-Hokage's office-

Tsunade was utterly exhausted and could barely keep her eyes open, despite sitting upright in her desk chair. She tried to complete a section of paperwork, but it was no use, she was too damned tried to concentrate long enough to finish it. Her chakra levels were so low that a genin could probably beat her right now.

Naruto's injuries were far more severe than what she was briefed upon the QRF team's return. How she hated the sight of a young body covered in blood and filled with injuries, Naruto's injuries fueled that hate to the extreme. Hours upon hours of channeling her healing chakra into his battered body to keep him alive. Tsunade had memories flood her mind of the days during the Shinobi Wars.

There was knock at her door.

Tsunade groaned loudly, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "Enter."

The person who entered was Genma and he was carrying two small boxes in arms. The female Hokage momentarily forgot her tiredness and watched the Tokubetsu jōnin place the two boxes on her desk. There was momentary silence as the Hokage looked at the two objects and realized what they were.

"These are…!"

Genma nodded. "Yes. The one the Fourth Hokage's Hiraishin seal symbol, you know how I know that. And that's the Sarutobi clan seal. If I'm not mistaken, these should be the Third and Fourth Hokage's personal storage boxes."

"Where did you get these? A Hokage's storage boxes aren't something you just find laying around. The boxes are hand-made by the same lady that hand weaves the ceremonial robes. I'm still waiting on my box to be finished."

"Jeez, she's still around? She has to be getting up there in age."

Tsunade chuckled. "She's a stubborn one, I'll give her that." The Slug Sannin ran her hand over the box craved for her mentor. She wasn't sure how to procced. Technically, all belongings of the previous Hokage that were in left in the office at the time of death were for the succeeding Hokage to deal with. And seeing how these were now in her possession, it was her responsibility to figure out what to do with them.

Should she open them? Was it really her right to open them? These two boxes were ultimately her responsibility to deal with, she should know what's inside them so she could have a better idea on how to handle the situation. But again, these were the personal boxes of the two Hokage before her, both of which there are personal connections. Thus, making her decision that much harder.

"Are you having trouble, Lady Tsunade?"

The Sannin looked up, not being able to deny her dilemma. "Yes, I am. I'm not sure what I should do here. I feel like I should open them, because I am the successor to them both and it becomes my duty to handle their personal items. Then again, these aren't mine to open. I wouldn't want someone going through my storage box later down the line."

Genma fiddled with the senbon in his mouth. "If I may, might I suggest something then?"

Tsunade nodded. "Go for it."

"I was apart of the Third and Fourth Hokage's elite guard, I grew to know them decently well during my time with them. Especially the Third." There was a somberness in his voice. "In my opinion, Lord Fourth's box should be given to his surviving heir. I'm sure he'd appreciate learning more about where he came from."

Tsunade wasn't the least bit surprised about Genma's knowledge of Naruto's parentage, not like it wasn't already out there. "Yes, I'd have to agree." She sighed again. "Very well. I'll bring it to him once he wakes up."

Genma nodded. "Understood, Lady Tsunade."

-Konoha Hospital-

Why is everything numb?

Naruto could still feel the steel ripping through his body. But there was no pain. It was an odd sensation.

Am I dead?

Consciousness was short and far between. He only caught glimpses of his surroundings, which was mostly white because that was the color of the hospital room. He didn't feel or hear much of anything in the brief moments he was awake. What seemed like seconds to Naruto were hours to those around him.

Where am I?

Sakura was slumped in a chair in the corner of Naruto's room, fast asleep. Once Naruto was moved from the ICU and into a normal hospital room, Sakura refused to leave. She argued with her parents, Shizune, and even Ino against leaving her teammate. She was determined to stay until he woke up, Sakura didn't want him to wake up alone again.

"Sakura, wake up sweetheart."

Sakura's eyes shot open. For a moment, she thought it was Naruto talking to her. It was only her mother. The young girl rubbed her eye as she looked at Mebuki. "Mom? What are you doing here?"

Mebuki sat on the arm rest of the chair. "Just because I don't agree with what you're doing doesn't mean I won't come check on you."

Sakura yawned, trying to regain her bearings. "What time is it?"

"A little past nine in the morning. You should eat something. When was the last time you ate something?"

"I'm not hungry, mom." Truthfully, Sakura could go for something to eat but she didn't want to leave because she feared Naruto would wake up without her here. The pinkette stood up and stretched, but not so that it would cause her pain from her injury. She was still healing.

"Oh. Then how about we take a walk around the hospital? That would do you some good."

"Mom, I don't want to go anywhere. I want to stay right here."

Mebuki looked at her child dejectedly. "Sakura, you need to consider your own wellbeing. You are still healing. Please, let's go back home where you'll be more comfortable, and I can take care of you."

Sakura knew what her mother was doing. She was not having it today. "…I just don't understand, mom."

Mebuki looked confused. "Don't understand what, Sakura?"

Sakura turned to face her mother, tears threatening to fall out of her eyes. "I don't understand why everyone hates him! Naruto hasn't done anything wrong to anyone and, yet everyone treats him like trash! His life hard enough without people belittling him and calling him a demon every day! He's a person too!"

Mebuki was surprised by her daughter's outburst, Sakura was never one to yell at her like this. "Young lady, you will watch your tone." She said sternly. "I am your mother and you respect me as such!"

This only fueled Sakura's emotions. "I don't care about any of that right now! Tell me why he has to be hated!"

"Because of what he is, Sakura!" Mebuki snapped, catching Sakura's full attention. "That boy right there is a threat to us all. He may not look like it, but he's always waiting for an opportunity to attack. There are rumors going around that he was attacking villagers a few days ago and, if it wasn't for Lord Jiraiya then that beast inside of him would've been unleashed back onto the village. He's a menace, a demon."

Sakura stood there frozen. She was shocked. No, appalled. Disgusted. There were so many words flowing through her head that she couldn't properly process them all. How could her own mother think like this? She was the one that taught Sakura to keep an open mind, always be nice to others. But here Mebuki was going against everything she taught her daughter.

"I can't believe you're saying this mom. How can you be closed minded?!"

"I'm being realistic, Sakura. That boy is a ticking time bomb and he should be locked away! That why we all would be safe!"

"Mother!"

"I'm sorry Sakura but that's how it should be. For everyone's safety." Mebuki crossed her arms. "Now, let's go. Lady Shizune said you could be released if you felt healed enough."

"No. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here."

Mebuki looked shocked and confused. She could not believe that her own daughter, who had never spoken out before, was acting like this. "I am your mother Sakura. You will do as I say. Now, let's go!"

"No! I don't care if you are my mom! T-The things you're saying are completely wrong and utterly…I can't even speak I'm so upset!" Sakura turned her back to her mother, shaking. "Naruto never did anything wrong to anyone! He's risked his life to save people and no one ever cares! Until you see past the rumors and the lies then I'm not going anywhere with you!"

Mebuki was furious, her voice was fueled with it. "I can't believe you, Sakura! All of this nonsense over a boy?! That demon boy no less!"

Sakura faced her mother again, tears streaming down her face. Mebuki was surprised to see her daughter. "That boy you call a demon is my friend!" She wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. "And I made a promise to him that I'd never let him be alone again! He's never let me down and I'm not going to let him down either!"

Mebuki approached her daughter and stood before her like a powerful figure, one that was not meant to be defied. "I'm not going to say it again, Sakura. I'm giving you one last chance!"

Sakura stood her ground against her mother, her defiance shined like a fire in her eyes. "No. I'm staying here."

Mebuki just shook her head in defeat. There was no convincing her to leave. The woman turned to leave the room. She slid open the door but stopped for a moment to look back at her daughter, there was still no change in her demeanor. Mebuki sighed and walked away, closing the sliding door behind her.

Sakura shakily let go of the breath she was holding. That was first time she had ever spoke to her mother like that. Did she feel good about it? Absolutely not. Sakura was feeling like the worst child in the world right now. But was it the right thing to do? In Sakura's mind, yes. Naruto had been through so much alone and never had anyone there for him. He was mistreated by the villagers and misunderstood by most of them, her mother included.

The pinkette carefully dragged the chair over to Naruto's bedside and sat down. She wanted to be the first thing Naruto saw when he woke up. Sakura didn't care how long she had to wait; this was too important.

Fortunately for Sakura, she did not have to wait very long.

"…Uh…"

Sakura gasped. "Naruto! You're awake!"

The boy flinched from the pitch of Sakura's voice. "Not so loud…everything hurts."

Sakura placed her hand over her mouth, stopping herself from making any more loud noises. She waited patiently for Naruto to regain his bearings, watching him intently. Naruto waited for the light sensitive headache to fade before he fully opened his eyes to his surroundings.

"Sakura? What…what are you doing here?"

Sakura smiled with red puffy eyes. "I was just waiting for you to wake up. Don't be so surprised, silly."

Frankly, Naruto was surprised. But not by Sakura's appearance, he was surprised he was alive. He never once heard the Kyūbi speak to him or even call him into his subconscious, everything felt dark for so long. He gingerly pushed himself into a seated position. "I'm in the hospital, aren't I?"

Sakura nodded. "Yeah. You've been unconscious for a few days. You were hurt pretty bad from what Lady Shizune told me."

Naruto groaned painfully. "Yeah…I would have to agree." He moved bandaged hand over his bandaged midsection. It was at this moment he realized that he was covered in bandages. "How…am I alive? I thought I was dead. The last thing I remember is that Kumo shinobi attacking us and Sasuke…"

That sparked Sakura's interest greatly. "What about Sasuke? What happened?"

Naruto hesitated. He wasn't sure what he should say. "We…were ambushed. After I caught up with the guy who kidnapped him and saved Sasuke, a platoon of Kumo and Iwa shinobi showed up. They were after me."

"After you? For the Kyūbi?"

"I'm not really sure. The guy I fought really didn't say much. He knew who I was and knew that I'm a jinchūriki. That guy…he was something else. I've never fought someone like him before. He was fast, faster than anything I've seen. He was strong, stronger than anyone I've ever fought before. I could barely keep up with him. There was nothing I could do…" He looked directly into Sakura's emerald green eyes. "I'm sorry Sakura. I'm sorry I didn't bring Sasuke back…"

Sakura quickly wrapped her arms around Naruto's frame, doing her best to comfort him. "You have nothing to apologize for. You did everything you could." She separated just enough to look at Naruto in his ocean blue eyes, keeping her hands on his shoulders. "We'll save Sasuke together next time. I won't let you do it by yourself again."

Shamefully, Naruto kept his head down. He had failed, not only himself but, Sakura and Sasuke. They had quickly become the two most important people in his life, and he failed them both. He grabbed ahold of Sakura's hand and held it tightly. "I won't fail you again, Sakura. You can count it."

Sakura smiled softly. "I know I can. I'll always count on you."

Their hands still together, the two young teens allowed the silence to take over. So many things were happening all at once and it all seemed overwhelming. But they had each other. Two teammates that were willing to stick together through thick and thin. The loyalty to one another. That's what they were taught. That's what mattered.

Suddenly, there was booming, crashing sound that rocked the hospital. Sakura quickly moved to the window to see what was going and there she saw the Toad Sannin, Jiraiya, standing atop a large frog.

"Lord Jiraiya?!"

The white-haired man motioned for the pinkette to slide the window open. Once she did, Jiraiya sat on the windowsill with his back to the room. "I'm glad to see that you're awake, Naruto. Sorry I missed the wake-up call."

"Was the giant frog necessary?!" Sakura shouted. "You could've done some serious damage to the hospital!"

Naruto just shook his head. "It's just how he is. Pervy Sage's has a weird thing about entrances."

The Sannin chuckled. "You'll learn to appreciate what I do someday. But enough of the showmanship, I come bearing news, Naruto."

The boy in question looked at his godfather curiously. "News? What kind of news?"

"I want to train you to be a sage. I already have approval from the council. In three years' time, I will make you a full fledged shinobi and a sage." There was shock on Naruto's face and confusion on Sakura's. "That's not all. While gathering information on Sasuke's whereabouts and investigating Orochimaru's immortality jutsu, I came across information on the Akatsuki as well."

Both Sakura and Naruto had memories flash of Itachi and Kisame. "Information?"

"The Akatsuki won't be coming after you for three or four years from now. It seems Itachi's mission was simply intel gathering on you. I don't think they meant to engage in combat."

"Why are they waiting?" Sakura questioned.

"Why does it matter?" Jiraiya countered. "It buys us some time and allows us to focus our efforts towards the Fourth War."

Naruto looked at his master. "The Fourth War? It's started?"

The white-haired Sannin nodded in confirmation. "It's official. You and your sensei kicked off the Fourth Shinobi War. I'd say we have about six to eight months before any real fighting begins."

Sakura knew about this upcoming conflict but still couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. War was such a nasty word to hear in the shinobi world. But Naruto seemed unaffected by the news.

"I really don't care about that." Both Jiraiya and Sakura looked at the blonde with confused looks. "We can't waste any time! We have to find Sasuke! Orochimaru may have him now! He could be dead!"

Sakura gasped in shock. "D-Dead?! What are you talking about, Naruto?"

Naruto's mind flashed memories of Kimimaro and what he told him. "The guy who kidnapped Sasuke was sent by Orochimaru. He told me what Orochimaru wants Sasuke to be his new vessel."

Jiraiya looked back over the village. "I know that."

Both Naruto and Sakura at the Sannin's back confused. "You…knew?"

"Like I said, I was investigating Orochimaru's immortality jutsu. I'm not sure if this will comfort you but, from my understanding, Orochimaru can't transfer his soul into a new body for another three to four years."

"Why didn't you just say that?!"

"Don't take this information so easily, Naruto! My network of information gathering is more complicated than you can imagine."

Sakura decided to chime in and voice her confusion. "Excuse me but what are you talking about? This is the first I'm hearing about Orochimaru's immortality jutsu. Can you explain it to me, Master Jiraiya?"

The Sannin nodded. "Even back when we were teammates under Sarutobi sensei, Orochimaru was always obsessed with death and immortality. After the Third Shinobi War, Orochimaru started doing experiments on other people to try and figure out the secrets of the human body to unlock eternal life. I'm not sure how but he developed a jutsu that allows him to transfer his soul into a new body."

"That's what he wants Sasuke for. To be the new vessel for his soul." Naruto added on.

"But Orochimaru can only use the jutsu once every three years. And he already transferred into a new body while impatiently waiting for Sasuke to arrive. We have time to find and save your friend."

Sakura took in a deep, calming breath. Hearing that was a great relief to her. She couldn't bare the thought of Sasuke being used like that, it made her skin crawl. Her hope to save Sasuke filled her heart more than ever.

"Sakura, can you go get Naruto something to eat? I'm sure he's hungry."

Sakura seemed a bit confused. Why would Jiraiya be asking her to get Naruto something to eat? Naruto was fully capable of asking himself, possibly even going himself depending on how he felt. She glanced over at the boy in question and he simply nodded. Realizing that there was something more to this, Sakura thought best to go along with it and leave the room.

"S-Sure." The pinkette got up and moved towards the door. "I'll go to the cafeteria and see if they have any ramen for you." Sakura closed the door behind her.

There were a few moments of silence. "You need to forget about Sasuke."

Naruto was shocked to hear this. "W-What are you saying?!"

"From everything I was able to piece together, we went to Orochimaru on his own accord. I've seen this before, he's exactly like Orochimaru. He won't change."

"He may be nothing to you! But Sasuke's my friend! I won't let Orochimaru kill him!"

"A friend?!" Jiraiya snapped back. "Do friends try and kill each other?! I know that scar on your right shoulder is from his Chidori! Is that something a friend would do?"

"…How…?"

"I read Shizune's medical report on your injuries and I had Kakashi confirm it. Don't even try to deny anything." Memories flooded Jiraiya's mind. Memories of his own fight against Orochimaru when he tried to reason with his friend and bring him back. "I don't want you going down the same path I did. I used to blame myself for Orochimaru's treason. Eventually, I had to accept that he wasn't going to change, and I had to leave that painful time behind."

Naruto continued to argue for his friend. "Sasuke's different. It was Orochimaru's Curse Mark messing with his mind. He'd never do this on his own…"

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" The silence spoke for Naruto. "If you continue after Sasuke, training is out of the question. I'll stick the ANBU Black Ops on you and you won't be allowed out of the village. You'll watch everything happening in the war from the inside Konoha's walls. That's that. If you go against my orders, that's what will happen. Don't be a fool, Naruto. Be smart and don't suffer, like I did."

Naruto lowered his head. "I understand…"

Jiraiya nodded in understanding. "That's good to hear. Now-"

"If being smart is what you say, I'll be a fool."

Jiraiya looked at his godson in shock and confusion. "Hm?!"

"I'll become the strongest there ever was! I'll bring Sasuke back! Take down the Akatsuki! And fight this war all by myself! I'll do everything by myself, like I always have!"

Jiraiya stared in awe at the boy. The determination. The raw emotion in his voice. It had been so long since he had seen Naruto like this. Jiraiya could see the young boy that he raised clear as day. He gripped his knee. "If you work alone then you won't get as far. It is a fool's errand but this something only you can do. When you leave the hospital, be ready to train."

Naruto saluted with triumph. "Yessir!"

Jiraiya looked at his godson. "There's one more thing. You need to be extremely careful from now on, Naruto. Everything's changed for you."

The bandaged blonde looked confusedly at his godfather. "What do you mean? What's changed?"

"Your identity was leaked. Your heritage is listed your bio in the Bingo Book. Everything about you is known to the world now."

It took a moment for the words to sink into Naruto's head. "Say what?!"

-With Sakura-

The cafeteria wasn't as busy as Sakura thought it would be for the time of day. She was thankful for that. She didn't want to be gone long. The pinkette was waiting for her two meals to be made when someone called her name. It was very familiar voice to the girl, her best friend's voice.

"Sakura?" Ino called out as she walked up to the girl. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, hey Ino. I'm just getting some food for Naruto and myself. He's just woken up not that long ago. What are you doing here?"

"Chōji was released from intensive care, so me and Shikamaru are treating him to some food." Sakura looked beyond Ino to see Shikamaru helping the injured Chōji into a seat.

"I see. I'm glad Chōji's healing well. I just hope Naruto can move around soon. He doesn't like hospitals very much."

Ino nodded. "I heard Naruto wasn't doing so well when they brought him here. I was there when Lady Fifth gave him the mission to go after Sasuke. So, I'm glad he's going to be okay." The friendly mood turned sorrowful. "I'm sorry about Sasuke, Sakura."

Sakura nodded in appreciation. "Thanks, Ino. But you don't need to be sorry. We'll get him back."

Ino smirked. "I'm glad you're not being depressed about this. I remember when Sasuke would utterly ignore you and you'd be down for a week."

Sakura shrugged as she reached for her and Naruto's food. "I've grown up, Ino. I'm not a little kid anymore."

"So, you're saying you don't like Sasuke anymore?" Ino asked. "He's all mine?"

Sakura sighed, holding the bag of food in her hand. "I'm not saying anything Ino. I'm really not up for this right now. It's been a long day, okay?"

The Yamanaka girl knew her friend better. "What happened? Do you wanna talk about it?"

Sakura nodded a single time. "I do…but not today. I just want to go eat my meal and relax. We'll catch up a different day, sound good?"

Ino placed a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Of course, Sakura. What are friends for, right?"

Sakura returned Ino's smile. Sakura always felt a great comfort having a friend like Ino. They may have been at odds during most of their time in the academy, due to their love rivalry over Sasuke, but nothing could truly come between them. Best friends.

"Ah! Finally!"

Both Ino and Sakura turned to see an irritated Kiba walking towards them, with his two teammates trailing behind him. He was wearing a hospital gown, indicating that he was still an active patient, and he was holding an open book in his hand.

"Where's Naruto?!" Kiba was directing his question towards Sakura. "C'mon tell me!"

"What's going on, Kiba?" Sakura asked. "Why do you need Naruto?"

"This is what's going on!" Kiba practically shoved the book in Sakura's face. "He's got some explaining to do!"

Sakura took ahold of the book and she instantly realized that this was Naruto's entry in the Bingo Book. She read the contents. Ino looked over Sakura's shoulder to read the entry as well. Meanwhile, Shikamaru lazily made his way over the commotion.

"What's going here?" Shikamaru asked, his pinkie finger lodged in his ear to scratch and itch. "Why are you so worked up, Kiba?"

"I'll tell you why! It's because-"

"Naruto's the son of the Fourth Hokage…?"

"Say what?!" Ino screamed in shock. "You're joking?!

Shikamaru blinked as the information processed into his mind. "Huh…I really should've seen that. Oh well."

Sakura couldn't believe it. It had to be a mistake. So many things were running through the pinkette's mind. If Naruto was the son of the Fourth Hokage, then that meant that Naruto's own father sealed the Kyūbi... "This can't be right…"

"That's not all! Remember that beast that attacked the village?! The Nine-Tailed Fox Demon?! It's not dead, that's sealed inside him too! Why hasn't he ever told us?! Why weren't we ever told about this?!"

"M-Maybe he didn't know, K-Kiba." Hinata stammered out.

"I agree with Hinata." Shino said. "Why you ask? Because this information seemed to be classified. It wasn't public knowledge beforehand."

"I don't believe that for a second. This explains why he never went to class at the academy and why the Third Hokage treated him differently. It's because he is different! He's the son of the Fourth Hokage and there's a freaking monster sealed inside him!" Kiba approached Sakura further. "Where is he, Sakura? I know he's in the hospital. What room is he in?!"

"Kiba, calm down." Shikamaru tried to reason. "There's no reason to be so worked up about this."

"Yeah, back off, Kiba." Ino moved closer to be ready to push Kiba away from Sakura. "Let's just go talk to Naruto if this such a problem for you."

"You guys don't understand, do you?" Kiba was normally one to be a hothead but this just seemed to be out of character for him. "This explains everything about him."

Kiba continued on saying that this was the reason was such a bastard to everyone in the academy, but Sakura wasn't listening. A deep sadness was filling Sakura because of everything that she was beginning to realize. If this information was truly accurate, then so many things that were mysterious about Naruto were suddenly understood. His freak out about parents during the Land of Waves mission, why Jiraiya was the one to take care of him, everything was starting to make sense.

"What room is he in, Sakura?"

Kiba's question snapped Sakura out of her thoughts. "Uh…115. Just down the hall." She answered without thinking.

The Inuzuka boy wasted no time and practically ran down the hallway, turning corners and dodging nurses with the rest of the group in tow. Kiba stopped in front of the room and threw the door open.

"What's the big idea keeping secrets from us, Naruto?!"

The bandaged blonde jumped slightly at the sudden entrance but quickly took to the defensive. "What are you talking about, Kiba? What are you doing here?" The rest of his former classmates trickled into his hospital room; Sakura was the last one to enter. "What's going on? Why is everyone here?"

"We all want to know something…" Kiba practically shoved the open Bingo Book in Naruto's face. "Why did you never tell us you were the son of the Fourth Hokage?! Or you have that monster sealed inside of you?! How is that even possible?!"

Naruto took ahold of the book and scanned the contents, his fears coming to realization. "Pervy Sage wasn't lying…damn it." He cursed under his breath. He looked at the group and memories flashed of the day he came to Konoha. The yelling, the stares, the running, everything flooded back into his mind. He froze.

"Well?! Are you gonna say anything?!"

"Kiba! That's enough!" Sakura pushed through and stood before them, defending him from the group. "He doesn't have to answer to you!"

"Oh yes he does! With all the high and mighty bullshit he used to pull, we're all entitled to an explanation!"

"Kiba, that's enough." Shikamaru placed a hand of Kiba's shoulder, but the Inuzuka boy shook it off. "Naruto doesn't have to say anything."

"Yes, he does! And stop-"

"You think you're entitled…Kiba?"

There was a chilling ring in Naruto's voice, something had changed within him. The air was filled with heat that instantly changed the atmosphere in the room. He threw off the blankets and stood on his feet, ignoring the pain that he felt.

"Well, if you think you're so entitled to an explanation, let me tell you something. I've been alone nearly my entire life. I've never had a mom or dad to teach me things, a brother or sister to look up to and admire. The only person I truly had in this world left me here…alone. How am I supposed to explain to you the relationship of my parents when I didn't even know who they were to me six months ago?! And now, I have you, someone who's only followed the lies of others, wanting me to explain something I can't even understand! I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to, Kiba!" Naruto leaned against the wall to keep his balance, the pain he felt was beginning to be too much. "Just get the hell out of here! All of you!"

Kiba saw the raw emotion in Naruto's eyes, but only fueled his own. "I'm not gonna leave until I get some answers!" There was a sudden weight on Kiba's shoulder that turned him around quickly. He was face-to-face with Shikamaru. "What?!"

"You need to calm down and remove yourself."

"Why?! We all want to know!"

"Yeah, you're probably right. But this isn't the time or the place. And it was his decision not to tell us. So…back off."

Kiba saw the eyes of his former classmates trained on him with worry and disappointment. He couldn't believe it. Had they all forgotten what Naruto was like during the academy days? He realized he was practically alone in his hunt for answers. "Ugh…have it your way then!"

Kiba shoved his way out of the hospital room and angrily made his way back to his own room. Hinata quietly remained for a moment before following. Shino turned and spoke directly to Naruto.

"I apologize for him. Why you ask? Well…I guess there really isn't a need for an explanation." The Aburame boy turned and followed his two teammates, leaving only Shikamaru and Ino in the room with Sakura and Naruto.

The pinkette gingerly helped the blonde chūnin back into his bed, even going so far to basically tucking him in under the sheets. An action that did not go unnoticed by Ino.

"What's going on in here?"

The young shinobi turned to the doorway to see the Fifth Hokage walking into the room with small wooden box safely secured under her arm. She glanced between the group before asking again.

"Well? Don't all speak at once."

Sakura was the first to fix herself and respond. "Lady Hokage, we were just helping Naruto back into bed."

Tsunade nodded knowingly. "I can see that. But I was more curious about all that yelling from a few moments ago."

"Kiba was just being dramatic. That's all." Shikamaru answered. "It's all troublesome."

Tsunade heard everything that had transpired as she walked up to the room, a person would have to be blind and deaf to miss it. She looked at her godson, he shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it. She decided to not press the issue. She would respect Naruto's wishes.

"If you say so." The Sannin pushed past the young shinobi and sat down on the end of Naruto's bed. "Well, you look a hell of a lot better than you did earlier. You've always been a fast healer." She said with a slight chuckle, trying to lighten his somber mood. It didn't work. "Anyway, here." Tsunade handed the box to Naruto. "This belongs to you. It was your father's."

Ino gasped in shock. "The Fourth's?"

"Each Hokage is given a personal box to storage any items they wish that they don't want anyone else to know about. Being the Hokage has it perks but pretty much everything you do is seen and documented by someone. Being under constant watch is exhausting. It's not much but it helps."

The kanji inscription read Hiraishin in the center of the top. Naruto ran his fingers over the wooden box, feeling a flood of emotions run through his system. He wasn't sure why or how, but this was meant of him and him alone. A gift.

"Open it, Kit. It's yours."

His hand movement was slow and he felt heavy, his vision was tunneling and all he could see was the box. His thumb pushed underneath the opening and he slowly opened it to the point the henges locked the top in place. He had no expectations for the contents, but Naruto was still shocked by what he saw inside.

"…Can I-I get a moment alone?" The young blonde looked at his peers and Hokage with watery, reflective blue eyes. He was losing control of his emotions. "Please?"

Tsunade smiled softly and padded her godson's leg comfortingly. "Sure thing, kid." She stood up and readjusted her coat. "Alright, everybody out!" She shuttled all the young shinobi out of the room and gave the boy his privacy.

Sakura kept her eyes looked on Naruto as the sliding door came to a close. She was extremely hopeful that everything in that box would bring him joy.

"You're all dismissed. Go about your days." Shikamaru and Ino nodded and turned walked down the hall. Sakura moved to follow. "Sakura, wait a moment."

The pinkette turned back to her newly appointed Hokage. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Shizune tells me you have an interest in medical ninjutsu? Is that correct?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes ma'am. Naruto taught me a few basic techniques awhile back and I would like to expand my knowledge. I've been studying during my days off but the Konoha library doesn't have much in terms of better healing ninjutsu."

"That would be partially my fault. I used to be Konoha's head medic and I kept most of the village's readings on medical ninjutsu in my own possession. But that was in the past. One of the first acts as Hokage, I'm going be reintegrating a medical shinobi on every team that leaves on a mission. It's going to take some time, but it'll help greatly in the long run."

"Good to hear, Lady Tsunade. I look forward to taking every opportunity I can to learn."

Tsunade nodded in approval. "Good. Because I want to teach you personally."

Sakura felt her breath get caught in her throat and she cough from choking on it. She covered her mouth to stop any spit flying everywhere. Tsunade waited patiently for Sakura to relax.

Sakura wiped her mouth clean. "C-Can you please repeat that, Lady Tsunade? I don't think I heard you correctly."

Tsunade smirked. "Yes, you did. I've heard from both Kakashi and Kurenai that you have great intelligence and a strong spirit. I've also seen it firsthand. But training to be a full-fledged medical ninja isn't easy. There are different skills you have to learn compared to regular shinobi. You must have your chakra control refined to perfection. It seems you have the studying aspect down, but you'll need to be able to apply that knowledge and never give up. It takes something special to be a medic ninja."

Sakura was able to overcome her shock and took in the information. 'Something special?' She glanced at the closed door of Naruto's hospital room and her mind flashed both of her teammates. Their struggles ran through her mind. She knew that they both had great resilience, confidence, and the skill to back it up. But now that Tsunade said that it took something special, she wondered if Naruto and Sasuke had something special too.

Tsunade took the unfortunate silence as an answer. "If you change your mind then please come to my-"

"Please take me as your student, Lady Tsunade! I won't let you down!"

Tsunade smiled proudly. "Good. But I won't be easy on you!"

"Y-Yes ma'am!"

Back inside the room, Naruto was less concerned about anything besides the open box that sat in his lap. He reached inside and pulled out the first item…

A blue scarf.

Naruto held it in hands. It was woven beautifully to perfection. It was soft and made from a great fabric that wouldn't tear easily. He placed the scarf down and grabbed the next item.

A three-pronged kunai with the matching inscription on handle.

It wasn't hard for Naruto to figure out where this came from or who's it was. This was a special kunai knife that was custom made for the Fourth Hokage. It was heavier than a standard kunai, but the prongs made it more deadly in a fight. He held it in his hand for a moment before carefully placing it on the bed next to the scarf.

There were only two items left. A white envelope and a brown leather covered journal.

Naruto flipped through pages of the journal to find that a good portion of the pages had writing on them. Some were more filled than others. He decided to read through it later.

'This must've been the Fourth's…' He thought somberly. 'All of this was his. Why would I think that any of this was mine…?'

He slowly opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. He unfolded it and began to read the contents.

Dear Naruto, my son,

I hope to Kami that this all just was not needed, and that your father was wrong about everything. I am praying for the day I can burn this letter and never think about it again. But the fact that I am even writing this letter to you proves how serious he is about me doing this. I have never lost an argument to your father. I sure hope he is wrong about this…

Regardless, if you are reading this, then something terrible has happened to me and your father and we are no longer there to raise you like we both dreamed. I cannot say for sure, but I will bet that it had something to do with the Kyūbi. That damn fox was always looking for a way to break free. I can only imagine the life you have been living without us. As much it pains me to think about it, I have not been able to stop. I wish I could have been there. I sure hope good old perverted Jiraiya sensei and Lady Tsunade stepped up to do their jobs as godparents. They were the best choice for the responsibility of raising you in our absence. I hope it brought them back to together again.

Minato wanted me to make this a quick letter for you, but there is just so much I could say to you. Even now, as you kick away in my stomach, I could talk for hours. So, your father will just have deal with it. As your mother, there are only certain things I can say to you. If I am not there to say all this in person, I only hope this will be enough for you.

Please do not be a fussy eater. Eat a lot and grow up to be a big and strong boy. Bathe everyday and get enough rest. Make good friends that you can trust no matter what. It does not have to be a lot, a few will be enough if that's what you want. Study your ninjutsu. I was never any good at studying. Maybe you will be like your father in that aspect. Everyone has things they are good at and things they are not. Don't belittle someone for being bad at something. And listen to your instructors at the academy.

Be mindful of the three prohibitions of a shinobi. Don't borrow money if you don't have to. Save what you earn from missions so that you don't have to work when you are old. And no drinking until you're twenty. Don't over do it or less you will ruin your body. And as for women, it's only natural for you to want a girlfriend someday. I am a woman so I wouldn't be much help. Just don't pick a weird one. Try and find someone like me. There's a secret fifth warning, watch out for Jiraiya sensei. I'm sure you know what I mean.

Naruto, if you do end up reading this, you will have probably experienced some harsh times. Don't let them get you down, remember who you are, make sure to find a goal and don't stop until you make it happen. Just never give up, y'know!

There is so much more I want to say, but if I keep going, I'll just make myself sad again. Just always do your best. That's what I expect from you as your mother.

Maybe I won't burn this letter and show it to you in a couple years and get a good laugh at your father's expense.

Please be safe. I knitted you a scarf, so you'd stay warm.

I love you.

From your loving mother, Kushina.

The tears just would not stop. He grabbed the scarf and held the letter and the scarf on his chest, clinging to it like he was hugging the person who made them. Nothing else mattered to him in this moment. He didn't care about his recovery or his training. Sasuke who? His goal of being the strongest of all was nothing more than a falling tree in the forest.

All Naruto wanted in this moment was to meet his mother…

-Hokage's Office, a few days later-

"So, the old man left his box?" Jiraiya was leaning against the desk with his back towards Tsunade. "I'm not even sure I want to know what's inside."

Tsunade could not say or do anything but sympathize with her former teammate. There had been so much bad blood between them over the years that she really couldn't blame him. She wondered if Jiraiya would ever forgive their former master. "Well, I felt that you should be here when I opened it. Mainly because you and I are the only ones left."

"What about Asuma, his son? Or even his grandson?" Jiraiya couldn't think of the kid's name, but he remembered that the kid a fixation on Naruto.

"I was more talking student wise. But there might be stuff in here for them. If there is, I'll make sure it gets to them personally."

Jiraiya sighed. No sense in waiting any longer. "Let's open it, then."

Tsunade nodded. She slipped her thumb underneath the lid and pushed it open. She reached in and pulled out the contents. There was only one item in the small wooden box. A leather covered journal.

"There's only one thing in here." Tsunade opened the cover to the first page. "This is sensei's personal journal. The one he wrote in while being Hokage."

Jiraiya investigated the box for himself to double check. "That's it? Nothing else?"

"It's not there's a lot of room to store things in these boxes. This was probably the box's reason to be made." Tsunade ran her finger across the edges of the pages, making the pages fly to the other side. She was catching glimpses of what was on the pages, some were more filled than others, but it seemed every single page was filled. Front and back. "These pages are filled with his most personal thoughts…what he truly thought."

Jiraiya huffed. "Truly thought, huh? Probably filled to the brim with more lies." He turned to leave. "I'm done with this. Naruto's probably at the main gate waiting on us."

"Don't be so quick to dismiss this, Jiraiya. His journal could-"

"I really don't care, Tsunade. What's done is done. Nothing we can do now will change what he did." The Sannin opened the door. "You coming? You'll disappoint him if you don't."

Tsunade sighed and nodded. There was no point in arguing with him. It was scar that wouldn't heal unless the man himself tried to do fix it. That chance has been long lost. The Hokage stood up and made her way to the door. She stopped at her teammate, knowing this would be the last she'd see him for the next three years.

Tsunade leaned in a gave him a quick goodbye kiss on the cheek. "Keep our boy safe. Make him strong."

Jiraiya smirked. "It's a promise."

-Konoha Main Gate-

"How's the recovery going, Naruto?" Tsunade asked her godson as she approached him. "Do you think you'll be able to handle what's to come?"

Naruto was standing in between his teammate, Sakura, and his jōnin sensei, Kakashi. It seemed they had been waiting for the two Sannin to arrive. "I'm still a little sore, but nothing I can't deal with." Then a big grin came across his face. "And you bet your ass I'm ready! I'm gonna come back stronger than ever!"

Tsunade smiled fondly at the young boy. She was reminded of the childish wonder he used to have when she first met him. She leaned down and placed a quick kiss on the top of the boy's head. "Good luck, kid."

Sporting a childish grin and rubbing the top head with admiration, Naruto nodded. "Thanks Baa-chan."

"No problem." Tsunade sighed. "Well, I have to be getting back to the office. I could only spare a few minutes. There's a lot of prep that needs to be done before we're ready for the upcoming conflict. Shikaku is probably waiting on me." The female Hokage turned back and headed towards her office.

Jiraiya pulled out a scroll and knelt on the ground. "This is gonna take me a few minutes to get things ready for our trip to Mount Myōboku. Say your goodbyes now."

Naruto nodded and turned back to his team. Kakashi closed his book but held it in his hand at his side. "Don't be reckless, Naruto. Make sure you're fully recovered before you start training. You don't want any setbacks right from the get-go."

Naruto lightly smacked his chest with a closed fist. "Don't worry, Kakashi sensei. Just don't end the war before I get back!"

Kakashi smirked underneath his mask. "I don't think you have to worry about that." The jōnin returned to his book. "I'll be waiting on the next book, Master Jiraiya." The man snicker as he worked. Kakashi extended his free hand towards his student, offering a handshake. "Good luck, Naruto." The young teen extended his own hand. "Your father would be proud."

Naruto had nothing to say about that. He simply nodded his head.

With Kakashi walking off with his head in his book, it was time for Sakura to say her goodbye.

"You're gonna be alright, right?"

Naruto nodded. "You don't need to be worried about me."

Sakura had small smile. "I'm always going to worry about you. Y-You're my friend. I care a lot about you…" Her voice softened and became quiet. "…more than you know."

"What did you say, Sakura? I didn't hear that last part."

"N-Nothing!" Sakura squeaked in surprise. "I-I just said to be s-safe! A-And train hard!"

Naruto smiled with pride and determination, not feeling the need to repeat himself for the third time. There was an awkward silence between the two teens. Neither of them was sure what to do next. Naruto rubbed the back of his next uncomfortably while Sakura nervously fiddled with her fingers behind her back.

"Sakura-"

"Naruto-"

The two stopped and waited for the other to speak, for them both to chuckle nervously. Sakura motioned for Naruto to speak. "I guess I just wanted to say is be safe, Sakura. I may not have experienced war before, but I know it's not easy. I don't want you to get hurt…or something."

Sakura smiled and nodded. She knew it probably wasn't easy for him to express his emotions, that was gonna be the best he could do. "I will be safe. I promise."

"Let's go kid! Pa and Ma are waiting for us!" Jiraiya called out.

Naruto nodded to his godfather and turned back to his teammate. "This is it, I guess." He could see the worry in her eyes. He gave her a comforting smile. "I'll be back. That's my promise."

Naruto turned and began to walk towards his master. He took about two steps before he was abruptly grabbed on the shoulder and quickly turned back around. Shock and amazement filled him as Sakura placed her free hand on his cheek and leaned in and kissed him softly, yet aggressively, on the lips. Naruto could only stand there frozen like a mannequin. Their lips remained together for a good three to four seconds before she gently pulled away. Rendered utterly speechless, Naruto remained motionless as Sakura pulled him into a quick hug before just as quickly moving back in complete embarrassment, their hands adjoined.

Sakura quietly cleared her throat. "D-Don't read too much into that! I-I only kissed you because I wanted to give you a good m-memory since you're gonna be gone so l-long! I'll miss you, a lot! A-And don't tell anyone about this either! I don't want anybody to know except us! Got it?!" Naruto nodded dumbly. "Good! Now, hurry up! Master Jiraiya is waiting!"

With one last squeeze of her hand, Naruto snapped out of his stupor and slowly backed away, hands separating, until he reached Jiraiya's position. There was a smug, yet very proud, smirk on the Sannin's face. He refrained from saying anything to the boy, there was no need.

"Ready to go?" There was no response, just a nod from the blonde. "Alright then! Let's blow this place!" The Toad Sannin slammed his hand on the ground, symbols appearing all around it.

Naruto gave a small wave before disappearing in a cloud of smoke with Jiraiya.

Sakura gave a small wave back, despite there being no one there. A small tear formed in the corner of her eye, but she quickly wiped it away. This was no time for tears. There was plenty of work and training to be done. If Naruto was going to train hard, then she would.

'You aren't the only one who's going to get strong, Naruto. Just you wait!'