Chapter #3:

The Sand Infiltration

Naruto was lying in bed looking at the ceiling unable to sleep, smiling the afternoon still fresh in his mind, his daughter… he has a daughter a beautiful daughter too, her mothers beauty emanating every second, her pink hair too, and his blue eyes.

Naruto sits up suddenly, "Hanami… it's a beautiful name. I…" tears start welling up inside him, "I don't deserve her, Sakura spent the last six years raising her alone, she…" he smiles "she's so much stronger than I ever thought possible… Agh!" he shakes his head then gets on the floor and starts doing push-ups.

He spent the next hour working out and training but nothing he did could take his mind of his guilt he nods to himself, "This calls for the big guns, time for a stop at IchiRaku Ramen! It's been a six years since my last bowl anyway."

He puts on his orange jacket grabs his Gama-Chan wallet and heads out the door, "I wonder what flavour I should get? I wonder if Hanami likes Ramen too?"

Meanwhile at Sakura's house, Sakura carrying Hanami to bed who yawns big and long, Hanami rubs her eyes slightly as she rests her head on her mother's bosom.

Sakura smiles as she reaches Hanami's room, she asks, "Did you have fun today."

Hanami nods slightly, "Yeah… Papa is fun! I was scared he wouldn't like me at first but he felt so warm!"

Sakura smiles, "Good I'm glad. I'm sure Naruto had fun too."

Hanami looks up, "Hey, mama?"

Sakura looks at her daughter, "What is it?"

Hanami smiles, "Can we play with Papa every day!"

Sakura frowns, "I don't think we can do that every day."

Hanami frowns, "Okay…"

Sakura could feel how sad her daughter was and sighs, "I can't promise he can play every day after all we're both Ninja, but I'm sure he'd be more than happy to do so on days we're not working."

Hanami excited, "Yay!"

Sakura sighs, "Honestly now… come on it's bed time."

Hanami sighs, "But I'm not tired."

Sakura smirks at her, "Really now?" she places Hanami in bed then clears her throat before she starts singing a lullaby.

"Cast away your worries, my dear

For tomorrow comes a new day

Hold to me, you've nothing to fear

For your dreams are not far away

As you lay your head and you rest

May your dreams take over my love

Listen close, my son of the west

For your destiny lies above

Though the world is cruel

There's a light that still shines

In the darkest days of our lives

When all hope seems lost

And you can't find your way

Think of me as you look to the sky

Child mine, your future is bright

For your father's blood's in your veins

In dark times, I pray you will fight

For the world will soon know your name"

Sakura looks down at her daughter after finishing the lullaby and smiles as she sees Hanami fast asleep holding tightly onto her stuffed fox toy, "Sleep well my sweet little cherry blossom."

Sakura stands up and leaves the room she quietly closes the door and returns to her own room, exhausted she lays down in her bed then looks next to her and a vision of Naruto appears, she imagines him embracing her kissing her neck…

Sakura suddenly sits up and slaps her cheeks the vision of Naruto disappears, "What am I even thinking! He just got back! Plus…" she sighs, "He's been travelling along with Lord Jiraiya, I bet he's got lovers all over the world, he doesn't need me."

"Perhaps you should ask him that…"

Sakura startled turns to see Jiraiya standing on a tree branch, "Lord Jiraiya? What are you doing here?"

Jiraiya chuckles, "Oh just taking in the sights, doing some research for my next novel."

Sakura groans, "Ugh… Lady Tsunade was right you really are a pig. Uh… no offense."

Jiraiya laughs, "Yeah well what can I say… I enjoy the finer things in life. Anyway didn't mean to eavesdrop but I heard what you said and trust me… the kid hasn't been with anyone."

Sakura looks unconvinced, "Right…"

Jiraiya nervous, "It's true… haha he even refused to let me help him once!"

Sakura confused, "What do you mean?"

Jiraiya smirks, "Believe it or not… I am quite the ladies man, not only that we were visiting a large casino city, but they also had an abundance of Brothels too, Naruto seemed a bit down so I offered to be his wingman or to pay for a night with a lady. He straight up refused!"

Sakura smiles hopeful, "He did?"

Jiraiya nods, "I even tried messing with him by inviting five different girls to try and flirt with him, big mistake he got super angry and he dropped something. A very important picture."

Sakura intrigued, "What kind of picture was it?"

Jiraiya smirks, "Not telling, but if you really wanna know it should still be in his wallet. Anyway I'm outta here. Later!" he jumps down from the tree and heads down the road with a perverted look on his face.

Sakura sighs then smiles, "He really didn't find anyone else." She nods "Okay I've made up my mind! I'm also curious about this picture he has."

Elsewhere in the Hidden Sand something was happening, Gaara is standing on the balcony looking at the village he protects then he looks higher in the direction of the hidden leaf "You've finally returned Naruto… By now you've probably met Hanami and you finally know that love." He looks to his right and sees his own daughter with long burgundy red hair.

His daughter wriggles in her bed and breaths calmly, "Papa is strongest there is!" she turns over again and sighs contently.

Gaara chuckles, "Now you know Naruto the power our children's love brings us… but you have yet to experience the fear them being in danger gives us. Your return means that the Akatsuki now know the location of every Jinchuriki…" he walks over to his daughter and kisses her forehead. "Goodnight Aimuno."

Suddenly there's a knock on the door and Baki enters who bows respectfully, "Lord Kazekage."

Gaara eyes Baki noting the tension in his stance, "What's wrong?"

Baki sighs "We have an intruder… someone who was exiled many years ago, your brothers teacher in fact. Sasori of the Red Sand."

Gaara nods "I see, take me to him. Kankuro shouldn't have to fight him."

Baki nods agreed she looks at Gaara's daughter and asks "This may not be the best time but I've been wondering for a while…"

Gaara nods, "Yes?"

Baki smiles, "Where did you come up with the name Aimuno"

Gaara chuckles "Oh that… yes, well it wasn't actually my idea, Matsuri came up with it. Before our wedding I told her how why and how I got this mark." Touches the Kanji for love on his forehead, "I told her it's because I never knew love. After all my own father sent assassin's after me."

Baki winces in guilt, "Yes… I… I'm sorry, I too am guilty of…"

Gaara sighs, "It's fine, you never attacked me yourself, plus I was a different person back then, anyway when Matsuri had Aimuno she thought if we called her Daughter of love it would make sure she knew she was always loved, even should the worst happen to me and Matsuri her name will be a part of her for life."

Baki nods "I see, Ai for love mu is taken from daughter and no is of you simply changed the characters around"

Gaara nods "Yes, now let's go see what, our intruder wants."

They both head off towards the Central Plaza both knowing exactly what he wants, and knowing just how strong Sasori is, Gaara took one last look at Aimuno fearful he may never see her again.

In the Central Plaza Gaara approaches a young boy covered in a black cloak with a pattern of red clouds, his hair is a similar red to Gaara's too, the boy smiles he sees Gaara "Ahh… so you're finally here then Lord Kazekage?"

Gaara nods "I am, but who are you… you're not Sasori he was twice my age when I last saw him. That almost ten years ago."

Sasori smiles "Yes, we were both different people back then. But I assure you I am Sasori, I have simply mastered my art, I became a Puppet! My Ultimate Art!

Suddenly they hear someone from behind Sasori a young man with an eye piece and light yellow hair in a pony tail wearing the same kind of cloak as Sasori "What are you babbling about Sasori? True Art, is an explosion!"

Sasori groans "This is just one thing we will simply never agree on, now what are you doing here I told you I'd take care of the Jinchuriki."

Deidara nods "No, no I know. I just want to watch, you can't fault me for that."

Sasori nods "Fine…" he looks at the Kazekage "My Spy tells me you are aware of our mission, what the Akatsuki is after?"

Gaara groans, "Of course there's a spy, well no matter. I am, but you won't get what you want. Gourd!"

Baki tosses Gaara his Gourd, "Take him down Lord Gaara!"

Sasori smiles, "Oh we shall fight, but…" he looks around at all the citizens, "Despite what you may think of me, I don't care for needlessly killing innocents, especially not my own people. I doubt you want to cause harm to your citizens either."

Gaara sighs, then nods, "True, perhaps your not as terrible as I thought. Who knows if things were different, we could've come to an agreement."

Sasori surprised at this smiles, "Too bad they aren't."

Gaara nods, "Agreed." He then turns to Baki, "Baki! Get everyone out of the city, I fear this battle will not be an easy one."

Baki nods, "Alright you heard the Kazekage, everyone clear out, make your way to the evacuation zone!" he returns to Gaara "Are you sure you don't want any help?"

Gaara nods, "I am, plus if I'm able to take these two down here, and now it'll be less trouble for Naruto."

Baki nods, "Very well, we'll be close by if you need backup."

Gaara nods, "I appreciate it."

Deidara eyes Gaara "Naruto… Uzumaki? The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki…" he laughs "So you've made a friend…" he chuckles some more "Aww… how sweet, I wonder how angry he'll be once we kill you, will he seek us out for revenge?"

Sasori hisses at his partner, "Enough Deidara!"

Deidara sighs then shrugs, "Fine…"

Ten minutes later the street has been completely cleared and even most houses everyone has been moved to the outskirts of the city near the Kazekage Manor.

Deidara is watching from above on his flying clay-like bird Gaara takes the cork out of his Gourd and sand starts dripping out Sasori then reveals his Hiruko puppet, the puppet looked almost human hunched over, cloaked in the Akatsuki robes and his mouth covered too with a metal tail.

Sasori steps forward, "Allow me to introduce you to Hiruko, a renowned Shinobi from the Hidden Stone Village, I used him to perfect my Human Puppets before I tried it on myself, observe." He attaches Chakra strings to Hiruko and the puppet opens up allowing Sasori to hide inside, Sasori's voice changes to a much deeper tone, "Now that I'm in here, I am able to attack without fear of being harmed."

Gaara sneers, "Tch, I should've known you'd have a few tricks up your sleeve, you are my brothers teacher after all."

Sasori chuckles, "Indeed, now, let us begin!"

They both charge at each other, Gaara more gracefully than Sasori, when they were close enough, Sasori had his tail strike at Gaara, moving quickly Gaara jumped back.

Slamming his hands on the ground Gaara shouts, "Sand Wall!" a large section of the ground shoots up creating a large sand wall barrier.

Sasori tries to stop his attack but it's too late, the metal tail gets stuck into the sand wall some of the sand gets inside the gears but the Sand itself starts turning purple and crumbling almost like it's dying.

Gaara nods in understanding "I see so I do remember Kankuro mentioning you use poison in your puppets, I should've assumed that also includes your human puppets too."

Sasori chuckles "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Kankuro was supposed to keep that a secret."

Gaara glares at Sasori, "To be fair I only found out in the last few years when our intel told us you were part of the Akatsuki. He only revealed your secret once you became an enemy."

Sasori sighs then shrugs, "Not that it's that big of a deal anyway. Knowing I use poison won't save you from it's effects." He holds up a small bottle of antidote. "Unless you have this."

Gaara getting ready for the next round says "I'm going to assume your Hiruko has more tricks up it's sleeve too right?"

Sasori strikes with his tail again "You'll just have to figure that out! Won't you?"

Gaara stops Sasori's tail by grabbing parts that isn't poisonous with sand hands he created "Yes, I will."

This went on for hours the dodging the attacking the weaving then suddenly Gaara went on the offensive "Sand Tsunami!" Sand raises behind him and shoots forward flooding the gears of Sasori's tail making it unusable

Sasori glares "This is my favorite puppet and you ruined it! Well then, I guess I'll move onto my next trick!" he takes the cover off his mouth and hundreds of poison tipped Senbon (tiny needle like weapons) shoot at Gaara they move so fast that all Gaara can do is dodge "It's useless Jinchuriki just give up!"

Gaara smiles "If only I could! But I'm afraid that's no longer an option, there was a time I longed for death as at least it would be a release from the pain, but after I met Naruto I learned the value of friends, family, loved ones. Now I am the Kazekage, and a Husband, and a Father… and I won't let you have your way!"

Deidara smiles at this "That's right, he has a kid, don't he?" he asks himself "Now that's what I call leverage." He flies off

Gaara and Sasori look up and watch him fly away Gaara asks "Where is he going!?"

Sasori shrugs "How should I know the fool does whatever he wants"

Gaara slams his hands to the ground and a wave of sand spikes appears heading for Sasori and he dodges them "If he harms any Sand member know you will not survive"

Sasori glares at Gaara "You should be more worried about yourself right now!" he reveals a torpedo-shaped arm and he releases the shrapnel in all directions the shrapnel then releases Senbon at Gaara who tries to dodge it with his sand and by jumping out of the way but he gets cut six times causing severe pain all over

Sasori sighs "Well this has been fun Jinchuriki but it's all over now!"

Gaara shakes his head "No it's not, now I get serious!"

Sasori surprised "What!?"

Gaara shouts "Super Sand Burial!" he slams his hands to the ground and the sand catches Sasori and it starts covering him sucking him in like-quicksand until there's nothing left to cover he shouts once more "Sand Coffin!" he's about to push into the sand when Deidara appears once more.

Deidara laughs "Sasori my man you look pathetic let me handle this." He holds Aimuno close to him and explosive clay on her "Let my partner go or your daughter is dead! This ain't just ordinary clay, it's my own special recipie of explosive clay. She has enough on her to blow up a small village, I wonder what it'll do to a child though." He laughs maliciously, "I'm kinda excited to see what happens myself."

Gaara looks horrified "Aimuno!? You bastard!"

Aimuno looking scared, "Daddy! Help me!"

Back at the Hidden Leaf Naruto places his money on the counter and shouts "One Ichi Raku Special Bowel Please!"

Ayame a sweet girl with brown hair and a chef's outfit smiles and looks up "right away si…Oh my god Naruto!?"

Teuchi Ayame's father who was more than twice her age but also wore a chef's outfit looked up at the mention of Naruto's name "What? Naruto's here!? My best customer!? You're finally back!" he sees Naruto and smiles laughing "Hahahaha! Well now, what'll it be!?"

Customers mumbling "Hey is that him"

"I think it is?"

"The Nine-Tails?"

"To think he shows his face in public like this, the nerve!"

"Quiet you know we're not supposed to talk about that."

"But can you believe Teuchi serves a monster like that."

"I know unforgivable…"

Naruto frowns "You know on second thought I'll just bring the room down…"

Teuchi glares at his other customers and smiles at Naruto "Nonsesne you listen here! Everyone listen up too! Naruto here is my best customer and could keep me open just by himself so the next person to spread unfounded rumors! Will be banned for life!"

Everyone quiets down and continues to eat Naruto smiles but feels a tap on his shoulder a familiar tap he turns and sees a young man in a Chunin outfit with a scar over the roof of his nose "Iruka Sensei!?"

Iruka smiles "Hey Naruto you just get back?"

Naruto smiles "I got here yesterday just been settling in and everything."

Iruka nods "Understandable, why are you up so late though?"

Naruto smiles "Could ask you the same question."

Iruka smirks "Grading papers. You?"

Naruto smiles and nods "Can't sleep…"

Iruka chuckles "Let me guess to agitated not knowing when your test is gonna be or what it's gonna be. I mean you've been gone from the village for six years it's not like you can just jump back into missions even though you're incredibly strong"

Naruto shakes his head "No, I mean I might be curious but I could sleep if it was just that but…" he sighs Iruka notices he has a sort of glow about him but he also seems depressed "I'm just so happy I mean I have a daughter." He laughs hardly believing it himself. "But I was away for so long, Sakura had to do everything, put food on the table teach her right and wrong, help her through every cold, and even stuff I can't even think of."

Iruka realizing Naruto knows about Hanami smiles "I see, so you've meet her then? The little genius."

Naruto looks confused "Genius?"

Iruka covers his mouth "Oh, right that's supposed to be a secret, you see I was afraid she would be lonely because of how you were treated as a child so I decided to meet her with Sakura's permission of course and train her a little in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu just a little… at least that was the plan but…"

Naruto smiles "What? She so terrible she can't even do simple stuff like me so she got picked on by getting called genius?"

Iruka sighs "The opposite actually, she has learned every single thing I taught her and more she's taught herself some rather unique Genjutsu and one particular Jutsu I never thought I'd ever see anyone else be capable of."

Naruto curious, "What do you mean? Who else are you talking about?"

Iruka smiles, "The Fourth Hokage of course."

Naruto shocked, "You telling me she's mastered something only the Fourth Hokage was able to!?"

Iruka laughs, "Master is being generous, last time she tried to hurt herself." He shudders, "I then was on the receiving end of the Cherry Blossom Clash."

Naruto raises an eyebrow, "What's that?"

Iruka sighs, "Sakura… she's gotten even stronger since you've been away, not to mention scarier. She told me if I ever tried to teach her that move again before she's older that no Rock will be big enough to hide under from her wrath."

Naruto starts laughing, "That's Sakura for you."

Teuchi puts two ramen specials in front of both Iruka and Naruto and says "Come on Iruka don't overload the boy, he just got back then he learned he had a daughter, and now he's learning she's some master Genius."

Iruka nods, "Right, sorry Naruto guess I just got a bit over excited."

Naruto picks up a pair of chop sticks as he shakes his head "You haven't done anything wrong, I had no idea my daughter was such an amazing kid." He smiles, "Shouldn't be surprised, she's got a pretty amazing mother. I just wish I hadn't missed so much." He slowly starts eating his ramen then sighs, "I wish I could see her every morning when she wakes up and every night when she goes to sleep, I want to be a father who's there for her. But I don't want to overstep after all I am still the guy who abandoned Sakura for six years."

Teuchi chuckles "You remind me of myself right after my late wife had Ayame here, I was so excited to get to know my daughter that I got too excited and ended up hating me all through puberty."

Naruto gets depressed with a gloomy purple aura surrounds him "My daughter's gonna hate me? Kill me now…"

Teuchi realizes what he said "Oh dear… I er…

Ayame hits her dad over the head, "Dad, why'd you have to go and say that! Naruto don't listen to him, you'll be okay. My dad was an obsessive freak you just haven't had a chance to get to know her yet. Trust me your daughter won't hate you."

Naruto looks up "But how do you know?" he groans.

Ayame sighs "I don't, but I know you… and I know you'll be a great Dad."

Naruto smiles, and nods "You're right, I'm just really excited but I've missed so much I don't wanna miss another moment."

They all hear a voice from behind "Well why don't you just move in then." Everyone turns to see Sakura standing there "Hey, Naruto I thought I might find you here."

Naruto still in shock "Uh… could you just backup a sec, I think I might've misheard you."

Sakura smiles "You didn't… I'm not saying we become a couple or you sleep in the same room as me or anything but Lady Hokage has given me my own home to help raise mine and your child so there's extra rooms you can have your pick."

Naruto goes wide eyed and hugs Sakura "Thank you, you've already done so much, I promise I won't make it weird."

Sakura tapping Naruto because he's crushing the air out of her "Yep, yep it's okay just put me down…." She starts gasping for air "I can't breath!"

Naruto puts her down and embarrassed scratches his head "Oh… hehe sorry."

Sakura nods then feels Naruto's biceps and nods "Yep, you defiantly… uh… filled out. Didn't you?"

Naruto blushes "I guess, you wanna?" he motions to the Ramen stand.

Sakura thinks for a moment then nods "Yeah, why not, I could go for some Ramen."

Naruto thinks for a sec "wait, who's watching Hanami."

Sakura smiles and grabs a baby monitor "Sakura you there?"

A shadow clone of Sakura answers and says "Right here Sakura. He was worried, wasn't he?"

The original having Ramen with Naruto nods "Yeah, yeah he was." She looks to Naruto and says "I usually have a lot to do around the village so whenever Ino can't look after Hanami I leave a shadow clone with her, I mean it's nothing on your level and I can't do anything to exerting either my shadow clone or the real me or it disappears but yeah I am able to make a shadow clone now."

Naruto nods "Nice…"

Before Naruto can say anything else Teuchi puts out one last special ramen order bowel "Order up now all of you eat before it gets cold and soggy"

All nod "Thanks for the food, time to dig in!" they all eat as much as they can.

Meanwhile back in the Sand, Sasori is glaring but not at Gaara, he shouts, "Deidara!" his tail strikes finally having worked the sand out of all the kinks, his tail shoots at Deidara and catches the child finally free from Gaara he releases the Explosive clay from Aimuno then hands her back to Gaara.

Aimuno crying embraces Gaara, "Daddy! I was so scared!"

Gaara hugs her tightly, "I know… it's fine. You'll be okay now." He looks up at Sasori, "You saved my child… why?

Sasori sighs, "No child should be made a bargaining chip, and no parent, should be forced to sacrifice themselves for their child's safety. Now go make sure she's safe, I'll wait."

Gaara nods, "Thank you." He creates a cloud of sand he rides on and flies away

Deidara flies down "What the hell Sasori, I did you a favor and you're throwing it in my face! We could've gotten the Jinchuriki by now if not for…"

Sasori grabs Deidara by the neck choking him, "What kind of monster do you take me for! I have told you a thousand times, if you ever use a child to threaten a target I will kill you with my bare hands! Children are always…. ALWAYS…! Off limits! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?"

Deidara tapping Sasori to let him go, "Okay, alright, I'm sorry… won't happen again! I promise."

Sasori lets him go allowing him to breath once more, "You better not, because break that promise, and you'll wish I had killed you here and now."

Deidara sighs, "I get it, what are you gonna do if the Kazekage has run away, what if he doesn't come back?"

Sasori smiles "He'll be back alright."

Gaara flies back down and is ready for a fight "So shall we continue!"

Sasori chuckles "With pleasure."

Back in the Leaf Naruto Iruka and Sakura finish their bowel Iruka stands up and waves to Teuchi, Ayame, Naruto, and Sakura "See you all next time!" he leaves

Naruto nods, "Yeah, catch ya. Ooh, um… sorry I gotta run to the toilet, can you watch my stuff?"

Sakura nods, "Sure…"

Naruto smiles, "Thanks." He hands her his Gama-Chan wallet and runs off.

Sakura looks at it and smiles, "He's had this wallet for as long as I've known him."

Teuchi nods, "He's sentimental like that."

Sakura remembers what Jiraiya said opens it and sees a picture, "Oh my god…"

Ayame looks over the counter, "What is it?"

Sakura smiles and shows her, "My picture… I remember this. Naruto took a photo of me from a camera he borrowed from, Little Inari just after we defeated Zabuza and sent Gato's minions packing. I can't believe he still has this."

Naruto returns, "Hey, what're you?..." sees what they're looking at, "Crap…"

Sakura smiles, "Naruto… you kept this?"

Naruto sheepishly nods, "Yeah… I thought you looked cute so…"

Sakura sighs, "Lord Jiraiya told me when you two were on the road together you always refused to be with any girl, and got angry when you accidentally dropped a picture cause of his antics. Is this that picture."

Naruto annoyed, "That jerk! Can't believe he ratted me out…" he nods, "Yeah, we may have never officially gotten together before I left, but I couldn't betray you."

Ayame watching lets out a shriek, "Awww… you two are just the cutest!"

Teuchi sighs, "Ayame, get back to work!"

Ayame sighs, "Fine…" she returns to the kitchen

Naruto sighs, "We should get home soon. It's pretty late."

Sakura nods, "Yeah…"

Both Naruto and Sakura walk together all the way to the splitting street Sakura smiles and says "I guess, I'll see you in the morning."

Naruto nods and smiles "I hope so…"

Sakura sighs "You're still as oblivious as ever…"

Naruto looks confused "Huh?"

Sakura sighs "When you wake up come over here's my new address" she hands him a piece of paper "Let Hanami see you as soon as she wakes up."

Naruto nods "Will do, she really is the cutest, isn't she?"

Sakura nods "Well no surprise really, I mean she's got two amazing parents" she giggles "Goodnight Naruto."

Naruto nods "Yeah goodnight."

They both head home and are now able to fall asleep peacefully

The next morning Naruto wakes up feeling really groggy he stumbles out of bed, "Agh!" he yawns "Well I should have a shower before I head over to Sakura's."

Naruto walks into the bathroom and has a nice warm shower and washes his hair, "Ahh… this feels nice. The bathhouses were nice, but nothing beats a home shower."

Naruto turns the water off and dries himself, he puts on a white t-shirt, black jeans, white socks, and orange pair of sneakers, and an orange jumper, he heads out makes his way towards Sakura's house with a giddy smile plastered on his face, "I can't wait to see Hanami's face when I turn up."

Meanwhile at Sakura's she's in the kitchen she pours herself a cup of coffee and places two tea spoons of sugar and mixes it together before taking a sip, "Blegh, bitter…" she sighs, she hears a knock at the door and smiles, "I bet that's Naruto." She goes to open the door before stopping she double checks herself even flattening her hair a bit then nods at herself in the mirror, she heads to the door and opens it and sees Naruto looking refreshed and handsome a pang goes straight through her heart, and she thinks to herself, *Crap… he's way too hot this early in the morning.* hiding her embarrassment she smiles, "Come on in."

Naruto nods "Thanks," he leaves his shoes at the door and looks around the living room and sees it's bigger than five of his flats combined he whistles impressed "Nice place you got here."

Sakura smiles "Thanks, yeah… nothing like my parents house." She chuckles then sighs.

Naruto doesn't notice her sad expression, nods in agreement "That's for sure, so what do your parents think of the new digs?"

Sakura stops on her way to get a coffee cup and trembling puts on a fake smile "Oh, they love it!"

Naruto sees this and sighs "Okay what's wrong?"

Sakura looks confused "Wrong, wrong… nothing's wrong what makes you…"

Naruto puts his finger up to stop her talking "I may be oblivious to most things but one thing I can say for sure is how you're feeling and when you're lying, so what's wrong?"

Sakura sighs "Okay, me and my parents didn't exactly leave on the best circumstances so they haven't seen the place yet, they haven't even met Hanami… don't get me wrong I want them too, I'm sure they'd love to meet her as well but…" she tries to come up with an excuse, "there's… just so much going on right now. Yeah, we're all really busy!"

Naruto takes a deep breath in relief "Oh, is that all I was afraid it was something way worse. All good then." He chuckles

Sakura breaths a sigh of relief as she thinks, *Times like these I am so glad he's an idiot. My idiot… crap did I just think that?"

Naruto jumps to his feet excited. "Sakura! I just got a great idea!"

Sakura almost startled asks "What?"

Naruto smiles "I… am going to make… pancakes."

Sakura tips her head to the side just to make sure she heard that right then laughs "You? You can make pancakes?"

Naruto nods "Course I can, Lord 3rd taught me how to cook when I was younger, once he learned I spent all my allowance on Ramen he spent one day a week teaching me how to cook different meals. It was nice actually…"

Sakura chuckles "I see, yeah he was kind like that." She realizes how rude she's being "Oh my god I completely forgot to ask would you like some coffee?"

Naruto shakes his head "Nah, can't stand the stuff, saying it tastes like mud would be an insult to mud."

Sakura laughs "I actually agree with you, but after Hanami was born and I started working at the hospital full time, and training with Lady Tsunade I had to drink it to even be able to get out of bed in the mornings."

Naruto sighs, "Sorry, if I had been here you wouldn't have had to do all this on your own."

Sakura waves him off, "It's fine, it's not like you knew. I even made sure no one told you through carrier pigeon."

Naruto confused, "Why?"

Sakura smiles, "As much as it hurt you leaving the way you did, and as angry as I was at first, I also understood that it was something you had to do, and guilt tripping you to come back with news of your daughter would be wrong."

Naruto smiles at her not saying a single word.

Sakura looks nervous, "What?"

Naruto smiles, "Nothing… it's just every time I think you can't be more beautiful you surprise me."

Sakura sighs, then flicks Naruto's nose, "Don't patronize me, I have ugly bed hair, now then… if Coffee is a no, how about some hot chocolate?"

Naruto nods "Sure, but I'm not patronizing you, you may have bed hair but it's the prettiest bed hair in the village."

Sakura blushes bright pink, and thinks to herself, *Okay either he's gotten really good at pick up lines… or his lame one's actually work on me now.* she turns away from him to hide her bright face, "Wait here… I'll go make it for you."

Naruto goes to stand, "You need any help?"

Sakura shakes her head, "No, no… I'm fine. Thanks!"

Naruto sighs and sits back down, "Alright then."

Fifteen Minutes later Hanami wanders into the Kitchen "Hey… Mama" she yawns "What's that smell?"

Naruto smiles "Hey there, good morning?"

Hanami's eyes go wide eyed when she see her Dad "Daddy!?" she runs over to him

Naruto picks her up and plops her on his shoulder "You awake?"

Hanami nods "Yeah, yeah I am!"

Naruto smiles "Perfect, I got breakfast for you then!" he hands her a plate full of pancakes.

Sakura gets a stern voice "Hey! No eating on top of your father, come sit at the table."

Hanami looks sad at her mother with the biggest puppy eyes she's ever had "Aww… please!?"

Sakura sighs "Don't you dare give me those puppy dog eyes! I invented the puppy dog eyes come and sit, you too Naruto."

Naruto nods "Okay, come on princess let's make your mum happy then we can play after breakfast what do you say."

Hanami looks at her mum Sakura nods and Hanami smiles "yay! Okay."

They all eat breakfast as a family but before they had even finished breakfast there's a knock at the door Sakura answers it asking herself aloud "I wonder who that could be at this hour." She opens the door for Shizune "Shizune what is it?"

Shizune slightly worried asks "You haven't seen Naruto have you I can't find him anywhere and I…"

Naruto calls from the dining room table "I'm in here Shizune… you wanna join us for breakfast!"

Hanami also calls from the table "Yeah, daddy made pancakes!" she eats some more and with a slightly full mouth shouts "They're super delicious!"

Sakura screams "Hey! What have I said about eating with your mouth full!"

Hanami swallows her food "How else am I supposed to eat?"

Sakura blushes bright pink, "I meant talking, you know what I mean! Don't get cheeky!"

Hanami giggles, "Hehe, okay sorry mommy!"

Sakura sighs then looks at Shizune "So yeah, he made us breakfast, is there anything in particular you wanted."

Shizune nods "actually yes, his test has been decided."

Sakura looks surprised and asks "What is it?"

Shizune slightly frowns "You and Naruto will team up against the other Rookie 12"

Sakura laughs "Right, right. Okay what's it really?"

Shizune shakes her head "No… really. It'll be different though there will be a ring so you can beat a member by simply knocking them out of the ring."

Sakura sighs "So… we're dead?"

Naruto appears behind Sakura "Sounds like fun when is it?"

Shizune looks at a sheet of paper "Well it was supposed to be five minutes ago but I couldn't find you so could we go now and…"

Naruto puts his hand up to stop her "Sorry, no can do… I promised Hanami that I'd play with her after breakfast."

Shizune looks down to Hanami "Hey sweety would it be okay if we borrowed your dad for a little while"

Hanami immediately clings to Naruto and bluntly says "No!"

Naruto laughs "Well you heard the lady."

Shizune sighs "But…"

Sakura bends down to Hanami and whispers something in her ear then pulls away and asks "What do you say?"

Hanami full of excitement "Really!? Okay you can go! But I'm gonna watch!"

Sakura smiles, "So where's the test being held anyway?"

Shizune nods, "Uh yeah it's over by the training field."

Naruto smiles and nods "Okay, let's go" he puts Hanami on his shoulder and they run off "See you there Sakura!"

Sakura calls after them "Naruto, wait!" she sighs "Agh… be careful."

Shizune smiles "We should be off too, right?"

Sakura shakes her head "Not quite, could I get you to organize Naruto's stuff, for me?"

Shizune looks confused, "What do you mean?"

Sakura embarrassed says, "Well you see, we had a bit of chat last night and we decided it'd be best for him to move in, not in m room, not yet anyway… baby steps. We just figured since Naruto's been away for so long it'd be good for Hanami to see her dad every morning, and healthy for Naruto to build a relationship with her."

Shizune nods "I see, of course by the time the test is over Naruto will be fully moved in."

Sakura surprised "That quick!"

Shizune nods "Of course, didn't Lady Tsunade did tell you… Naruto's funding is quite vast, it shouldn't be too much trouble."

Sakura realizes for the first time "Wait, is the reason Hanami is Naruto's kid the real reason I was able to live in this house?"

Shizune nods "Yes, but don't let it bother you. It's only a drop seeing as much money his parents left for him."

Sakura scratches her head curious "Hm… now I'm even more curious as to who Naruto's parents were."

Shizune nervously laughs "Yes, well you should go now, I'll have everything ready by the time you're back. I'll give Naruto the room right next to you, you know in case you two have a need for more late night chats." She winks at Sakura

Sakura blushes, "It's not like that I swear!"

Shizune smiles, "Sure, whatever you say." She heads off down the street

Sakura chases after her, "Shizune! I swear!"

Meanwhile the fighting in the sand had finished Kankuro, Baki and everyone look in horror their Kazekage has fallen unconscious and has been wrapped by Sasori's metal Tail he groans "That was harder than I thought, I'll need to repair Hiruko before I fight again."

Deidara sighs "I guess it was alright, but I still don't get how you could call that artistic where were the explosions!?"

Sasori groans "Let's go, I don't want to keep our leader waiting longer than we have to."

Deidara nods "Yeah, yeah we're on a schedule and all that, fine let's go"

They both start walking out of the Hidden Sand Kankuro screams "Gaara!?" he doesn't waste any more time at all he leaps from the balcony and chased after Gaara and shouted back to Baki "Let the hidden leaf know! We need back up! Immediately!"

Baki holding Aimuno shouts back "Kankuro! Wait for reinforcements! Kankuro!"

Kankuro ignoring Baki's pleas shouts "If we wait it'll be too late, I'll try and stall them for as long as I can!"

Baki knowing he won't win punches the wall "Dammit Kankuro!" he looks at one sand Shinobi "You heard Lord Kankuro our Kazekage has been captured! You go alert the Leaf! Now!"

The Shinobi stumbles and falls but runs off screaming "of course sir! At once sir!"

Aimuno tearing up looks towards the Village exit, "Daddy… he's gonna be okay right?"

Baki looks down at Aimuno and sighs, "Yes! You know your Uncle, no one can beat him, not even Sasori!" he whispers, "I hope."

Aimuno nods, "Yeah! Yeah, you're right… Go Uncy! Go Save Daddy!"

Kankuro hearing her shouts nods to himself, "Don't you worry, I'm gonna go save your dad, even if it's the last thing I do!"

To Be Continued

Hey there, everyone thanks for following these updated Chapters, it's been fun revisiting this story, something you probably noticed is that there was an added lullaby not there in the original it is also from a different anime/manga that of InuYasha the english lyrics were also written by Lizz Robinett on YouTube go check her video out she has such a beautiful voice.

Anyway thanks and look forward to the next one!