A/N: I'm glad to provide you readers with an update to this story. I will apologize for the shorter length of the update, but I think my creative juices may be running dry with a majority being expended on my novels. I'll attempt to get on a more consistent update schedule, possibly a 1:1 ratio with diagnosis or something to the same degree. I'll try and find some time between writing my book and the impending arrival of my first born son in the coming month. Please be sure to review and know I'm attempting to keep a healthy balance between fiction and fanfiction. Thanks for your support! Please be sure to keep your reviews coming, they are the fuel that keeps this writing machine functioning.


Tsunade was taken aback by the overly formal nature of the woman before her. It was customary to bow when meeting someone, but to fall to your knees in respect was something peasants would do when meeting with a Damiyo. That knowledge made her curious to the female's background and that last name would be a wonderful place to start.

This first impression was reassuring of this person's upbringing, but Tsunade wasn't fully convinced by mere etiquette. Anyone could put on the act of being formal and kind, which was why she was going to be thorough with her investigation. She was the closest thing Naruto had to a responsible parental figure; making her the only person capable of protecting him from threats he had no experience with. Danger to ninjas came in many forms, but naïve men and women had to worry about deceitful members of the opposite sex.

"It's a pleasure Elaice, I do apologize for the abrupt request of your presence."

"There is no need to fret Hokage-sama; it's a privilege to meet such a legendary kunoichi and leader of Konoha village."

"Alright, she knows who I am and about Konoha's government," Tsunade thought, giving Shizune a small tilt of her head.

Shizune didn't miss the subtle hint for her to take notes on all the information this woman provided; for investigated purposes.

"Elaice, I don't believe I have ever met someone with your last name."

"I wouldn't expect so. I have wandered for several years and only arrived in Konoha two weeks prior."

Tsunade made sure to note that comment. This female wasn't the only person to wander into Konoha. They frequently had visitors from other ninja villages, elemental nations, and whereabouts unknown. Plenty of their current citizens had visited the village, but decided to make it a permanent place of residence due to someone or something; mostly the peace of mind the giant wall brought.

"Two weeks, why did you come to Konoha?"

The female blushed embarrassed with the reason for her travels. Her gaze turned to Naruto for a moment, appearing to draw some unknown strength from him as she took a deep breath.

"Exotic food Hokage-sama, I dreamed to taste every manner of food in the world, I'm ashamed to say that my stomach led me here."

"A traveling eater," Shizune asked, confused how the woman made a living to afford food.

"How have you had the money to do such a thing," Tsunade inquired, confused and worried by what manner she made ends meet.

"I have taken odd jobs on my travels, though my cooking has always been how I managed to barter." she said, a warm light behind her eyes.

"She can cook, isn't a shinobi, a bit shy, and has a tendency to wander. This can't be the most stable of relationship," Tsunade thought, concerned that Naruto decided to have a vagabond for a girlfriend.

"How did the two of you meet," Tsunade asked, though knew that it'd involve ramen with Naruto's tastes.

"We met at the Ichiraku ramen stand, Naruto-kun was kind enough to treat me to a bowl when I said I had little experience in choosing ramen."

Tsunade smiled at the couple, since Naruto looked embarrassed by the retelling of these past events.

Naruto had a blush on his face and wasn't certain if this was going to work. It was bad enough to be considered someone's boyfriend, since it was merely a clone with a genjutsu on it. The blush was mostly due to the fact Hinata kept nervously squeezing his leg as he kept that hand in his pocket. It was just nerve wrecking to have a clone tossing out ideas on the fly, yet they all appeared to line up.

"At least the clone and genjutsu are working fine," he thought, but held his breathe as Tsunade fired away with another question.

"Where have you been staying?"

Elaice turned her face away, flustered in the manner she'd need to answer this question.

"I must first apologize, Hokage-sama, Naruto has spoken so fondly of you that I don't wish to tarnish his reputation." she began, noticing the momentary death glare the blonde shot at Naruto. "Naruto offered for me to stay at his apartment, I told him that I had no financial way to compensate him, yet he told me that cooking for him would be enough. He has even been kind enough to surrender his bed to me so I could be comfortable," she said, seeming to cry at the level of kindness she was shown.

Tsunade had to stare at this woman for a moment, since amazement and disbelief were starting to settle in. This female was strange, but not in a bad way. It wasn't often that someone with such a gentle personality came into the village. Not to mention, thinking enough of Naruto's reputation to try hiding from others. Still, that didn't excuse the fact Naruto had just let a complete stranger move into his home. It was true that his kind heart drew people in, but if this had been a ploy to gain access to him; she could strike at any moment.

"Is she real," she thought, thinking that women like this only existed in movies or books.

Elaice moved toward Naruto and softly held him, overwhelmed by the memory of the kindness he showed.

"Anyways baa-chan, she asked me to be her boyfriend and I accepted, sorry about the awkwardness," Naruto cut in, trying to make this tense situation end faster.

Tsunade glared with a happy grin on. It was far better than she could've hoped. It was possible this relationship wouldn't last for too long, yet it was good to see that the male found himself someone that would have patience with him. However, it didn't make her feel comfortable having them living in the same place. Elaice appeared to be able to keep him at bay, but with a kind personality it wouldn't take much persuasion to get her to do more...adult activities. Naruto wasn't a child as he wore the Hiate-ate, proving the adult status he had within the village. Nevertheless, the last thing she wanted was for them to stumble into a situation that would change them both for better or worse.

"I'm pleased by the type of woman you have chosen Naruto, but I'd like to have a few words with you, in private."

Naruto sweat dropped at that request, knowing that all hell was about to break loose. Elaice let her grip loosen and offered him a smile as there were little tears on the edges of her eyes.

"I'll be waiting," she said, wiping her eyes as she stepped outside.

The second the door closed Naruto's eyes expanded under the heat of Tsunade's stare.

"She's living with you," she thundered, furious with the male.


*Outside the Hokage's office*

Elaice slowly closed the door and sat on the bench outside of the room. She breathed a sigh, knowing that it would probably take some time before Naruto was done. Though, she knew that the issue of the moment was her own fault. It wasn't a good idea to inform someone that he referred to as grandmother that they were living in the same household and was his girlfriend. A sigh escaped her lips, making her oblivious to all the stares from the various people that seemed to be walking down the halls in groups.

The horde of people outside the building decided to go about their stalking in a controlled manner, some of them deciding that smaller groups would be less likely to frighten the new face. Though, it did make her appear to be some helpless prey being sized up by various groups of predators.

It wasn't until someone stood in front of her seat that she looked up to see a pair of green eyes with pink hair above them. Elaice returned the stare, but when the female didn't say anything; she started to squirm under the inspection. It felt like she was being investigated like a farm animal prior to purchase, since there was an unexplainable heat that went from her chest, to her face and back to her legs. She didn't want things to escalate further, deciding to defuse the female before anything could occur. Though, why Sakura Haruno was sizing her up was beyond any of the past experience she had with her.

"Pink hair, green eyes, red clothing, you must be Sakura Haruno." Elaice stated, surprised when the female gawked at the comment.

Sakura didn't expect that type of comment, especially when she never met the person before her. This made her more defensive, since her pool of information was shallower than her opponents.

"How did you know that?"

"Naruto talks about you quite often, I must say though, he was lying when he said you were pretty," Elaice began, trying to finish her sentence before the artery on the girls forehead grew any larger. "You're beautiful beyond his best explanation,"

Sakura felt herself deflate at that comment, being disarmed by the sweetness concentrated in this delicate frame.

"Wait, Naruto still thinks that I'm pretty," she thought, growing confused due to his interest seeming to wane some time ago.

"Thank you, I'm sorry I don't know your name, Naruto doesn't talk about you too much," Sakura retorted, trying to gather information

"I wouldn't imagine so, it would be damaging to let others know that he had an older woman living with him," she said, holding her reddening cheeks at the embarrassment with the situation. It took her several moments before she recovered enough to continue "My name is Elaice Juriburo, I'm honored to meet you Sakura Haruno."

"I'm happy to finally meet you too, have you and Naruto been dating long?"

"Oh not at all, Naruto and I have only been together for about two weeks."

"Good, there is still time," Inner Sakura shouted, though Sakura had to stop for a moment at that thought.

Why did it matter if they were dating for a long period of time? She was glad to see that there was a face behind the person he was hiding, but something was still eating at her. When she dropped by to look into the apartment, she wasn't there; despite their meal being steaming hot on the table. Sakura began to open her mouth, but ceased as the door to Tsunade's office opened.

Naruto stepped out looking worse for wear. It wasn't often that he got yelled out for being perverted, but Tsunade made it clear that if anything was brought to her concerning pregnancy and Elaice's name she'd punch him hard enough to knock the Kyubbi out of him. He didn't know why she would assume that he'd be sleeping with the female staying with him. However, with Jiraiya for a sensei it was easy enough to draw a similar conclusion.

"Naruto-kun," Elaice said, coming to his side to see if he was injured in some form.

"I'm fine Elaice, Baa-chans words just cause fatigue when she shouts them so loudly."

"Aww, well we should treat this with Ichiraku ramen," she said, sliding her hand over his palm to intertwine the fingers of their hands.

Elaice stopped for a moment, turning around and waving at Sakura.

"Bye Haruno-san, inform me next time you're free and we'll have dinner together."

Naruto gulped, yanking on the clone to get them out of there as quickly as possible.

Sakura bit her lip and felt a repressed anger start to surface from the stoic exterior she tired to maintain.

"Beautiful, sweet, gentle, a good cook, older, and larger." she thought, surprised to know that the woman wasn't just too good to be true, she was everything that she wasn't.


*Konoha Library*

Neji had been waiting for several hours and wondered why there was such a long line to see this specific item. He had shown up earlier and napped to regenerate some energy, but there were still two people left of the ten that were there before his impromptu rest. He endured the frustration, but needed to find out the answer to a question that continued to gnaw at the exposed flesh of his brain. The village library had several scrolls and books to look through, with higher ranking ninja being able to check out jutsu scrolls and taijutsu manuals. He had issued a request to see a segment of the forbidden scroll for the jutsu known as living camouflage.

The librarian provided him a slip of paper and instructed him to wait until his number was called. It would've been a simple matter of waiting in line, but the pace that the line moved was similar to watching frozen water run. He wiped some sleep from his eyes and eyed the clock, four hours had passed and he finally would be allowed in.

"Ten," said an Anbu in a owl mask,

Neji walked through the doorway, but immediately saw that the scroll wasn't claimed forbidden for nothing. Behind the door was a corridor lined with Anbu, a pair standing at attention every ten feet.

Neji was surprised at the level of protection there was for the forbidden scroll. True, it did contain several powerful and destructive jutsus. However, it wasn't like anyone who read them would be able to actually perform the technique. Not to mention, the techniques were all rank A or higher; effectively preventing some low level genin from trying to rapidly gain strength.

He had to slump when he realized that wasn't the case. Naruto apparently stole the very item from the Hokage's office and learned the shadow clone technique. That was a possibly one in a billion chance. Still, the scroll was being kept in the library now, under heavy guard. The male wearing the owl mask escorted him back toward a room that had merely a desk and chair.

He stepped inside when given the opportunity and took a seat. The Anbu cleared his throat making the sign on the wall obvious to the Hyuuga. Neji noted the instructions.

Keep both hands flat on the table at all times.

Five minutes to listen and ask questions only.

Neji followed the rules, putting his palms flat on the wood table and awaiting the Anbu to begin.

"Before we begin, what is the reason you wanted to know about this technique?"

"The Hyuuga are cataloging scrolls that were surrendered from our library, I am gathering information for that."

Neji stated the sentence with swift ease, able to lie without a single flinch. His deceptive capabilities well tempered from years of submissive life as a branch house member.

"Alright, Living Camouflage: An A ranked genjutsu made forbidden due to misuse of original intent."

"What type of misuse?"

The Anbu coughed deciding to elaborate further.

"A technique designed to replace standard henges, providing safe long term infiltration, creating a living illusion that could rapidly change with the environment. Combination use with other forbidden jutsus proved hazardous in several occasions."

The hairs on the back of the Hyuuga's neck started to stand on end. The scroll they had in their library did appear incomplete, but what other jutsus could make a genjutsu hazardous.

"What techniques?"

"The Shadow clone technique was made forbidden a month prior to this one. The destruction of clones that used this genjutsu was rendered near impossible."

Neji's throat tightened, confused as to what he meant. Clones were never beyond their user's control, save for rare cases as Naruto. The male was rash in his actions and judgment, making it easy for his clones to make mistakes and leap to conclusions. A shadow clone didn't contain a mental link, so if one were captured the user wouldn't be aware of it until it was dispelled. Dispelling them was as simple as landing a solid blow of any sort. How could they be made more resilient?

"Name an incident please." Neji said, doing his upmost to appear nonchalant.

"Minoro Uchiha, used living camouflage in combination with shadow clones, created several mistresses that were used to seduce others for information with the intent of personal gain."

"These clones were able to pass themselves as living people?"

"Don't be stupid, no jutsu can create life." the Anbu stated, thumbing through the notes he took. "The technique merely makes it so that the shadow clones can and will have a prolonged time to develop vast amounts of information and fatigue, gathering several days to months worth of knowledge prior to dispelling."

"How was Minoro Uchiha caught when the clones dispelled?"

"Shadow clones dispel when their shape is distorted enough to let chakra escape, this technique creates a changing and malleable form around them, creating clones that won't dispel until their chakra supply is depleted. However, overuse of shadow clones can lead to exhaustion and chakra drain. In addition, too many clones surviving over a long period of time creates of state known as mind overload. Minoro Uchiha suffered a cerebral hemorrhage from the overload of knowledge from the twenty clones dispelling."

Neji's face didn't alter in any visible form, yet the sweat coming off his palms was evident of his worry. He let the lack of sleep and the need to help get the better of him, but now he hoped that Uzumaki wasn't dumb enough to perform the technique on anything but himself. Though, with it being Uzumaki, there wasn't much time!


*Konoha Village*

They walked hand in hand and it wasn't too bad really. He knew that the clone was merely acting innocent and sweet, yet it didn't feel like it was really a copy of him. Naruto would admit that he couldn't lie competently, due to having an over expressive face. That and when being pressed for information by someone like baa-chan, you normally caved for your own safety. This clone somehow fabricated an entire back story in the time it took to walk to the tower.

"I enjoyed your baa-chan Naruto-kun, she seems so nice." Elaice said, making him sweat drop at the portrayal she continued to put on.

"If you say so, she wasn't too happy about this."

"It'll be alright Naruto-kun, I'm certain she'll approve of our relationship someday."

"Yeah, we'll see," Naruto stated, feeling like his was growing nervous with this clone being so out of character.

"I don't think we can go to Ichiraku's, I think gama-chan is almost empty," he said, hoping to get to return home and prevent anything else from happening until he got some things sorted out.

"Alright Naruto-kun, I'll make you some homemade ramen to help you relax."

Naruto looked at his right hand where Hinata was, but she seemed as clueless as he did. Granted, there wasn't much they could do to converse now. They continued their trip to the safety of his apartment, unaware of the tail behind them.

Sakura couldn't believe this had happened right under her nose. This woman had stolen her teammate. She lost Sasuke to a creepy snake pedophile, while Naruto was being lured off by an older woman that looked suspiciously similar to Hinata. The eyes were different and the outfit was a marked difference, but there was just something in the air about her that made her think of the shy Hyuuga. It was peculiar, but I felt like this Elaice was a character from that creepy book that Kakashi-sensei would always be reading.

"Let's just pummel that bitch into nothing." Inner Sakura shouted, ready to sink to bloodshed, but the more reasonable side of her personality knew better.

"We can't do that, if this woman really loves Naruto we shouldn't stand in her way." she thought, moving up to the next corner to get a better view on her target.

"Maybe so, but how do we know she is really in love with him?"

"That's a good point, she may be taking advantage of his kindness, Naruto is incredibly naïve when it comes to people with ulterior motives,"

Naruto held the door open for Elaice, allowing her to enter into the apartment and followed closely behind.

"That was close wasn't it Naruto-kun," Elaice asked, walking toward the kitchen to start on the promised food.

"Aren't you my shadow clone, why are you acting like that now that we're alone," Naruto asked, concerned that the shadow clone was being defiant.

Naruto wasn't skilled in understanding how women acted, since all he knew about women was how they acted sexy. Well, slutty was the more accurate term; the result of looking at the adult books when the shop keep was busy. It was research for his sexy no jutsu after all.

Elaice giggled, surprised that the male hadn't figured things out yet.

"I'm not your shadow clone Naruto-kun, I'm Hinata's."

Hinata went silent, confused as to how that was possible. When they made shadow clones previously, there wasn't a single issue that resulted in one of them having control. This one did have a genjutsu on it, but they performed the jutsu as a joint ability and neither had experience knowing if one could override the other.

"What, how can you know that" they both asked, confused as they followed the clone that began preparations for making the ramen.

"Because, I love you Naruto-kun," Elaice said, with a shining smile as it filled a pot with water and set it to boil.

Naruto felt a blush heat his face. Ever since this incident began he was embarrassed a lot more often. It was quite warming to hear someone say that they loved you. However, he couldn't have this clone running around doing things. Though, it would be nice to have a full size woman to help out. Hinata on his hand was wonderful company, but this illusion would serve to keep people distracted while they found a solution.

"That doesn't matter. Just disappear for now, okay?"

"You want me to leave, don't you like having me take care of you," Elaice asked, with tears in her eyes.

Naruto felt a twinge of guilt, since the genjutsu allowed the clone to appear misty eyed and sad.

"Wait, she isn't even real, that genjutsu is just making it look like she is sad." he thought, finding his resolve to fix this before things got even further out of hand.

"I want you to disappear now, before this gets any worse than it already is."

"As you wish Naruto-kun," Elaice responded, punching her shoulder to dispel herself. Naruto waited for several seconds for the clone to burst, but she remained in the same place.

"What's going on," Naruto and Hinata inquired,

"I'm not quite sure," said the clone, punching again, but still refusing to dispel.


*Outside Naruto's apartment*

Sakura pressed her ear against the front door, hoping to find more details about this relationship. A part of her just didn't trust this Elaice, since she appeared to be far too perfect. A woman that was too good to be true was often just that. There wasn't any noise at first, but her face flash ignited to cherry red as she was able to pick up certain sounds.

"Here let me do it again,"

"Naruto-kun, that does hurt you know."

"Maybe we should try harder."

"Ah, no, if you keep doing that I won't be able to make lunch."

"Holy shit," Sakura thought, thinking her teammate was some type of fiend when behind closed doors.


*Inside Naruto's apartment*

Elaice dodged a thrown punch and began to run from the male.

"I don't care about lunch, we just need to do this quick."

"No, I don't want to, please it hurt so much the previous time."

He finally grabbed a hold of her arm, but she yanked him forward and caused them all to tumble together. They rolled onto the couch and finally ended on the ground with a resounding crash.

"Is everyone alright," Naruto whispered, hearing a positive response from both small and large parties.

"I don't think this is going to work Naruto-kun," Hinata stated, thankfully uninjured from the fall.

"Yeah, this isn't, if that didn't do it I don't think this is going to work," Naruto confirmed, trying to get back to his feet.

He wanted to get up, but one of his arms was pinned beneath the clone that refused to vanish. To make matters worse, the hand that was Hinata was pinned against one of Elaice's breasts. In addition, their tumble over the couch caused some of their clothing to appear disheveled, and wrapped their lower halves in the blanket that was laying over it.

A crash was heard as the door was torn off its' hinges and revealed an embarrassed looking Sakura Haruno. Her vision centered on Naruto, who was currently lying on top of his girlfriend. To make matters worse, she couldn't see their lower halves. The fact she just broke into Naruto's home while he was mid process made her realize how stupid it was to do so. Sakura felt like her heart broke in half, knowing that this invasion of privacy was going to anger her teammate. Her emotions got too excited, mostly fearful that Naruto was forcing his desires on the woman she previously met.

Elaice was the first to notice their audience and did the only thing she could think of on such short notice. She was Hinata's clone and was willing to do anything to protect Naruto-kun; even if it destroyed her image. She took her free hands and wrapped them around her face.

"Naruto-kun, why is Haruno watching us," she shouted, looking mortified by the unnecessary and shocking intrusion.

Sakura couldn't hold on to whatever rage was within her heart and stomach. Naruto had found someone and was moving on to the sweeter parts of a mutual companionship. This woman was willing to give away something special to Naruto, seeming to enjoy the closeness and care that Sakura hadn't thought as special. True, she didn't want Naruto, but why was she feeling so much sadness?

"What does she have that I don't," Sakura thought, conflicted in how she felt.

"What," Naruto asked, turning to see the red and shivering body of Sakura.

Elaice rolled her eyes, shocked to see that the girl was still standing there. Most normal people would excuse themselves and allow them some privacy. However, now they had the issue of a frozen viewer.

Naruto pushed himself up, trying hard to not feel arousal. Though, despite it being a clone, the body felt soft and comforting. In fact, this clone was warm and soft like a normal person would be.

"Sakura-chan," he asked, shocked by the sad stare on her face.

Sakura finally found enough spare brain power to walk slowly out of the door she broke down. Some segment of her body felt like it was in shock, her heart was beating and her lungs worked as well. However, it felt like she wasn't getting enough oxygen.

"Are they in love," she thought with a tingling going in her shoulders and causing wetness to drip from her eyes.

Sakura walked off in a trance, completely unaware of the Hyuuga that ran past her with great speed. Neji saw the empty expression on Sakura's face, but didn't care to deal with that as he ran up the stairs to Naruto's apartment. He looked confused by the door that was left ajar, but was able to put two and two together after seeing Haruno walking off.

Inside Naruto was still locked in position with a woman he didn't recognize. Though, there were several features that reminded him of Hinata. However, the skin color and bone structure of her face proved her not to be. That and the state of dress was odder than TenTen's wardrobe, though that made him have to stop and focus; due to the perverted image that refused to leave his mind.

"Uzumaki," he stated, getting the males attention from his current place. "If you and your companion are finished, I have important matters to discuss with you."


*Haruno Residence*

Sakura looked like some part of her spirit was forcibly extracted from her body. Her neck felt locked downward, all the while marching without any purpose. The thought of Naruto doing adult activities with someone hurt so much worse than she could've imagined. Imagining the scenario stung, but witnessing the act first hand was worse than that time she got a shuriken lodged in her arm at the Chunin exam. Emotional pain was worse than physical, since there were plenty of things to numb the later.

She swayed her wandering mind home on pure instinct, paying no heed to her parents that wondered why she looked traumatized.

"Sakura, will you be able to help with dinner," her mother Mebuki asked, watching the empty husk of a body walk up the stairs to her room.

Her father looked up from the newspaper he grabbed at the market and wondered what could've caused such an issue. Sure, there was that woman hanging on Naruto Uzumaki; which didn't make any sense. Sakura always complained every day that boy tried to score a kiss or ask her out on a date. That was one of the reasons he used to get headaches, so it had to be something else.

"Oh dear," Mebuki said, knowing already what that physical reaction was.

"Hmm," Kizashi inquired, looking back on the small story about part of the female bath house being shut down.

"Honey, watch the noodle pot, I need to have a small talk with Sakura-chan."

Mebuki had seen this before with Sakura, knowing full well of the damage that Uchiha brat had on her little one. Now, she was confused as to who could've caused such emotional damage. The only conclusion she could come to was Tsunade-sama being stricter than usual in her punishment for failure. Though, that only appeared as physical exhaustion, something far much easier to mend.

She caught up with her daughter as she arrived at the door to her room, appearing to languidly paw at the knob in some hazy mental state.

"Sakura," she whispered, watching the girl's back straighten and appear to shrug off the image she previously held.

"Hai kaa-san," she asked, turning with a fake smile.

Mebuki knew better than to fall for such a cheap trick. Still, it was sometimes best to have more finesse in these situations. Sakura was definitely proud, rarely ever asking for help. It was a trait her father didn't have, making her feel guilty in passing that on to her only offspring. Nevertheless, it was simply enough to offer help, without appearing too forward.

"You're late for dinner. Your father said you took off to speak with Naruto and some new arrival to Konoha."

"Yeah, Naruto was just taking Elaice to meet Tsunade-sama."

"I see. Why would Naruto being showing her around?"

Sakura felt a knot in her throat threaten to stop her act, but she found a way to muscle it down and continue.

"Elaice is Naruto's girlfriend, it was only natural for him to introduce her to the Hokage," she stated in a single breathe.

"Oh, well I'm sure you congratulated him on his new relationship," Mebuki said, seeing if her reaction was immediate or not.

Sakura didn't say a word, feeling bitter toward the male she knew so well. What was it she was feeling? It felt so awkward to have any sort of feelings toward Naruto Uzumaki, but what was this emptiness in her chest?

"If not, then I believe your heart is trying to tell your brain something it knows," Her mother stated, turning about and heading back down stairs to the incomplete dinner.

Sakura felt a tightening in her chest, dazed and confused by that pearl of wisdom; if it could be referred to as that? She entered into her room, pinning her back against the door for support. Did she care about Naruto as something more than a friend?


*Naruto's Apartment*

Neji couldn't keep his stare off of Naruto, since this was worse than he feared. The male had the ability to perform things that were short of miracles, defeating him at the Chunin exams, and surviving an encounter with Orochimaru. However, miracles could be seen as great calamities if looked at from a different perspective; today's incident was of no exception.

They were sitting at the table as Elaice brought them each a bowl of ramen and sat at the side of the table ready to provide them with tea if asked. Naruto for once didn't have any desire to eat, but Hinata slowly picked away at the tiny portion that was set in a tasting cup for her.

"Who knows about this person Uzumaki?"

"Baa-chan, Sakura-chan, Shizune, and a majority of the village saw her walk to the tower with me."

Neji couldn't help but feel the excessive weight of the sweat drop that accumulated on the back of his head. Not only did he make a clone that couldn't be dispelled, but he paraded it around the entire village. No one would forget seeing that face, especially when they made it cute. Neji didn't have any attraction to the clone, but could determine that there were features that would be desirable to the general public. Nevertheless, the situation was escalating, with Uzumaki constantly whacking the proverbial bee hive with a hammer.

"This complicates matters, but I didn't come here to talk to you about this," Neji stated, eyeing the clone that only frowned at his words filled with aggravation.

"Using the living camouflage technique with a shadow clone has been done before, but is also the reason it was made forbidden," he began, holding out his cup for the clone to fill it. "This shadow clone won't dispel, which can be a good and bad thing for the time being Uzumaki."

"How is this possibly a good thing, this will just make people more suspicious," Naruto groaned, finally seeing that their great idea had a blaring issue.

"Neji-san, since we told Lady Tsunade that this woman only arrived a few weeks ago, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for her to leave as well."

"Hinata-sama, this clone won't dispel until its' chakra supply is depleted, and shadow clones contain half of their users chakra."

Hinata froze, knowing that Naruto was gifted when it came to chakra supply and sheer stamina. If he put half of his chakra supply into this clone, there wasn't any way of knowing when it would dispel. Not to mention, the issues it could cause if this happened in front of a shinobi or the Hokage. She could just imagine the conclusions people would jump to if they saw that Naruto's girlfriend was a clone.

"We didn't know this would be the result," Hinata said, pushing her index fingers together in what appeared to be sadness.

Neji saw that he wasn't making things any easier for them, but knew that they needed to know the unbiased truth. He sighed at the predicament, yet felt that it could've been worse. There wasn't much he could do for them, since there were too many people who saw Elaice as she was called.

"You have no choice but to continue living with this clone Uzumaki."

"What, isn't it possible for you to dispel it with a gentle fist strike?"

"Uzumaki, what do you plan to tell Tsunade-sama or anyone else about this woman's disappearance," Neji asked, drinking some green tea to lower his heart rate, which rushed whenever dealing with stupidity.

Naruto froze, seeing the various drawbacks of creating this clone. Everyone would wonder where his girlfriend vanished to, for a number of reasons. If Tsunade knew he merely made a clone and some elaborate story to hide something else, he could look forward to a swift interrogation.

"I don't know," he grumbled, closing his eyes to try and think up any means to explain this.

"Naruto-kun, it's alright, if Elaice is here, no one will question hearing conversation," Hinata stated, trying to keep positive about this situation.

Neji finished his cup and tilted it forward, waiting for Elaice to fill the container fully.

"Uzumaki, the best thing you can do is trying to end this jutsu, but I would recommend that Elaice resist doing anything that would display any potential shinobi skills," Neji said, putting down his cup and finding a moment to clarify. "It would be terrible to introduce this woman as a civilian and have her acting like a trained ninja."

Naruto, Hinata, and Elaice nodded. Being certain to contain the damage they unknowingly created.

"We'll do everything we can to end this jutsu Neji," Hinata assured, hugging softly onto Naruto's cheek to get her love across.

Neji tried not to look too displeased, knowing Naruto needed to figure out his own feelings before this nightmare could end.


*Hokage Tower*

Tsunade waited with excitement on her face. It wasn't often she got to provide good news to others with the job of Hokage. However, the rare occasions were more welcomed than rain after several months of drought. Jiraiya and Kakashi should've been arriving momentarily, allowing her to give them the great news in one go. She had a bottle of sake and three shot glasses on the table to ensure they had a means to celebrate, but something did gnaw at her.

Naruto was indeed blessed to find such a kind and caring woman, but that was the matter that made her concerned. It just felt too perfect to be true, not that there weren't plenty of excellent woman within and outside Konoha. This Elaice felt far too wonderful to be realistic, repaying kindness with cooking and cleaning. Not to mention, becoming a girlfriend to someone that the entire village still felt negatively on. Though, Elaice was possibly just what was needed to provide Naruto was real relational experience. She was new and unaffected by the poisonous glares and hatred that others so freely showed toward the male, regardless of all the good he did.

Thinking about Naruto did make her wonder if it was a small gift to have Hinata in a coma state. If the poor girl witnessed this, she'd probably go right over and try her luck in the next life. A shiver went down her spine at the thought of someone so young dying, especially due to natural causes. Ninja were familiar with death, knowing that their lives could be cut short by another ninja or accident. Nevertheless, seeing someone who hadn't even had the chance to love and have a family did sting.

She was glad when a knock on the door broke her line of thought and allowed Jiraiya and Kakashi to enter with waves. She smirked tearing the top off the glass bottle to let the sweet smell defuse into the room.

"Good evening, Kakashi, Jiraiya," she said with a smile, pouring out equal portions of alcohol into each glass.

Jiraiya grinned, glad when free booze was offered. Kakashi did grin as well, though did wonder what the occasion was.

"Did an S-rank mission go successfully," Kakashi asked, taking the offered rice wine.

"No, I brought you both in to inform you that your student has started dating someone."

Jiraiya raised his brow, shocked to hear that Naruto was dating someone. Kakashi had been too busy to take the time to notice, but that was probably good news. Though, he was clueless as to who was the woman he caught.

"Naruto finally landed a woman," Jiraiya asked, taking his glass and preparing to drink.

"Yes, her name is Elaice Juriburo, a new arrival to Konoha and currently living with him."

"The student is becoming the teacher," Jiraiya joked, but felt all his sphincters tighten when Tsunade shot through him with an evil eye.

Kakashi felt a small twinge on the edges of his mouth. He knew about Hinata Hyuuga's affections for Naruto. However, for her to lose out to someone like this felt tragic. Even so, it wasn't meant to be if she couldn't tell someone how she felt.

"To Naruto's happiness," Tsunade offered, leading them all in downing their first shot.

She downed hers' in a flicker, continuing to speak before they could get theirs down.

"I want both of you to find me any information on this woman."

Jiraiya gulped down the drink with Kakashi, neither of them shocked by many things asked of them. However, Kakashi was the only one to speak up.

"You want us to spy on the woman Naruto has just started to date," Kakashi asked, feeling that Naruto's personal life would flourish if left alone.

"Of course, and it's not spying," she stated, pouring everyone another round. "It's merely intelligence gathering for Naruto's safety."

Kakashi hadn't had the pleasure of meeting the woman, but if Tsunade was ordering two of her top operatives to complete the task; then something was amiss with the woman.