicken please."

The waitress nodded writing the orders in her small note book" what about you sir?" she gasped seeing the mask mercenary" oh my…it's you Kitsune Flash welcome to our restaurant we are humbly to have you here what would you like?"

"Yes I will like the special bbq combo with special dipping sauce please…"

"Yes the food will be done in a couple of minutes pleas enjoy your stay."

"Oh one more thing" Kiba interjected" could you tell Chouji to come here we will like to talk to him."

"Chouji-san um sure I will tell him but he's a little busy right now…"

"Just tell him Kiba and Shino are here."

"I see…"

"By the way thanks sweet heart" Kitsune winked at her.

"He called me sweet heart!" the waitress gave a fan girl squeal before leaving.

Kiba sweat dropped at the mask mercenary" not just you have become famous around the five nations because of your reputation but you have also become quite famous with the ladies…"

"It's part of my charm" Kitsune said with a grin.

"I have heard about the sanin Jiraiya-sama he is also quite famous with the ladies, since you left the village to trained with him you obviously became strong like him and popular with the ladies too" Shino said.

"Of course Shino he taught me everything he knows so I'm his successor."

"Yeah but I also heard that Jiraiya-sama is the biggest pervert in the word, so it wouldn't surprise me if you became a pervert like him" Kiba said with a smirk.

Kitsune sweat dropped" no I am not a pervert like him Kiba thank you very much."

He could hear the Kyuubi laughing in amusement at his comment the fox knew it was bullshit because after his training with the toad sanin he has become a bit of a pervert like his teacher. Not to mention that he has been thinking about Ino and Hinata, everything about them from their bodies especially their cleavages and Ino's ass.

"Kiba I think this is the perfect opportunity to tell Naruto about that matter…" Shino said casually.

"What matter?" asked the mask mercenary.

Kiba gulped nervously" well I….um Shino I don't know what you're talking about."

"It will be better if you tell him now before he finds out on his own" replied the Aburame.

"What is he talking about Kiba?" Kitsune was staring at the nervous Inuzuka.

Kiba finally sighed in defeat" all right fine I'll talk but please don't get angry with me okay"

"Why would I get angry with you?" asked the mask mercenary.

"Well you see it happened a couple of months ago, the thing is that…..I…kind of asked Sakura out."

Kitsune gasped his eyes widened at the revelation while Kiba was waiting for him to get pissed at him for trying to take his girl, instead was chuckling in amusement making both jounins confuse at his reaction.

"What's wrong Naruto?" asked Shino.

"Kiba I don't believe you, you actually asked her out!" Kitsune was now laughing" that has to be the best joke I have ever heard were you drunk or something?"

"I'm not joking man and I wasn't drunk I really did ask her out, I mean she has become quite a looker and I felt like asking her out so I'm sorry Naruto okay please don't get angry with me."

"It's all right Kiba I'm not angry with you."

"You're not?" asked the shocked Inuzuka.

"No buddy I'm more disappointed in you, I mean come on they are plenty of nice and good looking fish in the water and you have to pick the rotten fish chose a better fish buddy" Kitsune laughed again.

Kiba and Shino looked at each other because of his comment they figure out that the blond still had some kind of grudge of hatred towards the pink haired kunoichi.

'Looks like Naruto is still upset with Sakura.' Shino thought while part of him was feeling sorry for the pink haired kunoichi.

"But anyway Naruto don't worry because she turn me down so we didn't go on a date, she's not interested in dating." Kiba said assuring his friend.

"Why should I care about that Kiba? It's not like she's my property or anything" Kitsune scowled mentally' so she's not interested in dating obviously she wants Sasuke and I wonder who she's going to use as bait to lure him back to the village, a million ryou says it's the blond dead last who is her punching bag.'

"Kiba Shino!"

They looked to see a large teen with long spiky brown hair with red swirls on his cheeks wearing an apron and a chef hat, Kitsune immediately recognize along with his chakra signature he saw as the teen went to their table.

"Hey Chouji" Kiba said.

"Hey what's up guys I'm happy to see you guys at my restaurant as always"

"Your food is very good we couldn't say no in coming here" Shino replied.

"But anyway we came to tell you that you have a guess in your restaurant" Kiba said with a smirk.

Chouji gasped seeing the mask mercenary seated next to the two jounins" oh my…it's you I don't believe it what an honor to have the one and only Kitsune Flash in my restaurant welcome…" he obviously didn't know of his identity.

'There are too many people I can't remove my mask or tell him guess I will have to tell Chouji next time.' Kitsune thought before smiling" hey you must be the owner of this wonderful establishment."

"That's right it's Akamichi Chouji from the Akamichi clan, I always wanted to open my own bbq restaurant so with the money I've been saving from missions and my job as a guard I manage to build this place."

"Thank you Chouji I'm looking forward to eating your food" Kitsune said while gazing at some of the fun the people were eating.

"And speaking of the food here comes our order" Kiba said seeing the waitress heading their way.

"Well I better get back to the kitchen enjoy the food!" Chouji left giving a cordial smile to his employee.

"Here you go if there's anything else you would like just call me."

"Thanks sweet heart I will keep it in mind" Kitsune said.

The waitress giggle by his comment as she left and they started picking their food from the grill table, Naruto ate his bbq pork with delight finding the food very good along with Kiba and Shino.

"Oh man this is delicious Chouji really made one heck of a place" Kitsune said.

"I know what you mean Chouji's restaurant has become very famous and it has attracted a lot of people, it has become one of Konoha's famous eating spots." Kiba said.

"We have come here many times in the past" Shino said.

"It's going to be hard for me now" Kitsune said taking another bite from his pork" I will have to chose between Chouji's restaurant and Ichiraku's."

"Yeah talk about tough choice one of the things I like about this place besides the food is that pets are allowed so Akamaru can be here to isn't that right boy?" he pet the large dog while Akamaru wag his tail.

"So Shino you've been doing well helping the ANBU?" asked Kitsune.

"Yes I have been recommended to assists them in their missions I have done well so far, I have even helped out Shikamaru's squad."

"You've been doing a good work maybe you should become ANBU too."

"That will be all right I will like to continue being a jounin I want to be the next head of the Aburame clan and perhaps I will earned a seat in council"

Kitsune nodded feeling happy that all of his friends have improve and they were doing fine, they resumed their eating while the mask mercenary made a mental note to come back to Chouji's restaurant next time. Everyone was doing fine and they were making their lives as ninjas normally, the only person he didn't know about was a certain pink haired kunoichi, he knew she was a medic nin when he was back at wave from doctor Nakamura. He didn't wanted to see her or even know about her, maybe he was being too stubborn for his own good deep in his heart he really wanted to know what she's been doing in the past five years. Maybe she was crying thinking how much she missed Sasuke while pretending that she missed him so she can have him again in her little game to bring the Uchiha back to the village, so she can go back to him and completely ignore his existence while clinging to the Uchiha traitor.

He growled resuming his eating erasing those thoughts from his head, he didn't saw that both Kiba and Shino has notice his behavior but they didn't said a word.

(Time skip)

The trio left the restaurant with a smile in their faces and their stomachs were full and happy, Kitsune licked his lips still tasting the great food he just ate.

"Damn that was a delicious meal I am definitely coming back here Chouji's place is awesome!"

"I knew you were going to like it here I have also become addicted to this place too." Kiba said.

"Thanks for bringing me here Kiba you too Shino, I better get going I have other places to go bye guys!" Kitsune left leaving the two jounins alone.

"He has really changed he's no longer that hyper active annoying loudmouth and he has become quite strong too" Kiba said.

"That may be true but it seems the only thing that hasn't change is his view on Sakura" Shino said" looks like he still bears some kind of grudge of anger with her."

"Yeah I know what you mean I still can't believe he told me that thing about looking for nice good looking fish in the water and he called Sakura a rotten fish, that's something I never thought that Naruto would say about her" the Inuzuka said remembering how much Naruto liked the pink haired teen.

Suddenly Akamaru bark making KIba looking at him and they both notice a hawk flying around them, they knew what it meant.

"It seems the party is about to begin" Shino said.

"Yeah I just hope it doesn't turn out into a disaster" Kiba sighed remembering the main reason of the party.

"We should go back inside and tell Chouji about the party and Naruto's identity."

"Yeah you're right I almost forgot about that."

(Time skip)

Naruto was walking in an empty street when someone bumped into, although he already knew who he was by his chakra signature.

"Hey watch it pay!" the young teen shouted before gasping in shock gazing at the mask man next to him" wait….you're…it's you!"

Kitsune smirked seeing the shocked Konohamaru, he has change in the last five years, and he was a little tall probably reaching 5'4 he was wearing his Konoha headband on his forehead a blue scarf around his neck with a grey jacket brown cargo pants with grey sandals. His kunai hostler was on his left leg and his kunai hostler was on the right side of his back, Kitsune could tell by his appearance that he just didn't changed physically.

'His chakra has increased a little he must've become strong since the last time I saw him, this will be fun' thought the amused mercenary.

"I can't believe it's really you Kitsune Flash, so the rumors are true about you being in the village cool!"

Kitsune decided to play along since the young teen obviously didn't know of his identity" well what do we have here just a mere genin, sorry buddy but I don't have time to deal with punks like you…"

"What?! what did you just say?!" Konohamaru was upset for his comment" you think I'm just a mere genin you're wrong I'm no ordinary genin pal I'm the strongest genin in the leaf village you got that?!"

"Really you're the strongest genin in the village that's a little hard to believe because to me you're nothing but a small fry now beat it twerp!" he grinned in his head' I think I got a little overboard with that comment Konohamaru is not going to take it lightly.'

"That's it!" the young Sarutobi shouted" I have had it with you, just because you're Kitsune Flash that doesn't give you the right to treat others inferior to you I challenge you to a fight!"

'Just as I thought' Kitsune rolled his eyes" you want to fight me that's a nice joke kid now why don't you move along to your jounin teacher because I eat punks like you for breakfast now get lost!"

"Now I will not leave I never back down from a challenge that's my ninja way! I'm supposed to be late to meet my team but that can wait I will show you what I can do."

'He doesn't back down from a challenge it's his ninja way that will be my ninja way, Konohamaru you…' he chuckled" fine kid I will accept your challenge but don't come crying when I beat you bad."

Konohamaru got into a fighting stance" I will defeat you with my most devastating technique!"

Kitsune already knew where this was going' oh please he's going to use the sexy jutsu who does he think he is? I invented the sexy jutsu he won't be getting me with my own technique.'

"Before we begin how about telling me your name?"

"It's Sarutobi Konohamaru remember it well because I am the ninja who's going to beat you!"

'I feel like I'm staring at myself when I was twelve' Kitsune thought with a smirk" fine Konohamaru show me what you can do."

Konohamaru nodded making a hand seal" here I go!"

"Clone jutsu!"

"POOF!!!

A Konohamaru clone appeared next to him.

'What is he trying to do?' thought the confused Kitsune he thought that he was using the sexy jutsu on him.

The two Konohamaru's made the same hand seal.

"Transform!"

POOF!!!

Kitsune was grinning feeling sorry for him the sexy naked lady technique was going to have no effect on him, even if he has become a bit of a pervert like Jiraiya it wasn't going to be enough to affect him. He gasped when the smoke cleared instead of revealing one naked girl there were two naked curvy voluptuous girls hugging each other, it was such a hot and sexy sight the way the girls were pressing their breasts on one another. Unfortunately for the blond his hormones got the better of him as he replace the two random girls with a naked Ino and Hinata, both of them winked at him and that was enough for Kitsune to fall on his ass with a nose bleed.

The two girls vanished transforming changing back to the two Konohamaru's then the clone vanished leaving the real one who was cheering" see I told you I was going to be beat you, no one can resists my sexy jutsu girl on girl version wait till Moegi and Udon find out that I defeated the one and only Kitsune Flash…." he left running while cheering.

As for the poor Kitsune he has never ever felt so embarrassed and humiliated in his entire life, someone like himself who has fought and defeated S rank missing nins without breaking a sweat. Now his pride has been hurt he was feeling like the biggest jack ass in the world, the worst thing is that he was defeated by a perverted technique that he invented and also defeated by his young apprentice. He immediately got back to his feet trying to forget the horrible moment he had to wash his mask because it was covered from his own blood from the inside.

'This is perhaps the most humiliating moment in my entire life more humiliating than kissing Sasuke, It's a good thing that no one saw this or I'll be the laughing stocker of the village instead of Kiba.'

(Time skip: Hokage tower)

Kitsune was walking the halls of the building with Shizune, according to what she told him it was something important that Tsunade needed to talk to him although it sounded a little suspicious. After she told him that she didn't said another word, so why did he felt like he was about to get scolded or punish? He felt uncomfortable with the silence so he wanted to know what Tsunade wants to talk to him about.

"Shizune can you tell me what does granny want with me I already gave her the money from my missions so what gives?"

The raven haired woman remained calm and replied coolly" Tsunade-sama needs to talk to you about something important at the meeting room, although she didn't told me the reason why she needs to speak with you."

"The meeting room that place it's kind of strange to talk to me about something, her office will be a more appropriate place are you sure it's something important? I feel like I'm missing something here."

"No there's nothing wrong Naruto-kun you will find out when we get there" she smiled at him' Naruto-kun is already suspicious I better keep it cool.'

They finally arrived at the double doors that belonged to the meeting room.

Kitsune already felt so many chakra signatures that belonged to his friends coming from inside of the room' what's going on? Granny wants to talk to me but why is everyone in the room?'

Shizune opened the door" please go right in."

The mask mercenary nodded entering the room which to his surprised it was completely dark' okay what is going on here?'

Suddenly the lights were on shocking him.

"SURPRISE!!!"

"Huh what what's going on?" Kitsune was confused to see all of his friends from the rookie nine except Kakashi and Sakura.

The whole room was decorate with some balloons and a big sign that said welcome home Naruto, there were also a couple of tables with some food and a couple of appetizers.

"Hey what gives what's with the party it's not my birthday."

Tsunade smiled" no this is a welcome home party for you Naruto."

"Welcome home party?"

"That's right this party is dedicated to you Naruto because we have missed you" Ino said smiling.

Shikamaru and Neji who were present weren't wearing their masks because Tsunade gave them the order to remove them.

"Naruto you're a member of Konoha just like everyone else but you're also our friend, the village was too quiet without you around it was troublesome I admit it" Shikamaru said.

"You have earned our trust and respect because of your gift to change people's heart I should know about that." Neji said with a slight smile remembering when Naruto changed his view of things and fate at the finals of the chunin exams.

"Yeah we missed the annoying knucklehead a lot" Kiba said with a smirk.

"You're a true comrade and youthful friend Naruto-kun!" Lee said while Tenten nodded.

"We are glad that you're back" Shino said.

"Welcome back Naruto and I never thought you will be Kitsune Flash Kiba already told me, I couldn't recognize because you were so tall" Chouji said.

"You are very precious to all of us Naruto-kun" Hinata said smiling with a small blush on her cheeks.

"And we couldn't be any prouder for you Naruto" Iruka said.

Kitsune stood quiet as he felt a couple of tears forming at the corner of his eyes, he couldn't believe his friends have planned this party for him they have missed him very much. To think he has become this precious to them, the same people that he acknowledge his existence how bad he felt for actually thinking of not returning again to Konoha he really was ashamed.

Tsunade smiled seeing that he was about to cry" now Naruto go ahead and take off the mask this party is for Naruto not Kitsune Flash."

"Right" he smiled taking his mask off he dried his tears smiling at his friends" well are we going to start this party or what?!"

Everybody cheered as they went to the food along with Naruto, Tsunade went to Shizune because she knew there was someone very important missing in the party" where's Sakura?" she whispered making sure Naruto didn't hear her.

"I don't know she got back from the mission with Kiba and his team, she must be at the hospital" replied the raven haired woman.

"Then what are you waiting for? Go get her!"

"Yes Tsunade-sama."

She left the room while Tsuande smiled seeing how happy Naruto was' the true purpose of the party will begin soon.'

(Konoha hospital)

"Good afternoon Haruno-san."

"Good afternoon"

"Good afternoon Haruno-san"

"Good afternoon"

Sakura passed another nurse giving her a kind salute and she didn't mind returning the gesture, she just finished doing another successful operation which she was highly congratulated by the rest of the medical staff. The young medic sighed happily it was just another day at the hospital where she always gave a hundred percent in her job, always concentrating on the safety of the patients to serve them was her top priority as medic nin. The seventeen year old medic walked the halls of the hospital with a smile on her face, although anyone who knew her well knew that her smiles where always fake hiding her true intentions the deep pain she was feeling in her heart. She was wearing a white doctor coat with a red blouse with a black skirt below her knees with black high heels she made another sigh as she took a turn in the halls of the building. Her physical has also increased her beauty was truly unique she has become into a very beautiful woman she still had her pink hair shoulder length, her beauty has attracted a lot of the male population they have asked her out but she turned all of them down because she wasn't interested in dating or even interested in the game called love.

During recent years she has come to love the hospital very much, to her it was more than just the place where she works it was the one place where she felt needed and wanted. The place where she save lives and give those people another chance to live along side their love ones, her job consisted in carrying the lives of those people in her hands and she always took full responsibility for her actions by saving them. Her skills as a medic have come to be compare or even better than Tsunade herself, around Konoha and the rest of the five countries she was known as Konoha's cherry blossom the best medic in the hidden leaf village. Because of her skills in medical ninjutsu and her experience she has gained a high respect from the medical staff, they respected her so much that they even celebrated her birthday on several occasions of course the one person she wanted to see in her birthday party was never there.

She never realized it but slowly she has cut off herself from the rest of the village, especially her friends. She rarely talks to Ino or Hinata because she was always in the hospital working, she always focus on her work nothing more but it wasn't like she was doing it on purpose she just wanted to work. Working in the hospital was always in her mind, saving lives was her job and her reason for being a Konoha ninja she didn't focus on being with her friends because she simply didn't thought about it. Not to mention that she was always busy with work between shifts taking care of the patients and filing the paperwork was a very tiring job, but she always took a break to rest from all of the work. To her although it was hard work she didn't complain it's true that the work was stressful but she got used to it, it was probably another reason why the medical staff gained a high respect for her loyalty to her job and her devotion for the position she's been given. After all she wasn't just a jounin but the head of the medical staff unit, and because she was in charge of the medic unit she was always devoted to do her best when doing her job.

But even someone so hard working and dedicated like Sakura had something hiding from the rest of the medic staff, they didn't suspected her behavior but her closest friends knew the truth behind her fake smiles. Over the years she has build a wall around herself so that no one entered getting close to her, the pain she was feeling deep within her was always getting stronger by the minutes by the hours, days months and years. The big pain in her heart caused by the feelings of guilt and regret for causing so much pain to the one person who she has realized to be the most precious person to her more than anyone, it was the same pain of pushing him away of rejecting his friendship and hurting his feelings that it was slowly eating away her heart. The same person who was always with her trying to cheered her up and put a smile on her face the same person who felt feelings that reflected more than friendship, the same person who risked his life and sacrificed his own happiness for her own. Yet she rewarded his kindhearted acts by hitting him and verbally insulting him, those actions caused him heartbreak and pain which eventually turned into hatred.

Her jade eyes softened remembering the horrible day at the hospital five years ago when her cold actions finally pushed her precious friend over the edge she can still remembered every single word he told her. Every insult and fact that he told her was all true, besides being emotionally broken on that day she finally saw the truth behind her selfish cold ways. She has come to terms with it that she deserved every word that he told her it was payback from his part after all the kind acts and sacrifices he has made for her, now she has lost him maybe forever maybe she will never see him again. She will never see his bright smile again, she will never see his goofy grin again she will never see his adorable face again and he will never call her Sakura-chan again. Tears were now forming at the corner of her eyes remembering her blond teammate, her most precious friend who cared for her so much no who loved her more than life itself. She started trembling feeling her depression rising, she quickly opened the door to her office as she quickly opened the drawer of her desk revealing a small bottle filled with pills.

"I am so sick of your screw Konoha as long as I have Sasuke attitude, you are weak the real dead last is YOU!"

"Everyone in this room knows very well the real reason you became a ninja is so you could be with your precious Uchiha not so you could serve the village like a proud ninja of Konoha."

"I really like you I would've done anything for you, just so you could smile at me I didn't care if you would never like me all I care about is your happiness"

"No you're wrong Sakura because to me you are nothing."

"HARUNO SAKURA I HATE YOU!!!"

Her trembling got worst as took the bottle along with her coffee mug and poured some water from her canteen she opened the bottle of her antidepressant pills and took one pill in her mouth, she swallow the pill with her water swallowing it. After a minute she has finally calm down she was no longer trembling and her depression was gone, she sighed she needed to stop thinking about the blond teen even if it that was impossible to do. No matter how many days, weeks, months and years passed by she will never forget him even if she felt terrible because she was the reason he will never come back to the village.

"Sakura there you are"

The pink haired medic nin looked to see Shizune at the door way" oh Shizune-san what brings you here?"

"I was wondering why you haven't come to the party at the Hokage tower? Tsunade-sama is expecting you to come."

"A party I wasn't aware of a party is there any specific reason why I should go?" she tried not to sound harsh, after all she had a hospital to run patients to attend and papers to filled so she was very busy to attend a party especially since she got back from a mission with Kiba.

"Oh with everything that has happened I thought you already knew about it."

"Know what?"

The raven haired woman smiled at her knowing that she was going to be extremely happy with the good news" Naruto-kun has returned…"

Sakura dropped her coffee mug as it shattered as soon as it hit the ground she stood in pure shock at the news tears were now forming again at the corner of her eyes she was praying that she wasn't dreaming because she will never forgive herself if she was having another dream. How she has wished how she has prayed and even dreamed that the blond would come back to the village, after everything she did to him she thought he has made his decision for good to never come back. She blinked a couple of times realizing that she wasn't dreaming this was really happening, Shizune just told her the best news she has ever heard in her entire life.

She gazed at Shizune as the tears were now falling endlessly her upper lip trembling" he's back….he's here…he's really here oh dear Kami he has finally come back oh Shizune-san you're not lying to me just to make me feel better aren't you?"

"No Sakura I'm telling you the truth Naruto-kun has come back he's at the meeting room where Tsunade-sama is having his welcome home party, she told me to get you so you could go and say hi to him."

"Ye…yes of course I will go to the party but I have to go to my apartment and change, I guess I need to wash up to I just finished another operation" she quickly say still not believing that this was really happening.

"Okay then I will see you there" Shizune smiled before leaving the office happy to see the pink haired medic very happy since it's been a long time since she was happy.

'I can't believe he's really back…..Naruto after five years he's really back I thought he was never coming back I wonder if the letter that I wrote him convince him or it made him think to decided to come back.'

She quickly dried her tears of joy and left the office, she the blond have been very busy in the last five years not because of his training but his job as the mercenary Kitsune Flash. Tsunade told her about Naruto's identity as the mighty mercenary who has been taking down missing nins, she felt very proud for him she did knew that those silly rumors about him were all false especially the devour people souls part. Even if deep in her heart there was the possibility that Naruto didn't wanted to know a thing from her after everything she did to him, but to see him again and the chance to apologize to him she was willing to face him and tell him how she feels about everything so that maybe he could forgive her.

'Naruto….' she thought hard she has missed him dearly with every fiber of her being, she needed to tell him how much she needs him back in her life as her precious friend.

(Time skip: Hokage tower meeting room)

Naruto was laughing hard with his friends as the party continues they just ate some of the appetizers on the table with exception from Chouji who has eaten half of the food and he started comparing the food with the food from his restaurant. They have been talking for a while now enjoying the company, they've been talking about past events including the genin test and the chunin exams. Naruto has been having so much fun since the party started, he wish that the party never ended, suddenly Tsunade ot everyone's attention raising a glass with sake.

"Everyone let's have a toast to Naruto for finally returning to the village and to us."

Everyone got a glass while raising it" to Naruto!"

"Thanks guys" replied the blond smiling.

"Welcome home Naruto" Tsunade said.

"Welcome home!" they shouted unison.

"I am glad to be back home" he gave his fox grin while a couple of tears fell from his eyes.

"What's this? I didn't know Kitsune Flash could cry" Kiba said with a smirk.

"Shut up Kiba I'm happy get off my case!" Naruto retorted trying to sound angry but he failed because he was just too happy at the moment.

"You're right I shouldn't make you angry or you will devour my soul" the Inuzuka grinned.

"Oh come on stop saying that it's not true" the blond said annoyed.

Everyone started laughing and Naruto couldn't help but laughed too, he didn't realize that the door to the room opened allowing someone to enter. He was still laughing and for the first time he actually forgotten the fact that he was sensing the chakra signature that he's been trying to avoid so hard since he returned to the village.

"Hello Naruto…"

Naruto gasped in shocked' no it can't be!' he turned around and he was even more shocked than before at the person in front of him , and by now everyone stopped talking and they were paying attention at the unexpected reunion that just taken place.

Naruto was now looking at the seventeen year old Haruno Sakura who was staring back at him with sorrow in her eyes.

To be continued

Hope you enjoy this long chapter(35 pages 17,271 words) this will be the first of many evil cliffhangers to come in the future, this cliffhangers will make you ask questions like when the fuck he's going to update again? How long he's planning in making us wait? And if he doesn't update soon I will pm him until I annoy him to death. What will happen next? Naruto and Sakura finally meet face to face after five years, how will be his reaction to her presence? What will he do? Will he forgives her? stay tune for the next chapter. Please review and farewell until the next time. Oh I almost forgot HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

Next chapter: To regain your friendship am I worthy of your trust?