-AN-

AND I'M BACK. I needed a few days off to focus on real life for a bit. I appreciate ya'll that have been regularly messaging me giving me a break as well. The respect for my space is appreciated. So, let's get back to it, and explore just what the group has been up to shall we?

-Story Start-

Naruto could say he was proud of a lot of things he had accomplished by now. Smacking the shit out of three sannin, defeating a biju, saving two separate countries. Not even 15 yet and he had accomplished quite a bit so far. However, what he was maybe not so secretly most proud of was his construction involving Uzu. Bending his knowledge of seals outside of explosions, well mostly, he had found a new way of digging long lengths of tunnels. Today was no different, now a month since they decided to stay in Uzu and help with restoration and rebuilding efforts.

Inspecting a wall full of seals and careful lines, Naruto backed away with his lines of clones, "Okay! Hit it!" On either end of the 50 meter wide tunnel two clones walked up to the wall and applied chakra to the seal array. The entire wall began to glow blue for a long minute before with barely a whisper, the rock crumbled into pieces while the two clones popped from exhausting their chakra. A ling of waiting clones instantly rushed forward and began to clear the rubble while another dozen rushed forward the 100 meters to the next wall to begin drawing the next set of seals. Behind Naruto himself a former Snow and now Spring engineer named Takoda looked on with awe.

"My Lord. If only we had this on our end of the construction, this would be done before the month was out."

Naruto grinned brightly, "Well, as it is we're looking at what, 3 months?" Naruto wasn't the best at math when he left the academy, but seal research and copious clone usage had changed that. Plus, this was pretty basic math really. "We've got less than 600 kilometer between Uzu and the tunnel from Spring. So…we can do 100 meters every 20 minutes. That's, 300 meters an hour and…"

Takoda nodded along, "I've done the math as well, you'll hit more than the goal before 3 months are up, plus, the other tunnel is still growing, although much slower. So possibly we might be done within 2 months if this keeps up."

Naruto nods as another group of clones are setting up temporary lights along the walls to provide new light for the next section. "Well, I'm motivated and can throw clones at the problem." Turning back to the man, Naruto kept his grin up, "Need to head back to Spring or do you need to stick around?"

Takoda shook his head, "You're on the correct track and I haven't had to correct you at all. I should be getting back."

Naruto nods again and turns to address a clone carrying some stone to the combined group of Ino and Jugo, "Let the others know I'll be right back, gotta take our Spring engineer back real quick."

The clone saluted, "Will do!" Naruto grabbed the average looking man and was gone in a flash, leaving behind the clone who rushed to deposit his load of stone before the pair of earth users who were converting the pile of rubble into usable bricks and stone slabs. "Boss wants ya to know he skipped out for a minute to take back that engineer."

Ino nods while wiping her brow of sweat, "Got it. How're we looking?"

"Engineer says maybe 3 months max before we link up with the Spring group."

"Woo that's fast. I guess we're all pretty motivated though."

The clone wiggled it's eyebrows, "Any day with you Ino is pretty motivating."

Ino blushed but waved him of, "Get going before I try to find out if a clone is durable or not."

Cheeky clone rushing off with a laugh, Jugo finished converting a pile of rubble into a stack of usable slabs that several waiting clones began to rush off with, "I did not realize how taxing this could be."

Ino nodded, getting back into the swing of things, "I didn't either until we started this. I tell ya though, my reserves have never been larger. Guess construction and manual labor does wonders for chakra control and reserves huh?" Ino thought about that in terms of genin D rank missions. Was that what they were really about, working kids up to usable chakra reserves along with mental and physical preparation? Something to keep in mind she guessed. "Something tells me though Naruto will take it as a challenge and find a way to finish that sooner."

Jugo looks at their pile beginning to dwindle and nods, "Lord Naruto does seem to have an amazing level of focus when he has a task to complete."

Ino nods, "You don't know the half of it." Converter a new pile, she realized with a start they were finished for the moment while they waited for the next section of tunnel to be excavated.

Hinata however was approaching them, a basket full of food in hand, "I have lunch everyone. Where's the real Naruto?"

Ino waved her hand this way and that, "Dropping off the Spring engineer and probably getting assaulted by Koyuki. He'll be back in a minute."

Hinata giggled and sat down with the other two, beginning to hand out first thermos full of tea and then food. Today was hearty boar sandwiches. "I'll need to start applying some new wind seals to the wall soon, but we've made great progress today."

Jugo nodded, "According to Naruto, we should be well under the country of Hotsprings by now."

Ino sighed, "Yeah, with Naruto's motivation we'll be meeting up with the Spring group before we leave for Konoha and the Daimyo visit. Guess that's a good thing though." Bridging the gap between Spring and Uzu would do wonders both for materials transport but as well as moving people. Uzushio was going to come back into the world strong and more advance than ever if Naruto had his way. Ino was excited to see what that meant.

Hinata sighed, "I just hope we can convince Naruto to rest and take some time off. I know this is important to him but I don't want to see him wear himself out."

Ino pointed at the pale eyed girl, "You're probably the best one of us to convince him to relax. Unless you wanna tag team him?" Ino wiggled her own eyes at the other girl, who giggled and shook her head.

"No, no. Though." Seeing a Naruto clone walk by Hinata grabs it, "Could you dispel Naruto to let him know he needs to eat? We have lunch here."

"Aw, can't I get some incentive to leave? How bout some skin? Maybe we could go make out?"

Hinata rolls her eyes, "Dispel and Naruto will in fact get something special when he returns."

"Yatta!" The clone dispelled, while Hinata just shook her head and turned back to the others,

"What're we going to do with him?"

Ino merely leered at all the clones, some curious as they rushed by during their assigned tasks, "I have some ideas."

Naruto himself flashed into the midst of their group, attracted to the seals attached to either Hinata or Ino. "I'm here for food!"

Hinata was already shoving an overloaded sandwich into his hands, "Eat, relax, then get back to it. We have lots of time thanks to your clones."

Jugo shakes his head while the three talk and not so subtly flirt back and forth. He hadn't regretted joining this group since leaving the Sound. He had something new here. Something fulfilling. Taking a deep drink of his tea, food long finished, he wondered how that Sasame girl was doing.

More than a hundred miles away back in Uzu, Karin is walking along with Tazuna as they inspect the construction site around the admin building. Nearly complete with the freed up labor due to Naruto's clones, they were inside one of the lower levels inspecting a large map detailing the island nation.

Karin is pointing along the coast, "We can apply new defensive seals here and here, along with several barriers along these close channels to block off potential ninja invaders."

Tazuna however points to several sections along the north and west, "It'd probably be better to apply them here an here wouldn't it? Konoha is west of this point and Lightning is north of this point."

Karin thinks it over for a moment before nodding. Both of the sections Tazuna had pointed at were large rocky beaches that would weather erosion very well and wouldn't require much upkeep. "I might need to borrow Ino and Jugo from Naruto for a bit soon. I have an idea for a new project dealing with our nation's defense."

This of course peaks Tazuna's interest. Ino and Jugo were part of the earth moving team, what could Karin need with them? "Wanna clue an old man into what you're thinking?"

Karin thinks it over, leaning against his work table while around them the loud construction continues on, "Well, with the Komainu mask, I can imbue life into an object. I'm thinking of having Ino and Jugo build the likeness of great sea beasts and I can fill them with life and a goal, defend our home. Both a visual and physical deterrent, ya know? Plus I was thinking of adding environmental seals to shroud the islands in a perpetual mist that never fades as another layer of protection."

Tazuna wonders over that a bit, before pointing out a problem in his mind, "Wouldn't people get suspicious about mythical monsters tearing apart ships?"

"Maybe, but no ships come this way in the first place. All of our shipping is going through Wave and we plan to keep it that way.I guess we should come up with some defensive options for Wave."

Tazuna thought that one over, "Maybe later, once you go public about Uzushio returning to the world. Once that happens, maybe something very noticeable? Like water based towers that can be manned by ninja."

Karin somewhat likes that idea, "Maybe we can add in projectile launchers from Spring, they've developed some interesting tech ya know? Could be useful."

"Yeah that's true, would let normal people man the towers as well." Tazuna takes a minute to watch the girl think things over and write in a note pad carefully. "Sooo." Here his meddling grandpa side was beginning to come out, "When are you going to make a move on Naruto boy? At least I can tell you have some feelings for him."

Karin blushes but waves the old man off, "I. Well. There hasn't been time." Tazuna's deadpan look let's her know that she isn't going to misdirect or lie her way out of this one. "I. I don't feel like I measure up to the others. They've all done something great or had some amazing experience with him. And me? One of his clones saved me during the chunin exams in Konoha. I want to do something grand! I wanna be able to stand just as tall as all the others ya know? Then I'll make my move."

Tazuna sighs, reaching over and tussling the red head's hair while she squeaks and tries to get away, "This old man thinks you're overthinking things. It's your life, but maybe, ya know, live it a little spontaneously from time to time." Saying his peace and seeing they were all caught up with their updates, he waved and moved on to direct some workers who were looking lost.

Karin herself is trying to control her blush as she thinks it over. Was she overthinking it? Possibly. At the same time, she just wanted to feel like she was actually adding to the group, doing something meaningful. Once she did that, well, then maybe she would feel worthy of the love Naruto had already expressed for her. Hyping herself up and adjusting her glasses, the girl turned to leave the slowly completing building. She had seals to place.

Across the bay back in Wave Tayuya is watching over Tsunami. Tsunami is as usual with her newly self designated duties helping with the refugees at the aid station. Tsunami is however looking over her shoulder as she stands from reassuring a newly arrived family of three that things will be alright. "You know I don't need a bodyguard."

Tayuya shrugs, "Maybe. But we all said we would do our part. The other's can do construction or work with seals. I. I'm good at fighting, and barriers if pressed." Tempering her usual crass language around the tranquil woman, Tayuya shared a tidbit of her inner self. "Uzu doesn't need a fighter right now, and Koyuki is taken care of with Kotohime and Kin, so I'm here and watching over you instead."

Tsunami however stands straight and dusts herself off, looking around and seeing she can relax for a while, things well at hand, "What then, when the village is well and truly running on its own. What will you do then?"

Tayuya pauses as she thinks about that. Protecting Naruto was moot, he could level just about anyone if he wanted. They would surely train and have their own Uzu ninja as well, so missions wouldn't be required of her for long. "I don't know. Short term maybe help build a village police corps, or help with putting together an academy training program I guess." At minimum she knew how to train, so she could be useful that way.

Tsunami watches the girl work through her thoughts, a frown developing on her own face, "Wouldn't that just continue what you are doing now?"

"Well yah, but it's what I'm good at. I could teach a policing force to use barriers to protect people. Fighting skills to take care of rowdy civilians or drunk ninja." Tayuya thinks of her own past, along with Karin's and Naruto's. "I don't want to see Uzushio fall again. If I can do anything to make sure that doesn't happen again, I'll do it. No matter how small an effort." She didn't want to see any more Uzushio children suffer like they did. Especially like she did. No one deserved that.

Tsunami nods along with her sentiment, walking towards a newly arrived family of 4 that was settling into their temporary space before being placed either in Wave or Whirlpool. The family is clearly broken, no parents present. The oldest looked to be a teenager no older than 14. Storm gray eyes and a strong build, long hair in a ponytail, the boy fretted over his younger siblings while watching their surroundings. Tsunami could tell the boy wanted to go look for work, but didn't trust the staff here enough to leave the children to do so. They must have been through a lot to get here. "Can I help you, young man?"

The boy shook his head quickly, eyeing both women cautiously, "We're good, just settling in is all."

Tayuya however has a frown on her face, still lost in her memories. "Look, it's not my business. But the people here are good people." She focuses a bit more on the boy as he pays closer attention to her, " You did your job. You got your family to safety and in one piece. Now your job is to find work so they can eat. Our job is to watch out for everyone here. Let us do our job, so you can do yours."

"How do I know I can trust any of you?" The boy was quiet as one of the three sisters was sleeping, though the other two were wide awake and watching them. "We've….a lot has happened. Trusting others is dangerous."

Tayuya nods, not hesitating before pulling up her shirt slightly and exposing a long scar along her side, "I get it. Trust me. But these are good people here, they'll watch your sisters while you go find some work. And believe me, there's always some work around here." Even with Naruto's clones they still had so much to do. She'd have to remind the others to make Naruto take a day or two off.

"I…" The boy really thought about it. Everyone here had been welcoming and inviting in an sincere way. This kunoichi as well, she wasn't obligated to talk to him at all, obviously tasked with protecting the organizer here. That meant to him that she had no real reason to lie unless it was boredom, and he doubted that. "Could you…point me in the direction of some work then? I don't know much, but I know some ship work at least and some light construction."

Tsunami chimes in now, a bright smile on her face, "There's a job board over by the main doors, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for there. The docks always need good strong hands."

Nodding the boy again turns to Tayuya, "I'm…Ran. Thanks. For the pep talk."

Tayuya waves him off, "Just watch out for the little ones." Tayuya watched him assure his siblings before wandering off. Tayuya too watched him go before she was met with three smiling faces. Wasn't the third one sleeping?

The next oldest, a girl with long hair down to her knees tied into a low ponytail bows to Tayuya, "Ne, ne, big sis? Will you be around to play with us while we're here?"

The sleepy one is already next to a fluster Tayuya, clamping a hand onto her new blue tunic, "Could we nap together instead? I'm still sleepy…" The girl looked ready to fall back asleep any second.

The third, hair cut in a shorter hime cut, with bright green eyes was holding up a picture book, "Could you read us a book then? You're not busy right? Right?"

Clearly flustered but not wanting to say no right away, Tayuya looked to Tsunami for help, who promptly dashed her hopes like waves on the rocks at their shore.

"Well would you look at that, I think I have some personal business to attend to. Tayuya, why don't you stay here and watch this group for a while until I return."

"Now wait a minute, hey wait!"

Tsunami holds a finger to her lips and silences the girl, "You think all you have is fighting. Maybe. Just Maybe, you have other callings in life besides that. It isn't as if you have explored all of your options just yet. Try this out, for just a while." Then she was gone, trailing along to another group of refugees while Tayuya was pulled down to sit among the group of brown haired green eyed girls.

"Ne, Ne, big sis, you're hair is really pretty. Did you make it red or is it usually red?"

"Big sis here, here's the book please?"

"Sleepy…." Head in Tayuya's lap, the third sister was already dozing back off.

Beyond flustered, Tayuya switched to thinking of this as a mission to try and calm herself down, taking the book and beginning to read as softly as she could while the two awake siblings cuddled on up to her. She wasn't comfortable with this at first, but soon she began to think maybe Tsunami was right. This was. Nice. Healing in a way. Plus at least with these kids she wasn't so bored.

-b-

In spring, Koyuki is in her office while Kotohime is at her right shoulder and Kin is standing at her left. Sitting at a desk off to the left is Sandayu, going through files she had yet to read just yet. Their workload had been getting larger as of yet and again Koyuki lamented not having Naruto as an official Kage just yet. At least then she could have him shoulder a bit of the burden.

Today however had all occupants of the room united over one sore topic. Kotohime had noted that several chakra sensors had picked up a known signature. Jiraiya the Toad Sage had been sighted in Spring.

Koyuki sighs, knowing this day was bound to happen but had hoped it might have been much much later. "I know you both are new to our group, but we can't let Jiraiya know that we know anything about Naruto or where he had gone. Which means we'll need to get word to him soon to warn him."

Kotohime bows lightly, "I can warn Naruto right away through the seal, if it's that urgent?" Seeing Koyuki nod, Kotohime starts to leave for her task.

"Return soon sister." Kin's voice rings out, still not one hundred percent back to her normal self, but slowly getting there.

Kotohime pauses, turning back and hugging her sister, "It's just a quick errand. I won't even be leaving the mansion." After than Kotohime is soon gone and out of the doorway to find the Hiraishin tag in the common room.

Left behind Kin is silent while Koyuki thinks to herself as she rifles through her paperwork. "Kin, how are you adjusting to life here?" She didn't know much about the newcomer to the group, but she seemed like a sweet girl.

"My, memory, isn't perfect by any measure. I am better than when I first woke all the same. And I hope to restart my training and catch up to the others soon. I don't want to continue to be a burden."

Koyuki smiles to herself, "You aren't a burden. In fact I very much enjoy your company. So please do not think yourself as such. I hope you meet your goals, but please don't push yourself harder than you need to. Healing is your first priority."

"I appreciate the concern." Kin had been trying to model herself more after her big sister. Strong and skilled, elegant, beauty personified. She had a long way to go but she'd get there one day. "Thank you however, for allowing me to heal and stay with you."

Koyuki waves her off, "Honestly thank Naruto. If not for him we wouldn't have been able to remove the seals from you, and I can't imagine what we would have had to do to you then. If we even could have broken you from those seal's grasp."

Kin knew the chance of that without a seal master. So she also knew exactly where she would have ended up after the hypothetical first and most like horrendous attempt. Before she gets a chance to say anything Kotohime glides back into the room.

"Naruto is notified and has informed me that they will not be returning to Spring until they know for sure that Jiraiya has left Spring." Kotohime did pull a handful of scrolls from the inner workings of her Yukata, "He did give me several scrolls with instructions to add them to the chakra sensors around the mansion grounds. Supposedly these will allow the sensors to see through Jiraiya's concealment jutsu."

"Good." Koyuki nods and turns to her oldest advisor and friend, "Sandayu, can you call up a couple squads of Spring ninja? I have a job for them." She hoped her ninja could place them properly with just the instructions given to them from Naruto. Sandayu stands and leaves to attend to the task, knowing they had a few squads on hand at all times on the lower floors.

Kotohime sighs as she returns to Koyuki's side, "I wish I could have dragged Naruto here. He could use the time off."

"Sounds like an attempt from a lazy person to be lazy." Kin snipes quietly at her sister.

"Sister dear really, I'm not so boorish."

Koyuki snorted, "If we left you and Naruto alone in a broom closet, you'd probably have your clothes off before we even closed the door."

Kotohime huff's, "It's not my fault Naruto is just so amazing and hot."

Koyuki does consider that, "I wouldn't mind a little more time with him as well."

Kin thinks on that, "The tall one, Jugo, is more interesting I think." Though she was mumbling to herself, both older women heard her.

"Oh ho, so my dear sister has eyes for the gentle giant? So quick as well."

Waving her hands she missed Koyuki giggling, "No it's not-not like that."

"So you say. Maybe we should lock you in a broom closet with him to find out." Kotohime had missed being able to tease her sister. She'd have to thank Naruto again for this opportunity. Something personal.

-b-

The dawn of a new day finds the focus switched to the mission bound Team 7 from Konoha. Having reached the landmark bridge that they themselves had defended, most of the team was in high spirits.

Sakura was nudging Sasuke while pointing at the bridge, "It really is an impressive thing isn't it?"

Sasuke heaved a sigh but nodded along, "Tazuna really did an amazing job." He was looking ahead however to a statue that looked like it had copies of the original Team 7 formation. "It that us?"

The group walked up to inspect memorial, reading the inscription and having their own thoughts. Kakashi sits back, still very proud of his genin team that apparently had motivated a country to truly take back their future if the procession of people in and out of the main gate was anything to go by. "Seems Wave acknowledged you as a team."

Sasuke sat back with a small smile on his face, "More like they acknowledged Naruto, that idiot. I hope he gets to see this one day." He notes Sai has his art pad out, sketching the memorial and the bridge.

Sakura nods, "One way or another, when we see him again we'll drag him here so he can see it for himself. He has a bridge named after him now."

"Oh god, like his ego needs another boost."

"Shit. You're right. What do you think he'll do?"

Sasuke pointed to his headband, "Knowing him? Probably drag the council here and rub it in their faces."

Sakura giggles and nods, "Either that or find a way to make a bridge shaped explosion."

Kakashi motions for the team to get moving, "Come now, we still have some ground to cover. We are here for a mission after all." Getting everyone walking again, he watches as Sai leans forward while putting his art pad away.

"This was an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud."

Sasuke and Sakura both nod, though Sasuke is the one who answers, "It was, a hard mission. We learned a lot from it and it was probably the first time we really came together as a team properly."

Sakura nudged the boy again, "Naruto did nearly die saving you."

"I wanted to forget that part." He was being completely honest about that as well. Some nights when he was alone, he could still feel Naruto's blood on his face, that dark socket that used to hold his obliterated eye staring at him crying red tears. If Naruto didn't have the kyuubi sealed within him, he probably wouldn't have been a ninja after that. They all probably wouldn't have made it through that mission without Naruto if Sasuke was being honest about it.

Kakashi however frowns as he feels, something, crawl over his skin. It's gone within moments but he resolves to keeping an eye out for anything out of place while they were here beyond what their mission asked.

Walking into town and being met with bright and focused faces, Team 7 can already note that this is a busy port town. It was the exact opposite of what they had originally been met with during their last mission here. It was so different in fact that Sasuke and Sakura wanted to explore a bit on their own. Sai in his own way is curious as well but doesn't voice an opinion.

Kakashi leans down to the genin to speak with them quietly, "I think it's best if we stick together for now though I suppose we can explore for a little while." Kakashi was paying attention to the fact that several vendors seemed to be paying close attention to their headbands. To the older Leaf nin it was much more than normal curiosity and further twisted something in his gut. His instincts were telling him something was going on. Letting Sakura and Sasuke lead the way while dragging a bored looking Sai along, Kakashi followed them quietly.

First stop through the busy marketplace is the dock area where the team watches the coming and going of some truly massive ships all in some state of either being unloaded or loaded of goods. Out in the distance they could see fishing boats moving about and working, but beyond that there was a wall of mist that was stubbornly refusing to clear even with the heat of the day. Sakura however was looking at a recurring logo on several of the warehouses that matched with some that were visible on the largest of the container ships, "Looks like Wave took over Gato's empire. Wonder what that logo means though" It was the image of a blue oni mask with a background of waves.

Kakashi shrugged, "With as busy as the port is it would explain all of the civilian movements in and out of Wave. Work here must be pretty steady."

Sasuke watched idly as a fit looking pig-tailed boy helped load a waiting transport cart with a crew of older men. Refugee must be. Looking away Sasuke wondered how Tazuna and his family were doing. "Should we try to track down Tazuna? Maybe he's heard something?"

Kakashi smiled behind his mask, "That's a good idea, I think I remember the way well enough. Let's go." Plan set the group continued on, walking away from the docks and making their way back onto the main road. From there the flow of people thinned out, though there was a healthy amount of people within a large warehouse just off the main road they were walking on. Large sign along it's front proclaiming it an aid station, Sakura turned to the others.

"We should check in here. Refugees would have more information right?" Seeing her teammates look at each other before shrugging and nodding, they changed directions and made to head inside the station.

They were stopped however by an official looking person holding a clipboard and a name tag proclaiming her name as Akari. Short brown hair done up in a high ponytail, the woman was just shy of Kakashi's height, "I'm sorry, but our rules require all ninja either stay away or register with the appropriate aid providers." Sure ninja could disguise themselves, but they had seals just for those situations.

Kakashi waved a hand, "Sorry, we're just passing through. My student has some medical training and was thinking of offering her help."

A heavily muscled man walked from inside to move past the apparent coordinator, "You okay miss Akari?"

"I'm fine Bruno, don't you have work to get to?"

"Yes ma'am." Dark eyes roamed over the ninja before shrugging. Beginning to walk away the man waved to Akari.

"Peace to you Bruno."

"Fallen willing!" Soon he was lost in the crowd and Akari turned her attention back to the ninja.

"We have strict guidelines we must follow." Akari was eyeing the pink haired girl who was walking forward. Akari slid a finger close to a seal on the clipboard's front that was unseen to the ninja.

Sakura caught on quickly to her sensei's thinking, nodding along and showing off her medical bag, "I can help treat wounded or the sick if you don't mind and need the help. I have medical ninja training."

Akari however shook her head while bowing, hands coming away from the panic seal, "My apologies, again, we can't accept aid from unknown ninja, please understand. We have things well at hand here."

Kakashi could see the reasoning behind not letting random ninja into an aid station. They were from one of the major villages however, that had to carry some weight? He wouldn't press the issue nonetheless, "That's alright, we should continue to our destination. Come along Sakura." Dejected the pink haired girl nodded and left with her team. Kakashi quietly looked over his shoulder, Akari watching them for a moment before returning back through the open warehouse doors. No one else seemed to follow them or watch them. It was odd that she moved on them so quickly. Perhaps they were already prepared to see them?

Moving away from the main hub of activity, the team made their way into the suburbs. Thankfully the team did remember their way because they were soon before Tazuna's home and knocking on the door. Waiting and hearing footsteps, they were greeted by a surprised Tsunami who happily hailed them inside before closing the door behind them.

"Welcome back Team 7! It's great you're able to visit us." Tsunami looked between them all before her eyes landed on Sai, "Oh, who's this? Did something happen to Naruto?"

As the team was seated around the table and offered refreshments Kakashi set about answering that question, "There have been some things going on, but Naruto is well, had to take a little break is all."

"Oh, well that eye injury must have been serious. I hope he's doing better." Tsunami grinned internally while she poured tea for everyone. This was fun. "I'm sure then you've seen the bridge, did you like the statue?"

Sakura gushes a bit, "You can't let Naruto see that, it'll go all to his head!"

Sasuke shakes his head, "That's her way of saying she likes it too."

"Hush you."

Tsunami laughs at their antics for a bit before seating herself at the head of the table. "What brings you around these parts? Not another dangerous mission I hope."

Kakashi looks around but doesn't sense anyone else in the home, "Is Tazuna out?"

Eyes wide Tsunami thumps the table as if remembering something important, "Father has been called for a very good job recently off the island. He said it's going to be long term so I don't expect him back for a long while yet. Inari decided to go along. He wants to learn how to be a super builder just like my father." Smiling the older woman shrugged, "Boys."

Sakura nods along sagely while Sasuke groans about know it all women. The elbow to his gut is well earned in retrospect. Kakashi ignores them, "We're actually investigating some rumors. Do you know, who's in control of Gato's shipping company now?"

Tsunami seems to think that one over, finger to her chin, "Well Wave took control of it not long after you left. We've had a financier come in recently to help with some funding. We've painted his seal in several notable places as a show of thanks."

Kakashi frowned, "Are you sure this isn't another Gato situation?"

Tsunami shook her head, "You've seen our town, no, it's nothing like that time. We're all very happy here and thriving. With all the business though we've been taking in refugees and migrants. It's all been so overwhelming." No lie there, things had been so busy lately. While she wouldn't be after Naruto's affections, a back rub did sound amazing once in a while.

Kakashi relaxed a bit into his seat, so the increased civilian movements were related to the ports then. Maybe they could try to find some shipping logs? See where things were headed? No. That'd lead to potential conflict, which wasn't what they were hear for. "Well that's good to see. Busy means you're thriving after all."

Tsunami smiles brightly at that, "Very true. To be alive is to thrive. How are things for your group, or is it secret ninja business?"

Kakashi shakes his head, "Well I can't tell you much about the village, but these two here." Kakashi motions to his resident love bird students, "Started dating."

Sakura blushes hotly, "Hey! That's our business to tell."

Sasuke plants his face into the table as Tsunami begins to gush over the two. Leave it to Kakashi to throw them under the bus.

Sai leans over to Kakashi, "She's very, excitable."

Kakashi agrees, "It's an improvement from how things were before. This was a run down place when we first arrived. It's good to see them up and on their feet."

They spend an hour catching Tsunami up as much as they can with their going ons and business. Soon however they have to leave and Kakashi is ushering them out. He'd like to make good time back to the village. Things were normal here and while his instincts were prickling, there was nothing out of the ordinary that they could see. Genin leaving through the door, Kakashi is forced to pause as Tsunami comes up to him from behind, a scroll passing into a pouch on his vest. Her breath was hot on his ear.

"Thank you, for what you did for Naruto." Within a moment she was gone, back in the hallway and waving them all away, Kakashi wanting to turn back and demand what she knew. That tone, it wasn't just a thanks towards an attentive sensei. No. She knew something and he wasn't sure just what it was. Even so, things in his mind were beginning to line up, everything that had been bugging him through their visit coming to mind, and he nodded to her slowly. He wouldn't get answers now, but maybe later. The team makes their way back towards the bridge, their report going to show that everything was normal here.

Across the straight and nestled in a quiet home unknown to the Leaf ninja team, Naruto and Hinata are relaxing together on a borrowed couch in the second story of the condo. Their entire team had been given use of this two story condo until the admin building was completed. Tazuna had mentioned to the group that the upper floors would actually be their future living quarters and to look forward to it. Naruto had faith it would be amazing if Tazuna was designing it himself. Leaning further into the couch, Naruto took a deep breath before releasing it tiredly. "How long do you think it'll take the others to grab food?"

Hinata smiled, "Between Ino, Tayuya, and Karin? It'll take them half an hour just to decide what to get. Poor Jugo being used as manual labor." The larger boy had been adamant however about guarding the three. Naruto couldn't dissuade him and decided to let it go. Hinata took the chance to lean into his side and cuddle into him, "This is nice though. We haven't had much time to relax."

Naruto nods, an arm coming around and settling onto her shoulders. "I know I'm pushing hard. After this and the trip to Konoha I promise we'll relax and ease up at least for a few months. I'll do whatever you girls want."

Hinata giggled and looked up into his eyes, "Careful Naruto, never know what we'll want from you." She reached up, tracing the scar along his left temple. It was nearly gone now, his enhanced healing was truly something.

Naruto smiles, "For you? I'll do anything." He's quiet for a moment as his mind wanders. "You know. I want to say thank you. For believing in me and coming along. You had faith in me before anyone else. I hope I can keep making you proud."

Hinata just shakes her head, "I would follow you anywhere anytime. I'll be the moon to your sun." She leans up, kissing him softly before pulling away with a blush.

A look passes between the two, before Naruto takes the initiative and pulls her into him, kissing her deeply. Tongues twist against each other, and Hinata rolls over to climb into his lap to have more access to him. Hands on his chest, she spreads his jacket open slightly.

Naruto himself slides his hands up and down her sides. As they break away from their kiss for a moment, a strange heat between the two, he merely watches the blushing and panting girl above him. Carefully, slowly, he begins to move his hands up further. Gently cupping her chest, they lean in to continue their make out session before they hear the downstairs door begin to open. Groaning as they both freeze, Hinata places her hands over his to keep him from moving.

"Hinata, they're back."

Hinata has a strange look in her eye, before she presses his hands harder into her, "I guess…we can continue this later then?"

Naruto nods as Hinata finally releases him and stands, body tingling in a pleasant way. "Yeah. Later." He stands right after her, heading towards the door with her.

Hinata leans over a bit pulling one side of her orange tank top aside and showing off some skin, "Like I said. I'm here for you, now and always. Once our new home is complete, maybe we can…break it in?"

Naruto pauses for a moment before deciding he needed to take some more initiative, he pulls the girl into his arms again. One soul searing kiss later, Naruto is pulling away from the overheated and frozen girl, "Keep that up, and I'll break you in on every surface available." Leaving the girl to figure herself out, Naruto descended the stairs to find the others. 'Now that was a good feeling.'

'It'd be better if you walked back in there and finished the job.'

'It's called patience, you should work on that.'

'I deal with you, I think I get some consideration for that alone.'

'What're you trying to say?' Naruto was now downstairs and watching as Ino and Tayuya argued over some absolutely insane food portions sizes. Were they feeding an army? At least Jugo looked content at the table, happily munching away on something deep fried.

'That dealing with you is like trying to herd mentally deficient cats, that are sick, and maybe missing limbs.'

'That was….detailed.'

'Not my best work. Also, incoming.'

'Wuh?' Naruto missed the orange and blue blur that tackled him from the stairway and laid him out. He didn't miss the chaos that followed as the rest of the girls tried to get in on the dog pile. Well. At least his life wasn't boring.

-AN-

Alright ya'll, we're getting back into it and I hope I can continue to do this story justice.

-OMAKE-

Ayame had been beyond bored and upset these last few months. Naruto gone and only an occasional letter delivered by a toad of all things? She'd be giving him a piece of her mind next time she saw him. Those girls as well since she just knew they were with him.

Today however she had to focus a bit. Having to perform a delivery for once, she was carrying a family sized order to the home of one Iruka Umino. The school teacher had apparently been busy and needed food delivered. Ayame remembered the man from his few visits and most of the stories Naruto told about him. Iruka was to be respected, for at least acknowledging Naruto as a person before most of the village. Smiling and humming, maybe she could share some stories with the man before she had to get back to work with her father.

Mind made up and finding his home, Ayame placed down one of the two carry containers and knocked on the door. Waiting, she listened as someone cursed and banged into something before the door flew open.

"Delivery for you Irukaaaa~" Trailing off as she finally focused on the sight before her, a blush quickly burst into life on her face.

Iruka looked like he had been in a fight with a beast of some sort. There were scratches on his chest and upper arms. His sweat pants were loose and he was covered in a sheen of sweat. For once his hair was down and his headband was missing. All in all, Ayame made the mental decision that this man was very very attractive. "Oh, thanks for the delivery Ayame. I appreciate it." Still mentally distracted himself, he took the first carrier from the ground and moved it inside.

"It's…not a problem." As he turned away she could see more scratches along his very toned back as well. Finally she noticed a particular smell had wafted from inside the house. Oh dear, was he doing what she thought he was?

Turning back to her and retrieving the second carrier, Iruka smiled brightly and nearly sent the poor girl into catatonics, "I really do appreciate it." Arms snaked over his shoulders, and a very naked Anko joined him at the door.

"Break time over loverboy, time to find out what ramen flavored Anko tastes like." And then they were gone, door closing in front of her and leaving Ayame to her thoughts and imagination. Because with everything she saw, and the loose fitting pants outlining something truly outrageous, Ayame nearly kicked the door in.

"I need to find a boyfriend."