"Naruto, wake up."

Who the hell is waking me up? Damn, I finally got to sleep and someone's waking me up.

He stirred in the blankets and opened his eyes to peer into the eyes of another. The onyx eyes looked down at him questioningly before it darted to the opposite side of Naruto's vision at the sound of an 'ahem'. He turned his sunny head to complete shock that sent him gasping in surprise. The room was filled to the brim with old, new, dear, and forever close friends in which he knew all too well.

A smile pursed at his lips and his eyes filled once more. You know what, fuck it? I ain't letting myself cry in front of them. Not these guys ever again. He furrowed his eyebrows and grinned sharply. "What the hell are you all doing here? Aren't too many people in one room a safety hazard?!"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Oi, Naruto. I don't have the time to be here but Ino dragged me over here."

"Naruto-kun, I am truly sorry for the intrusion. For punishment I will do one- no, two thousand push-ups on my pinky fingers!" Lee pumped his fist into the air and a fire sparked into his eyes.

Tenten placed her hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Lee, give it a rest will you?"

Neji nodded in agreement.

"Naruto, how are you?"

"Great, Iruka-sensei. How's about we go for Ichiraku some time?"

Iruka slightly frowned. "I better fill my wallet."

The group dropped into a chorus of laughter.

Sakura walked to the front of the group with a waving hand. "Alright, everyone. Say goodbye and get out, will you? The hospital isn't big enough for all of you."

They all waved and said their final words before leaving the room, only Kakashi, Sakura, Sasuke, Tsunade, and a brimming red-scarved boy stood there.

"Konohamaru," Tsunade growled. "Didn't we just tell you to get out?"

He nodded and leapt over to the bedside and pulled something from within his shirt. "Here. Moegi and Udon weren't able to be here so they told me to give these to you, Naruto-niichan."

Naruto grasped onto the two brightly colored cards and inspected them with an eye until he turned to the boy and rubbed his hand playfully against the boy's hair.

Konohamaru smiled and burst out in laughter, leaving the room in a flash. "See ya!"

The room was silent once again.

Tsunade spoke first. "Kid, you know you're going to have to tell me what happened, right? You-"

Naruto stopped her. "I can tell you another time, can't I?" His gaze remained at the door.

"Mochiron."

He sighed and turned to face her. "I can go home, can't I?"

Kakashi chuckled at the other end of the room.

Sakura smiled. "That's why we're here."

"So...when?"

The Hokage pointed to the three in the room, the previous Team 7. "I'm going to have Team 7 on a 'special' mission. These three will be with you day and night on guard, watching you, until we confirm you are truly safe."

For once, the blond didn't argue.

She continued. "This is also a part of Sasuke's punishment for what he did in the past. I know he'll enjoy his job." She chuckled.

Sasuke frowned. "Right."

"Naruto, you can go home this afternoon."

He pulled up the zipper of his tipical, orange jumpsuit and smiled. He was bruised up here and there but now that Kurama was well healing had been going along nicely. He tried to forget his experience and only ended up recalling the memories with those son's of bitches.

He sighed. Might as well check on Kurama.

He closed his eyes and in a matter of moments re-opened them to reveal the unlocked cage and large mass of red fur laying with head in paws.

"Kheh. How are you, kit?"

He smiled. "You know how I am. How are YOU?"

Kurama smirked and rolled his red eyes softly. "I'm great if you are. I hate to admit, but hell, I missed the orange on you"

Naruto looked down at the clothing and thumbed up at the fox. "So did I. Hehe."

Kurama was silent before his tail twitched and he replied in a soft growl. "Get out of here, kid. I'm going back to sleep."

"Roger!" He saluted. "Night, you damn fox."

"Hm."

Team 7 was making their way through town, receiving worried looks and happy smiles all at once. Naruto didn't know how to take it, but simply replied with a 'hello'.

As the path became familiar the blond couldn't help but get the feeling of excitement. His stomach yelped happily at him when the small stand came in sight.

"Hey! Hey! How about Ichiraku?"

The others grumbled.

"Come on, Kaka-sensei! You owe me!"

He shrugged his shoulders and gave in. "Alright, alright."

"Yosha!" The orange Hokage raced forward with the pink kunoichi and black avenger following quickly after.

A slight shadow hovered along the roof of a building before dissipating in a swirling mass.

"This battle is in my hands."

[Naruto's final battle: End]