-AN-

Finally have some time to myself. It's been a busy start to the year with nothing fun to show for it. Not sure how I feel about how AI is slowly taking over everything, but I'll be damned if I ever use it. Some sensitive sexual topics in this one, ye be warned. Nothin explicit.

-Story Start-

Still groggy and yawning loudly, Naruto covered his mouth with a hand as he looked about his home. The excitement from yesterday had nearly made him forget that he needed to leave on a mission today. A patrol of the north border with Kakashi, Sai and Sakura, as if there was anything to worry about that way. Still, orders were orders, and as he sat in the entryway to put his sandals on he hoped this would go by quickly. At the least Ino would be home to help out Mai and the kids, but for the first time in a while, Naruto did not want to leave the village. Pulling his last sandal on and readying to stand, his vision was obstructed by two hands covering his eyes. "Oh?"

"Guess whoooo~" Mai's voice entered his ears, and Naruto chuckled as the woman pressed herself against him. Clad in a deep burgundy nightgown, Mai was all smiles as Naruto reached up to cover her own hands with his.

"Oh I don't know. Could be anyone really." Feeling Mai press herself more firmly into him, Naruto huffed, "Sorry. Did I wake ya Mai?"

Coming around to settling herself into his lap, Mai shook her head as she laced her hands behind his neck. "No. I just…wanted to say goodbye properly." Leaning forward and kissing him softly, Mai eventually leaned her forehead to his. "I…haven't had a lot of chances to do this."

"Well, we have forever to make up for lost time, got it?" Easily threading his arms under her knees and around her back, Naruto stood with the civilian woman easily. "But, I do have to go. Mission to complete, bad guys to break. You know the drill."

"Hmm, I do. Only now, you have a family to come home too." Giggling as Naruto nuzzled his nose to hers, Mai finally let him put her down and hugged him tightly once more. "You'll be safe, won't you?"

Nodding as she let him go, Naruto smiled and kissed her on the forehead, "It's me, of course I will."

"Says the man known for training until he passes out. I'll grill your teammate about it later." Watching Naruto smile and chuckle nervously, the early morning sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon as Naruto opened the door. "I love you, Naruto." It slipped out, something they both knew, but so rarely spoken aloud. She'd have to be better about that.

Smiling brightly, Naruto enjoyed the warm feeling that blazed in his chest, "Love ya too Mai. I'll be home in a flash. Believe it." And then he was gone, closing the door and walking towards the main gate. Dressed in all black today, Naruto checked his pockets as he made sure the storage seal with his travel pack was secure at his hip. There was another seal on himself, a small work with the suggestion of Ino that now held the scroll given to him by the Uzumaki Shrine. He didn't have time to go through it while home, so he figured half a week on the road would give him plenty of time to read up.

Seeing the sun rising, Naruto took to the rooftops, best to not be late for his first mission in a while. With luck when he returned Anko would be back. They could relax for a few days and figure out a mission rotation from here on. Make sure that Mai was never left home alone. Sure Konoha was a relatively safe place, but they all knew better as well. Best not to leave a single civilian home alone without some sort of precautions.

Dropping to the ground with a spring in his step, Naruto came upon his team up and looking ready to go. "Naruto Uzumaki, ready for patrol."

Sai smirked and turned to follow after Kakashi, "So the megaplayer returns. Should we take bets on if he'll woo anyone while we're on patrol?"

Kakashi chuckled as he held up their orders for the gate guards to inspect, "Let's not. Knowing Naruto he would exceed whatever expectations we had."

Rolling his eyes and putting his hands behind his head, Naruto walked along beside a slightly limping Sakura. He noted that she looked troubled, barely saying a word when normally she might have been complaining. About the early hour, him being the last to show, Sai's dirty joke. Anything really. "Sakura-chan, you alright?"

"Hu-huh? Yeah, yeah I'm good. Good to go." Perking up and looking up to Naruto, Sakura pumped a fist and smirked, "Don't mope around too much now that you have to spend a few days away from home."

"Mope? Me. I would never." Smirking and letting Sakura pull ahead as they started down the road, Naruto didn't let the fake cheer fool him. Especially as they took to the trees and got up to speed. If nothing else Naruto was always observant of his teammates. Sakura was not in top form and it showed. But if she wasn't going to complain about it he wouldn't ask. He'd mentally make the note that if anything went down he'd cover for her. "Hey Sensei, where are we headed again?"

A loud groan filled the air as Kakashi turned back to face Naruto, "Taki and Grass. One day to get there, three day patrol, one day to return. Standard patrol this time, no word on suspicious movements. Originally we were going to perform a month long patrol, but Lady Tsunade has organized a few new teams who could use the experience, so we'll be splitting our time with them."

"Got it. So something boring with a lot of free time." Silver lining was that Naruto would have plenty of time to read up on his scroll. In addition his clones would be getting a major workout. Kakashi-sensei had brought up training with his clones and their memories and he had been dying to give that a go soon.

In the middle of the group Sakura sighed and rubbed at her hips, one after the other, working away the bruises there subtly with a light amount of healing chakra. While she had been able to convince Sasuke to return home first, things had been. Well she wasn't sure how to compare it. First time jitters maybe? Something that was new for the both of them? She wasn't sure, but maybe next time she could convince her love to be a bit more gentle with her. Even the repeat performance this morning had been, so intense.

Still, her heart was full. Sasuke was coming around, starting to lighten up. That was all the proof she needed that her efforts were worth it. She hoped he found something to occupy himself with while she was gone like he said he would. She would hate for him to backslide while she was away on a mission. No, she would make it up to him when she returned. Maybe request some leave even? Yeah, that could be worth it.

Behind her Naruto watched and worried. Sakura seemed to mentally be firming herself up for something, but he'd let it slide. This was one of his longest running friends. If she wanted to talk about whatever was bothering her, she would in time. Best to focus on the mission and his own concerns for now.

-b-

Stretching her arms up with a groan, Ino smiled and appreciated the life she currently had. With Naruto and Anko gone, she had elected to stay with Mai as often as she could. Sure her daddy wasn't a big fan about it, complaining that his baby girl wasn't home as much anymore, but he was just going to have to deal with it. It was about time for her to start thinking about moving out anyway, plus if he couldn't adjust to this he was really going to blow a gasket when she came clean about her and Naruto. At least mama seemed to understand, even if Ino hadn't come out with it yet her mama had tossed her a few knowing looks when she mentioned she would be gone for a few days. Yamanaka women truly were a force to be feared.

Looking about the rear garden, Ino took a deep inhale of freshly turned earth and once more appreciated that Naruto didn't mind her doing as she saw fit here. While the home had been expanded, now a south wing that curved away from the main home to encircle the backyard somewhat, it was still mostly empty. Planned bedrooms for the most part though it also included a small library and a study. To the north was a mostly completed bathhouse, though no water had been pumped in yet, a project for when Naruto returned, though he swore he would get around to it. She really hoped he didn't do the typical man thing and let projects go unfinished, it was really a beautiful work he was putting together. It would be a waste if he didn't finish it.

Thoughts derailed as the rear door from the main house opened, Ino turned back to see a smiling Mai standing there with a tray in hand. She must have just returned from taking the kids to school. "Mai, hey there. Need a hand?"

"Me? No. I came to see if you needed anything. It is nearly lunchtime."

Blinking and looking up, Ino noted that the sun was in fact a lot higher than she remembered when she started her little project for the day. While the front was considered complete for now, a soon to be very beautiful flower garden if she did say so herself. The rear was dedicated to vegetables and herbs. She now had six carefully laid out rows of various things from basil, rosemary, squash and whatever else she could think of. Both for sustainability and to occupy her off time. "Huh, guess I got a lot done and zoned out. Sorry."

Shaking her head and coming to the end of the porch, Mai sat down on its edge and patted the freshly lacquered wood next to her with a smile. "Come, sit, I have sandwiches and juice. Let's have lunch."

Sighing and pulling her gardening gloves off with ease, Ino nodded along and walked over to the other woman. Tossing the gloves off to the side with her tools, she sat next to the buxom woman and accepted the freshly made sandwich with a smile. Watching the other woman begin to pour juice into a mug, Ino considered her profile. Civilian though she was, Mai seemed to be more in tune with ninja and how they operated. Yes this was a ninja village, but there was more there. "Say, Mai."

"Yes Ino?" Looking up curiously, Mai noted the blonde seemed focused on her somewhat. Had Ino figured out her secret much like Anko? She had to restrain herself from patting her hair, so sure she was that her roots wouldn't need touching up for another few weeks yet. Then again, most likely Ino was going to be family soon, perhaps it was best to come clean on her own terms. At the least, before something got blurted out while they were within the village proper.

Not knowing the internal conflict Mai was going through, Ino smiled and turned to look out over the rear yard. Maybe they could put in a fish pond, really tie together the natural feel of it all. "I know you've said you're a civilian, but sometimes you don't really act like one. You've got this…aura about you. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to Kurenai sensei when I talk to you."

Oh, so that was what this was. Still, Mai's thoughts couldn't leave what she was feeling. Best to just jump into it. If Naruto trusted Ino, she could do the same. "Well, my family was full of ninja, so I suppose that helped."

"Full of? I didn't know you came from a ninja family." Ino took a bite of sandwich while turning to watch the other woman again. This was news. What clan did she hail from then? Something small most likely considering her history.

"My full name if I ever answered to it, would be Maikunai Senju. Same clan as cousin Tsunade." Smiling serenely and picking up her own cup of juice, Mai sipped it casually. This was a nice blend, she would have to remember it.

Mind grinding to a halt, Ino tried and failed to come up with some sort of response. Wait. Mai. No. Maikunai was a Senju? As in a founding clan of Konoha, that Senju? "Oh of all the luck." Shoulders slumping and turning away, Ino took a larger bite of her sandwich. First Naruto was from a clan of big shots and now Mai? What next, Anko was secretly a princess from Bird?

"Life is interesting like that, isn't it?" Both women settled to enjoy the scenery, Ino deep in her thoughts while Mai felt like a small weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her family knew who she was, all of them did now. That felt, wonderful.

Finishing off her lunch and leaning back, Ino mulled it over as she finally swallowed. "Kami…did you, choose not to go the ninja route or…" Ino didn't want to assume, anyone could have so many reasons to not become a ninja. It was not an easy life, though it did have its perks.

"No. I do not have the chakra capacity to even try." Holding up a hand, Mai spread her fingers against the great blue sky. She had long since stopped lamenting her lack of her family's heritage. "Same with my children, no ability what so ever. Our blood is too thin."

Ino nodded at that, except now there was a new problem. "Only now you've decided to fall in love with probably one of the biggest chakra batteries on the planet." Naruto was powerful, much more so than Ino would have ever imagined. He had a potential that she was beginning to suspect that none of them could hope to match. Wouldn't hurt to try to keep up but Ino had a feeling that no matter what any of them did he would soon become leagues ahead of the rest of them in terms of power and ability. His dream of becoming Hokage? It didn't seem so far fetched anymore.

"Well, that is something to think about as well. The Senju and the Uzumaki used to be one clan, long long ago. Perhaps, with Naruto." She didn't want to think about what her future children might be capable of. If she had any more children. A hand went to her belly as she smiled softly, "If I am blessed with such a gift, then so be it."

Yeah that was something else. All joking and teasing aside, did Mai even want more children? What of Naruto? Ino finally shrugged and reclaimed her juice, taking a sip of the refreshment and decided that was for the future to decide. "Thank you, for sharing that with me. You didn't have to."

Shaking her head, the older woman finally relaxed back much as Ino did, "You are part of my family. I do not believe in secrets between such."

"Family huh?" Blushing lightly, Ino couldn't argue that she certainly had strong feelings for Naruto. It had started out as something simple. Something fun. But the more she got to know the man that was Naruto. Beyond the goofball of his childhood, and below the above it all attitude, he had a core of strength. Of kindness. Life had dealt him a raw hand, and he rose above it all time and time again. She wanted to see just what their future together held. "Yeah, guess I'm here for the long haul. Ino Uzumaki. I like the sound of that."

Giggling, Mai turned to share a look with the younger blonde. "I agree, Mai Uzumaki…I think I could grow used to that quickly." Her children certainly wouldn't argue. Father Naruto instead of Uncle Naruto? Yes, she believed they both would love that.

Of course, thoughts of family and marriage brought up a sore point. Something she hadn't thought possible until recently. Politics, and it's name was Hyuuga. "Though we might have to do something about Hinata Hyuuga. I think she's trying to angle her way into the clan." Ino had figured the girl was too kind for such. So different from the rest of her clan she might as well be an anti-Hyuuga. But no. When the chips fell even she wasn't against throwing her clan's weight around to get what she wanted.

"Hinata Hyuuga?" Mai thought about the girl, trying to put a face to the name. "The pale eyed young woman who joined us for the home warming party?" Seeing Ino nod, Mai sighed and knew there was always something waiting in the wings. "Well, that is your arena. I do not believe there is much I could do there."

Ino sat up straight, turning to stare at the other woman, "But, you're a Senju. That's got to have more pull than Hinata. Up until recently she wasn't even their heiress, her younger sister was."

"Though I assume, she once again is?"

Right, that had changed. Rumor had it that Hinata had formally challenged her younger sister, and beaten her soundly at that. "Yes, she has."

"Then she will have much more political clout than some no name Senju cast off with no chakra or ninja affiliation. Remember, this is a ninja village." Mai knew her place well, had had it drilled into her a long time ago.

Grumbling that she wouldn't stand for it, Ino eyed the garden and decided she needed to get back to work. A good distraction was in order. "If she keeps sniffing around, I'll sic Anko on her."

"Perhaps a more, tactful approach is required?"

Ino shrugged as she put down her empty cup on the tray and stood, dusting herself off in the process. "Maybe. Should probably warn Naruto at the least. Before his oblivious ass get himself into trouble."

"Now that is a good idea." She loved the man and he was certainly more observant than he let on. But when it came to women who had an interest in him he was ever so blind. Smiling as she began to clean up, Mai picked up the tray and stood slowly, "Shall I come back? I'm not much of a green thumb, but I'd like to think I'm a quick learner."

"Sure sure, I could always use the company." Ino smirked as she picked her gloves back up. She'd have to let Shika and Choji know too. If she was going to start staying here for good, they'd need to start coming around to hang out from time to time. Naruto wouldn't mind.

-b-

Coming to rest with a groan, Naruto sat on the upper branches of a large tree within the Land of Fire's north forests. It had been a long day of travel and they would make their destination tomorrow morning, but for now it was time to wind down, make camp and relax for the evening.

Looking over to the boy from his own perch, Kakashi waved to get his attention, "Naruto, would you make some clones, best to get used to making nightly perimeters." It was good training as well, though he hoped Naruto would pick up on that on his own.

Making his customary handseal, Naruto ignored the explosion of smoke that surrounded him. A dozen clones now filled the trees around him, though each quickly scattered to the winds. They wouldn't go far, but good luck finding any of them on your own. "That good?"

"Sure thing, don't stay up too late." Hmm, the boy was picking up on things faster these days after all.

"I won't." Reaching and unsealing what he had been anticipating for the day, Naruto unfurled the Uzumaki scroll and started to read. The moon was full tonight, plenty of light to get some reading done this high in the trees. Now that they were closer to the border, lighting a fire or using low level jutsu for light was out of the question.

Though while the rest of the group was getting prepared for the night ahead, it was Sakura who eventually joined him on his branch. Naruto didn't flinch at the action, though he did at least note that the girl seemed pensive. She wanted to bring up something, or at least had something on her mind but she was staying tight lipped about it.

So Naruto continued to read, currently getting a history lesson about how the Uzumaki once were a part of the Senju, but eventually broke off. Their quest for knowledge and their growing abilities with seals outpacing anyone else in the nations with ease. Hmm, no wonder they were targeted.

"Hey, Naruto. Can I…ask you something?" Starting slow, Sakura still kept her eyes down as Naruto continued to read and on a different tree Kakashi-sensei and Sai bunked down for the night. At the least she didn't have to worry about the others eavesdropping and listening to their conversation.

"I mean, you just did."

Of all the- "You ass, you know what I mean." Sakura huffed and turned to face the infuriating blond.

Who was now looking at her over his scroll, "Uh huh, sure I do." Pausing to take her in once more, Naruto noted that at least she didn't seem to be in pain anymore. "But go ahead, what's on your mind." Maybe he would get answers for whatever was up with her today.

"It's…kind of personal." Why did she think this was a good idea? Asking Naruto of all people for advice on intimacy? If she didn't know he was complete anti-pervert, she never would have thought about it. But she just couldn't get this out of her mind, and she needed to talk with someone about it. Eyes tracking once again to their teammates, neither the porn addict or the emotional dunce were an option.

Rolling his eyes and almost going back to his scroll, Naruto shrugged, "Uh huh. We're teammates and friends Sakura-chan. Ask away. You've seen me naked, not like I have much else to hide."

Flushing as indeed she had seen the young man naked, Sakura shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts. Even a moment had her comparing figures…"So…when you and Anko are…you know?"

"I know?"

"You know…laying together."

Blinking and rolling his scroll up, Naruto leaned forward a bit and really looked at Sakura. Who the hell was this nervous girl and what happened to the usually loud and feisty pinkette. "Okay…okay. Are you, trying to ask about my sex life?" Seeing Sakura immediately panic and trying to shush him while blushing up a storm, Naruto wanted to burst out into laughter. What the hell, had she really thawed out that stick in the mud teme already? Would miracles ever cease?

"Don't be vulgar Naruto, I'm being serious here."

"It's sex Sakura, all adults have it eventually." Relaxing back, Naruto mentally paused. Sakura with a limp, pensive and worried throughout the day. There was the minor flare of healing chakra she used as well earlier…he did not like where those signs pointed. "Sakura."

Pausing while fighting down her blush, hoping the other two hadn't heard them, Sakura noted that Naruto's tone had changed. "Uh, yeah Naruto?"

Opening and closing his mouth a few times, Naruto tried to figure out how to word this without sounding like either a complete asshole or a chud. "This was…" This was Sasuke right? Even though he was a bastard and a deserter, it wasn't likely that he would do anything to hurt Sakura. Even back then he wouldn't have. Naruto felt dirty for even thinking it. "Nothing. What's your question, my little no longer virgin medic." Best to tease and let her ask what she wanted. He didn't want to make assumptions and make her clam up.

Wanting to deck the Uzumaki but smiling all the same, Sakura huffed and crossed her arms, "I just…for guys. When you're, in the moment." Sakura remembered the first time clearly. It was so much all at once, so…strong, forceful, claiming was the word she'd probably attribute to it. "Is it, hard to control yourself?"

Nope, red flags were once again blaring. Something was wrong, really really wrong. "Sakura, I have to ask." Seeing the girl perk up, Naruto focused completely on her, "Was this. Something you wanted?"

"I-" Pausing as she really took in Naruto's mood, Sakura tried and failed to figure out at first what he was really asking. Why wouldn't she have wanted this? Sasuke had been the love of her life for so long, of course she wanted to share herself with him. "Of course I did. Wait…did you think Sasuke-" She cut herself off, unable to breath the accusation into reality.

Naruto had no such worries, "Forced himself on you? I'm not making the accusation, but I want to be sure." He shouldn't have to point out that they had not seen or been around Sasuke for nearly three years now. That was a long time in their world. Time enough to become a completely different person. Especially when under the instruction of a monster like Orochimaru. Naruto had seen the aftermath of some of that man's experiments. It was, gruesome stuff. "I just. I want to make sure you're safe is all Sakura."

"Safe huh. Sure." Defensive and unsure why, Sakura turned away from Naruto slightly and looked up to the full moon. No. No this was wrong. Naruto was just worried about her, worried for her safety. It wasn't a bad thing to ask. Especially considering her own worries. "I…I wanted this, really."

"Just because you wanted it, doesn't mean you can't be hurt by it." Naruto sighed as Sakura flinched at his words. Hmm, so Sasuke was the rough type. Maybe Naruto would need to have a word with the broody bastard.

Which was something Sakura had a feeling Naruto was going to do. "Naruto please, don't. Don't go all big protector mode like that." She turned and realized her eyes had become watery, a tear falling down one cheek. "I…I just don't know what to do. I've wanted this for so long. Craved it…and now. I don't know. I don't know." Pulling her knees up and into her chest, she wrapped her arms around her legs and closed in on herself. It was like something came loose and everything from the last 48 hours came rushing back to the forefront. "I…Naruto I don't know."

Nodding and staying silent to give Sakura some time, Naruto mentally made a checklist of things to do once they returned to the village. Whether he got into trouble for it or not, Naruto owed Sasuke another beating. "Say the word Sakura. Whatever you want to happen to him, it'll happen." Sakura was like a sister to Naruto. Once he might have considered Sasuke a brother, but that died after a certain chidori pierced his heart.

Freezing at hearing Naruto's words, Sakura considered what that would mean. No one would let that slide, not even for Naruto. She would not be the reason Naruto threw away his new future that he well and truly deserved. A well deserved and hard fought for future. "No. Don't say that." Shaking her head, Sakura cleaned her eyes and sat up slightly straighter. "I'll confront him, we'll straighten this out." Staring at Naruto's eyes, she reached out and put a hand on his knee. "Don't get involved with this Naruto. Please. Com'on, it's me. I regularly knock you around, I can smack some sense into Sasuke when needed. If needed." She just needed to talk to her love, that was all. He would understand, be considerate of her feelings. She was sure of it. No one else had to get between them.

Sniffing and really considering ignoring her wishes, Naruto did know that there was a lot to lose in his life now. Guess he would just have to make sure they never found the body. Well, then the problem would come that if he was overreacting, Sakura would hate him for the rest of their lives. Was that acceptable? If it came down to her safety, probably. Still, the girls. Those kids. This life. Would he really be okay giving up everything to protect Sakura and scatter Sasuke to the four winds? Something to mull over and think about he supposed. "Fine. I'll leave it alone, for now." Mentally hoping he wasn't making the incorrect choice, Naruto turned intense eyes on the relieved looking Sakura. "But I mean it. He ever puts hands on you. If he ever hurts you. No one will find the body. That's my promise to you Sakura-chan."

A warmth overtaking her, Sakura had to fight with herself not to tear up again. Instead she reached out, punching Naruto in the leg before sighing heavily. "Thanks, ya knucklehead. I…appreciate your concern." A long pause passed between the two, before Sakura sighed heavily and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Thanks, for listening."

"Anytime, and you better."

Standing and deciding she should bunk down as well, Sakura shook herself once and decided she would focus on the here and now. Worrying over Sasuke could come later when they got back to Konoha. "Good night, Naruto."

"Night Sakura." Watching the girl flip under his branch and lever off to a neighboring tree, Naruto put it out of his mind. He would dedicate more thought to the Sasuke situation later. When he could actually do something about it. For now, as he reopened his scroll and set to reading, he would go back to his family history.

Sasuke better count his stars. Because Sakura was currently the only reason he would live another day.

-b-

"Hey there ya lazy bums, I'm back and here to raise hell." Handing over her ID to the gate guards, Anko smirked as she leaned against the gate as her last mission came to an end. Escorting some pompous businessman from Tanzaku should have been easy, if the ass didn't spend most of the time trying to hit on her. She swore, if she heard one more offer for 'special kunoichi services' she was going to neuter the next man she saw.

Izumo smirked and noted his log, handing Anko's ID back to her, "You better not, Lady Tsunade has been on one lately. Wouldn't want to make her mad."

Taking her ID and shrugging, Anko started to walk away. The mission was just to see the guy to the gates, and that duty was done, he could find his own way from here. "No promises. Any chance Naruto is back yet?"

"No ma'am, still out on patrol."

"Bummer. Guess I'll just have to bother Ino and Mai until he gets back." Whistling as she began to stroll towards the Hokage tower, Anko figured she could go and find Kurenai later. Maybe drag her and the girls over to see the house. Taking a chakra assisted leap and making for the rooftops, Anko smirked to herself. She really was becoming more domestic wasn't she? It really was true, people can change, even her.

It was quick to make it to the tower, dropping back down to ground level to stroll her way past the walls. She waved idly to the guards who both gave her silent nods in return as she walked through the front doors. Humming a light tune and ascending the stairs inside, Anko had to admit that she was in good spirits. She was home, had a family to return too, and right now at least money wasn't a problem. Hell, not like she ever really considered it most times. Making more than enough to indulge in her life and vices. Only now she had more to consider, including a household that was looking to expand. She wondered if Naruto finished the bathhouse before he left.

"Oh, welcome back Mitarashi-san." Shizune's voice knocked Anko out of her thoughts, fully distracted and making her way on autopilot. Something she never would have done in the past, even when back home. Even in your home village, a ninja should always be cautious of danger.

Coming up and leaning against Shizune's desk, Anko crossed her arms and noted the closed door to the Hokage's office, "Heya Shizune, anything new while I was gone?"

"Nope, though it has been rather quiet with you and Naruto gone. The neighborhood watch certainly has gotten less complaints." Shizune smiled and winked at the Special Jonin who rolled her eyes heavily, "You've been missed."

"I bet. Who's calling on the Lady Tsunade today? Anyone I should avoid?" Anko sure didn't want to cross paths with the Hyuuga bunch. She was sure there was more going on there than they were letting on. Granted those lot could never not be sticks in the mud. If they could only learn to party or something. Maybe just the branch family. It would go a long way to extending some goodwill to the rest of the village.

Shaking her head, Shizune waved a dismissive hand in front of her face, "Just the elder advisors, nothing so serious." Watching Anko hum noncommittally and lean against her desk, Shizune watched her profile with interest. Lady Tsunade had mentioned a change in the woman, and Shizune was beginning to see it for herself as well. It was enlightening to say the least. Below the gruff and loud exterior, Anko was showing herself to be a rather normal and kind woman. Though still just as vulgar, that didn't seem to be a front. "So, I hear you and Naruto are thinking about children?"

Sputtering and turning quickly to deny anything and everything the Hokage's secretary just said, Anko couldn't hide her flush as Shizune stifled giggles behind her fist. Oh, so she wanted to play that game did she? "I'm so setting Naruto loose on you when he returns."

"Good luck. Don't you know, I'm his onee-san. About the only person who's more untouchable than me is Ayame." Something Shizune did take some special pride in. "Also, that wasn't a denial~"

Eyebrow quirking, Anko thought about that. "I would have figured Lady Tsunade was on that list." She would continue to ignore Shizune's accusations. For her own health.

Shaking her head, Shizune hooked a thumb towards the door, "Have you seen those two in the same room? They're just as likely to brawl as they are to share a drink. Their bond is…different."

"That sounds like you want to say psychotic without actually saying it."

"You're right in that, I would not say that aloud."

"But you'd say it quietly?"

"No comment."

"Booo, you're no fun."

Both women are distracted as the doors to Tsunade's office open from inside, both elders completely ignoring them as they head for the stairs to descend further into the tower. Rolling her eyes, Anko pats Shizune's desk as she heads for Tsunade's office herself. "Guess that's my cue."

Shizune nods, "Oh, do me a favor and remind Tsunade-sama that she has an early evening tonight."

"Sure sure, I got ya." Anko waved over her shoulder as she walked into the bright and well lit office. Closing the door behind her and admiring the view of the village behind her Hokage through the large office windows, Anko came to her desk and saluted smartly. "Special Jonin Mitarashi returned from mission set."

Nodding along and accepting the three mission scrolls from Anko, Tsunade barely made note as she added them to the pile. "Anything interesting to report?"

"No ma'am, nothing out of the ordinary. Though perhaps putting me on escort duty might require some vetting from now on." Anko was as professional as they came, but even she had her limits. Another escort like that and she might just get stabby.

Humming noncommittally, Tsunade smirked mentally. Just the reaction she had expected from the younger woman, "I'll make sure you get a few more of those then. You have to get used to assholes. You're going to be training some in the near future."

Sighing and relaxing her stance, Anko shook her head, "I still haven't decided on that."

"Uh huh." Tsunade finally looked up from what she was working on, offering Anko a smirk and pointing a pen her way. "I'll believe that either when Naruto knocks you up, or you break up with the man."

Once again on the backfoot, Anko sighed, "Well, the second one isn't likely to happen ever."

"And yet no mention of the first. Maybe I should consider training a replacement for you instead." So Anko was considering motherhood. Good to know.

Knowing and grunting as some of her innermost thoughts had in fact just been gleaned, Anko sighed and put her hands on her hips. "Can we not read my mind today, please and thank you."

Rolling her eyes, Tsunade motioned to her mountains of paperwork, "Get to be as experienced as I am and it gets pretty easy. Now. Are you looking for some leisure, or would you like another mission? Perhaps something in village to stay close to home?"

Close to home didn't sound bad. So long as it let her return home every night that wouldn't be so bad. "What would entail close to home?"

"Something along the lines of what you did before with Naruto. Observation and report. Though I will be a little more cross with you if you get caught on this mission." Getting caught by Naruto was one thing. No one could sneak up on the little bastard. This target however wasn't so slippery. At least not anymore.

Well that was interesting. It wasn't like she couldn't guess who in the village would be so important that Tsunade would want to put a watch on them. The real question was the why. "Can I guess about who you want me to check in on from time to time?"

"Like you need to. Reports from Anbu have gotten a bit stagnant lately. I just want an outside opinion, just in case." Pen beginning to scratch on paper, Tsunade didn't need to look up to know Anko was really beginning to consider the mission offer. So she would give her time to think and talk herself into it.

Which Anko considered there wasn't really a downside here. She got to stay home and earn some money. Plus if Naruto was here he would probably appreciate some trusted eyes watching over his former teammate. Or maybe that was Anko's own inner thoughts talking for once. Sasuke had only recently been forcibly returned and now had some modicum of freedom about the village. No one truly trusted him yet. Or at least no one higher in the ranks at least. Not even Kakashi did and that porndog was all about comrades over the rules. If he was still avoiding the Uchiha, there had to be something there. "So long as I can run it like I did Naruto, I don't mind."

Nodding and reaching into her desk, Tsunade pulled free the mission scroll and held it up for the other woman to take in hand. "Like I said, just like with Naruto. Observe and report. No more and no less. Do not get caught. Naruto was one thing. I expected that, but this is truly a make or break recon. Something in my gut is telling me something is wrong here. Put my worries to rest will you?"

"Yes ma'am." Saluting her superior, Anko turned to head for the door, "Anything else?"

Smirking as the purple haired woman turned to leave, Tsunade pointed at her again, "Sure. Come get a check up from me soon. Gotta make sure we don't have some happy little accidents in the near future." At least so long as Anko and Naruto weren't planning on them.

"Aaaand I'm gone. I should check on Nai-chan before I head home."

Watching Anko nearly sprint to the door, Tsunade chuckled and relaxed back in her seat, "Oh is Naruto not putting in the work? I'll come over and give him a scolding later!"

"I'm so not talking about this with you!" And then Anko was gone, racing away while Tsunade's laughter chased her out the door.

Sighing and leaning forward to see her mentor at her desk, Shizune waggled a finger her way, "You're terrible."

"Uh huh. Someone has to give them a push here and there. Best way to keep those meddling Hyuuga out of the way." While Tsunade couldn't officially show bias or say anything against Hiashi's meddling, she certainly could nudge things along here and there.

Though Shizune wasn't so sure how much help Tsunade was being, "Don't you think you might not be helping?"

"Nonsense. A gentle push from time to time doesn't hurt."

Groaning as Tsunade's door started to close on its own, Shizune wanted to mention that some people did not in fact appreciate being pushed like so. Instead though she let her mentor have her fun. It wasn't like Shizune wasn't betting on the couple herself anyway. In fact, maybe she would have a chat with Naruto when he returned. Never hurt to tip the scales.

Down below and leaving the tower, Anko sighed as she considered what to do. While she had said she would check on Kurenai, she honestly felt like she should check on Mai and the house first. Then she could check on Nai-chan. Nodding once to herself resolutely, Anko took to the rooftops and made for the suburban district. She had a home and family to return to. Then she would consider this latest mission of hers.

-b-

Sasuke could admit, taking to the life of a civilian after living as a ninja all his life was certainly not an adjustment that he ever considered he would have to make. Everything was so much slower living like this. Reality was so much dimmer. No chakra to enhance his senses, sharpen his reflexes, nor allow him to exert his will upon the world around him. Jarring as it was, he had been bumped into today by a man twice his size. Normally he would have split such a man in two for the disrespect. But now? Now he was the one forced to apologize. Forced to lower his head. It was maddening. It was beneath him. In fact, he should track down the civilian worker later and show him just what a trained ninja could do, with or without chakra.

Knocking himself out of his thoughts, Sasuke held a ripe tomato in hand as he watched school children play at a local park. Not ninja trainees. No, he couldn't go near the academy without Anbu kicking up a fuss. No today was one of the civilian schools. He wasn't sure why he had picked it, just an urge. A desire to see children play. Why this school and this time? He could not consciously say.

'You could, if you weren't such a coward.'

Ignoring the voice again, Sasuke sighed and considered the fruit in his hand. It was once his favorite. His mother used to grow them and always let him have the first pick of the biggest and juiciest. Nostalgia. A feeling of wanting to return to a long lost past. A time when things were better. His family was whole. His clan was alive, his parents still together. His brother…

With a start he noted someone poking him at the wrist, the same hand holding his tomato. The child was young, maybe six or seven. A young boy with bright blond hair. "Hn?"

"Hey mister, you gonna eat that?" Brazen and unrepentant, Sasuke could honestly respect that. It helped that the kid was distracting him from his thoughts as well.

Holding up and rolling the tomato around dexterous fingers, Sasuke locked gazes with the boy and smirked, "What's it to you? Do you often go up to adults and ask for their stuff?"

"My dad always says, if you want something ask for it. closed mouths don't get fed, at least that's what he says."

"Hm. Sounds like a smart man. You've got a good father."

Shrugging the boy didn't stray from watching Sasuke's eyes and hand, "Well I mean. He's not really my dad, but I'm pretty sure my mom wants him to be. And he acts like what I'd expect a dad to. So I mentally call him that."

"Hn. Sounds like a good enough reason to call him such then. Life is short, take what you can get."

"He's said something like that too, once or twice."

"Like I said, sounds like a smart man." Considering the tomato in his hand, Sasuke finally shrugged and tossed it the boy's way. The kid caught it easily with a wide and toothy grin. "Go ahead. You're a growing kid, enjoy it."

"Thanks mister! I'm gonna split it with my sister! Appreciate it!" Running off, the child missed Sasuke watching him leave, meeting up with his sister who was walking away from the park. Their mother should be picking them up soon.

Unsure of just why he had that spur of kindness, Sasuke didn't miss the dark haired woman who met up with the two children. Short and wearing glasses, Sasuke wrote her off as a civilian and nothing more. She didn't question to hard at the boy's fresh tomato, though the boy and girl seemed to bicker back and forther about it for a short while. Sasuke considered that raising children seemed exhausting. Taking up much more energy than he was used to extending to anything outside of training. Or at least, that was how it used to be.

'You should follow them.'

Once more ignoring the voice, Sasuke instead turned to head back home. Sakura wouldn't be back for a few more days yet. Plenty of time to wander the village and maybe finally find something to occupy his time. Maybe he could take up sketch work, or maybe painting. Anything to keep his mind occupied.

'Distracted. That's what you mean. As if any distraction could rid you of me.'

Grunting as he weaved through the village foot traffic, Sasuke once more did not acknowledge the voice. To do so was to invite ruin upon himself. To give up the last of what sanity he had left. His last failure. The most important one. Like he needed more reminders of it.

'Put off the inevitable all you like. You sealed your fate by your own hands.'

Wanting to punch something but knowing at most he would be breaking his wrist for the effort, Sasuke made the call to return home. Sure he could tell that Anbu was tailing him but that was nothing new. They would make their usual report that he was doing nothing out of the ordinary, and he would get another day free of drama or interrogations. He was sure Ibiki would love to see him again, and Sasuke was happy to thwart the man's entertainment at every possible turn. At least that crazy bitch Anko was out on a mission. A visit from her would be traumatizing for more than one reason.

Now he just wished those bright blue eyes would leave his head. Why did they look so familiar?

'Kukuku, you know why.'

No he didn't.

-AN-

Well something is certainly wrong with Sasuke, is he adjusting to civilian life or is there more going on with him behind the scenes. Hinata is up to something, while Naruto is beginning to tap into his family's history. Will he have the time, or is the world going to catch up with him before he can?