Just when you thought it couldn't get any better it does thanks to my wonderful beta reader LadyRidger you get two chapters up in one day. Make sure to send her some love in the reviews. Thanks again to all my loyal readers, an to my new ones. You make it worth it. Please remember to Review its inspireing.
"Would you care to elaborate on that thought Tora-sama? Has something happened to Sakura?" Naruto's rough yet cool voice sliced through the tension and silence that had settled between the two. His cerulean rinnegan encased eyes daring him to say the wrong thing. Tora could hardly believe that this was Naruto Uzumaki, the once proclaimed knuckle headed ninja now turned sanin toad SAGE. The last known possessor of the rinnegan outside of the Uzumaki clan. No, the now heir to the Uzumaki clan once his birthright was confirmed. He had changed so much from the childish teen he once was. The loss of both Hatake and Sasuke had been the start of his change, unbeknownst to those surrounding him. Then the pressures and responsibilities to a sworn alliance forged by both Pein and Konan. The battles and losses had been taking their toll upon the future Hokage. He was no more the boy who would jump at shadows declaring he would be victorious. No longer did he let himself be concealed by the farce of ignorance that lulled even the most experienced ninja into a false security. He would have to handle this carefully and retreat quickly.
"It seems that Haruno-san has exhausted herself as usual." He swallowed the apprehension welling within his throat. Naruto observing him carefully, picking him apart as usual. He did not trust this man. "She was taken by the Lady Hokage to the hospital." He continued, glancing at his surroundings assessing his likely hood of escape.
"Really now? And Baa-chan just left you alone with Sakura's research? I highly doubt that Tora-sama." Taking a step toward Tora, Naruto ran his scarred hand through his wheat colored sleep mussed locks that were attempting to hide his right eye. Tora watched the approach of the man in front of him as he straightened his orange coat. Now the black flames that licked the bottom of said coat rustled silently due to the light wind resistance of Naruto's approach.
"N-n-no sir I was m-m-merely closing the door before taking my leave to follow them. I was instructed to have Haruno's room made ready." Tora began explaining hastily. His body betraying him as he took a step back. All of his former arrogance now lost by the mere approach of the future Hokage. Surely he wouldn't attack him for simply closing a door. No, Uzumaki was many things, but callous was not one of them.
"Then shouldn't you be doing exactly that Tora-sama? You know how impatient Baa-chan can be." Feeling a familiar chakra, one that he knew quite WELL if he was to be completely honest. With that, his demeanor changed slightly. Of course, this would be completely apparent if Tora was paying attention to his surroundings instead of just himself. He always had fun doing this since her confession. Not able to acknowledge the situation or his own feelings about it until a few years ago. Sure, they were forbidden to actually pursue romantic interests during their training but that didn't mean a little tease here or touch there when no one was looking would hurt. Stopping at the door and shifting his weight to his right foot, his body resting upon the frame. Falling open slightly, his white loose fitting shirt allowed a bit of his sculpted chest to show. This effect was, of course, lost on Tora, not that he wanted this man's attention. His target was still out of sight, though he knew she could see him just fine. Producing a key from his black loosely fitting pants, he gave Tora a smile as he locked the room labeled in dark red letters as classified EXPERIMENTATION. "Oh, and Tora-sama I would get that stutter checked out. I know of a wonderful speech therapist. Though I'm sure you're just a bit tired being as it's dinner time."
"Yes Uzumaki-san I apologize, perhaps it's LOW BLOOD SUGAR." Tora answered quickly trying to end this conversation as fast as possible. Yet at the same time he cursed himself insinuating that he had a weakness of any kind. He watched Naruto's eyes soften and his smile widen as he chuckled. Was Naruto teasing him? A shot of anger began to rise, but was quickly dispersed in the next instant with Naruto's laughter.
"When you're done, I'll TREAT you to some ramen if that's the case. I won't take no for an answer, you know we ninja need to stay in top physical form even in times of peace." Naruto was there in one instant, then gripping him in the next. Tora's eyes widening as a yelp almost escaped his throat. Naruto's deep voice now coming from behind to soothe his nerves. Turning them to face the direction he felt the now almost excited chakra presence. She knew he knew she was there, which seemed only to drive his act a little further. The look in his eyes seeming to say 'this should be you this close to me.' Yet his face was schooled, so if Tora were to catch a glimpse he would simply think that this was an attempt to intimidate him. Shooting a wink unseen by Tora to seemingly no one. "Now to the hospital."
And with that the two were gone, leaving the hall all but empty. Emerging from the hallway adjoining the once occupied hall, a woman stepped out. Her Raven locks cascading over her porcelain shoulders and resting at the small of her slender back. Her pupil-less pale eyes now mature and alluring resting upon the once occupied spot. A smile splayed across her petal pink lips. A gentle bell like giggle bubbling from them. Continuing past, her gentle sigh was heard, accompanied by an angelic voice responding to the show put on for her. She knew where this was going and exactly what was meant without having to think about it. A soft pink, blushing her gentle face. She too had changed. Naruto had a hand in it as well as the tireless fighting. Still, she had to remind him on a daily basis to remember to keep himself in check, less he wanted to get them caught. They had yet to do anything that would be considered romantic, Naruto even went as far as to no longer hug her for fear he would linger too long and give them away, but the occasional brush of hands and lingering looks promising that one day, perhaps, they would. Breaking from her silent memory she again sighed. "Was that really necessary Naruto-kun?"