Author's Note from samuraipanda85: Hey y'all. Welcome to mine and cmartinHFD's rewrite of his first crossover fic, Transfer Students. Fun fact for those who care. It was through this story that we met. I was writing reviews for the original Transfer Students, critiquing them for having no conflict. Everything got resolved as quickly as it was being introduced. That got cmartinHFD intrigued and he started asking for more and more of my input until he finally asked if I would like to help him write the narusaku scenes for his next story Legacy of Heroes, and the rest is history. I'm delighted to be working with him on the rewrite.
Fans of the original, please review and tell us how the new one stacks up. Better? Worse? What should we keep and what are you glad we changed?
But most of all, enjoy.

It had been 4 months since the events of Majin Buu. People all over the world were just finally realizing that they had been given a second chance at life and people were making the best they could of their new life. While the citizens of the cities were going about their business, people in the hidden Villages of the Elemental Nations were still trying to piece together what exactly happened to them all.

In the Hidden Leaf Village, Kakashi Hatake, the 6th Hokage, was sitting at his desk going over paperwork. He was elected to be Tsunade's successor during the 4th Shinobi War, which indecently, ended when Majin Buu used his Human Extinction Attack and later blew up the Earth.

'Funny how just after we saved the Earth from Kaguya's genjutsu it would need saving again from some unknown threat. Apparently this world is not short on heroes.' Kakashi thought to himself.

As he was moving his papers about, there was one in particular that caught his eye.

"Hm? A letter from King Furry?" Kakashi said out loud.

"Something the matter, Hokage-sama?" Asked a shorted hair brunette woman Kakashi had gotten to know very well over his past few months in office.

"This is a rather important letter. This is from the king of the Dragon Continent." Kakashi said and began reading it.

"Dear, Lord Hokage.

I am writing to you to say that I have heard a great deal about you and your villages Ninja. Sadly, the rest of the world doesn't use Ninja nearly as much as we used to. You are no doubt aware of the events that had befallen our world at the hands of the monster Majin Buu. We lost far too many people during his initial attacks and would like to see more Ninja out in the world. With that said, I would like ti extend an invitation to any teenage Shinobi who would be willing to live among the citizens of the Metro areas of the world. This would not only be a social experiment for them, but also a learning experience as well. If you agree, I would like to start by sending two Shinobi to either West City or Satan City. You get to choose who goes. All expenses will be paid for their stay as well as... Education?" Kakashi was confused at the last one.

"To better understand the way life is outside of the Elemental Nations, the Shinobi will be attending High School listed in the selected cities. Hence why I said teenagers. They seem to be the ones that adapt and adjust the fastest compared to adults. Ah, that makes sense." Kakashi nodded. "Please inform me of your decision within 14 days after receiving this letter.

-King Furry."

"Sage of Six Paths. A cultural exchange between our two continents hasn't happened since the Leaf's foundation. Are you going to accept his proposal?" Shizune asked.

"I'd be dumb not to. Send in teams 7,8,9 and 10. Lets see which of them want to go." Kakashi ordered.

"Yes, sir." Shizune said as she quickly excused herself and ran towards the bird keep to send for the Hokage's requested teams.

Kakashi was left alone in his office with his thought. He already knew which team he wanted to send, he just wasn't sure if they would agree.

After an hour had passed, all 4 teams were now present in his small office.

"Now Naruto, before you get all excited. This isn't some high profile mission for you all." Kakashi started.

"That's okay, Kakashi-sensei. It's the price we pay for peace." Naruto spoke dutifully. "It's natural that we'd get less missions."

"Yeah, tell that to my landlord..." Kiba growled.

"What was that, dog breath!?" Naruto snapped, reverting back to his immature self.

"Hush up, Baka! And be respectful in front of our Hokage!" Sakura lectured.

"This is something far more interesting." Kakashi said, earning the undivided attention of everyone.

"I received a letter from King Furry himself, proposing a once in a life time opportunity to those who wish to partake in it. I will select two candidates from the 12 of you and send you on an extended leave of absence to the Great Dragon Continent under the Cultural Exchange Act."

"No way. We received contact from the dragon continent?" Kiba said in awe.

"That's correct, Kiba. However, there are stipulations to this. two of you are to live among them for a certain time frame. For how long, the letter didn't say. You must also attend a high school to better understand the culture by working with peers of your own age. All expenses are paid for by the King himself. You can choose between West City or Satan City." Kakashi said.

"Satan City? You mean they actually named a city after Hercule? Everyone knows he's a big fraud." Ino said.

"Here, perhaps. But there, obviously they worship him." Kakashi replied.

"So they worship an idiot because they don't know any better? And you want to know if we'd want to live in their society?" Shikamaru asked.

"Don't we do that already?" Sai pointed out as he stared at Naruto; the universally regarded hero of the 4th Shinobi World War.

"Naruto may be an idiot, but at least he's an honest idiot and he actually did heroic deeds. We can't say the same for Hercule." Kakashi corrected.

"Hey, I'm right here you know." Naruto pouted.

"You're being complemented so don't spoil it." Sakura scolded.

"Yes, Ma'am." He said shyly. Even as the undisputed strongest Shinobi in the world, he was still a little puppy dog at his old teammate's feet. Something most of his friends found very amusing.

"But its so obvious! How does a man claim to have the power to stop Buu when he waits until we're all dead and gone and then brought back to do anything about it? Then, miraculously somewhere off world, he kills Buu and he's a hero. That makes no sense." Shikamaru protested.

"If you remember, he made the same claim about Cell as well, when the tapes clearly see a young boy fighting him before the camera cut off." Sai interjected.

"Well one of you can ask him that once you get there." Kakashi stated. "Until then I still have to decide who that will be."

"Well, count me out. As awesome as it would be to live for a while on another continent, I'd rather play Shogi with Naruto than live with a bunch of sheep. No offense, buddy." Shikamaru said.

"What is this? Roast Naruto day?" The blond hero stated.

"It will be if you don't shut up..." Sakura growled.

"You're unusually tense today, Sakura. What's up?" Kakashi asked.

"Nothing Lord Hokage. It is just that you pulled me off during a very busy day at the hospital, so if we could wrap this up I would appreciate it." Sakura explained exasperated.

"I see. My apologies. Well, what does the rest of you think?" Kakashi asked.

"Forget it. I got my own things to tend here." Ino said firmly.

"Same. I've got troublesome clan stuff to deal with." Shikamaru stated. 'Plus, I can't miss out when Temari comes to visit.'

"Well if my teammates aren't going then I've got no reason to go." Choji added. 'Plus I don't want to miss out on seeing Karui.' Choji thought giddily.

"I need to keep up on my training and I'm sure I won't be allowed to do that around so many inexperienced people." Lee said.

"I'll stay here if Lee is staying." Tenten spoke up. 'Someone has got to keep him in line.'

"I also have clan matters to attend to." Neji said.

"Same here." Hinata spoke up.

"Akamaru is having puppies. So I can't go." Kiba stated.

"I don't want to go." Shino stated.

"WHAT?! But I thought Akamaru was a boy?!" Naruto exclaimed.

"With his mate! He's going to be a father, Fox Brat!" Kiba exclaimed.

"Oh... mybad..." Naruto said sheepishly.

"Idiot..." Sakura sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. 'I can't believe I want to marry this idiot.'

'Wait, what was that? I know I didn't hear that correctly.' Inner countered.

'Where have you been? I've felt this way ever since the war ended.' Sakura thought without a moment's hesitation.

'Well, sorry. Getting killed kinda scared me shitless.'

'And it put some things into perspective for me.' Sakura thought as she reminisced about that fateful day.

She had just woken up from the genjutsu Sasuke had placed her under, where she experienced the sensation of him stabbing her in the chest over and over. Kakashi explained to her that Naruto and Sasuke were in the process of having their final battle. She could hear the explosions even from over a hundred miles away.

She wasted no time dashing towards them, desperate to stop their meaningless squabble and save the both of them. When she finally caught up to them they were lying on their backs. The both of them bleeding out from losing both their dominant arms.

As if that weren't bad enough, at that moment a shower of pink death came hurling towards them out of nowhere. Sakura could on watch in horror as both Naruto and Sasuke had their hearts' pierced by the deadly energy beams. For all of two seconds, time slowed to a crawl. Sakura was left in a state of limbo. Wondering if her teammates were alive or dead. She couldn't accept that both were dead. So she pondered which of the two she would rather have live in exchange for the other.

Naruto?

Or Sasuke?

Then one of the pink bolts struck her in the chest, and she fell flat on her face, dead. In her last moments, she couldn't help but remember fondly that if Naruto were still alive at that moment he would have probably pushed her out if the way, sacrificing himself for her. As he so often did.

'So... You finally came to your senses after all this time.' Inner smirked.

'Yup. And it only took the death of my entire team. Plus, the human race.' Sakura thought.

'Yea... that could have gone better...' Inner said. 'Anyway, why haven't you asked him out? You know how long he's been waiting for- Oh... he's still mad about... that...' Inner thought.

'The Iron country confession? Yeah, probably...' Sakura thought sadly. 'I mean, yea I was lying then, but I wouldn't be now. Not that he would be able to tell the difference... He seems to be dead set on believing that I only love Sasuke, but he needs to learn that peoples feelings change in time. I'm hoping that we both get to go so I can change his way of thinking.' Sakura replied.

"Sakura, did you hear me?" Kakashi asked.

"Huh? What? Sorry, I got distracted." Sakura said in embarrassment, knowing that she was now the one caught not paying attention.

'Hmm...' Kakashi said to himself as an idea popped into his head. "I said that I'm making you my successor as Hokage."

"Yeah right." Sakura replied instantly.

"I'm being serious." Kakashi lied convincingly.

"As if I'd believe anyone else but Naruto could be your successor." Sakura said with conviction.

'Damn... She's gotten wise to me...' Kakashi thought. "Well, you caught me. What I really said is that I have chosen for you and Naruto to go, since everyone else declined." Kakashi said.

"Sounds good to me." Sakura replied. 'SHANNARO!' She cheered on the inside.

'DAMN FUCKING STRAIGHT!' Inner cheered as well.

Sakura on the outside kept up a monotone face.

"Ok you two. There is a ferry cruise leaving for the Dragon continent from a port in Wave country in 4 days' time. It takes 3 days to reach the coast, so I recommend the two of you get plenty of rest tonight and head out first thing in the morning. Are there any questions?" Kakashi spoke.

"Uh, which city are we going to?" Naruto asked.

"Oh right... Which one do you want? I hear that Satan City has a high crime rate and I'm more than certain their police forces would love to have a pair of Leaf Shinobi on their force." Kakashi said.

"What does West city have to offer?" Sakura asked.

"West city is home to the most richest person in the world, Dr Briefs as well as his business, Capsule Corporation. Sadly, their schooling system is... lacking compared to Orange Star High School in Satan City. But what Satan City is missing the most is good medical care. They have an understaffed hospital that needs some serious attention."

"Oh we are definitely going to Satan city then. If I have to attend one more high society fundraiser I am going to saw my own arm off." Naruto stated. Earning him another slap upside the head from Sakura.

"Don't say that! You're lucky that whatever brought us all back to life gave you your arm back!" Sakura scolded. "Anyway, I agree with Naruto. If they have understaffed medical facilities then they are going to need my help." Sakura said seriously.

"Then it's settled. I'll send word to King Furry that you two will be attending Orange Star High come the winter semester." Kakashi smiled through his mask.

The two nodded with smiles on their faces.

"You two will more than likely be gone for some years. Not weeks or months, years. So, pack up everything you wanna take with you and say your goodbyes. Dismissed."

The both of them went wide eyed. 'Years?' They thought. No one said anything about years. Nevertheless, they had already both agreed to it. The two of them gave a respectful bow and went outside the office to greet their friends.

"Shizune..." Kakashi said.

"Yes my lord?"

"Is that new telecommunication system up and working yet?"

"Yes, sir. It just came online earlier today."

"Good. Have the operator patch me to King Furry." Kakashi ordered.

"Yes sir." Shizune said. She turned to leave, but Kakashi stopped her.

"One last thing..." Kakashi said.

"Sir?"

"Have you ever heard of the legend of the Dragon Balls?"

"Yes... I have. But what does that have to do with anything?"

"I think they aren't just a mere legend."

"Ok, what does this have to do with anything?" Shizune asked.

"Don't you still wonder how we came back to life?"

"I thought we all agreed it was by the powers of the Sage of Six Paths?"

"That was just to keep suspicions low. But, I believe that the Dragon Balls are real and that someone used them to wish back our planet and everyone killed by Buu. If the Sage of Six Paths was the one who brought us all back, then why couldn't he have prevented this from happening in the first place?" Kakashi pondered.

"What do you mean?" Shizune asked.

"Simple. Legend has it that the Dragon Balls can grant any wish once all seven are collected. What if that wish was to revive our race and our world?"

"One would have to wonder how anyone accomplished that after the world was destroyed." Shizune pointed out.

"Yea, that's true... It was just something I was thinking about. Anyway, get to patching me through to King Furry."

"Right away, Hokage-sama." Shizune said as she turned around to leave the office. Since the two were now alone she put a bit more swish in her step. Something Kakashi was quite pleased with and made him regret his loss of Sharingan that would have helped him appreciate Shizune's fine ass in more detail.

'Damn.' Kakashi thought.

That night, Sakura was packing up her things from her two bedroom apartment she shared with Ino.

"I can't believe this. We save up for months, finally we get a place all to ourselves with no adult supervision and you end up going on a stupidly long mission!" Ino complained.

"You could always have Sai keep you company." Sakura teased.

"Yeah, true. At least now I won't have to sneak him in here behind hour back." Ino sighed.

"I knew it!"

Ino blushed heavily. "Ooops..."

"Whatever. Have Sai take my room if he wants it. I won't need it for at least a year." Sakura stated as she finished backing away her swimwear.

"And to think. You'll have Naruto to yourself." Ino teased.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Sakura said.

"Don't play dumb with me, Forehead. I can read you like an open book even without any of my clan's techniques." Ino smirked as she leaned in close to get a good view of Sakura's expressions.

"I have no-"

"Spare me... Ever since the 4th war, I saw a change in you. I see the way you look at Naruto and it was the same look you always had given Sasuke."

Sakura blushed furiously as she tried to turn away.

"You love him, don't you?" Ino asked softly.

Sakura's eyes darted around the room, trying to find a way out of this line of questioning, but there was no getting around it.

"Yes..." She admitted.

"I knew it!" Ino cried.

"I swear to whatever God there is above us, if you tell anyone, I'll shove a Rasengan up your ass!" Sakura threatened.

"What? Are you going to get Naruto to do it? Jeez Forehead, I never realized you would be so okay with an open relationship like that." Ino smirked a complete succubus like grin.

Sakura lifted her hand up and formed the aforementioned technique in her hand, completely flooring Ino.

"Naruto taught it to me while you and your team were away for a week. He says I had it down pat after a few days, but I trained for a whole week to make sure." Sakura gloated.

"Holy shit. He taught you that? Wait, did you just ask him to teach you to try and get closer to him?" Ino deduced.

"Well, yes and no. He wanted to teach me it for some time, but we were so busy that we never go the time. Shortly after you left, we got some free time and he trained me." Sakura explained.

"He wanted to teach you... So why didn't you end up jumping him like any good little student would for her teacher?"

"Because I'm not a sex craved pervert like you are." Sakura said, but then blushed when she remembered the moment when she successfully created her first Rasengan. "I... did kiss him though..."

"You did WHAT!?" Ino shouted. She grabbed Sakura by the shoulders and shook her violently, hoping that it would make the details come out faster.

"It was just a peck on the cheek, nothing more!" Sakura said as she shook Ino off.

"And this still wasn't enough to penetrated his thick skull?!" Ino exclaimed. "The old Naruto I used to know would have danced up and down the streets that you kissed him on the cheek. Why haven't I heard about this sooner?"

"Because he still thinks I'm in love with Sasuke..." Sakura said sadly.

"Seriously? After what he put you two through? After what he did to you? I was ready to hunt him down and strangle him after you told me what happened while we were under that genjutsu. And yet Naruto is still dumb enough to believe you still cling to that dumb childhood crush?" Ino held her forehead.

"No one accused him of being bright." Sakura said simply. "But, I'm hoping this trip will make him realize that he's the one I love now."

"If it doesn't, we can always go with Operation Primal Instincts." Ino suggested.

"Piggy, you are not locking me and Naruto in a room with a can of vapor aphrodisiac." Sakura dead panned.

"Awe, you're no fun..." Ino pouted. "Just make sure you keep his eyes on your prize. I hear that Orange Star High School as the one and only Videl Satan attending it."

"I don't know who that is and I don't care. There isn't a woman or kunoichi alive that I'm going to give up Naruto too." Sakura said firmly.

"If you say so. Just so you know, She's the number 1 most desirable girl in school and famous by her own deeds as a crime fighter, a very skilled martial artist and being the daughter of Hercule." Ino added.

"WHAT?! HERCULE'S DAUGHTER? THAT VIDEL SATAN!?" Sakura screamed.

"Yes, That Videl Satan." Ino deadpanned. "The last name didn't tip you off?"

"Honestly, I was thinking about Operation Primal Instincts." Sakura blushed a deep shade of red.

"Works every time. Trust me. How do you think I snatched Sai?"

Sakura remembered that evening fondly. She and Ino were at a bar celebrating the end of the week long party that celebrated the end of the war when they ran into Naruto and Sai having a boy's night out. A few martinis and a round of dares had Ino walk straight up to Sai and say, "Hey Sai! You're my boyfriend now!" Like they were back on the academy playground. In the end, Sai agreed, Ino got her boyfriend, and Sakura got an excuse to crash at Naruto's place for the night. Not that the lovable idiot had done anything. He had even offered Sakura his own bed. Which she accepted after complaining that it was cold that night and leaving the bedroom door open. Naruto then returned with an extra blanket for Sakura.

"Yo Forehead!" Ino snapped her fingers in front of Sakura's face to try and regain her attention.

"Sorry... Was remembering that night." Sakura said fondly.

"Well you weren't there for the last part, but trust me when I say that Operation Primal Instincts was a complete success." Ino smirked as she reminisced about the same, albeit much more fun evening.

"I was remembering when I crashed at Naruto's place." Sakura said absentmindedly.

"And how did that go?" Ino said in a sing song voice, even if she already knew the answer.

"Not as fun as your sleepover, I'm sure." Sakura said simply.

"You mean... You two..."

"He offered me his bed and gave me extra blankets because I was cold. Like a true gentleman, he slept on the couch even though, not going to lie, I did ask him to share the bed. He refused... Kinda wish he didn't..."

"Sweet Kami. They don't make them that thick anymore. At least I hope not." Ino said in awe that anyone could be so oblivious or even so restrained.

"No, Ino... I just wanted him to keep me warm and to hold me... It actually kinda hurt when he refused."

"Hey now..." Ino wrapped up her BFF in a friendly hug. "We both know he didn't mean to hurt you. Two things I know about Naruto is that he always keeps his word and he would never intentionally hurt you, Forehead." Ino soothed as she rubbed Sakura's back in a comforting manner.

"I know... It's... Sometimes I often wonder if he still hates me over the Land of Iron incident."

"He doesn't-"

"He does. He said it himself that he hated people who lie to themselves. At the time, I was lying to myself and to him..."

"So then why do you still want him now?" Ino asked.

"Because... Unlike anyone else, save for you, he has always been there for me. He's always been kind to me and what made me realize that, was the day we all died. He may have hated me for lying to him like that, but I plan to make him see that I'm not lying now." Sakura said with conviction.

"Hmmm...your confession needs work. No matter, you can work on it during your trip over there." Ino said as she threw in sunscreen for her pale ass friend.

"You know I don't sunbath." Sakura said.

"Well maybe you should start. Summer is just around the corner and you don't want to be the whitest girl on campus." Ino said, quoting from a movie they both saw about the college life of a Dragon continent girl.

"Maybe I'm content in looking the way I do. Besides, I packed a one piece and unlike you, I don't like going around and showing off my... Well... I would say goods, but..." Sakura said, to prove her point, she puffed out her chest to show it almost as flat as a washboard.

"Well then maybe it's time to stop being content and to start putting a little oomph into your goods. Starting by busting out the big guns." Ino said gesturing towards Sakura's ass(ets). "That is, if you want to win that blond idiot's heart once and for all."

"He's not someone who goes after a girl simply for looks, you know." Sakura said. "Listen... I know somewhere deep inside him he's still in love with me. I know for a fact that didn't change."

"Fine, I'm just saying you could help make pulling that other side out of him that much easier by showing that you're interested. You know how thick headed he can be."

"Oh I know. But, I think I have a plan on how to get him."

"Oh, and what is that pray tell?"

"That's my secret, Piggy." Sakura said as she winked.

Sakura then made her way to the shower that they both shared.

"What? Come on! Tell me!" Ino begged.

"I'll tell you only if it works." Sakura said back as she closed the door.

"Darn it Forehead, I'm trying to help you out on this one. I can't do that if you won't tell me what your plans are!" Ino shouted from the other side of the bathroom door.

"Fine..." Sakura said as she opened the door for Ino to listen while she got into the shower. They had both done things like this in the past so it didn't bother the other in the slightest. "I plan to tell him during the ferry ride over to the Dragon Continent." Sakura said as she removed her blouse.

"That's it?"

"No, not really." Sakura added as she removed her skirt. "I know he's going to bring up the whole, 'you're in love with Sasuke' BS and I'm going to tell him exactly how I feel about that. How could a man that you supposedly love, be so cold hearted as to put you under a torture genjutsu like that? Stabbing me in my chest over and over and over and over..." Sakura sobbed as she painful memories returned. "I can't love that monster for what he not only did to me, but everyone else..."

"I understand Forehead." Ino said sadly.

Sakura took in a deep breath to relax herself. "I'll tell him that before we died, my last thoughts were of him and how he meant so much to me. He is my Sunshine, the reason to continue fighting... To make him understand that I mean what I'm saying, I'm going to do something I should have done in Iron. I'm going to kiss him properly, not a peck on the cheek either. I have a feeling that would work better than simply saying 'I love you' and then hugging him."

Ino pondered that for a second. "That could honestly work..."

"He'd have to really be thick headed not to get the picture after that." Sakura added as she removed her bra. Her A-cup breasts free to the world. "And... I seriously need to do something about these..." Sakura said glumly.

"If the gossip ring is correct, he doesn't like big boobs so you're fine." Ino pointed out.

"Really? That's unusual for a guy."

"This is Naruto we are talking about; the unpredictable maverick ninja." Ino reminded her.

"Yea... Good point..." Sakura said in realization. "Well, I'm sure they'll fill out. I mean, look at Lady Tsunade. She was as flat as I am and now look at her. Fucking E cup."

"That's right Forehead. Don't you ever give up hope." Ino mock pouted as she patted her best friend on the shoulder.

"Thanks." Sakura smiled. She moved away to turn on the shower and waited for the temperature to be just right before removing her final article of clothing. "I'm pretty nervous about it is all..." Sakura added.

"Well just remember that we'll all be cheering you on in spirit. Except for Hinata. She'll probably curse your very soul once I tell her what you plan on doing."

"Just... Wait a week before you tell her. I don't need her chas- YOW! TOO HOT!" Sakura said as she retracted her hand and quickly turned down the temp. "Anyway, I don't need her chasing after us, which she'll more than likely do."

"Oh don't you worry. I have 'some' control when it comes to gossip."

"Only 'some'?" Sakura smirked as she stepped into the shower.

"I've improved." Ino defended.

"Yea... you have actually." Sakura agreed. "Ow, dammit..."

"What?"

"My left shoulder is stiff."

"Do you want a massage?"

"Yea, so long as you don't try to rape me like before." Sakura joked.

"Well use that line on Naruto, bitch. I ain't gay." Ino mused as she exited the bathroom.

"Then why did you try to fondle me before?"

"That was before I got a boyfriend."

"I was only teasing, you know." Sakura laughed.

"Yeah yeah, so was I. Now go wash up, Forehead. You stink and Naruto isn't going to want to sleep with you when you stink. Unless he is into smells like Kiba."

"Fuck you!" Sakura called.

"Hey, that's Sai's job, remember?" Ino called back.

"Ha ha..."

The girls finished packing for Sakura and then met up with their other girl friends for one last farewell bar hopping night.

Meanwhile; the boy's decided to have a night in to brush up on their poker.

"Neji I swear to God if I catch you using your Byakugan again you'll have to fork over half your winnings." Choji ranted. He was on a rare winning streak and he wasn't going to be done in by some cheap kekkei genkai now.

"Hey, I'm not the one using Akamaru as a Lookie Lou. And yes, I did notice subtle differences in his barking." Neji said, accusing Kiba. Who just whistled innocently.

"You're all wasting your time. I'm gonna win this time for sure." Naruto said with conviction.

"Not unless you can beat my Royal Flush." Sai said dumbly.

"I'm out." Lee said. Having learned last round that Sai wasn't quite at the emotional level to know how to lie.

"Me too." Shino said. Soon all the other guys followed suit.

"Ha, it was a pair of twos." Sai smirked as he showed his hand of twin red diamonds.

"You sonofabitch..." Kiba cursed.

"I believe that's your thing, dog breath." Sai replied as he raked in the winnings.

"So, Naruto. You're going to be alone with Sakura for quite some time. You finally gonna make a move on her?" Shikamaru asked.

"Oh come on Shikamaru. Why do you have to go and bring that up?" Kiba groaned.

"Yeah, you know he is just going to deny any feels for Sakura and be all like, "I don't know what you guys are talking about. Her der. Sakura-chan loves Sasuke-teme. Not me, the hero of the god damn ninja world." Choji said in a high pitched imitation of Naruto's voice.

"You can all go to Hell." Naruto grumbled as he took another swing of his root beer with added beer.

"Yea I know he is. What I'm trying to get at is why?" Shikamaru said.

"What do you mean why? It's true. Sakura-chan loves Sasuke and always will."

"Bullshit." Shikamaru said.

"Come on Naruto. We've had this conversation before and it's getting old. Just admit that you like Sakura and go do something about it." Lee said, taking a sip of his non-alcoholic beer.

["Even if I did do something about it, she'll just reject me as she always has."

"Don't be too sure about that, Naruto." Shikamaru said. "Ever since the war ended, Sakura has been avoiding Sasuke like the plague."

"And we'd be dumb not to see how much closer she's getting to you as well." Lee added.

"She's just nervous around him like she always has been. As for her and me. It's only because we're good friends. Nothing more." Naruto rationalized.

"Naruto, as your youthful rival and former rival for Sakura-chan's heart. I just want to say that you make me wish I could drink." Lee said as he downed his whole bottle of kiddie beer.

"Here here." Kiba said as he took a sip of his own lager.

"She's afraid of him, Naruto." Sai said. "Ever since Sasuke used that genjutsu on her, she's afraid to go near him."

"That was just a mistake he made. He wasn't in the right mindset and he wanted to keep her out of our fight." Naruto defended. Meanwhile, Sai dealt everyone a new hand.

"Sai, go tell Ino to tell Sakura to jump this idiot's bones on their trip. It's the only way he'll see reason." Shikamaru said as he lit his cigar like he was Don Shikamaru and he just put out a mob hit.

"Knowing Ino, she probably already suggested that." Sai admitted as he started the betting with 10 ryo.

"Yosh, and I'll ask Tenten to double team with Ino to get Sakura to agree." Lee proclaimed.

"And I'll keep Hinata occupied so that she won't get in the way." Kiba volunteered.

"How? By throwing yourself at her?" Shino stated bluntly.

"Sasuke has a better chance of being our next Hokage than you do of getting with Hinata." Neji said firmly.

"Hey, screw you both." Kiba defended as Akamaru snickered to himself behind his master.

"Screw all of you. Don't do any of that." Naruto said firmly. "I don't want to risk my friendship with Sakura over this dilution you have that she suddenly switched over from loving Sasuke to loving me."

"Fine, be that way. It's your turn to deal anyway." Shikamaru stated.

"You know, it's funny..." Kiba started. "You outright said to Sakura that you hated people who lie to themselves. Yet, here you are, doing the same thing."

"I need some air." Naruto said as he slammed down his cards facing up to show that he folded. He had a Straight Flush too.

Naruto could hear their laughter behind him as he leapt outside to the balcony and then to the rooftop of his new apartment. The old one having been destroyed after the Pain attack. For his services in the war and after the defeat of Pain, he was granted this luxury apartment on the top floor. He had only just moved in a few months ago.

"They're all delusional... There is no way Sakura-chan loves me..." Naruto said to himself.

'Is that was you truly believe, kit?' Kurama said.

'It's what I have to believe. All my hard work, all my sacrifices, all my time spent trying to bring Sasuke back. I finally do and he just leaves on some stupid redemption mission. And Sakura doesn't even get the guy she has always wanted? What was it all for?!'

'It was for you to keep your promise to her. And to bring your brother back home. Which you did. Despite all the odds. Despite him wanting to kill you. You brought him back.'

'Even so, he still won't give Sakura the time of day.'

'And you're surprised by this why? He never cared about her in the first place and he even tried to kill her. Or were you not present for that?'

'I just...'

'See here you unbearably ignorant child. I've said all I can say about the matter. Your friends have said all they can say. Sooner or later it is going to come down to you wanting to go further with your pink vixen or not. So until you decide, I'm going to take a long nap. Wake me when you decide to grow some balls.'

Naruto had to stop and think. It couldn't be true... could it? Could Sakura really have given up on Sasuke? Or was this another lie like before?

'Could she really have changed her mind?' Naruto thought.

"LEE WRONG DRINK!" Neji shouted as the roof of Naruto's apartment exploded.

"YOOOOOOUUUUTH!" Lee bellowed.

"Ah fuck me..." Naruto groaned as he went back in to help subdue Lee.

Faster than anyone would have liked, the night turned to day and the whole of the Konoha 12 met outside the village gates to say goodbye to two of their comrades.

"Don't have too much fun you two." Ino teased.

"We won't. We've got to go back to school." Naruto joked.

"Yeah, that's got to be troublesome." Shikamaru stated.

"Not if you're going to school with one of the worlds famous hotties." Kiba said slyly.

"Kiba!" Sakura blushed.

"I wasn't talking about you." Kiba said respectfully. "I was talking about Videl Satan."

"Wait, who?" Naruto asked.

"Videl Satan. Don't tell me you've never heard of her." Shino said as he pulled out a magazine on famous teens. Right there on the cover was Videl Satan; wear nothing but a two piece UFC fighter outfit. The photo showed her midway through kicking a massive punching bag. Just from the photo Naruto could tell that she was determined, powerful, and most of all, sexy.

"Damn. She's definitely hot." Naruto commented absentmindedly.

"She is also the only daughter of Hercule Satan."

"That blowhard?" Naruto asked.

"The very same." Shino confirmed. "Videl however has been the undefeated champion in the World Martial Art's Tournament Junior division 5 years running before she moved on to the adult tournament."

Sakura leaned over to get a good look at what Naruto was staring at. Her temper rose when she realized that his eyes seemed to be focusing on Videl's butt in those bicycle shorts.

"Meh, I could take her." She commented nonchalantly.

"I don't know. It says in her Bio that she was trained by Hercule himself as well as Son Goku, his son, Son Gohan and Roshi." Kiba read off.

"THE Son Goku and THE Roshi?! Damn... She has to be as tough as nails..." Naruto said in awe.

'Fuck...' Sakura cursed to herself.

"The very same." Shino said.

"And just get a load of that caboose." Kiba leered as he stood next to Naruto.

"I know..." Naruto said as he started to drool.

'No... This is exactly what I was afraid of...' Sakura thought sadly.

'The fuck are you doing getting mopey? Get angry!' Inner stated.

'I...' Sakura was going to agree, but then a new idea came into her head. 'I have an idea... It's crazy, but it should work.'

'Just don't have it be too crazy. Pig can only mentally keep Hinata passive for so long.'

'I was gonna lip lock him right in front of everyone, but I forgot about Hinata... Dammit...'

Then Sakura thought about it for a minute. What could Hinata really do to her now that she has her masters strength? 'You know what? Fuck it. Let her be mad.' Sakura said as she got herself ready.

Sakura lunged at Naruto without thinking about it and wrapped her arms around his skinny frame, burying her face in his chest.

'Wait, skinny frame?' Sakura thought.

"Hey Teme! When did you get here?" Naruto said gleefully.

Sakura slowly looked up to see it was Sasuke. Suddenly she panicked as flashbacks of the genjutsu haunted her mind and she started to hyperventilate. She quickly backed away from him, like he was a hot flame.

"Hey Dope. Sakura." He said turning to his other female teammate.

"Sasuke..." Sakura said coldly, which was picked up by everyone but Naruto, who was actually happy to see the last Uchiha back in town.

"What are you doing here brother? I thought you were gonna be gone for a couple more months?"

"I decided to come back early, but it seems you two are already leaving on another long term mission." Sasuke explained.

"We are, and we really must be going." Sakura insisted, trying to push Naruto down the pathway, but the blond proved resistant.

"Hey Teme. We're headed east towards the coast. Maybe you can join us on our journey for old times sake?" Naruto offered, much to the irritation of Sakura and the others.

"No I'm sorry. I only planned on resupplying here and meeting up with you two for a few days before heading back out." Sasuke stated.

"Fine by me. Lets go." Sakura urged.

"Sakura-chan. Why are you in such a rush?" Naruto asked.

"It's a long run and I'd like very much not to be late and miss our ferry." She lied. Which thankfully Naruto bought wholesale.

"Sakura." Sasuke called out. "Please wait a minute."

"Yes, Sasuke...?" Sakura asked hesitantly.

"I needed to ask something of you. Just a moment of your time." Sasuke said cryptically.

"W-what is it?" 'Oh god, he's not going to-'

"Can you please heal my ankle? I slipped it a few days ago while scaling a mountain and it's been bothering me ever since." Sasuke dead panned.

"You know where the hospital is, limp your ass there." Sakura spat.

"Woah Sakura, that seems a bit harsh." Naruto thought out loud.

"Zip it." Sakura said back.

"Besides, the hospital staff aren't as kind to me ever since Dope here brought me back. Even if I wanted to, you're better than any other doctor in the Leaf besides the last surviving Senju." Sasuke added.

"Well, you should have thought about that before you went chasing after Orochimaru." Sakura said bitterly.

Now Naruto was growing concerned. Never had he seen Sakura this mad at Sasuke before.

"You know what? I can heal you, Sasuke-kun." Ino stated with a bitter overtone.

Sasuke looked over at Ino, unaware that she was no longer a fangirl of his.

"Very well."

"Lets go, Naruto." Sakura ordered before turning to leave, not looking back at Sasuke.

"Hmmm? Ok, Sakura-chan. We'll see you around Teme!" Naruto called back as he and Sakura began walked down the dirt road.

the rest of the group all cheered and waved goodbye until the blond and the pinkette were out of sight. Leaving the last Uchicha alone with the remainder of the Konoha 12.

"Why was she so mad?" Sasuke asked, which enraged Ino.

"Don't tell me Naruto still hasn't gotten with her." He stated.

"You know, you are a real piece of work." Ino spat. "You tried to kill her and you tortured her and you expect that she's going to forgive you after all of that?"

"I don't have to explain myself to any of you. I told you all back on the battlefield that I don't care what any of you think." Sasuke stated bluntly.

"And that is why Sakura has given up on you. Yet poor Naruto still thinks she's in love with you. All things considered, I'm glad I moved on as well."

"So Sakura has moved on? Good. Now the Dope can finally get with her already." Sasuke said as he wandered over towards the village entrance to sign in.

'Sakura... Please get Naruto to see clearly, that you do love him... For both of your sakes...' Ino thought.

Later that evening further down the road, Naruto and Sakura had traveled in silence. Sakura had hoped that Naruto would spark some kind of conversation, but he never did.

The two made their way towards the secret Shinobi crossroad signs. A signpost made exclusively for Leaf Shinobi to take the most direct route through the trees to their destination. Written in a language only the ninjas of the Leaf village were taught.

"We're headed to the port in Wave country, right Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as he read the confusing Japanese lettering.

"Yes we are." Sakura said simply.

"Alright, hop on my back." Naruto said out of the blue.

"Wait, what?" Sakura asked. She wasn't sure she heard that right, but she hoped she did.

"Hop on my back. I can get us both there faster if I do the running and give you a piggy back ride." Naruto said with a friendly smile on his face.

'Thank you, Kami.' Sakura said in her head. "Oh okay." She said simply.

Naruto took off his backpack and slung it around his front. He then took a knee in front of Sakura as if to offer her a seat on her carriage.

Sakura accepted as she wrapped her arms loosely around Naruto's neck. Naruto then picked up her legs, one in each arm. At that moment, Sakura couldn't help but snuggle into his back.

"Wow Sakura-chan, have you gotten lighter?" Naruto wondered aloud.

"I removed my training weights." Sakura said simply.

"Oh, well." Naruto then transformed into Kyuubi mode. His entire body burst into golden flames and Sakura found herself emitting her own Kyuubi cloak. Her entire body was surrounded by an orange haze with fox ears and a tail. Giving Sakura and warm and secure feeling.

"Ready Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked while looking back at her. Sakura could see his eyes turned to gold and his pupils slit.

"Mmhmm.." Sakura said softly as she continued to embrace the warmth from Naruto.

"Sakura?" Naruto asked again.

"What? Oh, yea I'm ready."

"Alright!" Naruto cheered. He dug his heel back into the dirt and shot out into the woods like a cannon.

It was no state secret that Naruto was now not only the most powerful Shinobi alive, he was also the fastest. With his Kyuubi mode activated, he could sprint at unheard of speeds seemingly for hours on end. It was the same skill that allowed him and his clones to reach all fronts of the last war all over the continent in under a day. From the beaches of Lightning country to the deserts of Wind country. All the while Sakura couldn't help but notice how smooth of a ride she was on. The trees seemed to warp around Naruto rather than him running past them.

"Damn, Naruto! I knew you were fast but this is nuts!" Sakura exclaimed.

"I know right?! I didn't even notice I was moving any faster in this form until someone pointed it out to me. I mean all my senses are sped up so it feels like I'm running as fast as I used to!" Naruto shouted back.

"Just go easy, okay? This is my first time." Sakura said back, then immediately blushed. "I-I mean, my first time going this fast!" She added nervously.

"No problem, Sakura-chan." Naruto replied before an idea came to mind. "Actually, hold on tight, Sakura. I've got this one technique I've been meaning to try."

"What are you-"

On Naruto's next moment touching down on the tree branches he cocked his legs in like a loaded spring, then leapt 300 feet into the air. Sakura could only hold on tight as the multi-colored fall trees vanished beneath her gaze as she found herself propelled high above the tree tops.

"WHAAAAA!" Sakura cried as the wind filled her lungs, rendering her unable to speak.

For a brief instant Sakura took in the view that surrounded her. The early morning sun had only just peaked out from behind the far off hills on the horizon. Cascading a bright shining light of pink and orange down upon the multi-colored autumn leaves. It was breath taking. Until Sakura also realized that the two of them were falling, and Naruto wasn't moving.

"U-uh... N-N-Naruto... There is a little thing called gravity!" Sakura said in fear.

Naruto didn't answer her. He just stayed completely still, frozen as a statue while the treeline became closer and closer.

"NARUTO!" Sakura shouted into his ear.

The blond finally opened his eyes and his body took on a new form. Instead of being completely covered with bright, burning chakra. All the golden flames retreated back into his clothes that warped into a stylish jacket with black pants, black undershirt, and black fingerless gloves that Sakura hadn't seen since the 4th War.

'He just went Golden Sage mode!' She realized.

As soon as she thought that, Naruto righted himself midair and shot upward, just in time to fly over the approaching treetops.

Once they were at a steady elevation of 200 feet, Naruto looked back at Sakura with a shit eating grin on his face, and only then could Sakura confirm that he was in Sage mode based upon the horizontal bar that had been added to his fox eyes. Making his pupils look like crosses.

"It worked!" He whooped for joy.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again mister!" Sakura scolded.

"Sorry Sakura-chan. A few more feet and I would have scrapped the idea, but I had to see if I could enter Sage mode while in midair. And as it turns out I can." He grinned.

"Yea well, next time warn me!" Sakura exclaimed. "You're lucky I love you..." She added under her breath absentmindedly that would have been barely audible to anyone else. But, thanks to Naruto's enhanced hearing, he heard every word, but chose not to react to it. Instead, he focused more on getting to their destination.

Thanks to Naruto's ability to fly, the two shinobi reached their destination by the end of the day, 2 days ahead of schedule.

"Wow... That was fast." Sakura said in awe.

Within the hour, the two of them had a hotel room for the next few days and had then split up to take care of some errands.

Sakura had chosen to pick up some basic necessities for dinner. She might not be the world's worst cook, but even she couldn't mess up a sandwich.

'Awesome. We've got everything we need to whip up a tasty meal that will be sure to get Naruto back on the right side of the friend zone with us. After that, we'll have 2 days of nothing to do bit grow closer and reenact the more interesting parts of Jiraiya's books.' Inner snickered to herself.

'All in due time, inner.' Sakura replied.

'More like overdue if you ask me.' Inner thought.

'Maybe...' Sakura thought back. She was interrupted when Naruto caught up to her.

"Sakura-chan. I have bad news and good news. Which do you want first?" Naruto said.

"Alright, bad news first." Sakura said.

"The ferry we were supposed to take was taken out of service due to improper moorings and it damaged the hull." Naruto said.

"Fuck... So, how do we get there?"

"That's the good news. I got in contact with King Furry and he has a Naval ship docked here that will take us to Amembo Island whenever we're ready to leave."

'FUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-' Inner screamed as Sakura tuned her out.

"Really? Wow, that's great." Sakura said, giving a fake smile that Naruto didn't pick up on.

"Its a warship. A destroyer escort called the USS Slater. I've already seen it at the docks and it puts every other warship we've been on to shame."

"That's not many of them..." Sakura said, trying to hold back her disappointment.

"Well anyway I've already cancelled the hotel reservation and paid them for the night. So let's go." Naruto said gleefully.

'Fuck me running...' Sakura mentally cursed.

'...UUUCK!' Inner finally finished.

"Oh, did you buy that for our dinner? Thanks Sakura-chan." Naruto pick a loaf of fresh bread, a few hunks of meat, a tomato, and a slice of cheese out of Sakura's grocery bag and started eating them as he walked.

'I... don't know how to react to that one...' Sakura thought in bewilderment.

"Sakura-chan?" Naruto said trying to get her attention. Sakura looked up and saw him giving her his biggest most playful smile. The smile that never failed to brighten her day.

"I wanted to say thank you so much for buying these. You've got a good eye for groceries." He complimented in his own little way.

"Uh.. Sure. N-no problem." Sakura replied.

Naruto smiled as he trotted along the main town road. His hands filled with food and on his back he carried both his and Sakura's backpack.

Sakura then slowly started to follow Naruto to the docks to board this supposed warship Naruto mentioned.

'What's so special about this warship I wonder?' Inner asked.

'Knowing the world we're going to, it could very well be tougher than any ship our... world... woah...' Sakura stopped mid thought when she got to see the harbor from her position. There were several sail ships there, but one in particular stood out from the rest. It was significantly smaller and was armed to the teeth with guns she had never seen. Multiple small caliber guns and four very large caliber guns mounted on the deck of the ship. A tower that sit in the center of the little ship and some kind of bar that spun on the top of the tower. But what set it apart from the others, it was completely metal.

"Holy..."

"Shit..." Naruto finished for her.

"You weren't kidding, Naruto... This puts any ship we have to shame..."

"I know right? It's so cool." Naruto said like a little kid.

"And its also one of our oldest ships." Said a man behind them.

The two shinobi turned to see a short blue cat man with glasses. Around the man stood several Naval officers as if he were important or something.

"You must be, Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki, correct?" The cat man asked.

"Yes, sir." Sakura confirmed.

"I'm King Furry. Pleased to meet you both." King Furry greeted.

The two shinobi them immediately stood at attention. "Sir!" Naruto and Sakura shouted.

"Hahaha! Now, now. You two can relax." King Furry laughed. "You two are our guests and you shall be treated as such."

"Thank you, sir." Sakura said, keeping up her respectful persona.

"So you're King Furry? You are...exactly how I imagined you'd be." Naruto admitted.

"Oh? Well, that's a first time I've ever had someone say that." King Furry chuckled. "I have arranged accommodations with Satan City officials. I have set you up with their most luxurious apartment that is completely paid for by myself. You have also received a full scholarship to Orange Star High School with all books and scholastic materials provided."

"Woah... Seriously?" Naruto said in disbelief.

"Yes, my boy. It is one of the best single bedroom apartments in the city."

"Woah, hold on. Single bedroom?" Sakura said.

"Yes... Is that a problem?" King Furry asked.

"Well yeah. We're not a couple. We need two bedrooms." Naruto stated, the hint of regret just barely noticeable on his voice.

"Oh... My apologies. The way your Hokage talked, I assumed you two were a couple." King Furry apologized.

'I wish...' Naruto thought to himself.

"I... Think we can manage." Sakura said, completely flooring Naruto.

"Huh? Are you sure, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, completely bewildered.

"The fact that he was able to do this much for us, it would be selfish to ask him for more now wouldn't it?" Sakura whispered.

"Oh, right..." Naruto said, disappointed that was the only reason why.

'Don't you remember what she said when you were flying? I'm certain there's more to what she's leading on.' Kurama stated.

'I mean...she could have meant that as friends...'

'As much as she was snuggling you and holding on to you like a life line, you honestly still think 'friends' is what's on her mind?'

'Do we have to talk about this now?'

'Hey, I'm just putting that out there. Not to mention her complete and utter disgust and hatred towards that Uchiha brat.'

Naruto's eyes went as wide as dinner plates. He had completely forgotten about that.

'Just think on that. I'm going back to sleep.' Kurama lied, in reality he was just going to keep observing, but stay silent until his host did something stupid.

"Well now! No time like the present, I always say. Let us embark." The King declared enthusiastically.

"Of course. Say, We've never seen a ship like this, but it looks like it could take on the entire Mist Navy." Sakura inquired.

"Ah, yes. The Slater is an old girl, for sure. Its been around for 72 years and still serves us well." King Furry said.

"72 years? Damn, that's older than the Old Man Hokage was."

"Old man? Oh. The Third. Yes, he was once a great friend of mine."

"You're kidding. We hardly ever hear from the Dragon continent. It seems like a stretch that you would know the Old Man." Naruto stated.

"Does the second Shinobi War ring a bell? Hiruzen specifically asked for our help during those times, but was kept out of your record books."

"Why?" Sakura asked.

"Believe it or not, The Leaf was fighting a losing battle and asked for military assistance from me. I'm not sure why, but it was requested by Hiruzen to keep our involvement secret. But enough about that. Let's get underway."

The trio was escorted up to the command deck where the Admiral was barking orders into the radio.

"Naruto! Look at the size of those cannons!" Sakura exclaimed as she pointed out the two forward cannons on the deck of the ship.

"Sweet sage... I could fit my entire arm in that..." Naruto said in amazement.

The two young adults continued to gawk at the impressive firepower of the Dragon Continent's navy, while King Furry chuckled at his young guests' antics.

'To think, these are the same two war heroes that Lord Kakashi wrote so colorfully about in his reports. Even at 17 they are far too young to be soldiers.' King Furry thought sadly. Out of all their cultural differences with ninjas. The one thing the King frowned upon most was the Shinobi nation's tolerance of child soldiers. Boys and girls as young as 4 were trained to be soldiers for hire by the time they were 12. They had no choice. It was their only primary education.

Frankly it disgusted King Furry.

"Sadly, the Slater's accommodations are not nearly as wonderful as the ones you will have when we reach Satan City." King Furry said.

"Hey, so long as we have a roof over our heads and bellies filled with dinner. We've got nothing to complain about." Naruto said simply. Sakura nodded in agreement and the both of them continued observing the mounted twin machine guns.

This was exactly what King Furry was talking about. He had campaigned his whole life to abolish poverty for youth throughout his territory. And yet these two were so humble. Any other children their age would be complaining about the lack of wifi available on deck, but they were satisfied with the most bare bones accommodations.

These children needed to learn how to be children, and he hoped that this trip would allow them to do just that.

"King Furry, Sir." A well decorated man said as he approached the group. "We are ready to get underway upon your orders."

"Excellent, Admiral. Lay in a course for Amembo Island, full speed." King Furry ordered.

"Aye sir. Helm, Start up the engines and set a course for Amembo Island, full speed." The Admiral said over his radio.

Shortly after, the 4 diesel engines roared to life and a black cloud of smoke bellowed out of the exhaust exit.

Over the radio, the helm officer was going over his check list. 'Main power, full. Fuel levels, nominal. Main batteries online and operational. Anti-Aircraft system functional. Torpedo system normal. Radar and sonar online. Engines normal.'

"Take us out." The admiral ordered. Soon the ship started reversing out of its mooring and exiting the harbor.

"This ship doesn't use sails?" Naruto asked.

"Haha, no." King Furry chuckled. "This is powered by 4 diesel internal combustion engines and two screws under the ship. It steers in a similar way to a sail ship, though."

"How fast is it?" Sakura asked.

"Originally, it could only go up to 21 knots, but we upgraded the engines and can now travel at 58 knots." the Admiral replied.

"Wow, that's impressive." Naruto said as he leaned over to whisper into Sakura's ear.

"What the fuck is a knot? Like a rope? Is someone pulling a lever on this ship?"

"You're asking me? I don't know. I assume its a measurement of speed." Sakura said.

"Right you are, miss Haruno. Knots is a nautical term for speed. 58 knots translates to 67 miles per hour, or 107 kilometers per hour." King Furry said.

"How does 58 knots turn into 67 mph?" Sakura wondered aloud.

"I...don't actually know." King Furry admitted. That was just a fun fact he had his assistant write up for him.

"That's faster than any sail ship..." Naruto said in wonder.

"It is. The one military advantage we have over you ninjas is our sea and air power. On land you ninjas dominant the battlefield." The Admiral mentioned.

"Wait, air power?" Sakura wondered as the ship proceeded forward out of the bay, slowly picking up speed.

"Yes. Airplanes, missile defense systems, that sort of thing. We even have navy ships capable of transporting fighter jets overseas to the battlefield. They are even large enough to land planes on."

"You lost us. Fighter jets?" Naruto stated.

"Sweet Sage... Why would someone need that much firepower?" Sakura said in shock

"Ask yourself why your military needs so many soldiers. It's a dangerous world out there, Ms..."

"Haruno."

"He does have a point." Naruto agreed.

"Anyway. Yes, Naruto. Fighter jets. Highly advanced aircraft that travel extremely fast that are heavily armed. Some can travel past 1200MPH." King Furry explained.

"Fascinating." Naruto said.

"That's more than fascinating. That's incredible." Sakura stated.

A few hours had went by and Naruto and Sakura had taken the full tour of the ship. It was small and cramped, but they had been in worse accommodations. The part that they didn't know how to react about, was their quarters. two bunks, a desk and two lockers. The ship to them seemed cold an uninviting, luckily they would only be on it for a short time.

"Hmmm, yup, we've definitely stayed in worse." Naruto mused.

"Seriously." Sakura agreed.

"Um... Sakura-chan... Something I've been meaning to ask." Naruto started hesitantly

"What's up?" Sakura asked.

"Um... Why did you blow up at Sasuke like you did?" Naruto asked.

'Oh no... Do I tell him now?' Sakura thought frantically.

Inner remained silent, hoping that Sakura would make the right decision.

"Naruto... After the shit he pulled during the war, do you really expect me to forgive him just because he said he was 'sorry'?"

"Yes, I did."

"Naruto... He tried to kill me, twice, He tried to kill you AND he tortured me! How can you forgive someone who did something so terrible? And don't tell me it was a mistake! It wasn't. He knew what he was doing and he did it willingly not only to you and me and all of our friends, but anyone who got in his way in getting revenge. I can never forgive him for that he has done... And before you ask, no I don't love him... I want nothing to do with him." Sakura finished, her tempter rising.

"Are you... serious? But, you were always in love with Sasuke. That's why I worked so hard to bring him back to you. Are you saying that it was all for nothing now?"

Sakura sighed. "The short version is yes. My crush for him blinded me to the kind of person he really turned into."

"Is that really how you feel, Sakura-chan?" Naruto said completely serious.

"Completely. I understand you're his brother and I'm sorry if that offended you. But I'm not going to change my mind about this." Sakura said, equally serious.

"Well...if that's how you feel... Then I completely agree." Naruto sighed in relief.

"Wait... what?" Sakura said in confusion.

"Let's be real, Sakura. Sasuke is kind of an ass." Naruto stated matter-of-factly.

"Well... I-I know that... But, I'm just surprised to hear it from you after you always spoke so highly of him."

"Well to be honest I was kind of trying to shine him in a better light because I thought that you would want to date him. And the last thing I would want is either of you getting the same kind of bad rep I had when I was a kid. Sasuke being the guy who turned around and went evil on us and you the girl who dates him. But if it's just the two of us than I can admit that after all these years, Sasuke is still a bastard."

"True he is. If he thinks mere words are going to change what he's done, then he's the Baka."

"Seriously, who does that?" Naruto chuckled. "I mean it was like this plan to kill off all the Kage and then proclaim himself the Dark Kage. He knows that means he would be a Dark Shadow, right?"

"Bahahaha! Oh my God! I actually didn't realize that one until now!"

"Seriously. He's worse at naming things than my Dad. Did you hear what he called mine and Sasuke's joint attack back when we were fighting Madara?" Naruto snickered.

"Uh, no actually I didn't catch that."

"Oh man. I can't even remember it. I think it was the Super Awesome Arrow Zero attack or something. I'm dead serious."

Sakura broke into a fit of laughter so bad that she fell off the top bunk and onto the cold, steel floor. She rolled around laughing as tears came from her eyes. "Hoo...Hoo... That's something I'd expect from you! Hahaha!"

"Hey now. I came up with cool names for all my attacks. Like the Uzumaki barrage. That's a classic." Naruto stated.

"Please, you copied that after Sasuke's Lion's Barrage. Which I'm halfway certain he copied from Lee." Sakura corrected him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Naruto grinned.

"Yes you do, don't lie to me, Naruto Uzumaki." Sakura scolded playfully.

"Nope, I have no idea what you are talking about, Sakura-chan." Naruto smirked as he patted her on the head like he would to a little kid. It didn't help Sakura's case that she was now a head shorter than Naruto thanks to his recent growth spurt.

Then, suddenly time seemed to stop for the both of them as they stared into each others eyes.

Emerald green met cerulean blue. Their hearts started racing as they continued to stare into each others eyes, almost like they were hypnotized. Slowly, their faces drew closer to one another.

"Naruto..." Sakura said softly.

"Sakura..." Naruto replied just as softly. Their lips were mere centimeters apart, when they heard a whistle sound over the intercom.

"ATTENTION ALL HANDS. DINNER WILL BE SERVED IN 20 MINUTES." A voice said.

'Dammit...' Inner cursed, now that the moment was ruined.

"We ah, better get going..." Naruto said sheepishly, turning away from Sakura and rubbing the back of his head.

"Ahem... Right..." Sakura said as she parted her hair out of her face.

'What did I tell you, kit?' Kurama smirked.

'Alright, alright... You were right...' Naruto said back.

'Ha! Score one for the foxes!'

'Yea yea... Laugh it up, fuzzball.'

"What was that, Naruto?" Sakura asked.

"What was what?"

"Did you say something?" Sakura asked again.

"No... I don't think I did." Naruto said in confusion.

"Oh. Must be hearing things." Sakura shrugged.

'The hell was that about?' Kurama asked.

'I have no idea...' Naruto replied.

Dinner, as it turned out, was a familiar affair for the two war heroes. Apparently mess hall food was just as bland even when it came from the other side of the world.

Despite that, Sakura still had a lovely meal sitting next to the King. Naruto however, felt the need to mingle with the sailors who took to liking him almost instantly.

Sakura almost had to intervene when she saw Naruto get rowdy with the other men.

Eventually, things settled down and the two Shinobi had returned to their quarters. King Furry told them to rest up as they would be making landfall by morning.

Without even thinking about it, Naruto stripped down to his boxers, making Sakura go completely red in embarrassment. But, once she got a good look at his form, she felt something wet trailing from her nose.

"Sakura-chan, are you alright?" Naruto asked.

Sakura felt the fluid and looked at her hand. She gasped when she saw it was blood and quickly took a towel to catch the blood.

"Must be the sudden change in climate doing this." Sakura said, even though she knew the real reason.

"Oh...yeah, must be." Naruto said. Who was he to argue? She was the doctor.

"So..." Sakura started. "Top or bottom?"

"W-what?!" Naruto exclaimed as he blushed furiously.

"The bunks..." Sakura deadpanned.

"Oh, either one is fine. Whichever one you want." He said.

"Whichever one you don't take. But, you need to turn around so I can get changed."

"Oh right, sorry." Naruto said quickly as he turned around.

'I can't believe I'm doing this...' Sakura thought as she slowly took off her blouse.

'I can't believe I'm doing this.' Naruto thought as he stood completely still with Sakura Haruno changing right behind him. Why the fuck hadn't he just left the room? Now he was stuck inside a cramped room, mere inches away from a half naked Sakura.

He could hear the fabric of her clothes shifting as she undid her blouse. He could smell the sweat on her after a long day of- Oh god that was him! He stunk! But he couldn't leave now. What if some creeps walked by as he opened up the door and saw Sakura in a state of undress? The thought of some pervert's ogling her made Naruto sick.

"Okay, you can look now." Sakura said. Naruto turned around to see Sakura in a slightly form fitting night dress that was pink. Of course it was pink.

"Wow Sakura-chan, you look..."

'Sexy, amazing, delicious, beautiful...'

"...ready for bed."

Sakura sighed in defeat... surely that would have gotten some kind of compliment, but sadly it didn't.

"Oh... So... You don't... Never mind. I'll take the top bunk." Sakura said.

'Was it something I said?' Naruto thought.

'She was expecting you to compliment her dress, moron.' Kurama said.

'I did! I just...couldn't say it out loud...'

'Coward.'

Without another word, the two shinobi hopped into their respective beds. Naruto on the bottom and Sakura on the top. Both of them painfully aware of the other one either below or beneath them.

'I guess... He lost interest in me...' Sakura thought sadly.

'I am such a fucking coward.' Naruto berated himself.

'Hold on a second there sweet cheeks. We're not gonna throw in the towel just yet. We've got one last trick up our sleeves.' Inner thought.

'And that would be?' Sakura thought back.

"What would be what?" Naruto asked out loud, startling Sakura.

"I... didn't say anything..." Sakura replied.

"Oh...thought you did..." Naruto said sadly.

'Ok, that's a good sign. But my idea is even more full-proof.'

'What was that? Why are we thinking the other said something when we didn't?' Sakura asked Inner.

'Don't worry about it for now. Instead, start pretending to shiver.' Inner instructed her outer self.

'What would that do?'

'Just trust me on this.'

'Okay... To be fair, this bed is fucking freezing...' Sakura said. She started to shiver, but for real. She was cold and the cotton blankets they were provided offered little warmth.

'There we go. That's it, rattle that bed...'

'Ii-'m... s-seriously fucking cold...'

'Perfect, that's the spirit. Now just keep it up...'

'This is stupid. What is the point of this?' Sakura asked as she felt the chill of the cold sea breeze. 'Damn, this room is drafty.'

'In three...two...'

"Sakura-chan, are you okay?" Naruto whispered from below Sakura's bunk.

"I-I'm... F-f-freezing..." Sakura shuddered.

"You too? Damn this room." Naruto whispered back. He wasn't actually cold though. One of the side effects from having a Tailed Beast inside you was that you were basically a human furnace.

"I-I-I-its and old s-s-ship... what do you expect?" Sakura chattered.

"...Hey Sakura-chan?"

"Y-y-yes...?"

"Don't take this the wrong way, but...if you want...we can...share a bed..." Naruto said nervously, praying to god that she didn't take it the wrong way.

'oooohhhh... good thinking inner.' Sakura thought.

'That's what I'm here for. To be the brains of the operation. Now agree without trying to sound too eagar.'

"P-p-please... H-help me d-d-down... T-too cold to move..."

'A little damsel-in-distress-y, bit we can work with it.'

"Um...sure..." Naruto replied. Sakura listened as the sound of sheets being tossed aside and bare feet stepping onto the cold metal floors.

Naruto looked up at Sakura who was shivering endlessly. Nervousness was replaced with worry as he gently scooped Sakura up. She felt cold to the touch and that really worried him.

Sakura on the other hand felt like she was being lifted up by a living furnace. Naruto was so warm and his arms, though muscular, were so gentle. He lifted her out of her bunk, blanket and all, and then gently lowered her onto his bunk. Placing her closer towards the wall where a substantial amount of his own left over body heat remained. Sakura instantly snuggled deeper into the warm bed like some kind of animal burrowing itself underground for warmth. She took this brief moment of privacy beneath the sheets to inhale deeply the fabric of the bed. It smelled like the forest, plus something rugged and manly, plus ramen. Naruto's scent.

"T-that's a little b-better..." Sakura said, still shivering.

Before she had a chance to get properly situated though, she felt another presence enter the sheets with her. Instantly the warmth she felt earlier and the smell that still lingered in the bed quadrupled as Naruto snuggled up close to her.

"Better?" He asked.

'Oh my god... I' think I'm gonna melt...' Sakura thought giddily.

"Much... Thank you..." Sakura said softly.

Naruto readjusted the covers so that both his and Sakura's blankets were working to cover them both. It was a tight fit. Sakura found herself sandwiched between an ice cold battleship wall and the demigod of freaking sunshine. And there was only one side she'd rather snuggle up closer too.

Without even thinking, Sakura wrapped her arms around Naruto and snuggled deep into Naruto's chest. Then she heard it. The gentle beating of his heart, the same one she desperately tried to keep beating.

"W-what are you.."

"Shhhh... Just hold me." Sakura said softly.

If there was any higher function of Naruto's brain that wanted to object to this request, Naruto ignored it completely. He wrapped his longest standing teammate up in a soft hug and almost felt her melt into his chest. She felt so natural there. Her own cool body temperature evening out his overheated one. By some unknown instinct, Naruto caressed his hand down Sakura's back, feeling her ever curve as it went. There was one final peak, but he dared not venture further. No matter how much certain parts of him begged him to.

"Naruto... Do you remember... back in Iron... about what I said to you then?" Sakura started.

"Shhhh...Sakura-chan...let's just go to sleep..." Naruto whispered.

"Let me finish." Sakura said. "Listen... I'm sorry about then. Really I am..."

"It's okay, Sakura-chan. Really. I forgave you a long time ago."

"But I haven't forgiven myself for hurting you the way I did. I know you've always had strong feelings for me, ever since our Academy days. So... As we start our new life, however long or short it might be, I want to change that, starting now."

"Yawn...okay Sakura-chan..." Naruto replied, the scent of Sakura's shampoo and the warmth their little bungalow had was making him sleepy.

'Hey, bone head. You got that right? she's practically asking you out.' Kurama said.

'Wazzat? I'm...really damn tiiiiiireeddd...zzzzzzzz'

"Naruto?" Sakura asked, but all she heard was him snoring softly. 'Well, shit... So much for my confession.'

'All I'm due time. We've got the bone head cornered now. No Sasuke. No Hinata. Nothing is stopping him from making a move except his own guts. And we are going to make his guts desire one thing and one thing only. A slice of cherry blossom cake.' Inner smirked.

'Not for a while, he's not. I have been trying for months to get him to accept my love and he's finally coming around to it. I'm going to savor this for as long as I can before I give him-'

"Sakura-chan..." Naruto moaned in his sleep. He unconsciously tightened his grip around Sakura's frame.

"Don't go..." He murmured.

Sakura felt like her heart was going to melt as she nuzzled his chin. "Don't you worry... I'm not going anywhere." Sakura said softly.

"Sakura-chan..." He muttered in his sleep.

"I'm right here..." Sakura said.

"Sakura-chan...I lub you..." He said.

Sakura froze. Naruto just confessed to her. It may have just been in his sleep, but she felt like crying she was so happy.

"I love you too." Sakura said sleepily as she held him closer.

Eventually, she too, drifted off to sleep.

Author's note from cmartinHFD: I hope you like the start of the rewrite. In all honesty, I was really proud of the first one, but as the months went on, I realized that it wasn't done properly. So for that, I hope this one makes up for any short comings the original had. We have several more chapters being edited as we speak, so this isn't going to be abandoned like the original, that I assure you of. Anyway, please fave, follow, review and feel free to make suggestions.