Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto nor any of the characters, beside the main OC. All credit for creating this amazing series goes to Mr. Kishimoto

EDITED: 26th January 2013

Author's note: Thanks to everyone for reading! To answer your reviews:

1) I don't know yet if I'll split the story or not. The problem is that I've already got 150000 words up until the start of the Sound/Sand invasion, and who knows how long it will become before everything is ready for the training trip to start. Also, thinking of a new title would be troublesome, to quote Shikamaru. I'm also trying to decide how many pre-Shippūden arcs or movie arcs I will implement in the story.

2) Dark-El Dark: thanks a lot for the review.. About the Hinata thing, she is simply a year younger than the other rookies. I probably will get here in the story around Shippūden time (or even before, I've got half an idea about that). But if I do, she will be a little OOC, because I don't like the stalkerish aspect of her character. I hope I don't offend you if you are Hinata fan. As for Sakura, I personally like her – at least how she got in Shippūden – and I think she fits well as Tsunade's apprentice later on. Besides, I am not so sure how well would have finished putting an Uchiha and a Hyūga together on the same team.

3)DrakeRider256: thank you so much for the review. I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job with the English language, because I know it's very difficult to master it. Probably a part of my style will always be affected by my mother language – Italian – and the two languages are very different, especially in the syntax. I also never attended any advanced English writing course and in high school we only covered a little of grammar here and there. I spent a year in Ireland and read a lot, that's how I learned for the most part. I'm glad you like this new Naruto, even though I tried to keep him easygoing and sometime idiotic to make the story light (I'm trying to echo the anime/mange in this) when he fights he shows that he is mature and serious. A couple of years back I read some chapters of Team 8 by S'TarKan, but I never did catch up with the rest of the story. As soon as I have some free time I'll go read it, cause I remember is a great story. I tried to give Shino some space in this chapter and I hope did a decent job characterizing him.

4) New Amon: I'm happy you enjoyed last chapter. I wanted the fight to be challenging for Akimi and Naruto, because it was needed for them to mature. After all, they are still fairly inexperienced, especially Naruto. By the way, you are right again! I hope I'm not becoming too predictable =). Tell me if you like how I dealt with the Kyūbi's issue.

This chapter is mostly a filler, centered on team relationship and some other relationships in the story, and no fights. I hope it's not too boring, cause it became much more longer that what I expected. By next chapter I should start with the juicy bit, the Chūnin Exam. I also have to say that I have almost everything written up until the start of the invasion, and a good idea of how to cover the search of Tsunade arc. I don't mind updating as long as I have stuff done, because I only need to edit some things, but when it finishes I probably slow down the updates.

And now off I go with the true chapter:

RETURN TO KONOHA

Or of secrets not so secret

February, 14th 214

Naruto sat in front of the twin graves of Zabuza and Haku. They were still united, even in death. The massive Kubikiribōchō was embedded in the left mount of earth. He was thinking about the battle... curiously it was not the fact he had killed several thugs that bother him, but the fact that he almost killed Haku.

Kakashi was shifty. It probably was the fact that he used the fox's chakra. Thank the Kami, Naruto avoided him, saying he needed to rest and think. He shrugged off by saying he was dealing with his kills. Akimi, of course, wasn't fooled.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, sitting down near him.

Naruto hugged his knees.

"I'm sad they are dead. I'm trying to cope with all the deaths I caused..."

"... and you feel guilty because you drew on its chakra." Akimi stopped. "Kaera told me what happened."

Of course she did, Naruto thought. "It was so... overwhelming. I never felt so much rage and fury and..." he choked on his words. "I was so... bloodthirsty. The power was intoxicating. It was screaming at me to kill and tear things apart and... I enjoyed it. I felt Haku's bones break in my grip and his yelps of pain and it... exited me." He stopped, disgusted with himself. "I'm a monster. I really am."

"Naruto." Akimi softly said. "You were shocked and angry... yes. But all the rest was the fox, not you. Its chakra influenced your thoughts, made you think things you would not think otherwise. But it was not you, it was the fox trying to break free."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Look at me." she said. He did so. "Such striking eyes you have. They are the very same color as the summer sky in Konoha. And they are a very clear window on your soul. Oh, no, you are not a monster."

"Akimi, you can't be sure." he repeated. "You don't know what I was thinking! The terrible things I thought of doing and..."

"Mah." she tilted her head. "What triggered the thing off?"

"I thought you died!"

"So, it's because you care for me... do you?"

"Of course I do. You are... you are my most precious person."

Akimi smiled, caressing his cheek. "Would a demon care? Would a demon have a precious person? I think not."

"What if it happens again and I hurt you? Or Shino? Or Kakashi-sensei?"

"But you stopped!" Akimi said. "And you didn't kill Haku. Why?"

"He apologized... and then Kaera was there and she called out to me and I suddenly remembered you, your words and your belief in me. I thought that I could not, nor wanted to, disappoint you. You wouldn't have wanted me to go on rampage on your account. To lose myself in vengeance..."

Akimi blinked, feeling her eyes water. "Oh, Naruto." she hugged him, not really able to put in words what she was thinking.

"How can you not hate me?" Naruto asked with a desperate voice "How can you not be afraid of me?"

"You just told me that it was the memory of my words to stop you. I'm pretty confident that were you to lose control again I would be able to stop you. In any case, I'll just have to become stronger so that I don't get almost killed again, right?"

"Akimi..."

"Shut up, baka! I'm not afraid of you. You saved my life without even knowing who I was. You-" she separated from him, poking him in the chest. "are-a-hero. It's in your very essence to be one. I killed Gatō. And I killed more thugs than you. You tried to simply incapacitate them. My hands are more strained that yours. Since I learned of Gatō and his deeds, a very big part of me desired to go out and hunt him, and slay him and his thugs, to feast in his blood..." Naruto's eyes bulged out. "... that is the feral side that comes from my bond with Kaera. She is a tigress, you know, a huntress. But you stopped and restrained me, for the most part. So, tell me now, do you hate me? Are you afraid of me?"

"No. Yes." Naruto noticed her upset face. "You are a little mean, sometimes. But I know you would never really harm me. I... utterly trust you."

"So do I." Akimi smiled. "Do you feel better, now, or still brooding?"

He nodded. "It is better..." he looked at the graves. "But it feels sour. I forgot how bad was to kill someone."

"We should distract ourselves." Akimi jumped on her feet. "Come on, we'll come back to visit them tomorrow."

Naruto tilted his head, rising as well "We could prank Kakashi."

She giggled. "Why not?" she paused. "We could still help Tazuna. Building a bridge sure makes for great conditioning."

They walked in silence for a while, leaving the graves behind and starting on the small path in the forest which lead towards Tazuna's house.

After a while, Naruto gathered enough courage to speak about what was on his mind. "'mi-chan?"

"Yeah?"

"You know, after you killed Gatō..."

"Mmm." Akimi was looking around. "I remember."

"I really don't know what came to me... I mean, I know what... I... just..."

She giggled. "It was certainly a very unconventional first kiss. On a bridge in the middle of mist, blood and battle... but it somehow fitting since we are both shinobi."

"You don't mind?"

"Oh, and a psycho mass murderer was watching us! Together with our perverted jōnin sensei, our teammate and our employer. And let's not forget the dozens of thugs who wanted our skins."

"Akimi, are you teasing me?"

She laughed. "Well, I was just underlining how the choice of scenario was a little... off. That's all."

Naruto knew her very well, but this was one of the moments when she was being mysterious, complicated and just... confusing. Frustrated, he scoffed.

"But then again, it was very spontaneous, as you are..."

Naruto wondered what to do. They lived in the same house, they trained together, and they were on the same team. They were best of friends. What if they screwed it all up by dating? Would it complicate things? 'The hell with that! I'm the most unpredictable ninja of Konoha. And a knucklehead. Nothing good comes from me thinking too much!'

So, letting his instincts guide him, he leaped on Akimi, pinning her against a tree, before kissing her again. Only this time no one was watching them and there was no battle going around. This time, he was sure Akimi was reciprocating him.

Naruto was just thirteen years old. So he was only at the start of puberty. But he had to grow up fast, being an orphan and training for being a shinobi and all... so he wasn't really a kid anymore. He wasn't an expert in showing emotion, growing up without affection, but he knew how things were supposed to be (and yes, he was a bit of a pervert. Three words: Orioke no Jutsu. He did develop the technique before meeting Akimi) and he was enjoying kissing the girl. Very.

Akimi was petite, but very pretty. She was curvier than one would expect (he knew because they swam together from time to time) and very lean, because of her training. She had deep and magnetic eyes and her hair smelled nice and was soft. Very pleasant to touch. In fact, his right hand was tangled in her hair, while he was holding her waist with the left one.

Akimi had locked her arms around his neck, leaning on her heels to kiss him better. Yeah, she was smaller than him. He was still short, but was catching up in height quickly thanks to the better diet Akimi had imposed on him.

"Do you approve of the surroundings now?" he said, when they parted. They did have to breathe, ninja or not.

"You are improving, 'to-kun." Akimi answered, smiling sweetly.

"So..."

"So..." Akimi repeated. "Does this really change anything, 'to-kun?"

Naruto frowned. "You mean besides the fact that now we found a new way to pass time together?"

She giggled. "Pervert."

He shrugged. "I did have bad examples. Our sensei reads porn in public. Oji-san isn't any better, only a little more subtle."

Akimi tilted her head. "As long as you don't go overboard."

"You know, you are right: it doesn't really change something. We are still... us. It's like this is a natural evolution or something, dattebayo."

"Indeed." Akimi sighed. "It's nice though."

"Very." and he kissed her again.

Kakashi lifted his eyes from his book, hearing his students returning. Shino was in the wood to collect insects and he looked pensive. He had been shocked by the bloody battle of the day before, even though he still kept his stoic facade.

Naruto and Akimi, on the other hand... Kami, he really did not get those two at times! He needed to talk with them. So, he prepared himself to speak with them. As they entered the house, he noticed something strange.

One, they were holding hands. Two, they did look a little... messy. Were their lips swollen? And Akimi's hair was not so ruffled even after the battle yesterday. His perverted side smirked inwardly, immediately sensing something was going on.

And we all know Kakashi's perverted side was very big. No kidding.

"Say a word..." Akimi said, pointing at him. "... and I'll burn your book to ashes."

Kakashi gulped, the sarcastic comment he was about to utter dying on his throat. He reflexively hid his book. In doing so, his teacher's instincts kicked in. So he noticed that they both looked serene. Whatever they did – welcome back, perverted side – it did them good. Still...

"You killed yesterday." Kakashi deadpanned.

"We did." Naruto said.

The jōnin sighed. "It was not the first time."

"It wasn't." Akimi confirmed.

Kakashi turned a page on his book. "Care to talk about it?"

The two kids sat in front of him. The jōnin noted, once again, that they were sitting closer than usual. 'Mmm... they are definitely dating, I daresay. Will this create problems? Nah, they were already close after all...'

"Where is Tsunami-san?" asked Akimi.

"Shopping with Inari."

"Right." Akimi bowed her head. "I'm not sure how we should go about this... but..." she closed her eyes. "Sandaime-sama told you I was trained in the shinobi arts by my grandfather?"

"He mentioned it, yes."

"I travelled all Hi no Kuni with him and part of Kawa no Kuni. I killed for the first time in a village on the border. Later, gramps tried to shield me from death, but I had to do it again when I escaped from our home, while I was making my way to Konoha. I'm not sure how many of them I killed... between the traps and everything."

"How old were you?" Kakashi softly asked.

"Nine."

"Ah." the masked jōnin felt a pang of sorrow for her and her lost innocence. "How do you feel now? It had been years..."

"It's like my hands are strained..." she raised them. "I dream of those I killed, sometimes. Sometimes I feel guilty, but I know that is the life I've chosen. Seeing the people of Wave rejoice is a great... relief. And I distract myself too... reading. Mostly like you do."

Kakashi chuckled. "Better to be perverted than be eaten by guilt." he solemnly said.

"Such wisdom, Kaka-sensei!" Akimi laughed.

The jōnin eye-smiled. "What about you, Naruto?"

"I killed once before. The day Akimi-chan arrived in Konoha."

"He saved me."

"So you were eleven." Kakashi said. "How do you feel now?"

"Guilty. Afraid." Naruto shrugged. "I haven't slept much."

"What are you afraid of?" the jōnin asked.

"As much as the guilt pains me, it's good. I'm afraid of losing it, to become a heartless killing machine... a... weapon." he almost said monster, but didn't fancy receiving a kick on the shin from Akimi.

Kakashi put down the book, stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You will not." he firmly stated. "I know you won't."

Akimi nodded with him.

"Many believe that shinobi are living weapons, mere assassins, it's true, if you haven't the strength to fight this fate." Kakashi said. "Our profession is harsh and cruel, but it only is a mean to something. If your goals and intentions are good, and you don't stray from them, if you keep true to your belief and humanity, you shall not become a heartless killing machine. Never."

Naruto nodded. "I will always remember Haku, for he taught me about the dark side of being a shinobi and inspired me to change it. I'll never be a weapon. I'll find my own nindo. And when I'm Hokage, I will change things."

Kakashi smiled at them. "Right. The touchy feely moment has ended. Go enjoy yourself." he said. "Don't train!"

Naruto shrugged. "Sure no prob."

Kakashi's eyes popped out of their socked then his mouth bent in a perverted grin.

"Sensei, before we go..." Akimi started.

"Yes, Akimi-chan?"

"Do you think is safe to leave Kubikiribōchō out there, unguarded?" Akimi asked. "I understand we are honoring Haku and Zabuza's memory by not collecting the bounty. And the Yondaime Mizukage is a damn bastard in any case, but that sword is... dangerous."

Kakashi stayed silent.

"I mean, soon the tale of these happenings will spread. All Nami knows of us already. Kubikiribōchō could fall into even worse hands than Zabuza's... and become the instrument of death and destruction and..."

"Do not spread around the fact that you took it. Keep it in your Vault, hidden." Kakashi said. "We never had this discussion. Good thinking. Now go!"

"Come on, 'to-kun, looks like we need to visit Haku and Zabuza again."

Eventually, Naruto and Akimi found themselves sitting on the peer outside Tazuna's house. Naruto was still in a pensive/silent mood, staring blankly at the ocean, while Akimi was quietly reading, leaning over him to make him remember she was there.

Suddenly she closed her book. "Shino" she said, turning her head. "Come join us."

"Naruto, Akimi." their teammate curtly said. "I've been looking for you."

"We went over to... their graves." Naruto said. "Then we spoke we Kakashi-sensei."

Shino sat down. "The ocean is beautiful."

"It's very different from Konoha's landscape." Akimi observed. "Found any interesting new specimens out there?"

"Some. I'm looking forward to searching more thoroughly in the next few days."

"We can cover bridge duty for you, dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed. "That's what Kage Bunshin is for!"

"I also hear the people of Nami want to celebrate Gatō's demise." Akimi evenly said. "Could be interesting, what do you say?"

"I prefer to avoid crowds" Shino replied. "But it could be."

There was some silence.

"I wanted to talk about yesterday... and also the day before." Shino said after a while. "I mean, I know you are very reserved and I myself am not the most vocal of guys..."

The other two snickered.

"... but we are teammates, right?"

"I daresay we are friends, Shino." Akimi answered. "Wouldn't you say?"

The Aburame smiled. "I'd say."

Akimi looked back at ocean. "My clan was once big and full of life. We lived together in a bright valley, in an area that was probably as big as one of Konoha's districts. I was born too late to see it." she started, in a quiet voice. "By the time I was born, only my parents and my grandfather were still alive. The man who slaughtered them was once my grandfather's best friend... but not even I know the details of that story. I don't really remember my life back then, only flashes and glimpses..."

She sighed. "It didn't last long. When I was five, the same man, who they believed to be dead, returned and killed my parents. Once again, I only remember few things... the smell of burned flesh, screams, darkness and golden flames... nothing more."

Shino didn't really know what to say, but saw that Naruto was rubbing Akimi's shoulders gently. He supposed that was enough of a comfort for the girl, because she soon enough resumed her tale.

"My grandfather survived, but we left our home the very next day, starting a life of wanderings. That was also the day I started training. You remember I arrived in Konoha at the start of your third year of Academy." she slowly said. "By then, I probably could have joined a genin team already, but I didn't want to. I needed to..." she stopped. "... to rest. I wanted some kind of normal childhood."

Shino remained silent.

"My grandfather had just died in front of my eyes. I don't even know if his killer is still around or not. This is one of the main reasons I don't talk about my past. I'm afraid... to be discovered."

"Why Konoha?"

"Gramps befriended Sandaime-sama when they were both young." Akimi answered. "I knew I could trust him."

"I met Akimi-chan the day she arrived." Naruto spoke up. "I also made my first kill then. As such, I remember it as both one of best and worst day of my life."

"I killed the first time when I was nine. It was in a small village in the Land of Rivers." she murmured. "I still have nightmares about it."

Nobody spoke for a while.

"I think I killed one of those thugs yesterday." Shino murmured at last. "He had managed to sneak past you, Kakashi-sensei and Zabuza-san and I ordered my Kikaichū to stop him. Then he lied there and..."

"We know." Naruto kindly said. "Why didn't you say anything before? Kakashi-sensei would want to know."

Shino nodded. "I'll tell him tonight." he murmured. "I was just trying to deal with it alone."

Akimi smiled sadly. "How do you feel?"

"I don't know." Shino shrugged. "Logically, I knew this would happen. Why do you ask? When I chose this path it became obvious one day I would become a killer... and I would risk to be killed. Sure, I didn't really realize it would be so soon."

"Well, it was supposed to be a quiet C-rank mission, after all." Naruto said.

"I know that from the outside our clan doesn't seem a really... emotional one. We are all cold, mysterious and silent. Well, it's mainly because we have to deal with the constant input of info from our Kikaichū and also because... well, most people don't really fancy the idea of talking with a living hive. I guess that after a while it just became normal to be that way."

"You can talk with us." Naruto quickly said. "And be as emotional as you want, dattebayo."

Shino nodded, giving out a rare wide smirk. "I know. We aren't hugging any time soon, though."

The other two burst into laughter.

"Shino," Akimi started, putting a hesitant hand on his arm, hoping not to overstep her boundaries. "I know that sometimes Naruto's and my bond is a little... overwhelming. We are very close and sometimes we don't even realize we are excluding other people. Don't be afraid to speak up. You are our friend."

"And we trust you with our lives." Naruto continued.

"What's wrong with you, Naruto?" Shino asked then, bluntly.

"I hate killing. I mean, I'm sure you two do too. Only madmen like killing but..." the blonde turned towards the other two kids with desperate eyes. "I wish I didn't have to kill ever again. I wish I could resolve problems in other ways... like changing the enemy's ways."

"You do have a special gift." Shino simply said. "You do change people. Why do you ask? Did you see what you did to Inari and Zabuza? You even got me talking!"

Akimi giggled.

"Thanks, Shino. I guess I'll just have to try and change even more people. I'll use killing as a last resort, dattebayo!"

"Naruto, about what you said to Inari..."

"I had a very lonely childhood, Shino." Naruto sighed. "There is a... reason why adults don't like me. It's not because of my pranking past."

Shino raised an eyebrow. "Past?"

"Ehi, I got a lot better! I'm trying to slowly stop."

Shino and Akimi exchanged a skeptical look.

"Whatever you say, 'to-kun." Akimi patted his shoulder, patronizing.

Naruto scoffed. "Anyway, I've been ignored and alone for a long time. I try not to think about it, it's all in the past now. Inari irked me up, that's it. Shino... I'll tell you. Also about that chakra yesterday, I'll tell you... Just not now."

"I know you will."

"Ohi, Shino." Naruto shouted. "We actually don't know much about your own childhood either. What did you do as a kid?"

"Well, I had to learn how to cope with the constant stream of information my Kikaichū sent me. I spent a lot of time outside with my Tou-san or other clan's member. And I attended the Academy."

"That sounds kind of lonely as well." Akimi observed.

"Well, there aren't any children my age in the clan and I rarely left the compound."

Akimi nudged him. "Why, one could almost say you are a shy person, Shino. Is this why you hide constantly behind that collar of yours?"

Shino only raised an eyebrow. "Interesting theory." he said. "Well, not everyone can be as blunt as you two."

"Whatever do you mean, Shino?" Naruto asked.

"You know I'm referring to what happened yesterday after Gatō's death... when two so eagerly saluted each other. " Shino smirked. "I am so curious to hear about that."

Akimi and Naruto had the grace to look embarrassed – and even blushed a little.

The girl looked down. "Ah, that..."

Naruto chuckled instead. "I think we unleashed a monster!"

February, 21st 214

In the end, Naruto and Akimi created two elaborate headstones for Haku and Zabuza, by mixing seals and nature transformation. Naruto carved the stone with his wind, Akimi burned them to preserve them. They finished the job by impressing protection seals all around.

On Haku's was engraved the words: "When a person has someone precious to protect, that's when they become truly strong." On Zabuza's, Naruto reproduced a drawing of his zanbato.

Now, a week after the Battle of the Bridge, the massive and imposing construction had finally been finished, also thanks to the contribution of Naruto's clones. The three genins had slowly returned to normal, albeit the whole episode had deeply affected and changed them. All things considered, it was part of their growth as shinobi and as people.

Kakashi had let them be most of them time, giving them the chance to relax, if not openly ordering it. He didn't speak a word about Kyūbi's chakra and Akimi wagered he would wait to speak with the Hokage about it. And now, Team 7 was finally ready to depart.

A great crowd of people from the town and all of Nami had come to see them leave. Tazuna and his family were at the front line.

"Thanks to you we have completed the bridge." Tazuna said, bowing. "We'll never forget you... but we are going to miss you."

Kakashi eye smiled. "Thanks for everything."

Inari was looking like he was about to cry. He had spent a lot of time with Akimi and Naruto and even with the silent Shino. Naruto had even taught him how to fight a little. He was very sad to see them going.

"We'll come to visit." Naruto said. "Don't worry."

"You better." the small boy said, sniffling.

"It's ok to cry when you are happy, Inari." Naruto said, ruffling his hair.

"I'm not going to, but you can, if you want to, nii-san."

"Why should I? We'll see each other again." he hugged the boy. "Take care of your mother and grandfather."

"I will!" Inari wiped a lone tear from his eyes. "Just don't get yourself killed, nii-san, nee-san."

Akimi hugged him as well. "Now, don't worry, I'll stop him from doing stupid things."

"Time to go, team." Kakashi said. "We have a long way in front of us."

"Are we going at ninja speed this time?" Naruto asked, exited.

"Yeah, I'm going to use this as stamina training for you. Just don't whine later." Kakashi smirked and leaped away, soon followed by the three genins.

"What are you going to call the bridge, Tou-san?" asked Tsunami.

Tazuna smiled fondly. "How about "the Great Naruto Bridge?" he asked. "For the boy who showed Nami that as long as you don't give up, there is always hope."

Inari threw his fist in the air. "I like it!"

February, 23rd 214 – Konoha's Gates

Kakashi landed with grace a few meters from the entrance of Konohagakure no Sato. He turned in time to see his three students do the same. Akimi didn't make a sound, arriving on the ground on a semi crouched position, which was probably fruit of her deep bond with Kaera. Shino was equally silent, his stance rigid and upright as usual. Naruto was a little more exuberant, because he didn't really do stealth unless he needed it (but damn he could do it well!).

The three were a little peeved by the pace he set, but were holding their own. Wait a second, was Naruto jumping? 'Stamina freak!' "What's the matter, Naruto?"

"I'm just happy to be home again."

"I see." Kakashi eye smiled. "Let's go then."

When they reached the gates, the eternal guards were there, bored out of their mind.

"Team 7 reporting back from a C ranked mission in Nami no Kuni." Kakashi said.

"Show your passes, please." Kotetsu said, yawing.

"Here."

"You may enter. Good day." Izumo dismissed them.

"Nah, that job must be a true torture." Naruto said.

"Yeah, I bet it will be the ideal 'detention' for you, once you make chūnin." Kakashi smirked. "Now, I'll report to the Hokage right away and I'll ask for a week off, we will be meeting at the usual place, usual time." and he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"I must go meet my family." Shino said. "We may see each other around."

"Don't spend all your time collecting insects, Shino!" Naruto exclaimed. "You know where to find us in case."

"See you." Shino simply said, leaving as well.

"What now?" Akimi asked, with a smile.

"Ichiraku!" Naruto bellowed, rushing ahead. "Last to arrive offers."

"Baka..." Akimi said, forming the Ram seal. "Sunshin no Jutsu."

The Hokage put yet another signed paper on an already thick stack of documents. The unfinished paperwork, still, was bigger. It really never seemed to get thinner.

It was no matter actually, because the true Hokage was lying on the couch, reading his beloved orange book. The one working was a Kage Bunshin. 'I have to offer Naruto ramen for that tip...'

"Hokage-sama."

The true Hokage leaped on his feet, hiding the book behind his back. "What... Kakashi! It is just you... Why don't you ever use the door?"

The jōnin just shrugged, entering the office. He glanced at the Bunshin at the table. "Clever." he said. "I'm reporting from the mission in Nami."

"Ah, yeah... how did it go?" the Hokage smiled. "Was Naruto excited to be out of the village?"

"He was. It went smoothly..." Kakashi stopped. "... for like the first six hours. We were soon attacked by Meizu and Gōzu, the Demon Brothers of Kirigakure."

"What?" Sarutobi stepped forward, immediately serious.

"Oh, yeah... here they are." Kakashi launched him two scrolls. "It's handy to have a budding seal mistress on the team. I suppose we could discover a lot about Kiri's poisons."

The Hokage was flabbergasted. "Two chūnins level enemies... on a C-rank missions. Why?"

"Ah, Tazuna-san lied about the parameters of the missions. He had Gatō after him."

"The shipping magnate?"

"Hai. Apparently, Gatō seized control of Nami last year. The bridge was their only chance of escaping his grasp."

"Kakashi!" exclaimed the Sandaime. "Why didn't you turn back? You were at risk of meeting a jōnin as well..."

"We did." Kakashi deadpanned. "The fact is, Hokage-sama, that I didn't defeat the Demon Brothers. Akimi and Naruto did, with support from Shino. Besides, I doubt I could have stopped them from continuing. Not without force anyway."

Hiruzen pictured the determined look of Naruto's face and the burning eyes of Akimi. Yeah, he did understand. "Who did you meet?"

"Momochi Zabuza..."

"WHAT?" The Hokage dropped into his seat, feeling a little faint. "The Demon of the Mist?"

"... and his young apprentice." Kakashi proceeded to tell the Sandaime the details of the three battles, underlining his genins prowess. "...so she told she used Karyū Endan even though she had never actually managed the jutsu before. The pressure made her successful. Apparently, Naruto developed the B rank Fūton jutsu he used, Namikadou."

"What happened then?"

"They broke one mirror, and almost hit Zabuza as well: that was how powerful the combined jutsu was. They are truly on the way of mastering their elements – fully."

"Which is why you started them on Doton and Suiton. I'm impressed... and I have a couple of Earth Jutsu you could teach Akimi. She'll like them."

Kakashi nodded. "Here things get a bit... worrisome. Akimi tried to escape the dome, but was stopped by Haku. She had obviously exhausted herself. Haku put her in a death like state, thus shocking Naruto."

Hiruzen sat down on the couch again, putting his head on his hands. "He drew on Kyūbi's chakra, did he not?"

"Yes, but he somehow stopped." Kakashi said. "It also resulted in him and Akimi getting together."

"You mean...?" Sandaime smirked, his perverted side jumping around in his mind.

Kakashi briefly told him how he defeated Zabuza, accidently killed Haku and of the arrival of Gatō. "So he was insulting us, when a Fūma Shuriken took him and his bodyguards down, revealing that Akimi was alive." Kakashi said. "Naruto looked beyond relieved. He ran to her, hugged her and kissed her..."

Sandaime became even more interested.

"Of course, we were still surrounded by thugs, so they stopped. Then we killed them while Shino guarded Tazuna – Zabuza helped us before dying. Naruto was a little depressed afterwards, until Akimi talked to him."

The Hokage giggled. "Lucky kid. Just like his father."

"After the battle, we helped Tazuna complete the bridge then came back at full speed. I gave them the week off. I want to up their training, maybe doing a D rank mission now and then, and then maybe start with C rank missions. True C rank missions."

"This is acceptable. Of course, this mission will result as an A rank in the records. Zabuza Momochi... damn." the Hokage shivered, thinking of the paperwork this was going to cause. "Something is worrying you."

"Two things, really. The first is obviously the Kyūbi."

Sarutobi nodded. "Did he ask anything about what happened on the bridge?"

"No." Kakashi replied. "I reckoned he either really didn't realize something strange had occurred, or that he talked with Akimi about it. Maybe both."

Hiruzen sighed, inhaling a puff of smoke from his pipe. "I'll talk to Naruto about the fox. You may be present. Actually... Bear!"

"Hokage-sama!" an ANBU appeared from the shadows.

"Fetch Uzumaki Naruto. And Katora Akimi too."

"Is this wise, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi said. "To tell Akimi as well..."

"Naruto is free to tell the truth about his burden to anyone. Do you really think he would hide it from Akimi? She is his pillar. And she is actually going to help him understand. She is so good with Fūinjutsu."

Kakashi frowned. "That's exactly what my second concern is about: Naruto and Akimi's closeness. What if they fight? What if their feelings interfere with the mission?"

"They are both very mature for their age..." Hiruzen crossed his hands below his chin. "You need to trust that they will put the mission before their feelings, if they fight. On the other hand, they are extremely protective of each other, but you are the one of taught them the value of teamwork and of a comrade's life above the mission. This is Konoha's way. Besides, it's probably too late to separate them. The best you can do is have faith in them."

"You are right." Kakashi eye smiled. "I really hope we'll never get to discover what Naruto would do if someone really hurts Akimi..." and he shivered.

"Kami, it's not like you starved on the mission..." Akimi said, watching Naruto swallowing the tenth bowl of ramen. She had eaten two as well, in a normal way.

"Almost a month!" Naruto exclaimed, eating another mouthful of food. "A month without Ichiraku's ramen... I don't know how you resisted."

Akimi sighed and turned away, to avoid any risk of puking. "Manners, Naruto-kun, you should learn manners."

Ayame giggled. "A lost cause, Akimi." she said.

In that moment there was a rush of wind behind them and a masked man appeared.

"How can we help you, ANBU-san?" Akimi asked without turning.

"Hokage-sama wants to see you, Uzumaki Naruto, Katora Akimi." the ninja said, before disappearing again.

"That wasn't an invitation." Naruto noted. "But an order... so it's time."

"Indeed. Pay, 'to-kun. We'll prepare our best poker face on the way to the tower."

"Do you have a camera somewhere?" Naruto asked, taking out some ryo notes. "Their faces will be priceless."

"Good afternoon, Hokage-sama." Akimi bowed at the entrance.

The Sandaime (the true one) was sat behind his desk, Kakashi behind him, without his book, thus showing the seriousness of the situation.

"Ehi, jiji!" Naruto greeted, happily. "How are you doing?"

Hiruzen smiled at the blonde, before lowering his hand with decision. Four figures left the office. "Come, sit." he said, before flashing hand seals.

'Mmm... privacy barrier. He is definitely telling us of the bastard fox. Damn, how quick is jiji with hand seals? He is so cool!'

"First thing, let me congratulate on your performance on the mission. Kakashi highly complimented your skill. As for now, anyway, any information about it is classified, A-rank level. Meaning only jōnins and above will know. Don't go around and brag, Naruto."

"Me?" Naruto pointed innocently at himself. "It's not like I killed Zabuza... and sensei is too busy reading porn to go around and brag to anyone."

Kakashi looked slightly offended, but knew his genin respected him, most of the time at least.

"It's not like we aren't able to keep secrets." Akimi deadpanned. "Wouldn't you say?"

Both Hiruzen and Kakashi were a little freaked out by her sweet smile.

'Thank the Kami she is only an overpowered genin right now... and I'm a Kage.' "I know you can. Which is why I'm not going to further stress the importance of this classification."

"I don't mean to question your motives, but why are you classifying this?" Akimi asked, even if she has some idea... the Hokage probably didn't want to spread the news that Naruto had tapped into the fox's chakra.

"As of right now, you two are the most promising genins in the village." Sarutobi said, puffing his pipe. "I intend to keep your true abilities hidden until you have a little more experience as well, lest you become targets..."

Akimi nodded. "Did you just want to tell us this? Because I don't see Shino here. Granted, he is not really talkative but..."

Hiruzen shook his head. "No, there is something else." he turned his gaze to Naruto, appraising him. The blonde smiled, a slight puzzled expression on his face.

"Shoot it, old man!" he exclaimed.

Sarutobi sighed. "I want to make it clear: what I'm about to reveal to you doesn't change a thing. You are still one of my proud shinobi, Kakashi's precious student and Akimi's... I'm not sure what."

Naruto chuckled, while Akimi glared at Kakashi. The jōnin unconsciously touched his pouch to make sure his Icha-Icha book was safe. It was, and he sighed in relief.

"I'm sure you both know the story of how the Yondaime killed the Kyūbi no Kitsune..." the old leader started unsure on how to break the truth to Naruto. "... it was a lie. The truth has been classified, by my order and law, as an S rank secret. Meaning only I, and my student Jiraiya, can freely talk about it without penalty of death." Hiruzen took a deep breath. "The truth is..."

"... the Yondaime couldn't kill the bastard fox, because it is an entity of chakra, hence he resorted to the most powerful of the arts, Fūinjutsu, and sealed it inside a baby, because only a newborn could withstand the massive influx of chakra without damaging his chakra coils. He chose me, as I conveniently was born that day." Naruto said, yawing boringly. "Did you force me away from ramen only to tell me this?"

The Sandaime looked at him with bulging eyes. Kakashi was gaping so much it could be discerned through his mask. Akimi smirked and produced a camera and took a picture of them. The flash did seem to wake the two men from their stupor.

"How... how do you know?" Hiruzen asked, leaping on his feet. "Did it...?"

Naruto smiled. "I live with the future best sealing mistress of the world. Did you really think we wouldn't notice?"

Akimi swatted him. "You'll make me blush!"

Naruto chuckled.

"This is not the time to flirt!" Sandaime bellowed. The two genins looked almost scared. The man was the Shinobi no Kami, after all, even though he mostly behaved like an old gentle grandfather. "You...!" he pointed to Akimi. "... you broke down the Yondaime seal? When? How? Talk, now!"

Akimi covered a little, but was able to keep her voice cool. "Right, I don't know if you aware of this, but Naruto's seals is actually made up by the union of two minor seals, even though still of master level. There is a breaking in the lines of the seal, which allows the fox's chakra to constantly flow into Naruto system. It's one of the reasons Naruto-kun has such a bad time in chakra control."

Hiruzen was impressed by the girl's analysis, but he didn't show it. "Your point?"

"Oh, yes. Thing is, that the flow becomes bigger when Naruto molds chakra, making the seal visible. So, we were first training in water walking, when was that, 'to-kun?"

"A couple of months after you arrived, I reckon."

"So, yeah. Anyway... since he kept falling into the water, Naruto took off his shirt, so I noticed the seal. Since then, I worked to break down the seal."

Hiruzen massaged his temples. "I didn't know the seal could be visible, actually. When did you manage to discover the truth?"

Akimi shrugged. "It was mere chance we discovered it. Naruto-kun and I were discussing it after I finally discovered that it was mainly a great, giant and ultra-powered storage seal for chakra... It was the day before his birthday and Iruka-sensei always lectured us about the Kyūbi attack that day so... we kind of put all the pieces together. It was last October, just before graduation."

"It seems your talent for Fūinjutsu is even bigger than what I expected." Hiruzen said. "I..." he sat down. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Naruto shrugged. "I'm not sure. It's not just a thing you mention like that. You know, like... hey how is it going, oji-san, by the way, why is there a giant demon fox sealed inside of me?"

Sarutobi nodded. 'They don't trust me. Damn, I knew I should I've talked to him sooner.'

"We understand why you kept this hidden from me." Naruto said. "I used to run around and yell all the time. I wasn't reliable. It's a military secret. I hold the most powerful Bijū... I could be targeted by other villages."

Hiruzen nodded sadly. "It's true. Other villages, especially Iwa, would feel threatened if they knew about you. You are, potentially, the most powerful of the Jinchūriki..."

"Power of Human Sacrifice?" Akimi hissed. Her fist clenched and were surrounded by flames. And did her eyes golden become for a second?

"'mi-chan" Naruto touched her shoulder, managing to quiet her down.

Hiruzen frowned. 'What was that?' "That is what they usual call those like you. I for one, don't think of you as a weapon or a sacrifice, but as a hero. This is what the Yondaime wanted as well." he softly said. "The main reason for my law was to give you a somewhat normal childhood. I hoped you could socialize with your peers, if they didn't know the truth. Of course, I also underestimated the hate of the villagers."

Naruto nodded. "I understand. But why didn't you tell me when I graduated? Had I really had not known about the fox on the bridge, I doubt I would have been able to stop."

Hiruzen sighed. "You seemed to be so happy, I didn't want to ruin everything by giving you that burden. Honestly, it was supposed to be a simple C rank mission, with no risk at all. I didn't expect you would find yourself in such a dire situation and call to its chakra." he explained. "I hope you can come to forgive me, Naruto-kun. I recognize my mistake now. I still think of you as the naive child you used to be, you know."

"I wanted to ask you, by the way." Kakashi spoke up. "How did you stop its influence?"

"..." Naruto looked at Akimi, who nodded at him with a small smile.

"I thought Akimi was dead. For a second, everything stopped. Then I felt an overwhelming anger... before I knew it, I was surrounded by that... chakra and was beating Haku to death. The power, the rush, the bloodthirsty rage... it was both disgusting and addictive. I only wanted to kill and tear... then I realized Akimi wouldn't have wanted me to lose myself in vengeance. So I stopped."

Kakashi nodded in understanding.

"Still, Naruto, you need to be proud of yourself. You proved without doubt who you really are: a proud shinobi of Konoha and not the fox. Stopping its influence so easily was really an amazing feat." Sarutobi said. "The Yondaime chose well."

After his apology and those words, Akimi's stance relaxed a little. "Why didn't you have anyone to examine the seal?" she asked. "You were surprised when I described its working..."

Hiruzen smiled sadly. "Only my wayward student has enough knowledge to do so. And I trusted in the Yondaime's ability."

"That man was a freaking genius." Akimi's eyes shined. "How I would love to discuss with him about seals."

"Akimi, can you determine if the happenings in the bridge weakened the seal?"

"Yes." she rubbed her chin. "I already looked at it, actually, because Naruto-kun was worried. The opening in the seal is bigger by... one millimeter, maybe? I'd say further connections or communications between Naruto and the fox are now easier. However, the strength of the seal hasn't faltered."

Hiruzen sighed in relief.

"Jiji, should I learn how to control its chakra? I don't really want to rely on it, but maybe if I do, I'll be able to prevent incidents."

"Being able to draw its chakra would be useful... and dangerous. There are no easy nor defined ways to control it. I have some scroll about Jinchūriki in general. You can have them... in the meantime, I'll look into it. However..." he stopped. "Don't attempt it without Kakashi. You need to be in a secluded place. Wouldn't want to create havoc in the village. I also need to know so I can alert ANBU."

Naruto nodded. "It's fine. It can wait."

"Very well. Lastly, Naruto, you can tell your secret to anyone you wish, but I warn you to be cautious, especially if they are not Konoha citizens."

"I probably will tell Shino. But beyond that, well, I'm not sure I want to share it..."

"It's up to you." Hiruzen said. "I'm sure you'll do fine. And now, I think you two earned your rest. You may go."

February, 27th 214

"Katon: Karyū Endan!" Akimi shouted, holding the tiger seal. The massive burst of flame was more controlled, but not mastered. And the jutsu still left her breathless and exhausted.

On a more positive note, the absorption/protective seals she put on her training grounds prevent her and Naruto from causing too much devastation while training were working. She had probably paid half the cost of her house in reparation expenses.

"That went well." Naruto said, from his favorite exercising spot. He was doing push-ups.

Akimi turned to him and tilted her head. "I do not have enough chakra."

Naruto nodded, even though he could not really understand her predicament: he seldom found himself lacking energy. The girl joined him, starting to stretch.

"In battle," she started, "the jutsu leaves me vulnerable. It's the main reason Haku managed to knock me out. Yet, there could be scenarios when I need to use it, right?"

Naruto didn't answer, starting a sit-up set.

"I know that with training and determination I can get my reserves up... but I find difficult to gather enough patience." she concluded, starting her usual conditioning set.

"You are pushing yourself." Naruto observed. "I think sensei actually wanted us to rest this week..."

"He isn't that deluded. He gave us the week off because he wanted to read his porn in peace."

Naruto chuckled. "That's likely." he said. "Why do you have so many clones work on Fūinjutsu again?"

Akimi could as if of now, make eight clones. She had four of them study seals all the time. The others were split between meditation and Katon manipulation exercises. The true one herself spent her time practicing jutsu and exercising.

"I've few ideas." Akimi said. "Mainly chakra storage seals. I need them to be more powerful and easily accessible and also have to figure out a way to make them emit chakra slowly, so I can use them in battle. I'm close, but then reducing them to a collapsed form will be even more difficult."

"You mean to recharge yourself?"

"Yes." Akimi replied, switching to push ups. "I figured I'll kill two birds with one stone. Once I make them work, I'll charge them by exhausting myself every night before sleeping. That will boost my reserves considerably."

"Anything else?"

"I'm continuing my studies, of course." Akimi said. "What about you, did you choose a weapon?"

"Hai. I'll go with a tantō. Firstly, I thought a katana would be cooler, but thinking about it, I can just use wind to make them bigger... and tantō are quicker."

"Fair enough."

"We are going to Ichiraku for lunch. You are really pushing yourself too much."

"You want ramen."

"Very true. And to spend time with my girlfriend as well."

"We are spending time together right now."

"We are being teammates right now." Naruto replied. "We ought to enjoy ourselves as well."

Akimi giggled. "Sure thing."

Akimi and Naruto were walking down the main road, after a satisfying meal at Ichiraku. Satisfying especially for Teuchi-san, whose income had dramatically increased.

The two of them weren't really sure how to go with their new founded relationship. Akimi wasn't so keen to display her feelings, being very reserved and secretive. Naruto, on the other hand, was much more spontaneous, but he did respect her a lot.

So they were simply walking close to each other, sometimes their sides brushed together, that was all. They did exchange a beaming smile time to time.

"Oh." Akimi said. "Apparently Shikamaru and Chōji have a free day as well. They are at the usual place."

"Shall we visit them?"

The two boys did need to socialize with other people, even they knew this.

"Good idea."

Five minutes later, the two arrived in a very familiar clearing of Konoha Park, where Shikamaru was lazily laying and staring at the cloud, along with Chōji who was instead eating.

"Yo." Naruto yelled. "What's up, guys?"

"Troublesome..."

"Hi, Akimi, munch, Naruto." Chōji greeted. "Haven't seen much of you lately."

"Well, our sensei required a C-rank mission for us. We stayed in Nami for three weeks, more or less." Akimi answered, having care not to lie, nor to break the secret of what really happened on the mission.

"Sounds troublesome."

"Shika, everything that does not require you to lay still is troublesome for you." Naruto chuckled. "What about you? How is it going?"

"We are, munch, doing D rank missions right now. Our sensei is good"

"True." Shikamaru said.

Akimi chuckled, sitting down. "So he plays shogi, doesn't he?"

"Yes. Want to have a game, by the way?"

"Oh, I was hoping you would say that." Akimi smirked, producing a scroll. "Kai."

Naruto shook his head. "We've lost them, Chōji."

The stubby boy laughed. "That is fine, Naruto. We can always chat."

The blonde nodded eagerly. "Besides the chores you are stuck doing, what do you do?"

"Team training mostly. Ino is a little bossy, even sensei looks scared of her sometimes, but we are learning how to get along."

"Is she still a fan girl?" asked Akimi.

Chōji shrugged. "Well, she does mention Sasuke at least ten times a day."

"Yeah. Sasuke wouldn't be as lazy as you are, baka! OH, Sasuke would have got this down in no time, oh Sasuke... how troublesome."

"I pity you." Naruto said. "Shino and I are the ones who got the best kunoichi of our year, after all." He winked at her.

Akimi giggled, batting her eye-lashes. "You'll make me blush!"

Naruto chuckled. "So have any of you heard from Kiba? He is probably the one who has got it worse. Can you imagine? Sasuke and Sakura on the same team!

The three kids shivered, while Akimi muttered something about: "obtuse fan girls..:"

"I've met him few days ago, munch." Chōji said. "He is a little peeved, but otherwise fine, munch. Says Kurenai-sensei kicked both Sasuke's and Sakura's asses to get them to obey her."

"I bet that would have been fun to watch." Akimi observed. "Why didn't I ever think of sending Kaera spying on them?"

They all laughed.

"What about you two?" Chōji asked. "You got a C rank mission! How was it?"

Naruto shrugged. "It was an escort mission. Really it's just a lot of walking. But at least you get to leave the village, dattebayo."

Shikamaru yawned, moving one pawn. 'They are probably the strongest rookies... I mean, a C-rank mission after three months?'

"Oh, this time I gonna get to you, Shikamaru!" Akimi exclaimed, rubbing her hands. "Just you wait."

March 1st, 214 – Aburame Clan Compound

Akimi thought the building reflected the mysterious and reserved nature of its inhabitants. The walls were probably the highest in Konoha and the whole area was silent and quiet. Considering the size of the place, she thought it may as well contain an entire forest inside.

The Aburame clan as a whole was a very secretive bunch. She had seen shinobi members of the clan only few times around the village and she didn't really know how to recognize their civilians. After all, their distinctive trait was their Kikaichū. Not only that, but before they were put on the same team, Akimi had almost never spoken to Shino, mainly because she thought he didn't want to. She simply had respected his privacy.

Of course things had slowly started to change, especially on the last mission. Akimi was very worried Shino could be thinking she and Naruto were excluding him, especially since they were now an official couple. Hence why she was there.

She hesitantly knocked at the massive double door and waited. 'No reason to be nervous, right?' she considered, just as a smaller section of door opened to reveal only a pair of sunglasses.

"Yes?"

"Hello, Aburame-san." Akimi bowed. "I am Shino's teammate, Katora Akimi. I was wondering if I may talk to him?"

The small opening closed. Akimi would think it was extremely impolite, but she had come to understand that Shino rarely spoke unless he had to, so she would wager the door was about to be opened. She was right.

"Come, Katora-san, I'll take you to Shibi-san's house." a tall man said. He was clad in a heavy, dark grey coat, and his face was completely hidden by a hood.

"Well, this explains Shino's fashion sense." Akimi thought with a secret smile.

She hadn't guessed entirely right. The whole compound was a forest. The walls were just barely taller than the trees, so as to hide them from unwanted eyes. Despite this, the branches were all close to each other, letting only a dim light enter. She could make out the outlines of a several modest houses here and there. A quiet, constant buzzing sound echoed in the air.

"Here." the nameless Aburame stopped in front of the biggest house in the compound – and the farthest from the entrance. "Good day, Katora-san."

Akimi opened her mouth to call the man back: what the hell was she supposed to do know, knock again?

"So you are Shino's teammate."

Akimi jumped, startled, but thankfully managed not to call Hi no Tate. It had become a normal thing for her to summon the shield of fire when she thought she was being ambushed. And she knew flames made insects nervous. And making insects nervous in the middle of the Aburame compound was not a good idea.

"I am." Akimi said, managing to keep a controlled voice. "I should have known your clan's mate would warn you, Aburame-dono."

She turned and saw a very tall man, clad in high collared beige jacket, with his hands in his pockets. He had short spiky hair, she could glimpse a small moustache over his mouth and he wore sunglasses, like every other Aburame she had ever met.

"You may call me Shibi, child." the man replied. "Shino speaks very highly of you."

"I'm honored, Shibi-san."

"You wanted to see my son, correct?" Shibi didn't wait for her answer. "Come."

Akimi followed the imposing man into the shady house and they arrived in a small back courtyard that was even darker that the outside compound. Shino sat in the lotus position under a very big – and possibly old – oak tree. She could see small shapes flying around him.

"You have a visitor, Shino."

The boy opened his eyes and nodded at Akimi, before closing them again.

"My son is trying to increase the numbers of Kikaichū he can carry." Shibi explained, crossing her arms. "Your last mission deeply affected him."

"I thought as much. It wasn't easy on us either."

"Ah yeah, he mentioned you are always together, you and Uzumaki-san." Shibi said. "Why isn't he here?"

"He... err, he doesn't particularly like to meet... well, adults."

"I appreciate the sincerity." Shibi said. "You should tell him we don't like to judge people before meeting them. My wife will want you over to dinner sooner or later."

"I'll keep that in mind." Akimi nodded, just as Shino slowly got up from the ground.

"Akimi, I wasn't expecting your visit."

"Shino." she smiled. "Well, even though Kakashi-sensei gave us the week off I thought we could hang out a little. There is something Naruto-kun and I wanted to show you. The vault."

You could actually tell Shino was surprised, which was very rare. "The vault?"

"Well, it's not like I own so many different vaults..."

"I don't know what to say."

"It's an honor to be allowed into a clan's secret vault." Shibi solemnly said. "I thank you on behalf of my son."

Akimi just smiled. "It's nothing special..."

"While I have never heard of a Katora clan, my son told me you used to have a big family. It's a big deal, Akimi-san, I will remember this."

The girl seemed humbled. "Thank you, Shibi-san. It was an honor to meet you today."

The older man nodded. "Off you go then." and he left.

Shino was still frozen on the spot.

"Something wrong?" Akimi asked.

"You impressed my father." the boy replied. "Now that's not something I see everyday."

She shrugged. "Well, we should go. I bet Naruto-kun has already destroyed something in his anxiousness."

Shino looked even more flabbergasted. "Naruto... anxious? Why?"

As Akimi and Shino entered her house, they heard a huge explosion.

"I knew it." the girl sighed. "I told him not practice fire/wind jutsu alone."

Shino chuckled a little. "Now you know that is just wasted breath, right?"

"Well, I still had to try. I like this house." she shook her head. "WE ARE HERE, 'TO-KUN!"

"COMING!" Naruto's usually cheerful voice sounded a little strained. This confused Shino even more.

Akimi beckoned him to follow her and she guided him toward a small door in the atrium that was just in front of the main entrance. It opened on a narrow staircase. They soon arrived in the basement.

"We have a small larder here." she indicated a wood door. "But the rest of the space is taken by the vault." and she stopped in front a more solid looking door, reinforced with metal.

Akimi flashed through hand seals and Shino, as always, was amazed by her speed. She stopped, holding the tiger seal, and pressed her fingers against a small spike on the door, breaking her skin. The small drop of blood that followed made a glowing array of seals appear, then a click was heard and Akimi opened the door. "Welcome to the vault, Shino." she said, stepping aside to let him enter.

The room was really impressive. First, on the immediate right there were several chairs, placed around a round table and big bronze bracer. The small area was separated by high shelves covered either in scrolls or in books. On the left, there was an armory of sorts, fully stocked with kunai, shuriken, first aid equipment, explosive notes and standard storage scrolls. There was even a small forge there! Deeper into the room there were several chests, a huge scroll – the same one Akimi carried the day she arrived in Konoha – and what looked like ritual markings on the ground, also delimitated with shelves.

"I'm setting up a sealing chamber there." Akimi indicated the marks. "It makes safer to tattoo seals on the body."

Shino nodded. "Amazing."

"Here I come, dattebayo!" Naruto stormed into the room. "How do you like this place, Shino?"

"I'm honored you let me see it."

"Don't exaggerate!" the blonde shouted in replay. "We ought to take Kaka-sensei down here as well soon."

Shino looked sharply at him. "What's wrong, Naruto? You seem a little too hyper even for your standards."

Naruto fidgeted. "Why don't you sit down?" He was indeed very nervous. "There is actually something I wish to talk to you about, Shino."

Shino went to one of the chairs. "You don't say."

"Damn, I knew we shouldn't have taught him sarcasm." Naruto scoffed.

"I already knew it myself." Shino smirked. "You only force me to use it."

Akimi giggled, sitting down as well. "This is the most protected area I know of, if you don't count the Hokage's office. Here I am sure nobody can hear us." she explained. "We can continue what we were discussing outside Tazuna's house."

"Because Nami was oh so full of spies who wanted to eavesdrop on us." Naruto deadpanned. "But then again Akimi-chan is very paranoid."

"Shut up, baka!"

"I'm listening." Shino quickly said, interrupting their bickering before it escalated.

"My clan's true name is Enkounkin." Akimi quickly said. "We told you I've the ability of regenerate chakra quickly. It's part of my kekkai genkai. But I'm not really sure what else there is to it myself."

Shino nodded. "It's very logical you want to keep it hidden."

Naruto squirmed a little.

Shino frowned at him and Akimi contained a small laughter.

"Did you just squirm?" the Aburame asked, baffled. "Naruto, what is it?

"It's about Nami..." he murmured. "And the reason I've been shunned when I was little. When I thought Akimi had died and..."

"You refer to that strange chakra, I assume." Shino said.

"That's my burden and curse." Naruto exhaled and dropped on one of the chairs. "This is an S-rank secret that's why I wasn't sure I could tell you, but now jiji has cleared it."

"I would never betray your trust, Naruto." the bug boy said, seriously. "Death penalty or not."

"We know." Akimi reassured.

The blonde nodded as well. "I'm very sorry I haven't said this before." he turned his head away, unable to look at Shino. "I was born on October 10th."

"That's it? What's wrong with... wait, that is the day Kyūbi attacked. Why...?"

"I don't really rejoice that day. We don't know what exactly happened, but to save the village... Yondaime-sama sealed the Kyūbi away, because he could not kill it."

"In you?" Shino asked. "You hold the fox?"

"Yeah. I understand if you..."

"Ehi!" Shino shouted.

Shino shouted?

Akimi and Naruto gaped at him.

"Do you think I am stupid?" Shino continued his tirade. "I've seen what Akimi can do with Fūinjutsu... and the Yondaime was the master of the sealing art. I know you are not the fox."

Naruto didn't even close his mouth.

"I don't turn my back to my friends and comrades. You didn't ask for this burden, yet you now have to carry it. I also received my first colony of insects when I was a baby, unable to decide for myself," he stopped, "but the difference is I'm not saving anyone in doing so."

Naruto's eyes were watering. "Thanks, Shino."

"Thank you for confiding in me."

"You need to know that I may call upon its chakra again. If I do... be careful. I wasn't myself then." Naruto said, his voice dangerously wavering. "And it may be very harmful for you Kikaichū, so..."

Shino nodded. "I will, but I know you won't do it without a good reason, Naruto. You are the one who said he wished not to kill anyone anymore. I know the true you."

"Right..." Akimi exclaimed. "Enough serious stuff for today. My clone must have finished preparing a special comfort lunch for us. There is Ichiraku's ramen for Naruto-kun, a big salad with dessert of winter melon for Shino and steak for me!"

"Did you say ramen?" Naruto thundered.

Akimi couldn't even answer that he bolted out of the room. Shino gave out a small, brief chuckle.

The girl looked at him with a bright smile. "Naruto is afraid of being rejected." she said quietly. "You don't realize how much your words meant to him. I'll never forget it, either."

Shino shrugged. "I was very lucky to have you two as teammates, you know." he answered. "It doesn't matter what will happen in future, maybe we'll go down different roads, but deep down..."

"... we'll always be Team 7." Akimi stood up. "Now I think it's better if we go after him before he destroys my kitchen too."

Shino chuckled again.

March, 7th 214 – 10.00 AM, training grounds 7

"Hello, team!" Kakashi exclaimed, appearing in the middle of the clearing.

"Katon: Goukakyuu!"

"Suiton: Mizurappa no jutsu!"

"Damn you and your freaking stamina... Doton: Doryū Engo no jutsu!"

Kakashi smiled at the usual spectacle of Akimi and Naruto sparring. Shino was instead fighting Naruto shadow clones, to avoid killing his bugs without reason.

"Ohi, sensei." The three genins stopped their training to get near him. "What was it this time? Some old lady wanting your help?"

Kakashi shrugged at Naruto. "A black cat crossed my road and I had to take the long route to get here. You know, bad luck and all."

"It's good you did it, or you could have Sunshined into the middle of our spar." Akimi smirked, crossing her arms. "So, what now, sensei? New chores await us?"

"They do. But not right now." Kakashi said. "Now we have a chat. You had time to think about what happened in Wave, right? How do you feel?"

"Mmm, enlightened." Akimi answered first. "I always knew that I was stronger than the average genin, since I had the experience of the travels with gramps to back me up. The mission made me realize that it is not nearly enough. Haku was very strong and as young as we are."

"Ditto." Naruto said. "Now I know that my enormous chakra levels and stamina are not enough. And I also learned where true strength lies. Even though I probably already knew it."

"I think I'm a little outclassed." Shino said. "Why do you ask? Naruto, you are so unpredictable and determined, and you mentioned already your stamina. Akimi, you managed to do effectively a new B-rank jutsu during battle. So I asked Tou-san for help."

"You can catch up in no time, dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed, giving him a thumb up.

Akimi nodded beside him. "Yes, without doubt you are much better than us at tracking."

Kakashi eye smiled. "I'm very proud of you, you handled the mission very well. You are more than ready for a true, standard C-rank, but we'll wait a little bit for that. I want to train you more extensively for a while."

Naruto jumped "No more chores?"

"You have already a good team work, a respectable record and a fair amount patience. We may still do some, but not every day." Kakashi said. "Now, is there something you feel you need to learn? Or you want to?"

"Sensei." Akimi intervened. "Why don't you choose D-rank mission that can help us training? I dunno, something that requires lifting something heavy, for example."

"Good point." Kakashi said. "I'll look out for them."

"Can you teach me kenjutsu, sensei?" Naruto asked instead. "That will work so well with Fūton."

Kakashi chuckled. "It's not my expertise, but I know the basics. I was in ANBU after all. I'll teach you the Katas and you can have clones practice them. We will spar everyday to see your improvement. Akimi, you may also attend the lessons, since your folded Fūma Shuriken is essentially a blade."

She nodded.

"Shino, would you like to learn how to use a weapon as well?" Kakashi asked.

"It would be logical." Shino said. "Probably a long range one, that can also adapt to close range though, should I find myself in a sticky situation."

"Naruto-kun and I are going to a weapon shop later... you could tag along." Akimi said. "Browse a little with us."

Kakashi eye smiled at the display of team boding. "Just let me know, Shino. I suppose your clan will teach ninjutsu... and I can work with you on tracking. I know a couple of tricks about it myself."

"Good. I think I may focus on that." Shino fixed his eyeglasses. "I really like it."

Kakashi nodded in approval. "It's good to see you are already finding your calling, Shino." he then turned to the two ninjutsu freaks of the team. "What about you two?"

"I really like Suiton. It may be a secondary affinity or something." Naruto said. "Can you help with that?"

"Sure thing, Akimi?"

"I'm perfecting Karyū Endan right now." she said. "But my next goal is to become proficient with Doton at least B rank level as well. Probably a defensive jutsu, just in case."

Kakashi nodded. "Sandaime-sama sends you these, Akimi." he gave her a scroll.

The girl raised an eyebrow. 'Is he trying to earn my trust back? But then again he already gave us those scrolls after graduation... maybe he is just rewarding us because of the mission. Oh, no, he remembered! Good old Sarutobi-sama... you can't ever stay angry with him.' she thought, reading her scroll. She found three Doton jutsu: Doryūdan, Doryū Numa [Earth Flowing Lake], Doryū Taiga [Earth Flowing River] and Doryūheki no Jutsu [Earth Style Wall]. They were all B-rank jutsu. "These are great... especially the Earth Wall. That will be my next goal."

Kakashi nodded. "I think that learning Tsuchi Bunshin will also be useful, Akimi. That said, I think it's time to start. Shino, I'll start working with you on taijutsu, as always, but then I've a little surprise for you... Naruto, I'll be teaching you Suiton. Akimi, we'll work on your skills with Fūma Shuriken."

"Hai, sensei!"

"Well, that's enough for today." Kakashi said, eye-smiling. It was sunset.

After some taijutsu practice, Kakashi had Shino working with his ninken on tracking. Pakkun, who was the smallest of them but the best tracker, hid in the woods and the boy had to find him without being detected, while the others both observed and gave pointers.

Meanwhile Kakashi had worked with the other two in ninjutsu and a little kenjutsu. After lunch – courtesy of Akimi's storage scrolls – the three genin engaged in an all-out taijutsu only spar, under the jōnin's watchful eye.

"What, I can still go on!"

"Why, for all means keep working, Naruto." Kakashi easily said. "It's a pity only Shino and Akimi shall enjoy dinner at my treat at the Akimichi's restaurant."

"Now that I think about it, I am a little tired."

He received three skeptical looks as an answer.

"Wait a second, why are you offering us dinner?" Akimi asked. "We usually eat at our house."

"That's because you and Naruto cook so well." Kakashi ruffled the girl's hair. "But today is special, is it not?"

"What do you mean, sensei?" Shino asked.

"Why, today is Akimi's birthday." the jōnin said. "I'm surprised you didn't know."

"You shouldn't." Naruto said. "The first birthday of hers we spent together I didn't know about it. If it wasn't for jiji giving her a scroll as a present."

"Well, you don't like your birthday either."

"I have good reasons too." Naruto said seriously. Then he smirked. "You... you are only shy."

"I am not."

"Are too."

"Don't start it again." Shino interrupted them.

"I just don't see what great deal is. It's my birthday. I am a year older. Yeah, so?"

"But you get presents." Naruto tried. "And you can spend some quality time with your amazing teammates."

Kakashi laughed. "Besides, we are shinobi. Celebrating you surviving long enough to see another birthday is very important. It's a way to show you appreciate life." he said. "We had the same special dinner for Shino's birthday, before we left for Nami, remember? And when is Naruto's turn we will as well."

"What about yours, sensei?" Naruto asked.

"Well, that depends if you find out when it is before it comes."

"Is this a challenge?" Akimi crossed her arms.

"It is." Kakashi eye smiled. "Just don't ask Sandaime-sama. It would be too easy."

"Fair enough."

The foursome started to walk towards the village.

"Mah, Akimi, now that you are thirteen will you sign your Summoning Contract?" Kakashi asked, turning a page on his book.

"Eventually yes." she replied. "For now, I don't have enough chakra to use it well, so it would be a waste."

Kakashi nodded. "I see. When you do, let me know. I can teach you."

"Of course, sensei."

"What a bummer." Naruto murmured. "I so want a Summoning Contract myself."

"It would be useful." Shino agreed. "Logically."

"You should wait." Kakashi said. "You may be surprised."

Naruto looked sharply at the jōnin. "You know something we don't, sensei?"

"I know plenty. Was there something more precise you had in mind?"

"Summons!"

"Mah, I know how to summon ninken, why do you ask?"

"Argh, sensei!"

Akimi giggled and even Shino smirked.

"Sorry, did you say something, Naruto?"

March 11th, Katora Residence

"Damn, I think I'm almost exhausted. Sensei worked us hard." Naruto said, dropping on the couch.

"Why, those words sound so strange coming from you! Sensei told us he wants to take us on a C-rank next week, that's why he gave us hell today. Maybe you should have not left all those clones practicing here. And you say I push myself."

"You don't have my stamina. Nor the regenerative powers Kyūbi gives me."

"True enough." Akimi sat near him, leaning over him. "Give me a few minutes. I'll have my clones dispelling."

"Yeah, me too. But I'll have a couple of them doing us dinner."

"Good thinking." the girl mumbled, snuggling in the boy's embrace.

"Whoa, my clones almost cut the waterfall." Naruto exclaimed. "That is good."

"Mine finished the chakra storage seal thing. They even drew it on themselves to test it. Its perfect." she smiled. "They also found an interesting seal. Something I've been thinking about..."

"Yeah?" Naruto asked.

"The Loyalty Seal. There are actually two versions of it. One almost enslaves the victim to the user's will. The other, allows two people to form a connection of sorts."

"Like you and Kaera-chan?"

"Yeah, I think grandfather developed our seal from it." Akimi stopped. "It has great potential."

"What does it exactly do?"

"It's like a beacon. The seal is linked to life force, so... actually the Loyalty Seal per se isn't that useful, but it can be combined with others."

"Do you think it's possible to create a telepathic link like yours and Kaera?"

Akimi rubbed her chin. "Possible yes... can I do it? Not sure."

"Mmm..." Naruto smiled. "I think you can. Maybe not right now, but sooner or later, yes."

"Your faith in my ability is both flattering and misplaced, you know?"

Naruto shrugged. "Nay, it may take you years, but you will figure it out."

"Well then." Akimi said. "I've a new project: create a telepathic link. That will keep me busy for a while..."

"I've got an idea as well." he said. "A modified storage seal on our gloves."

"For kunai and shuriken?"

"Yes. Also one for my tantō would be nice. You know, so I can keep the fact that I know kenjutsu secret until I actually need to use it."

"Smart." she smiled. "It should be easy to do. I'll need a couple of days to pull it off, though." she yawned. "Damn, I think it's best if I draw the chakra storage seals tomorrow. I'm sleeping on my feet."

"Hold on. Dinner's ready."

JUTSU NOTES

Kenjutsu is the ninja art of the sword.

Orioke no Jutsu [Sexy Technique] E rank (rumored to be A-rank for certain individuals), supplementary (offensive for the same certain individuals). It is a joke variation of the Transformation Technique, to transform in a semi-naked alter-ego of the other sex, whose intimate "bits" are covered by clouds.

Notes: while this Naruto is much more mature than the canon one, he did develop this technique before meeting Akimi (Henge has always been the one technique he never had real problem with) and therefore knows how to use it. It will also play a couple of interesting cameos in later chapters.

CHAPTER'S NOTES

I wanted to ask you guy what you think of the foldable Fūma Shuriken as a weapon for Akimi. Is it believable? I chose it mostly because when folded it really looks like a claw and I think it goes well with Akimi's tiger theme (especially when she'll start to summon)

Also, any suggestion about Shino's weapon? I already have an idea, but since I haven't really made him use it yet I can always change it easily. I was also trying to think about a Summoning contract to give him, but I don't have a lot of ideas... maybe I'll give him Kakashi's, to match his tracking abilities. Yes, I think I am going to make Shino a master tracker, it sounds cool, no?

Does any of you want me to expand on this new C-rank, or can I leave it hanging? Maybe I'll make it into a side story or something.