Hi everyone! Sorry for the long wait! This chapter is going to be somewhat lighter, now that I've revealed no Kabuto X Sakura children to worry about! Not much else to say here, though I have something else interesting to talk about at the end of this chapter…the end of Bleach!...huh. Not as much interest this time around. Oh well, I'm still doing it!
Naruto and Sakura suddenly found themselves in the midst of a giggling fit as they walked home after hearing the good news, Naruto hugging Sakura closely as they helped themselves inside. "You're home." Satima said as he continued practicing his calligraphy on the floor. "You two seem to be in good spirits."
"The babies are mine, baldy!" Naruto cried out.
"OURS, Naruto! Ours!" Sakura corrected him.
"Sorry, Sakura-chan!" Naruto chuckled as he scratched his head.
"Is that right?" Satima briefly paused. He even seemed to smile a little. "You two must be brimming with joy now."
Sakura nodded. "I...I feel as if a great relief has come over me." She sighed as she sat down. It was true. The thought of Naruto leaving her, being shamed by the village (though there was still the issue of being pregnant out of wedlock)…it all just disappeared.
"I take it celebration is in order?" Satima asked.
"I think we already are." Naruto walked over to kiss Sakura.
Sakura rubbed her belly, as she smiled. "We've got to call our friends over."
"Let's do it around their schedules." Naruto chimed in. "I don't want to leave anyone out!"
Soon enough, everyone came for the announcement. Even Yuji and Iori showed up. However, Shiguri was still absent. And Kakashi was nowhere to be seen still…
Though everyone had accepted the couple's choice regarding the babies, it was still difficult for them to accept personally. However, they knew something was up when they saw both were extremely happy. When they announced that Naruto was indeed the father, there was a moment of silence. Then a bunch of screams.
"ARE YOU SHITTING ME!?" Ino screamed.
"Ino-san, please!" Hinata hushed her as she bounced Setsuna. "There are children in here!"
"YES!" Yuji and Iori shouted, high-fiving each other.
"You did it, you dog!" Kiba shouted as he ran up to hug Naruto and pat him on the back.
"Quite a compliment, coming from you…" Naruto chuckled.
"To the father to be!" Lee shouted as he hugged Naruto by the legs and lifted him up.
"Whoa!" Naruto panicked. "What…"
"HIP-HIP-HORAY!" the two other hyperactive ninjas called as they moved him across the room.
"Congratulations, sensei!" Yuji and Iori echoed.
Yuji ran over to Sakura, not knowing what to say. Getting the message, Sakura hugged him close. "Thank you. Thank you for stopping me."
Yuji smiled, patting her shoulder. "What's family for? Even surrogates?"
Shino and Shikamaru, however, just stared as everyone celebrated. "The joy…" Shino muttered. "It's contagious…"
"Do tell." Shikamaru agreed.
The two watched as Ino jumped back and fourth around Sakura. "Did you find out the sexes? Did you pick names?"
"Uh…Tsunade's medical ninjutsu is not there yet, and we haven't talked about names yet…" Sakura said nervously.
Satima, meanwhile, simply sat in the corner, sipping on soda. Shikamaru observed him, raising an eyebrow. "Would it kill you to smile, Shika?" Temari sighed as she approached him, carrying Hori around. The baby got into the mood, smiling and waving her arms.
"Sorry." Shikamaru sighed. "Would you excuse me for a minute? I'll be with you shortly." Temari nodded; for all the times Shikamaru would drive her crazy, she loved how he was no-nonsense. He didn't make excuses, he did what needed to be done. She decided to approach Sakura, while Shikamaru sat next to Satima. "You enjoying the soda?"
"I am." Satima replied.
"I'd think a monk like you would drink tea."
"There's no strict rule against monks to indulge in non-alcoholic drinks every now and again." He said.
Shikamaru stared at him a moment longer. "So, why'd Naruto and Sakura let you stay with them again?"
"They're just nice people like that, I guess." Satima sighed as he took another sip. "The Hokage was okay with it, they're okay with it. No need for further questions."
"And just how long do you plan on staying with them again?"
"Not too much longer." Satima sighed as he stared at Sakura. "Probably shortly after her babies are born."
Elsewhere, they were being watched. Someone in the shadows put away his binoculars as he looked through their window. "They're there. It will be like a canned hunt."
Another answered "Let's begin then. Kill whomever you need to, but the pregnant woman is the target. If for some reason you can't kill her…make sure her stomach is torn to pieces."
Satima eyes suddenly widened. "Everyone! Get down!" he cried as he ran from the wall.
Suddenly, an explosion ripped the wall apart, everyone covering themselves. Several ninja in black jumped in, covering the room in smoke. "Temari! Hinata!" Shikamaru cried. "Get the babies out of here!" The two mothers ran, some of the ninja pursuing them. "Oh no you don't!" Shikamaru trapped one in his shadow, and choked him, his new paternal instincts taking over as he killed the man.
Hero engaged another, fencing him with a small kitchen knife against his ninjato. The attacker managed to scratch his shoulder, but Hero broke through his guard, impaling his head. Soon, the edge the Konoha nin had was gone. The room was too small, and everyone found themselves backed into a corner as more black assassins barged in.
"Crap!" Kiba cried as he held back another's blade with a kitchen drawer he pulled out of desperation. "I really wish I brought Akamaru along!"
Naruto tried to help with his Kage Bushin, summoning them on instinct, but he only made it more crowded. In the close quarters, the ninja were able to easily dispel the clones with their weapons. "Shit!" Naruto was caught off guard when another kicked him down. "Sakura!" he cried.
Sakura was pushed into a corner. She didn't know how she knew, but she knew she was the target. The ninja in front of her pulled back his sword, preparing to impale her stomach. Sakura covered herself and crouched down; not completely over her previous trauma and her fighting instincts nearly gone, she couldn't find it in herself to fight back. However, a Buddhist staff blocked the attacker, hooked the blade and pushed him back. Satima wielded his staff at arm's length, placing himself in front of Sakura. "Naruto! Get Sakura out of here!" Naruto complied, scooping up Sakura. Satima whacked all the others away with expert precision as he guided them to the hole. "We need to get into the open!" The two jumped, landing perfectly on their feet.
Once on street level, they made a break for it, the others in hot pursuit. "You're not getting away!" Yuji dropped down and using a move he learned from Jaa, placing his knees on one ninja's shoulders and bringing his elbows down on the assassin's head, shattering his skull. Iori also attacked, slamming another with a Katon Rasengan, burning him and tearing him apart at the same time.
"We're going after them!" Hero called as he summoned an eagle and took flight.
Satima lead the way as Naruto carried Sakura in his arms. "What's going on!?" Sakura began to cry.
"They were after you." Satima said. "I suspect this Kabuto you told me about has something to do with it."
Naruto's eyes briefly flashed red. Suddenly, they were surrounded by more ninjas. Naruto set Sakura down as gently as he could. "Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" He summoned several clones, each surrounded her. It wasn't the best shield, but they would have to make do.
"Naruto." Satima called. "Make sure your clones protect Sakura, at all costs!"
Naruto nodded. His first instinct was to reach for a kunai, but quickly realized he was in civilian clothes, weaponless. The ninjas attacked. Both Naruto and Satima countered. Naruto, though unarmed, was agile enough to avoid their weapons and counter them efficiently. "Rasengan!" Naruto took out several in one blow.
Satima, surprisingly, was doing well too. He countered every blow with his staff, and batted down several. As one slashed at him, he smashed his staff on the ground and cartwheeled up, kicking another in the face and sweeping the one next to him off his feet. As they bombarded him with shuriken, Satima blocked them with a windmill technique, forming a perfect shield in front of him.
"You're a lot tougher than you look!" Naruto commented as he landed several punches on another.
"Less talking, more protecting Sakura!" Satima reminded him.
Unfortunately, they were caught off guard when one used his comrades as stepping stones to bypass them and leap into the air. "Shit! Sakura!" Naruto could have taken him out with a Rasenshuriken, but he would put her at risk too! Even as the clones piled above her, there was no doubt his ninjato would go through them.
However, something snatched him away. Both looked up to see a huge eagle carry him away in his talons. "Help is on the way!" Hero shouted as he jumped off his bird. With pressure-point based taijutsu, he took out several ninja. One managed to kick him across the face, but Hero acted like he didn't feel it and grabbed his opponent's arm. Using that single hand, he broke the assailant's arm.
One ran towards the group with a big kabano, but he was stopped in his tracks. "Sorry for the delay." Shikamaru said as he choked his victim. "They did a good job of holding us back!" Naruto smiled, and nodded.
Kiba and Akamaru spun into them, as Shino attacked the rest with his bugs. Ino possessed one from afar, ambushing his comrades.
Eventually, they beat them all down. Naruto dispelled his clones, and ran over to hug Sakura. She cried into his chest as he hugged her tight. Shikamaru relaxed upon seeing the scene. Suddenly, another ninja jumped from the shadows at him. Shikamaru held up his hands, but Satima rushed towards him, spinning and smashing the assailant across the head. For a good moment, he stood in place, refusing to let Shikamaru see his face. Satima finally turned around, holding out his hand. Shikamaru took it. "Thanks." He said. Satima nodded.
"How did this happen!?" Tsunade shouted.
Naruto, Sakura, and Satima were safe in her office while she drilled the guards of the village. "O-our apologies, Hokage-sama!" the bowed. "They somehow bypassed our defenses entirely! No witnesses, no dead bodies, nothing!"
"This isn't some S-class criminal!" Tsunade yelled. "These are normal ninja! Lots of them! How can so many get in without any of us noticing!?"
"I will investigate, Tsunade-sama!" Sai volunteered. "I suspect something more is at work here!"
Tsunade nodded, and he disappeared from sight. "Back to your posts, and this time no screw-ups!" The ninjas disappeared from sight. With that out of the way, she turned back to the parents to be. Sakura was still crying into Naruto's chest, her love helpless to comfort her. "I'm glad you two are safe at least." Tsunade sighed.
"So, what now?" Naruto asked. "Our apartment is destroyed, and neither of us would want to go back after what happened."
"Indeed." Tsunade agreed. "For now, you will sleep in my place. We'll figure something out in the meantime." She then turned to Satima. "Satima-san, I will set you up with a hotel room."
"Thank you." He bowed, holding a hand up in prayer. "Although, if it is alright with them, as soon as you set them up with a new residence, I would like to live with them again. I don't feel right leaving them in danger until their children are born."
"Naruto?" Tsunade asked.
Naruto nodded. "He's a lot tougher than he looks. And I need all the help I can get."
"Very well then." Tsunade smiled.
Shikamaru opened the door to his house; Tsunade drilled all the witnesses. Of course, Temari and Hinata were left alone for the night to be with the kids, the Hokage deciding to question them the next morning. He sighed as he stopped. "A bit tense?"
"This is how I normally am, remember?" Temari said, pointing her kunai at Shikamaru's neck. Withdrawing it, she added "An hour ago I'd have killed you by mistake."
"Of course you would." Shikamaru sighed closing the door. Despite the mild irritation between the two, he took her arms and kissed her. "Are you alright? And Hori?"
"We're fine." Temari nodded. "She cried for quite a while, but she's calmed down and sleeping now, like nothing ever happened." She then smirked. "She's a lot like you, you know? Once something troublesome is gone, she calms down immediately."
"Do tell." Shikamaru said, taking a seat at the kitchen table.
Temari got to work brewing some tea; she was generally the boss around the house, but at times like these, she would be more housewife-like. "Here you go." She said as she handed him some green tea.
"Thanks." He said, taking a sip. "The monk staying with Naruto and Sakura…he was incredible."
"Incredible?"
"He moved like lightning. He was strong, his technique was superb…" His brows scrunched.
"Shikamaru? What's wrong?"
"I know that guy." Shikamaru whispered as he stroked his chin in deep thought, even for him. "I don't know how, but I know him. If only I could remember…"
Tsunade sighed as she looked over the reports. No evidence of an infiltration on the outside. As for the ninja they captured alive...that proved to be disastrous as well. "It's like it was an inside job…"
"Lady Tsunade." Ino called from the hall. "Danzo…sama…is here to see you." She hoped the old man didn't catch her reluctance to use the honorific.
Tsunade wanted to issue a retort on not wanting to be bothered (to put it politely). Then again, as much as she hated him, he only came to her on matters that were important. The timing may not have been right (as right as it could have been, anyway), but she had a feeling she better hear him out. "Send him in." she said.
The door opened, and Danzo stepped through. His age was significantly showing now. All his hair was gone, and his skin was sagging more than before. His movement also seemed worse, as now even with his cane he was moving slower than before. "Tsunade-sama."
"Danzo, I'm really preoccupied at the moment." Tsunade said. "So I would appreciate it if you got to the point."
"Very well then." Danzo said as he seated himself. "I heard of the infiltration by rogue ninja. Any idea whom they are working for?"
"Unfortunately, no. There seemed to be a poison in them that killed them in the middle of interrogation." Tsunade answered.
"Still, it is troubling that so many got in, under your watch no less." Danzo breathed. "Despite our disagreements, you have done a fine job as Hokage. But this development troubles me. I fear this will taint your legacy."
"Coming from you, that can't be good." Tsunade sighed sarcastically.
"I think its best you step down. Now." He said.
Tsunade raised her brow. "I beg your pardon?"
"Retire. You have earned your place in our village's history. Step down while everyone holds you in high regard. I already know of what's happening with your student; you have the perfect excuse to focus on her needs."
Tsunade spun in her office chair to face him directly. "It is tempting…but who did you have in mind to replace me?"
"One of my root agents. Here." He put a folder on her desk.
Tsunade turned and reviewed it. "It's certainly an impressive resume in terms of technique." She said. "But the fact he's one of your agents concerns me, after seeing how Sai started out. Has he spent time in politics?"
"I will bring him up to speed." Danzo said.
"I'm sure you will." She said, hiding her disgust as she tossed the folder back. "Kages of all kinds suffer mistakes and oversights; I'll keep this seat for now, and I'll pick a successor myself when the time is right."
"He's not ready." Danzo warned her.
Tsunade looked him in his eye. "You mean, you don't WANT him to be ready." She said.
"They will never approve it; you know that." He said, knowing exactly who Tsunade had in mind. Tsunade didn't have a comeback for that. "Reconsider your position." Danzo said, rising from the chair. "Not even you can get everything you want." Tsunade watched in silence as he closed the door.
Naruto yawned as he decided to get up for the morning. He wouldn't say he slept well; how could he? You would be over the edge all night too if random ninja blew a hole in your apartment. He grunted as he felt something weigh on him. Naruto groaned; though he readily agreed to this, he hoped this would not become a regular thing. "Sakura-chan." Naruto whispered. "It's time to get up." Sakura moaned, as she desperately tried to kick her legs over. Naruto sighed. "Here." Naruto gave her a push, and she eventually touched the floor.
"Thanks." Sakura said.
"No problem." Naruto winced as he got up, creaking his back. It's not that he didn't want to sleep close to Sakura, but in her current state, having her on top of him was not the best thing for him. "I'll get some eggs ready."
As he finished up, he saw Sakura crying. "Sakura-chan. What's wrong?"
"I'm so useless…"
Naruto's first instinct was to go on about all she accomplished, until he realized EXACTLY what she meant. "Oh…" He sat down next to her. "Sakura-chan…" He cupped her chin. "I need you to look at me. You are carrying two children. OUR children. You may not like me saying this, but right now, your job is to care and nurture for them. It' mine and everyone else's job to protect you now. And when they're born; we'll all help. Mainly me, of course." Naruto smiled.
"I know, I know." Sakura-chan said. "I'm just so mad at myself. If I was my old self, even with…THAT…I would have been able to fight them off instead of backing against the wall."
"Hey, the babies come first." Naruto hugged her. "And you'll be back to your old self afterwards." Still, after what happened, Naruto didn't WANT her to go back out into the field…
"You're right, as usual." Sakura said as she kissed his cheek. "When did you become the mature one in this relationship?"
"I'd like to think we trade roles regularly." He said. "I know this is probably not the smartest thing to say after last night, but we should really try to relax. Ba-chan will take care of us soon enough."
"Okay." Sakura nodded.
Iori sighed as she looked out the apartment window, the attack on Naruto and Sakura still heavy on her mind. "Iori!" Yuji knocked from the door. Iori ran over to open it, revealing Yuji carrying a box of what seemed to be chemistry equipment. "Thanks." He said as he carried it in.
"What's with the glassware?"
"I'm going to be making poison." He answered.
"Poison!? What for!?"
"You remember when Naruto and Sakura were attacked?" he asked as he opened the door to his bedroom.
"Yeah?"
"I'm getting ready for the next time." He said as he went into his room and got to work assembling them.
"There's going to be a next time!?" Iori exclaimed, horrified at the thought.
"I'm certain of it." Yuji said. "I'd like to be wrong, but I haven't heard anything else from the top up…though that would probably be classified anyway." He sighed as he got tubes arranged. "I'm getting ready. I may not have been able to do anything to protect Sakura from Kabuto…but I will NOT let anything happen to their kids."
Iori sighed, sitting down. "You're…you're pretty incredible."
"Yeah, yeah, could you…I'm sorry, what?" Yuji turned in confusion.
Iori chuckled. "I said, you're incredible." She turned away, slightly blushing but still keeping her smile. "You've learned incredible techniques and knowledge, starting from nothing. And on top of it all, you have an innate desire to protect others. You're a very good person."
Yuji was left speechless, blushing himself too. "Uh…thanks." He said. "But you're amazing too, you know!"
"Oh please!" Iori chuckled, waving him off. "I'm good, but nothing that hasn't been done before."
"I wouldn't say that." Yuji emphasized. "You were always strong. I admired that. I…I even looked up to you. In fact, I still do." He smiled. "And you're brave, bold and determined. You let nothing stand in your way. And though you don't like to admit it, you have a nice side to you too."
Iori smiled a bit. "Well…you do outrank me at the moment."
"Not forever. Hopefully not much longer." Yuji said.
Iori smiled. "Well, enough! You've got a job to do! Need any help?"
Yuji smiled. "Here, hand me that beaker over there…" he pointed.
"Mokuton! Marutagoya no Jutsu!" Yamato pressed his hands on the ground, and several pieces of wood erupted, coming together to forge a cabin.
"Wow!" Naruto exclaimed. "Cool!"
"The building is in place." Yamato said. "It has two stories; however, we still need to furnish it and connect it to the grid. And install windows; can't have the mother to be catch a cold, after all. Tsunade-sama already has things in place; should be about another couple of days."
Sakura brought her hands to her mouth as her eyes watered. "Thank you so much, Yamato-sensei! We don't deserve this…"
"Don't be ridiculous." Yamato waved her off. "If anyone deserves this, it's you two. You've both contributed so much to the village, and endured so many hardships." He placed his hands on their shoulders. "Besides, I'm more than happy to help." He smiled.
"Is everyone okay with us using this land…?" Naruto asked. "I mean, someone else may have wanted to use these acres…"
"The paperwork has already been taken care of." Yamato said. "Legally, Tsunade-sama purchased this land. And given how close you all are, none of you will have to pay rent."
Naruto and Sakura were stunned, and looked into each other's eyes. They hugged, glad to have such a doting parental figure, something they both lacked growing up. "We really need to thank Shishou for this." Sakura said as she snuggled into Naruto's neck.
"No kidding." Naruto sighed happily.
Sure enough, everything was set up, all the necessities present: furniture, refrigerator, beds, everything. Satima returned as their roommate; it was much easier for both parties, as now Satima had his own bed. Later, Naruto and Sakura invited Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kakashi over for dinner, missing the later in particular. They figured this would be the time to reconnect. Soon enough, the two came by, but unfortunately they hadn't heard a word of Kakashi coming by. Not wanting to ruin the night, Naruto quickly got to work fixing dinner.
"It looks like you're both settling in quite well." Jiraiya smiled as he observed the Naruto clones setting down the plates of teriyaki across the table for everyone simultaneously.
"Well, this house certainly helps; we're certainly in a good mood because of that." Naruto chuckled as he took his seat. "Besides, we were thinking about a family for a while." Everyone's eyes widened at his announcement.
Sakura slapped him upside the head. "I think Naruto means we talked about having a family jokingly and figured it would happen eventually. We hadn't been seriously trying though." Rubbing her now large belly, she smiled. "I'm not complaining, though." "Not anymore, at least…mostly."
"Right!" Naruto chuckled. "Sorry."
"Well, we were both happy to help." Tsunade said after having a bite.
"We don't know how we can ever repay you, Shishou…" Sakura smiled.
"I think the progress you two have made as ninja is quite enough." Tsunade smiled. "It may not feel like it at times, but you two are heroes of the village. You deserve no less." Tsunade smiled. "And…I think another present is long overdue."
"Huh?" Naruto said between mouthfuls. "Really, Ba-chan! This is enough!" he insisted.
"I'm not giving you a choice!" Tsunade said. She took a deep breath. "Upon the birth of your children, I will retire!"
"What!?" Sakura exclaimed in shock.
"Uh, that's not exactly a present…" Naruto began.
"DON'T INTERRUPT!" Tsunade snapped. "I've been happy with my career, despite the crap I had to put up with. And despite a few setbacks, I am also proud of what I have accomplished! I feel like ending my job on a good note." She smiled. "And…I believe it's time to pick a successor." Naruto and Sakura froze, the latter turning her head to her man. Both saw it coming, yet couldn't believe it. "Naruto…" Tsunade smiled. "…I choose you."
Everyone seemed to freeze. Suddenly, Naruto slapped himself. "BAKA!" Sakura yelled in horror. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"
"MAKING SURE THIS IS NOT A DREAM!" Naruto shouted, rubbing his stinging cheek. He then began to chuckle. "YEAH! IT'S NOT!" He quickly leaned over to kiss Sakura, looking back at the two sanin. "Uh…thank you, Tsunade-sama…" Naruto bowed.
"Oh, don't bother with the formalities!" Tsunade sighed, rolling her eyes. "Though it's probably best if you behave that way with strangers, I think you're usual exuberance will be most helpful dealing with close friends." She said. "It will help you keep them at your side, no matter what."
"I have to agree, Naruto." Sakura said, rubbing his leg. "Your joy is rather infectious."
Naruto chuckled. "But really…thank you so much, Ba-chan!" He then gave a worried look. "I…I don't know if I'm ready, though…"
"I think good leaders are ones who are apprehensive about the position." Satima said. "It means they care."
"And don't worry…I'll ease you into it." Tsunade assured him. "Besides, you'll still need the council's approval."
Naruto's eyes fell. "Oh." He wasn't optimistic about the outcome when it came to that…Sakura was almost convicted by them just because of her association with him.
"It's not as biased against you as you would believe." Tsunade said. "Many of them have acknowledged your abilities and contributions. I wouldn't have told you this if I didn't think your chances weren't good."
Naruto looked at her. "Okay…I believe in you." He answered, smiling.
Sakura also smiled…then frowned. "What's the matter, Sakura?" Tsunade asked.
"Kakashi didn't show again…" she sighed. Suddenly, her brows furrowed as she stared outside the wall. "…and yet I know he's out there."
The two sanin breathed. "Sorry." Jiraiya said. "I've been trying to talk to him, I even told him to come here earlier today, but he's been pretty stubborn. When those he cares about gets hurt, he has a tendency to shut down. I'm sorry I lied to you about that; I thought it would be best not to tell you. But…now that he's here, I suppose we can try again…"
"Let me." Sakura said, standing up.
"Sakura-chan, you shouldn't…" Naruto protested.
"Oh, enough!" Sakura snapped. "I've finally gotten used to this extra weight! I can at least walk!"
"But…"
"I'M the one he needs to see." Sakura said.
"Let her go." Jiraiya said, gripping his shoulder. "Besides, I'd like to talk to you alone for a bit."
Naruto sighed. "Okay. Just yell if you need anything, Sakura-chan."
Sakura walked outside as she wrapped a jacket around herself the best she could. Walking to a tree, she looked up. "I think this is enough, Kakashi-sensei. If you don't want to talk, you shouldn't have bothered coming!"
After a moment, Kakashi finally came down. Even with his single eye visible, Sakura could see deep sorrow in them. "Sakura…I'm so sorry. For everything."
"It was rude of you to not show up." Sakura sighed. "But you're still our teacher. Tell me something: was being associated with me what drove you away?"
"Never." Kakashi replied. "It was the fact I failed to protect you." Kakashi looked away. "I failed to protect my team. I couldn't bear to see the rest of you come to harm…"
"WHAT HAPPENED TO ME HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU!" Sakura yelled. "It was Kabuto, and Kabuto alone!" Before Kakashi could continue, Sakura continued. "You think for a second I blame Naruto for not being there for me!? Or Shishou!? Or Sai and Ino, who were on the same mission as me!?" After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Sakura said "It's true that after that incident, I didn't want to be near anyone. Not because I was angry with my friends and family. I was ashamed. I…" Sakura began to cry. "…I thought what happened to me was somehow my fault! I was too ashamed to fully trust anyone! But my friends…they stood by me! They never gave up on me! I may still not be over what happened to me, but it's because of them that I can truly say I'm happy now!" Her voice came out softer this time. "If I'm upset with you over anything, THAT'S it. I could have really used your help back then…"
Kakashi sighed, slowly turning to face her. A tear was falling down his solitary eye. "You're right." Kakashi said. "I screwed up. I screwed up bad. I may still be kicking myself for not protecting you." Breathing deep, he continued. "But I should have been there for you when you needed someone to pick you up. I guess…I guess, when I feel like I have failed a friend, I've been used to them dying. It made it easy to run away. Now, I have to learn to stay…just in case they can be helped back up." Kakashi then noticed her belly. She must have been six, many even seven months ahead of time. "Jiraiya told me…they're not Kabuto's…" he asked cautiously…
"It's true." Sakura said, holding it up, smiling. "…they belong to whom they should."
Kakashi smiled under his mask. Despite knowing how far they came, Kakashi realized at this moment he never realized how strong Naruto and Sakura truly were. To spend the first half, thinking these babies were the product of rape! Kakashi couldn't imagine the stress they went through! "I'm sorry, Sakura. I'm usually not the type to say these sorts of things…but I promise you No matter what…no more running." Sakura slowly smiled, and hugged Kakashi. She couldn't wrap her arms all the way; she grunted as she was once more annoyed by her new girth, only managing to grab his sides. Nonetheless, Kakashi returned it. "I know I've been very inconsiderate…but I don't suppose you have anything left for me?"
Sakura looked up and smiled. "Come on. I don't like standing out here in the cold."
"We haven't had a chance to speak in a while." Jiraiya said as he sat across from Naruto. "You holding up okay?"
"Yeah." Naruto sighed, slightly smiling. "I could have done without the ninja attack…and that…but I'm happy. I really am! I can't wait to be a dad!" he smiled.
Jiraiya chuckled. "Oh, when they cry you'll take that back…" "Sorry I wasn't there. We felt that with what you and Sakura were going through, it would be best to keep my distance…unless you specifically wanted to see me."
"It's fine." Naruto said. "You're right. I know you're not that kind of person…but it….the whole ordeal was just a mess. I just didn't want to stress Sakura out. That…that was not a fun time."
"No hard feelings. Never thought my reputation would backfire." He sighed.
"Uh, Ero-senin? It HAS backfired."
"I guess that's a matter of perspective." Jiraiya mumbled under his breath. "I heard from Tsunade how you promised to stand by Sakura when you thought the kids weren't yours, even raise them as your own. Many men wouldn't; at the very least, most would demand the babies be given up for adoption." He smiled. "I'm proud of you, Naruto. Your parents would be too. I may not have been the ideal role model; but you carried through with the core nindo I taught you, and strengthened it with your own compassion. You're going to be a great father." Naruto smiled slightly. Then, he frowned as he looked down on his feet. "What's wrong?" Jiraiya asked, suddenly concerned.
"Ero-senin…did you find out anything about Kabuto?"
Jiraiya's eyes widened for a moment. "No."
"You sure?" Naruto growled, clenching his fists over his knees.
"Naruto. The children are yours…"
"This has nothing to do with them!" Naruto snapped. "I can't forgive him for what he put Sakura through, genjutsu or not!"
"No one's asking you to forgive him." Jiraiya said. "I'm doing what I can to help Tsunade find him and bring him to justice."
"When you do, take me with you. I'm going to finish him off myself!"
"YOUR PLACE IS HERE! WITH YOUR FAMILY!" Jiraiya suddenly yelled.
Naruto finally snapped out of his rage. "Stay." Satima said from the corner, calm as ever. "You of all people should know where revenge takes you."
Naruto looked at him stunned. Was he talking about Sasuke? "How did he-?"
"Is everything alright?" Sakura asked as she opened the door, Kakashi following in after her. "I thought I heard someone shouting."
Naruto only stared at her. "Everything's fine, Sakura-chan." Naruto responded quickly. He then noticed Kakashi behind her. "Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted. "It's good to see you again!"
"Good to see you too." Kakashi said, smiling in his usual manner where only his closed eye showed he was happy. "I hear you have some extra food that needed some clearing up."
"Will we get to see you actually eat?" Naruto's eyes were practically sparkling with hope at the chance to FINALLY see Kakashi's face this time.
Kakashi's eye returned to its usual cynical look. "No."
In a tavern somewhere in Fire Country, the bartender, a middle-aged woman, did her job as usual. However, she noticed one customer in particular. "Aren't you a little bit young to be in this joint?" she asked. The boy couldn't have been older than 16.
"I'm having LemLime Soda." He said, not the least bit intimidated by her.
Sighing, she went to the cooler and got a can for him. "Still, we don't recommend teenagers come into this joint regularly. Could get us in trouble." She warned him.
"I wanted to ask about this woman." He said, placing a photo on the counter. "I heard she used to live around this area."
She sighed, picking it up. Too many people came in asking for missing people, people she had never met with the blur of people she saw regularly. However, her eyes widened a bit as she inspected it. "Yeah…I never knew her name, but I've seen her in the neighborhood during my youth. Nice girl."
"What happened to her?" he asked.
"She was just gone. But I heard she was in trouble. Something to do with being involved with another man. Sorry, that's all I know." She said, handing him back the photograph.
"Thanks." The boy said as he placed an extra yen as a tip. Shiguri then stepped out of the bar, intent to return home.
Sakura sighed as she leaned against the back of the couch. Granted, she was happy for the children…but this weight was getting out of control. Carrying twins made her look like a sumo wrestler. "Hey." Naruto said as he took a seat next to her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Sakura replied. "I just kind of want to get the birth over with."
"Ba-chan says you're not due for another month at least."
"I know." Sakura said. "I just want them out so I can drop the weight."
Naruto sighed, stroking her hair. "You know you're beautiful. In my eyes, at the very least."
Sakura smiled back. "I know. It's not about appearances." Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Okay, maybe a little." Sakura replied sheepishly. "But still, I want to be able to move about like I normally did. Jump between trees, run up walls, fight…like the good old days." She said, smiling while remembering how agile and nimble she used to be.
Naruto looked away, a bit disappointed. After what happened, he wasn't sure if he liked the idea. "Uh…"
"Give it time." Satima said as he continued with his calligraphy. "You're children aren't quite ready to enter the world. And for the first year at least, they'll demand your full attention."
Sakura chuckled. "One day at a time, huh?"
"I believe that's how the saying goes."
Before anymore could be said, someone knocked on the door. Naruto walked over, and opened the door. At the front were Yuji and Iori, carrying what seemed to be takeout. "Hey." Yuji said. "Bad time?"
"No, no! Come in!" Naruto let them inside, eager for the company.
"We thought we'd stop by again, see your new place." Iori smiled in approval. "It's nice. Outdoorsy, but nice."
"We may renovate it in time." Naruto said.
"Yuji! Iori! Good to see you!" Sakura said, waving.
"Hey." Yuji smiled. He then smirked. "Man. You've gotten fat."
A vein in Sakura's forehead popped. "WHAT DID YOU SAY, YOU LITTLE BRAT!?"
Yuji rolled his eyes, smiling coyly. "I dunno. You wanna come here and repeat that?" Iori growled, and kicked Yuji's shin. "OW! What was that for!?"
"You don't call pregnant women fat! Got it!?" the red-head reprimanded him.
"Oh, come on! I'm just teasing her!" Yuji protested.
Iori clocked him across the head again. "Do I need to repeat myself!?"
"No, no! We're good!" Yuji held his hands up in defeat.
Sakura smiled. "It's okay. I'll be back to my old self…eventually."
"Well, Yuji and I were going to lunch, and thought that we'd get some for you." Iori told her, holding out one bag in particular. "We stopped by Jaa's place and got some green curry for you."
"That's so sweet of you! Thank you so much!" Sakura clapped her hands in joy.
"We've got some for your friend too." Yuji said. "You okay with Pad Thai? We assumed you were a vegetarian…"
"It will be fine." Satima said.
As they ate together, they mostly started with small talk. "So, are the missions coming along okay?" Naruto asked Iori. "I know it must suck to be stuck with genin work at your level."
"Not anymore." Iori said. "Tsunade-sama restored my rank yesterday."
"Wow! That's great!"
"Yeah." Iori smiled. "It is." She turned away, looking a bit concerned. Sakura noticed it, but Naruto didn't.
"So, have you thought of names?" Yuji asked. "For the babies?"
Naruto and Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. "Uh…" Naruto stuttered. With all of the chaos, they haven't considered them! After all this time, they hadn't even talked about it!
"I'll take that as a no." Yuji said, taking a bite out of his pepper steak. "It's cool. I can imagine it's hard to come up with good names."
Sakura smiled. "Well, I'm sure when they're born, we'll think of something perfect."
Iori's eyes fell, thinking back to what the Hokage told them…
"Thank you for protecting Sakura during the attack." Tsunade said as Yuji and Iori met her in her office.
"Everyone else did so as well." Yuji replied, a bit sheepish.
"Nonetheless, your participation insured the survival of four lives." She took a deep breath. "But, I fear Sakura will be attacked again in the near future."
"What!?" Yuji yelled. "What the fuck is this guy's problem!?" His fists clenched in rage.
"Evil does have a rather low bar." Was Tsunade's only response. "I'm doing my best to find Kabuto and anyone else he may be associated with. Unfortunately, this man-hunt as of now is not providing much fruit."
"What do you need from us, Hokage-sama?" Iori asked.
"First, I think it's time I restored your chunin rank. I think you've suffered enough, and you have accepted your punishment with dignity and responsibility." Iori nodded; she should have been elated, but talking about Sakura's predicament killed the joy. "By my estimate, Sakura will start her eighth month of pregnancy. I need you to be her bodyguards until we have determined the threat is neutralized."
"Of course!" Yuji said. "It would help if Shiguri was with us…"
"I'm sorry." Tsunade said. "It would be preferable to have a third set of eyes. Unfortunately, Shiguri is somehow beyond my reach. I honestly wish I knew what was going on with him. If the situation can be changed, believe me, I will. But until then, you two are on your own."
"Iori? Iori!" Naruto called.
Iori snapped out her daze. "Yes, sensei?"
"You hardly touched your food."
"Oh. Sorry!" She began eating again, pretending nothing was wrong.
"Everything okay?" Naruto asked Satima as he settled into bed.
"I'm fine, baka." He said. "I can put myself to bed."
"Sorry. Sakura-chan insisted I check up on you." Naruto said sheepishly
Satima sighed. "She's going to be a good mother. She's behaving like one already."
Naruto smiled. "I only hope I can prove to be a good father." "Night." He said as he closed the door.
As he walked up the stairs, he heard the water running. He caught Sakura stepping out the shower, the biggest towel they had barely wrapping around her body. Seeing she was being watched, she looked startled for a moment. "Hey. I meant it when I said you look beautiful." Naruto assured her.
"I know." Sakura whispered. Naruto stripped down to his boxers and helped Sakura into bed, not bothering with any other clothes. "You sure you're okay like this?" Naruto asked, seeing as they were both relatively underdressed compared to other evenings as of recently.
"It's fine. I…I'm not in the mood for anything too intimate…" Sakura stuttered.
"It's fine." Naruto smiled, snuggling with her. "You're with children, after all."
Sakura smiled as Naruto snuggled next to her, enjoying the warmth. When he caressed her belly, he jumped up. She felt it too, her eyes widening in surprise. "What was that?" the blonde nearly shouted.
"I…I think one of them kicked." Sakura said.
"Really!?"
"Yeah." Sakura rubbed her belly. "It's strange…they've been pretty quiet until now."
"Looks like they want out too." Naruto chuckled, rubbing her. They kicked again. And again. And yet again...
"Uh, what's happening!?" Sakura groaned, the activity starting to make her queasy.
"Are they fighting!?" Naruto shouted.
Sakura groaned as she pressed her hands against her face. "Of course they would…they're yours, after all…"
Unknown to them, Yuji and Iori were watching from the treetops behind their cabin. "You think we should have told them?" she asked eating her ramen.
"A part of me would have liked to." Yuji agreed. "But they've been through enough as it is. Let's not stress them out any more than necessary." Yuji blenched as he forced himself to swallow his own ramen. "And if they are attacked, it will make no difference in the long run."
Once more, time had passed. Sakura was due any day now. Not that two guards on the North End of Konoha knew that. As usual, they were too busy patrolling. It was a boring job, but they understood the necessity of it. One of them suddenly found his attention to a hooded figure approaching him. "Stop right there!" He yelled, pointing his bo at him. The hooded figure kept coming, ignoring him entirely. "I mean it!" As he took another step, the guard charged. His partner joined him, both prepared to strike him down, even with lethal force if necessarily. Suddenly, their eyes widened, and they fell over, foaming at the mouth.
"Villages should get better security than chunin." The figure removed his hood to reveal Kabuto. "Taka!"
Taka came over, shaking a bit. He then did something he had not done in a long time: bow in respect. "Y-yes, Kabuto-sama?" Even before he knew what Kabuto transformed himself into, he knew how deadly the medical ninja was.
"How many soldiers were you able to make?" Kabuto asked.
"A dozen, sir." He said. "You were able to help me make more months ago, but they didn't seem to be much help."
"That first attack was a test." Kabuto sneered. "I don't need them to defeat anyone. Just attract attention."
"Once we breach those walls, Konoha will be all over us!" Taka warned him.
"You worry too much, Taka-san." Kabuto said, his sneer never leaving. "We have some inside help." Out of the forest, Shiguri emerged. Taka tensed up, but Kabuto stayed calm. "I take it you are Danzou's escort?"
"Indeed I am." Shiguri said, betraying no emotion. Looking over to the fallen chunin, he said "While I will overlook these two, Danzou-sama would prefer you to refrain from killing those not closely linked to Uzumaki or Haruno. He still needs ninja to serve Konoha."
"Relax. I just knocked them out." Kabuto assured him. "They'll be fine…." He looked to them, seeing their catatonic looks. "Well, physically. With some help." He amended. "I can't make any guarantees about their minds." He sneered as he chuckled at what he put them through.
Shiguri sighed. He then looked at Kabuto's eyes. "You should be careful." He said. "I heard the Magenkyo Sharingan takes a toll on the eyes."
"Ah." Kabuto nodded. "You know your stuff. I doubt your teacher had anything to do with that." He chuckled again. "But you needn't worry. I have developed a special medication to counteract its affects."
"I see." Shiguri nodded. "Well, we better get to it. Bring your men."
Shiguri then led them to the west end of the wall. Running his hand against it, he suddenly pushed against the wall, revealing a secret door that slid to let them in. "Interesting." Kabuto commented. "To think Konoha had something like this."
"This was built by Danzou-sama himself." Shiguri explained. "Because the Sandaime did not approve of Root's practices, he needed a method of getting his agents out without anyone knowing. None of the kages knew of this, not even the current one."
Kabuto nodded. "Well, let's go Taka-san. Time's a wastin'." Taka nodded, the soldiers following in behind them. None noticed a wasp fly out from behind Shiguri.
Sakura sighed as she lay back on the couch. "Hey Sakura-chan!" Naruto approached her from behind, admiring the sight. "Feeling okay?"
"I'm fine, Naruto. Just…heavy." Sakura's belly was huge, due to carrying their twin children for nearly nine months.
"You look unhappy." He said with concern.
"I'm just tired. I want these babies out!"
"Ba-chan said they're not due 'till next week." Naruto said.
"I guess I'm just impatient. I really want to be a mother now."
Naruto chuckled. "I'd like to be a dad too." He gently brushed her cheek. "Well, cheer up. They'll get here when they get here."
"Naruto, I studied these things with Shishou." She reminded him. "Doesn't make me any less antsy…and exhausted."
"They're fighting again?"
Sakura sighed. "I just want them to get along…at least while they're staying inside me. Then they can fight as much as they want afterwards."
Naruto said nothing more, squeezing her shoulder. Sakura smiled slightly, clasping his hand. "Me and Baldy are going out to get some groceries. You just relax, okay?" Sakura nodded.
"Come on, Naruto." Satima called from the doorway. "The sooner we leave the sooner we can get back."
"Right." Naruto waved as he went to join their new friend.
"I never knew feeding babies would amount to so much." Naruto said as he carried two bags towards the register.
"Once they're born, Sakura will take care of them." Satima assured him while carrying two of his own. "From what I understand, afterwards, you'll be worrying about having enough diapers."
Naruto gulped at the thought. "Uh…baby poop can't be that bad, can it?"
Satima sighed, not wanting to get into this subject. "Let's just get these back."
Little did they know, other black-clad ninja hung from the ceiling above, watching them…
"You two really don't have to do this." Sakura sighed at her guests.
"Aw, come on." Yuji said as he walked out of the kitchen with the skillet, dumping the noodles onto a plate. "Jaa was nice enough to show me how to make these things. I'm not as good as him, though…"
Iori took some in her chopsticks and tasted. "No, it's not." She agreed. "But it's still pretty good." She assured him.
"Hm." Sakura agreed as she swallowed them. "It is good. It needs some more spices though."
Yuji chuckled. "I don't think I'll get used to the idea of Sakura liking spicy foods."
"I'm fine with SPICES." Sakura clarified. "Up until recently I just didn't like food that felt like you were trying to put fire in your mouth." As they enjoyed their lunch, Sakura smiled. "It's been nice of you two to visit so frequently."
"We want to." Yuji said.
"We can't wait until the babies are born!" Iori chirped.
Sakura chuckled, patting her belly. "No one is more impatient than me and Naruto, believe me." Sakura then began to push herself off the arm chairs of the sofa.
"Oh, don't get up!" Iori shouted as she ran over to her. "Whatever it is, let us-"
"Oh, enough!" Sakura waved her off. "I can go and make us some iced tea at least! And I'm doing that, whether you like it or not!"
Iori sighed, backing off as Sakura slowly got herself to the kitchen. "You could have offered to help!" Iori chastised Yuji.
"I could have." He agreed. "But I saw that coming. I know when to leave Sakura alone. She doesn't like it when others do things for her she feels she should do."
Iori rolled her eyes, letting it go. "Well, it's almost over." She sighed. "I really hope nothing happens."
Suddenly they heard a loud splash, and they nearly panicked. "Uh…m-m-maybe Sakura just spilled the tea!" Yuji suggested.
"UGHH!"
"I don't think she'd make a big deal out of tea!" Iori said as they both ran to the kitchen. They found Sakura desperately supporting herself on the sink, a red fluid-like substance pooled at her feet.
Looking from the distance, up in the forest canopy, Taka and the others observed the cabin. Though the target was pregnant, he was ordered to wait. "It's a pain in the ass. Still…I have to admit, it's a plan I myself couldn't hope to surpass…"
"THE BABIES ARE COMING!" They heard Sakura scream from the cabin.
Taka smiled as he signaled to their henchmen. "Let's get to work."
…And now….the cliffhanger!
Marutagoya-Wood Cabin
Okay. So, about Bleach. Uh, yeah…it was pretty bad. It was rushed and so many things did not add up, very similar to Naruto, the main difference being that Kubo was forced to end it while Kishimoto was trying to find a way out, at least, that's how it looked to me.
However, there are quite a few things I actually liked about the ending. I wouldn't call them good, but compared to the end of Naruto, there are at least some things I think Kubo deserves credit for.
First, the pairings. While I wouldn't call Ichihime developed, it was at least hinted at. Orohime expressed actual interest in Ichigo while Rukia gave no such hints beyond a platonic relationship. In comparison, Kishimoto CONSTANTLY teased Sakura's feelings. In addition, when explaining the past of Ichigo's parents, Ichigo's mother was a lot like Orohime. While he didn't outright say Ichigo has to find a girl like his mother, I felt that the similarities were a pretty strong hint. I may be reaching, but it was certainly done in a more tasteful manner than using Kushina as a Red Herring. Granted, Rukia and Renji were hinted even less, but at least they had a history together. I also appreciated seeing them actually hang out together like extended families, as opposed to that other show where the main characters went their separate ways…even after getting married…
And I also liked the fact that NOT EVERYONE WAS PAIRED UP. In Naruto, whether you ship the canon or not, the way they were presented was a cheap marketing ploy to push a next generation, and it was too much. Here, at least Kubo TRIED to give his characters actual closures (even if there were some contradictions to their characters), and the two children were much more creative than what we got in Naruto and with their own unique personalities.
Aizen also delivered a cool speech. Granted, he shouldn't have been the character to do so, but it at least gave a moral lesson…Naruto had none in the end, unless you want to buy into history repeats itself and endure the system.
It was also nice to see Rukia become commander of the Gotei 13. Kubo should have done more to power up Rukia and make her more deserving of the title, but the idea is cool at least. A lot better than relegating ALL the females to housewives.
So, yeah. I'm not defending this as a GOOD ending. I'm just saying it has good elements, many of which could have been done better. I just appreciated the attempt, given the circumstances. Then again, I've been indifferent to Bleach for years, so take that for what you will.
In the meantime, I'll see all of you later.