KG: Alright people, we're back with this story. I don't really have much to talk about here today.

Naruto: Tell them how I'll own the Chunin exams!

KG: You, shut up and stay over there. Ugh, I really wish you were...never mind.

Naruto: I was what?

Ayane: Hmm why did I have to give up? I'd rather be knocked out than give up!

KG: Whatever. Just calm down both of you.


Gates of Konoha

Team eight sighed as they stretched. It had felt like such a long time since they got to return to their own village. The events that happened in the Land of Iron were still burned into their brains as they came up to the gates.

"Man it feels good to be back in the warmth of Konoha," Naruto said with a grin making Hinata chuckle and Shikamaru give a sleepy nod.

"I agree with Naruto. It's felt so long since I didn't have to worry about the troublesome cold," Shikamaru said making Hinata smile.

"Still I can't believe that Naruto-kun won the tournament or the fact that Anko-sensei allowed Naruto to win," Hinata said and it surprised everyone that she did it without a stutter, but spending time around all of them, Hinata managed to get rid of most of her stuttering. Anko made sure to do that with her in their spare time.

"Hey I could've won the hole damn thing if I wanted to, but my cute, whiskered brother here really wanted to fight that Ayane chick and who am I to stand between to lovers and their fight?" Ayane asked making Naruto narrow his eyes with a blush on his face.

"What? I just wanted to fight her. Stop making accusations Anko-nee," Naruto said with a huff as he walked off with the rest of his team following him towards the Hokage Mansion.

Hokage Mansion

Sarutobi and team seven were in the room talking about receiving another mission for there record before retiring. The aged Hokage was just in the midst of handing them all their mission before he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," Sarutobi said making team seven turn around to see Naruto, Hinata, Shikamaru and Anko enter into the room. Sasuke gave a small smirk at seeing Naruto's face as he wondered where the blonde had been for a bit. Naruto took a glance at Sasuke a grinned as he waved.

"Hey Teme," Naruto said casually while Sasuke closed his eyes and settled for a simple smile before replying.

"Hey Loser," Sasuke said making everyone sweatdrop at their way of greeting each other before the blonde genjutsu prodigy turned to his Hokage and gave a thumbs up.

"Mission accomplished Jiji," the blonde said and Sarutobi nodded grabbing a hold of a scroll that he had gotten from a snake from Anko.

"Yes, I read your report on the success of the mission and Konoha received the package as planned. Good job all of you in the Land of Iron. I also heard that you participated in the tournament going on there," Sarutobi said shocking team seven.

"The Land of Iron had a tournament?" Kiba asked and Anko nodded.

"That's right Gaki, and wouldn't you know it that our very own Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki won the entire thing and won a year supply of that very rare metal that Konoha wants so much," Anko said and Sarutobi widened his eyes as did the members of team seven while Kakashi gave a small eyesmile to Naruto.

"He won the tournament?" Sarutobi asked and Anko nodded with a cheeky smile on her face.

"You should've been there Hokage-sama. He really showed them all what he could do," Anko said and Sasuke smiled.

"Well seems like you had a good time loser. Just don't be surprised if I make quick work of you myself," Sasuke said and Naruto glared at him.

"Was that a challenge Teme?" Naruto asked and the two glared hard at each other with lightning coming between them making everyone sweatdrop again before they broke their stares with huffs while Sakura and Hinata ran the usual interference.

"So Naruto, that metal is rightfully yours, but would you mind lending some to Konoha?" Sarutobi asked and Naruto took out three scrolls. Each scroll had enough metal inside for four months and Naruto handed the Hokage two scrolls.

"Sure Jiji. I'll just take one which has enough metal for four months. Those two have enough for eight months. I only need this one," Naruto said with a smile on his face and Sarutobi graciously accepted the two scrolls while offering Naruto a large amount of money for them both to which the blonde accepted.

"Alright then, now that you're here I can say this. The month for your teams is ending and you will all be notified of the new teammates and sensei next week," the Hokage told them and everyone looked at each other before turning back to him.

"Also Naruto, you should know that you have a scheduled training session with Kyoko for quite a bit of time since you've been gone. It seems that Samui, Karui and Omoi were also asking where you were. You might be rubbing off on those three," Hiruzen said with a sneaky glare and everyone chuckled while Naruto blushed before they all walked away. Naruto knew by this time that Kyoko was in the training fields either with Samui or by herself. Team seven had their mission and gave quick goodbyes to Naruto and his group.

Meanwhile, team eight sighed and Shikamaru yawned.

"Well I'm going to bed for a nap. See you guys later," he said walking off and everyone else did the same leaving Naruto all by his lonesome. Well, somewhat.

Mikata slithered out of Naruto's jacket and rested around his neck while Naruto softly petted her head. The two didn't have much to talk about as Naruto headed for the training ground.

It was long before he heard a thunderous charge like a bull which made the people in the streets gasp as the blonde turned around. He paled when he saw Karui running straight for him with an anger glare. Naruto gulped and he cursed when he wanted to run, but his legs forbad the movement as Karui slammed into his and shook the blonde violently while people sweatdropped.

"Where the hell were you?" she asked shaking Naruto enough to make Mikata drop to the ground as she sweatdropped knowing that Naruto was rather powerless against a woman with mad rage like that. She then saw Samui and Omoi appear behind her while the blonde genin placed her arm on Karui's shoulder.

"Karui I think you can stop now or you're not going to get an answer out of him," Samui said and Karui stopped shaking Naruto enough to see that the blonde had indeed passed out while his soul seemed to be leaving his body. The redhead sweatdropped and sighed while they all waited for Naruto to come to. Which wasn't long as Naruto opened his eyes and rubbed the back of his head.

"Umm I can explain all of it and first I'm sorry for making you wait like that, but the reason I was gone so long for because of you guys," Naruto said and everyone gave a confused expression as to what the blonde Konoha genin could mean by that.

"Please explain that to us. How is it because of us?" Omoi asked and Naruto held up the same scroll that he received from the Land of Iron tournament.

"Well I had a mission to go to the Land of Iron with my team to go and get some precious metals for our weapons. We did so and learned they were hosting a tournament with a year supply of the same metal. I entered it since I thought you would all like to have some of it since you use swords like I do. I thought Samui-san would like to upgrade her tanto and the same thing with Karui and Omoi's swords," Naruto said and Karui blinked while Omoi smiled.

"You did it...for us?" Karui asked and Naruto nodded. The redhead quickly let go of Naruto's collar while Mikata slithered back up to his neck.

"Wow, I've never been thought of like that. Karui, you did say that your sword needed repairs right? I say we take Naruto-san up on his generosity," Omoi said and Samui nodded. The blonde girl came up to her partner and smiled as she patted his shoulder.

"Thank you Naruto-san. Sorry for jumping to conclusions like we did. We're all grateful to you. If it's not too much trouble then we'd like that," Samui said with a small smile and Naruto nodded while Karui scratched her cheek.

"You shouldn't just said that in the first place. Man, don't I feel stupid now," Karui said and Omoi blinked at her.

"And that is different how?" he asked making Karui growl at him as she smacked him upside the head while Samui and Naruto shook their heads at them both.

"Well I'll take you guys to the best blacksmith in Konoha that I know of. Kaa-chan took me to her a few years ago. Come on and follow me," Naruto said as he walked off while Samui followed him rather closer than normal. Karui and Omoi noticed it and turned to each other.

"She's starting to like him isn't she?" Omoi asked and Karui nodded with a sigh as they followed the two blondes towards the blacksmith shop.

"So Samui-chan how have you been since I've been gone?" Naruto asked and the Kumo kunoichi closed her light blue eyes and folded her arms.

"Simply training with Kyoko-san. How was the Land of Iron?" Samui asked and Naruto rubbed his head.

"Cold. Very very cold to say the least," he told her and Samui couldn't resist the urge to crack a smile at Naruto and his huffing.

"I see, well I'm glad your mission was a success," she responded and Naruto thanked her for it before Samui took a glance at the snake on his shoulders. She didn't really say anything about it and settled for a small glance before the blonde Konoha genin turned to her.

"You know I really missed you," Naruto told her making Samui stop her walking and look at the blonde in front of her with a small amount of shock in her voice. She wasn't going to say that she wasn't happy to hear that as she found that she was worried about Naruto also, but to simply hear that was kind of unexpected to say the least.

"What brought that on?" she asked and Naruto put a finger to his chin.

"Umm I don't know, but I just realized that the time away from you was rather lonely. I really missed you Samui," Naruto said and the blonde Kumo genin gave a small unnoticeable blush to her face while Omoi silently snickered. It was so rare to see Samui give a blush that it would be a miracle for anyone to do it to her. Karui also noticed the action, but she didn't say anything. Right now she was just going to observe the two of them and their behavior while Kyuubi had his own thoughts.

"Hmm so that's the girl that the brat thinks about. Well her and that violet haired girl, but he seems to have quite the taste for women with cold glares. Hehe, I'm gonna have fun teasing him about this," Kyuubi said in thought before he twirled his flute in his hands and decided to play a peaceful melody throughout the mindscape which was pleasant to Naruto's ears while Samui answered to Naruto.

"I...see. Well that's nice. I did miss your company also," Samui said and Naruto chuckled.

"Still being rather formal aren't you? Just talk casually. We're friends after all," Naruto told her and Samui raised an eyebrow at the word 'friends'. Did they really have that sort of relationship at the moment? She could admit that she had grown accustomed to seeing Naruto around and she did enjoy his smile. He was someone she could talk to more often than not. As to seeing him as a lifelong partner well Samui could honestly say that he seemed to be one of a kind.

"I suppose we are then," she said to herself as Naruto took everyone to the blacksmith. He opened the door and everyone filed in.

"Yo Tenten, are you here?" Naruto yelled and soon everyone heard an explosion while smoke came through the place. They heard someone coughing and before long they noticed a girl about a year older than Naruto with bun shaped hair all covered in soot.

"*cough* Oh man that was probably not a good idea. Man I thought I had it down. Huh, oh Naruto. What are you doing here?" Tenten asked with smile on her face. Naruto waved to her before Tenten saw the Kumo genin.

"Oh, you're that blonde girl who's marrying Naruto right?" Tenten asked making the two blondes lightly blush making Karui roll her eyes and Omoi chuckle.

"Oh sorry. Anyway what can I do for you?" she asked and Naruto looked around the weapons shop.

"Is your mother here?" he asked and Tenten eagerly nodded before she turned around and called.

"Kaa-san, Naruto is here again with some friends," Tenten yelled and they heard the sound of clattering footsteps from the floor below them as they saw a middle aged woman with dark brown hair going down to her shoulders. She was covered in soot just like her daughter and smiled.

"Ahh Naruto and some friends. You hardly ever come over anymore," she said and Naruto rubbed the back of his head.

'Well that's Kaa-chan's fault as she didn't forget what you did the last time," Naruto said making the woman blush in embarrassment while Tenten chuckled remembering the incident which left the Kumo shinobi in the dark about what was so funny between them.

The woman noticed the three and gasped.

"Oh sorry. Hello I'm Fumiko Higurashi and this is my daughter Tenten Higurashi. How can we help you?" she asked and Naruto turned to Samui, Omoi and Karui. The three took out their swords and placed them on the table.

"Well we'd like these to be repaired," Samui said and Fumiko nodded before Naruto took out a scroll and placed the metal inside on the table.

"If possible then could you please use this metal?" Naruto asked and Tenten looked over the metal. She gasped while Fumiko glanced over it.

"Hmm metal from the Land of Iron. Very exquisite and rare here in Konoha. It'll be fun to work with something like this," Fumiko said and Team Samui thanked her for the service.

"Do what you can Fumiko-chan. I'll pay for it all," Naruto said surprising everyone.

"We couldn't let you do that Naruto-san," Omoi said, but Naruto waved it off.

"Forget about it man. I've recently got the money to spare," Naruto said and they just thanked him for it while Tenten and Fumiko got to work on everyone's swords. The younger one turned around and noticed Mikata on Naruto's shoulder.

"Oh it's Mikata. She's looking as lively as ever. Here Mikata-chan, I got you a treat," Tenten said as she held up a handful of pellets. Mikata looked at them before turning her head to Naruto. The blonde nodded and she slithered to Naruto's hands and stretched her neck into Tenten's hands and swallowed the pellets one my one. She forked her tongue and then pushed her head back and went back into Naruto's jacket.

"It's amazing that you aren't scared of Mikata," Naruto said and Tenten smiled.

"I just think she's cool that's all. Well let me get back to work," Tenten said while Naruto waved goodbye to her while Tenten did the same. Team Samui left with Naruto and the blonde stopped. He rubbed the back of his head and turned around.

"Umm say Samui, since we haven't seen each other for like a week or two, would you mind if we got something to eat a little later?" Naruto asked and Samui widened her eyes. Karui dropped her jaw and so did Omoi whose lollipop dropped from his mouth. Samui kept a blank face while Naruto tried to judge her reaction.

"Smooth brat. That's what I like to see," Kyuubi said and Naruto tried to pay him no mind.

"Well I've got nothing planned so I don't mind it then. What time would you like to get something to eat?" she asked and Naruto breathed a small sigh of relief.

"How about in the evening at 6 I guess?" he asked and Samui nodded before walking off while Karui walked after her. Omoi nudged Naruto in the arm before walking off to catch up to his teammates.

With that out of the way, Naruto decided to go home and see if his mother was there also. The blonde hadn't yet gotten there yet, but that wouldn't really matter to him.

Naruto sighed and walked up the stairs to his apartment and came to his mother's door as he put his key in and opened it. He came to see the place just as spotless as he left it. He turned his head to see the stove on and a pot of boiling water.

"Naruto-kun?" someone asked and Naruto turned his head to his mother's door as Kurenai showed up in some regular clothing while she smiled.

"Hey Kaa-chan, I just got home," Naruto said and Kurenai quickly gave her son a hug. Naruto sighed in his mother's embrace before they broke apart and Kurenai got to her feet.

"I know you did. I had heard and I was waiting for you to arrive. I'm making lunch right now. Mind keeping your Kaa-chan some company?" she asked and Naruto nodded.

"Sure, just let me wash up for a bit, but I've got to go and see Kyoko-nee soon," Naruto said and Kurenai softly petted his hair.

"Well that's fine. Just stay here for a bit and rest. Don't you ever do that anymore?" she asked and Naruto chuckled as he headed into his room. He quickly discarded his clothes and stepped into the shower.

"Mikata it's time for your bath," Naruto told her and the snake carefully slithered away before she gulped. She turned to see Naruto glaring at her and sighed.

"What is with you humans and baths?" she asked before Naruto scooped her up and placed her over the water.

"Hey, you ever heard of a water snake? Well then that's the purpose of a bath," Naruto said as he dropped Mikata in the water making a small splash. Mikata slithered through the warm water for a little while Naruto rubbed down his body as he couldn't wait for Kurenai and her cooking.

With Samui

The entire team had made it back to their hotel and Omoi closed the door.

"Wow Samui, I didn't know you'd be so open," Omoi said and the blonde looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked and Omoi snickered while Karui elaborated. She sat on the bed next to Samui and looked at her with a small sigh.

"You just agreed to go on a date wit him," Karui said and Samui shrugged her shoulders as she looked out the window. She, of course, knew that for a fact; however she didn't know why her two hotheaded teammates weren't being so cool about it.

"Yeah and it's cool with me. So what's the problem?" she asked and Karui faulted for a second. Omoi just leaned against the wall and rubbed the back of his head.

"Do you know how many of the guys back in Kumo asked to go out with you?" he asked and Samui shrugged her shoulders as she hadn't really cared about dating at the time. Samui was a very popular girl in the academy all the guys and girls adored her a lot, but her cold nature usually kept people away. She would train seriously just like anyone else and while some guys would offer to help or ask her out. She would turn them all down.

"I still don't see the point," she said half-heartedly and making Omoi sigh.

'The point is that this isn't like you at all. Are you really starting to like him?" Karui asked and Samui got to her feet.

"You two are too hot. Try to cool down and to answer your question I still don't know, but he's not like the guys in Kumo. He trains seriously and knows what he wants to do with his life. Can either of you tell me what you want to do with your life and your dreams?" Samui asked and Karui looked at the ground. Omoi didn't have a response and Samui sighed.

"I admire him, but already at this age he knows what he wants and is trying to achieve it. I suppose he is good looking in a sense," Samui before she got up and walked towards the shower to relax for a bit leaving Omoi and Karui in the room to ponder her words.

"Tell me Karui, have you really thought about your dreams?" Omoi asked and Karui shook her head.

"In the academy, all I ever shouted was that I would be the strongest kunoichi in the world, but I can tell that many girls have said the same thing. I don't know. What about you?" she asked and Omoi rubbed the back of his head.

"Never had anything. I figured it was a waste of time, but I might have been wrong in that aspect," Omoi said and Karui growled as she leaned back onto the bed.

"Ugh I hate that guy," she said making Omoi laugh at her.

Somewhere apart from the Elemental Nations

Ayane sighed as she looked at her clan. It being surrounded by the lush forest and mountainous areas. She had gotten back about two days ago and she looked up at the sky as she remembered the tournament in the Land of Iron. She then looked at her bracelet that Naruto had given her and she closed her eyes before enjoying the light breeze blowing her hair. She then opened her eyes when she heard two sets of footsteps.

"You called us?" someone asked and Ayane turned around to see a man in his early twenties and a girl her a year older than her. Both had brown hair while the man had a sword on his back. He wore a white shinobi outfit and folded his arms while the girl wore an all blue battle kimono. Ayane tried her best not to glare and sighed.

"That's right Hayate," Ayane said and Hayate narrowed his eyes. Ayane closed her own and turned her head to the girl in front of her. She balled her fists before she remembered Naruto's words.

"Don't blame Kasumi for what happened. I don't think it's her fault and you know it also. You should be friends,"

Ayane calmed down and folded her arms. The girl gave her a worried expression and Ayane sighed for what seemed like the twelfth time today.

"I am going to apologize to you both. I'm sorry for how I acted a few times. I put some of my hatred onto you and I know it wasn't fair. So I'm just sorry for doing that," Ayane said and if Hayate was expecting something then that really wasn't it at all. The girl next to him seemed surprised to say the least.

"Ayane, what brought this on?" Hayate asked and Ayane turned around to hide her expression.

"Nothing, just forget about it alright. I need to go now," Ayane said before she tried to leave the scene only for Hayate to look at her wrist.

"Hmm I never noticed that you wore that bracelet," Hayate said and Ayane rolled her eyes.

"It's something I bought," she said and Hayate shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah well just be careful then. You really should stop going into that mountain cavern. It's still a mystery with it's powers," Hayate said and Ayane gave a simple smile.

"It's fine. Well I've got to go," Ayane said leaving and Hayate sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.

"I swear that girl. It seems that something made her happy. She's almost never one to apologize," Hayate said and the girl next to him gave a small smile.

"Well she said that she was going to do something about a tournament in some place called the Land of Iron. Maybe that's it," she said and Hayate chuckled.

"Yeah that's right Kasumi. Well let's go. We have a mission to go to the Hayabusa village with Ayane. Let's go get ready Kasumi," Hayate said and the now known Kasumi nodded as they quickly vanished from view.

Back with Naruto

The blonde patted his stomach as his mother's cooking rested firmly in his stomach. He sighed in pure content as he headed for the training field. He could hear the slashes on the pond in front of him as he saw Kyoko swinging her sword around in a beautiful motion that made it pleasant to watch. Naruto smiled at Kyoko still training before he saw her stop and give a small huff.

"Nice show," Naruto said making Kyoko turn around. She gave him a small smile and chuckled.

"So glad you enjoyed the show brat cause until the evening, you're going to be living it now so get out your swords and start training," Kyoko said to him and Naruto sighed as he got to his feet.

"So how many training sessions have you and Samui-chan had?" Naruto asked and Kyoko smiled.

"You'd be very surprised," she said to him and the two trained completely throughout the day and led it into the night time. Naruto could say that he had a lot of fun training with Kyoko again as she had been teaching him a lot of her skills and with the Kage bunshin he was learning them at a very good pace and in turn Naruto was teaching Kyoko how to deal with most genjutsu which she was more than thankful for as she always wanted to be more rounded as a shinobi and not have a weakness like that.

Evening

Naruto and Kyoko huffed as they finished. The blonde had dozens of scratches over his body and Kyoko's attire was slightly torn. The two sheathed their weapons and Kyoko smiled.

"There, you are all caught up with Samui. Luckily for you anyway. Just don't get cocky because I'm teaching you some kenjutsu," Kyoko told him and Naruto placed his Fuma Kodachi away before he smiled and rubbed the back of his head.

"Come on Kyoko-nee, you know me quite while now. I don't take things for granted. If I did then I'd be dead and you wouldn't have been able to convince you to join us. I find it to be a proud achievement for me as a shinobi," Naruto said to her and Kyoko folded her arms.

'"Sure brat. Now go get ready for your little date," Kyoko said making Naruto widen his eyes at her while the blue haired kunoichi smiled at his shock while she straightened her hair.

"Oh please, you have the look of a young man in pure happiness. I guess I owe Anko some yen now," she said as she scratched the back of her head making Naruto laugh at her slightly before he left with a wave.

Soon Anko came into the field and smiled as she held out her hand.

"Pay up Kyoko-chan. It sucks being right all the time doesn't it?" Anko asked and Kyoko rolled her eyes as she took out some money and handed it to Anko.

"You'd know wouldn't you?" Kyoko asked as Anko took the money and placed it into her trench coat as the two stayed in the field for a little bit.

With Naruto

The blonde had quickly rushed home and discarded his clothes. He quickly took a small shower and noticed Mikata sleeping on his bed. He smiled before lightly kissing the top of her head before he changed into some casual clothes. He wore a black sleeveless shirt and long black jeans. He'd rather go casual with this as he left the house and entered the streets. The blonde felt giddy for some reason that he might have a small date with Samui, but he just held it inside.

Naruto knocked on the hotel door that Samui was in and immediately the door opened making Naruto lightly blush. Samui chose to wore a grey, short-sleeved shirt with some black jean shorts.

"Hey Samui, ready to go?" Naruto asked and the blonde genin nodded.

"Yes Naruto. Lead the way," she said and the two left the hotel while Omoi and Karui followed suit, but not too close as they didn't want to be caught.

"Karui, why are we doing this again?" Omoi asked and the redhead kunoichi sneaked around a corner and glared.

"Just a small precaution Omoi. Now let's go," Karui said and Omoi sighed before he ran after her.

Naruto and Samui walked through the streets and enjoyed the lights of the various shops that opened up and lit the walkway. They enjoyed the calming serenity that Konoha had to offer and Naruto took the time to glance at Samui. He looked her up and down and while it was only casual clothes she still looked very pretty in Naruto's eyes. She was still as much a mystery to him as always, but she definitely turned into someone that the blonde felt he could care about. She had also piqued his interest since she was had this sort of enigma presence about her, but he found that rather cute in a way.

"Oh Samui, over here," Naruto said to her and he took her to a restaurant that was famous by the Akimichi clan. Samui looked at the place and turned to him.

"So they serve good food here?" she asked and Naruto smiled with a thumbs up.

"That's right they do. Come on and I'll treat us both," Naruto told her as he dragged Samui inside. The blonde Kumo genin had never allowed herself to get pulled along into anything before, but it was a strange and pleasant feeling to have Naruto try that with her. She had to admit that she enjoyed the comforting sense that Naruto gave her. She didn't show it, but she was rather sad that Kumo wouldn't be her home anymore. She had been rather cold when dealing with some people, but Naruto's calming presence always made her lighten up. She never knew why, but that's why the blonde intrigued her so much. She wasn't sure if it was all the time that they had been told to spend together to get used to each other, but she felt that it was really working for them.

Naruto dragged Samui to a table, after registering, and they chose a quiet spot near a window. They could tell that Omoi and Karui were following them, but they tried not to let it get to them both.

"Sorry I was really gone more than I intended. I really wanted to surprise you with that and this," Naruto said as he rummaged through his pocket and held up the crystal that Mifune gave him from the Land of Iron. Samui looked at it in slight awe as Naruto placed it in her hand.

"Naruto I can't accept this," Samui said to him and Naruto chuckled before he placed his elbows on the table.

"Sure you can. We're good friends aren't we?" Naruto asked and Samui sighed.

"Exactly what makes you think that?" she asked and Naruto gave a smile.

"I'm not sure, but I think I'd like to know more about my fiance before she returns to Kumo or before she becomes my wife," Naruto said and Samui closed her eyes and folded her arms.

"You know it's not official until we pass the Chunin exams," Samui stated and Naruto got a gleam in his eye as moved a bit forward.

"So does that mean you'll try hard to get married to me?" Naruto asked and Samui twitched her eyebrow as Naruto's grin got bigger before Samui glared at him.

"Don't twist my words Naruto," she said to him and the blonde pulled back as he placed his hand on the table.

"Sorry, but I would like to know more about you," Naruto said to her and Samui turned to him. She really wouldn't mind getting to know more about him also as she had her questions.

"I see, well I'm not one to keep secrets unless they need to be kept, but tell me why I should tell you anything," Samui said to him and Naruto put up three fingers.

"Three very good reasons. One, because you have questions about me to, that I'm sure of. Second, I figure I could get to know you better. Third, I'm just really curious," Naruto said and Samui sweatdropped at the last two reasons.

"Umm alright then. What do you want to know?" she asked, but Naruto shook his head.

"We'll do it like this. I ask a question and you answer and for each answer you give then you ask me a question in return and I answer it," Naruto told her the little game before the waiter came to take their food. Both placed their orders and Samui agreed to the little game.

"Alright fine then, you can go first," Samui said and Naruto nodded as he tried to think of something off the top of his head.

"Alright, why don't you have a surname?" Naruto asked and Samui tapped her finger on the table. She closed her eyes and thought over that question, but she figured that she could answer.

"I don't remember my parents. I was adopted and raised by my surrogate sister, Yugito Nii. She took good care of me. I didn't take her name either since she asked me not to," Samui said and Naruto raised an eyebrow before it was Samui's turn.

"Why do you call Kurenai-san, your mother if you don't have the same features?" Samui asked and she noticed Naruto's eyes get a little colder like her own and the blonde sighed.

"She's not my real mother. I don't know my parents either, but I call her Kaa-san because she said I could. I took her name and added it to my own. It's probably because of her that I can meet you like this," Naruto told her and Samui nodded at the smile on Naruto's face.

The questions continued through the course of their meal as the two found themselves talking a lot more than normal as whenever they were forced, they would get it out of the way and then leave, but they felt the common interest in each other raising as the question got more personal.

"Umm Naruto, not to interrupt this talk, but I have a question that I really want answered. It's alright if you don't, but I have to ask you," Samui said as Naruto ate his food.

"Go ahead I guess," he said and Samui wondered if this was a good idea, but asked it anyway.

"Well when I was fighting Kyoko with you I took note of your chakra and how high it was," Samui started and Naruto sighed as he knew where this was going. He could feel the piercing gazes of Omoi and Karui on them both from a table a little bit away from them and sighed.

"Can you tell me, if you're...a jinchuuriki?" she asked and Naruto closed his eyes. Kyuubi remained silent to the whole ordeal and wondered how Naruto would respond, but the blonde opened his eyes and looked around to make sure no one was looking directly at them before he answered.

"Yeah I am," he said honestly and Samui didn't seem the least bit surprised. Rather she'd be surprised if he said that he wasn't one. Naruto turned his head to the side and avoided Samui's gaze.

"So now that you know are you having regrets about being engaged to me? Are you going to hate me too?" he asked her and Samui narrowed her eyes. They grew cold, but she didn't hate him for asking that question since she had seen how Yugito was treated at times by her village.

The blonde Kumo genin took her fork and slightly jabbed Naruto in the head making the blonde wince slightly before he stared into her eyes and noticed them full of warmth even if she was sporting a small frown.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm better than that. If I'm your friend then you should trust that I wouldn't be like that with you. I don't regret being engaged to you even if it is a shock to know about, but I wouldn't hate you. If anything I hate that you would think that about me," she said and Naruto rubbed his head.

"Sorry," he responded and Samui closed her eyes while she put one leg over the other.

"Dessert," she said making the blonde raise hi eyebrow at her.

"Pay for dessert and I'll forgive it," she said and Naruto gave a small chuckle at her while Samui lightly blushed as she had a small sweet tooth that she never told anyone about that. Not even her two teammates.

"Come on Karui. Let's go. Samui can take care of herself," Omoi said getting to his feet as he walked off while Karui huffed and left also with Naruto and Samui actually being alone.

The rest of their time together was spent in silence as they ate their food. Both didn't have much to say to each other, but they could feel that they were having a good time together and hoped that the other was having a fun time. Naruto paid for his and Samui's dinner, as well as her dessert, before the two left the restaurant and Naruto took Samui up to one spot. It was on top of the Hokage Stone Faces, more specifically the Yondaime's head. Naruto and Samui gazed at the village as it shined in the night sky.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Naruto asked and Samui quickly nodded her head to his question.

"Yes I did, however I can't help but wonder if I'm suited to Konoha's lifestyle. It's so different from Kumo's," she responded and Naruto sighed.

"Well I'll be there for you. How could I not? Also I'm sure you'll get adjusted here. Here you go," Naruto said as he held up a small mountain flower. Samui looked at it and took the flower into her hands. It was her favorite type of flower, a pure white chrysanthemum. She sniffed the flower and smiled before she casted a glare on Naruto.

"How did you-," she stopped when she heard Naruto's soft chuckle.

"Don't be mad, but I asked Omoi about it. He told me that sometimes he spotted you looking at them in a flower shop in Kumo. I picked it out a little before I came to get you. I knew you might miss Kumo and while I couldn't bring the entire nation here I thought I could do that much for you," Naruto told her and Samui's hands furled over the flower. Never in her life had she been given a gift like this and it was rather romantic if she had ever felt like that which she had. She didn't want to admit it, but the day wasn't about training, but rather just about spending some private time with Naruto without being forced to. It felt rather serene in a sense.

All her life she'd been about training that feeling like a real woman had never really come to her like this. She gave a real smile for once and and her eyes slightly warmed up. To think that Naruto would really try to make her feel better or that he knew she might be home sick. Samui closed her eyes and turned to Naruto and tapped his shoulder.

"Hey," she said making Naruto turn his head. The next thing he knew was that his lips felt something soft as he widened his eyes. Samui quickly kissed the blonde on the lips and the two settled while they closed their eyes. To Naruto, Samui's lips were very soft and addictive. The blonde Kumo genin quickly pulled back and smelled the flower again while Naruto stood to his feet.

"Y-Y-You just-," he stuttered and Samui closed her eyes and folded her arms.

"It was just a thank you for the day and the flower. I really do love this crystal also. I promise to cherish it. Thank you for the date," she said before she shunshined home leaving Naruto speechless about the ordeal.

The genin touched his lips before he stood to his feet and smiled.

"Date huh? Well alright dattebayo!" Naruto said to himself before he jumped off and did a free fall before he safely landed on the ground before rushing off home. He couldn't wait to tell his mother about his experience and his first kiss. It was such an awesome thing that he actually got one.

One Week Later

Naruto sighed as he walked towards his new training ground. Last week was quite the experience for him. He had told Kurenai all about his time with Samui and even about the kiss they shared to which the Genjutsu Mistress told her son how much of a stud he could be with women when he wanted to. He even told Anko, which got him a lot of teasing, but he didn't really care about that. Other than those two, the entire thing was kept a secret from everyone else since Naruto didn't want to brag about it and wanted to respect Samui's privacy to the matter, but he had to dwell on that for later. Right now he had his new team to face and the entire last week was spent with Team Anko saying their goodbyes and good luck with other people.

"Alright let me see. Ah it's this training ground," Naruto said to himself as he entered it. He looked around and scratched the back of his head as he saw no one there before he looked to his right. He paled as he noticed the person and sighed as they jumped on him.

"Well well I get the blonde cutie don't it?" the person asked and Naruto sighed.

"Hi Ino," Naruto responded and the girl smiled at him.

"Hey blondie. It seems that I got my wish today," Ino said as she nuzzled against Naruto's cheek. The blonde would've brought up the fact that he was sort of taken, but he knew Ino wouldn't really listen to him. It seemed that the Naruto Fan club had a president and Ino was that girl after leaving Sasuke's group which made Sakura that president. It really made Naruto sigh that the both of them had the exact same number of fangirls both kunoichi and civilian. Ugh, who the hell made them anyway?

"So you're here. Well that just leaves someone else," Naruto said looking around before he saw someone walking. The two blondes noticed someone walking with his hands in his pockets and smiled.

"Hey Kiba, you're apart of this group also huh?" Naruto asked and the Inuzuka nodded.

"It's good to see you Naruto, Ino," Kiba said as they all sat in the field.

"So how were your teams?" Naruto asked and Ino grumbled.

"D-rank mission after D-rank mission. It was freakin' annoying I swear. Walking dogs, painting fences, watching kids. Ugh, I hate them. We only did one C-rank mission," Ino said and Kiba smiled.

"We did D-ranks and C-ranks. It was fun," he said and Naruto smiled.

"We only got C-ranks. Completed quite a few of them in the month," Naruto said and Ino grumbled as she leaned against a tree.

"Some people have all the luck," she said making Naruto and Kiba chuckle before they spotted what they hoped was their sensei as they got to their feet. They walked and Naruto waved.

"Mikoto-san!" Naruto yelled and the brunette woman turned around to see her team waving towards her. She gave a gentle smile and came up to them.

"So I have you three this time huh? How nice. Well I think we all know each other right? Good. Now then to start and be up to date, what did your sensei teach you the last week? I'll go off of that," she said and Ino started.

"Well Kurenai-sensei was teaching us about accurate chakra control. I was learning to walk on water," Ino said making Mikoto nod while she turned to Kiba.

"Kakashi-sensei was teaching us some team tactics and fire jutsu. I learned my affinity from him and was able to work with it and Sasuke. He taught me some of the techniques that he already knew," Kiba answered and Mikoto nodded, slightly happy that Sasuke had stopped being so depressed and a lot more kind to his friends though he still hurled insults, they didn't really mean anything she figured. She then turned to Naruto and the blonde smiled.

"Anko-nee was teaching us about assassination and some chakra control exercises," Naruto said to her and Mikoto nodded with a smile as she clapped her hands.

"Alright then. During this month I will be watching over all of you. Now then I think it will be good for us to start with some warm-ups. Everyone fifty laps around the river, then we'll start the pushups. Need to have a good amount of endurance," Mikoto said and everyone got started as they ran around the pool while Mikoto watched them. She smiled as she watched them go through their exercises.

Naruto finished his first, then Kiba and lastly was Ino as they all finished their work outs. Everyone got a pretty good sweat while Mikoto smiled.

"Alright today we'll be learning about anticipating attacks and acting accordingly to the situation. Now then, let's get started you guys," Mikoto said to them all and before everyone knew it, they were surrounded by six Mikotos each with a tiger seal for a fire jutsu. Naruto widened his eyes as did Kiba and Ino.

"Dammit I hate my life!" Naruto yelled out in his mind before the field exploded in a loud bang.

With Samui

The Kumo nin sighed as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. She groaned while Karui and Omoi were at her sides.

"You really kissed him?" Karui asked in complete shock while Samui sighed again.

"How many times have you asked me that?" she asked her partner and Omoi snickered.

"About 23 times maybe more. I got bored and lost count of it," Omoi said while Samui turned to Karui.

"How else would be a cool way to rephrase it for you? Besides it didn't mean anything. It was just a simple thank you," Samui said and Karui shook her head.

"A hug or pat on the shoulder is a thank you! A kiss is a freakin' kiss!" she yelled and Samui rolled her eyes and decided not to indulge Karui in her affairs anymore. Besides, she had training to do and so did the rest of her team. They would be returning to Kumo in a week or two so it would be quite dull the rest of the time.

"Well I suppose it doesn't matter. I wonder how Yugito's going to take that," Omoi said and Samui shrugged her shoulders before they came up to the Hokage Mansion. They climbed the stairs and Samui knocked on the door.

"Come in," Sarutobi said and the three made their appearance. They noticed the old Hokage sigh as he closed his eyes.

"Sir, is something wrong?" Omoi asked and Sarutobi rubbed the back of his head.

"Actually you three. There is some news in Kumo and I must tell you this now," Sarutobi said making them all nod as they wondered what he would be saying to them.

Back with Naruto

The blonde coughed and fell to the ground while his shirt was slightly burned off. He groaned while Kiba dropped and Ino gasped out making Mikoto giggle at them all.

"Oh come on. I haven't even gotten serious yet," she said making the three new members of Team Mikoto glare at her which made her chuckle even more before she decided to end the practice for the day since she doubted that any of them could actually pose a threat to her anymore.

Naruto got to his feet and gave Ino and Kiba a goodbye before walking off. He wondered what Samui could be doing or maybe even what Ayane was up to. He figured both were busy and made the note to contact Ayane a little later just to see how she was doing before he spotted Samui coming up to him with her team. He would've waved, but he noticed some sadness in Samui's eyes and wondered what was wrong while Omoi and Karui looked at the ground.

"Hey guys. What's the matter?" Naruto asked as Omoi and Karui looked at Samui. They sighed and rubbed the back of their heads before Samui spoke.

"Naruto, some urgent business came up in Kumo and we have to go back earlier than expected," Samui said and Naruto widened his eyes at those words.

"What? Why? What happened?" he asked anxiously and Samui slowly calmed him down enough to explain.

"It seems that Kumo is arranging a new settlement deal and all shinobi are to return effective immediately. Plus our daimyou was targeted so we need to be on the lookout. We had hoped to spend some more time with you," Samui said and Naruto sighed. He rubbed the back of his head while Omoi and Karui left the two alone to have some time to themselves.

"Wow, I got so used to having you around now that it's weird for you to be leaving," Naruto told her and Samui folded her arms.

"You're not going to cry are you? It's not cool," she said half-heartedly and Naruto lightly chuckled.

"No I'm not going to cry. It's important so I know you have to go back. Well I suppose that's it," Naruto said, but Samui shook her head at him.

"No it's not. We'll see each other again. You'll get stronger and I'll get stronger. I'll see you at the chunin exams," Samui said to him and Naruto chuckled with a nod before his eyes beamed.

"That's right. We will won't we?" he asked and Samui nodded. Her eyes lightened to the other blonde's happy attitude. Naruto sighed one more time and closed his eyes.

"Give me your hand," he said and Samui held out her left hand. Naruto took out an ink pen and drew a small seal over it. To Samui, the ink pen felt slightly ticklish, but she ignored it and soon Naruto was finished.

"And done. This is a special summoning seal. It someone's one of my snakes to you so we can exchange letters and stuff. It's rather corny, but I wouldn't like to lose a friend just because of some long distance," Naruto said and Samui closed her eyes.

"That's right. Don't worry Naruto. I'll return someday. Kumo and Konoha are allies after all," Samui said running off to catch up with Omoi and Karui before Naruto sighed and turned around.

"Did you and the others like the weapon upgrades?" he asked with a yell making Samui turn around and Naruto saw a true and rare smile on her face.

"They were really cool," she said to him and ran off while Naruto smiled. He closed his eyes and then looked at the sky.

"I'll get stronger. I'll see her again. I can't wait for the chunin exams. I'm gonna rock them like no genin has before," Naruto said as he walked off looking forward to the day that he would see both Ayane and Samui again. Which he hoped wouldn't be long at all.


KG: I guess I'm happy with that. Sorry if the relationship between Naruto and Samui seemed rushed. I really wanted them to have some sort of connection before she left for Kumo. It might have been unexpected that she kissed him, but I'd like to think that Naruto has that kind of presence with some women that they can naturally feel calm around him and not have to worry and lose themselves to his calming ways of changing people is all. I guess that's it for now. Bye bye :)