Hey guys, I'm back! First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who followed, favorited, and reviewed this story. I greatly appreciate it. Secondly, I want to apologize for taking so long to update. I had trouble doing so for several reasons:

1. I was taking summer classes so I couldn't get to this often.

2. I had a lot of trouble figuring out how I wanted to structure this chapter.

3. Since Korra Book 3 aired, I had to think about the direction I wanted to take this story.

4. This chapter ended up longer than I intended.

But without further delay, here's the next chapter!

Disclaimer: Still applies

Chapter 4: Growing Bond

One year later

Iruka Umino was a very surprised man at the moment. The ninja academy teacher always wished for his hyperactive blonde student to focus more on his lectures and study more, but this was bit more than he hoped.

Throughout the course of the year, Naruto has spent less time slacking off and started to pay attention in the academy. Though Naruto was far from being considered a genius, he still worked his hardest to improve his scores more determined to prove he wasn't a dead last.

Iruka could only stand in awe and wonder what could have motivated Naruto to push himself even through lectures

If only he would also stop with these ridiculous pranks. He thought bitterly.

True enough, Naruto was still mischievous to no end. Whenever he had free time, he would pull off various pranks such as spilling paint on various shinobi and civilians. Iruka grimaced at the amount of times that he had to catch Naruto in the act and scold him for it.

Despite all of this, he was still curious about the change that came over Naruto.

Eventually, class came to an end and Iruka dismissed his students.

"Now remember kids, read the chapter for homework and you'll be quizzed on the history of previous Hokage." Iruka lastly mentioned to the kids.

Groans were heard from several kids as they left the classroom.

"Naruto," Iruka called out.

Said blonde turned from the door to face his teacher.

"Do you mind if I talk to you for a bit?" Iruka asked.

"Look Iruka-sensei," Naruto started with his raised up in defense, "if you're wondering about the graffiti outside of the academy, don't look at me!"

Iruka felt his eyebrow twitch and sighed. Why must his student be so difficult?

"Unfortunately, I didn't know about that," he responded in an irritated tone.

Naruto, realizing his mistake, scratched the back of his head nervously and smiled.

"Never mind that," Iruka sighed again, "Why don't we talk over a bowl of ramen at Ichiraku's? Sound good to you?"

Naruto would have probably questioned Iruka treating him all the sudden, but he certainly couldn't say no to the prospect of ramen.

"Yeah!" he yelled excitedly.

At Ichiraku bar

Iruka could already feel his wallet getting lighter as he watched Naruto eat. The boy gotten through seven bowls of ramen and was now on his eighth bowl. To this day, still wondered why he even decided to treat Naruto here in the first place if he would be broke. He supposed it was worth it as they both had to grow up without parents.

This led him to wonder what could have pushed Naruto to work harder. He knew that the boy was strong-willed and stubborn, but it also takes encouragement to go such a long way.

"Naruto," Iruka started, "I thought I should talk to you about progress in the academy."

Naruto immediately almost choked on his ramen. Iruka could have sworn he saw a look on the boy's face showed fear of being judged, yet he continued.

"You seem to be making slow improvements. You've been paying more attention in class and studying more. Your grades still need work, but it's still great progress," Iruka said, smiling.

Naruto gained a look of surprise, and then broke out a wide grin.

"Well I guess I'm just awesome like that!" Naruto said, proudly, "At the rate I'm going, I'll be Hokage in no time!"

"Brat! You still have a long way to go before that!" Iruka yelled in response. Naruto just laughed with excitement.

Iruka sighed, "Anyway, I was curious as to what brought about this change."

Naruto gained a look of confusion, so Iruka explained more.

"I was just wondering what motivated you to do better."

Naruto thought about this. He promised Old Man Third that he would keep Korra's identity a secret, but he considered Iruka to be someone he could trust.

"I made a promise to someone that I would become better," Naruto started with a determined face, "I need to prove that I can be as strong as her, and I'll need to learn everything I can as a shinobi and become the best Hokage ever!"

Iruka was stunned and was about to ask more before a voice interrupted.

"Well, it looks like you have quite the challenge to meet, Naruto," the voice replied.

Naruto and Iruka turned around to see a tanned old woman with blue clothing, which Naruto recognized very quickly.

"Water-granny!" Naruto yelled in happiness as he jumped off his seat to hug her as said water-bending master laughed.

Iruka would have scolded Naruto about respecting the elderly if he wasn't so confused at the moment. Plus, he'd never seen Naruto so excited before.

"Nice to see you too, Naruto," Katara said happily, "I see hear that you've been working yourself hard."

"You bet!" Naruto replied back with glee, "So if you're here, does that mean Korra-chan's here too?"

"Yes, in fact she's over at the park. I thought I would find you to send her way," the old woman said with a smile.

At this, the blonde's eyes lit up like he was ready to open up a birthday present and started to run off.

"I'll go there right now!" he yelled, "Thanks Water-granny. See ya Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka could think one thing at the moment: "Who in the world is Korra?"

"Well, Iruka. I hope you enough to pay for the meal."

Iruka turned to look at Teuchi and remember all of the bowls Naruto ate.

"That little cheapskate," Iruka nearly whimpered.

"There's no need. I'll pay," Katara replied.

Iruka was stunned, "W-wait. You don't have to-"

"Nonsense," Katara cut him off, "I know that boy has quite the appetite. It's the least I could do."

Katara proceeded to pay Teuchi.

"Uh, thank you," Iruka said, taken back. He wasn't sure whether to be thankful to the old woman or stunned at the fact that she knew Naruto.

"It was my pleasure," Katara smiled warmly, and then addressed the ramen bar owner, "It was nice seeing you again, Teuchi. Have a nice day."

"Thanks. You too, Katara," Teuchi replied as said woman walked away.

Katara? Where have I heard that name before? Iruka wondered.

With Naruto

Naruto kept running until he finally reached the park. He looked around seeing other kids before he reached a clearing in a forested and spotted Korra. She seemed to be waiting for something.

"Hey! Korra-chan!" Naruto yelled.

Said brunette turned to him and smiled.

"Hey, Naruto! Long time no see!" she called.

Naruto stopped in front of Korra to take a look at her.

Her hair seemed to grow longer, though her ponytails still seemed puffy, and her belly was flatter.

He then noticed her giggling.

"What? What's so funny?" Naruto asked, confused.

"Sorry," Korra said, still giggling, "It just looks like you've barely grown since the last time I saw you."

True enough, Korra was actually taller than Naruto now, much to his dismay.

"TAKE THAT BACK!" Naruto yelled hysterically, "I JUST HAVEN'T REACH MY GROWTH SPURT YET!"

Korra fell to the ground laughing.

"Quit laughing! I'll be taller than you. You'll see!" Naruto shouted as he stomped his foot on the ground childishly.

Korra got up off the ground and patted Naruto's head to annoy him.

"Yeah, we'll see about that, tiny," she said smugly.

"Don't call me that!"

"Then do you prefer Mr. Whiskered Baby Face?" Korra smiled.

"Ponytailed jerk," Naruto muttered.

Korra giggled again, "Relax, I'm only teasing. Oh! You're just in time to meet my new friend!"

"Eh?" the blonde furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"Just wait. She should be coming right about…now!"

Immediately, a creature came running to them. It had white fur, large paws, was as larger than the two children, and-at least to Naruto-looked ferocious.

"AAUUGH!" Naruto screamed as he fell back on his butt.

"What the heck is that!" he yelled.

"She's my polar bear dog. Her name's Naga," Korra replied as she stroked said animal's fur.

"Polar-what now?" Naruto asked.

"Polar bear dog. You know, there are animals in the Bending Nations like a komodo-rhino, platypus-bear, wolfbats."

Naruto blinked, "The place you come from is weird."

"Your place is weird," Korra replied with a pout, "Anyway, I met Naga at home in the South Pole. I went on a hunting trip with my dad when we came across her since she was separated from her herd. My dad told me to stay away from her, but I couldn't help it. After a lot of convincing, I kept her and tamed her."

"You tamed her? Seems more like a handful, not to mention how big and scary she looks," Naruto said, scooting away.

"Oh, don't be a baby," Korra said as she smirked, "Naga may look scary, but she's a sweetheart. Isn't that right Naga?" she cooed.

Naga licked her in response.

Naruto was still uneasy, "I dunno," he said, "Nothing good seems to happen when I'm around animals."

Korra stopped scratching Naga.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Naruto looked down, "I dunno," he replied, "I never had a pet and whenever try to befriend one, I get attacked."

Korra looked at him with sympathy for a moment and then turned to Naga. She put both hands on both sides of Naga's face to look at her directly.

"Now listen, Naga," Korra said, "That person over there is a good friend of mine and I want to be super-extra nice to him. Okay, girl?"

Naga nodded as she seemed to understand.

"Good!" Korra beamed, "Now go over to greet him."

Naga went over to the tense blonde and started to sniff him. Once she was satisfied, she gave him a big lick in the face.

"Ew," Naruto groaned, unused to the feeling.

"Aww," Korra cooed, "Told ya she'd like you."

Naruto stared at Naga as she sat and wagged her tail for bit before he finally decided to stroke the creature's fur and Naga snuggled up to him in response.

"Huh," Naruto said as he became to smile, "I guess this isn't so bad."

"See? Now it looks like you made another friend," Korra said before Naga began to sniff in another direction.

"What is it, girl?" Korra asked.

Naga barked and Naruto and Korra heard an "eep" behind the tree she barked at.

"Hey! Who's over there?" Naruto yelled as he ran in that direction.

He looked over at the other side of the tree and saw a girl his age. She had indigo hair, pale skin, and pale, pupil-less eyes.

"Huh? Who're you?" Naruto asked.

The girl seemed to be very nervous and was shaking all over. Korra came around the side with Naga.

"Hey Naruto. Who is that?" she asked.

The minute the other girl saw the polar bear dog coming toward her, she ran off.

"Wait! Come back!" Naruto called, but the girl continued to run.

Hinata continued to run and not look back. She was fearful of the large mammal that barked at her and she knew she didn't have the guts to talk to Naruto. She briefly wondered about the tan-skinned girl Naruto was with. She seemed to be strong and confident. Hinata wished she could be like that, but never thought she could.

She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice when she bumped right into kid and caused him to drop his ice cream.

The kid and his friends were all bigger than Hinata, and after staring at the dropped they looked at her with anger.

"Hey!" the boy Hinata bumped into said, "Why don't you watch were you're going, stupid!"

"S-sorry," Hinata stammered.

One of the boys noticed her features and sneered, "Hey, it looks like she's from one of those stuck-up noble clans. I think it's the Hyuga, right?"

"Yeah," another said, "She probably thinks she can just ruin our day and get away with it."

"N-no, I didn't that at all!" Hinata said, frantically.

"Oh yeah?" the boy who dropped his ice cream said, "If you don't want us to think that, then why don't you say you're sorry?"

Hinata bowed her head down.

"I'm sorry," she said, meekly.

"What's that? I don't we hear you," the boy said, meanly, "I guess that means you're not sorry enough!"

He pushed down on Hinata's head until she was on her hands and knees.

"Now say it like you mean it!" he yelled.

"I-I'm s-sorry," Hinata said as she was crying now.

The others were laughing.

"Aww, what's that?" one of them mocked, "I guess this one's a crybaby!"

"Yeah. How about press her down harder to make her cry more?" Another said.

The boy holding down Hinata proceeded to do so. The pain was too much to handle and she cried out as she mentally begged for this to stop. As if someone heard her plea, Hinata felt the pressure to her head leave her. As she lifted her head up, she saw that Naruto tackled that boy to the ground.

"Hey! Get off of me you jerk!" the kid yelled.

"Shut up!" Naruto yelled back, "You're the jerk! You shouldn't be mean to someone like that!"

"Hey, it's the whiskered freak," one of the other boys said, "Don't think you can take on all of us!"

"Then do you mind if we butt in?"

They looked to see Korra standing there with and an angry-looking polar bear dog.

"W-what is that!?" they yelled.

"One of my new awesome friends," Korra answered, "and she'd like you to leave that girl alone before we put you in a world of hurt."

Naga growled at them and it seemed to be enough for them run away. Naruto got off of the boy he tackled who decided to run away too.

Hinata was amazed and almost didn't notice Korra holding out her hand to her. She then took it and got up.

"T-thank you," Hinata said, quietly.

"No problem," Korra replied with a smile.

"Are you hurt?" Naruto asked as she walked up to Hinata.

Hinata blushed and shook her head quickly.

"N-no. I-I'm fine!" she wistfully said.

Naruto and Korra blinked in confusion.

"Anyway," Korra started, "Why did you let those boys push you around like that? Stand up for yourself."

Hinata looked down in shame.

"B-but… I'm weak," she said meekly.

"Huh? Why would you think that?" Naruto asked in confusion.

"I-I'm supposed to be t-the heiress t-to the Hyuga clan, but m-my father says I'm no s-strong enough with our c-clan's bloodline."

"Isn't he putting a little too much pressure on you?" Korra asked.

"Yeah. Besides, you shouldn't just because your dad said that about you. You can become stronger if you stop being so afraid," Naruto said.

"B-but-" Hinata started, but was interrupted.

"No buts," Korra cut in, "You need to have more confidence in yourself if you want to get better. Don't let what your dad said get you down."

Naga came up and nuzzled against Hinata.

"See? Even Naga agrees with me," Korra said, smiling.

Hinata petted the creature's soft fur and started to smile.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun" she said, "and I'm s-sorry, but I didn't get your name."

"No big deal," Korra replied, "My name is Korra."

"Lady Hinata!" a voice called out.

All three kids turned to see a man with the same eyes as Hinata come running toward them. When he got to them, he stopped to catch his breath.

"Thank goodness, Lady Hinata," he said, "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"I'm sorry, Kosuke," Hinata responded bashfully.

Kosuke sighed, "It matters not. I'm glad I found you at least."

He then gasped when he noticed Naruto.

"Come, Lady Hinata," Kosuke said, grabbing her hand, "It's time we head back home."

"B-but wait-" Hinata started to say, turning to Naruto and Korra.

"Let's go," Kosuke said, firmly.

"Alright," Hinata said in a sad tone and went with him.

"Goodbye, Hinata. It was nice meet ya!" Naruto called out.

"Yeah, hope we can hang out sometime!" Korra yelled out too.

Hinata smiled and waved to them. Kosuke gained a sympathetic look toward Hinata, but he was ordered to keep her away from the Nine-Tails jinchuriki.

Once they left, Naruto and Korra made their way out of the park.

"So," Naruto began, "Naga seems to be good at chasing away bullies."

"And apparently can save your hide," Korra joked as she rubbed Naga's head.

Naruto's eyebrow twitched, but he continued, "So how good is she at pranks?"

Korra gave a knowing grin, "Ya know, she's never done it before, but she might have a knack for it."

Naruto smiled to this.

The rest of the day was spent causing mayhem throughout the village whether through paint bombs or stink bombs while riding all the way through the village with laughter.

"YOU LITTLE BRATS!"

"GET BACK HERE!"

"TRAIN THAT DOG PROPERLY!"

All the shouts meant nothing to Naruto as he and Korra were having too much fun.

Yeah, spending time with her made his life in the village more bearable.

Two years later

Naruto struggled to get up as he was nearly out of breath.

"C'mon, Naruto. Don't tell me your calling it quits already," Korra mocked with a hand on her hip.

Naruto grinned, "Not everyone has crazy bending powers like you. Besides, I'm just getting warmed up!"

He then ran at Korra full of adrenaline to meet her attack head on.

In the previous year, Naruto mentioned to Korra his difficulty in the Ninja Academy. Despite doing the best he could with his studies, he still had terrible chakra control and his skill with genjutsu was nonexistent. His taijutsu seemed decent, but his form was sloppy and usually involved him making random kicks and punches. Seeing as how she couldn't help with chakra control, Korra decided to help train him to improve his physical strength. Naruto was initially excited at this prospect, but soon he started to see it become more than he bargained for.

"Oww!" Naruto yelled as he was blown back by rock, "Man, after all this time it still hurts like crap."

When he first started out, Naruto was usually beaten quickly. One time, he was nearly crushed by a rock. But over time, his determination was starting to pay off as he was managing to hold his own against Korra for longer periods of time and he noticed his attacks were stronger and more effective.

Likewise, Korra felt she was really getting a workout. Though Naruto was all too hard to beat, she was astounded by his endurance and determination as she never had someone to force her to fight with more effort, especially with hand-to-hand combat.

Naruto charged at Korra as he dodged two incoming rocks. However, he wasn't able to dodge the third that came quickly after the last and was sent straight to the ground.

Korra wiped a few beads of sweat away, "Sorry, Naruto, but you should know that charging is not gonna work," she said smugly…before Naruto puffed into smoke and turned into a log.

"W-what the-" Korra didn't have time to finish before she had to dodge an incoming punch from Naruto.

"Ha! I got you on the ropes now!" Naruto yelled, continuing his attack.

Darn it! He got closer to me so I wouldn't bend at him, Korra thought with a grimace. She probably could have used firebending, but she didn't want to hurt him too badly. Thus, she had to counter with hand-to-hand combat.

They matched each other blow for blow. Though Korra had better form, Naruto proved to be quite unpredictable when it came to fighting.

Naruto saw an opening and drew his fist back, "Now I've gotcha!"

Korra repeated the action, "Don't think I'm unprepared!"

Both of them sent their fists forward and each made contact with other's cheek. They both fell down in response and breathed heavily.

"Not…(pant)…bad huh?" Naruto said, out of breath.

Korra chuckled, "I said you were…(pant) improving, but man that last hit packed a wallop."

The both of them laughed, while Naga came walking up to them.

"Hey, Naga," Korra tiredly said, "Hope you weren't to bored watching us fight."

Naga licked Korra's face before going over to Naruto.

"Hey big girl, how'd you think I was in action?" Naruto asked smiling.

Naga didn't seem to notice the question as she sniffed him for moment before collapsing on top of him.

"GAH! Naga! Get off you overgrown furball!" Naruto struggled to yell out.

Korra was giggling like there was no tomorrow.

"I guess she finds you comfortable to rest on," Korra said, getting to feet.

"Gah! I'm not some kind of bed! Get off!" Naruto yelled, while Naga just yawned.

Naruto continued to whine and struggle, while Korra continued to laugh. Neither of them noticed a raven-haired kid watching them.

Sasuke watched Naruto and the other girl with a little interest. Most times he would care less about the "dead last" of the Academy, but he was surprised by how strong he's gotten. What's more is that he was curious about the girl he was with. What kind of person can use elemental jutsu without handsigns?

In any case, he turned to leave. He had his own training to do and wouldn't want the "loser" to catch up.

If it wasn't for the dynamics of the loud-mouthed blonde and the hot-headed brunette, Tenzo would find this assignment to be very boring.

The Third Hokage assigned him with the task of watching Naruto whenever Korra visited to make sure there wasn't any incident with the Nine-tails. It seemed pretty convenient that he was in the ANBU and was also wood-style user.

He didn't know much about this Korra girl. She seemed to be a nice companion for Naruto considering his situation. At times, he groaned at following them whenever they caused trouble, but he'd have to admit, if it wasn't for his ANBU training, he would struggle not to laugh at the mayhem that they caused.

Tenzo was busy watching the two kids spar and later tire out when he heard another ANBU land next to him.

"Enjoying the show, Tenzo?" the newcomer asked.

Tenzo recognized the voice, "I would have thought you had better things to do with your time, Kakashi-senpai," he replied.

The silver-haired ninja simply took off his mask and watched the two kids.

"I'm not assigned any missions for the time being. So, how's it been watching those two?" he asked.

"They're…interesting to say the least. I swear if I haven't been watching the kid for a while, I would've thought he had a death wish going up against a girl with that kind of power."

"Hmm" Kakashi continued to stare at the kids.

"You thought about seeing Naruto…you know, outside of being an ANBU?" Tenzo asked.

Kakashi sighed, "I doubt that I'm best fit for that."

"You know, he gets pretty lonely when Korra has to leave," Tenzo said, pressing the issue.

"After all I've been through…it's best that I keep my distance" Kakashi turned to leave, "See you around."

Kakashi vanished in swirl of leaves.

Tenzo sighed and continued to watch the kids.

"Hey, what was the thing you did with the smoke and log?" Korra asked as she stroked Naga's fur.

"That was the Substitution Jutsu. I used it to switch places with an object, and this was the first time I used it in a fight," Naruto replied with a smile.

"Hmph, well I'd say it's a cheap shot," Korra said, pouting.

"Hey! You're the one throwing Mother Nature at me! Besides, you can't be a ninja if you can't fight dirty," Naruto yelled back while pointing at Korra.

"Hmm, well I guess that's fair."

Naruto got up and brushed dirt off of his clothes.

"Anyway, I'm gonna go wash up by the lake. Hopefully I won't have dog slobber to clean off. Then we'll go to Ichiraku's," he said.

"Can't we somewhere else? Like the dango shop?" Korra asked, raising an eyebrow.

"And risk running into that snake lady?" Naruto asked back with a shiver.

Korra repressed a shiver as well, "Good point. Well, get back here soon!"

"I will!" Naruto yelled as he ran off.

Korra earthbent the dirt off of her as she waited and Naga nuzzled her.

"No, Naga. We'll eat when he gets back, be patient."

Her polar bear dog whined.

"Hey, you!" a voiced yelled.

Korra turned around to see a pink-haired girl a red ribbon tied in her hair.

Oh, its Sakura Korra thought with annoyance. Naruto talked about her a lot and seemed to have a crush on her, but Korra wasn't a fan of how she treated her friend like a nuisance.

"What do you want?" Korra asked with a lack of interest.

A tick mark grew on Sakura's head before she responded.

"Listen, I see how you're drawing Sasuke-kun's attention. I'm warning you to back off 'cause he's mine," she said.

"The duck-butt-haired brooding guy? I don't care. You can have him," Korra replied, not looking at Sakura.

"Hmph, well I wouldn't see why he'd go for you anyway since you hang out with that idiot, Naruto," Sakura shot back.

"You know, you don't have to be mean to Naruto like that. I mean, sure he's…not…very smart, but he's still a good guy to be around," Korra said, trying to defend her friend.

"Are you kidding?" Sakura snorted, "That guy's a total loser. He's nowhere near Sasuke-kun's level. Sasuke's the hottest, coolest guy ever! He's definitely ninja material. I'd want so much for him to notice me, but Naruto's just a dumb loser who gets in the way of everything!"

Korra narrowed her eyes, "You don't know anything about him."

Sakura went on, "Well, if you ask me, he's just a brat who thinks he wants because he doesn't have parents telling him what to do."

Korra widened her as she was shocked to hear Sakura say something like that. As much as how happy she saw Naruto would be when they were together, even then she could see the sadness of not being accepted by the villagers and fake smiles to hide his loneliness.

"I mean, if my parents caught me doing things like pranks or other dumb stuff, I'd be grounded," Sakura continued, "But he gets to do whatever he wants because he's all by himself. He's selfish and bratty. He's all alone."

Alone. Korra thought with a grimace. She never felt as much rage as she did now as she tightened her fists.

She had enough.

"Shut. Up," Korra said, harshly.

"Huh? What?" Sakura asked, surprised.

"I SAID SHUT UP!" Korra yelled, "You have no idea all of the crap Naruto goes through every day! How do you think he feels? Not having parents to look after him and say that they love him? And what's worse is that all of the other villagers treat him like a disease when it's not his fault. But through it all, he works hard, even when falls flat on his face to prove he's worthy to be a ninja and worth everyone's attention!"

"I,..uh," Sakura stuttered, not knowing what to say.

"But what do you do? You worry about getting attention from some jerk that doesn't care about anybody while it's the same way for Naruto from almost everyone in the village!" Korra continued angrily, "But what's really amazing is that he strives so hard for your attention when you keep making him feel worse!"

Korra stormed away leaving Sakura very stunned and ashamed. Naruto came in Korra's direction.

"Hey Korra-chan. Oh, hey it's Sakura-cha-" he was saying before Korra grabbed his arm and pulled him along.

"C'mon. We're going to Ichiraku's," Korra said, not turning around and kept going.

"Gah! Ok, but you don't have to pull so hard!" Naruto whined as Naga followed them.

Sakura was left wonder about what the brunette said. "He strives so hard for your attention when you keep making him feel worse!"

She hung her head in shame. Have I really been that self-centered?

One year and a few months later

Walking down the street to his apartment, Naruto felt like he was having a really rotten day. Today was his eleventh birthday and hoped for it to be sweet. He wanted to spend time with Old Man, show up Sasuke at the academy, and get Sakura to go on a date with him.

But as the day turned out, it was pretty horrible. The Hokage was busy the whole day, he lost fight with the Uchiha despite his impressive efforts, and Sakura turned down his offer for a date…although surprisingly, she did nicely for some reason. Naruto was pretty much used to it by now, but what really made him miserable was that Water Granny and Korra still haven't visited.

I guess she doesn't want to be my friend anymore and forgot about me, Naruto thought as he sighed, The adults were right, no one would want to hang out with someone like me.

He made his way up to his apartment and used his key to open the door. Everything was pretty much the same: empty apartment, no lights on, a giant beast with white fur coming to tackle him…

Wait. What!?

Sure enough, the white beast tackled him to floor and licked him.

"Ugh! Quit it! Get o- wait. Naga?" Naruto wondered out loud.

The polar bear dog barked an affirmative.

"Wait. Then if you're here…" Naruto was thinking before Naga went to the kitchen.

Naruto followed her.

"What's going o-" he tried to say before he heard…

"SURPRISE!"

Naruto yelped in surprise. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Teuchi was there as well as his daughter. The Hokage and Iruka were there as well, but what really surprised was seeing Korra and Katara here.

(Naruto Shippuden OST: No Home)

"W-what's going on here?" Naruto asked lost for words.

"What do think it is, Whiskers? This is your birthday party!" Korra said as if it was obvious.

Lord Third and Iruka walked up the Naruto.

"O-old Man. Iruka-sensei," Naruto spoke.

Hiruzen smiled and ruffled the blonde's hair.

"Katara talked to me and got me to bring Teuchi here for food. I also asked Iruka to come," The Hokage replied.

"Of course, the whole thing was Korra's idea," Iruka added in while turning to said girl.

"Korra-chan?" Naruto choked out.

Korra just smiled, "Hey, I just figured you'd want someone to do this for you and I thought this should be meaningful for you, though I couldn't get Hinata to come, but- huh?"

She noticed Naruto started to cry.

"Hey. Are you okay? What's wrong?" Korra asked as she walked to him.

Naruto laughed a little, "I'm fine. It's just… no one's ever gone out of there way for me like this, and I don't have to spend time alone in my apartment," he said as he wiped his tears away and smiled, "Thank you. This means more than you'll ever know."

Korra smiled too and went to hug him. Katara smiled at the sight.

"C'mon, we can't let the food and cake go to waste," Korra said as she pulled Naruto to the table.

"Alright! Ramen, here I come!" Naruto declared.

Everyone laughed.

After the meal, Naruto and Korra, along with Naga, spent time on the apartment roof to see the village around them and gaze at the stars in the sky. They also told scary stories…which Naruto was not enjoying.

"…and if you're not careful, he'll lurk around you and try to take you by surprise," Korra said in a way to build suspense.

Naruto tried his best not to shiver as he didn't like stories involving spirits or ghosts.

"He may not try to attack you, but the one thing you shouldn't do is show any emotion," Korra continued, "Otherwise…"

"O-otherwise w-what?" Naruto quietly asked while shivering.

"He takes your FACE!" Korra yelled as she grabbed Naruto's face.

"AAUUGH!" the blonde screamed as he fell on his back.

Korra rolled on the floor laughing.

"It's not funny!" Naruto yelled sitting up, "You know I hate stories like that!"

Korra stopped and sat up.

"Well, it's not like I can help it, Naruto. You're just too easy to scare," she replied with a smile.

Naruto pouted, "But still, that's just creepy. Koh, the spirit who can steal faces."

Naga cuddled with Naruto to comfort him.

"Thanks, Naga. You're such an understanding polar bear dog," Naruto cooed at her gratefully as he hugged. Naga wagged her tail in response.

"You know, this is really nice. It's been tough living here in the village, but ever since and you and Water Granny came along, it's gotten better, and I'm really happy when you're here," Naruto said.

Korra smiled in appreciation, but then frowned and thought of something.

"Hey, Naruto?" Korra asked.

"Yeah?"

"You know…you could just come with me," she said turning to him.

"Huh? What do you mean?" the blonde asked, confused.

"I mean to the Bending Nations, to the Southern Water Tribe. I mean, I know it's cold there and there's no ramen, but you could be with me in the compound, and you could meet my parents and get to the people in the tribe. You could be happy," Korra explained.

Naruto was shocked at the offer, "Wow, thanks…but," Naruto looked down in thought then looked back up at her with conviction, "I've already made up my mind. I'll do whatever it takes to become Hokage, and I never go back on my word. Besides, even with how everyone treats me, I won't give up. Everybody called me a failure, but I'll prove'em wrong. I mean, sure, trying graduate the academy didn't go well, but I'll still graduate no matter what! Believe it!"

Korra looked at Naruto for bit, but then smiled.

"Yeah, I figured you were dead set on becoming Hokage. I guess…I didn't want you to be so miserable trying, and I kinda would like having you around all the time," Korra said, looking down.

"Hey. Don't sweat it. Besides, when I become a ninja, I could probably get a mission to go over to you," Naruto said.

"I guess so, but…just promise me you'll keep moving forward and just keep being you," Korra replied as she held out her pinky.

Naruto gave a wide grin, "Look who you're talking to. There's no way the future Hokage's gonna give up that easily, Miss Avatar," he happily replied as he linked his pinky with hers.

Korra smiled too.

As Korra would soon have to leave, the two friends could only reassure each other for the challenges ahead.

Finally done! Again, sorry this took so long. The next one will probably be a shorter length. If you couldn't tell at the end, I modeled Korra's offer to Naruto after Vanellope's offer to Ralph at the end of Wreck it Ralph just 'cause that character's adorable. Anyway please review, and I'll see you next time!