The words of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox echoed through the wilderness. All were silent as they watched the very earth tremble as its roar. There was something odd about the legendary disaster's words. It was conversational. There was a hint of humor. How could there be humor in a demon's voice?

Hatake Kakashi pushed such thoughts aside as he exploded out of the treeline towards the Valley of the End. He honestly had no idea what to expect. The Copy-Nin was prepared for the worst. It was a thought he dared not consider, but realistically it had to be at the forefront of his mind. The seal had broken.

Uzumaki Naruto had to be…

...standing at the base of the waterfall with Uchiha Sasuke slung over his shoulder angrily jabbing at the nose of a laughing Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.

"I don't care if it was satisfying! That's part of my home's cultural heritage! You can't just wreck it!"

"Would you not hold a grudge against a man who enslaved you and turned you into a mindless weapon?"

"I guess you have a point, but dang it! People are going to blame me for this! Iruka-sensei and Baa-chan are going to probably make me clean all this up!"

"Just replace it with a statue of us! It would be an improvement!" Kurama countered.

"That's not a bad idea..." Naruto trailed off. "Hey! Stop distracting me!"

"N-Naruto?"

The young man in question nearly jumped clear out of his skin at Kakashi's question. "Kakashi-sensei?!"

Naruto expected a lot of different things in this scenario. Somehow, his sensei wrapping him up in a hug slipped his mind.

"What… what were you thinking, Naruto?"

"I...I had to bring Sasuke back, but… but he threatened to take Hinata-chan to Orochimaru..."

Kakashi's eyes went wide. "Did Sasuke really make that threat?"

"He did! I wouldn't make something like that up, Kakashi-sensei!"

Naruto's words shocked Kakashi to his core. He couldn't believe it. Kakashi also couldn't believe that he was not alone with his students.

"Naruto, as annoying as he is," Kurama spoke. Kakashi jumped out of his skin at the words. Which, considering he was still hugging Naruto, was quite awkward. "would not lie about something like that."

There were no words. Kakashi could not function in the presence of the Demon Fox. Somehow, Naruto found the ability to speak. "Hey, Ku..." A glare from the fox demon cut off the young man. "Hey buddy, my chakra is being drained keeping you out here somehow."

"You'll live," Kurama joked. "But fine, let me have a moment to dive into this lake for a second."

Hatake Kakashi was still in shock over the impossible scene playing out in front of his eyes.

Naruto seemed to pick up on his teacher's addled mental state. "I think I know what you're thinking."

"Probably not," Kakashi stated.

"Well, part of what you're thinking?" Naruto asked.

Kakashi turned away from the waves caused by the enormous Biju swimming under the lake to Naruto. "And what part would that be?"

"How the Kyubi went from rampaging murder machine to laid back, if angry, fox."

"You have no idea, Naruto," Kakashi confirmed. "But we can, and will, have that discussion with the Hokage once we return. Let's secure Sasuke and regroup with the others."

"Good idea! I want to make sure Hinata-chan is okay," Naruto agreed.

Kakashi collected Sasuke and produced a set of bindings from a storage scroll. "I can't even imagine how disappointed Obito would be in his clansman now…"

"Oi! Kurama! We're going! I've got a girlfriend to tell how badass she is and I need to get Sasuke back to Konoha!" Naruto shouted at the water.

Kurama popped his head out of the water. "Five more minutes?"

"You asked for five more minutes five minutes ago!

"I haven't gotten to swim in two centuries. Five more minutes!"

"We have to go. Look, if you behave I may let you out again at a beach or something," Naruto promised.

"Fiiiiiine," Kurama complained, but disappeared in flash.

"I've officially seen everything now…" Kakashi deadpanned.

Nearby, an observer emerged from the ground. He had watched the battle between the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki and the Uchiha boy intently. The organization wanted to gauge the progression of the Kyuubi after the encounter with Itachi and Kisame. Agents within Konoha had reported troubling developments.

Developments that were now confirmed.

'Uzumaki Naruto has a mastery of the Kyuubi that shouldn't be possible. Leader must be informed…'

"W-Was that what I thought it was?" Kiba stammered. The "Sasuke Retrieval Team" had consolidated together on the orders of the support squads. Kiba looked to his teammates first, then to his other friends. "I mean, Naruto…"

"Not now, Kiba, but…" Neji cautioned. "Even I did not expect that…"

"What can you see with your Byakugan? Jiraiya stepped into the conversation. The goofy 'Super Pervert' persona was gone. There was only the steel of the veteran and feared Toad Sannin.

"Naruto-kun is talking with Kakashi," Hinata confirmed. "They have secured the traitor!"

'I'll need to know how much of the victory was due to Naruto's power and not the Kyuubi's. I want him to master the Kyuubi's chakra, but this… this could be very dangerous,' Jiraiya worried.

"Do you have any orders, Jiraiya-sama?" one of the medical chuunin asked. The fear in his voice remained even after the Kyubi disappeared again.

"When Kakashi and the brat get here, standard escort formation. Orochimaru may send additional resources to secure the Uchiha. We're getting everyone back to Konoha. Then we're putting that traitor on trial,"

"I… I still can't believe it," one of the anonymous Chunin whispered. "It was almost like… almost like the Kyuubi was taking orders."

Tenten snorted, even if it hurt. "I wouldn't let the Kyubi hear you say that!"

'It warms my heart that these kids are still kids,' Jiraiya thought. 'They deserve at least a few moments before this world swallows them whole.'

After a few moments, a relaxed sigh escaped from Shino. "I am surprised by how comfortable this tree is."

"You would be surprised. I fought in the war against Kumo. The best night's sleep I ever got was in a pile of hay in a civilian barn," a Chunin supplied.

"Hay?" Lee asked.

"I slept like a baby," the medic laughed.

The medics continued their checks. The Sasuke Retrieval Team was in surprisingly good shape. Chouji had been in the worst shape. However, he had been evacuated back to Konoha as a precaution. The Akimichi Three Colored Pills had a strong negative impact on the body.

And Chouji had taken two of them.

Shikamaru was visibly worried. Chouji was beyond his best friend. Chouji was his brother. 'What could I have done differently?' This line of thought only grew more damning and intense as two of the Medic-nin declared Kiba and Shino ready to move.

"I would hug you, Shino-kun, but…" Hinata tried desperately to hide her worry behind an abortive joke.

"Yes, my arm's condition would make that difficult," Shino responded. "I am sure we will have time to celebrate our triumph when Team 8 reunites."

Akamaru yipped. "You're right," Kiba stated.

"Kurenai-sensei will be happy to hear that we are alright," Hinata agreed.

Kiba laughed. "We'll see you around, Hinata. Keep Naruto's head from getting too big about beating Sasuke's ass."

"I will try," Hinata promised. Her teammates quickly added one last goodbye before heading back to Konoha. Suspiciously, Kankuro had volunteered to go back with the latest group. The Suna shinobi claimed it was a sign of goodwill.

"My brother is such a wuss…" Temari mumbled under her breath as she stood apart from the main group. "I didn't expect you to be."

The words nearly caused Shikamaru to jump out of his skin. "What?"

"I don't get it. You"re over here running through a million different scenarios about how you could have done a million things differently."

Shikamaru gave the Suna Kunoichi a flat look. "My friends got hurt on this mission."

"They are shinobi," Temari reminded Shikamaru. "Shinobi who just won a victory. Last time I checked, you were one of the leaders on that mission. You led them to that victory, Nara."

"You're not doing a very good job of comforting me," Shikamaru shot back acidly.

He was surprised when Temari smirked. The surprise was compounded by how the look caused something very primal…very troublesome to click in his brain. "Who said anything about me comforting you? I just wanted the sharp-witted guy from the exams back. This wimpy persona doesn't suit you."

"So, I 'suit' you when I'm 'normal'?" Shikamaru probed.

"Normal is boring, but…" Temari drew out the words.

"Hey everyone!" The voice of Uzumaki Naruto boomed across the forest. Normally, a shout like that would scatter any wildlife in the area. There was only an echo that followed. The appearance of the Kyubi had scattered most of the local wildlife already.

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata cried out. She worked her way over to Naruto in defiance of her exhaustion and injuries.

"Hinata-chan!" Naruto rushed over to his girlfriend. The hug lasted a moment before Naruto remembered he was still on a mission. "One sec…"

Naruto straightened his flak jacket. "We got him! Mission accomplished! Let's all go home!"

Tenten cleared her throat. "Um, where's Sasuke then?"

"Yo," Kakashi said with Sasuke casually thrown over his shoulder. Tenten yelped and fell back as the notorious ninja appeared out of nowhere. "I've got him. Still unconscious, but I'm not sure how long that will last."

"How did you sneak up on us like that?" Tenten asked.

"Tenten, he was ANBU…" Neji pointed out as he made his way over to his teammate.

The weapons expert sighed. "Good point. I just want to go home, get paid, and get something to eat before a hot shower."

"Oh," Neji stammered after thinking about that last wish from Tenten.

Jiraiya quickly took charge and organized the group to move out. As the shinobi departed, Temari bumped shoulders with Shikamaru. "You're not escaping from this talk that easily."

The Nara snorted. "Troublesome woman."

His words were complaints, but his tone told the real story.

There was no crowd waiting for the Sasuke Retrieval team when they returned to Konoha. Naruto and Shikamaru's platoon was greeted with neither adulation nor scorn. Instead, an ANBU quickly ushered them to the Hokage's Tower. Tsunade was waiting for her shinobi and the Suna relief 'team'. The 'Legendary Sucker' was all smiles.

"I figured out how to win some wagers. Just make sure I'm betting on this generation of shinobi!"

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," the shinobi responded.

"Shinobi of Suna, you have my thanks," the Hokage said formally.

Gaara nodded in thanks for the assembled Suna shinobi. "We are happy to help rebuild the trust and the alliance between Suna and Konoha."

"Please enjoy the foreign ward of Konoha," Tsunade said graciously. "I will need to to speak with my shinobi in confidence."

"Of course," Temari agreed. The three Suna ninja moved to the exit, but Temari paused next to Shikamaru. "Remember, you owe me a talk…"

A roomful of eyes turned to the Chunin. The Nara heir buried his head in his hands. The only sound that followed the closing of the door was an exasperated "Troublesome woman!"

"Tease your friend later," Tsunade snapped and gave a pointed glare at Naruto and Kiba. "I want a full report."

The debriefing lasted hours. Shizune promised herself that she would demand a day off after filling out what felt like an entire ream of paper. She was proud of the younger shinobi for their accomplishments but was shocked that Oto had sent their elites.

"I am proud of all of you. This mission will go in your ledger as a successful A-rank," Tsunade announced. "Now, I'm sure you all want a hot shower, a hot meal, and a warm bed."

"Yes!" everyone shouted.

"Dismissed," Tsunade ordered. "Naruto and Hinata... if you would stay a moment."

"We'll need to talk too, brat," Jiraiya added.

Before going out the window instead of using the door.

"He does that on purpose. I know he does that just to get under my skin…" Tsunade hissed. "I swear the best thing about your training trip is the fact he'll be out of the village for three years…"

"Our training trip, Hokage-sama?" Hinata asked.

Tsunade reached into a drawer and secured her sake set. "The whiners in the village will see it as a punishment. Technically, you both are being charged with Inciting Disharmony with the raid on the Hyūga usurpers. You're also going to be found guilty."

"That doesn't sound like a training trip," Naruto grumbled.

"You're going to love this, kid." Tsunade leaned forward. The look on her face was absolutely conspiratorial. "I can't blame you for forgetting our little talk before the mission, but… we're pranking the minor clans."

"Pranking?" Naruto asked. His attention fully engaged.

"The sentence I will hand down is that you two will be remanded to the custody of two elite Shinobi for the period of three years," the Hokage explained.

"But you said Hinata would be 'banished'," Naruto recalled.

"I was worried about that as well…" Hinata added.

The Slug Sannin laughed. "During the time Naruto is in Jiraiya's 'custody' and you will be in Uzuki Yugao's 'custody' you will be out of the village training and dealing with certain elements that wish to do you harm. The minor clans will see the training trip as part of the punishment. Guess what it actually is?"

"A reward?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah! It has to be for getting Hiashi-sama back in power!" Naruto shouted.

"You brat! How come Hiashi is Hiashi-sama and I get no respect?" Tsunade slammed her fist on her desk.

"He, uh, is my girlfriend's dad?" Naruto shrank back.

The Hokage crossed her arms. "And what am I? Chopped liver?"

"Shishou, it's alright…" Shizune attempted to placate her master.

"I take it back! The best thing will be having Naruto out of the village for a few years!" Tsunade countered.

"You'll miss me in a week," Naruto cheekily declared. He leaned in close to Hinata. "She'll definitely miss me in a week!"

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Do you see what you are getting into, Hinata? This is your last chance to back out."

"I'll take my chances, Hokage-sama," Hinata answered.

The shinobi laughed for a while. "You two are dismissed. Go home. Get some sleep and food. Those are orders. I'll send Jiraiya and Yugao-san to collect you both tomorrow before your trials."

"Oh, baa-chan…" Naruto ventured. "Will there be any other trials?"

"Two," Shizune answered for her Hokage.

"Sasuke and?" Naruto prodded.

"Another trial you will be interested in," Tsunade teased.

"Um, I…" Hinata wasn't sure how to approach the tease.

"Let me have this, Hinata!" Tsunade snapped. There was no arguing with that. So, Naruto and Hinata did the wise thing and went to get lunch.

Together.

On a victory date.

In the depths of Konoha's underground, three shinobi met in the shadows.

"The Container is far stronger than we expected. A direct move against him is nearly impossible at this time."

"Yes," one of the others agreed. "His growth is unnatural. The alliance he has forged with the Kyuubi strengthens his hand greatly."

The final shinobi grinned behind a completely blank porcelain mask. "We are presented with another opportunity. A new asset has been placed upon the field. This asset possesses incredible potential and could be used to shield us from...certain hostile elements."

"Can it be done?" The first shinobi asked.

"Yes, but I will require some of the captured resources from the Crush."

The second shinobi nodded. "I will inform command. Prepare a briefing. Time conspires against us. We will need to act decisively, but without haste."

"I shall succeed. Konoha demands nothing less than total success."

Naruto and Hinata were not quite used to being celebrities. The change in perception was especially jarring for Naruto. He was used to receiving whispers as he walked the streets of Konoha. They had never been excited whispers.

"This is new," Naruto confessed.

"I… I don't think I have experienced anything like this either," Hinata agreed.

A squeal erupted from a gaggle of girls standing next to a stall. "Naruto-kun! Hinata-sama! Was it really a rescue?"

The leader looked at the couple expectantly. A shorter, yet equally unremarkable looking, kunoichi stepped forward. "Will your wedding really be this spring?"

The stunned silence was quickly accented by the brilliant crimson blush that erupted across Hinata's and Naruto's faces. The situation was so much worse for Naruto as Kurama was laughing hysterically.

"I…" Hinata started nervously.

"I haven't even proposed yet!" Naruto gasped in terror.

Hinata could only focus on 'yet' and swooned.

"Hinata-chan! Oh no! You're still exhausted from the A-rank!" Naruto was pretty sure Hinata wasn't that tired, but the excuse was really convenient.

"Naruto-kun and Hinata-sama are so cool!" The fangirls declared. Naruto took their moment of distraction to scoop up Hinata and escape.

As Naruto landed on a nearby roof, Hinata's eyes fluttered open. "Y-You said 'yet', Naruto-kun."

"I, uh, I did."

Hinata took the opportunity to rest her head on Naruto's shoulder. "Spring does sound nice…"

The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki found himself agreeing.

Kakashi shouldn't have been surprised by the knock at his door. He had a very solid guess as to who would be waiting for him on the other side.

"Hello, Sakura," Kakashi said before the door had even fully opened.

The kunoichi gasped. "How?"

"You doubt your beloved sensei? I'm hurt," Kakashi teased.

"Hurt that I interrupted your porn reading," Sakura mumbled under her breath. "Of course not!" she said out loud.

"So, worried about your teammates?" Kakashi asked. Sakura nodded. "They both made it back to the village, mostly in one piece."

"Sasuke-k… Sasuke-san is a traitor isn't he?"

Kakashi looked away. "You know that answer as well as anyone."

"Where did it all go wrong? Sasuke-kun was adored by the village! He was handed everything! Naruto...Naruto told me, us, his secret. If anyone had a reason to hate Konoha, it was Naruto. But Sasuke?"

"Hopefully Sasuke can be rehabilitated." Kakashi knew the words were hollow. He had been asking himself the same questions Sakura had been.

"C-Can we see him?" Sakura begged.

"At the trial. He's in isolation right now…" Kakashi revealed. Clearly, this was not the entire truth. Currently, Sasuke was being held in a Torture and Interrogation infirmary somewhere in Konoha. "We'll see him at the trial."

It wasn't what Sakura wanted to hear, but it was more than she had expected. "Thank you, sensei."

Naruto threw the kunai on reflex as soon as he heard someone knock down his hastily repaired door. His throw must have been accurate because there was a very quick reply of, "Damn it, brat! That was me!"

"Ero-sennin?" Naruto called out.

"I told you not to call me that!" Jiraiya shouted back.

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "Just wanted to make sure it was really you."

Jiraiya entered the bedroom and nodded. "Good idea. Now, get ready. You're 'trial' is happening today."

"Baa-chan filled me in on a bit. I guess I'm a 'criminal' now," Naruto pointed out.

"Your fashion sense was criminal for years, kid."

The young man bristled at the jibe. "Oi! Orange is a fantastic color-ttebayo!"

"For civilians and when you are not in combat," Jiraiya countered.

Naruto groaned. "I'll go get ready. There's some juice and milk in the fridge and I washed dishes before the whole Hyuga and Sasuke thing."

"The Hyuga and Sasuke thing was a bit of a big deal. Rumors are spreading about what you and your crew pulled off," Jiraiya pointed out.

Naruto coughed. "Yeah… rumors like when I'm marrying Hinata-chan. Evidently, it'll be this spring. That came as a shock to us."

"You said 'when', Naruto!" Jiraiya roared with laughter.

The laughter only increased as Naruto refused to respond to his teacher's barbs.

Uzuki Yūgao flexed her hand as she slipped through the early morning crowds. She didn't feel herself without the familiar ANBU uniform draped around her frame. 'At least I have my sword…'

The Hokage had given Yūgao orders and as a proud shinobi, she would follow her orders. Tsunade had taken a personal interest in Hyuga Hinata. The Hyuga Coup and the Hyuga Countercoup caused a great deal of panic in the minor clans. Naruto, and it was assumed Hinata, had informed several of the major clans of the Uzumaki assault. The minor clans were not as upset about the fighting as they were about not being informed. Naruto's attack on the compound in support of Hiashi's faction had miraculously been contained to the Hyuga's ancestral homes. There had been little collateral damage. Konoha's minor clans were just insulted that they had not been informed when a minor shinobi family and an orphan had been included in the 'planning'.

Yūgao wondered if Naruto and Hinata realized they were being used as a way for the minor clans to throw their political weight around.

'They are trying to gain ground on the Hyuga. The internal conflict will weaken their political influence for a while…'

The ANBU officer reached the compound and was stunned at how contained the damage was from Naruto's assault. Several of her comrades had observed the battle. Naruto had used summoned foxes. More stunning, he had used the Fox's power.

"Uzuki Yūgao, Hokage-sama sent word of my arrival," Yūgao announced her arrival to one of the guards at the 'proper' entrance to the complex. There was a gaping breach in the ornate wall that a three-year-old shinobi could use to infiltrate into the complex. Though Yūgao had to admit, the Hyuga had set up traps and defenses well.

"Yes," the guard answered. "I will lead you to Hinata-sama."

Yūgao bowed slightly in thanks. The walk through the compound was taken in mostly silence. That suited Yūgao just fine. Hayate had been taken from her. Murdered by Suna. No amount of idle conversation could even act as a patch for that yawning void.

"B-But!" A young girl's voice whimpered. "We just fixed the Hyuga Clan! Why are you getting in trouble?"

The sympathetic wince from Yūgao's guide spoke volumes and laid the entire situation bare.

"I will be training." The pause was likely Hinata finishing preparations. "The village is concerned by the battle. While I'm training, otou-sama and the Hokage will be calming down the other clans."

"Can I come with you?" Hanabi begged.

Yūgao and the guard paused at the open door. It would be very rude to interrupt such a tender moment, after all.

"Father will need you to represent the Hyuga at the Academy," Hinata explained gently.

"Okay," Hanabi relented. "Say, onee-chan…Naruto-san said you were hot, so when you get back, can you teach me a Fire-release Jutsu?"

"I-I can do that," Hinata promised.

"Hinata-sama...Hanabi-sama, may we come in?" The Hyuga, whom Uzuki had pointedly not asked the name of, requested.

"You may enter, Tokuma-san," Hinata said graciously.

"Thank you, Hinata-sama," Tokuma replied.

"Thank you," Yūgao stated out of obligation rather than full gratitude. As the pair entered, the ANBU agent caught her first glimpse of her new 'apprentice'. Hyuga Hinata was bruised and wounded. She had several scrapes on her cheeks and hands from the battle against the Otogakure elite. A vicious purple bruise was visible on her bare left forearm.

'The Sound Four were tougher than I realized,' Uzuki admitted.

"Uzuki-san, it is a pleasure to meet you," Hinata said politely and bowed. Hanabi quickly followed suit.

"Hinata-sama," Yūgao acknowledged the Hyuga heiress.

Hinata stood straighter, but could barely hide the exhaustion and pain wracking her system. The two veterans noticed the deception. Hanabi completely bought into Hinata's illusion.

It was a good illusion.

"Is it time, Uzuki-san?" Hinata asked.

"It is, Hinata-sama," Yūgao confirmed. 'You are trying to instill the Will of Fire in your sister… There is hope for you yet, Hyuga Hinata…

"We cannot keep Hokage-sama waiting," Hinata stated simply.

'Lots of hope…' Uzuki caught herself thinking.

Kakashi was flanked by numerous former ANBU colleagues. The temporary holding facility buried in the bowels of Konoha was one of the most secure and notorious prisons in the elemental nations. The conditions were designed to create a sense of hopelessness and despair in even the most hardened shinobi. It took a rare individual to withstand the cruel environment of Konoha's black site prison.

Uchiha Sasuke was a rare individual.

"Have you come to ask me why?" Sasuke spat.

"No," Kakashi answered. "You made that clear when you sided with the traitor Orochimaru."

"So, why are you here?" Sasuke asked.

The Copy-nin crossed his arms. His student was blindfolded in order to prevent Sasuke from using his Sharingan. Still, Kakashi could feel the glare through the metal blinders.

"Your trial," Hatake revealed.

"Treason, I assume. What else are they going to accuse me of?"

"Aiding and Abetting the Enemy in combat, Providing materiel or intelligence to the enemy, Conspiracy, Assault, and Jaywalking," Kakashi listed the charges.

Sasuke snorted. "I will at least be infamous. What are the Conspiracy and Jaywalking about?"

"Conspiracy? Did you forget your threat about taking the Hinata to Orochimaru?" Kakashi did not raise his voice. He did not shout, but venom seeped into the question.

"That meek Hyuga? I heard she was crushed in the Chunin Exams and lost control of her clan. Handing her over to Orochimaru might have given her some value," Sasuke snapped.

'The seal is suppressed, but is it still influencing him?' Kakashi questioned.

"Sasuke, this will destroy the legacy of the Uchiha," Team Seven's teacher pleaded with his student.

"Infamy is always better than ignominy," Sasuke countered.

Kakashi sighed in defeat. "ANBU, secure the prisoner for transfer."

Sasuke scoffed. "Konoha is an old man waiting to be torn apart by the orphans it has created. Remember that, Kakashi-sensei…"

Hinata sneezed as she walked alongside her future teacher and 'parole officer'. "Excuse me."

"It seems someone is talking about you," Uzuki stated. "Could it be Uzumaki-san?"

The heiress blushed. "I-I would hope so…"

"We can worry about that later," Uzuki changed the subject. "Hokage-sama has informed you about the basics of the trial, correct?"

"Yes, Uzuki-sensei," Hinata agreed.

"I'm not your teacher, yet." Uzuki shook her head. "But we do need to talk about the training. Tsunade-sama has taken an interest in your development. In addition to your Juken and the Academy Three, what are your skills?"

Hinata sighed. "I have focused on the Hyuga Clan techniques, but Kurenai-sensei was teaching me the basics of genjutsu. Sensei had introduced the Magen: Hanagasumi a few weeks before the Chunin Exams."

"Your clan techniques are fearsome and among the strongest jutsu in the world." Hinata felt her spirit soar at the ANBU's words. "But, it is good that you are willing to branch out from your traditional combat strategy."

"Thank you, Uzuki-sensei," Hinata said with enthusiasm.

Uzuki nodded. The sudden silence grabbed Hinata's full attention. They had arrived at the Hokage's Tower. "Uzuki-sensei...why does this place feel so...tense?"

"Hokage-sama didn't tell you?" Hinata shook her head at Yūgao's question. The ANBU continued. "The first trial was Uchiha Sasuke's."

The reinstated Hyuga Heiress was shocked twice over. First, she was stunned that Sasuke was put on trial this quickly. Second, Hinata was surprised by her own vindictive thoughts. Hinata was hopeful that the Hokage would levy the harshest penalty on Sasuke. The Uchiha had been given every opportunity. A majority of Konoha had practically anointed him as a saint from the moment he recovered from Itachi's atrocity.

He had practically spit in the collective face of the village.

Hinata found that she felt nothing at the prospect of Sasuke's execution. She was more concerned with how Naruto would react than whether the Uchiha line was extinguished for all time.

"You seem troubled, Hinata-sama," Yūgao pointed out.

"Is it wrong, I feel...nothing? Uchiha-san might be executed or imprisoned for life and I...feel as though he doesn't matter."

"He is a traitor. The Uchiha betrayed the Will of Fire and Konoha. As far as I am concerned, and as far as you should be concerned, he is a non-person."

Hinata pondered her teacher's words. "He...Konoha tried to give him everything. Why would a person throw away such adulation?"

"Impressive vocabulary," Uzuki teased. "So, Uchiha Sasuke won't be receiving any white roses from you?"

"Maybe an orange lily," Hinata let slip.

"Oh?" Yūgao was starting to look forward to teasing the Hyuga heiress.

"O-Orange lilies represent ha-strong dislike and disapproval. I would never give him roses, as depending on the color, they can represent devotion, love, or trust."

The ANBU agent chuckled. "I don't think Sasuke will be able to receive gifts in the prison Tsunade-sama will sentence him to."

"Good," Hinata stated sharply.

'There's steel in you after all,' Yūgao noticed. 'This, I can work with…'

"Ladies, you're right on time." Hinata and Yugao were snapped out of their thoughts by a wizened, yet energetic voice.

"Jiraiya-sama?" Hinata asked. Quickly, she fell back on years of etiquette training. "It is an honor to formally meet you."

The Legendary Toad Sannin snorted. "I hope some of those manners brush off on the brat. I'm not one for ceremony, Hinata-san. Besides, we met as allies on a battlefield. You'll never see a person's true character more clearly than on a battlefield."

"Of course, Jiraiya-sama," Hinata acknowledged. She didn't comment on Jiraiya calling Naruto-kun a brat, because she could pick up on the true affection hiding inside the word.

"Is the trial over, Jiraiya-sama?" Uzuki Yūgao asked.

"Not quite, but it is close," Jiraiya confessed. "The actual Jiraiya is in there supporting the brat. Naruto is testifying right now. He's going to need our support."

"I will be there for Naruto-kun!" Hinata declared.

"I have no doubt," Jiraiya agreed. "He wouldn't shut up about that speech you gave him at the posts."

Hinata blushed a brilliant scarlet. Yūgao smiled gently. "Go on ahead, Hinata-sama. I need to speak with Jiraiya-sama regarding a few plans."

"Yes, Uzuki-sensei!" Hinata replied with a bow. 'Naruto-kun will need me. I will be there for him!' Hinata declared as she entered the tower...and the next stage of her life.

Uzumaki Naruto was exhausted. A hollow kind of tired was coursing through his body. This was the kind of tired that went deep into a person's bones. Sasuke had been Naruto's friend. Naruto had really thought he had seen the real Sasuke during the lead up to the Chunin Exams. They hadn't been warm and fuzzy buddies, but that wasn't Sasuke. Naruto had discovered that Sasuke's humor was really sarcastic. He liked deadpan humor like Brit from the Princess Fūn movies.

'Had that been a lie?' Naruto wondered. The Chunin wasn't sure anymore.

"Naruto-kun!"

Instantly, Naruto's spirits were lifted. He smiled broadly as Hinata approached. A little bit of his exhaustion left as Hinata ran over.

"Hey, Hinata-chan! Sorry I haven't gotten up, but that was...hard." Naruto waved from his spot sitting up against the wall.

"Jiraiya-sama told us about the trial." Hinata sat down next to Naruto. "You were very brave."

"Brave?" Naruto asked.

Hinata rested her head on Naruto's shoulder. A thrill rushed through Naruto's body. Every nerve in his body was alight with sudden and total joy.

"Yes, Naruto-kun. I know you were Sasuke's best friend." Hinata knew that Naruto tried everything he could to reach Sasuke. She wouldn't voice her opinion that Sasuke wasted such a golden opportunity with his selfishness. "Testifying in his trial couldn't have been easy."

"It wasn't, Hinata-chan," Naruto admitted. "I mean, he's a traitor. Sasuke was working with our enemies, but…"

Hinata hummed. "What do you mean, Naruto-kun?"

"Sasuke definitely has to pay for what he did, but I can't help but blame Itachi. Itachi tortured Sasuke with some crazy powerful genjutsu. Put that on top of the seal and it was like the universe was out to get Sasuke to go nuts. Shouldn't we be, I don't know, trying to help him get normal rather than...than killing him?"

"I didn't know about the torture," Hinata conceded. 'How can family do that to family? If there is a hell, Uchiha Itachi deserves to go there.'

"It was a state secret…I hope I didn't screw up," Naruto admitted.

An awkward cough announced the arrival of Jiraiya. "Alright lovebirds, time for your trials."

"If this becomes the basis for your porn, I'm burning your apartment down," Naruto threatened.

"Jokes on you, I only have a bed in there!" Jiraiya shot back.

"Porn?" Hinata mouthed to Naruto.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I call him Ero-sennin for a reason…"

"I have the Byakugan…" Hinata responded out loud.

"And I have multiple swords, Jiraiya-sama," Yūgao added as she arrived.

Jiraiya threw up his arms. "Is everyone opposed to my literature?"

"Yes," Naruto spoke for himself. Hinata nodded for agreement. Yūgao didn't want to admit she and Hayate had enjoyed 'dramatic readings' of Jiraiya's work. But, that didn't mean she liked the legendary Toad Sage's 'research methods' at all.

The quartet entered the chamber Tsunade had set up for the series of trials. The security was still incredibly tight. Six visible ANBU were guarding the room. Yūgao and Jiraiya knew that there were eight other ANBU secreted throughout the crowd and the room.

Tsunade looked mentally drained, but still full of steely determination. She flashed a grin at Naruto.

This filled Naruto with worry. "Remember how Baa-chan mentioned another trial?"

"I remember, Naruto-kun," Hinata replied.

"I think it's about to happen..."

Jiraiya's wry grin wasn't helping Naruto's nerves.

"Warui Unga, approach the bench," Tsunade ordered. A younger man, probably not much older than twenty, nervously approached the Hokage. He walked in a rhythm, wore thin, non-reinforced clothing, and visibly craned his neck to look at the ANBU around the room. 'Civilian,' thought every shinobi and kunoichi in the room.

"Warui-san," Tsunade started. "You are charged with public intoxication, vandalism, willful destruction of shinobi property, and trespassing. How do you respond?"

"I-I was drunk, Hokage-sama...but!" The man nervously looked around. "I didn't know there were any shinobi in that apartment complex!"

Tsunade grinned. "As a citizen of Konoha, one must always assume that there are shinobi present. The shinobi whose property was damaged will now have the opportunity to speak. Uzumaki Naruto, please come forward."

"Holy crap! The guy who beat the demon? I wrecked his door?" Unga cried out.

Naruto sighed. He really didn't want to testify again, but the Hokage had given him an order. So, dutifully he walked to the witness box. Tsunade smiled. "As the wronged party in this situation, you may examine the witness."

"So, uh, why were you drunk in the first place?" Naruto asked. He wasn't sure what punishment this guy should get, but it probably shouldn't be that bad.

"I was having a shi...sort of a bad day. My sister and her kids stayed with me for a few days after her fiancé cheated on her with some hussy from that one restaurant on East and 3rd." Onga explained.

Naruto pointed theatrically at the man. "I knew that place was full of jerks! You should totally convince people not to eat there. Go to Ichiraku. They are nice there!"

"Boycott them, eh? Not a bad idea." Onga nodded as he thought the idea through. "Anyway, after my sis and her kids move back to their apartment, I was angry and needed a drink. Got drunk. Saw the asshole and the bitch and followed them."

"Warui-san, I understand your position and I applaud your desire to get justice for your sister, but please do not cuss in court again," Tsunade commanded.

"Forgive me, Hokage-sama," Warui stammered. Tsunade was the last Senju. She was the Godaime Hokage. "This is a sore point for me."

"Continue," Tsunade prompted.

"Which apartment are they in?" Naruto asked.

"319," Unga revealed.

Naruto mouthed an 'ooooh'. "I can see it. I'm in 219."

"Yeah, I saw that it was the wrong apartment and left," Unga admitted.

"Gotcha." Naruto conceded.

Tsunade focused on Naruto. "Do you wish to press any charges?"

"Eh, I just want my door fixed." Naruto shrugged.

"Warui Unga," Tsunade announced. "If you agree to pay for, and repair, Uzumaki Naruto's door there will be no jail time."

"DONE!" Warui shouted.

"Trial complete," Tsunade announced. "You are free to go, Unga-san. Please report to the Tower tomorrow in order to fill out the paperwork for your sentence."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Warui bowed. "Thank you, Uzumaki-san."

"Don't mention it!" Naruto waved off the man's worry.

"Uzumaki-san," Tsunade stated sharply. "If you will take the accused's stand."

Naruto nodded and traded place with Unga. Tsunade looked to the minor clans and inclined her head. "Due to the sensitive nature of this trial, we will not present evidence on the record. That being said… Uzumaki Naruto you have been charged with Inciting Disharmony. According to the laws of Konoha…"

"Clan conflict must be arbitrated by the Hokage and a council of three unaffiliated clans. There must be a month period where the clans involved in the conflict gather evidence to present to the council," Naruto explained.

Silence reigned in the courtroom.

"I...am impressed that you know that," Tsunade admitted.

"Of course I know the major laws of Konoha! I'll be Hokage after you, right? What kind of Hokage isn't aware of the laws?"

"So, you willfully broke the law in this case?" Tsunade question.

"Da...Definitely," Naruto confessed. He barely managed to avoid cussing in front of the court. Naruto hadn't forgotten Baa-chan's warning. "The people who took over the Hyuga Clan were keeping a lot of excellent shinobi basically in prison when Konoha could use each and every ninja. They were also going to torture Hinata-chan. I wasn't going to let those assholes hurt someone important to me and hurt Konoha!"

Tsunade nodded. "As discussed in the closed hearings, Uzumaki Naruto has confessed to violating the law sustaining the harmony of Konoha. Acting in the interests of Konoha is no excuse for flagrantly violating the law. Before I hand down the sentence, I have two questions, Uzumaki-san."

"Fire away, Baa-chan," Naruto acknowledged.

"YOU UNGRATEFUL BRAT!" Tsunade roared. The Hokage took a deep, calming breath. "First, do I need to prepare a wedding license?"

"W-Wedding license?!" Naruto and Hinata shouted in shock.

"Second question, do you wish to provide a statement to the village as a whole?" The Hokage asked formally. 'Come on kid, this is a golden opportunity.'

Naruto gulped. He knew public speaking was a part of the Hokage's job. He had just...never really done it. Naruto was also completely on the spot.

"I broke the law. I broke the law because I felt I had a duty to help the Hyuga take back their clan. The people who kicked Hiashi-sama out of power were hurting Konoha too. I love the village. I have protected and fought for Konoha since my first breath. I'll keep fighting for and protecting Konoha until my last one, too."

'Not bad, brat. You've opened some eyes with that one,' Jiraiya praised his student.

"Uzumaki Naruto," Tsunade began, "Your sentence has been decided. Due to admitting to violating the laws of Konoha protecting the harmony of the village, you are prohibited from taking the Jonin Trials for a period of three years. In addition, you are remanded to the custody of Jiraiya of the Sannin. Do you understand the sentence?"

"I do."

The Hokage flashed a vicious smile at Naruto. "You are also fined 4,000 ryō for insulting the dignity of the Hokage!"

"Crap, that is a crime," Naruto grimaced.

"Damn right it is!" Tsunade crowed victoriously. "You are dismissed from the stand."

Naruto bowed to Baa-chan and returned to the seats in the courtroom. Tsunade took a sip of water before announcing the start of the next trial. "Hyuga Hinata, please approach the court."

Hinata dutifully obeyed the Hokage's instructions. "Genin Hyuga Hinata reporting as ordered, Hokage-sama."

"Finally, respect!" Tsunade joked. "As with the previous trial, due to the sensitive nature of the evidence, there will be no public presentation of evidence. Evidence has been presented at closed hearings. Genin Hyuga, you have been charged with Inciting Disharmony through assisting Uzumaki Naruto's attack on the Hyuga Usurpers. Do you understand the charges?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama. I understand the charges." Hinata bowed as she answered.

"Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Tsunade asked.

"The Usurpers were a danger to the Hyuga Clan and to Konoha as a whole. I did not follow the letter of the law, but I acted in accordance with the Will of Fire. I have no regrets. I promised to protect the village and the Hyuga clan. I will never go back on my word because that is my nindō!"

'She's as stubborn as the brat, no wonder they get along so well…' Konoha's Slug Princess thought.

"Very well. If you have nothing else to add…" Tsunade prompted. Hinata shook her head to confirm that she did not. "So be it. Genin Hyuga Hinata. For your part in the clan conflict, you are remanded to the custody of Jonin Uzuki Yugaō for a period of three years."

"I understand Hokage-sama. I accept the sentence and thank you for your leniency."

"Your manners and respect are a testament to the Hyuga Clan. Everyone should follow your example," the Hokage said pointedly…mostly at Naruto. "The trials have concluded. All are dismissed."

As the courtroom began to empty, Jiraiya approached both Naruto and Hinata. "Not bad you two. Just to let you know, I'll be working out some details with Tsunade-hime and Yugaō-san. I'd start packing for a long trip. We'll be leaving in the next few days."

"Sure thing, Ero-sennin!" "Yes, Jiraiya-sama," Naruto and Hinata answered simultaneously.

Jiraiya nodded at both but rolled his eyes at Naruto. Yugaō nodded once at the pair before following behind the legendary Toad Sage.

Naruto, never being one to waste a golden opportunity, turned to Hinata. "Hey, Hinata-chan. Can you help me out with packing? Girls are probably better at that sort of stuff than guys. I'll even introduce you to Mr. Ukki."

"Mr. Ukki?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head at Hinata's question. "My favorite houseplant."

"You like gardening?" Hinata asked.

"One of my favorite hobbies! I really want a big garden one day," Naruto revealed.

"Same!" Hinata agreed. "I would love to help you pack."

Tsunade and Jiraiya had been watching the two young shinobi. They managed to wait until Naruto and Hinata left before bursting out laughing. "Tsunade-hime, you might actually need to write up the wedding license."

"I think they are good for each other, but we can tease Naruto later. Right now we need to discuss certain groups."

"I have some intelligence on them. Let's head to your office," Jiraiya agreed. 'If Naruto truly has mastery over theKyubi we may not have much to worry about…'

Naruto and Hinata were enjoying discussing plants and gardening. Naruto had gotten most of his stuff packed. The past few minutes had been simply decompressing after the incredibly stressful morning. Naruto was flopped down on his bed with his arms and legs flayed out wide. Hinata had discovered that Naruto's couch was actually quite nice.

"I need to figure out someone to look after Mr. Ukki," Naruto spoke up.

"Perhaps Neji-niisan or Sakura-san?" Hinata asked.

Naruto raised his left hand and gave a thumbs-up. "That might work. I could always ask Iruka-sensei or Ayamme-oneechan."

"Iruka-sensei is a very reliable person." Hinata smiled at the memory of her teacher. Iruka had always been a kind and supportive person.

"Yeah, I think I'll ask Iruka-sensei, Neji, or Sakura-chan," Naruto agreed idly. A knock at the door interrupted any further conversation. Naruto still exhausted mentally, made a Kage Bunshin to answer the door.

"Can I help you?" the clone asked.

"Yes, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi stated. "If I may have a moment of your time…and my daughter's time."

"Y-Yes, sir!" The two teens said immediately.

Hiashi entered the apartment and bowed to Naruto. "I would like to formally thank you for saving the Hyuga Clan."

"You're welcome, Hiashi-sama!" Naruto beamed.

"I hope you will continue to assist and protect my daughter. This is a great opportunity for you both to become powerful shinobi," Hiashi stated.

"I look forward to the opportunity, Otou-sama," Hinata replied.

Naruto beamed. "It's going to be awesome. And I'm really, 100%, sure Hinata-chan is awesome enough to take care of herself! I'll be there to help her though!"

"Now…" Hiashi spoke slowly as he stepped closer to Naruto. "I have another request, Uzumaki-san."

An instinctive dread overcame Naruto. "G-Go ahead…"

"Tsunade-sama mentioned the marriage license in jest. However, you will not do anything that requires the marriage license during this training journey. If you do... you will require the marriage license. And spar with myself and Neji."

'THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A REQUEST!' Naruto panicked internally.

"I-I promise," Naruto responded.

"We...we just started dating, otou-sama!" Hinata protested.

Hiashi sighed. "I simply wish for you to act responsibly."

'Especially with Jiraiya-sama involved. I hope Uzuki-san can be a positive influence.'

"Um, can I get you something to drink?" Naruto asked. "I don't have all that much right now, though."

"Thank you for the offer, but I am fine. In fact, I must return to the compound. There is still a great deal of work to be done," Hiashi said.

"Oh!" the Naruto clone shouted. "Do you need some of us to help?"

"That's an awesome idea! I can send some Shadow Clones to help out," Naruto offered.

'Shadow Clones? Does he mean Kage Bunshin?' "That is appreciated, but unnecessary. We have hired several allied civilian clans to assist us."

"Can't use D-ranks because they'd be tempted to snoop around and see if they could get a secret or two." Naruto crossed his arms. He could definitely agree with the Hyuga worrying about that. Naruto couldn't blame the fresh-out-of-the-Academy Genin either. Snagging a single Hyuga Secret would give them a huge leg up in their career.

"Exactly," Hiashi commended Naruto's observation. "Good afternoon. Please remember my...suggestions."

"That was terrifying," Naruto said after Hiashi left the apartment.

"At least he likes you, Naruto-kun," Hinata pointed out.

"That is what liking me is like?!"

Inuzuka Kiba was a proud young man. His most trusted companion, Akamaru, was also a proud ninken. They needed to brag. Akamaru perked up and barked excitedly.

"I smell 'em too!" Kiba grinned. "This will be easier than expected!"

Akamaru howled in agreement. The partners dashed off to catch up to some of their friends. Shinobi and ninken climbed a set of stairs to a rooftop. The scene was exactly what they expected. Shikamaru was laying on his back watching the clouds. Chouji, out of the hospital thanks to Tsunade-sama's mastery of medicine, was chowing down on some food that looked incredible. Kiba and Akamaru felt their mouths water at the sight. They wouldn't ask for any. Chouji had to build back up after his use of one of his clan's techniques.

"Hey fellas! Enjoying the recovery?" Kiba asked.

Chouji swallowed practically an entire meatloaf. "It is nicer than I thought! Konoha is paying for all this food!"

"Nice!" Kiba agreed. Akamaru barked and ran around the roof. The ninken settled next to Shikamaru and curled up in a very nice patch of sunlight.

"Akamaru has the right idea," Shikamaru drawled. "So, what brings you to our roof?"

"We smelled you guys, and the food," Kiba revealed.

Shikamaru reached over and gave Akamaru a belly rub as the dog sprawled out in the sunlight. "I can't believe we made it, honestly."

Chouji finished off an apple and grinned. "We should celebrate!"

"My man!" Kiba shouted. "I also heard through the grapevine that Naruto and Hinata are going on some sort of long-term mission."

"You don't say," Shikamaru murmured as he sat up. "Think it could be to get more control over his...tennant?"

Akamaru barked and yipped. Kiba nodded in agreement. "Akamaru's with you on that theory."

"But what about Hinata-san?" Chouji asked. "Why would she be leaving?"

Kiba huffed angrily. "The minor clans got pissy. It's probably to put them at ease. There's also the Hyuga traitors out there. Hinata's got to track them down."

Chouji nodded. "Good points, but you know ANBU is hunting Hanako's sons. They are Main Family Hyuga. Konoha can't afford to have them running around out in the open like that."

"Nice work, Chouji," Shikamaru praised his friend.

The Inuzuka pair snorted. "That was good. Almost as good as an idea Akamaru suggested earlier."

"Oh? What's that?" Shikamaru asked. Nervousness crept into his words. There was something approaching. Something horrible.

"A party!" Kiba shouted. "We have to throw a huge party to celebrate beating the Sound assholes and to wish Naruto and Hinata good luck on their trip."

Shikamaru's foreboding was proven very accurate. his plans for a quiet evening were doomed.

"I heard party. We're all in," Yamanaka Ino had arrived looking for her friends to inform them of some delicious gossip that she had heard. Luckily, Kiba had announced the same gossip. He had also suggested a great idea. Chouji was clearly on board. Once she threw her chips into the pot, there was no hope of this not happening.

"I'm outvoted, aren't I?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yup!" Chouji, Ino, Kiba, and Akamaru all howled in unison.

Haruno Sakura had been trapped in a nightmare haze ever since Naruto had brought Tsunade-sama back to the village. The situation with the Hyuga Clan had been scary. A major clan had almost fallen into a civil war. Sakura had never been close to Hinata, but she respected the Hyuga heiress. Hinata was also a really nice girl too. Sakura also admired her bravery in the fight versus Neji. The coup's plan for Hinata was a horrid thing.

Then, Naruto had revealed the truth. He was the jailor of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Sakura's teammate may have been pretty obnoxious at times, but he wasn't bad. Naruto's truth made Sakura wonder about all the other secrets being kept by the adults of the village.

Sakura was still processing that revelation when Naruto pulled something 'drastic' to rescue Hinata and Neji from the Hyuga. Then Sasuke…

Sasuke-kun had used the chaos of Naruto's battle with the Hyuga to betray Konoha. To betray Team Seven. To betray her. It was all made worse because Sasuke had thanked her for trying to reach him. Sakura had been so close to reaching Sasuke.

'I realize that I can never truly understand what Sasuke-kun and Naruto went through. I would never want to experience being that alone. Maybe I should talk to Ino and Tsunade-sama?'

"Sakura! Hey!" one of the people Sakura had been thinking of called out.

"Oh, hey Ino." Sakura waved as her friend jogged towards her. Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba, and Akamaru trailed behind her. "What's up?"

"We're planning a party!" Ino announced giddily. "It's part 'going away' and part 'We beat Sound'."

Sakura managed to avoid flinching at the reminder that Sasuke had tried to defect. The moment of melancholy was replaced quickly. "What do you mean going away?"

"You haven't heard about Naruto and Hinata's trial?" Kiba asked. Sakura was too stunned to speak. Kakashi-sensei had hinted that Naruto was in a tiny bit of trouble, but not to that extent!

Shikamaru sighed. "It's a total drag, but Tsunade-sama had to throw some of the minor clans a bone. Naruto and Hinata are under the 'custody' of Jiraiya-sama and an ANBU according to my dad. They are going on a long-term'mission' soon."

"Naruto's leaving the village?" Sakura stammered.

"That's why we have to throw the party now!" Ino announced with passion and authority.

Sakura grinned. "Well, what kind of friends would we be if we didn't send Naruto and Hinata off properly?"

Naruto trudged back across Konoha to the Hyuga Compound after heading back to his apartment to get ready for a party. He was so stoked! First, he had been invited to a party! That was something he had always heard about back in the Academy. Of course, Naruto hadn't been hugely popular back then. Parties had been a 'what if'. Now, they were a 'what should I wear/bring?'. The difference was awesome.

Next, he had a legit date to a party. Naruto grinned like a fool. 'I'm going to make a splash.'

Most importantly, he was stoked to see what Hinata was going to wear. Tenten and Ino had delivered the invitations, or ultimatums really, to the Hyuga Compound. Naruto had watched as Tenten produced a series of scrolls and a wicked grin. Neji was quickly 'volunteered' to go help Shikamaru get some drinks for the party. Naruto, being a master of perception, had gone home to change clothes.

He arrived and quickly found Neji sitting in a living room...waiting. The Hyuga genius looked unusually tense. Naruto had seen Neji lose control of his emotions, but his was different. For one, Neji didn't look like he was about to murder someone by liquifying their internal organs. That was a nice change. If Naruto had to wager, he looked flustered. It was like the time Team Seven had tried to see under Kakashi's mask. Neji had the same kind of look that Ayame-onee-chan had whenever Kakashi-sensei was around.

So, Neji had seen something he liked.

Given that everyone in Konoha knew who he was dating, and who he actually got along with, it was easy to know what that 'something' was.

Neji had clearly seen what Tenten was wearing or going to wear.

"Hey, Neji!" Naruto greeted.

"Naruto," Neji said in return. "I am curious about something."

The Chunin sat down across from Neji in a seat. "What's up?"

"Have you ever been to a party?"

"Nope," Naruto answered with a playfully popped p.

"Ah," Neji drew out. "It seems we are both novices."

Naruto grinned nervously. "We're both being outdressed by the girls?"

"You have no idea."

Neji's words echoed in Naruto's mind. "What's Hinata wearing?"

"I'm not checking out my cousin for you," Neji grumbled.

The Chunin grinned. "Tenten?"

The silence was deafening. Neji said more by not saying anything than he could have possibly imagined. Naruto couldn't believe the anticipation that was building in his mind. The young chuunin wasn't the most patient person. This situation was burning through his limited patience at a rate Naruto had never experienced. As time inched forward at a snail's pace, Naruto wanted to scream in frustration.

As if the universe, or one or more people with a powerful dojutsu, was keeping tabs on Naruto and Neji, Yamanaka Ino darkened the door to sitting room. Naruto and Neji considered Ino a friend. The issue was that Naruto and Neji would have preferred to see their respective girlfriends in a dress first. Ino, the two young men would readily admit, was wearing the dress very well. Superficially, the dress was similar to her normal outfit. The main difference was that it somehow was less revealing. Ino was wearing a royal purple quasi two-piece dress. The dress was quasi two-piece because the midriff was covered by a translucent purple fabric. Ino's dress was less revealing because the ruffled skirt did not expose the sarashi that was pretty much all of Ino's standard outfit.

The most important, and terrifying, part of Ino's getup was the smile adorning her lips. "Don't look too excited you two!"

Naruto and Neji exchanged a look. "You look really nice, Ino, but…"

"We have girlfriends."

Ino laughed. "Good answers… They will be out in a second."

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "We just took a test didn't we?"

"We did," Neji confirmed.

"Did we pass?" Naruto looked to his older friend for confirmation.

Neji had totally checked out. Naruto had never seen Neji get distracted in the time they had known each other. "Uh, Neji, are you still with me?"

Naruto waved his hand in front of Neji's face. Neji quickly swatted the hand aside.

"He likes the view," Ino teased as she reentered the room. Naruto turned and quickly realized why Neji had checked out. Tenten was standing in the doorway wearing a very fancy red qipao with flame patterns. The dress had a pronounced slit that revealed a pair of boots that went up to the knee. As Tenten moved from side to side watching Neji follow her movement with his whole body, Naruto noticed Tenten was wearing her hair in a long braid.

"N-Naruto-kun?" And just like that, Naruto checked out.

Namely, he checked out Hinata.

Hinata was wearing a dress with a tight skirt that Ino said was a pencil skirt along with various words of support. Naruto wasn't really paying attention to Ino. Hinata's dress was...form fitting. Somehow, the dress was the exact opposite of revealing. The lavender outfit had long sleeves and passed up the opportunity, much to Naruto's teenage mind's disappointment, to indulge in showing off some cleavage.

'But that's not Hinata. For her to show off like that in public, I'd have to be trapped in some kind of genjutsu-based insane mirror universe where nothing makes sense…'

"I, uh, hey Hinata-chan," Naruto managed to force past his Hinata-induced stupor.

A familiar laugh filtered shocked the boy's systems enough for them to tear full attention away from their girlfriends. "I think you two won," Sakura said to Tenten and Hinata.

"We did," Naruto overheard Neji say under his breath. The Chunin found himself agreeing wholeheartedly.

Sakura's dress was an a-line skirt that ended a few inches above the knees. The top was unusual. One shoulder was bare. The left shoulder had a frilly short sleeve.

"Nice red dress," Naruto obligingly complemented his friend.

The pinkette needed the levity. "It's merlot, you dolt," Sakura playfully teased.

Ino leaned in close to Hinata. "Pay attention to Naruto's attention. Besides...he was able to think enough to recognize the color of the dress. Naruto was a puddle when you showed up."

Hinata couldn't help but smile. Ino's observation filled Hinata with confidence. She smiled at Naruto, who promptly blushed. In that moment, Hinata felt like she could take on the world.

Naruto was having an amazing time. This was his first party. He couldn't imagine having this kind of fun a few months ago. Hinata had started to teach Naruto to dance. They had practiced for nearly an hour. To Naruto's shock, Sakura had cheered him on. The Chunin had harbored a real fear that his teammate would resent him for beating Sasuke. Sakura really didn't seem to be mad at Naruto. She wasn't really 100% happy, but she wasn't mad at anyone.

'She seems to have had fun dancing with Kiba, Lee, and Chouji,' Naruto thought.

He bounced on the balls of his feet as he worked his way through the Yamanaka guest house Ino had gotten for the party. Naruto grinned as he walked over to another of his maybe-sort-of friends. Ino had invited Gaara, plus his brother and sister.

'Well, inviting Gaara wasn't quite accurate…' Naruto admitted. Gaara was watching the party curiously, but his main focus was on Temari and her epic trivia contest with Shikamaru.

"Everything okay, Gaara?" Naruto asked as he joined his fellow Jinchuriki.

Gaara nodded. "I am not used to this."

"Me either," Naruto agreed.

The Suna Jinchuriki gave Naruto a flat look. "You look natural. The Hyuga girl and you have been dancing a great deal."

"Yeah," Naruto confirmed. "Hinata-chan's teaching me how."

"I would rather be tending to my cacti and reading," Gaara admitted. "Temari and Kankuro appear to be enjoying themselves."

"Your bro is playing darts against Tenten. He's not getting obliterated which is a shock," Naruto added.

"And my sister is with the Nara," Gaara said flatly.

Naruto laughed. "I know Shikamaru. He's a cool guy. Lazy, but cool. Besides, your sister is a fierce kunoichi. She can take care of herself."

Gaara nodded. "I am going to get a snack. Enjoy the party."

"Thanks. Glad you seem to be having some fun too," Naruto said.

"Three straight ties!" Shikamaru shouted. "One of us needs to win!"

Naruto joined the crowd right as Kiba donned a rather devious grin. "Let's make this a group activity!"

"What do you have in mind?" Ino jumped in before Shikamaru could protest.

"Not sure, but I'm game for some trivia," the Inuzuka admitted as he gave Akamaru a pat.

Tenten jumped in. "I got an idea!"

"Oh?" Lee exclaimed. "This will be an exhilarating challenge!"

"We're vetoing any accuracy contests!" Naruto joined the conversation.

The famed weapons expert stuck her tongue out at Naruto. "I wasn't going to suggest that. Let's have a Kunoichi vs Shinobi trivia contest!"

The boys turned towards each other. One by one, they all nodded. "We're in," the young men announced.

"Can't back down now," Ino declared.

"I'm with you on this," Temari responded with a grin. "To be fair, we'll even let you keep your numbers advantage."

"Troublesome woman!" Shikamaru declared with a low voice.

Chouji elbowed Naruto in the ribs. "Dude…"

"Sup, Chouji?" Naruto whispered.

"I think Shikamaru is liking this Suna girl," Chouji responded with a smile.

"We're weaponizing this."

The Akimichi heir chuckled. "Maybe not too much. Some teasing might be fun."

Sakura, by virtue of wearing the most maneuverable skirt, climbed up on a chair. "The first trivia challenge will be colors!"

"Colors?" Kankuro asked. "How is that a challenge?"

"Simple!" Sakura declared. "Boys are hopeless when it comes to identifying colors."

There was quite a bit of indignant shouting from the young men. Naruto simply grinned.

"Want to help me win?"

Kurama snorted behind the seal. "Why? What's in it for me?"

"Exploit all those memories from being sealed in Mito-sama and my mom and I'll let you swim in the first secluded lake we reach for an hour."

"DEAL!"

The game that followed was a epic battle. Naruto got Kurama to help the boys at every possible chance, but Kushina had been a bit of a tomboy. Thus, the legendary Nine Tails was not as knowledgeable as Naruto had hoped. Still, thanks to some clever questions about cooking from Chouji, Kiba, and Naruto the young men managed to force a tie. The epic trivia contest led to simple hanging out. Kankuro was showing Neji, Tenten, Lee and Chouji a popular Suna game involving rolling a large ball at a target ball. Naruto was sitting with Hinata listening to Kiba egg Shikamaru and Temari on during another 'intellectual discussion' that seemed a lot like flirting to everyone.

Naruto and Hinata had failed to notice Sakura and Ino had slipped off. The non-criminal shinobi of Team Seven was caught a bit off guard when Sakura and Ino approached the couch. There was no denying how nervous Sakura looked. Hinata also noticed the tell-tale signs of reapplied makeup.

"Excuse me, Hinata?" Sakura asked. "I was wondering if I could talk to my teammate for a bit…"

Hinata knew that Sakura wasn't 'trying' anything. The Hyuga Heiress picked up on the deliberate word choice. Sakura was going to talk to Naruto teammate to teammate.

'Given everything , Team Seven has been through, they should talk,' Hinata thought.

"Of course," Hinata said graciously. "I need a drink anyway."

Naruto, to his credit, read the situation about as well as he could. "Yeah, let's talk. Any place you were thinking, Sakura-chan?"

"Front porch would be good." Sakura's gaze wandered to the back lawn. The shouts of Lee and Kankuro made the reasoning abundantly clear.

Naruto joined Sakura on the front porch. The pinkette sat down on a wicker chair. Naruto sat on the railing. He was waiting with a smile. Sakura felt her resolve collapsing, but she was a kunoichi!

"Am I a failure, Naruto?" Sakura cried out. She forced the words out past her self-loathing and doubts.

"What?"

"I have always dragged Team Seven down. Sasuke-kun...he...Sasuke-kun always had incredible power. You've show the entire world that you've always been great. What do I have?"

Naruto was quiet. He had a feeling Sakura had more to say. The worst thing he could probably do was to say anything at the moment.

"What can I contribute? You have the Fox and the Toads. Sasuke has the Sharingan. All I have is some books smarts and a little bit of chakra control…"

"Sakura-chan, you're selling yourself really short! Your book smarts are incredible! I wish I had just a little bit of them! And your chakra control? It's even more amazing than your book smarts!" Naruto praised.

"But…" Sakura tried to interject.

"But nothing!" Naruto cut off his teammate. "Know what book smarts and chakra control can do? Medical ninjutsu! Who's our Hokage?"

"Tsunade-sama…"

"Exactly! You would make an awesome medic!" Naruto declared.

Sakura sniffled. "I was thinking about it."

"Don't think," Naruto ordered. "Do. You'd be great."

The kunoichi nodded. Naruto grinned. "Besides, I'm sure the Old Lady would love a chance to teach someone new!"

"Naruto!" Sakura snapped. "How could you call Hokage-sama that?!"

Sakura's anger melted away as Naruto was smiling warmly. He had baited her into revealing some of her old fire. "Got you."

"I guess, but that doesn't change the fact that I've done nothing since Team Seven has been formed. In Wave, I stood on the sidelines while you fought Haku! I sat on a roof eating ice cream while you rescued Hinata and Neji! When everyone went to save Sasuke, I was in a bed!"

"You're upset about being 'in bed'? Sasuke knocked you out. As for doing 'nothing? Bullshit," Naruto said simply. "I'd be dead if it wasn't for you. Did you forget the fight against Sound in the Forest of Death?"

"I lost!" Sakura countered.

"I have heard enough of what happened to get a good idea of what went down, but you haven't told me anything." Naruto crossed his arms.

Sakura looked away. "It was what you heard."

"I'd like to hear it from you, Sakura-chan," Naruto prodded gently.

"There's nothing else to add, Naruto!" Sakura countered. Her voice angry, but out of shame not of venom towards her friend.

The Jinchuriki sighed. "Are all women this stubborn, Kurama?"

"You truly have no idea, Naruto." Kurama's laughter at the end of the statement didn't provide any comfort to Naruto.

"You have a choice, Sakura-chan. Can you tell me as a friend? Or would you rather debrief a Chunin?"

Sakura locked eyes with Naruto. "Would you?"

"Yes," Naruto said without hesitation. Sakura had no way to counter his resolve. It was the same resolve he had shown before his efforts to protect Hinata. Sakura had seen that look on Naruto's face during the Blood Vow and when he announced his plan to attack the Hyuga Coup.

So, she told him everything. Haruno Sakura laid everything bare before her teammate and friend. It took nearly thirty minutes.

"You know Hinata-chan and I are leaving the village for a while," Naruto pointed out with a nervous huff. "I want to have to look at your back when we return."

Sakura smiled a bit as Naruto used her 'oath'. "Okay. I-I'll start by asking Hokage-sama to train me to be a Combat Medic."

"Heck yeah! Man, we really could have used one of those on the last mission. When you become one, I bet you'll save a bunch of shinobi!"

Sakura smiled at Naruto's words. "Thank you, Naruto."

"Don't mention it," Naruto replied with a wave. "You're welcome, but I shouldn't have to be the one to tell you that you're awesome. Sakura-chan, you have to know it."

Sakura got out of the chair and surprised Naruto with a hug. "Naruto, you really will be Hokage one day."

"Uh, thanks." Naruto was dumbfounded. He was touched by the support of his friend and by how his feelings had changed. This would have been a dream romantic situation only a few months ago. Now, the hug was familial. 'This is what having a sister must be like.'

"I'm going to head home now," Sakura announced. "Tell Ino-pig, I'll see her tomorrow."

"Need me to send a Clone with you?" Naruto asked.

Sakura smiled. "I'm awesome and I know it." She turned Naruto's words back on him. "I just have a single question."

"Shoot," Naruto prompted.

"You're never going to let me live "Look at my back!" down are you?"

Naruto laughed. "Oh hell no! You will never hear the end of that one, Sakura-chan!"

"Do it when I'm ever on a date with a guy, and I will deck you," the kunoichi warned.

"Wouldn't dream of it. I'll wait until I'm giving a speech at your wedding."

Sakura left with a laugh and a wave over her shoulder. Naruto returned the laugh and went back inside. Hinata was watching Team Guy play against Chouji, Kiba, and Kankuro in the Suna ball game.

"Everything alright, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked.

Naruto sat down and put his arm around Hinata. "Yeah, just helping Sakura sort out some stuff."

"Is she alright?" Hinata asked.

Ino heard the last bit of the conversation and rushed over. "Forehead left?"

"A minute ago," Naruto confirmed. "Sakura-chan said she'd see you tomorrow."

"Okay," Ino relented.

"Speaking of tomorrow…" Hinata started.

Naruto sighed. "Right, briefings…"

The couple rose to their feet. Ino joined them as they headed out to the epic bowls matchup. Goodbyes and goodnights were said.

"Mind if I walk home with you?" Naruto asked. "I know you could handle just about anything, but…"

"I would love it," Hinata quickly, and emphatically, consented.

Naruto smiled the rest of the night. He had a blast with his friends. Sakura had been brought out of her funk. Gaara successfully interacted with other people. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. If this was going to be his last night in Konoha for a while, Naruto was glad this would be the memory he created.

Whatever the future held, Uzumaki Naruto had never been more ready to face it.

Author's Note: Guess what's not dead?! I wanted to get this out during the summer, but I decided to pursue some IRL opportunities. Work is back, but I'm still in a sweet spot where I can work on fics before the school year gets much crazier. I've already spent one Friday evening grading papers already. Unless I make a specific announcement, all my fics live. I really hope to get more progress made on other fics as soon as possible!

Thank you for all the support.