Chapter Three; Confrontations...?
Land of Hotsprings; Coastline
Bodies litter the ground as the pre-emptive strike from the White Dawn proved overwhelmingly effective and Nagato's forces pushed the enemy back further and further after their beach landing. The former Akatasuki leader knew however his forces positions was shaky and tentative at best, but the enemies retreat was so chaotic that they never even thought about counter attacking. Smirking, Nagato looks back at his forces despite their success they were down to just above half "We've done well."
"They didn't expect a counterattack, let alone a pre-emptive one."
"No shit." Another White Dawn samurai chuckled "The enemies had no idea we…"
"Something's not right." Nagato with narrowing his eyes at the enemies retreating forces "That direction is toward the town." He glances at his squadron of fighters "I think the second and third team are in trouble. We'll need to move quick to guide them away from the civilians." They all nod "No rest for the wary." A samurai sighs out returning to his feet, offering a hand to Nagato who took it appreciatively "This is our fight, we should see it through to the end."
Just as Nagato reported, the Stone Ninja group retreated toward the nearby town right into the White Dawns defence teams. They were holding them back, albeit barely, but with the arrival of Nagato's squadron, smiles lit up the troubled defenders faces "ALL FORCES! PUSH 'EM BACK!" Roared a female samurai with her sword raised with a war cry that rattled the Stone shinobi and the panic spread like wildfire. It was moments later when the stone had retreated, and the white cloud troops cheered in jubilation as they completed their mission to clear the Land of Hotsprings without even needing the backup squad.
Land of Hotsprings; Border with Stone
Naruto, Tayuya, and Larne lead their forces into Land of Hotsprings, charging at their fastest speed to assist their allies in the Land of Wave's unaware of Nagato's successful pre-emptive defensive strike. As the Rising Dawn rested near the border it was Naruto, who was on guard duty whilst his men and women slept or ate, who spotted the group of shinobi approaching "ALL UNITS!" he yells and immediately everyone stood or sat at attention "BATTLESTATIONS!" it didn't take even a full two minutes before the lines were filled with Rising Dawn forces, lined up at the behest of their leader who stood with his arms crossed eyes narrowed at the approaching forces.
"The fucking asshats aren't coming at us." Tayuya landing beside her best friend and leader "Some are injured."
"So I see." Naruto with a growing grin with sinister undertone that Tayuya loved "Are we…?"
"ALL FORCES!" Naruto bellowed which caught the Stone shinobi attention "CHARGE!" a battle cry that was even more fear inducing then the last group, the Iwoa shinobi had just ran from. Over the horizon off to the columns two o'clock, banners of Rising White Dawn appear as Samurai and Shinobi appear rushing forward toward them "INCOMING!"
"HOL…"
"ISN'T THAT…"
"THEIR LEADER!" one chunin gulped "Naruto Uzumaki – White Death…" the man paused upon seeing the red head at his side "SHIT! Isn't that…"
"Yeah! Tayuya Uzumaki – Red whistle…" this also fall off as the third figure comes into view "Blue steel Larne! FUCK!" and panic flew though the group. A slaughter reminiscent of the third shinobi war, battle of Kannabi bridge as the White Dawn swept across the fields, cutting down the Stone shinobi with vengeance. Earth and Rocks are thrown about as jutsu's were thrown about, but this was nothing for the group of former missing ninja's who ducked and weaved around them, countering with the ease of veterans they were. These former missing shinobi didn't fight fair, the ronan well versed in shinobi tactics, the fight was swift as much as it was brutal, and blood soaked the grass fields and dirt roads and over the span of an hour the last twelve of a force of nearly six hundred shinobi.
Land of Hotsprings; Lukan Town
Naruto and Tayuya dropped down into a sofa within Nagato's command tent, the one he aggressively acquired from the Iwoa shinobi. The two were covered in blood, dirt, and sweat as the duo exhales hard, "That was rough…" Tayuya declares as she lays back on her best friends' chest. Nagato walks in to find his fellow Uzumaki asleep on his new couch, Naruto on the bottom Tayuya atop with their swords mimicking their stance on the opposite seating. He smirks as he passes them by "Say nothing, Nagato." The duo spoke in unison, neither even creaking open an eye "Wasn't going to, though I believe your new project is looking for you."
"Ah shit…" the kunoichi grumbled into that chest of godly proportion that belonged to the leader of the group she belonged to.
Flap of the door caused Nagato to glance up to see their newest requisition, a blonde kunoichi formerly of the Leaf standing in awe as she stares at his two cousins currently snoozing on the coach "Can I help you, recruit?" his stern voice called out jolting said newcomer from her swirling thoughts, her attention falling on the red headed dojutsu user "Umm… I came for my orders…"
"…AH!" his aged face showing a faux concerned, lowering a folder of files from his field of vision to gaze upon her which froze her stiff "…so, recruit, what is your skill set exactly?"
"Combat medic." Was the swift response from the woman which causes a raised red eyebrow "Then, why are you here and not in the medical tent?"
"Umm… well… the thing is…"
"Just leave." Nagato returning to his files "The medical personnel will appreciate the help."
"I… umm… see. Very well." She bowed, turned, and left.
A snort and stifled laughter from the three Uzumaki after the former leaf shinobi left clearly frazzled at the disrespectful dismissal. "She's a stuck-up bitch…"
"You're one to talk." Naruto chuckles causing a muffled thump of Tayuya's fist upon his shoulder "I am a refined lady, thank you very much…"
"If your refined, then I'm a pure red head." Naruto snarky response which gained another, harder punch to his shoulder as she finally lifted her head and glared at her clansmen beneath her "I am refined right…?"
"Enough you two." Nagato stepping in "We still need to sort out the Land of Frost situation, right?"
"Nah we don't…" Tayuya casually waving off his concern, a raised eyebrow caused her to sigh as her elbow rested upon Naruto's chest, head resting on her knuckles completely ignoring the discomfort of her clansmen "…after all, we have already done the Land of Fire more than enough of a favour by knocking Iwoa down a few pegs." causing the elder Red head to chuckle at that, nodding along with that. Land of Rain; Schooling Tower
Kin leads the guards, disguised as family friends, of the 'Command Kids', the children of the Commanders of the White Dawn. Although many saw them as 'Royalty' the shinobi families were respectful which caused the civilian born to fangirl/fanboy at them.
Kushina and Bashir led the group of her fellow command kids into the classroom that erupted into to cheers, squeals, and hyperactive eagerness which caused a sigh from the tiny redhead's lips "These fools." Spoken beneath that escaped breath as she follows her best friend Bashir "Lighten up, Red."
"Your redder than I am!" growled Kushina as the horse tailed youth known as Bashir, son of Tayuya, had stuck his tongue out with his golden eyes glistening with mirth. Her comment upon the boy's hair was accurate as Bashir, much like his mother, had a very light shade of red in his hair, almost pink, and was easily flustered, at least for Kushina as childhood friends.
Land of Rain; School Entrance
"Hey, Bashir!" calls out another of the Command Kids, Ashina, son of Karin, waves over at the duo of Bashir and Kushina. Ashina was a full inch taller than the others, despite being few months older than the rest, though his short scarlet hair, matching glasses, blue pupil-less eyes "…kushi, glad you're here too."
"Shin, why are you here?" spoke Kushina clearly annoyed at being treated as a child, despite only being five herself "Well, Kushi…" Ashina smiles "…I found out that uncle Nar is coming home."
"Papa is?!" Kushina almost yells "Yes he is." Her mother, Kin calls out "…and you should behave yourself to show him how good of a girl you've been." Upon this the small girl, immediately straightened up and rushed toward the door "Are you coming mom?"
Land of Rain; Entrance of Ame
The White Dawn's Battalions can be seen atop the bridge, that was designed and built by Tazuna upon the request of Naruto, moving toward their awaiting families and loved ones. The First and Second groups arrived first, led by Tayuya and Larne respectively with them moving off as the rest of the battalions begin to set across. Tayuya hocked Ino's arm around her own with a sickly-sweet smile "Oh, I need you to come with me. Got some stuff we need to sort out." these words caused the hairs on the blonde's neck to stand on end.
With the arrival of the second company, a small street parade turned full-blown city-wide party. It continued to swell upon the arrival of the Third and Forth groups. Nagato and Naruto were causally conversing with one another as they reach the city entrance, which had become a public park filled with greenery filled with people awaiting to be reunited with their loved ones.
The third and fourth company arrive back on the tail end of the second, cheers from the party beyond this park could be heard causing many returning home to begin to smile. As the two Uzumaki step off the bridge a dark red blur of a missile smashed into the younger of the two, caught and swung round onto said mans back in one swift movement "PAPA!"
"Kushi! How's my little girl? Have you been a good girl?" Naruto chuckles light heartedly, Nagato smiling alongside his clansmen at the heart-warming sight.
"Sorry hun…" Kin stepping up and kissing Naruto as the two hug "She got away from me."
"It's fine…" his soft chuckle was music to her ears as she snuggled into his warm chest, a content sigh escaping her mouth before she could resist it. "PAPA!" another child cheered, Kenshin being picked up by his father Nagato "You should be calmer. Keep your…"
"Relax Cousin…" Naruto elbowing his clansman "…they're children. Let them be children."
Within the improv parade, Naruto and Kin alongside Nagato watched as the next generation of their clan playing several stands. Kushina held on to her dad's hand as she continued to lick on her ice cream "This is nice." Kin speaks softly, the two trained shinobi the only two to catch "This is the peace we seeked, no?" Naruto looking to Nagato who nods before glancing around at the smiling faces, cheering as the kids enjoying the rare day of sunshine and rainbow "Indeed." his eyes than look down to his son, currently explaining to Rellahan, in great detail, how candied apples were better than candy floss and the benefits of such a decision.
Land of Rain; Amegakure
Naruto enters the executive office of Konan, the angel of Amegakure, with all the members of the five companies present. As he sat down with his fellows, the air was thick with tension, as all eyes fall on to Konan whose amber eyes pierced the low-lit room "With everyone here, let us begin…" as the table seemed to illuminate, and a map came into view. The silence was definitive, and the occupants shifted silently as eyes scan the room "Firstly, let us briefly talk of the failed attack on the conference…" she continued as the large map of the elemental nations fades to a view of the Land of Iron.
"…several squads of Black Ops attempted to ambush the conference. Our forces in conjunction with the samurai of the land, successfully subjugated forces of Leaf's Anbu, Lightning's Bolt, and Stone's Gem." Konan spoke consistency and firmly "…our interrogations have confirmed that they were indeed all Gem using stolen uniforms."
"As expected." Naruto comments flatly gaining nods from all around "…umm how did you know that?" a voice that actually caught Naruto off-guard, not that he showed it, causing him to glance up behind his foul-mouthed cousin to see a platinum blonde, former kunoichi of the hidden leaf. Not even offering the woman a moment of attention his eyes look back to Tayuya, who communicates with only her eyes an apology "They've been broken, and chakra sealed, as per our usual standard procedure." Spoke Tayuya in a similar manner as her fellows, brushing the newbies question under the rug.
A cough allows Konan to regain the momentum, "…as for the Wave defence operation." The map moves toward island of Wave before refocusing on Hotspring "…because of a recklessly bold move from the commander of the Fourth Company…" an almost impossibly narrowing of her eyes at a certain rinnegan wielding Uzumaki, who was one of three to notice, "…in place of the defensive operation, the Fourth pushed a surprise offensive which caught the enemy off guard and forced them to rout." Naruto swore he saw a sparkle in Nagato's eyes, his stoic mask in place firmly which almost caused his own to break "Thankfully…" Konan continued stoically "…First through Third group arrived and eradicated the remaining forces in a pincer." Various pictures of the battleground, with both before and after "We Ame to please." Larne states causing all eyes to fall upon him, a cough from somewhere before everyone looks back to Konan "Thus, with the prisoners, we are in a good position however tensions with the Stone are at an all-time high." Konan glances around at the group of her commanders, "I have increased our patrols upon the borders. For now, focus on interior mission aspects, after standard provisional cool down time. Any other issues?" silence fills out the room causing the woman to nod "Dismissed."
The room had emptied as Naruto exits leaving Konan and Nagato behind "Yo blondie!" catching his attention toward the two ladies leaning against the wall "Yo scarlet." Naruto responds, pulling out a cigarette before nodding her head toward the blonde "…why she here?"
"Really Naruto?" Ino with arms on her hips as Naruto looks at her as if she was stupid. His blank stare caused her to start squirming beneath his gaze causing a snort from Tayuya who hands over a hundred ryo bill to Naruto while snatching said cancer stick from him. Walking off, the two ladies follow after him "Drinks are on you tonight." Naruto announces and Tayuya waves her off "You know I don't go back on my fucking word either shitface. So, let's get shitfaced!"
"Your puns suck harder than Larne's." The blonde chuckles causing the shorter Uzumaki to glare at him "Fucktard…" she growls.
Ino awoke with the mother of all hangovers, the whole world seemed submerged and spinning whilst her throat was dry and stomach heavy. A groggy cornflower blue eye creaks open, hissing at the light from the window, a growl escaped her parched throat. Before she knew it a head popped in from the hallway "Miss kunoichi…" a woman's voice echoed within her head, pounding hard causing her to further scrunch up her face "…you need to get up, and meet with the captain." She groans in response to this voice "…fine." her whisper and a soft chuckle.
A knock on the door broke Karin from her paperwork, stacked high, within her own tower office allowed her to break from the monotonous tasks at hand "Come in." a timid blonde step in, her chakra was not familiar causing the redhead to raise an eyebrow "…and you are?"
"Ino Yamanaka…" the girl whispers which reminded her about what Tayuya had told her that morning, about the newest defector. Karin was barely able to suppress her vicious smirk threatening to grace her face "Ah… yes, I've been expecting you." gesturing to the chair before her while placing the file she was handling into the out pile.
"So, why am I here?" Ino questioned eying the woman opposite "First of all, miss Yamanaka…" Karin began with a hard glare, stone face "…let's get something straight right off the bat, shall we?" the room growing notably cooler and heavy causing the new arrival to try desperately suppressing the fidgeting her body was trying to exhibit. "The only reason I'm entertaining this moronic idea…" Karin took pride noticing the raised heckles "…of allowing you within my hospital, is because my dearest cousin decided to dumb you on me."
"Then why am I here?" Ino almost whispered word "Where it not for my dearest cousins…" Karin narrowing her eyes "…I would 'ave thrown you to the wolfs in T and I."
"Then why am I…?"
"As I said." Karin snipped "My cousins are the ones that convinced me."
"Cousins?" Ino questioned causing the red head to sigh, this was going to be a long day.
Kushina's Day an OVA
"PAPA!" I exclaimed jumping onto the bed that housed my papa. He heaved out as he was forced out of bed, catching the me as I fell on him again "Kushi! Damn!" he wheezed as his little girl grinned up at him foxily, much like his own, "Mama told me you don't have no work today, so I want to…"
"Shhh shhh…" Naruto placing his index finger upon her tiny lips, smiling fully "Let's get breakfast." She nods rapidly but before she could jump off, her father lifted her up eliciting a giggle from the girl as she finds herself cradled in her father's arms. His laughs were melodious to the five-year-old, her big strong papa is spending the day with her.
Breakfast was a cheerful affair, Kushina eating her breakfast atop her daddy's lap which was something she hadn't done in forever. Walking through the streets, holding papa's hand as he runs his errands, Kushina hops along with a skip while holding hands as they reach the dojo. Inside there were people swinging bamboo swords in a pattern. They all saw her, but their eyes were scaring so she stepped behind her papa, which caused said man to step forward after a small glance and immediately the scary eyes step back and bow. "Grr… I suggest you all back the [Bad word] off."
"SIR!" they all chorus.
After meeting uncle Larne and Aunti Nila, the sword people, papa took me to the hospital probably to see auntie but after we did. Someone spoke to daddy then we left before we saw auntie, but he took me to the park, and we got ice cream. He let me ride on his shoulders, papa's so big!
When lunch was done, we got ramen. Couldn't beat papa. I had six bowls! Papa gave me a piggyback ride as we went to the training ground. Just like Mama said, he said that controlling my chaka is really important. Unlike mama tho – we played tag but up on the walls and trees. It was so cool!
Before dinner we went on to the roof and he made a promise to me, he will always come home to me.
Land of Rain; Office of Shinobi Matters
A knock on his office called Naruto's attention "Come in." and the door swings open revealing Karin Uzumaki, bringing a huge smile to his face "Karin…"
"Naru…" the two embrace gently, firmly, tenderly "I was so worried about you."
"You were the one on the frontlines…" Karin whispered back as they slowly pulled back, their arms still locked "…I should be asking you that."
"Pfft, please… you know full well…"
"Idiot." She gently punches him, as she recentres herself to return to her big bad bitch image. They both return back to their 'Business mode' as Karin stands before Naruto's desk "Report."
"The medical staff have requested some time off after the current surge." Handing over the report, to which Naruto looks over the first couple of pages "I see. How about this…" he responds before pauses upon the three lists of staff. A moment of pauses "Right." looking up at his clansmen "After the med nins recover for the next three days, then they'll switch out for the doctors and reduce the nurses' hours to allow them to recover also." Karin smirked at that "Figured as much. Already got it planned out." Naruto rises an eyebrow at that "Then why did you…?" a pulse of chakra emits from Karin's feet, forcefully activating Naruto's hidden security seals which created a bubble of privacy around the room.
Land of Rain; Amegakure
Nagato knocks on the door which promptly opens "Bout time gramps." Tayuya comments stepping aside "I'm not old." The older of the two which caused a snort from the younger brash kunoichi "So, where's Bashir?"
"Staying with his cousins."
"I see."
"Breakfast?" Tayuya offered as she stepped into the open plan kitchen "No. Just here to escort her."
"Oh?" A raised eyebrow from the foul-mouthed redhead "We wish to verify some facts."
"I bet." snickered Tayuya as she appeared with his typical cup of tea which he accepts graciously, taking her own cup as she sat down. Within moments Ino stepped in while drying her hair with a towel "Ah…" paused a moment "Nagato Uzumaki." Nagato states before sipping his tea "Right…" Ino says "I also happen to be your friends Uncle." This caused Ino to pause, "As in…"
"He's Naru's mothers' younger brother." Tayuya clearing up any confusion "Whoa."
"Regardless…" Nagato standing up "…we have an appointment to tend to."
"We do?" Ino questioned hesitantly to which Nagato nodded "We do." a lump in Ino's throat formed and wasn't helped by the snickering of Tayuya "Allow me to reintroduce myself, Nagato Uzumaki. Head of Torture and Intelligence of the White Dawn." A very familiar yet somewhat darker smirk appeared upon the older redheads' face "I look forward to our interview."
Land of Rain; Amegakure Central Spire
Two months Later…
"Naruto!" a voice calls as Tayuya approaches the T-Junction with her own folders in arm "Tay." She growled at that name "Really?"
"Tayuya." Naruto chuckles after a moment and the two continue to move on to their destination "So how's the roommate?" another growl from the shorter of the two "Why does the bitch have to stay with me?" Tayuya status growled deeply "I haven't had any time with my little Shir."
"He's been doing well." Naruto casually threw out, "I see." Her head lowers "After this meeting through, why not join me in picking up the kids and we can…"
"REALLY?!" Naruto looks to her with a raised eyebrow, she collects herself and returned to her default bitch mode "No shit; I am sure my runt wants his wicked mom around." The two laugh along before arriving back to the office they were called too.
Land of Rain; Central Spire, Meeting Room One
"Glad you could make it, Naruto." Spoke Konan calmly as said man and his best friend enter the large room, "We aren't late, are we?"
"Not at all. Still waiting on my lovely husband and that stickman." Konan jokes flatly causing Naruto to smirk, Tayuya so snicker "I have a name ya know." Spoke Larne, in his battle kimono and both his tachi and wakizashi on his belt "How'd you get your weapons in here?" Naruto with a raised eyebrow "Family heir looms." Larne responded with air quotes, Naruto snapping to Konan "That isn't fair."
"Stickman…" her monotone voice seemed so cold, Naruto and Tayuya swore they saw icicles upon the dark wooden table polished top.
"I told you already, Miss Ino." Nagato spoke softly and calmly as they made their way through the halls Central Spire "This is not the time nor place to speak of your current assignment. I am currently late to my meeting with…"
"Stickman…" was heard and from the tone Nagato needed no more incentive "Leave." his parting words before stepping into the room to find Larne placing his weapons on the table. He knew what had caused his beloved wife to grow irate. Unbeknownst to them all, Ino saw Naruto and Tayuya among the othered gathered heads. She knew this meeting was of department heads so now she had a way in. Originally her association with Nagato allowed her access to the low level of the Torture and Intelligence division, not knowing it was all planned on their side, but now spotting her old friend, a new avenue had opened up for her.
"Now that we're all here." Konan states unnecessary but not one person dared address that "Let us begin." looking to Nagato "So, if you would…?"
"Well, we've had been contact with our allies." the oldest Uzumaki speaks out "Waterfall has requested additional help for their border. Seems Stone is getting rowdy after the conflict with us."
"I don't that's too bright an idea…" Tayuya cut in "After the ass kicking we gave them, it will only incite the fuckers."
"I second that." Naruto adds on cooly to cover the brashness of his favourite cousin "If there are any humanitarian missions…"
"With the conclusion of our medical project in Wave, there's only Rivers, hospital left and an invite to Mist courtesy of the Mizukage." Konan responded eying Naruto who understood the underlying annoyance of that last request. This suggests that he was involved with that in particular request which cause him to groan in silence. Konan smirks inwardly at Naruto's reaction to her words, knowing that he had caught on, "Can we turn down Miss Terumi?"
"Not realistically." Larne cutting in "Our swordsmen are doing joint training with both the Mist shinobi, and Water Samurai. Losing them could cause a few too many ripples we could do without."
Naruto sighs and nods along with that "That is true. Though…" looking to his boss, Konan "…Claw is also requesting an audience with me directly. Grass wants to increase our cooperation on orders of their Daimyo." He explained causing a few eyes to widen, though before any comments of pity could be spoken "As much as I hate to say it…" Konan looking back at her head of Shinobi affairs "…Naruto, but I will need you to deal with Mist as a priority. Dealing with Grass, Claw, and Rivers will be handled by your subordinates."
"By your orders." Naruto states closing his folded files before leaning back.
"Any issues with the Samurai?"
"Land of Iron has sent us a request for escort of their latest caravan. Land of Tea would like to induct a squadron into our training program."
"Why not with the Land of Iron?" asked Konan with a raised "Simple. Iron's entrance exams are a bit too demanding. Ours is not so much. Not only that, but the Land of Iron have been known to grab our best in the top of the class." Larne informs and they grab the relevant files "Though we are running low on prime blades for the graduation groups."
"We'll have to wait until the current set of patrols from allied forces finish and paid for before we place the next orders." Konan states looking to Amaru and Karin "What about our medical supplies?"
"We're fine for the next three months." Amaru pushing a lock of her reddish-brown hair behind her ear "Even with the new building in Wave."
"Then we are in relatively good shape." Nagato comments to which he receives nods all around. The faintest hints of a smile form upon Konan's face, an untrained observer wouldn't have spotted it but those within the room could all tell as if she was grinning like a certain Uzumaki.
Land of Rain; Amegakure; Streets
After the meeting, Naruto could be seen strolling through the industrial streets of Amegakure with the smiling citizens waving at him and offering small bows to which he returns. Turning a corner onto Park Road, and with a sigh he addresses his tail "What can I do for you Ino?" maintaining his stride as she stumbles out from the corner behind "You knew?"
"Since before I left the tower." Naruto clarifies as she rushes to match his pace "Oh. Umm…"
"So? Why are you following me?"
"Well, you see… I wanted to know why you are avoiding me? I came here hoping to connect with you again." Ino began which caused Naruto to turn on her "Connect with me? Ino; we were never close. Even if we did begin to develop a relationship in the hospital after that failed mission, nothing happened."
"I know but…"
"It's been ten years Ino. We former classmates. Not friends or anything." Naruto informs rather harshly.
Her hurt expression actually caused a pang of guilt within his heart, her slumped shoulders adding to the effect to which another sigh escapes his lips as he pulled her into a firm hug, much to her surprise. The two stood there in silence, the weight of her decisions finally coming down as reality fully sets in. She was surrounded by possible enemies, her only source of comfort was a friend not quite friend, yet here in his arms she found so much comfort and serenity that it was like she was back in the Hidden Leaf all safe and sound.
"You feeling better?" he whispered into her ear, gently to which she nodded softly, her grip on his jacket firm yet a tremble of desperation could be felt by Naruto who tenderly tightened the embrace "Do you want me to walk you home?" he whispered to which she nodded again "Where are you staying?" continuing, pretending not to know about her situation in its entirety "Umm… I'm staying with your cousin." her almost whisper into his shoulder to which he stifles his chuckles, the best he could at least but the mirth did not leave with it "Which one? I have a number of clansmen here."
"To think…" she finally pulls back, still rather withdrawn "…we all thought you were a clan less orphan." he chuckles softly at that.
"So, who are you staying with?" Naruto holding the blonde by the shoulders at arm's length, cornflower grey into cerulean blue "Tayuya Uzumaki." Ino states causing Naruto to snort at that, despite knowing that already "Tay-Tay, huh?"
"Tay-Tay…"
"Never call her that." He nearly growled with narrowed eyes "She will kill you…" then gulps "…then me." She giggles at that while gesturing a zip lipped "My lips are sealed." her smile was warm, chest lightened significantly after this small interaction which will later come to haunt the Yamanaka to the point where she would turn her back on her home for real.