Chapter 14 Balancing Act
I don't own Naruto. Anything I use from the story is the property of its creator Masashi Kishimoto. Same with anything I use from other stories
(Hokage's office)
The impromptu team of Haku Fu Kakashi Kiba and Naruto stood in the Hokage's office after a successful mission, "I take it this is Ms Fu." The Hokage smiled as he looked at the mint haired girl.
"Yes sir! My name is Fu and I look forward to living in your village." Fu said happily.
The Third appreciated her enthusiasm, "Well Ms Fu I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that thanks to Ms Haku, arrangements for you to live in the village have already been taken care of. The bad news is that I must tell you that you must be watched for a short period of time to see if you are trustworthy since Ms Haku herself is fairly new." The Hokage explained.
Fu didn't seem too taken aback but instead smiled, "Can Naruto be my observer" Fu said lustfully. She wanted to spend as much time as possible around the blonde.
"No because he has a team to return to. I'm sure you'll be able to see him on occasion, but he can't be your observer. However, your observer is in this room" The Hokage smiled.
Fu was a bit confused but the same couldn't be said for Naruto, 'No way' Naruto thought to himself before turning towards a smiling Anko.
"Looks like you're stuck with me for a while kid." Anko smiled as she looked at her newest charge
"That's okay. You seem like a cool person." Fu said happily
"She is… a bit odd, but definitely cool." Naruto smirked as Anko stuck her tongue at him.
"You're not exactly normal yourself Naruto." Haku teased causing Naruto to blush.
"Anyway." The Hokage huffed as he returned focus on him. "You will be on probation with Anko as your observer for a few weeks. While that's happening, you'll be living in an apartment building right next to Ms Haku who will act as extra eyes and ears.
"I don't see a problem with that" Fu smiled.
"So is that it. Can I get out of here?" Kiba groaned in annoyance. This mission was a total buzzkill and he got nothing out of it at least as far as he can tell.
"Yes you can Mr. Inuzuka. As thanks for your role in this mission your probationary period has come to an end which means you can begin doing missions again. However, since we don't currently have a team for you, anything you do will require either a team or a chunin rank ninja to assist you." the Hokage said calmly.
Kiba growled in annoyance but understood the issue, "I'll talk to my mom" Kiba grumbled before leaving.
"Ughh he's such a pain." Fu groaned once Kiba was gone.
"He's… interesting." Haku said calmly keeping her opinion to herself.
"Well, it doesn't matter now. I'm gonna take you to your new home and me and Haku can help you get settled in." Naruto said happily.
"That sounds great but what about food." Fu frowned. She might have a nice new home but with no food it wouldn't do her any good.
"That's already taken care of. I actually had a team take care of setting up your apartment this morning." The Hokage smiled wryly.
"Which team?" Naruto wondered having a sneaking suspicion he knew the answer.
"Well actually" the Third replied before there was a knock on the door. "Come in" the Third said with a smile. The door opened to reveal Kakashi Sasuke and Sakura.
"Team 7 is back Lord Hokage, and our shopping mission was successful. Oh, hello Naruto." Kakashi smiled noticing that the wayward student was back.
"You've got some sense of humor old man." Naruto deadpanned.
"I try" the Hokage replied with a smile.
"So, this is Naruto's team." Fu smiled looking at the other two.
"Yes, but I have some things to discuss with you three and thus I'm giving Naruto to his team." The Third smiled.
"Aww" Fu pouted wanting to see Naruto.
"Don't worry Fu. I'm sure you'll get to meet them properly later." Naruto smiled before walking over to the mint haired girl and pecking her on the cheek.
"Okay" Fu smiled happily at the sign of affection.
"No kiss for me, Naruto." Haku pouted.
Naruto merely smiled before kissing Haku on the cheek also, "Now that we're done with that. I'm gonna go catch up with my team." Naruto smiled.
Kakashi smiled before looking at the Hokage, "I take it we're done for the day?"
"Yes, you are." the Third replied.
"Excellent." Kakashi smiled and the reunited Team 7 left the room.
(Scene Skip)
Team 7 walked out of the Hokage's village and took their time to catch up with the village, "So how was Waterfall Village." Kakashi wondered.
"It was beautiful, but honestly I feel bad for them." Naruto admitted.
"Why's that" Sakura wondered.
"Because they're so afraid of everybody else that they have to hide themselves." Naruto explained.
"Then you shouldn't feel bad Naruto." Kakashi revealed.
"Why's that sensei" Sakura asked in confusion.
"Because they're called Hidden Villages for a reason. With the exception of the Leaf Villages, all the other major villages and even quite a few minor villages are inaccessible without a complication or two. You may know the general location but actually getting to the village is difficult. The Leaf is actually the exception but that's because we've been the strongest of the Hidden Villages for some time."
"I see" Naruto acknowledged.
"I'm more concerned about Naruto honestly." Sasuke smiled.
"And why's that Sasuke." Naruto deadpanned
"He's added yet another girl to his harem. One that we ended up going shopping for." Sasuke smirked.
"Huh!?" Sakura said in confusion.
"That apartment complex we dropped the food at is the one Haku lives in. In fact, I'm pretty sure her house is right next door to the one we got the food for." Sasuke explained to Naruto's amusement.
"Wait a minute… we just went shopping for Naruto's new girlfriend." Sakura gasped.
"Yep" Sasuke smiled.
Sakura looked at Naruto angrily, "Hey don't look at me. Haku's the one who planned this mission and Anko went along with it. I'm an innocent bystander" Naruto said bashfully.
"Alright" Sakura frowned.
"Speaking of girlfriends" Kakashi smiled as they looked forward and found Hinata and Yakumo along with Kurenai walking towards them.
"Welcome back Naruto" Hinata said with a smile.
"I hope you don't mind Kakashi, but I think my girls want to talk to your student." Kurenai smiled.
"Go ahead" Kakashi smiled and pushed Naruto towards the girls. Sasuke and Sakura could barely hide a grin as they left him to his fate.
'Oh boy' Naruto gulped aware he was in some trouble. The mission ended up taking three days which means all the girls missed their time with him. "Where's Tenten" Naruto said nervously.
"Ido is getting her. She sensed you come back and decided to go get Tenten while we find you. So shall we get going, Na-ru-to?" Yakumo said sweetly.
"I'm surprised you're not stopping this Kurenai." Naruto said bashfully aware he was in deep trouble. The girls were clearly intent on making up for their time together and from the sound of it, right now.
"We just came back from the Tora mission. Let's just say all of us are stressed out." Kurenai smiled.
"Got it" Naruto replied as he walked towards his two lovers.
"Glad you see it our way Naruto." Hinata smiled before pecking him on the cheek.
"Let's go girls" Naruto smiled as he wrapped his arms around Hinata and Yakumo
"Welcome back kit, HAHAHAHAHA." The Kyuubi chuckled as Naruto used a shunshin to bring his girls to his house with Kurenai right behind them.
(Scene Skip)
'I could get used to this' Naruto thought to himself as he opened his eyes the next morning after getting a welcome back for the ages from his girls. Hinata and Tenten were on his right and left sides respectively snuggled into his body with Yakumo on top of him and staring him right in the ace.
"Morning sleepyhead. Need a little space" Ido said using Yakumo's body. Ido participated in the welcome back but was currently resting inside her host.
"That would be nice" Naruto smiled. Ido moved Yakumo up and helped Naruto wriggle free so he could go downstairs. He wanted to make some breakfast and figured the girls could use some also. Making his way downstairs he was surprised to see Kurenai in the kitchen in a red nightgown instead of her usual dress.
"Oh. Good morning Naruto" Kurenai said with a bit of an absentminded expression.
"That's an interesting outfit." Naruto replied noticing. He only saw it from the back, but it was still quite the sight.
"Oh. It was one of the things Ido got for me from that store owner. I keep it at Genma's, so I have something to sleep in after… you know." Kurenai blushed.
"Makes sense. Though I figured you'd go back home since Uncle Genma is on a mission." Naruto replied calmly. Genma left just after Naruto and the girls arrived but Genma told her she could stay if she wanted. Kurenai took that chance and the girls ended up spending the night and what a night it was.
"Speaking of missions. I was thinking that I'd take my team on a C rank mission of our own." Kurenai said calmly. She knew her team was getting tired of D ranks and she wanted to do what she could.
"I see" Naruto replied glad to see them progressing but a bit annoyed that they'd be away from him.
"I don't know how you do your rotation but it's likely that Hinata and Yakumo will be away for a few days." Kurenai explained.
"Honestly I'm not sure either at this point." Naruto shrugged. Between Fu and Haku establishing themselves as Leaf ninja and the fact he wasn't on the same team as any of his other lovers, things were about to get complicated as far as spending time with his girls. Finding a way to give his girls an equal amount of love would be nice but that was going to be pretty much impossible especially once Fu and Haku go on missions.
"I'm sure with Ido's power and your clones you can figure something out." Kurenai smiled.
"I'm surprised you're not more concerned about Ido now that I think about it." Naruto admitted. Ido was supposed to be a part of Yakumo but she was practically a fourth member of the team. The fact she could do without Yakumo should've been a source of great concern.
"She likes you as much as Yakumo does and since she doesn't really cause trouble, well besides with the shop owner, I'm okay with letting her do as she wishes." Kurenai smiled.
"I see" Naruto sweatdropped. In other words, because she didn't cause trouble and helped out, she let Ido do as she pleased.
"Anyway. The girls should be getting up soon so why don't you start getting everyone together."
Naruto looked at the clock and smiled, "Tenten should be showering any second now since she has to leave early."
"Right. Gai is truly something else." Kurenai sweatdropped referring to Tenten's eccentric sensei.
"Good luck on your mission and I'm sure you guys will do great." Naruto smiled happily before going back to his girls.
"Thanks, and don't have too much fun without us." Kurenai smiled.
"Got it" Naruto chuckled, and he prepared to start his day.
(Scene Skip)
Naruto arrived at Team Seven's training ground to find Sasuke and Sakura were already there and waiting for him. "Morning guys." Naruto smiled appearing with his blade on his outfit. He was ready to go this time and he was going to give it his all.
"Morning Naruto" Sakura frowned.
"Did I miss something?" Naruto wondered.
"Sakura figured the girls would tire you out so much that you wouldn't be able to come." Sasuke teased.
"They did tire me out. But I recover stamina really easily." Naruto smiled.
"Lucky you. I guess it's time to get back to missions." Sasuke replied.
Kakashi picked that time to appear from the trees and gave his team a smile, "Actually we were given a few days off from missions to work on teamwork drills."
"Sounds good to me. I hate D ranks." Naruto said happily.
"Nobody likes them Naruto." Sasuke deadpanned with Sakura nodding her agreement.
"Let's get started then. First I'd like to see Sasuke and Naruto spar." Kakashi suggested.
"Sure" Naruto replied, and he got into his stance while keeping his sword sheathed.
"Not using your blade." Sasuke wondered.
"That would make it too easy." Naruto said cockily.
"Prove it." Sasuke said confidently as he prepared f to activate his sharingan. Unfortunately for him, as his Sharingan flared to life, Naruto was nowhere to be found. Sasuke tried to figure out where he was but felt the feeling of steel against his neck.
"You're dead" Naruto replied and Sasuke was stunned.
"How in the world are you that fast?" Sasuke gasped. They'd spared a bit before and although Naruto showed significant levels of speed, this was on another level.
Naruto smiled, "Now that you have your Sharingan I can show you my real strength Sasuke. Remember that I was trained by Sensei and a few ANBU for years as a kid. I picked up levels of speed and strength that I've yet to show anybody for various reasons."
"So how strong are you truly?" Sasuke wondered trying to hold back his annoyance.
"Don't know. I haven't tested my full strength in a long time since I've been trying to help you along." Naruto admitted.
"At full strength you're mid jonin level. Most jonin could beat you because of their experience, but power wise you can at least make it interesting." Kakashi explained. He had a much better grasp of Naruto's power.
"He's been mid jonin level this whole time" Sakura gasped. If Naruto showed what he could do he would be number one by a long shot. The gap between him and Sasuke was immense.
"That was always the plan. However, Sasuke is a lot stronger than he realizes."
"How so. I can't even keep up with your speed." Sasuke cursed.
"Actually you can, Naruto just took advantage of one of the Sharingan's few weaknesses." Kakashi explained.
"Weaknesses" Sasuke wondered.
"For visual jutsu like the Sharingan you need a second or two to activate it. Using that time, Naruto got into your guard and ended the battle. The Sharingan has problems with incredibly fast people and Naruto is very fast." Kakashi smiled.
"Are you sure that I can keep up with" Sasuke wondered.
Kakashi answered by reminding his student about his Sharingan, "I've been using the Sharingan in battle for years and I spent tons of time with Itachi as we trained Naruto. As a result, I know most of its strengths and weaknesses. Believe me, it's a weapon that'll make you very dangerous down the road as long as you keep up with your training."
"I see" Sasuke smiled knowing exactly what needed to be done.
"How about we take a small break and after that we spar again." Kakashi smiled.
"Sure" Sasuke smiled, and the group relaxed for a bit to chat. After all he hadn't been with his team for a while.
(Scene Skip)
Naruto actually cracked a small smile as he relaxed in his room by himself for the first time in a while. As she hoped when they spoke a few days ago, Kurenai got a C Rank mission for her team so they were out and about. Tenten's team was headed on a big mission tomorrow so Tenten wanted to rest up. Haku had to spend her time watching over Fu which meant she couldn't see him either. "It feels weird being alone for once." Naruto chuckled wondering how he would pass the time. A knock on his door interrupted the musing.
"Hey Naruto mind if I take you away from your porn reading to have a chat." Genma teased.
"I'm not reading porn Uncle Genma." Naruto replied aware his adopted Uncle was teasing him since his girls were gone.
Genma opened the door and walked in wearing casual clothes, "Hard to believe you're actually alone for once. Been a while huh?" Genma smiled.
"Yep. I think the last time I didn't spend the night with somebody was the early part of the Wave mission." Naruto thought back.
Genma blinked for a second since that was a little over a month ago, "Impressive. I figured it would've been sooner." Genma smiled.
"Haku being with me for Waterfall extended it a bit." Naruto admitted.
"Well since you have some free time, I'm curious how you feel about everything going on in your life. You've gone through a lot more than most genin do and it's only been a little while." Genma wondered. Naruto's path had been unique. Most genin did mainly D's and or 2 C ranks. Naruto was involved with two C Rank that had turned into an A rank and survived both.
"It's been tough, but I've thrived so far in these tough missions. Considering who my parents are I shouldn't be shocked." Naruto said calmly.
"Yep. Your father is one of the most dangerous shinobi the Leaf has ever produced outside of the Sannin and your mother is probably the strongest kunoichi to ever call the Leaf home." Genma said happily.
"What about Tsunade of the Sannin." Naruto wondered recalling the third member of the Third Hokage's legendary genin team. Tsunade Senju known for her legendary strength and medical ability. She was also a cousin of his based on the fact her grandmother was an Uzumaki. Her medical genius was rivaled only by her brute strength.
"In their primes I think they were pretty even, though I imagine the fox had a fair bit to do with that." Genma smiled.
"Please inform your uncle that I had very little to do with that. Kushina never really used my power despite her temper." Kurama revealed.
"Apparently not. according to the fox." Naruto smirked.
Genma blinked before smiling, "Anyway, I heard you're still holding back in training. Any reason why?"
"My promise with Sasuke. By slowly showing what I can really do I motivate him to get stronger." Naruto admitted. If he had proved himself to be another wall, Sasuke would never grow because he'd be obsessed with training.
"Right." Genma smiled recalling the promise the two made after Itachi's betrayal. It wouldn't really help them much but oh well he'd indulge them.
"Now that he's got his Sharingan I'm going to start showing off more. Sasuke and I will need him as strong as possible for the chunin exams." Naruto smiled.
"Definitely" Genma smiled.
"Anyway, I think I'm going to go to bed. Tomorrow is a new day" Naruto smiled.
"Yes it is" Genma smiled before leaving Naruto to his work.
(Scene Skip)
Two days later, a smiling Naruto stood a few feet in front of the West Gate with Genma by his side. Kurenai's team was returning from their mission and he wanted to be the first to greet them. "You excited kid." Genma said happily having joined him to welcome back Kurenai.
"What do you think?" Naruto deadpanned.
"Well, I can't blame ya. Lucky for you training Is done so you have the rest of the day to catch up." Genma chuckled.
Naruto would've said something, but the gate opened to reveal Team 8 who looked up to see the two men and smiled.
"Welcome back girls." Naruto smiled his arms open.
"Did you miss us." Genma said before opening his arms just like Naruto.
"What do you think?" Kurenai smiled as she walked into Genma's open arms and allowed him to embrace her.
"I'd say that's a yes." Genma smiled as he enjoyed the hug. As for Hinata and Yakumo, the two girls looked at each other wondering who should greet Naruto just for Ido to decide for everyone.
"I missed you Naruto." Ido smiled before kissing him on the lips.
"I thought we talked about this Ido!" Yakumo pouted.
Ido smiled before backing away, "You were taking too long." Ido teased before vanishing again.
"Geez" Yakumo frowned before looking towards Hinata with a nod.
"I'm back Naruto" Hinata said bashfully before taking Ido's place in Naruto's arms and sharing her own kiss with Naruto before backing away.
"I'm back." Yakumo finished before getting her kiss.
Naruto pulled away from Yakumo before walking over to a calm Shino, "I hope you're not going to kiss me too Naruto." Shino said in his sarcastic voice.
"I wasn't but I did want to thank you for looking after my girls." Naruto smiled before reaching his hand out.
"Of course. They're my teammates." Shino smiled before taking his hand and shaking it.
"Alright guys. We should go report to the Hokage." Kurenai said calmly.
Naruto looked towards Genma and smiled, "Then once you're done and have checked in with your families come over to the Uzumaki compound for a nice meal. I'm sure you girls are starving." Genma smiled.
"You too Shino." Naruto said happily not wanting him to be left out.
The members of Team 8 looked at each other before seemingly agreeing, "We accept." Kurenai smiled and Naruto and Genma returned home.
(Scene Skip)
Naruto smiled as he waited in front of the East Gate since Tenten was on her way back from her mission. if things played out like usual, Lee and Gai would come first and Tenten wouldn't be too far behind. Sure enough, Gai and Lee ran through the gate before skidding to a halt, "We're back" Lee said happily.
"That's right Lee, we." Gai stopped when he noticed Naruto standing there in wait. "Hello Naruto. Tenten and Neji should be another five minutes away. When they arrive tell Tenten and Neji they're dismissed. I know she's more eager to see you then she is to listen to a report about the mission. Neji can go home as well." Gai instructed in a surprisingly polite tone.
"Are you sure" Naruto wondered.
"I know my students very well Naruto. I may focus on Lee more, but I do pay attention to them." Gai smiled.
"Let's go Gai sensei." Lee shouted.
"Of course." Gai replied and the pair left.
"How about that?" Naruto chuckled as he stood in wait. Sure enough, five minutes after Gai left, Neji and Tenten arrived spotting Naruto in seconds.
"Hey Naruto. I guess you came to greet me." Tenten said in a slightly worn-out tone in her voice.
"Yep" Naruto replied recognizing that Tenten was exhausted.
"Where is Gai sensei?" Neji wondered since surely their sensei wouldn't leave without them.
"He told me that you guys are dismissed, and he would handle the report." Naruto answered.
"Really?" Neji said skeptically.
"Yes. If you want to go to the Hokage's office to confirm, I don't mind." Naruto snickered.
"I'd rather just go over to your place and cuddle." Tenten smiled.
"Then you go do that Tenten. I'll make sure the report is taken care of." Neji said sternly.
"Go for it" Naruto smiled.
As Neji left to go check on the report, Tenten walked over to Naruto with a sway of her hips, "Well now that he's gone let's." Tenten started to say before Naruto bonked her on the head.
"You're going home to rest. I can tell your exhausted."
"But… I…" Tenten pouted.
"We can still cuddle if that makes you feel better but that's it." Naruto smiled.
"Sure" Tenten smiled. She was certainly exhausted, but she wanted some Naruto time. At least this way she could kill two birds with one stone. Well at least that was her original plan. Tenten was asleep in five minutes and Naruto could only chuckle at how exhausted she was.
(Scene Skip)
The situation with Tenten was just the latest in the recent trend of Naruto's girls being too tired for anything. Hinata didn't want to do much after her mission and Yakumo was still worn out the next day. "This sucks" Naruto groaned.
"Let me guess. The girls are so tired that you can't have your fun." Genma smiled.
"Yep. Tenten was too worn out and Hinata and Yakumo were the same way after their mission." Naruto shrugged. There was nothing he could do about it but that was their reality.
"Yep. The ninja world is a constant life or death struggle and that does get exhausting. Just wait until you have high level missions then just C Ranks."
"You realize the Zabuza mission was an A rank right and a case can be made that Fu's mission turned into an A Rank."
"Yes, but that's my point. You've gotten pretty lucky so far Naruto."
'What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto scoffed.
"Let me ask you this Naruto. How does that mission change if Haku is anything like Zabuza instead of being… well her?" Genma questioned.
"Good point" Naruto sighed. He really did get lucky with her.
"It's only going to get tougher from here on out, which means your time with your girls won't exactly be simple. You may have made it work up until now, but it'll only get worse once you're at chunin level."
"Why's that?" Naruto wondered.
"Because when you become chunin you branch out more. Once all of you are chunin you'll have stretches where you don't see a girl for long periods of time because you're on separate missions. It's easy now because Yakumo and Hinata are on a team but it won't be that simple for very long"
Naruto winced because that really was tough, "So what should I do?" Naruto wondered.
"You do what you can. Try to keep every relationship solid as you work things out. Honestly that's the only advice I can give you at this point." Genma sighed. Genma helped Naruto with many things over the years but this was something he couldn't help with.
Naruto frowned because that wasn't exactly helpful, but he understood that there was nothing that he could do about it, "Well I guess I just gotta let things work themselves out." Naruto shrugged.
"Yup" Genma replied.
"Let me know when dinner is ready Uncle Genma" Naruto said calmly as he went up to his room. There was a lot to think about.
(Scene Skip)
"Alright guys I have good news and bad news for you." Kakashi smiled the next day at training.
"Good news first." Naruto said calmly.
"Yeah" Sakura agreed with Sasuke nodding as well.
"During the meeting yesterday, the jonin sensei were asked if any of us felt our teams were ready for the chunin exams. I'm pleased to reveal that not only did I give my approval, but so did Asuma Kurenai and Gai. That means that all of the rookies will be going to the chunin exams."
"About time." Naruto said happily.
"Yeah" Sasuke preened.
"Let's do it" Sakura smiled.
"Glad you guys are on board. I have your forms waiting for you." Kakashi smiled.
"I guess that means we're upping the ante the next few weeks" Sasuke smiled.
"That's right. You guys will need to give it all you've got if you want to pass." Kakashi answered.
"All we've got?" Naruto wondered. Kakashi was aware of all Naruto had and if he was suggesting going all out that was very interesting.
"That's right. These aren't just friendly matches like you've had thus far. Considering who you're up against that makes it harder." Kakashi continued referring to the people inside the village. Outside the village was another matter entirely.
"True. Our classmates know us very well and if it comes down to fights, we'll have a tough time." Sakura said astutely
"It won't be that bad." Naruto replied.
Kakashi raised his eyebrow, "So if you had to face off against Hinata and the winner became a chunin and the loser didn't, you could do it."
"If that's what it came down to, we'd give it our all and let the chips fall where they may." Naruto smiled.
Kakashi smiled at and decided to make it really interesting, "Then let me change things. What about you and Sasuke. Same scenario as before but with you and Sasuke?" Kakashi wondered.
"Absolutely" Naruto replied to Sakura's shock.
"How could you say that? Sasuke's your friend isn't he." Sakura gasped.
"He is, but Sasuke's dream is to kill Itachi. If he can't beat me, he doesn't stand a chance against Itachi." Naruto said calmly.
"I see" Sakura replied still not quite understanding the dynamic between her two teammates.
"Plus, Naruto has been holding back all this time and I still can't win. If he uses his full power… well I'm done for." Sasuke admitted.
Kakashi was surprised by that, but he had to admit it was true. Naruto's full strength would be a challenge for pretty much any genin. Hell, he could give most chunin a fight and that was without the fox getting involved, "By the way I wasn't just talking about your classmates. I was talking about people from other villages. During the chunin exam you're up against ninja that you know nothing about and don't care whether you live or die."
Sakura looked nervous at that, "Would they really kill us." Sakura wondered.
"I can't tell you either way. What I can tell you is that holding back won't do anybody any good and you guys will need to be at the top of your game." Kakashi smiled.
"Then let's get started now." Naruto said firmly. If he was going to go all out for the exams, he needed to get used to moving at his top speeds again.
"Alright but this time you guys are going to come at me. Think the bell test but with no bells." Kakashi smiled.
The members of Team 7 stared at each other before looking at their sensei ready to prove themselves.
(Scene Skip)
Later that day, Naruto and his girls gathered in the living room in casual clothes including Ido. It was time that Naruto work out a plan for the next few weeks, "I figured that we should discuss the plan for the chunin exams now as opposed to later." Naruto admitted.
"There's really not much to discuss Naruto. The only time we need to be worried is the second exam." Ido said nonchalantly.
"True but that's not what I mean Ido. The real issue is that we'll have other people coming in from all over and our… setup isn't the type of thing that most people approve of. Especially since I'm not officially in the C.R.A." Naruto reminded them. For all intents and purposes the girls were his, but since he was only a genin his status was temporary.
"I don't' see the problem." Fu dismissed.
"The chunin exams is three weeks away and teams are going to start coming in as soon as a week. Are you honestly telling me you won't be tempted to try and go over to Naruto during that time." Ido dismissed.
"Good point." Fu sweatdropped. In her short time with Naruto, she was already addicted and that wasn't going to help.
"Well… we could move into the compound early. We all know Naruto is going to make chunin already and I'm sure our families would be okay with it. Plus, it saves us the hassle of dealing with the other stuff." Tenten suggested.
"What if Naruto doesn't become a chunin?" Hinata pointed out.
Tenten looked at Hinata flatly, "If Naruto doesn't make chunin, I'll wear a pink version of Lee's suit for a month. He was trained by some of the most talented ninja our village has to offer, and he's only gotten stronger since then." Tenten reminded him.
"Is it bad that I want to see that anyway." Naruto admitted.
"Nope because I think it would suit Tenten pretty well." Yakumo nodded.
"Let's stay focused on the original subject ladies." Haku chided.
"We don't have anything left to discuss. We'll move into the compound and worry about the rest later. Besides, if it comes down to fighting one another, just give it your all." Fu said nonchalantly.
"You make it seem so easy Fu." Hinata said with envy in her voice.
"Because it really is that simple Hinata. You and Yakumo are teammates and that means you know each other's style inside and out. Naruto probably beats all of us anyway, so it doesn't matter." Fu deadpanned.
"She's got a point. Putting Naruto aside, Tenten's style makes her a rotten matchup for Yakumo even if I help her and if Tenten fought Hinata it would be a toss-up. As for Yakumo vs Hinata, it really depends on if I help her." Ido explained.
"How do you know what my fighting style is. I've never spared in front of you." Tenten asked nervously
"Hello, I can move all over the place. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I can be pretty much anywhere I want whenever I want, and I don't need Yakumo to do it."
"So, you've watched us train?" Tenten scowled.
"Yep" Ido smiled.
"Like I said, everything's all set. We just have to hope Naruto can keep it in his pants." Fu chuckled.
"What's that supposed to mean." Naruto pouted.
"Good point Fu. He does have a habit of sleeping with kunoichi who catch his eye." Haku smirked.
"As I recall you are the one who wanted to sleep with me AND the one who set up Fu's mission." Naruto scowled.
"True, but you also didn't really complain in either case. If I wanted to, I could've killed you while you ravished my body, but that never occurred to you." Haku countered.
"Good point." Naruto deadpanned.
"Of course, if we just move in, that negates all of that. We can satisfy Naruto all he wants so he doesn't get tempted by other girls." Ido smiled.
"It's not that simple" Naruto explained.
"How so"
"Even if I had the room for all of you, which I don't. Fu is still on probation for a bit longer so I don't think she could move in with me without causing a bit of scrutiny for the old man." Naruto reminded the group.
"Good point and I can't really move in because I help with my dad's shop." Tenten frowned.
"Well, if you're worried about me straying from you guys don't be. The ninja coming in will be from other villages and I doubt I'll find any new lovers." Naruto said with a smile.
"Okay so he's definitely finding a new lover. The question is who and when." Ido deadpanned.
"That little faith in me Ido." Naruto smirked.
"I've got plenty of faith in you. The problem is you just gave us proverbial kiss of death with that statement." Ido answered back.
"Plus, I'm pretty sure he didn't plan on sleeping with me when the mission to Wave began.
"True" Naruto shrugged.
"Well, I guess we'll just have to be careful and hope for the best." Tenten sighed.
"Yup" Hinata smiled as the group continued to relax.
That's it for chapter 14 and the fun is just getting started. Next chapter things get interesting for Naruto when one of the ninjas coming into the village, has a connection to Naruto that nobody expected.