-AN-
Boo.
-Story Start-
Groaning and allowing consciousness to return to him, Naruto let his dream slip away from his mind. Sure Anko and Mai serving him ramen from the hollow of their bosom's pressed together was amazing, but real life had better charms available. Plus, he was sure if he asked nicely they just might grant his wish, maybe. So long as the kids weren't present.
Blinking in the very early morning, Naruto noted through the window that the sun was just barely beginning to peek over the horizon, birds waking first to fill the air with their calls and song. But that wouldn't have been what had awoken him. No. As Mai shifted in her sleep along his right side, hair spilling everywhere and soft skin pressed against his own, he noted that on his left it was a mumbling Ino who was rolling towards him to snore cutely in his face. Normally so well put together, Ino was sporting some rather impressive bed head that would be the perfect picture. Still, something was missing. That was it, Anko.
Said woman was tiptoeing out of the closet of the master bedroom, having changed in there to hopefully not wake any of her family. Still getting used to saying that even mentally, Anko smirked as she saw Naruto's slightly glowing eyes tracking her in the dark. "Hey." Keeping quiet to not wake the others, she knew he would hear her whisper.
"Hey…mission?" Seeing Anko nod, Naruto considered if that would change anything for the day. Short of not having her around which would be a bummer, things should be alright. With a thought a clone whispered into life, before he substituted with it so Ino and Mai could continue to rest. Free of the warm confines of bed, Naruto closed the distance and brought Anko into his arms. "You'll be careful, yeah?"
Accepting the embrace and laying her head in the crook of Naruto's shoulder, Anko breathed in his scent before sighing lightly, "Yeah. I've got something to come home to now. Nothing crazy, steal some stuff, break some stuff, be back before the week is over." Plus some time away might be good. She could think about what came next. If she would take a team…the children question. Lots of big thoughts from her lately.
Letting the older woman go, Naruto nodded once and kissed her softly. "Good. I may still be gone myself, patrol mission." Naruto noted Anko's eyes trailing downward and suddenly remembered that he was not dressed just yet. "My eyes are up here Anko."
"But Naruto Jr. wants to say hello." Anko wiggled her eyebrows and Naruto softly chuckled and shook his head, "I've got a few minutes. We can make it work."
"Which will turn into an hour if we let it. Go on. Consider it something to look forward to." Naruto smirked as Anko rolled her eyes but made her way for the door, opening it quietly and looking back at him without a word. "You okay?" Her face was suddenly very pensive and that worried him. She was usually the definition of confidence.
"I love you. Naruto."
Blinking and wondering what the hesitation in her voice was about, Naruto nodded and grinned, "Love you too Anko. Be safe."
"It's me."
"Exactly." Naruto watched her wave a middle finger his way and close the door behind her, listening as her footsteps crept away with barely a sound. Wouldn't do to wake Mai's kids so early. Turning to go back to bed while he could, he was only a little surprised as thin arms snaked around his neck and his vision was filled with blonde and jade. "Sorry, did I wake ya Ino?" More shapely and soft woman molded against his body and it took a little more effort on his part not to react properly.
"Nah, clones just don't have the same feeling you do." Ino nuzzled into his chest for a moment before she leaned up to kiss his neck. "Besides, should get ready myself, team meeting today."
Naruto drank in Ino's form as she pulled away and headed for the closet, smirking as she exaggerated the sway of her hips, "Reminds me that I have to go see Baa-chan later."
"You should respect Lady Tsunade." Ino's voice called out from the closet, a dim light filling the room but thankfully not reaching the bed to disturb Mai. Now that all the ninja of the house were awake they could be a little louder.
Shrugging, Naruto came forward and slipped into the closet to start changing and getting ready for the day, might as well now that he was fully awake, "I do respect her. I'm just different." More like he had seen her at her lowest. At a point maybe only two other people in the village had seen her at. Ask him to kiss her feet after he had met her as a washed out drunk? No way.
"You can say that again." Ino smirked as she turned around, just clasping a fairly sturdy but cute orange sports bra in place. Seeing Naruto's eyes on her, she bounced in place once. "How bout it, think it'll hold up for today?" Cocking a hip and running a finger along the hem of her matching panties, Ino gave herself top marks. Naruto was hooked.
"We can test that out." Naruto wasn't going to bring up that it was his favorite color or that Ino's training had definitely helped her fill out over the years. Nope. He was just going to enjoy the view and give thanks to the Kami that she was his.
"Down boy, there's work to be done." Giggling as Naruto held up his hands in a grasping motion, Ino reached out and smacked him as she went back to rooting through hanging clothes on her side of the walk in closet. "Be good and when you get home I may let you do a full inspection."
"Yes ma'am." On the right of the closet was a set of drawers that he was rooting through for himself. There was more than enough room in the space to be considered a small apartment itself, a far cry from his living situation before. Oh the joys of learning about his heritage. He'd say a prayer for his parents later. "Hey, Ino-Hime?" Knowing her attention was on him and shaking himself, Naruto pressed on. "Are you in a hurry or can we walk towards the tower together. I wanna talk about something."
It was rare for Naruto to sound so unsure, so Ino turned to look at him over her shoulder and gave him a bright smile. "Of course we can Naruto. I'll listen to whatever is on your mind." She hoped it wasn't something bad. He wasn't fed up with her already was he? Maybe he just wanted to complain about the council? Or maybe he was worried about clan duties? Still as she shimmied her skirt over her hips, she decided not to speculate. He'd tell her in due time.
Completing their remaining changing in silence, the pair bid the human pillow that was the Naruto clone farewell and made for the first floor. Carefully avoiding creaky steps and planned out loose floorboards, the duo of Naruto and Ino came to the kitchen where of all things a pair of thermos and paper bags were waiting for them. Anko long gone, the only noise in the kitchen was the running refrigerator with a not stuck to its front.
Ino was the first to spot the note, hastily scrawled and barely legible. "Gotta run, but I made a quick breakfast. Had leftover. Love Anko." Blinking and opening one of the bags, there was a carefully made pair of onigiri there. "Anko made breakfast for us. That was, sweet of her." Ino didn't believe this was leftover. Nope. It was nice to know that Anko could be sweet when she wanted.
"She's adjusting to actually having a family again. She's trying." Naruto easily took the orange thermos and one of the bags, smiling and promising to be extra doting on Anko when she came back. Maybe a date night, possibly a picnic on top of the Hokage monument sounded good. Heading for the door, he heard Ino coming after him.
Taking the remaining set, Ino hurried to Naruto and bumped shoulders with him, "I'm not knocking her. I think it's great to be honest. Just didn't know she was normally so thoughtful." Heading outside as Naruto held the door open for her, Ino smiled and lead the way as Naruto closed and locked the door behind them. Though early Ino smiled at the rows of lively flowers on either side of the walkway path. She was making good progress but it wasn't perfect. Yet.
"I don't think she even knew she could be. It's something new for her. Me too to be honest." Naruto took a deep breath of the early morning air, slightly heavy with morning dew and slowly beginning to brighten as the sun continued its ascent into the sky. Having anyone close to him on this much of a regular basis was still hard to get used to. He was trying, and every day these women made it easier and easier. "I hope Shizune is there today. I do not want to wake up Baa-chan." That was usually a one way ticket to a beating.
Ino slugged him once before leaning into him, "You're sturdy, you'll be fine."
"Saying that from experience?"
"You know it buster." They shared a laugh before they settled into a comfortable silence. Ino watched a pair of blue jays crossing the sky from the trees, while they veered off of the dirt path and onto a more main road towards the village center. The forest fell away behind them, and with it their home. "Hey, you said you wanted to talk?"
"Oh, yeah. I did." Transferring his breakfast to a seal on the inside of his jacket for later, his right arm came down to wrap around Ino's hips. "I've been meaning to ask, how do you feel? About Sasuke being back?" She had used to crush on the broody boy as well and even though his and her relationship was going swimmingly, some part of him still felt compelled to ask.
Shrugging and not at all worried, Ino was happy to be honest, "Eh. He's home and alive. He'll stand trial, do his time and either return to duty or waste away in his home." It wasn't like they all didn't know the consequences for running away from the village like he did. Never mind trying to kill a fellow Leaf Nin? He was lucky to be alive. "I guess I'm, ambivalent to him being back. I'm not happy but I'm not upset about it either." Looking up to Naruto as his shoulders seemed to relax Ino gently placed a hand on his wrist, pulling his arm tighter around her. "Were you worried?" Say it wasn't so.
Wanting to say of course not, Naruto figured she'd see right through him. "A little I guess. That part of me that still feels inferior. I don't know. I just needed to hear it. To know he wasn't important to you anymore."
Chuckling and leaning into him as the village started to wake around them, more of the sun peeking over the horizon and shops were beginning to open. This was a good time, just the two of them on the road together. "Don't you worry that cute head of yours. I'm not Sakura. I'm not going anywhere unless you want me to." Pausing and winking at him, she gave him a sly smirk, "Even then we might have to fight about it." She still needed to give said girl a piece of her mind about all but abandoning her teammate and friend. Maybe later today if Ino could track her down.
"Oh I'm cute now?" Smiling despite his feelings, Naruto still pulled Ino into his side a bit tighter.
"The cutest."
Rolling his eyes, Naruto and Ino turned a corner to reach the main road with the Hokage tower looming in the distance. Behind it the mountain was a looming presence that Naruto still felt some reverence for, even now knowing his dad was there. "You better get to your team, before they start to complain." The Nara compound wasn't far away, but Ino would be getting further away from it if she continued with him beyond this point.
Pausing and pulling him around to face her, Ino reached up to fist a hand into his hair to initiate a searing kiss with him. Probing for all of a moment at his lips, her tongue darted in to twist against his. Somewhere far away she heard a woman muttering about horny teenagers, but she didn't care. Someone she loved needed some reassurance. So she would provide. Pulling away and out of breath, Ino patted his cheek gently as he offered her a goofy smile. "Be good and we'll finish that tonight." No matter what they would be. It was one thing to offer assurances and sweet words, but Ino knew a bit more about Naruto now. He needed the physicality. The touches, the hand holding, the hugs. What was the peak of all that? Well, he sure would be learning about it tonight. She get Mai to help out again.
"Yes ma'am." Watching Ino turn and walk away with a new bounce in her step, Naruto sighed and did the same, smile not fully leaving his face as he continued on to the tower. It was still hard to get used to, the turn his life had taken. He was getting used to it slowly but surely even if he did have a few hiccups from time to time. Something that he had to remind himself of. Well more like he needed reminders like this one from Ino, truly a saint that woman. As he gave a wave to the door guard, still yawning and waiting for his relief, Naruto stepped into the slightly warmer interior of the tower and began to ascend the steps. He had a few hours worth of training with Tsunade today, followed by a very short team meeting with Kakashi-sensei and the others, followed by one event he wasn't entirely sure he was ready for.
He had his first clan head meeting today. Oh boy.
As he stepped off the stairs and made it to Tsunade's office level, Naruto felt dread fill his heart. Because of course Shizune was not here, probably happy that Naruto was going to be here this early and slept in. Which meant as Naruto crept his way forward and opened the door to Tsunade's office, his heart sank further as he found the older woman asleep at her desk. Jacket draped over the back of her chair and using her own breasts as pillows. That her shirt was slipping open to dangerous levels and drool was coating a vast amount of skin, well if Jiraiya was here he'd probably die from the nosebleed. It was a good chance that if anyone besides him or Shizune dared to enter this office and see this, well Tsunade would probably cave their skulls in.
"If this is a sign of what today's going to be like, I'm going back to bed." Really considering it, Naruto finally shrugged and made a clone. Best to get the day started with a bang.
Said clone turned to look at him, "You're a real bastard." Why did it have to be the sacrificial lamb here?
"Better you than me buddy."
-b-
With a moan and a stretch, Ino held her arms high above her head before with a happy sigh she relaxed and continued on her way with her team. They had decided to train for a while this morning, but were now going to relax and hit Choji's favorite BBQ place before quitting for the day. For once she wasn't going to complain, some protein sounded really good. Plus, she giggled as she considered she'd need the energy for later. She had a mental promise to keep and she'd be damned if she didn't do so.
"Can you at least keep your perverted thoughts to yourself? We don't need that mental imagery thank you very much." Shikamaru grunted and walked along with a slouch, hands deep in his pockets as Choji took the lead and Asuma walked along next to the larger boy. "Why don't you go run off with your boyfriend already? Save us the trouble."
"Becaaaause Shika, my boyfriend has a life and other duties to attend to." Ino smirked and hip checked her friend, "But don't you worry, I'll tell him you're worried about how attentive of a girlfriend I am."
"Gross Ino."
"You brought it up, not me." Choji laughing while Ino's smirk grew, all three of them noted that down the street a worried looking Sakura was walking along besides a very focused looking Sasuke. They weren't sure if he was cleared to be free and about on the streets, but no alarms had been raised. Still, Sakura didn't necessarily look happy to be out. Raising her hand to greet the pair, Ino frowned as Sasuke took hold of Sakura's hand and led them away into the market crowds. Ino wasn't sure if the pair saw them, but it didn't really matter to her. "Well that was. Interesting."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow as Asuma turned back to look at them both. Something passed between the two men, before Asuma removed his cigarette from his lips and ground it out under a boot. "I'm actually gonna head home first, check in on Konohamaru and see how the little twerp is doing." Which actually would be a good idea. Plus he needed to swing by Kurenai's, check on her and the baby.
Unbothered and focused, it was Choji who turned to their longtime sensei, "Aw but we're almost there. Can't we have a bite together for a little bit?"
Chuckling and tussling Choji's hair for old times sake, Asuma tossed a lump of ryo Ino's way. "It's on me, but don't go overboard." Waving over his shoulder as he peeled off from the group, Choji looked back to exchange a worried look with Shikamaru and Ino.
"Is it really something to worry about?" Choji asked as the group continued on their way to their previous destination. Choji now falling into step next to Ino and Shikamaru.
Shikamaru shrugged but was certainly more focused than before, "Maybe, maybe not. Better to be cautious though right?" It wasn't like there was anything nearby that was a sensitive military asset. Plus it really could be that Sakura and Sasuke were out for a normal walk. If not for that look on Sakura's face. It was bugging him something fierce.
Ino didn't like it either, but she'd make sure to go and bug Sakura about it later as another reason to hunt down the girl, "Let's not stress over it. Anbu's keeping an eye on them and sensei decided to go check on things as well. It'll be alright." Hooking arms around both of the boys' own, Ino started to drag them along. "Besides, I'm hungry and Asuma is footing the bill, so let's get a move on."
"Since when are you such a foodie?" Shikamaru wouldn't let it bother him, but he'd be asking Asuma about the situation later when they had a chance to meet up and sit down for a game of Go.
"Since I've got a boyfriend with more stamina than me. A girl needs her energy."
"Gross Ino."
"You asked."
Walking away from them and weaving through the afternoon crowds, Sakura wanted to enjoy the warmth of Sasuke's hand holding her own. This was almost a normal situation, just the two of them walking about the village together. Sure they were getting some looks but that was okay. The village just needed time to get used to Sasuke being back was all.
But she couldn't ignore that his grip wasn't the pleasant fingers threaded together sort. More of a slightly crushing hand over fingers as he nearly dragged her along. He wasn't paying much attention to her, more focused on some goal. A destination that he hadn't told her about, only instead that he wanted to go on a walk today.
Still, he was getting used to being around others as well and with no chakra or weapons it wasn't like he could get up to trouble. So instead Sakura decided she would take what she could get for the moment, even as they moved further and further away from the market and crossed over into the slums. He would open up to her eventually, let her in on what was wrong with him today. Looking up to him and catching a glimpse of his shadowed face, the light caught his eyes just perfectly.
Maybe it was just her imagination, but was there a fleck of yellow there?
-b-
It had already been a long night coupled with a fairly early morning. But Naruto was strong, he would persevere. He never quit, never backed down and always came out ahead when it really mattered. It was his mantra, his creed. Never give up, never surrender. He'd fought crazed Jinchuriki and their Biju, helped beat the tar out of a Sannin or two and had even taken a fully powered Chidori to the chest. He was made for battle and war. He was a survivor.
At least until he had to sit through a council meeting. It was a true fight to stay awake as Shikaku droned on about security updates and planning for the next Chunin exams. Before that was a discussion about renovations to the Academy and the budget for such a task. Before that was potentially renaming several streets along the borders of the Akimichi compound, and ensuring that none of the names could be reformed into anything offensive. If someone didn't do something interesting soon. Hell a hard series of coughs. A fart or two. Naruto might very well lose his mind. Nestled between Tsume and Choza, at the least he wasn't alone in his suffering. Tsume looked ready to pass out herself if her subtle head bobbing was a clue and if he didn't know any better Choza was in fact asleep with his eyes open.
Breaking up the quiet of the room, is was Hiashi Hyuuga who brought attention to himself as Shikaku wound down from his talk. "I understand our time is limited, but I would first like to welcome and congratulate the Uzumaki clan head on his reforming of his clan and returning to Konoha's council."
Hearing his name and sitting a bit straighter, Naruto wanted to shrug. Hiashi, being nice? Was the sky falling? Tsume nodding along and shaking him reminded him that he should respond. "Oh, thank you Hyuuga-sama, I'm only here to continue to serve Konoha as I can. It is an honor to have the chance to return my clan to its former glory." To think if he did take the hat from Tsunade he'd have to be formal like this all the time. Outrageous. Counter, he could do Jiraiya a solid and change the women's dress code for the fun of it. It might only last a day or two, but what a glorious few days it would be. Anko would think it was a riot, though Ino might pound him for it. Still worth it.
Nodding along, Hiashi turned to Tsunade with a carefully controlled smile on his face, "In addition, I would like to again confirm the Hyuuga's willingness to provide additional funds towards the Uzumaki Shrine restoration project. A measure of goodwill from us as a fellow Leaf clan, and an apology that a founding clan's memorial and property was allowed to fall into such disrepair under our watch."
Wanting to roll her eyes but knowing better, Tsunade bowed her head lightly, "My office has confirmed this yes, it is a very generous offer Hyuuga-sama." As if the Hyuuga had ever cared before. What was the old blow hard up to?
Not one to give into custom or rules, it was Tsume who scoffed and relaxed back in her high chair, "Oh why don't you come out and say what you want to say already you old stuffed shirt, Naruto-boyo doesn't need all this posturing for his first meeting." Looking at the younger Uzumaki and winking, Tsume offered him a fanged grin, "We should be celebrating. A good party always works better to break the ice than this."
On Naruto's other side, Choza sighed and waved a hand, "Mah Tsume, you might be on the other end of extreme too."
"Now there's a statement we can all agree on." Ino's father, Inoichi, was smirking as Choza whacked him on the shoulder.
"Nonsense, I just remember how to have fun around here."
Naruto chuckled and felt some tension bleed away from his shoulders, "I'm pretty sure Kiba might really try to kill me then." Though maybe that would be a good thing. Naruto wouldn't mind a good spar again. It felt like ages since he'd had a good fight.
"Ah the boy needs a good scare or two. He'll be fine." Mirth in her eyes, a silent message passed between Tsume and Naruto as the older woman wiggled her eyebrows, one which had the younger man flushing and looking away.
"Ah, me and my big mouth."
"Muahahaha, don't be so uptight! To be young is to be bold!" Here she leaned in with a mock whisper, "Never know what glory you'll find."
"IF the esteemed Inuzuka is done flirting?" Hiashi would not lose pace here, not to the likes of Tsume. Seeing the woman groan but sit back and wave a hand his way, Hiashi sat back himself and folded his hands neatly in his lap. "I would just like to open the floor to the Uzumaki head. You are new here, it can feel daunting to speak before us elders. But we are all friends within these walls, so be at ease."
Feeling eyes on him and having a feeling that the Hyuuga was up to something but unable to prove it, Naruto raised a hand in greeting and bore with it. "Nothing from me today. I just need to learn the ropes and organize my clan. I'll try not to be a pest in the meantime or mess up to badly on the paperwork."
"To be new is the make mistakes. You'll catch up in due time Uzumaki-san." Dressed in their typical thick clan jacket, the Aburame clan head Shibi spoke up in an attempt to quell Naruto's worries. It worked somewhat.
"Indeed, we are all here to assist you in your endeavors." Hiashi spoke up again, missing Tsunade rolling her eyes finally at the head of the table.
"Well, if no one else has anything to add for today?" Seeing multiple head shakes, Tsunade stood with a sigh, "Then this meeting is over. We'll have another same time next week. Dismissed." Chairs clattered and scraped against the floor as Tsunade reached up to rub her shoulders. She was ready for a bath and a good drink.
Repressing everything in him so he wouldn't run for the door, Naruto was stuck as several others made it out before him. Which, sadly for him, put him on the receiving end of Hiashi's attention. Feeling the man sidle up next to him, Naruto had a feeling the real reason for the older man's focus was about to become apparent.
"Uzumaki-sama, a moment if you would?" Not really waiting for approval, Hiashi walked along beside Naruto as they made it out into the hallway and began their descent towards the ground floor, "How has adjusting to being a clan head been? Not overwhelming I hope."
Grinning and deciding the faster he got this over with, the faster he'd be away from the smoozy Hyuuga, Naruto nodded along. "It's not to bad. It's not like the Uzumaki have much to do around the village right now anyway. I'm sure once we're settled I'll have some time to dive into our old clan scrolls. Maybe pick up where they left off on seals. Who knows, we could make that our specialty again."
"Hmm, that would be a genuine benefit to the village. My own clan would appreciate much, we could modify our Caged Bird seal to be usable for all Hyuuga members, not just the branch."
Blinking as Naruto had not been expecting that from Hiashi, Naruto focused a bit more as they continued to walk down the stairs, "You mean you want to get rid of that seal? I thought you were fine with how things were." Naruto remembered the rather vicious beating he had given Neji once upon a time, how angry the other teen had been about his fate. To see now that things were changing? Miracle of miracles.
With a shake of his head, Hiashi make a show of looking around them. Everyone else had already pulled ahead, so they were functionally alone, "Oh no dear boy. I hate that seal just as much as my brother did. As much as all of the branch clan does. I just don't have the power to overrule my own council."
"Remind me to never set one up."
"Your clan would be the better if you don't, I assure you." Chuckling as Naruto seemed to relax, Hiashi continued, "No. I have wanted to change our law for some time, but I've needed the extra political pull. Some assistance if you catch my drift."
Ah. Now Naruto was starting to get it. Hiashi was here to ask a favor. It didn't make a lot of sense that the head of Konoha's probably largest clan would be asking him for something, but hey. A favor was a favor right? "Hmm, so where does the Uzumaki clan come in?" They both stepped out into the late afternoon sun, the sky a mix of bright orange and red.
"Well, if you do begin to rebuild your clan's specialty seals and techniques, then you would become invaluable to Konoha in a way even the Uchiha never were. As such, the Hyuuga would be willing to do nearly anything to keep you happy and most importantly, here. You could ask for anything of us, more so if you could render us such aid."
"Anything huh? That's a grand statement coming from you Hyuuga-sama."
"Between us, you may call me Hiashi, Naruto-kun."
Now the alarms were beginning to sound. This was beginning to stink worse that Choji's farts after spicy bar-be-que, "Okay Hiashi. Well, if the Uzumaki can help out the Hyuuga, we'll be more than happy to. As allies."
Reaching the middle of the road as his guards formed up with him, Hiashi paused and turned to face Naruto, bowing lightly at the waist, "I'd prefer it to be an understanding between friends Naruto-kun. But, I am a busy man. How about we set up something of a correspondence between us?"
Mulling that over in his head, Naruto couldn't see the harm in that. It wasn't like he was promising anything at the moment. Only that he was going to try. "Sure, that should be fine."
Clapping his hands together, Hiashi smiled, "Splendid. Like I said however, dealing with my own council and other duties keep me very occupied. How about I send along my daughter to be our go between. You are acquainted with my eldest, Hinata, aren't you?" Seeing Naruto nod slowly, Hiashi was already turning away. "Wonderful. I'll send her along in a few days to set something up and take care of the particulars. Have a wonderful day Naruto-kun." Day complete, Hiashi was already turned away to head back home. He had an update to give to the Hyuuga elders.
Blinking and trying to think about what was going on, Naruto finally decided that he was much to tired to be trying to understand what was going through the mind of the Hyuuga. Any of them. Turning and trudging back towards the Uzumaki grounds, he figured that it did make some sense to have Hinata talk to him more regularly than Hiashi. It wasn't like he knew Hiashi outside of today, versus he had performed several missions with Hinata before now. He knew her as a strong and capable kunoichi, though maybe on the meek side with a weird habit of passing out when they were younger. A sickly girl, but spirited and kind.
Though like he had told Neji, not his type at all. Sure she had a bit of a figure on her, but that was probably it. Too meek. Too frail. He needed someone with fire, passion. With a healthy dose of crazy in the mix for good measure. He knew better that their personalities wouldn't mesh. Plus after traveling and training and doing some real growing up during his travels with Jiraiya, Naruto had learned that some people just weren't cut out for ninja work.
Hinata was one of those.
Walking along and redirecting himself towards the market, he reminded himself that Mai was stuck at home and would probably appreciate someone else taking care of what errands they could. Mentally tallying up groceries he knew they needed, he was nearly caught off guard as someone collided with his back.
"Naruto! You done working already?" Ino was there to glomp onto her boyfriend, startling him for a moment before he caught his balance. Did he need to remind her that she wasn't some fairy? Did he also want to be cut off from fun times? Yeah, he'd keep his mouth shut.
"Day just ended. Was gonna hit the market, wanna come along?" Turning his head to see the happy blond hanging off his back, he noted Shikamaru and Choji standing a few feet away looking bored. "Oh, hey guys, wanna swing by? Come have a drink at the house?"
Choji seemed to mull it over for a moment before shaking his head, "Nah, I gotta get home. Got some training to catch up on."
Seeing all eyes turn towards him, Shikamaru started to deny it before remembering what he saw earlier today. "Sure, I'll join in. I've got nothing to do later." He wanted to pick Naruto's brain. Sure when they were kids the guy was a knucklehead, but the Naruto of now was much more capable than before. Capable and trustworthy. "So long as I don't get put to work."
Giggling and coming to Naruto's side, Ino latched onto his hand as he led the way, "You can help carry things."
"I have clones you know."
"Nonsense, it would suck if one gets bumped and drops their stuff. Plus Shika needs the training."
Rolling his eyes, Shikamaru walked after them, "You know we aren't kids anymore."
"And yet you still listen to me." Ino giggled again before Naruto offered his fellow man a grin and some reassurance.
"I've got good booze and lots of property where we can relax and do nothing."
"Sold."
Ino nudged Naruto with an irritated look. "Hey, isn't it a little early to be running off with the guys and leaving us women all alone to do house work?"
"Like I'd ever do that."
"Just making sure."
Though that did give Naruto an idea, Looking back as Shikamaru seemed lost in thought behind them, "Soooo, when are we going to start seeing Temari come around huh?"
Blinking rapidly from being pulled from his thoughts, Shikamaru locked eyes with Naruto as Ino giggled into a hand. "What?"
"You know. Blonde with four ponytails. Bit of a temper. Sister of the Kazekage. That Temari." Naruto was already wiggling his eyebrows, "I've been hearing from a little birdie that you two have been spending some time together.
Looking anywhere else except the grinning idiot that was Naruto as Ino slipped away to begin their shopping in earnest, Shikamaru was ready to deny everything, "I don't know what you're talking about. We're just colleagues. She sticks to me cause no one else bothers with her."
"Uh huh. I'm sure she'd just love to hear you say that then?"
"Troublesome. Maybe I should go home."
"You won't though. I can sweeten the deal with a few games of Go. I might even be a workout for you." Naruto knew that was a lie right away. Shikamaru was way to smart for him. But Naruto had guts and a surefire way to win at least once or twice. Play so badly it made him look smart.
Shikamaru was already raising an eyebrow as they watched Ino haggle with a vendor over cabbages. "You'd really get into a game of Go with me? You really have lost it."
"Scared Shika?"
"Quaking in my sandals here Uzumaki. You're on, but you better at least make it interesting or I'm headed home."
Rolling her eyes having made a good deal for vegetables, Ino came back and started to drag Shikamaru along, "Oh don't be such a wort. Naruto's just teasing."
Locking his hands behind his head as they walked, Naruto did in fact chuckle and nod, "Just wait till we start drinking."
"Oh boy, can't wait." Deciding the problem in his head couldn't wait, Shikamaru waited until Ino dashed off again into the butcher, leaving Naruto and him alone for the moment. "Hey, got a question."
"Hmm?" It was rare for Shikamaru to be so direct, but it usually meant something important was coming. "What's up?"
"Sasuke. Does he seem different since he's returned?"
Feeling that was the statement of the century, Naruto grunted but stood up a little straighter. "Yeah. Can't lock down if it's because he was beaten so easily or if maybe having his chakra locked away has really messed with his head that badly."
Mulling that over, Shikamaru considered that it made sense. "We saw him today. Him and Sakura. Looked to be in a hurry."
Well that was news. Naruto didn't know his former teammate was free to roam the village already. He'd check in with Tsunade tomorrow before his mission. "Probably just getting used to being home."
"I don't know. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way." He still meant to check in with Asuma later, maybe he'd send word that he'd be at Naruto's. Naruto probably wouldn't mind the extra company.
Naruto's own thoughts were centered on what Shikamaru was saying. The other member of the Rookie Nine was well know as a tactical genius, and even in everyday life it would be well worth listening to what he had to say. If Shikamaru was feeling a situation was off, then something was off. "I'll look into it."
"Thanks. I hope there's nothing there."
"Same here. I'm not looking to make Sakura cry, again." Sighing and shaking himself as if to free his body of the negative emotions, Naruto slung an arm over Shikamaru's shoulders, "Alright, enough of this. Let's go inside before Ino bankrupts me."
"Isn't that like, impossible?"
"You know Ino's habits."
"Good point." Shikamaru wasn't sure, but he had a feeling it would be best to start taking notes. He sure as hell didn't want to end up with a pushy woman like Ino. He'd never have a full wallet again in his life.
Somewhere not so far away, Temari sneezed.
-AN-
I'm tired, things are on fire. Enjoy what ya can I suppose.