Herald of the End Chapter 25: It Fits The Mood, a naruto fanfic

You guys are awesome. Every chapter I get more and more readers, who in turn push me to become a better writer.

This chapter was interesting to write, given that it's a bit of a more emotionally heavy chapter. I'm honestly not sure if I am just an awkward person or if I was able to communicate the awkwardness that happens in a few scenes. So if you awesome people could drop a review and let me know it would be equally awesome.

AU Content: I took canon's version of Naruto's seal and turned it up to 11. You'll see what I mean.

And without any more delay, here's the next chapter. Chapter Twenty-five: It Fits The Mood.

"Perhaps if I extended the inner seal into a loop and then disconnected the outer seals, I could stabilize it." Naruto's latest theory on how to remove the Cursed Seal of Heaven from Anko was not going very well without actual reference material. "No, if Orochimaru wasn't an amateur, he would have linked the seals together to prevent any loops." The Last Uzumaki's face scrunched up as he walked up to the door to his home. "What if I reverse part of the seal? But then what if..."

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted when he entered the living room, only to find Haku, Hinata, and Sakura sitting in the comfortable chairs, seemingly waiting for his return. "Naruto-Kun," Sakura's voice was calm as she retained her control over her emotions. "Please sit down. We have some things to discuss with you." Confused, the blonde located the nearest chair and sat down. None of the girls looked injured or distressed, so he wasn't sure why they needed to talk to him. But he would listen and try to help regardless.

Sakura opened her mouth to speak to Naruto when the rather less-than-professional part of her brain reminded her of several particulars of their plan, along with a helpful image of Naruto's shirtless form she had seen during his match against Temari. Her cheeks instantly flared red. "N-Naruto-Kun...I-I...I mean we..." Words failed Sakura as her brain continued to gleefully assault her with other images of Naruto. She ducked her head, sudden shyness warring with the other unidentifiable emotion that tingled at the edge of her consciousness.

Hinata, realizing that Naruto was already growing concerned over, what was in his mind, Sakura's strange behavior. The bluette knew that she had to distract Naruto from reading too closely to Sakura's actions. She also knew that Sakura was the only one who could present their plan to keep Naruto-Kun's nightmares at bay. Hinata knew that she wouldn't be able to explain it without turning into a stuttering mess, and despite what Haku claimed, Hinata suspected that the ice-user wouldn't fare much better. Sakura could be the most professional among them, given that Hinata's mask of cool emotionlessness always faltered when Naruto was around.

"Naruto-Kun," Hinata's tongue darted out to wet her lips as she desperately tried to keep her emotions calm as her mind attempted to flash images of Naruto in her mind, "I have a request for you." Instantly gaining the blonde's full attention, she continued, pushing the rather pleasing images of Naruto out of her mind with a forceful shove. "Over the last month I have been working with Neji Hyuga. We made a deal of sorts." Hinata's voice became slightly detached and emotionless as she explained the deal she had stuck with the prodigy Hyuga. "Neji-Kun will become our spy within the Hyuga clan, swearing loyalty to us above all else." The Hyuga kunoichi paused before continuing, knowing that the next words she spoke would mark her a traitor to the Hyuga clan if they ever found out.

"In exchange, I promised that we, more specifically you, would find a way to remove his Caged Bird Seal." Even Sakura, who still hadn't managed to fully banish her blush, stilled. It was a moment of change, a stand against what was, for all intents and purposes, clan-induced slavery. Not only that, but Hinata was going to be spying on her own clan.

"Hinata-Chan," Naruto's eyes were closed as he considered all of the angles he could think of, "Do you trust him?"

Hinata nodded. "Yes." There was no hesitation in her voice.

Naruto only had one last question. "Are you comfortable with knowing that someone is spying on your clan?"

The Hyuga kunoichi of Team Eight had prepared for many of the questions Naruto may have asked, but she hadn't prepared for this one. Watching Hinata debate inwardly with herself, the Last Uzumaki calmly waited for her to find out the answer within herself. A few minutes later, Hinata slowly spoke, her words soft at first, but growing in strength with every word. "When I think of my clan now, I don't think of it as a singular entity. I think of those I know personally, those that I care about. And they just happen to have the same clan name as me. The clan itself is no different than the village. It has a important name, but it's those inside who matter." Hinata glanced at Naruto. "And there is a few who are very special to me."

Letting a warm smile appear on his face, Naruto met one of his most precious people's gaze. "Let Neji know that I will take a look at his seal as soon as he wants me to." Unlike the others, the Last Uzumaki didn't feel a slight bit of caution at the thought of defying one of four Great Clans of Konoha. While he intellectually knew that such an action was not a simple thing, it was simple for him to decide. Hinata cared about this, so he did to. Not only that, but he had witnessed first-hand the abuse that the Caged Bird Seal allowed. If he could prevent the defenseless from being hurt, he would do it in an instant. Plus, a source of information inside one of the clans could help him protect those he cared about.

Sakura finally got her flush under control. "Naruto-Kun," The pink-haired kunoichi's voice was calm and professional, "We know about your nightly nightmares. But did you have one last night?"

Naruto blinked. How had they found out? "Oh. Well," Naruto scratched the back of his head in thought. "I need to be more quiet about my nightmares. I don't want to wake anyone. But I don't think I had one last night." Out loud, the blonde shook his head. "No, I didn't have one last night. Why?"

"We have come up with a solution to your nightmare problem." Sakura began, fighting to keep herself from flushing. "I, Hinata-Chan, and Haku-Chan will s-sleep next to you each night on a rotating schedule." Sakura couldn't keep the flush from staining her cheeks. A moment later her eyes widened at the realization that her words could be misconstrued. "J-Just sleeping beside each other. Nothing else. Like when we spend time in the tent together." Now even Hinata and Haku sported a blush as well.

Naruto couldn't help the reddening that threatened to take over his face as he sat in dumbfounded silence. "A-Are you sure?" He stammered, his mind whirling with countless emotions and thoughts. "I don't want to disturb your sleep."

Sakura snorted. "Please. Some of the best sleep I've ever had was when I was sleeping beside you in the tent." Almost instantly her face flushed bright red as she ducked her head, covering her mouth so it would not spill any more secrets.

Naruto leaned back as his face scrunched up in thought. On the one hand, this would make getting to sleep much harder, given how his body tended to react when he was close to the girls. On the other, he couldn't deny that his most restful nights were when they were beside him. On top of that, they would worry about him if he didn't accept. And worrying them was the last thing he wanted. "I accept."

"T-That's good." Sakura affirmed. "Now," Her tone turned business-like, "I have already set-up a schedule. It will be Hinata-Chan's turn tonight, followed by Haku-Chan's turn on the following night. The night after that will be me, before rotating back to Hinata-Chan on the following night." Hinata meanwhile, was doing her absolute best to not blush so brightly that she glowed. She was partly successful.

"Naruto-Sama," Haku spoke up, "What were you thinking about when you entered the living room?"

"Oh," Naruto distractedly explained, still in shock over the recent events, "I spoke to Kakashi about Anko-Chan's seal on her neck..."

Kakashi knocked on Anko's rather less-then-sturdy door, feeling the door slightly shake from his not-so-forceful knocks. It had always puzzled the grey haired ninja why she had never fixed her door, but as long as the purple-haired kunoichi didn't mind it, neither did Kakashi. A moment later Anko opened the door, her normally slightly spiky hair damp.

"Come in Kaka-Kun," Anko lazily waved him in, "I need to change quick. I just started a shower when I heard the door." Turning back around, she missed Kakashi's face redden slightly beneath his mask at the thought of Anko showering...naked...with water running down her..."Stop that!" Kakashi scolded himself, "She's a friend!"

"You can be friends with benefits." His brain pointed out.

"No. We don't want to ruin our friendship over that."

"But Icha-Icha shows that if you play your cards right, you can upgrade your relationship." Kakashi's rather perverted consciousness wasn't accepting defeat just yet.

"But she deserves better than us." With those sobering thoughts, Kakashi made his way into Anko's living room, purposely distracting himself away from the noise of the shower only a few rooms away. As the grey haired ninja casually browsed the selection of books Anko on the only bookshelf she owned, he failed to notice the appraising stare he was getting from under the shade of a plant near the window.

Hageshidesu let it's tongue flicker out as it tasted the air the Mask Man had brought in. The snake blinked slightly as it carefully shifted through the scent of the Mask Man. It was the same as the other times he had arrived and met with Master, so it really was Mask Man. The snake had seen several times that Bad Men had tried to pretend to be Mask Man, but they could never get the scent right. Those that tried to be Mask Man stank of odor and nasty emotion-scent. Hageshidesu had dealt with them quickly, it's venom potent enough to kill before they could scream. It then notified Taishokukan, Master's Boa Python, who quickly disposed of the remains. Master would not be harmed by the Bad Men. However, Master had the happy emotion-scent when Mask Man was near, so Hageshidesu let him be.

"What brings you to my grand establishment?" Anko enquired of the grey-haired ninja as she entered the room, the air slightly cool on the skin her - completely not chosen because Kakashi was here - tank top and short shorts exposed. Tilting her head curiously, she watched Kakashi steal a quick glance in her direction as he settled onto her couch. A moment later he glanced back towards the bookshelf, quickly enough that she wasn't sure if she imagined his glance in the first place.

"Anko," Kakashi grew serious as he glanced in her direction, "I have a proposal." He swallowed slightly, not wanting her to know his dark past, but want her free of Orochimaru's influence more. Seeing Anko's full attention on him, he wet his suddenly dry lips before continuing. "I know that the Cursed Seal of Heaven hurts you. I am also aware that it is incredibly personal to you. To have someone study it would be like revealing a very closely held secret and also becoming vulnerable yourself." Seeing Anko's face begin to shift through emotions, Kakashi looked down towards his feet, not wanting his best friend to see his face when he spoke next.

"I want you to see someone I know who might be able to see about the Seal. In exchange..." The grey haired ninja took a deep breath, locking the emotions that threatened to seep forth, "I'll tell you about my past."

Anko was stunned, unsure of what to feel. Kakashi was right, the Seal - and the memories that were associated with it - were incredibly private and painful. But here her best friend was, offering his most private memories in exchange for getting her help. To see if she could be free of the last shackle that bound her to Orochimaru. While she would trust Kakashi wouldn't leave her alone and vulnerable with the person who would study her seal, here was an opportunity to help her best friend. She was aware that so many ghosts of the past haunted the grey-haired ninja. She had seen the haunted and almost broken look buried deep in his eyes for the briefest of seconds on the few occasions that he began down that road of memories. Anko was also aware that Kakashi would probably never tell her without some incentive, given that the wounds of the past hadn't really even scarred over. She privately suspected that Kakashi wouldn't let the emotional wounds heal over, feeling that he was unable to move on, that he would somehow dishonor the past if he moved on.

And that, to the purple haired kunoichi, was unacceptable. She would not let her best friend continue to hurt if she could help it. "I accept." Kakashi bowed his head slightly, acknowledging their bargain. "When do we meet this seal-master?" She questioned Kakashi, wanting to get the seal off and to help her friend. "And who is it?"

"Well," Kakashi was taken aback slightly, "How about two days from now around four in the evening? And it's Naruto."

Anko grinned. "Three. And we will meet at the Dango shop on Twenty-Sixth Street. Then at four, we will meet Naruto."

Somehow feeling this was a trap, the grey-haired ninja agreed. "I should be able to meet you at three."

"Good." Anko chirped, a mischievous smile appearing on her face, "It's a date." Kakashi froze. Waiting for several beats, Anko continued, her smile still intact, "...As friends." Giggling her bell-like laugh, she skipped out of the room, happier then she had been in some time, the trauma of the last few days fading away as she continued to giggle.

"Anko," Kakashi shook his head fondly as real smile crossed his face unseen behind his mask, "You never change." Levering himself off of the couch, the grey haired ninja headed out, unaware that his spirits had been lifted by Anko's laughter. As he walked towards where his small house, he let the happy memory of her smiling face push down the emotions and memories that threatened to engulf him in pain once more. It was...a nice memory to remember.

Hinata paused outside of Naruto's door, her hand outstretched towards the door. Her cheeks stained red. "It's nothing to be blushing about." The blue-haired girl attempted to tell herself sternly, "You are just going to be sleeping next to Naruto-Kun in..his...i-in...his...bed." Her cheeks burned brighter and she felt ever-so-slightly faint.

Suddenly the door opened. "Hinata-Chan," Naruto began, before his brain froze for the briefest moment at the sight of Hinata. She was wearing a light-blue nightgown that reached just past her knees. It brought out the dark blue of her hair and high-lighted her white eyes. The silken texture accented her curves. Abruptly aware that he had been staring, Naruto backed away from the doorway, letting the Hyuga kunoichi enter. The last Uzumaki glanced away, utilizing every ounce of self control to avoid blushing. "R-Right this way." He swept his arm towards his bed. "Make yourself at home." Hinata flushed an almost luminescent blush.

"R-Right." She nodded, unsuccessfully attempting to squash her blush. "P-Perhaps you should get in your b-bed first?"

Naruto grinned at Hinata, glad that she was here and wanting to help him with his nightmares. After all, they didn't need to do this. They were all so amazing. Those warm thoughts stayed with him as he trotted over to his bed and flopped onto it, rolling to give Hinata plenty of room. Hesitantly, Hinata approached the bed. Placing her hand on the mattress, she lifted herself gracefully onto the mattress and laid flat. Strained, almost awkward silence fell on the pair.

After several endless minutes, Naruto spoke, his voice loud in the silent room. "Hinata-Chan, if you want, you can lay your head on my shoulder. I know you like to sleep like that when we slept in the tent."

Hinata gave a squeak of pure embarrassment. Still, she inched towards Naruto, eventually reaching his side. Laying her head on his shoulder, she couldn't help but feel herself relax. "This was perfect." she thought as her eyelids grew heavy. Unconsciously shifting deeper into the blonde's side, she slowly dropped off to sleep.

Naruto breathed slowly out of his mouth as he stared up at the darkened ceiling. He had made the mistake of breathing in with his nose earlier and had instantly inhaled Hinata's scent. It was a mix of a light wood, chocolate, and cinnamon bun with a hint of something exotic that he couldn't identify. Controlling his body's reactions was much easier without breathing in such a unique yet purely Hinata-Chan scent. Still her light slumbering breaths were rhythmic and soothing. His eyelids grew heavy, and for the first time in a very long time, Naruto didn't fight the sleep's siren call.

It was the quiet that haunted Sasuke the most. The utter stillness of the Uchiha clan was louder than any scream; any cry. Making his way down the center road, the Last Uchiha walked slowly towards the Clan Head building, towards his room. Shadows and images danced at the edges of his vision, flitting out of sight, only to flicker back in. He stoically ignored them, ignoring the conjured images his mind produced. He would not give in. He was an Uchiha.

Arriving at the home, the black haired youth slid the door open, shutting it behind him as he moved forward. Dinner was cooked without emotion, the food bland and cold. It mattered not. Nothing could compare to Mother's cooking. But she was dead. Killed by Itachi. Swallowing the last bite of the now disgusting food, Sasuke washed the meal down with stale water as he once again reaffirmed his only goal; his only ambition: To kill Itachi.

Tossing the empty bowl and cup into the water-filled sink, Sasuke headed to his room. As he passed through what had been once the living room, he once again cast a glance at the plants his mother once tended. The sight of the now dried-up plants sent a dagger of guilt through his body. The Last Uchiha shook his head violently as he ruthlessly suppressed the emotion. Mother was dead, killed by Itachi. The only way to make it right was to kill Itachi. Sliding the door to his room open with a careless flick of his wrist, Sasuke shrugged out of his training outfit and into his sleeping clothes. As he lay down, the whispers began.

"What are you doing?" The cold whispers of the dead hissed, "Laying down and sleeping when you could be training to avenge us!"

"Weak." Another whisper snapped. "You are weak beyond measure. You shame the Uchiha name."

"You let us die!" Still another accused. "You didn't train enough to stop your brother! You allowed us to die!" On and on the whispers went, tearing into the Last Uchiha's soul and mind.

Finally, Sasuke could take it no more; could not take the whispers of those long since dead and gone. "Shut up!" Pressing his hands against his head harshly, he fought against the whispers, shoving them back into the dark corner of his mind. He would not give in. "SHUT UP!"

The whispers slowly faded. Easing his hands away from his now sore temples, Sasuke flopped exhausted against his sleeping mat. But with the whispers gone, the terrible empty feeling of being completely and utterly alone crept in. Against it's power, Sasuke could do nothing but curl up and shut his eyes, attempting to sleep. As was his only defense against the soul-crushing feeling of being so awfully alone, he focused once again on his hate. It was the only thing that gave him relief. He slowly slipped off to a fitful sleep, and into his nightmares once again.

The Sarutobi compound was dark and silent, Hiruzen's death had made the compound's servants leave for their own homes. But the compound did not stay empty. A shadow slid across the door for the briefest moment before disappearing.

Jiraiya moved silently across the floor of the Sarutobi compound, moving towards the safe Hiruzen kept hidden in the living room. Pausing for only the briefest of moments to disable the seal on the door, the spy master ghosted into the living room. Scanning the room, Jiraiya located the fourth board down from the door. Moving over to the board in question, the spy master tapped his fingers lightly along the length of the board, feeling for the hidden release.

It was only the smallest of indents, and had he not known what he was looking for, the spy master would have never even noticed. But Hiruzen had whispered its location and the combination for the safe along with the request to open it in his final moments, and Jiraiya could not deny his former teacher's dying wish. The white-haired ninja pressed down on the indent and felt it click into place. Slowly allowing the board to rise, Jiraiya leaned forward to gaze at the safe hidden inside. Judging from the dust, it hadn't been opened in some time. The spy master tugged leather gloves from his pocket and slipped them on with practiced ease. Quickly rotating the dial on the safe through the combination, he was rewarded with a soft click.

Easing the safe door open, Jiraiya blinked at the lone item in the safe. Reaching in to pick it up with the hand that wasn't holding the safe door open, he picked up the think sealed large envelope. Letting the safe door close quietly, the seal master quickly scanned for hidden seals. Finding none, Jiraiya broke the seal of the envelope, and peered inside. There was a folded piece of paper and a official looking embossed certificate of some kind. Carefully easing the certificate out into the ambient light, Jiraiya couldn't help but chuckle at the sight as he realized what the certificate was for. "Heh. You never cease to amaze me Hiruzen-Sensei."

Brushing his hand against the gold embossed letters, Jiraiya couldn't help but sadly smile as he read the document. 'This document is a license of marriage between Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki. Witnessed by Jiraiya the Toad Sannin, Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage, and Tsunade the Slug Sannin.' Jiraiya couldn't stop the lone tear from sliding down his face as he whispered the final line on the certificate. "There has never been a greater love then this."

Bowing his head, Jiraiya took several deep breathes as he slowly remembered how happy Minato and Kushina had been on that day. The only time he had seen them happier was when they learned that Kushina was pregnant. Wiping the few tears from his aged cheeks, the spy master carefully replaced the certificate in the envelope. His hands moved through a familiar series of hand signs and he watched with satisfaction as the disturbed dust resettled on the safe, once again looking like it hadn't been touched in years. Pushing the board back down into its locked position, Jiraiya ghosted out of the room and was but a shadow as he exited the compound. He had to get to bed, for it was Hiruzen's funeral tomorrow morning, and he had much to do before then.

It wasn't quite light outside when Naruto awoke, feeling more rested then he had in a very, very long time. There was no pulse of adrenaline; no wondering if the memories were reality; no phantom pains. Just a calm relaxation and peace that cooled even his normally training focused mind. The blonde was perfectly content to wait until Hinata-Chan awoke. Abruptly, Naruto was instantly aware of Hinata's soft form sleeping next to him, her head on his shoulder. Turn his head to the left, he was struck by how cute and peaceful she looked, her purple hair brushing against his arm as she shifted in her sleep, a cute snore wafting out of her slightly open mouth.

Glancing at her lips, Naruto was aware that his thoughts began take on a more mature tone. Shaking his head, the blonde focused on ceiling once again, counting the tiles with all of his mental might. "One tile. Two tile. Three tile. Four tile..."

Hinata yawned as she awoke, feeling quite rested. There was a reason for her restfulness, but it danced just out of reach. Shrugging, she unhooked her arms from her surprisingly comfortable pillow and sat up, another cute yawn escaping from her as her hand came up daintily to cover her mouth. Movement beside her brought all of her muted thoughts to a screeching halt. Slowly turning her head to the side, Hinata blinked as she beheld Naruto's resting body beside her. Glancing down at herself she was half-relieved and half-disappointed that she and Naruto still were in their night clothes. Shaking her head to rid it of most unladylike thoughts, she softly greeted her very not-so-secret crush.

"Good morning Naruto-kun." She couldn't help the fond smile that crossed her face as she watched him sit up, his arms coming up to rest on his knees. "Did you sleep well?"

Naruto shot a warm, true smile at Hinata. "Yeah." He nodded, noting the color that seeped into the Hyuga's cheeks. It must be due to his body heat in close proximity to her. "One of the best nights I've ever had."

Hinata let out a faint squeaking noise. "T-That's good N-Naruto-Kun. But please excuse me, I have to take a shower." The Hyuga practically fled the room, her cheeks flaming higher at her thoughts that took Naruto's words in a completely different context. Naruto blinked, utterly baffled. What was that?

Pausing for a moment, the blonde shrugged. If he had done something to make the girls angry, he trusted them to tell him. Hopping out of bed, Naruto trotted towards the kitchen, smelling something that smelled like eggs, meat - chicken perhaps? - and cinnamon buns. Naruto grinned. He really was the luckiest person alive!

The morning turned out dark and cloudy as the damp drizzling rain thoroughly matched mood of the grieving village. Almost all of the village attended the morning funeral, each dressed in their finest blacks. Hiruzen Sarutobi, regardless of how you viewed him, had saved the village from utter destruction several times. He had lead the Leaf through the now legendary Second Shinobi World War. His wisdom caused the village to flourish in the years the lands spent rebuilding from the vicious and deadly war.

He had carefully chosen a worthy successor who had brought the village even more peace and prosperity. And then, on that night over thirteen years ago, when an impossibly powerful chakra demon had raged, Hiruzen had been there, defending the village from the beast's wrath. When the dust had settled, and Minato's sacrifice had been revealed, The Third Hokage took up his mantle once again. He had tirelessly assisted in the village's reconstruction. It had even been suggested, half seriously, that the powerful ninja once known as the Kami no Shinobi hadn't slept during those first few months. Hiruzen had then led the village for over thirteen years, keeping it safe from those would do it harm. And when Orochimaru had lead an attack on the village, Hiruzen had confronted the Snake Sannin himself. Despite the fact that Hiruzen had ultimately lost his life, many in the village believed, perhaps incorrectly, that Hiruzen had been the cause for Sound's retreat.

It was, after all, much easier to forget the faults and misdeeds of another when they died defending you.

Naruto watched the funeral goers with a strange feeling of numbness. He did not hate Hiruzen, but he intellectually knew that Hiruzen had - indirectly if nothing else - enabled many of the terrible memories that plagued his nightmares. He, unlike those closest to him, still could not bring himself to hate Hiruzen for what Hiruzen had allowed to happen. Yet...Naruto still remembered a time when Hiruzen visited him, seemingly being the only one who cared. It was those two polarizing emotion that hovered within, combining into the numb feeling. Watching Konohamaru not attempting to stifle the tears as the young boy stared at the casket, Naruto sighed. He didn't have any frame of reference to understand Konohamaru's grief. Looking at the young Sarutobi's lost face let again, Naruto vowed to try to help the boy later, remembering feeling lost himself just a few short years ago. Spotting Asuma approaching the coffin of his father, Naruto couldn't help but feel the slightest ghost of empathy. He could only imagine what it was like to lose a father you had loved, but could not agree with.

The depressing and miserable weather perfectly fit Asuma's mood as he approached his father's casket. The living heir to the Sarutobi clan's normally spiky black hair had long since succumbed to the rain. He felt a cold drop of rain water slide down his cheek as he stopped next to his father's resting body. A distant part of him noted that a special seal, whatever it was, prevented any water from entering the coffin or touching the body. "I suppose this is it, Dad." Asuma began quietly, the term of endearment he had used felt strange to say, given how many years had gone by since he had referred to Hiruzen by anything other than his title. "You are gone now. And I'm still here." A lump began to form, almost preventing the ashamed words from coming from his throat.

"I remember those words I shouted at you, all those years ago." The lump increased. "Those words felt so right when I yelled them. How you were pushing away everyone away. How you seemed to forget Mom entirely. How you were acting so much like a perfect ninja, and not like the Dad I knew at all. And if you wanted it to be that way, then that's how I would treat you." Asuma swallowed, the lump in his throat making the action almost painful. "I felt so justified at the time." He shook his head, his heart becoming heavy. "But now, standing here, all of those things ring hollow. I treated you like you were someone other than my father." A hot droplet of water that wasn't rain slid down his cheek.

"But you never blamed me, did you?" It was a watery chuckle that had no joy in it. "You sat there and took it, took all of my misplaced blame without a word." The chuckle died as quickly as it came. "You didn't stop me when I accepted the offer to become one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja." Asuma's vision clouded slightly. "Do you know that a small part of me hoped that when you showed up at the village gate as I was leaving the village, it was to forbid me from leaving?" Another warm drop slid down his face. "But all you did was wish me well and tell me you were proud of me." The lump in his throat swelled just a little bit more. "How I wish that I could take those words I said back on that day." He swallowed once again. "But I can't." The faintest of pleas entered his tone. "What should I do Dad? And why did you fight Orochimaru, knowing you would lose?"

He was silent for a few moments. He had all the time in the world to talk to his father. It was why he waited until last, until the service had finished and those who wanted to speak to Hiruzen one last time had finished. After a few moments, Asuma spoke again, his words coming slowly as he began to finally understand what had made his father make the choice to fight Orochimaru.

"It was to protect the village wasn't it?" It wasn't really a question. "You protected the innocent and the guilty. Those who were newly born and those who had hurt Naruto so cruelly." He choked out a wet half-sob half-laugh. "You always told me to find those I cared about and protect them with all that you had." Tears misted his gaze. "I miss you so much Dad."

Taking several deep breaths, Asuma slowly mastered himself. It wouldn't do for the Head of the Sarutobi Clan to break down in front of everyone. "Dad, while I don't have a big enough heart to care for the entire village, I will protect those I care about with everything I have."

The Head of the Sarutobi clan tilted his head upwards to directly face the rain. While he couldn't break down, he was sure that no one would notice if not all the water dripping from his face wasn't just the rain.

"Neji-Kun, may I have a word?" Hinata's voice was quiet, much like if she was discussing the weather or some other completely trivial topic. Neji nodded slightly, his eyes still locked on the training dummy several feet in front of him. He had been training ever since the clan had gotten back from the funeral. If The Third had been able to die, Neji knew he needed to keep training, to be able to choose his own fate. "Shortly after lunch, could you come to my house? I have something I wish to tell you." Neji fought to keep the hope from showing on his face. He had to, now more than ever, let none of the clan expect his quiet rebellion. The former believer of Fate nodded slightly in Hinata's direction.

Hinata moved away from the training area, satisfied that her plan was coming together. She had several more things to take care of in the clan, and she needed to finish all of them before lunch. After all, she had attended Hiruzen's funeral this morning, for appearances sake, if nothing else. Her calm mask didn't betray her thoughts on what she really thought of the recently deceased Third Hokage. Perhaps it was terrible to think ill of the dead, but what had happened to Naruto under his watch was unforgiveable. What Hiruzen had allowed to happen could never be forgotten. She was there for the service, but she did not feel sadness nor pity. That man deserved neither. Naruto was far too forgiving; far too kind. It was one of his best traits, but there was those who shouldn't be forgiven, their crimes too great.

But that was alright. She would not forget actions against those precious to her; would not forgive those who harmed those she cared about. While she didn't want those around her to be hurt, there was a line that should not be cross. Those who harmed those dearest to her would learn that all too well.

She would be there for her Naruto-Kun, even if she only could remain his dearest friend. Above all else, she wanted him to be happy.

Sakura was quiet as she headed towards her parent's home. Now that the fighting had ended and things were turning, relatively speaking, back to normal, the pinkette wanted to speak to her mother about all of the feelings and emotions being close to Naruto. She was quite aware of what those feelings were, but how to deal with them was another matter entirely. She grunted. Not only that, but above all, she wanted Naruto to be happy. Making him feel awkward around her was the last thing she wanted. The pink haired girl had realized long ago that compared to Haku or Hinata, she was sorely lacking things to give and help Naruto with.

She could grow strong enough to stand beside him, but could not Hinata or even Haku do that? Hinata had much to offer. The grace and beauty of a lady and the potential backing of her clan. A cunning mind and precise control. Political training that she could impart to Naruto.

And Haku was only slightly behind. Haku was beautiful, to the point of almost being ethereal. She held, above all else, Naruto's happiness and wellbeing. She was a talented kunoichi even if she had never put on a headband. She had a bloodline that seemed to not have any limit to its potential. She was able to cook, clean, and listen to Naruto with equal ease.

And what did Sakura Haruno have in comparison to that? She readily admitted that while she considered herself to be pretty, it was nothing compared to Haku or even Hinata's more curvaceous form. She didn't have a bloodline. She didn't have a clan that was powerful. In the end, all Sakura had was her intelligence, her skills, and her drive to help her best friend. But...wasn't that enough?

Naruto didn't want someone for their power or their political pull. He didn't want someone who was perfect on the outside but rotten on the inside. No, what he really wanted, even though his stunted emotional state didn't let him realize it, was someone to love him. To care for him just how he was. To tell him it was alright to not be strong all the time, that he could let himself be loved. That they would protect him and his heart, just as he protected theirs.

And that was what mattered to Sakura in the end. To be able to be with Naruto, to support and care for him, even if he never looked at her in that way. However, just because she would be satisfied being his best friend, didn't mean that she didn't want more. To be held as something more than just a friend by her blonde friend. Sakura grunted to herself. But it was growing harder each day to keep her more-then-just-friends feelings inside. And, if she was honest with herself, she had all but taken advantage of Naruto when she had snuck into his bed.

She still felt slightly guilty over that. Even though Anko had encouraged her, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling. It was one of the reasons she had come up with the plan that she did. Everyone won with her plan. Naruto, first and foremost, was getting a nightmare-free sleep now. Secondly, the other two girls could now experience the warm comfort that sleeping next to Naruto brought. They were her closest friends after all. But still, Sakura couldn't deny that some small dark part of her wanted nothing more than Naruto all to herself. Sakura resisted the urge to sigh. Why was this feeling that was stronger than a mere crush making everything so complicated?

Mebuki Haruno let out a tired sigh as she leaned back in onto the couch. The previous two days had been hellish for the nurse. Given the sheer amount of injured, she had worked two double shifts, rested for four hours in a spare room, and then worked two more double shifts. She had then slept for six hours and then just finished working her last double shift. Bone-deep weariness seeped into her as she rested her head on the headrest of the couch. She had almost given into the urge to sleep when a knock at the front door startled her.

It took the blonde haired nurse more than a few seconds for her tired mind to realize that the knock meant that someone wanted to speak to her. It took a few more seconds for her to realize that meant she had to get up. Pushing the tiredness to the side as much as possible, Mebuki heaved herself off of the comfortable couch and slowly stood, stifling a yawn that was loud enough to almost echo in the room. Making her way to the door, she slowly opened it, unable to stop another yawn from escaping.

Sakura blinked as the door opened. Her mother stood there, looking more tired than the pink-haired kunoichi had ever seen her. Sakura felt a sharp spike of guilt as she realize that her mother had most likely been up all night at the hospital, caring for those who were injured in the fighting. "How could I think of only myself at a time like this?"

"Hello Sakura-Chan." Mebuki greeted her daughter with a happy, yet tired smile. "Please come in." Opening the door further, she gestured for her daughter to enter. After Sakura moved into the foyer, Mebuki shut the door firmly and led her daughter into the living room. After both settled into comfortable chairs - Mebuki purposefully didn't sit on the couch. Couldn't fall asleep while talking to Sakura after all - the blonde haired woman prompted her daughter for what was on her mind. "How can I help you Sakura-Chan?"

Sakura shook her head. "It's not that important. You're tired."

Now it was Mebuki's turn to shake her head. "That doesn't matter. I said I would be here when you needed me, and so I will help you." Seeing Sakura's disbelieving look, she fixed her daughter with a firm look. "I'm fine." Misinterpreting Sakura's caution, Mebuki explained why she had been alone in the house. "Your father is helping repair one of the village gates currently. We can have our girl talk."

Sakura almost snorted in amusement at her mother's choice of words. The kunoichi had lost track of how many times Naruto had spoken the exact same sentence. Hell, she was certain that Naruto could be on his deathbed and still assure everyone that 'he was fine'. Still, her mother wasn't going to let this go.

"I have slowly become aware that my feelings for Naruto-Kun are changing," Sakura began, unable to hide the flush that dusted her cheeks ever-so-lightly, "And while I think I understand what those feelings mean, I don't know what to do with them."

Mebuki nodded, fighting the urge to lean back and rest her heavy eyelids. "I understand your caution. You don't want to scare off Naruto-Kun." A fond smile creased her mouth. "I was the same way with your father before we started dating. I was so worried that he would react poorly if I just blurted out that I liked him."

"What did you do?" Sakura couldn't ever imagine her parents not being together, given the obvious love they shared.

A tired giggle spilled from Mebuki's lips. "Oh, I just started sitting very close to him and slowly got him used to my presence. From there, I took baby steps in getting closer and closer." Near the end of her explanation, her words slurred slightly as a wave of fatigue rippled through her mind. Shaking her head, she continued. "The key is to carefully watch their body language. When they are more than slightly uncomfortable, you have gotten too close." She yawned heavily. "So you just have to back up a bit."

Sakura nodded. Watching her tired mother, the kunoichi couldn't help but want to help her mother like all those times Mebuki had helped her. Sakura leaned back, pretending to consider her mother's words. Sakura started humming softly as she leaned back, carefully keeping the tone soft and comforting. A few minutes later her mother's head started to drop slightly. The humming increased slightly in volume.

Mebuki leaned back in the chair, the soothing sound coming from her daughter increasing the weight of her eyelids ten-fold. Some distant part of her noted that it was the same tone she had hummed to Sakura all those years ago when her daughter had been small, but the rest of her was putting of a valiant effort to avoid closing her eyes. Another few minutes passed, the calm and soothing hum lulling Mebuki into a content state. "I'll just rest my eyes for a moment..."

Watching her mother fall asleep, Sakura maintained her slow hum as she carefully gathered the sleeping nurse in her arms. The kunoichi was once again thankful for the strength training she had gone through as she was able to easily lift her now soundly sleeping mother. Making her way up the stairs towards her parents' room, Sakura carefully eased the slightly open door with dexterity born of countless training sessions. Shifting Mebuki to one shoulder, Sakura pulled the covers back and deposited her mother carefully on the bed, pulling the covers up. It was a testament to how tired the blonde nurse was that she had not awoken during the entire move.

Sakura pressed her lips to her mother's forehead. "Sleep well mother. You deserve it." Employing the stealth she had been trained for, the pink-haired kunoichi ghosted out of her former house, heading back towards her home.

Haku hummed to herself as she set the last dried dish back in the cabinet. Today had been interesting. Hiruzen's funeral had been this morning, and while she didn't mind that he had died, she had stood beside Naruto during the service as his main, and only servant. Her presence had been required for four reasons. First, she lent support to Naruto should he need it. Second, she gave legitimacy to Naruto's claim of Uzumaki headship later, when they would remember what he did on this day. Thirdly, she would be able to protect him and he would protect her, if those in the village decided to try to take their pain out on him. And lastly, she had been watching for any females who would try to seduce him. But the last reason was more of a personal standing order than anything else.

Naruto-Sama needed someone who could stand beside him and give their all, just as he would give his all. So far the only ones in the village who could even come close to such a claim was Sakura-Chan and Hinata-Chan. The ice-user shook her head, clearing it of such thoughts for the moment. She had training to do before lunch needed to be started.

Naruto swiftly moved towards his destination, the Hokage Mountain. On the mountain front was carved each face of the Hokages of the village. And sitting on top of the Third's stern rock face, was a small figure sitting on the edge, his feet dangling over. The blue scarf identified the small figure as Konohamaru Sarutobi. Despite not having any real reference to know how the young Sarutobi was feeling, Naruto guessed that that Konohamaru needed someone to talk to. The Last Uzumaki remembered all of the times he wished someone would have talked to him. But Naruto had found those who cared for him; he had found his purpose. And now he would help a young distraught boy find his own purpose.

Konohamaru sniffled again to himself as he sat on the rock face that was modeled after his now late grandfather. The young Sarutobi's faith had been shaken. To him, Hiruzen had been an unstoppable force, unyielding and uncompromising. His youthful mind had believed that no one could stand up to the Famed Third Hokage. But those beliefs had died with his grandfather on that bloodstained rooftop. Now he couldn't shake the thought: What good was it to become a ninja if you died in the end, leaving those who cared about you behind to grieve?

Slight scuffling beside him broke Konohamaru out of his depression. Startled, he glanced over as Naruto lowered himself down next to the young Sarutobi. Not getting any visual feedback from Naruto, Konohamaru opened his mouth to question his potential role model - or at least Naruto had been before Konohamaru's faith had been shattered - when Naruto spoke, his voice soft. "You know, if they really understood you, your clan would have found you by now." Jerking in surprise, Konohamaru looked at the blonde in shock as Naruto continued. "But many of them see you only as the Honored Grandson, don't they?"

Konohamaru nodded, still amazed that Naruto understood him so much.

"And what does that make you feel like now, when they call you that?"

Konohamaru's eyes teared up at the memory of what he had felt when someone had called him 'Honored Grandson' after his Grandfather had died. "I-I...f-felt..." Konohamaru glanced at the rock he was sitting on, droplets of water hitting the still damp stone, "...like less than a person. Someone who is seen only for their connection to someone who is dead." Naruto sat quietly, waiting for Konohamaru to continue.

"How did you do it?!" Konohamaru burst out suddenly, spinning to face Naruto directly. "How did you become strong? How did you..." He couldn't hold back the tears that streamed down his face, unable to continue.

"How did I survive when your grandfather did not?" Naruto's question was soft and understanding.

Miserably, Konohamaru nodded as his tears continued to flow. Naruto turned to face the direction his home was at; the place that he felt loved and cared for. "I became strong to protect those I cared about." While Naruto's voice was quiet, it carried such unshakeable resolve that Konohamaru couldn't help but listen. "Once I was weak because I had nothing to protect. I struggled against the tide simply because I didn't know how to do anything but defy the hand fate tried to deal me. But...then, I met her. Sakura-Chan. She gave me a reason to fight; to become strong."

The Last Uzumaki glanced at the attentively listening Sarutobi. "And do you know what she asked in return?" Konohamaru shook his head. Naruto smiled slightly, still awed to this day. "All she wanted was me to be her friend. To be there for her always." He flexed his fist, feeling the muscles stretch and relax beneath his skin. "And so I began training to become strong enough to protect her, to protect them."

"What are you protecting them from?" Konohamaru couldn't help but ask, feeling that he stood on the edge of one of the most important moments of his life. "What did you need to become so strong for?"

"To stop the entire world if necessary from harming them."

Konohamaru's mouth dropped open. "T-The entire world?" He blinked rapidly. "W-Why would everyone attack them?"

Naruto shrugged. "I didn't have the best experiences growing up. Because of that, I fully expect most of everyone to hate me. And because they hate me, they hate my precious people." A empty chuckle issued from his mouth. "And people are capable of all kinds of things when they hate."

It was quiet as Konohamaru absorbed Naruto's words. Several times he opened his mouth, only to close it yet again. "W-Who do I protect?" The voice was small and uncertain.

"That's not for me to decide." Naruto said simply. "That's for you to figure out. But you should focus on getting strong so when you find them, you can protect them."

"B-But Grandfather protected the village and he died." Konohamaru protested.

Naruto nodded in acknowledgement of the young Sarutobi's point. "Yes he did. But the village survived. That which he protected lived on." An unreadable expression flashed across his face. "And while I would trade my life for any of my precious people in an instant, dying would make them sad. And I promised to avoid making Sakura-Chan or Hinata-Chan cry again in sadness." There was something in Naruto's voice that caught Konohamaru's attention, holding it fast. "So I will become strong enough to protect them from any threat and survive. They deserve nothing less."

A small warm smile broke out on Naruto's face, like the sun peeking out from behind a cloud. "And they would do the same for me." There was something that Konohamaru glimpsed in that moment, something that was indefinable, yet inspiring beyond measure.

Something close to awe mixed with the slightest bit of envy flashed across Konohamaru's heart, but the young Sarutobi felt something stirring within him at Naruto's words. Perhaps he should not focus on why his grandfather had died, but instead focus on how to become strong so those who cared about him did not feel the same as he felt right now...

Shifting into a standing position, Naruto shoved his hands into his pockets and turned to leave. "What was my grandfather really like?" Konohamaru's question stopped Naruto short. Despite his young age, Konohamaru knew that there was many things he didn't know about his grandfather; things he never really wanted to know. But...he would not hide from the truth any more. He needed to face his fears.

Naruto was quiet for a long moment. "You should focus on the memories you treasure the most about your grandfather." He said finally. It would do no good to tell Konohamaru about Hiruzen's failures. The past was in the past, and focusing on it only caused pain. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here." With that final offer, the Last Uzumaki headed off, intending to get in a few hours of training before lunch.

Behind him, Konohamaru glanced down at his grandfather's stone head with a different set of emotions. He was sad, yes, but he now had something to focus on. "Don't worry Grandfather," Konohamaru's voice was steady, even if it was quiet, "I will grow strong enough to protect those I care about like you did. Only I won't leave others behind to feel the pain of loss." Tomorrow, the young Sarutobi decided, he would start training to protect because he wanted to, not just because it was expected of him as the 'Honored Grandson'.

Ichirou Yamanaka glared at the blonde-haired demon as it walked carefree down the street. "How dare it walk without a care when one of its kind nearly destroyed the village?" The twenty-one year old had been too young to fight when the Kyubi had almost destroyed the village. His father had died to the Nine-tails power. Not only that, but the so called 'Naruto Uzumaki' had the sheer audacity to attend the funeral of Hiruzen, the wise and powerful leader that Naruto clearly helped kill. But Ichirou would have his revenge. He had trained for years in the secret mind techniques of his clan. He would invade the mind of the Kyubi and control it's body. Then he would take it's body somewhere remote and then slit its throat with Naruto's own hand. His plan was fool-proof. Settling himself on the rooftop that overlooked Naruto's route, the Yamanaka adjusted the pillow behind him for when his consciousness, and soul if the old clan scrolls were to be believed, possessed the demon's body. Firmly, but quickly, Ichirou formed the hand seals for the jutsu he had trained his entire life for.

"Shintenshin no Jutsu!"

Drip

It was much darker when Ichirou opened his eyes, having learned that closing his eyes just before his jutsu took control of the target lessened the initial mental strain slightly. But he was not standing on the street of Konoha. This was not supposed to happen. Instead of seeing through the cursed demon's eyes, he had awakened to find himself laying on his back in several inches of pure, clean water. Sitting up, Ichirou wondered how he had messed up the Mind Transfer Technique up this badly.

Standing, Ichirou looked around at his surroundings. It liked a sewer at first glance, but a sewer was never this clean and well lit. The walls and floors showed signs of once having been cracked, but had been repaired by what seemed to be master repairmen. It was then, that Ichirou realized there was no breeze. Then a more terrible thought occurred to him. If there was no breeze, then what was making the noise that he had thought was the wind? It sounded almost like...the steady breathes of a creature, but on a massive scale. Ichirou's blood turned to ice as the most terrible idea blossomed in his mind.

As if it was reading his mind, a great and malice-filled chuckle echoed in the chamber. Ichirou began to tremble. The terrifying sound had come from behind him!

Turning slowly around, the Yamanaka felt his heart stutter from sheet terror at the sight of a giant red furred paw resting just a scant few feet behind him. Terror shook his body as he inched his head upwards, slowly following the furred limb's path. Eventually he reached the apex of the ceiling, and there was something more horrifying then his worst nightmare. Two giant red eyes glared back down at him from on high. Then...it blinked.

Ichirou hurled himself backwards with a unrestrained scream. Water splashed and echoed as he stumbled and fell backwards, still staring at those terrible eyes. Scrambling backwards, unable to look away, the Yamanaka let out another shout as his back slammed into something that felt like a massive pole. Tearing his eyes away, he turned to look at what he had slammed into. It was a massive bar for an impossibly huge cage. Hope bloomed in his heart. All he had to do was escape through the bars!

The hope was completely and utterly crushed as an invisible wall prevented the now frantic Yamanaka from escaping. The water around the cage rippled as a distant thud of an truly massive foot stepped forward towards the frozen Ichirou. With every foot step the ground shook and Ichirou's trembling increased.

Thud

Then a booming voice spoke, filled with malice-filled humor. "What's the matter little ninja? Going somewhere so soon?" A terrible chuckle vibrated the air. Ichirou couldn't bring himself to turn around. "After all, weren't you going to hurt Naruto just a few moments ago? Where did all that...hate-filled fire go?"

A sudden blow had the Yamanaka smacking off of the cage bar in front of him. He slammed into the ground, water flying in all directions as he slammed onto his back. Blinking in shock, he could only stare up at the Kyubi far above him. "K-Kyubi!" Complete and utter terror nearly fractured Ichirou's mind. "Y-yo-you w-were s-s-sealed!"

The terrible grin on the Kyubi's grin increased more. "Of course I was. Where do you think you are?" It let out another rumbling laugh at the horrified expression the foolish Yamanaka now sported when he realized where he was. Then the Biju's humor abruptly died as it remembered what the ninja had tried to do to it's container; what the ninja had tried to do to Naruto.

"You tried to hurt Naruto. MY container." The massive chakra demon's glare would have instantly incinerated Ichirou if it had the power to burn with a look. "But thanks to the seal, you failed. You will never harm Naruto. Not now, and never again. You will die here." A unspeakably monstrous grin spread along the Kyubi's maw. "But...before you die, you will know pain."

Naruto paused as he felt the seal on his stomach flare with slight heat for the briefest of seconds before fading. After a moment's inspection, Naruto shrugged. He didn't mind if the Kyubi flared it's chakra now and then. He trusted his friend.

So what did you think? Drop a review and let me know.

We will be starting the Search for Tsunade next chapter, but I honestly don't think it will take as long as it did in canon.

To my reviewer's direct questions:

Power Taco: The merc was the same one who fought Kurenai all those chapters ago.

Kurama Otsutsuki: Please check your PM inbox, given that I don't want to spoil anything here.

Illuminated: Heh. The smell thing was my bad. In real life I can't smell, so I kinda forgot that normal post-combat smells would have been in there too. Rest assured, now that I remembered about smells, things should be a bit more realistic moving forward.