Here is the newest chapter. sorry if I don't have characters like Hinata or Shikamaru, but I wanted Naruto, Sakura, Ino, and Kai as the focus. I promise to add them maybe soon.

please review and enjoy.

Chapter 8

The Festival

Kai heard a knock at his door and found a package. He was really excited, this was a special clothing he ordered a day ago and it would come relatively faster than he expected. He opened it up and there it was, A blue karate gi, and blue pants, he also had a pair of black combat boots, a pouch to hold kunai and shuriken, and on the right of the gi was the Komoto symbol. A circle with 3 triangles, one on the top corner left, one on the top corner right, and one on the bottom. And a headband with the same Komoto symbol.

To the Komoto clan, the symbol represents 3 facts of discipline for his clan. The circle represents the world, the triangle on the top left corner is Life, the top right corner is Love, and the bottom is Family. He would get it ready for his next training mission that would take place after the festival. He would help everyone.

Throughout Konoha, the entire town was getting everything ready for the big day. Naruto would spawn about 10 shadow clones to help out as much as he could. Sakura was in charge of getting the festival ready, and Choji was in charge of getting the food ready. Ino, Ten Ten, and Hinata were in charge of getting the flower wreaths ready. Shikamaru was in charge of making the schedule.

Kai arrived to help Ino and the girls set up the flower wreaths, everyone was in a festive mood. It took all day, but the town was all set for tomorrow. Kai then came to a realization that he didn't have anything formal to wear for tomorrow. Ino grabbed his hand and brought him with her.

"Tada, here we are Kai-Kun." She said.

They arrived at a clothing store. Kai was curious to know what she was planning.

"Hey Ino, why are we here?" He asked the blonde.

"You said you needed some formal gear, and I need a new Kimono so here we are."

Kai looked at his wallet and saw that he didn't have much cash on him. Ino closed his wallet and smiled at him.

"Don't worry Kai-Kun, this one is on me."

"Alright then, let's go in then," Kai said, holding his arm out, she would wrap hers around it, and they would venture in.

It took a bit for both of them to find the most perfect Kimono, but Kai would find one. A blue Yukata with red flowers on it. Ino would show him the one she picked, it was yellow with pink hearts tattered on it.

"Well, what do you think?" Ino said, showing off the Kimono she was thinking of buying.

"You will look amazing," Kai said, giving her a thumbs up.

Kai then showed her the kimono he was gonna buy.

"I love the color, you will look handsome Kai-Kun." She said. "I'll take these two."

Naruto and Sakura were sitting in Naruto's apartment after setting up the festival. Like they were in sync they took a sip of tea and let out a big sigh.

"You were amazing today, Sakura-Hime. You lead us like a true leader." Naruto complimented his girlfriend.

"Maybe someday I could be Hokage?" She said, sticking her tongue out at her boyfriend.

"Let's not go that far Sakura-Hime." He said as she kissed him on the lips.

"That's your dream Naruto, not mine. You know I'm just kidding." She winked at him.

"I know Sakura-Hime, but if you did, you would have my undying support." He said the two of them cuddled on the couch.

The next day arrived soon. The town was bustling like it hasn't been in quite some time. Villagers from all around came to Konoha to enjoy the festival. Both Naruto and Sakura stepped out of the apartment. Naruto wearing an Orange Kimono with a pink flower pedal. Sakura wore a Yellow yukata with a Yellow flower pedal. They did this to match each other. They left for the festival, holding hands. They were excited, as any couple would be.

"Ready to go?" Naruto asks.

"Let's do this Naruto-Kun." She responds as she gives him that trademark grin.

Kai put his yukata on and soon presided out the door, there waiting for him was Ino, wearing her Kimono as well. He could tell how excited she was. He was to be honest as well, like he said before this would be his first festival he would remember. And to spend it with someone who's been by his side for the last week, made it feel more special. He was floored by how amazingly beautiful she looked.

"Speechless?" She teased, striking a sexy pose. "So Mr. Komoto, how do I look this evening?"

"Beautiful, like one of the flowers you sell in your shop." He said, rubbing his neck. She got close to him and kissed him on his cheek.

"You're too much Kai-Kun, come on, and let's enjoy the night."

The Village was alive with the energy of scores of people. Everyone who helped put the blossom festival together was proud that it turned out. Kai and Ino would join Naruto and Sakura as they explored the festival. Naruto would try to win Sakura a fish, but couldn't catch one on that paper net, but Sakura would have a better result on that front.

Kai would knock down some milk bottles and win Ino a plush butterfly. She would cherish it. Kai would eat until his belly was ready to burst. Naruto would try sushi with Sakura, while he didn't care much for it, he saw how much Sakura loved it. So he didn't mind it. Ino would feed Kai some Chicken Teriyaki.

All four of the teens were enjoying being with each other. Ino asked to speak to Sakura in private though, Kai and Naruto would go on exploring the festival and would meet up with them a bit later.

Sakura and Ino soon had a private spot to talk. Sakura knew something was on Ino's mind and like Ino has done to her in the past, she wanted to know.

"Alright Ino, I think I know what you want to talk about. Is it about Kai?"

"You are correct Sakura, what's the point of hiding it anymore… I love him. I love him more than I ever loved Sasuke. It just feels right whenever I'm with him and I want to be with him."

"Have you talked to him about it?" Sakura asks her.

"I was thinking of confessing to him tonight."

"Then go for it, Ino tell him how you feel tonight," Sakura said.

Ino would finally do it tonight, she would tell Kai how she really feels about him. She was glad Sakura was there to help her. Sakura pats her friend on her shoulder.

Naruto and Kai walked around for a bit, and Naruto looked up at the night sky. A beautiful field of shimmering stars.

"Nice night isn't it?" Kai says, taking in the fresh air. "One of those nights where you reflect on so many things."

"Yeah, Hey Kai, do you think everything will work out in the end?"

"What makes you think that Naruto?"

"Well I mean, will this person you know be able to extract Ashimaru without harming Sakura?"

Kai thought for a moment, he knows that the person he sent the message to can easily identify what kind of seal it is, so it will be easy to find out.

"She is a miracle worker, she can identify a multitude of different seals, so we will have to leave as soon as I get the letter if she'll let us visit her."

"Where exactly is she located?"

"Somewhere in Blossom Country, It would take us about a month or so in terms of traveling. So once I get the note I will let you and Sakura know. Kai said, I'm curious about Jiraiya. "So is Jiraiya as good as you say as well?"

"I don't know about seals or anything like that but maybe he can be of some assistance, Granny hopefully got word about him coming soon," Naruto said, with his arms crossed.

Kai and Naruto soon found the girls and joined them, it was at this point that both couples would soon depart from each other. With Ino and Kai going to a park, Naruto and Sakura taking a stroll outside of the village gates.

Kai and Ino sat above the monument, with the festival down below them and the stars above their heads. This was a truly romantic moment. They sat on a bench, holding hands. Kai looked up at the stars just taking it all in. Ino decided this would be her chance, she didn't know when there would be another moment like this.

"Kai-Kun, I want to say something to you. Is that alright?"

"You know you can say or ask anything to me Ino-Chan."

She took a big breath and would finally tell him.

"For a long time now, I haven't felt what true love was. I thought Sasuke at the time would be my first true love, but it did more damage to not only me but to my best friend. It would take a few years and while I would get compliments about my beauty, I never found anyone who would make me feel whole. Someone to cheer me up if I had a bad day, make me laugh if I was in a bad mood, lend me a shoulder to cry on if my heart was broken, And love me for who I am." Ino said, placing her hand to her heart.

"Then a few days ago I met someone who hopefully would fill the void in my life, fill the void in my heart and sweep me off my feet. Kai, we may not have known each other for that long. But in a way I feel like I have, Being with you is one of the greatest feelings I can ever have, being with you eliminates the doubts and fears I have. You are the most kind and generous person I've ever met." She said, before looking into his eyes.

"Kai Komoto, I freaking love you."

Kai froze for a bit, he rewound the thing Ino just told him, He looked right into her beautiful eyes, he could see the passion in her eyes.

"I know you lost the love of your life so many years ago, and I know I could never give you the love you ask for that Sena would have given you but If you give me a chance, I know I can help you fill the emptiness you felt after all of these years. So I'm asking, please give this flower girl to make your heart bloom once again. Ino finished.

It was quiet between the both of them. The only sound you could hear is the music of the festival in the distance. Kai would begin to approach her and he would wrap his arms around her, he held her so tight and with such warmth. Ino closed her eyes, branding this moment in her mind for the rest of her life. She then heard the 4 words she wanted to hear.

"I love you too."

Both Kai and Ino then would exchange one of the most beautiful kisses any of them ever felt. Ino loved this moment, so did Kai. Kai had finally found someone that he could share the rest of his life with. As well as Ino.

Naruto and Sakura were walking through the forest, the moon beaming down on the two young lovers. They would soon arrive at the flower field where they helped Ino earlier in the week. Sakura soon sat and patted her lap. Naruto obliged to her hint and he would lay his head on her lap.

"It's such a beautiful night tonight," Sakura said, stroking Naruto's hair.

"It sure is, I haven't had a fun night like this in quite some time," Naruto said.

"Are you worried Sakura-Hime, about what might happen to you if this extraction doesn't work?"

"To be honest, I was. I was terrified over the prospect of dying due to a miscalculation." Sakura said, shivering a bit. Naruto would hold her hand to calm her down. "But then I think of how you, Ino, and Kai would do whatever it took to protect me. I will not worry about the future, because we never know what may or may not happen. Don't worry about me Naruto-Kun, because I'm not worried." She leaned over and the couple kissed.

Naruto then felt like a pair of eyes were spying on them. He slowly got up, catching Sakura's attention.

"What's up Naruto, you sense something don't you?"

"Yeah, I think we might have company."

"Who do you think it could be Naruto?"

Naruto didn't know who it could be, but he had a gut feeling. He would take out a kunai he had in a weapon's pouch on the side of his leg.

"I think I might know who it is."

And sure enough, Keiko and Kagome would appear from behind a tree in the forest. Kagome had a malicious grin on her face.

"I figured you would be back, what's the matter, still sore from the butt-kicking we gave you last time?"

"Cute fox boy, but you're not our concern, we want your girlfriend. And this time we are not leaving without her."

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm not going down without a fight," Sakura said, cracking her knuckles. "Unlike the last time, I'm fully aware now of your cheap tricks."

"Just to let you know fox boy, that this time we brought us a friend to play with you, while we deal with the girl," Kagome said, snapping her finger.

Out from another tree, stepped the woman that was following them. Naruto and Sakura didn't know what to make of this new opponent. Keiko hid behind the tree, she didn't want any part of this fight.

"Who is that, a new friend of yours?" Naruto asked her.

"You could say that, she never gave me her name but my master said that she's here to fight you, fox boy," Kagome said.

"Who is that woman?" Sakura asked.

"Doesn't matter at this point. Just die already!" She said, pointing her finger.

The woman soon charged at Naruto and Sakura.

"Let's kick some ass Sakura-Hime!" Naruto screamed, standing firm in a ready stance.

"SHANNARO!" She responded, charging chakra in her fists.