Pursuing Happiness

Written By: Matdeception

Disclaimer: Don't own shit, captain.

AN: At the bottom sucker. Somewhat important so be sure to check it out.

Inspiration: From the TFF New Intro's thread. Some good stuff in there, you should be on the look out for Dogbert Carrols contributions. All are good, mind you, but one of his is what sparked me for this fic.

Grammar/Editing: Thanks to raisins on the TFF forum for corrections, and Cgobyd for pointing out a silly mistake on my part.

Chapter 1: Kyuubi's Choice

Stop.

Twist.

Thrash.

Refresh.

He awoke gasping, desperately sucking air like a drowning man amidst the endless oceans. It was dark, light fettered through his bedroom window from a street light, dim yellow that cast shadows across his small bed room, reflecting eerily off the bright orange track suit littered haphazardly across the floor.

Naruto knew this place, he could not forget it. It was Home. Opening the blinds he was both happy and relieved to see Konoha there, the shinobi village sleeping peacefully under the full moon, not the burnt out remains of a village that had been ground zero for Deidara's Ultimate Ninjutsu test. He cracked a grin, crawling out of bed for the kitchen. Flipping the lights on, he only barely paid attention as clones popped into existence, almost of their own accord. It was a well ingrained habit he had developed a few centuries back, a knee jerk reaction to the reset.

The clones ignored him, moving in a clean, systematic manner as they tidied up his little apartment. He set about the stove, heating up some boiling water as he pulled three cups of Beef Ramen from his pantry. He had just sat down with steaming cup in his hand when he felt it, like a perpetual shadow falling across his mind. Cold crept up his spine, vibrating painfully through his bones as the beast asserted it's consciousness into the waking world.

Naruto ignored it, slurping the delicious noodles with an audible snap. 'Human...' the Darkness spoke, smothering, stifling within his mind. Even now, after all the resets, he couldn't help but shiver at the sheer depths echoing within that voice. '... I was perhaps mistaken.'

The boy laughed, "Gee, I can't guess why! 'Hey Human scum, let's help Deidara complete his dream this time! Maybe if we really do destroy the world it'll end these accursed loops!'" he could practically see the beast's mouth, twisting back in a ferocious snarl. "Though..." he added thoughtfully, placating "... it was awesome. Hadn't had that much fun just performing Jutsu research in years."

'... and the culmination of that research had been rather spectacular.' Kyuubi sneered in the darkness of his mind. He could tell, on some level, the great beast had found the entire ordeal particularly enjoyable. Hardly unexpected, given all It wanted to do was destroy the world anyway. Still, it had to be a hard pill to swallow when it happened by some one else's hand, no matter how much you had led them around by the nose to do your bidding. The planet ripping itself to shreds as its core erupted had been a spectacular sight... for the whole thirty seconds they had lived once the Jutsu fired.

Naruto shook his head. It bothered him to think of it, it was a past loop and thus inconsequential. He flipped open a notebook, idly penciling in names thoughtfully.

The Kyuubi, ever menacing thing that it was, looked at the names through his eyes. He could feel the sneer taking form on its demonic face as it read, 'Human, we are not lowering ourselves like this! I forbid it!'

The Blond boy growled, "Shut it. We agreed, one loop we focus on someone I want to, one loop we focus on someone you want to. You chose Deidara last time, ' Which had been a lot of fun, he grudgingly admitted, 'Orochimaru the time before that,' He never forgave Kyuubi for that, especially after he took over the world and forced everyone to wear Assbows,' and Zabuza before that. It's my turn." Zabuza's had been fun to start, boring to finish. Taking over Mizu hadn't been easy, but once they had done that, things had just... lulled.

The Kyuubi thundered, "If you didn't always choose these despicable females I would not care!" A lie, Naruto knew. "Why do you always insist upon this? First that wretched girl with Pink hair, ugh, I dealt with fifty years of that whore and her filthy human mate pumping a new brood of Uchiha to torment me."

Naruto grimaced. He hadn't particularly enjoyed that either, but damn it that wasn't about him! Kyuubi seemed to feel his disgust at being reminded of that particular cluster fuck, "Yet still you insisted, next cosigning your life to the servitude of that blank eyed bug, answering beck and call to her needs like some common mongrel."

"Hinata wasn't that bad." the blond defended, smiling ruefully, "Actually she was a lot of fun, you remember that thing she could do with her hands when she got really horn.."

"Spare me the reminder, human!" The great beast roared within his mind. He smirked despite himself, practically feeling the fox blushing behind it's red fur. He couldn't describe how he knew it, either, but after so many years trapped in endless loops with nothing but the bitch to keep him company, they had gotten to know each other very, very well. 'I refuse! I won't allow it to happen! I will fight you if you test me on this human, every step of the way!'

Naruto shrugged, "You sure? I'm more then willing to tear off the Seal again next loop, let you run around until the next reset starts." That the resets only started when they both died was inconsequential to him. He'd die when he'd break the seal, and Kyuubi however many centuries later before it got full of itself and owned up by something far more powerful then it. Happened before, it'll happen again.

Kyuubi considered this. It didn't consider long. "Deal, but a concession. I'll limit my release to two centuries, provided I choose the female from the list you create, and the avenue upon which you pursue their... wretched happiness."

He considered that. It wasn't a bad trade off, honestly. While time spent dead couldn't be measured in the strictest sense, it still sucked to float in limbo for what felt like eons until your partner in suffering finally got killed. He glanced at the list, four names currently. Hell, this might actually make things a bit more interesting, why hadn't they thought of it before? "Deal."

"Then complete the list, human scum." Kyuubi cackled.

Fourish Years Later

The outside was peaceful, with warm air and the sweet smell of the blooming sakura trees drifting through the open window, assailing his senses in its totality. He watched as a bird, with blue feathers and red beak fluttered through the sky, perching on the branch of a tree. It chirped at him. He grinned at it, exposing his slightly elongated canines that sent it darting back into the sky.

His attention was pulled back to class with a sudden angry snarl echoing in his ears. Iruka glared, snapping peevishly at the fierce and feral looking Kiba, the stout nervous looking Akamichi, and the Nara half dead on his feet. He vaguely heard something about skipping, but tuned the rest out. He still remembered, so many years ago, when he would have been part of that group. As part of it as any pariah could be, anyway. He hadn't ever realized it back then, despite how close he thought he was to them, that he really wasn't. There was an almost imperceptible divide between him and his so called peers, it had stung terribly when he found out why, but now and for years since he simple didn't care.

Ino, the platinum haired hottie in the making screeched at the Nara scion as he moved to take his seat. He almost smiled as the boy walked past her to a seat in the back, as far away from the screeching Yamanaka as he could possibly get. He shook his head, wondering how long it would be before the two admitted to caring for one another, or if any of the plethora of Nara girls would come between them again.

He snapped his fingers, ignoring the attention some of his peers shot him as he opened his note book and wrote some names down. Even as he wrote them Kyuubi snorted, clearly not amused by what she saw. That irritated Naruto, four years of list making and the bitch had yet to make a choice. He idly wondered if the Kyuubi was purposefully not making a choice, wasting the loop just to annoy him. This list, as it was, already took two note books and was comprised with the names of people, and less then human entities that slummed along the planet, he wanted to see happy for at least one of these loops. He had been certain the Kyuubi would jump at the Ice Dragon sleeping deep beneath the Eastern Oceans, Vel'hatumeansimu, that certainly would have been an interesting affair... If she didn't eat him out right, anyway.

Iruka informed them of their exit exam tomorrow, wishing them good luck as he excused them for the day.

Naruto sighed, gathering up his books. He almost missed the flash of pink to his right, the jade eyes that looked at him fondly, or the small smile on the girl's lips. "Hmm? Sakura-san?"

The girl was seriously cute, Naruto decided for the millionth time. The red dress matched well with her pale skin, flowing up into a stark contrast with her bubblegum hair. The scent of cherry perfume added to her allure, but for the fact she was only twelve. He idly wondered if age was turning him into a pedophile, he hoped not. Thankfully Kyuubi had already nixed Hanabi from the list, so he supposed it shouldn't matter. "Excited Naruto-kun?"

"Hmm? About what?" he asked with seemingly genuine curiosity.

A small frown marred her forehead, with hand on hip she pouted, "Don't 'About what' me! You know damn well the Genin exam is tomorrow!"

The blond almost chuckled at the slight pink blossoming on her cheeks, well hidden by makeup. He raised his hands to placate the girl, "Kidding Sakura-san! You're just so fun to tease some times."

The girl huffed, but the blush deepened. Naruto started making bets with himself, maybe if he embarrassed her enough he could get the blush to shine through her make up. "Sakura!" Ino hissed anxiously from behind. "Hurry up! Sasuke-kun's getting away!"

Sakura sighed, but he wasn't fooled, he could feel the girl's irritation at the interruption. Yet like the dutiful friend she was, she nodded and with a quick wave goodbye, she chased after the blond in search of the silent, brooding Uchiha. He was rather amused the pink-haired girl lacked that character defining crush on the avenger this loop, but it was merely an idle thought he quickly swept to the side.

Sharing a quiet look with Shino, he turned for the exit himself. A tingle shot through him before he left, a sudden uneasiness gripped his gut. Glancing back, he followed the pull of his instincts as his senses focused and tracked down the source. But he found nothing, not a damn thing. He frowned at that, something had set him off, but whatever it was either had left, or re-hidden itself. Gazing across the walls curiously, he shrugged and left. Whatever it was, it didn't matter, not this early in the loop anyway.

Iruka drummed his fingers across his desk, patiently waiting for the children to leave. When Shino, always the first to arrive and last to leave finally left, he grinned. A shimmering, indistinct haze took shape along the far wall. Wavering at first, it suddenly collapsed on itself, revealing the watcher. He took a moment to admire the sight, a woman slightly shorter then him with wavy, curly black hair and sharp red eyes. Her skin was pale and smooth looking, highlighting aesthetically with the full body wrappings she managed to pull off as a dress. Beneath the wrappings he could see the interconnected web mesh of a body suit.

Her face was set half serious, half thoughtful. He wondered what she had thought about his students, if there were any she would specifically request for her Genin cell. It would be an honor the students probably wouldn't appreciate, to be chosen by one of Konoha's only Genjutsu Masters. "Well Yuuhi-san?"

The woman stepped lightly, almost silently towards him. He wondered if she did it on purpose, or if it simply came naturally to her. "They're what I expected for fresh Genin, unobservant, rambunctious, rarely quiet." she paused, frowning, "And at the same time completely unexpected."

"Oh?" Iruka felt pride at that. This was a group he could honestly say, baring one or two exceptions, he was proud to have taught. Each and every one were skilled in their own ways, and had they not been in the same class with each other he was certain, beyond every shadow of doubt, they could have made the top of their respective classes. "Anyone you think special?"

"Several, actually." Kurenai leaned up against the desk, arms folded as she stared out into the yard, "Was I ever so blind, I wonder?" A hint of melancholy in her words, he thought it curious.

With a frown, he asked "What do you mean?"

"Yamanaka-san. She stole glances at Uchiha-san the entire day, ignoring the lecture unless she was called on specifically." the woman hinted.

"Ah." Iruka shrugged, "Kids will be kids, and it's just a crush. She'll grow out of it sooner or later."

The Jounin nodded, accepting his words. "I admit some surprise with Haruno-san, she paid strict attention through out the entire class, only approaching her crush after class had been dismissed."

Iruka blinked. Sakura had a crush on someone?! He admitted she seemed rather taken with the Uchiha boy years ago, but that had died down rather quickly. Who else could she have a crush on?

"Given who her crush is, I was concerned. But..." the older woman glanced down at the man, eyes curiously blank, "... he seems to be a completely different person then he was in his younger years."

"Just who are you..." Iruka paused, eyes widening. "... Naruto? Sakura-san has a crush on him?"

"You didn't know?" She sounded surprised, "I thought it fairly obvious."

"Not all of us are as observant, Yuuhi-san." the scarred chuunin whispered darkly, which surprised him a little. Naruto, he knew at least logically, was not the beast that had killed his parents. He was but a boy trusted unwittingly with an enormous responsibility, but in his heart he couldn't make himself believe that. There was just something about the boy, behind his neutral attitude and friendly smile that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on edge. He wondered if it was just old wounds causing him to see nothing but the bad in the boy, or something far more sinister waiting to get out. "I'm certain this crush you observed will pass." At least he hoped so, fervently.

The woman watched him thoughtfully, but said nothing more on the matter. An awkward silence feel between them, broken abruptly as she stood and left the scarred Chuunin to his thoughts.

The Studio was more of a garage then anything else. Door open, the warm summer winds swept in, carrying with it the sweet delicate scents of Konoha. He could barely taste the soot and ash from the near by forges on that wind, hear the steady hammered poundings of the Blacksmiths diligently plying their trade, infusing their very souls into the objects of dark metal and polished steel they crafted.

Naruto enjoyed Art, much to Kyuubi's encouragement. He had often wondered, over the centuries, why the bitch beast had taken delight in the fashions of oil and canvas, note and string, stone and hammer. It came as a surprise, though it shouldn't have, that while the Kyuubi herself had no care for such things it enjoyed them just the same. After all, "What's the point in destroying this scum filled world if there isn't anything beautiful to crush beneath paw and tail?"

He shook his head, dispelling his thoughts on Kyuubi and her warped perceptions. This loop he had decided to practice a myriad of his talents, to pass the time and organize his thoughts. Sculpting helped him build from the ground up, expertly chisel and patiently mold the small bits of polished stone into something truly unique. That he enjoyed it regardless of the aesthetic meaning behind the act was a bonus. His current piece had had started nine months ago, a twisting serpentine figure with wide wings and twisting whiskers, a homage to the legends of Cephiro, the God-Dragon that had been felled by the Dark Heritor, Bazedilfel according to folklore and legend alike.

It was a stunning piece, if he said so himself, but he doubted anyone else would see it as such. Even at his ripe old age and strong mental command, his body was not so practiced. It would take years to train his body in such subtle motions required to truly bring the sculptured stone to life, but he wasn't concerned. He had nothing but time on his side, at least in this loop with the Kyuubi's reluctance to pick from the ever growing list.

"Oh ho! What's this?"

Naruto stopped, glancing over the worked stone at his unexpected guest. The old man wore a brown robe held securely in place by a rich silk sash, similarly colored with an eyesore of a tri-formed hat with a single red burning Kanji labeled Fire adorning the top. The Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stood at his studio entrance peering in curiously. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Naruto set down his hammer and chisel. Dipping his fingers into a bowl of ash, he snatched a small handful and rubbed it along the stone, digging it along the scales of the main body. "Nice of you to visit, old man." he said with a friendly grin.

"Naruto my boy..." the old man breathed, admiring the Studio and various pieces of work he had been laboring over. His ancient eyes stared purposefully at an oil painting, it was a landscape of the bountiful Konoha forests surrounding a blue, crystalline lake that shimmered with dazzling colors. The over all appearance was a deception, buried deeply in the twists and turns of the oil were engravings, symbology of history, folklore, and legends all. He doubted the old man could see it, but he wasn't about to let himself be surprised if he had. "... I see all your practice is bearing fruit."

"Come to palm some more paintings Hokage-sama?" Naruto chuckled, "It's been awhile, and I had thought your lady friends didn't enjoy them."

Sarutobi coughed, smoothing the lengths of his robes while doing an admirable job of concealing his mischievous smile in the process. "No, nothing like that. I'm pleased to say my... lady friends are still paying me for the last painting." Naruto raised an eyebrow, the Hokage just laughed, "You'd be surprised how something as simple as a word, a look, a note, and yes even a painting, can bedazzle those of the fairer sex."

"I'm twelve Hokage-sama." He threw out bluntly, eager to change the topic. As much as he loved those of the opposite gender, he was, by all accounts, a twelve year old boy only barely hitting puberty. He also did not want, even though the chances remote, to endure 'The Talk' from Sarutobi of all people. The thought alone left him nauseous. "So what's on your mind?"

The kindly old man shrugged, taking seat on an as of yet untouched block of obsidian, a birthday present from the old man Naruto had dared not touch with his unskilled hands just yet. "Just wanted to talk, with your Shinobi exam taking place tomorrow, I wanted to be here and calm any fears you may have about it."

"Bah!" Naruto rolled his eyes, "It's just a stupid test, I'll pass, just you wait and see!"

"I'm sure you will." he smiled, ruffling his head fatherly like, "You kids grow up so fast, why, I remember..."

"That I promised Sakura I'd help her train!" Naruto bit out in a hurry. This had the making of a long winded speech the likes of which wouldn't end until next Thursday, he quickly cleaned up and dashed out of the garage, ignorant of the knowing smile the Hokage shot him as he left.

"Oh don't worry Naruto, of course I'll lock up for you. Hmph, youth, leaving their elders to do all the work!" He waited a few moments to make sure the boy had gone, before whistling sharply. "He's gone, you can come in now."

Sarutobi looked on, amused. He was rather surprised the woman, barely a Jounin for a month, had elected to take on a Genin team, which was something most Jounin tried to avoid like the plague, and if it wasn't for the fact he forced those active Jounin of five years or more to at least consider a Genin team he didn't think the graduates would have a sensei at all. Yet here was a woman, after failing time and time again to reach the much desired Jounin rank, had only past a month prior and was willingly walking into it with arms wide open. It was humbling, now that he thought about it. Even he didn't take a Genin team until the Council had politely brought the issue before him years back. Thoughts of his own Genin team brought a pang to his heart that echoed with a terrible depth. He brushed those thoughts off, there were something's he could not change, no matter how hard he wanted to.

She examined the studio, admiring the pieces thoughtfully. He could could only wonder what she was thinking as she touched the rough surface of the half finished sculpture, felt it's contours and ridges, examined the details only half formed in it's gleaming hard surface. He felt awkward suddenly, but he shook it off. Allowing a prospective Jounin sensei intrude upon their prospective students homes and private recluses was not a standard procedure, but as he had long ago realized, nothing was normal when it came to Uzumaki Naruto. He needed someone he could trust, someone who could understand the boy as he had grown. He had contemplated Kakashi for this role, and in all honesty would have gone with him as his first choice if the woman herself hadn't respectfully requested consideration. Why, he hadn't yet fathomed, but there was no duplicity in her honest request. At least, none he could detect.

She rounded on him, a small mischievous smile on her lips, "Lady Friends, Hokage-sama?"

Sarutobi did not blush. He didn't. Honestly. Coughing, he cracked an embarrassed grin, "Yes, well. We all have our little indulgences, right Yuuhi-san?"

"Still, using a child's work for such things?" she teased playfully, turning her gaze back to the plethora of half finished works, "This wasn't what I was expecting."

"Few people would expect him to be capable of such." The Hokage shrugged, his robes shifting against his ancient body, "Given how... rambunctious he was four years ago compared to what he's like today, I doubt anyone truly understands how different he's become since his pranking days."

"I'll be the first to admit I'm one of them." She said, one hand on her hip, "I wouldn't have even considered him if he hadn't detected me through my Genjutsu today."

"He managed that, did he?" The Hokage smiled thinly, "Quite a feat, or perhaps you weren't trying your best?

That famous mysterious smile was his answer, the same smile that made her so alluring to so many men of Konoha. Why, if he was thirty years younger... He coughed, definitely shaking that thought off. She seemed entirely too amused at his apparent discomfort, but if she noticed the subtle shifts in his demeanor as his thoughts turned lecherous she did not comment on them. He let her peruse the artwork for a bit longer, admiring the way she stopped at each piece to take in its totality. "Have you found what you were looking for?"

Kurenai looked thoughtful, shrugging, "It certainly makes me feel my request is justified, there's a surprising amount of subtle work within the pieces themselves. Given the nature of Genjutsu, I'm confident I could mold him with enough time."

Sarutobi grinned, "Provided he passes his exam, of course."

"Of course, Hokage-sama." she frowned thoughtfully, "If he does pass, and you approve, what about the other two I requested?"

The old man shrugged, "I don't see a problem with either of them. Both have talents and skills that will compliment the whole, and one in particular shows a lot of aptitude for Genjutsu as well, which should make training easier on you."

"I... thank you." she whispered, leaving the studio in a daze. Sarutobi watched her go silently. No matter what happens with this year's graduating class, Yuuhi Kurenai was a Jounin he was going to have to watch closely. She had a bright future ahead of her, and hopefully it was one he could help guide with the time he had left to him.

The testing was tough but fair. Kurenai watched the children from behind her veil, slightly stronger then the one she had used yesterday in case Naruto was on the lookout. Shock had warred with surprise when he detected her presence yesterday, their eyes meeting for a moment, she had felt embarrassed that a not yet genin had managed to pierce her illusion. It was a relief when his eyes had drifted on. He hadn't seen her, but she could tell from the subtle shifts in his posture something had alerted him to her.

But here, now, she couldn't see him admist the throng of his peers. Tests were done twice a year, every six months, and encompassed the entirety of their graduating level in a set of grueling exams that tested their theoretical knowledge as well as practical application in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and briefly in Genjutsu with regards to Bunshin no Jutsu. She enjoyed many of the children's tests, silently cheering them on as they sparred each other under the watchful eyes of their instructors. She saw many pass, and knew this year would see a surprisingly large number of potential genin graduating to their final tests with their respective Jounin instructors. How many would pass those tests, she wondered? Would her Genin pass them as well? She hoped so.

"I'm telling you Sakura, I'm soooo getting on Sasuke-kun's team!" a blond girl, Yamanaka Ino she realized, chatted up Haruno Sakura nearby, neither aware of her presence hidden behind her illusion. The Pinkette smiled, enduring her friends vibrant words with good grace. Kurenai felt a little awkward listening to the gossiping girls, but she endured, unwilling to switch positions now that the tests were coming to a close and Iruka's class was returning.

"Meh, what a pain." A boy with startling familiar hair snorted from her left, head resting tiredly on one hand as he leaned against his desk, a Hitai-ate tired securely around his left arm.

Kiba, a rambunctious example of Inuzuka lineage rolled his eyes., "There they go again. Sasuke this, Sasuke that. Man, I hate that guy."

"He doesn't seem so bad." Akamichi Chouji commented from around a bag of chips, happily devouring the salty snacks. Kurenai was amused, these three would be slated for Asuma, the difficult annoying Jounin with a penchant for smoking had all but bragged to the other prospective Jounin-sensei he'd be getting the Ino-Shika-Cho triad that had been tested and proven by their parents. Their children so mirrored their parents, she could almost see a shadow of them over their children even now.

The door to the class room clattered open, Naruto walked in clutching his own Hitai-ate in his hand. Sakura waved Ino off, ducking through the students to intercept the young Uzumaki. Kurenai watched silently, shaking her head as the girl... well, she didn't gush per say, but the way she hugged his arm like a school girl spoke volumes to the woman. As crushes go, Sakura had it in a bad way. Ino's flamboyant desire for the Uchiha was simple enough, but hardly as deep, as endearing as Sakura's own silent, almost shy feelings for the blonde. They'd make a good couple in a few years, Kurenai decided.

Iruka walked in ten minutes later, he moved stiffly, tiredly, as only a man who had to test well over a hundred head strong children had the right to move. He watched the graduating class closely, smiling sincerely "Congratulations, everyone. You've earned the right to bear the Symbol of Konoha, and earned your status as shinobi. Now, before you all go rushing off to celebrate, let me remind you that you are all expected to return here for team assignments next monday at nine, understood?"

They all nodded as one, Kurenai could feel the eager barely contained energy ready to escape and scream out to the world within their small bodies. Iruka nodded, running a hand tiredly through his hair, "Class Dismissed, I'll see you..."

If they heard him finish, they didn't show it. Like a tide they washed out of the room as soon as he said Dismissed, cheering and giggling as they went until only she, Iruka, and Naruto were left in the room. For himself, Naruto collected his notebooks and left at a far more sedate pace. Kurenai watched him move up the aisle towards her, slow and sure of himself. He didn't look directly at her, which eased her sudden apprehension considerably. Nearing the door he stopped, glancing back. She felt that apprehension from yesterday return tenfold, he was looking right at her. Their eyes met again, and she wondered what he would do now that he had discovered her presence.

He turned back slowly and left. Kurenai wondered, truly wondered, if he had managed to pierce the illusion at all.

The night was cool, the moon was high. The scent of industry fell flat, the encroaching wilderness adding its own touch to the night air. The biting smell or heart vines, poisonous little weeds that spent decades choking the life out of the great ironwood trees surrounding the village, drifting high. Naruto took note of that distinct smell, practiced fingers tightening the strings of his cello. He toyed with the notion of playing a few notes, perhaps a dirge to commemorate the swell of children that had become shinobi only hours before.

It was a sad thing, he knew now, for children to start down the shinobi path. Many only saw the glory, and strength of their actions, consumed with their fleeting glimpses of power. How many, he wondered, would die before reaching maturity? How many would pass on before truly knowing what life had to offer for them? Sad questions, with sad answers.

He felt Kyuubi snap within his mind, brutal angry urges invading the sad tranquility he felt. 'Do not despair, human. Your thoughts are acidic, invading and unwelcome!'

Naruto shrugged, but relented, allowing his thoughts to drift to other things. As long as he had lived, he could not help but contemplate the sadder moments of his existence, a fact the great beast took offense too. She was a creature of passion, though that passion was often polluted with the lust of battle, of carnage and endless deluges of blood, but as a creature of passion she felt his own emotions heightened to an absurd degree, and loathed such things. He saw his chance to twist the knife, "I'd apologize, but boredom leads my thoughts, maybe if you'd get off your furry butt and choose already-"

"I'll choose when I've found a candidate who isn't a worthless pile of scum." Kyuubi retorted, "Only that damnable snake whore has held any potential, but even I wouldn't give you that satisfaction."

Naruto frowned, "What satisfaction? Anko's insane, a pathologically scarred woman with mental issues enough to choke the village. I would think you would take delight picking her, making her happy would be almost nigh impossible."

"But for you, human, but for you." The beast snarled, "Impossible? Improbable with regards to your stupidity. You would find a way no matter what conditions I set forth, which would depreciate the venture. Who I choose will be the end of these wasted loops you force on me."

He couldn't argue that, he would find a way. He always did when it mattered, "Suit yourself, you'll just have to endure my sour moods in the mean time then." he frowned, "And I doubt you can end my interest. I doubt there's anyone alive sour enough for me to give up on in disgust."

"We shall see, little human, we shall see." He could feel the fox grinning, amusement echoing through its terrible voice, "Even the sweetest of fruits turn to ash given enough time, this is no different."

"Man, who's the depressing one now?" Naruto snapped, "And now you've really gotten me annoyed."

"Should I care?" She shot back hatefully.

"You should." His voice, even if only inside his head, was a whisper as he set down the cello, "Two years you've delayed, uttered excuses, run me around. Two years you have taken from me, I will return the favor."

"Do you think such threats mean anything to me, human?! I am Kyuubi! Time is meaningless!" she, predictably, retorted.

Naruto grinned ferally, "You misunderstand, beast. I won't delay you for two years, but take them from you. I will return to your cage, I will strengthen the seal and lock you back in the depths of my mind. Alone, with nothing but the dark for company, that will be my punishment to you."

The Kyuubi hissed, but dared not say anything. For all her power, for all her centuries of experience, she knew she was powerless as things went. She was trapped, Naruto may have allowed it some luxuries, but she could never forget that any freedoms she had now were solely at his discretion. The human could, at any time, lock it back in and proverbially throw away the key, as it were.

"Now, Kyuubi baby." Naruto cooed, "Are you going to shut up, sit down, and give me a target, or will I have to make good on my promise?"

Silent for a time, he could feel the anger rising up within him as she realized the truth of it. Kyuubi had no choice, "A week, let me examine the list, you'll have your retched female to lavish your attentions then."

"Good girl." Naruto smirked, ignoring the painful howl echoing in the depths of his mind. Ah, Kyuubi, so easy to tease.

Up at the Hokage Tower the team assignments commenced. Kurenai had wondered since her own days as a Genin how the teams had been set up, of the care that had to go into the act in order to construct well rounded teams. The truth of the matter, however, was certainly disappointing.

"Hah! I bet you fifty ryo those three don't even show up for their follow up exams!" Genma, the senbon chewing bandana wearing pretty boy, laughed brazenly. Here now, behind close quarters, his perpetual apathetic demeanor melted away to reveal the rambunctious boy that had never truly grown up. That, or the suspicious amount of drink being passed between all present relaxed him enough to let his barriers down. She had been shocked and dismayed when even the Hokage, venerable, wise, and slightly perverted Sarutobi partook of the liquid courage with his subordinates.

Assignment of prospective Genin teams? No, this was an excuse the boys used to party. She glanced around, hoping, praying to find at least one Jounin here halfway serious about their duties. There was none, aside from Hatake Kakashi, but his nose was buried in a very familiar and very perverted book, he'd be no help.

"I'm shocked Genma, truly shocked." Sarutobi smiled, bemused, "To bet against the very future of Konoha, why, such actions would be considered quite treasonous, don't you agree Ibiki?"

The scarred man looked suddenly thoughtful, as if he were considering the charge, unnerving everyone present. "I... believe you are correct, Hokage-sama." he gazed toward the nervous Genma, "You should report to ANBU T&I first thing in the morning, we have much to discuss, you and I."

"Don't leave me out of this, Ibiki-chan!" Mitarashi Anko chirruped, leering at the poor sob, "We take treasonous concerns very serious, why, I think we'll need to join forces to crack this nut!"

"Hmm." Ibiki hmmed, nodding, "You may be on to something, Anko."

"Hehe... so hey, how about these Genin teams, hmm?" Genma expertly tried to change the subject from his imminent torture session at the loving hands of Ibiki and Anko. No one seemed to take the bait, Kurenai noticed with an amused smile, "Didn't that boy pass? Uzumaki? Whose the unlucky stiff who gets saddled with that nightmare?" he blurted out in a rush, desperate to change subjects.

Kakashi closed his book, the soft thump somehow deafening in the loud room. Kurenai squirmed a bit in her chair, suddenly apprehensive and nervous, eyeing the somber expression on Sarutobi's ancient face as all eyes turned to regard him with all attention.

"Uzumaki? Ah yes." he fished a file from the stack on the table, reviewing the insides carefully. "I suppose, if we honor tradition, we'd have to assign Uzumaki with the lowest scoring Genin of his class, if we want to keep the teams average."

Kurenai resisted the urge to smile at the incredulous look on Genma's face. Anko wasn't nearly so calm, "Whoa?! Top of his class, I thought the Uchiha was all but a shoe in for Rookie of the Year!"

"You'll find Uzumaki full of surprises, Anko my dear." Sarutobi grinned, setting the folder down, "In answer to your second question, Genma my boy, I've had a tough time deciding just who gets the honor. Several Jounin-sensei have specifically requested him, and all have provided rather substantial reasoning's for their request."

Kurenai gauged the old man. He seemed relaxed, cool and slightly amused, but beneath that was an undercurrent of severity. The decision had weighed heavily on him, the pressure intense. Thinking on it, she could understand why. With what he contained, whoever trained him could make or break him, rallying him to Konoha's banner for all time, or turning him into a bitter resentful being that had all the markings of a Nuke-nin. She caught Kakashi's look, the legendary Jounin paid strict attention to the old shinobi, and then realized he must have requested Naruto as well. With the Legendary Hatake Kakashi in the mix she felt her own plans evaporate like steam in the wind. If he had requested the boy, he'd get him, there simply was no doubting that. As much as she wanted to test the boy's depth and help build him into a nin worthy of respect, she was still a fresh Jounin. Worse yet, she had failed repeatedly before making the cut, a sure slight that would work against her. She sighed, allowing the disappointment to flow through her and out. She would take this like the calm, reasonable adult she was.

"Considering these requests, including the polite suggestions from my Council, I've decided to give Naruto to Yuuhi-san for training." Kurenai blinked, surprised. She felt a sense of warmth and responsibility settle on her shoulders, and was amazed at the warm smile come unbidden to her lips. A nervous apprehension soon erupted in her belly at the numerous sets of curious, doubtful, and condescending looks she was getting from the rest of the Jounins present.

"Forgive me Hokage-sama, but I must protest this decision." Kakashi coolly interjected, frowning visibly through his mask, "Naruto needs a firm, experienced hand to guide him during these first years. I do not doubt my fellow Jounin's capabilities, but she is only recently promoted."

"Yeah old man," Asuma snorted, "Yuuhi-san isn't experienced enough for this, dear god she failed her own Jounin exam what? Four? Five times? Can we really risk putting the boy with some one like her?"

Kurenai's respect for Kakashi went up a notch. His response was diplomatic, and his concerns were real. Asuma, on the other hand, had just seriously upset her. Yes, she was a newly promoted Jounin, and yes she had failed numerous times during testing, but she had succeeded and earned the Rank and all the privileges therein. He had all but insulted her in front of her peers, made light of her struggles and sacrifices just to reach this point. "While I both understand and respect your concerns, Sarutobi-san..." she said sweetly towards the habitual smoker, but no one missed the underlying menace in her voice, "... I do no shirk my duties. Naruto, and his two team-mates whomever they may be, will have my complete, utmost, and sincere attention while training under me. And, begging your pardon, my exam records are both none of your concern or your god damned business."

Anko laughed, "You tell him Kurenai-chan!"

"Enough bickering." Sarutobi, the Hokage, snapped. "Kakashi, I both understand and respect your concern. However, the council and I have agreed that Uchiha-san, for obvious reasons, will be placed on your team. Given the nature of his Doujutsu, and just how sought after it is, we felt it foolish to place such important potential targets on a single team." he rounded to Asuma, "Son, I love you, but I'm no longer uncertain as to why you're single at your age." Kurenai got his scathing glare next, "And Yuuhi-san, I expect no less from you, or any other Jounin-sensei. However, do not let the harsh criticism of others upset you, it would only serve to distract you from those who need your utmost attention. Understood?"

Asuma frowned, ignoring Anko as she snickered openly at his scolding. Kurenai nodded, but swore she would not apologize to that mule of a man until he did first. Kakashi, however, was not so easily swayed.

"Teaching Sasuke is my duty to the village as the only Sharingan user still left to it, but Naruto is a matter of honor. It's my right as his father's-"

"Silence Kakashi." Sarutobi snarled, slamming his fist on the table hard enough to knock over the clutter of sake bottles, "That right you speak of was lost years ago when you left him to fend for himself." he raised his hand to forestall argument, "Enough, we will speak more of this in private."

Kurenai watched the cycloptic Jounin, surprised at his little outburst. He knew Naruto's father? She had thought him an orphan that, by the hand of fate, had been plucked from his crib and sacrificed to seal the Kyuubi away. Yet this man, this enigma among Jounin, some how felt it his right by his association to the boy's father to teach him? She made a mental note to pursue this later, now was not the time.

One Week Later...

Naruto was amused, very much so. Kyuubi had forced him to stay awake most of the week to review her potential choices. The great beast was still grumbling and snarling in his head as he took his seat in class. He couldn't wait for her to choose, it would make things interesting. What if she chose one of the Nara girls, Temari, Tayuya, or even Ino? They would be interesting but, aside from Tayuya, not very hard to accomplish all things considered.

No, he shook his head at that. Kyuubi would make this as difficult as she possibly could, no doubt adding some ridiculous challenge in order to spice things up. That left older women and mystical beings that hadn't been seen on the world for centuries, like the Ice Dragon or perhaps Ni Yugito, or who knew what else. Whatever she chose, it was certainly going to be interesting. He couldn't wait.

"Morning Naruto!" Sakura chirruped. The blond blinked, glancing at her sitting as pretty as you please next to him. He had been so giddy and caught up in Kyuubi's forthcoming decision he hadn't even noticed the pinkette slink up next to him. A brief glance showed the room was teeming with students, all speaking excitedly to each other, well, except for Sasuke, who sat up front with his arms crossed, eyes closed with a faintly disturbing grimace while Ino showered him with her not so subtle affections.

"Morning Sakura-san." he nodded politely, "You're looking rather stunning today, did you change something?"

Sakura shrugged nervously, "Ah.. thank you, but no. Nothing new, same ole same ole."

"No no, something's different." He made a point of raking her with his eyes, almost leering at the girl. Cheeks tingeing pink, she endured the examination with good grace, even if she looked ready to jump him and start smothering him in kisses at any second. "Oh, I know what it is."

"WHAT IS..." She coughed, surprised at her own outburst, "W...what is it, Naruto-kun?"

He reached out, she tried to suppress a delighted shiver, but failed. His hand crept closer and closer, her heartbeat thundering louder and louder in her chest as he did so. When he touched her forehead, she squealed in glee. It had been a glancing touch, but enough to set her off, at least until she felt something shift down her head. "There it is." the boy smiled, positioning her Hitai-ate correctly over her forehead, "I had almost forgotten I was looking at a Kunoichi for a second there. Very stunning with her polished headband, if I do say so myself."

Tentatively, she straightened the headband. "Hehe... it looks better like this?"

"No doubt." The Blond container nodded with a grin, "Reminds me I'm talking to a girl whose accepted the responsibility of defending this village and everyone in it no matter what, that alone is cute, but when added to the whole picture..." he shrugged, "...Breath taking."

"Oh, Naruto of the silver tongue, does this make me look pretty?" They turned, one curious, the other severely annoyed, to see Kiba mooning them from the back of the room, his Hitai-ate shining brightly over the length of his exposed rear. The blond barked out laughing, Sakura colored red, whether from embarrassment or rage no one could tell at first.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Sakura lunged at the boy as he desperately ran, trying to pull up his pants before the pinkette could maul him. Akamaru barked, Naruto had the strangest feeling the dog was laughing it's furry butt off.

Iruka entered then, eyes widening at the sight of the normally demure pinkette strangling Kiba. He coughed, but was ignored by the furious girl. Kiba noticed, eyes desperately pleading for help. "Haruno Sakura!" he snapped.

Furious jade eyes met his doe brown, for a moment Iruka thought she might come after him next, until she blinked and backed off shyly. "Oh... hehe... sorry." she sounded entirely too cute for some one who had just tried to murder a classmate.

"Psycho." Kiba muttered, wincing as the girl stamped his foot in response.

"Yes, well, take your seats. It's time to announce your team assignments." he waited until they had all calmed down before continuing, "Before I begin, let me reiterate. You're shinobi now, one of the few who has taken upon themselves the responsibilities inherent to the station. This isn't a game, as I hope you all realize after years under my tutelage." he smiled kindly, "I expect great things from you, all of you."

Naruto listened halfheartedly as he read off the list, amused at the pinkette beside him as she hissed a 'Yes! yes! yes!' after each team was called, neither he nor her being assigned. Ah well, he thought, she should be ecstatic then. Never, in all his loops, had he been on any team other then seven. No matter how well he did, or what manner he had chosen to graduate in, he always ended up saddled with Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. He couldn't imagine now being any different.

"Team Seven." Iruka began, reading from the list, "Hyuuga Hinata..." Naruto blinked, "...Inuzuka Kiba, and Uchiha Sasuke. Your instructor is Hatake Kakashi."

"Yes!" hissed the pinkette.

"NO!" screamed Ino

'Whoa.' surprised the blond. What was going on? Why wasn't he on Team Seven? This was a new and, quite frankly, disconcerting development.

"Team Eight." The scarred Chunin had a shadow of a grimace cross his face, but he continued on, "Aburame Shino, Haruno Sakura, and Uzumaki Naruto. Your instructor is Yuuhi Kurenai." he paused, staring directly at Naruto. The blond swore there was a flash of concern and, maybe, fear in the mans eyes?

"Oh thank you God!" Sakura grinned cheerfully.

As Iruka droned on, Naruto's mind went hyperactive trying to dissect what had just happened. He had done nothing different, or at least nothing he hadn't done in other loops, but obviously something had happened to change things. What? He couldn't fathom it. He turned his attention instead to his new team. Sakura he could admit, he had altered her just a bit. Normally he let her indulge in her crush on the Uchiha, but with a few charming words and compliments he had dragged her from the avenger to him. A notable change, yes, but hardly one that mattered in the grand scheme of things. Shino he never talked to, ever, it was simply the status quot as far as he was concerned. Yuuhi Kurenai?

Now that was some one he hadn't given a thought about in quite a long time. Oh he knew her, he had to when he decided to focus on Hinata's happiness two loops back, but by the time everything was said and done she had become a shell of her former self, or so Hinata had confided in him. The death of Asuma and their child had crippled her emotionally and mentally until she slowly over decades wasted away. Other then that, he really didn't know much about her. He frowned thoughtfully, sadly. Now that he was thinking about her, he felt sympathy for the woman. She had been a kind and good mother figure for Hinata, she deserved better then what she had gotten. If Kyuubi chose some one at all near Konoha, maybe he could swing by and do her a favor, keep Asuma and their child alive or something.

He nodded. Yeah, that's what he'll do. She deserved at least that small kindness.

He felt Kyuubi stir in the dark recess of his mind, lips twisting into a snarl as she spoke, 'I've decided, whelp.'

'About time, Kyuubi baby.'

He grinned as the beast snapped her jaws angrily at him 'Cretin, wretch, would I be rid of this seal and you!'

'You know you love me.'

'... are you going to prattle inanely, or are you ready to hear my choice?'

'I'm shivering in anticipation, Kyuubi-hime.' he drolled sarcastically.

'As you should be, human.' Naruto rolled his eyes, 'Now, as we agreed, I have chosen the despicable female you wish to waste our time on. It will be this... woman you've been saddled with.'

The blond frowned, 'Woman I've been saddled with? You mean Kureani?'

'Yes I do.' It couldn't be that easy. Assure Kurenai's happiness? He had all but decided to do so anyway, this was as good as done as far as he was concerned. 'Before you mock my choice...' Funny, he had just been about to do that. '... the avenue you will pursue her happiness is simple.'

Oh yeah, he had promised to follow whatever method Kyuubi decided upon this loop. 'The human retch, Asuma, or the sniveling child she had with him will not be the focus. You, scum, you will be the focus upon which her happiness shall stand or fall.' He could feel the bitch smirking, knowing exactly how hard achieving that would be. 'That is my choice.'

Naruto put his face in his hands, eyes scrunched close tightly. Yuuhi Kurenai, Genjutsu Mistress, headstrong, kind, mysterious, lusted after by anything with a dick, and fifteen years older then he was. He had to admit, this was going to take some work. A lot of work, and he could honestly admit to himself he could very well fail in the attempt. 'Well played bitch, well played.'

"As you say, 'you know you love it'." The beast slithered into the darkness of his mind, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

TBC

AN: I can't write children, or can't bring myself to write the build up where they learn their skills and develop their morals, so I don't even want to try. Loops, or Time Loops as it were, is an easy means of giving a child a grown up mentality, and I'll use it for all it's worth. Trying to make my fics a bit more dark, a bit more mature, but still containing a bit a humor. Not crack, but natural humor. I'm also trying to get a measure of Kyuubi, whom I generally ignore in all my fics.

ANN: This was written an effing long time ago, pretty sure it goes back as far as 2009, maybe 2010 for the start. I've done some editing here and there (I face palm at a lot of the errors within). Anyway, this was written and posted exclusively to Hawks old forum, which I've found I pretty much kept my crap exclusively too for the most part. There are a number of chapters still to be edited and posted.

Before you ask, I'm really just trying to get everything I have onto the site before I go about working on them. And I can still think of five stories off hand that I never posted anywhere. Yarp, enjoy I suppose.