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Chapter Text

Seishin

Written and created by J. M.

All characters from Naruto belong to Kishimoto and contributors. I do not own any Naruto characters or scenes that were created by Kishimoto and others. Kaori Hayashi and other original characters, scenes and plots are mine.

Please enjoy.

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Chapter 1

Smoke clouded the dulled glow of the tavern floor. The low din of voices echoed faintly off the wooden walls between sips of beer. A group of young men laughed loudly from there seats at the bar.

Kaori sighed as she delivered food and a round of beers to a table of five. A distracted thanks was the best acknowledgement she received so she returned to the bar to pick up another order.

“How are you doing there, Kori-chan?” The bartender asked with a soft spoken smile. The young woman flashed him a brilliant grin in return, her right cheek dimpling.

“Just fine Akihiko-kun, thank you.” She replied sweetly while picking up the tray from the counter. The cook, Jiro, grinned as he peeked at her through the door.

“Hey, Kori-chan, do want to grab something after your shift?” he invited light heartedly. Kaori gave him a face that meant ‘you’re just being silly’ and took the tray of hot food in her hand before weaving her way in between the chairs and tables and various tipsy patrons.

“Aw come on Kori-chan!” he whined while leaning his arm on the door. “We haven’t hung out in a while.” The young woman turned and offering him a promising smirk.

“Bye Jiro.” She sang as she twirled away. Dim lighting and the smoke from cigarettes made the atmosphere warm and dark, nearly thick. Sometimes it became hard to make out faces and Kaori had to hold her breath to keep inhaling the putrid ciager smoke when she served the habitual customers. Despite the rather dark mood, Kaori found the work interested; rarely did she fail to meet a customer who had an interesting story or profession. She had learned quite a bit from chatting and somewhat drunk patrons.

“Kaori! Customer on table nine!” Her fellow waitress called before taking a second look at who had just sat down. Kaori noticed her coworker’s jaw drop and she too turned her gaze. It was a Konoha Ninja! The stranger had his arms crossed over his chest while he leaned against the wall looking awful mournful with her head bowed but his headband was as plain as day. He was in a dark cloak with the hood off his shoulders, displaying his spiky blonde hair and whisker-marked and serious face. Beside him he had a backpack and a scroll thicker than the table stand. Kaori blinked, as if trying to clear any smoke from her eyes and see if she was truly seeing a famed Konoha ninja. She did not live far away from the village yet it was rare to see one pass through so close to home. She could see that the man had a small, serious frown on his handsome face as he stared at the table with his brows furrowed. Kaori noticed her coworker ogling the poor man and heaved another sigh and mumbled something about hormone driven people.

We haven’t had a ninja for a while… she mused while stopping to his right. He didn’t even notice her.

“Welcome to the Orange Flame, how may I help you?” she asked softly, giving him a cheerful smile. Brilliant but tired azure eyes turned to her and he returned the smile with a artificial smirk.

“Light ale please and some fried rice.” Kaori nodded and wrote down his order. The young woman was about to turn when she noticed his half hidden arm, and the blood seeping through the wrap on it.

“Oh!” She gasped. “Mister, you’re bleeding!” The man first looked up at her, then down casually before chuckling at her obvious statement.

“I guess I am.” He grumbled with the same sour smile. He then turned back up and smiled a little more. “Don’t worry about it; I’m fine.”

The young woman puffed out her cheeks with a huff and put her hands on her hips. “No, you are bleeding and hurt and I will not have a customer bleeding all over the floor or worse.” Her brows sunk as she stared him down. “Don’t you think you should get some help for that arm of yours?”

With a quiet sigh the blonde nodded; he didn’t want to cause trouble so it was best to find a restaurant with less observant staff. The young man was about to get up to leave when the waitress started talking again.

“You wait right here and I’ll get the first aid kit.” She said as she waved a hand for him to stay. “And then I’ll take your order, okay?” And without even waiting for a response she turned and hurried to the kitchen, her shinny hair bouncing around her head as she danced through the crowded room.

~

The ninja sighed and laid his chin on his uninjured hand. Tan lids lowered partway over his azure eyes as he watched her vanish into the kitchen, the swinging door baring glimpses of her as she talked to the cook. He tested his injured hand but he soon began to think it would be best to leave his arm be. In truth his arm really hurt, however, he was a trained ninja of twenty one; he could deal with it. Even if it stung like hell and he really wanted to yell a curse. He was almost home anyways; he just stopped for a drink and to clear his mind of a certain looming war and of the issues of the various nation plotting to destroy Konoha and of a well missed pink haired friend.

Sakura… he thought sadly while staring at the worn, stained wood of the table he sat at. His teammate, once his long time crush had gone off to Suna after denying him yet again . He had recently heard from Ino that Sakura was seeing a Suna ninja, though it seemed to be more of a fling than anything serious.

Why would she do this? Is she happy there or… he paused when he pictured his old teammate, now a rouge ninja, glaring with eyes like an endless pit; eyes that lead to Hell. Could she still be in love with Sasuke!? It had been almost ten years since he left and there was no chance Konoha would let him come home alive!

Naruto growled and banged his good fist on the table. Had she really lied to him when she confessed her feelings?

Naruto heaved a sigh and glared at the far wall. He had more important things to think about than Sakura. The Akatsuki were gone, but soon after the fourth shinobi war began and there were rumors that Obito was still alive; sightings of a masked man had been sprouting up everywhere. They were unreliable but still serious to warrant an occasional team to be sent out. The Land of Fire was still safe with Suna and Lightening as their allies, but more and more bodies piled up every day along the borderlands as the strongest of nations fought to consume both land and wealth. More widows, widowers and orphans were made every day. Suddenly the cemetery seemed so full.

The young man sighed and frowned. He was supposed to be the new Hokage in less than a year after Tsunade resigned to work full time in the hospital. With Sakura gone to Suna and the rest of the rookie nine away at war there was no one to welcome him home: his house was empty. No one wanted to see him there anyways; the civilians still feared him after all.

Why would you leave me like that, Sakura? I’ve spent so long in love with you, trying to better myself for you and everybody. He groaned and sighed and drummed his fingers against his rough chin. It had been a long time since he had felt as lonely as he did now.

“Hello?” A sudden voice stirred him and Naruto blinked and turned. His face grew surprised as he looked up at the waitress. He stared at her face for a long time, surprised by the concern and kindness that shown on her poorly illuminated face. The young woman gave a short but kind laugh when she finally got his attention.

“You must have something serious on your mind.” She said lightly before proffering the white medical box she carried. “I brought some stuff for your arm, do you want some help with cleaning your wound?” she continued in a cheerful but serene voice while she set the box on the table and set down the beer that he had not even noticed.

“I don’t want to take up your time…” he started lamely, that exactly what he wanted: he wanted to talk, he wanted some company, he was tired of silence. She rolled her eyes, smirk playing on her lips. He took a moment to study her features; namely her soft, oval face, her short, dark strawberry blonde hair and the two long sections of it that framed her pretty face. The rest fell near her jaw and flipped away from her head naturally in a carefree manner. One section of her bangs were swept to the side and framed the left side of her forehead and cheek, giving her a friendly appearance. She really was a pretty thing with fair skin and shinning blue eyes… or were they green? He hardly had time to decide when he noticed that she was talking, and bending down to kneel by his knee. He shouldn’t have gotten so distracted.

“… anyways you should probably have a doctor look at this.” She finished while raising herself to her knees to open the box and take out bandages and hydrogen peroxide. Naruto felt a small smile cross his lips at how sincere and calm she looked while she prepared the treatment.

“Why are you helping me?” he asked in a muted voice. His quiet voice traveled to her despite the rowdy clamor of the tavern. Those pretty eyes flicked up to his as she brought the items onto her lap. For a moment a kitten like confusion crossed her innocent face before her eyes grew warm again and she smiled.

“Well you need it.” She said matter-of-factly as she snapped on a pair of latex gloves. “Can I have a look?” Naruto smiled and nodded before holding out his poorly bandaged arm, his cheek on his knuckles as she moved her gaze to his injury.

“Thanks.” He said softly and with a hint of blush on his tan cheeks. The girl gave him a small nod and took his wrist in her little hand. He could tell she was all business now; Sakura often had that intent look on her face when she was concentrating. With a gentle tug the young woman extended his arm and turned to find the source of blood.

The young man’s eyes grew lazy as she lowered her head to look at his arm in the poor light. His perverted side kicked in as the neck of shirt revealed the very top of her cleavage. The tall blonde flushed a little and flicked his ocean eyes back to her face, particularly to her little nose and the freckles faintly dotting it. He winced as she began to peel away the gauze now sticky with dried blood.

“Oh my gosh!” she gasped when she saw the gash under the blood stained bandages. It wasn’t a deep wound but it looked rather nasty. Naruto was mildly pleased by the look of concern in her eyes as she gently cleaned around the gash with a drenched cloth. She looked up with that kitten-like expression again. “How can you sit there and not look like this hurts?” she wondered before turning to rinse the wound. Naruto’s brow twitched in minor pain. Then he chuckled.

“If you haven’t noticed I’m a shinobi.” He said lowly and proudly while she placed some fresh gauze over the wound and wrapped it soundly. She did a much better job than he did with one hand.

The young woman wrinkled her nose.

“I don’t care if you are a shinobi, that would hurt anyone!” she pouted cutely while checking his arm. Her turned it over once and then tugged on the bow that held the gauze together.

“Okay, well I’m done bothering you. You’re food is almost done so I’ll bring it right out.” She smiled slightly while bouncing back on her heels to stand to her full height. His eyes followed her as she rose. Again his traitorous eyes settled somewhere where they shouldn’t have. It was not long before he realized his eyes had lingered and he looked up to see her red face and mouth slightly agape. Naruto felt blood rush to his cheeks and his body grow stiff as she stared in near horror.

“Um… let me know if you n-need anything else.” She stammered before turning and rushing back to the bar at a clipped gait.

Naruto swallowed and shivered. Something about her made him feel… giddy. When she caught him distractedly staring at her he felt as though he should rush up and apologize, beg forgiveness for committing such an act. He had never felt sorry for—ah—appreciating a woman’s figure (except when he saw Tsunade naked in the bath, may he never have the misfortune of that experience again) but this girl… he felt like filth for just looking.

Naruto took a swig of his beer, his mood deflating drastically. He felt downright crummy and all he wanted was to climb into his nice warm bed and go to sleep and forget about the whole day.

My bed is always cold when I go to sleep… I wonder what it’d be like if there was someone there when I’d get home…hmm… that’d be nice.

~

Once she reached the bar Kaori practically hid behind the counter, her keen eyes focused on the strange ninja in the same manner a small kitten might stalk a bug. He was a particularly nasty bug for looking at her like that, the wiggly kind with many legs. Gorgeous face be dammed! She could see the pervert in his eye. It made her feel like meat. She was trying to figure out if he was just watching her get up or if he was watching her get up. She kept seeing those brilliant blue eyes traveling from her face to her neck then her chest, down her waist and stomach to settle on her hips and then go down her legs. He had blushed almost as much as she had when their eyes met.

She made a face and sunk a little further below the counter edge. Men.

Her mind and heart were having a fierce battle as her nose brushed against the edge of the wooden bar. Kaori’s poor mind was furiously trying to convince herself that no, someone that good looking would not look at her like that. Her heart, however, was betting that he did look at her because she was beautiful. Ah, the two inner personas of the female psyche, what wondrous confusion they caused. Kami, she was getting a headache.

“Yo, Kaori,” Akihiko said in a pleasant but curious voice. She looked up and flushed in embarrassment before standing up straight. A fierce blush covered her face for being caught spying like a child.

“Oh sorry.” She mumbled while moving around the bar to take the tray of beers from him. The older man frowned and stopped her with a hand on her elbow.

“Hey did that guy do something to you? You’re face is all red.” Kaori laughed nervously and looked everywhere but at Akihiko.

“Oh, my face always turns red Akihiko! I’m fine!” she practically scrambled around to deliver the drinks and escape his questions.

It was just a look. It was just a look. It was just a look. She repeatedly chanted in her head as she darted around the tavern.

An hour left. She thought in relief while glancing at her watch. The blonde man was still in the corner, bent partly over his half empty pint and picking at the rice that her Akihiko so kindly delivered for her. She had been half glancing at him as she served the weekend crowd. The other waitress was also ogling him and had even gone over to make a pass, earning the Kaori’s disapproval. She, however, was sent back to work fuming about how the ninja didn’t know a ‘hot piece of ass when he saw one’. Kaori rolled her eyes as her mood rose. She supposed she’d just take his stare as a compliment and go about as normal..

It wasn’t until she had half an hour left when something roused her from her thoughts when an absurdly drunk voice spoke up from behind her.

“Hey there sweet cheeks!”

Her brow twitched at the suggestive lilt in the man’s voice. She tried to ignore the table behind her and attend to her customers but it only seemed to make the man behind her more persistent in his drunken escapade. However, this was a bad spot to be with a drunk; the large alcove had a wall that made it hard for Akihiko to see her and Suki was probably in the back with a cigarette. What a luck.

“Hey, honey I was talking to you.” She jumped when someone pinched her rear far too hard to be a turn on. In a whirl she spun to face him, her lips contorted in a growl as she loomed over him.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed, eyes turning murderous as she faced the drunken men. There sat three men who were probably seasonal workers at the lumber yard outside of town. The one closest to her had a dusting of red on his cheeks that signified his inebriated state.

“Aw come on honey, come sit over here and take a break.” He patted his knee. “We’ll buy you a drink.”

Across the room the handsome blonde’s head shoot and as frown appeared on his thin lips.

Kaori tilted her head and looked down her nose at the offending drunk. “No thank you, I am working and I do not drink during work. If you need something please ask, but do not touch me .” She said professionally, though not without some anger coloring her tone. The men hooted.

“Aw, the little lady is afraid of you, Husuko!” one snickered. Kaori’s cheeks flamed red as spun away she wrote down her other customers’ orders and pretended not to hear the foolish men behind her. Men were such trouble.

“Honey,” the persistent male continued, casually rocking his chair back. “Come on, I don’t bite… much.” She yelped as a hand gripped her hip and started to pull her backwards. She dropped her pad and pencil, furiously squirming as he pulled her onto his lap. The foul smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke assaulted her nose as he squeezed her against him.

“Aw, what a cutie.” He cooed while moving his face towards her neck. Kaori’s hair obscured her face as she leaned as far away as she could and tried to find purchase on the floor with her feet. The customers next to her got up, some with bottles in hand as they barked a warning to the drunken men. A chair skidded loudly across the room.

“Let me go!” she ordered as the men laughed at her predicament, completely uncaring that several other men had gotten up to help her. They had no time to act when an armored hand suddenly came into Kaori’s view, brandishing a dark metal weapon that was pointed at the man holding her. The blade glinted just inches from her face. The whole tavern abruptly fell silent as Akihiko and Jiro rushed over to help. Both Jiro and Akihiko were stunned into silence by what they saw.

“Let her go.” A deceptively calm, deep voice said. Kaori looked out of the corner of her eye to see the Konoha ninja glaring fiercely at her captor with the most beautiful ocean blue eyes she had ever seen. She heard the man swallow loudly but his arm remained tight, perhaps out of fear. She had had enough!

“Darn it, let me go!” she yelled before jamming her elbow into his ribs, forcing him to let go and fall back out of his chair. She was fuming now, face red and heart racing. The blonde stood behind her as she towered over the shocked man.

“Listen you twisted pervert, if you ever, ever pull something like this again I’m going to—(removed for explicit content)” the Shinobi’s eyes widened at the words coming from her mouth .

But Kaori’s rage was not yet satisfied.

“If you had an ounce of common sense or dignity you would know better.” She bought her foot down right between his legs, near a certain spot the man was furiously hoping she’d let him keep especially after her previous promise to permanently disfigure that area. All of the men took a step back in fear as she blazed.

“NOW GET OUT OF HERE AND IF I SEE YOU AGAIN I WILL CASTRATE ALL OF YOU!” she cried.

~

The men left the bar in three seconds flat.

“Way to go, Kori-chan!” Suki broke the silence and cheered from the back of the bar and the patrons cheered and laughed. The Shinobi watched with wide eyes as her fierce expression died entirely and was overcome with a blush that rivaled all others. Her hands flew to her face as she glanced around her, having just realized what she said and in front of all of the customers. She couldn’t even believe Akihiko was sighing as Jiro broke down laughing with some patrons.

“Kaori, I never knew you had a such a… wow!” The cook laughed as the Kaori bent down and picked up her dropped items, terribly embarrassed and muttering to herself. Naruto turned his traitorous eyes to ceiling as her backside was clearly presented to him. When the girl stood she turned and blushed again.

“T-thank you for your help.” She whispered. She sounded like Hinata. Hinata! Yes! She’d be waiting for him; she always tried to be home when he was and today she was back from a mission! Naruto remembered that it had been five years since she admitted her feelings but at the time he couldn’t return the affection because he loved Sakura. He didn’t have to worry about Sakura now though.

Loved… hm. He thought, suddenly distracted. A half wistful smile curled the corners of his mouth.

The girl stared at his face, noting how his eyes lowered to her and grew lazy as he thought. She made a face and hoped that his thoughts weren’t as twisted as the men she had just kicked out. Upon seeing that the Shinobi was off in la-la land Kaori turned and hurried back to the bar to gather her dignity and hope that her boss would understand her outburst. She had never blow up like that before. Of course, she had never had a patron who was quite as grabby as that particular man.

Kaori stuck her tongue out at the fresh feel of his hands. What a pig!

~

As the young woman flitted about, furiously gathering her things, the Naruto woke from his daze and paid Akihiko, who thanked him profusely for intervning. Naruto noticed that the young waitress barely even glanced as he retrieved his overcoat and placed it over his green flak jacket in preparation to leave. The circumstances were odd at best and Naruto decided it was best not to think about the evening until he got home. He did, however, turn and give the glassy-eyed woman and smirk and a thumbs up as he headed for the door.

“Take care.” He said softly but he was sure she heard it over the ruckus of the tavern.

“Bye.” She whispered while giving him a tiny wave, a mere curl of her fingers. With a wider smile Naruto nodded and strode out, finally emulating the power that accompanied a shinobi.

Chapter Two

The blonde Shinobi came back four days later and sat in the same seat. Kaori felt like her heart stopped and then restarted when his electric blue eyes fell on her and he gave her a small but reassuring smile. The waitress returned it warily and she went to his table in her very empty section. Asami, a flirtatious woman with large assets, a skinny waist and curly blonde hair had most of the customers in her section and was practically running a kissing bar. Needless to say, Kaori was delighted that the young shinobi sat in her section.

"Hi there Mr. Invincible-ninja-who-rescues-waitresses." She teased with a soft smile while pulling out her pen and pad. This time she felt more comfortable with his soft but tired aqua eyes on her face and that small smile on his lips. He looked quite wise in a rugged way and it made him even more attractive to her. Even those three marks on each cheek added to his handsomeness. She mentally slapped herself for thinking so uncouthly about a customer.

"Hey." He grinned and leant his chin on his folded hands. “Have you thrown anyone else out while I’ve been gone?” She flashed him a cheerful smile and laughed pleasantly at his joke.

"Glad to see you survived you near fatal injury." She added somewhat sarcastically before running her eyes over his arm just to make sure it was fine. The stranger laughed, loud and boisterous and it shocked her some at how young he now seemed. He had appeared so solemn before…

"Ha ha! You're funny, I needed a laugh." He said with a bright smile that could have made the blind see for all of his joy. He looked much less haggard and it made her day to know she made him feel better.

The young woman beamed, feeling her cheeks hurt from her smile. "I'm glad! What would you like?"

"Same as last time…if you remember." He finished while looking at her with a hazy but pleased expression. Kaori blushed. She remembered exactly what he ordered.

"Got it, anything else?"

"I don't suppose you have ramen do you?" he asked softly, turning his head to the side and giving her a foxy grin. Kaori pumped her fist in the air.

"Of course! Jiro just made a huge pot full!" Azure eyes lit up in delight and the adult ninja rubbed his hands together eagerly and licked his lips.

"How much will 7,000 yen buy?"

~

Kaori couldn't help but stare as she watched the shinobi down his fourth bowl of ramen. He definitely didn't have the best table manners but he was so eager to have ramen she couldn't help but smile.

"Ah this is great!" he sighed, smiling with his eyes closed as he set the empty bowl down. A trickle of miso ran down his chin. Kaori set a bowl of shrimp ramen in front of him. She was about to return to the bar when he caught her wrist gently in a hand that was almost as hot as the noon day sun. A pleasant shock rushed up her arm when he made contact with her skin. The stranger pulled her back gently and she found an excited, youthful expression of delight on his face as well as a tinge of pink.

"Do you have a minute?" he asked in a much more energetic yet hushed tone. She nodded her head dumbly and he pushed the chair across from him out with his foot, not releasing her hand until she nervously sat down and folded her hands in her lap. Suddenly Kaori felt like she was being watched by a million eyes when his ocean orbs focused on her. Blood flooded her cheeks as he smirked at her and held out a spoon.

"Oh no I can't-" She began, holding up her hands. A blonde brow quirked and a corner of his mouth turn up in a devilish smirk.

"I can hear your stomach growling." He informed her, causing her to turn beat red and look dejectedly to the side. She then looked down and took the spoon. She had skipped dinner after all.

"Uh thanks…" she said cagily while taking an extra pair of chopstick from her apron. The tall blonde smiled and shrugged.

"Hey you've been so nice to me so I thought I should share." He chuckled deeply. Kaori was beginning to think he was somewhat a mix between an adult man and a mere boy with the way he was acting. But that smile was so absolutely wonderful and warming.

"Thanks…this shrimp is awesome." She smiled sweetly and plucked a piece out. He burst out laughing, drawing attention from the patrons and staff as well as a few jealous on-lookers. Kaori giggled shyly as he picked some noodles and slurped them. The whiskers on his cheeks stretched slightly as he filled his face. He was pretty darn cute, kind of like a puppy.

"So Ms-"

"Kaori please." She said while he caught a stray noodle with his chopsticks. He grinned handsomely at her before returning the escapee noodle to his mouth.

"Kaori, what's your favorite food? Mine's ramen if you hadn’t noticed." Musical feminine laughter filled the space where they sat. Naruto smiled more at her, utterly delighted that he made her laugh.

Those marbled eyes glistened as she looked at him with her head tilted slightly to the side. "I can see that… well I like sweets… brownies and cake…” Her eyes lit up with pure abandon at the idea of her favorite treats. “I go crazy for cake… what's better though is citrus fruit like lemons, oranges and such. Oh!" she clapped her hands in delight, happy to share her love of food. "When you put them together I could die from delight!" she laughed and he joined her soprano with his dulcet tenor.

Her eye glittered as she picked up another piece of shrimp. “I must say though I am a huge fan of seafood. Or any food for that matter.”

The man grinned.

"That's great! Pork fillet ramen is my favorite. What do you like to do Kaori-chan?"

The young girl blushed a little more at the suffix he used. "Well… I'm studing to be a history major, preferably on the Husani Period… I like trying new things… art is a big passion for me and I garden flowers in the summer and lifeguard at the lake."

The young man smiled warmly. "I like flowers too… sounds silly huh?" he rubbed the back of his neck shyly. Kaori smiled. That was actually very endearing to know that a strong shinobi like him liked to garden.

"No I like that! Flowers always make me feel good and they are so beautiful." She then stole a shrimp from under his chopsticks. He pouted at her and she bit her lip in delight. She was curious about teasing him. He was so easy to warm up to and she hoped they'd become friends if he was always so charming.

"You thief…" he grumbled playfully as she brought her hand back. His hand was a mere blur as he trapped her chopsticks with his and tugged. She gave him a mock outraged expression and tried to retrieve her prize. A competitive glint sparked in his eyes and his brow furrowed as he grinned.

"You…" She reached over and gave him a light smack on the top of his head with her pad. "Mine." She said cutely as he let go. No matter how proud she looked on the outside, her insides churned. She just smacked a shinobi, did she have a death wish?!

But her fears where unfounded.

"Aw, Kaori-chan that hurt." The stranger almost whined in his deep voice. She smiled and held out the shrimp.

"Fine, have it." The blonde smirked again but when she expected him to take it he leaned forward and took it in his mouth, wrapping his tongue around the shrimp in a suggestive way. Those piercing ocean eyes glimmered as he looked down at her.

"Hmmm, I still like pork more…"

~

Kaori had been seeing the blonde Leaf Shinobi who called himself Naruto every few days for nearly a month in the tavern. She'd take her break with him and chat. Soon she found out that he was a really sweet, loving man caught in the middle of the Shinobi War. She really liked talking and laughing with him, and he always had something funny to say to cheer her up if she felt down.

"Hey Kaori-chan," Naruto said as she got up to clear the bowls from the table. She turned to him, interested in this new tone. He was giving her a very calm but serious look. "It's late tonight; do you want me to walk you home?"

Kaori couldn't fight the blush in her cheeks at his sweet offer, however, she never let strangers escort her home if she didn't know them well. "No it's okay, it a pretty safe walk home for me." She smiled and patted his shoulder affectionately. "Besides, you need to go home and get some sleep; I can see that you're barely awake."

"Always looking out for me hm?" he stood, towering over the tall girl. He chuckled and patted her head in the same fashion she had his shoulder. "Take care Kaori-chan." He said before walking out with his customary pack and scroll. Kaori smiled and cleaned up, bid her co-workers good night and about half an hour later she was walking home in the rain.

"I should have brought an umbrella." She mused while pausing to look up at the sky. Rain was so peaceful when it came down as gently as it did that evening, and it was warm out. How nice.

"Hey there honey, lost?" her lips curled in a frown as she glanced to her left. Three men, the ones she kicked out of the bar a month earlier, where leering at her from a shadowy corner, drunk again of course. She just ignored them and kept walking.

Men were too much trouble.

"Bitch, I was talking to you!" the burly one roared as he stormed after her. Kaori let out a yelp as she was grabbed by the hair. Her assaulter kept pulling her farther in until the street light seemed a mile away.

A hand held her voice in as the three men ganged up on. Alcohol stained the air like a murky fog as a second pair of hand pulled her backward.

“Are you going to make good on your threat you ugly bitch?” Kaori blinked and strained to see the man looming over her. His reddened face and dull eyes painted a horrid picture for her as he raised an open palm to her.

He snorted a laugh and wiped at the saliva on his chin. “I didn’t think so.”

She had been prepared for the strike of his hand. She had felt the roots of her hair being yanked free, holding her for the onslaught. Already her muscles tensed and waited.

“Agh!”

It had only taken a second but it was most spectacular second of her life. A moment flickered by and the hands in her hair were gone and the man looming over her was clear across the alley. As she stumbled, propelled by the lack of resitance against her scalp, she was embraced by the warmest of hands and came nose to nose with rough green.

“Kaori? Kaori, are you alright?”

Firm, strong fingers, so unlike the ones that pulled and yanked her along, lifted her. When she saw his sparkling blue eyes and cried out and hugged him with all of her might.

“Naruto!”

For a moment he shushed and patted her before a garbled moan disturbed them. Kaori peered around his arm and her eyes bulged.

“Come on,” His firm voice did more to make her walk then his guiding hands. Glistening brick blurred by and she didn’t see the figures that remained behind with her assailants.

~

Naruto counted to twenty before Kaori’s legs began to wobble. It was thirty when he swept an arm under her legs and lifted her up to beat the rain. His haori billowed around her head as he jumped from roof top to roof top in search of her apartment. He small hands stayed curled into the edge of his jacket.

In a month of knowing her Naruto had already staked out her home and found the creaky window where he could get in if at all necessary. As he ran Naruto couldn't help but notice her staring up at his face with large eyes even as giant rain drops fell onto her lashes. His arms constricted a little more around her shoulders and legs as he sprinted as lightly as he could. Suddenly he felt her head nuzzle against his chest. She had closed her eyes, tired and perhaps in shock but she looked calm. The handsome blonde smiled softly as he landed under the eaves of her apartment complex and in front of door 4A. He didn't bother with asking for her key at this point; instead he just used a jutsu and unlocked the door, revealing her small but cozy apartment.

The two were dripping wet as Naruto walked into the wood floored living room. He shivered slightly as he set her on the couch and removed his soaking haori from her head. A few short moments of searching he locating a few small towels.

"Here." He offered. She was smiling shyly as she took the towel to dry her face and arms. The air in her apartment was cold and unmoving. Silent. The two said nothing as they dried off in the shadows of the living area. Kaori felt embarrassed yet very grateful to have been rescued. Naruto, however, was furious that someone had tried to attack her like that. His azure orbs fell on her awkward, shivering form and he sighed. She seemed so defenseless.

"You should warm up and get to bed before you freeze." The jounin said while setting his scroll and backpack down on the floor near the couch. The early day’s mission had proven fruitful in more ways than on. Naruto had been early in returning so he decided to pay a visit to his friend, a decision he decided was very lucky for her.

The young ninja frowned at the thought of her attackers. If he hadn't come tonight she may have been seriously hurt, perhaps worse given to mind of those men. His eyes widened. This could have happened any night.

Kaori had begun talking while he was thinking and he struggled to ignore his thoughts to listen to her.

"Good idea… Im going to take a quick shower so you can make yourself comfortable…" she murmured while staggering to her feet. Naruto remained standing in case Kaori fell while she made her way down the hall and went into a room. She looked up with large eyes.

“Do you need a bigger towel?”

Naruto smiled in the dim light, a mere flash of white in the darkness.

“No, I’m fine.” She nodded and soon he heard the shower running.

"Man…" he sighed while running a hand through his damp and matted hair. He was tired, mentally and physically. The jounin removed his jacket along with his sandals before he sat on the couch that faced the box T.V. and with an exhausted sigh he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Thunder shook the building and lightening illuminated the dark room through the large window to his right. It was too stormy to return home tonight; maybe Kaori would let him stay over on the couch...

" Beeerow !" he grunted and sat up, blinking when he saw a little orange and cream stripped fox-like creature staring up at him with large green eyes. He smiled and leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

"Hey there fox." He greeted with a grin. The little creature walked forward and sniffed his hand before rubbing its face over his fingers and licking him. Naruto laughed and patted its head.

"Oh, I see you met Kitsa." The blonde looked up to find Kaori, hair darkened to a deep red brown from the water and her ivory skin glistening as the drops trailed down her neck to disappear under the pink robe which she was securing around her waist. Naruto blushed and focused on her soft face to avoid any naughty thoughts. Her cheeks were a pretty pink from the water and her lips were plump and rosy. She was so beautiful like that…

"She is a fox I found when I was on vacation up north." She continued while walking past Naruto, pulling her robe tighter to fight off the cold. She went to the washer and dryer in the corner. "Darn it." She mumbled while bending down to the check the dryer. Naruto's cheeks burned. Since when did he get so flustered around a girl? (Not counting Sakura.)

"What's wrong?" he asked as Kitsa jumped onto the back of the couch and watched her caretaker with dark eyes. Kaori ran a hand through her hair as she stood, face downcast.

"Oh I guess I forgot to start the dryer…” She said casually. “I don't have anything to change into." thunder crashed then and she flinched. Naruto took in her frightened expression and how frail she looked in the harsh light. A frown overcame his features and he stood, pulling his shirt up over his head. Wide, guarded eyes focused on him as he held out the orange shirt he wore overtop of his black long-sleeved shirt. She blushed cutely but didn't approach the shinobi and Naruto rubbed the back of his head shyly.

"This is the only clean one I have, you can use if you want." What type of offer was he making? It was ridiculous!

And yet…

He did want to see her wear it.

Kaori’s face turned even more red than before. "I don't want you to freeze." She protested sweetly. But when she shuddered Naruto gave her a soft look and threw the shirt to her.

"Its fine, I don't get cold easily." He lied. Kaori smiled and nodded before padding back towards the hall with her little fox creature behind her heels.

"Thanks…" she looked to the washer behind her.  "If you want you can wash your other clothes here while mine dry…" the blonde smiled softly as she tried to avoid his eyes. She was so shy sometimes. It was endearing to see her blush. In fact lately he was beginning to find everything she did to be cute and adorable. She smile was addictive. He loved that about her; that strange innocence in her smile was intoxicating.

Naruto smiled and bobbed his head. “Thanks.” She nodded and held his shirt to her.

"I'll go change real quick and we can put those in." She smiled before hurrying away, a blush staining her cheeks.

Chapter 3

After getting the laundry going Kaori and Naruto were in her modest bedroom looking for extra pillows and bedding so he could sleep on the couch in the living room. The shirtless blonde had taken a shower while his friend did some laundry. He was currently sitting on her trundle bed, smiling stupidly as he watched her rummage through her trundle in his orange swirl shirt. He was beginning to like seeing her in his clothes when her hair was curling and mussed. However, the stupid grin on his face was over shadowed by the events of the evening. She was really so vulnerable even to civilians.

“Here is a blanket-” Kaori began to say before she found herself being hugged by strong, sinewy arms. Her face was tucked between soft blonde hair and a firm, muscular shoulder as two arms secured her around her back and waist. How did he hug her so quickly? On minute she was kneeling and trying to get some blankets and the next she was standing between his legs in his arms. A hot hand rubbed her lower back smoothly as the shinobi pulled her close.

Kaori felt her body go stiff.

“We should talk about what happened.” Naruto said seriously. His words registered in her mind but Kaori could only stare at the floral wallpaper in shock.

“I-I don’t understand what you mean…” she stammered, arms limp at her sides and brushing the coarse fabric of his pants. The blonde squeezed her a little tighter and hot, humid breath tickled the skin of her shoulder, giving her goose bumps.

“Kaori, if I had not been there what do you think would have happened? Why do you walk home alone in the middle of the night?”

The girl felt tears building and she tensed. “I usually go home earlier but I had to do some overtime so I could take off some time for my other job. Something like that has never happened before’ it was just a bad luck.” Those protective hands moved to her shoulders and pulled her back enough so the tall blonde could look at her face. She didn’t want to look into those kind eyes; they made her feel guilty and uncomfortable.

“How many jobs do you work Kaori?” he asked in a deep tone. She shifted slightly as his ankles hooked behind her, conveniently trapping her and ending her plan of escape.

“Two… I work at a day care in the mornings and when I don’t work at the tavern and I go to school in the afternoons.” Suddenly her pillow was the most interesting thing in her room and she refused to look away from it. The shinobi sighed and ran a hand through her hair, pulling her face back into his arms. Her body was still as stiff as a board as she tried to keep some distance between them.

“Somehow I always thought you’d be great with kids.” He chuckled. “But I’m really worried about you; I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Those beautiful, loving green eyes sparkled as Kaori looked up. She felt terrible for making him worry and take the time to help her. Guilt wracked her along with the delayed fear. She felt like collapsing.

Thankfully, only Naruto who saw her cry that night. He didn’t care that she wet his skin with her tears or that the young woman clung to him as if for dear life. In fact he was really beginning to enjoy it when they finally curled up on her bed in a calm silence. The young woman had tucked herself underneath her blankets with her little hands curled by her mouth, hiding it and looking so much like a child. The jounin smiled; purely delighted at actually having a wish fulfilled even if it wasn’t with Sakura.

To sleep with a woman.

No, he didn’t mean to have sex, right then at least, but he had always wanted to sleep next to a girl and hold her close if only to know that he wasn’t alone for at least one night. It was thrilling to watch her slumber. Now with his innocent friend curled up not a foot away he had his chance to wrap her up and hold her tight. Yet, the impulsive young man knew he had to work a few things out before he started trying to cuddle with a girl he met not a month ago.

Displaying surprising consideration and prudence Naruto restrained from touching the sleeping woman and took the time to think about the situation. Kaori was a very wonderful person with beautiful qualities inside and out. She smiled at him and laughed with him. Her teasing was light and was not made to hurt him and she didn’t punch him every time he said something stupid. Kaori was also a very brilliant thinker and could see beneath people’s skin in a way that gave her a unique understanding of those around her. He remembered her saying that she believed that no one was truly evil; that they were a product of their biology and environment, namely the people around them. It gave him hope for Sasuke’s redemption and possible return.

“Hmmm.” The blonde looked up as the girl rolled away from him and curled up into a ball. Her hair had become a mess with her regular turning but he liked how easily she slept next to him. Ever since he was old enough to truly understand his desire for a companion he had dreamed of spending every night with his pink haired crush. But after over ten years of her rejections and excuses he felt his ‘love’ for her diminishing greatly.

Golden brows furrowed as he thought about Sakura. She was his friend and she had repeatedly told him that’s how she wanted it to be after their short time as a couple. Unlike most of the other girls their age she had not moved on with Sasuke being gone. The medic acknowledged that he was gone but she refused to love anyone else. Naruto had done everything for her and had told her that over, and over again. He had proposed to her and she shot him down in such a kind way that it shattered his heart and after that whatever strange thing they called a relationship only got worse from there. How was he supposed to keep waiting for her to accept that Sasuke would not return?

Suddenly a pliable and chilly ball of Kaori rolled back over and snuggled against his bare chest with a grumble. Her fingertips clung to his skin as the cold air of her room assaulted her pale flesh. Startled by the sudden contact the man blinked dumbly at her sleeping face. Her soft breathing was like a lullaby to him and before he knew it his nose was pressed against her temple and his arm was draped over her waist, pulling another blanket up to cover them. The young woman tucked herself up against him and continued sleeping peacefully while the gladly blonde dozed.

Perhaps I am the one who needs to move on. He thought before falling into a peaceful sleep.

~

The next morning Kaori woke with a large hand on her head and a deep voice mumbling behind her. Her eyes shot open and she froze. Who was there? Her first memory was the attack and her heart began to pound until she realized that she was safely in her own room.

Then it all came back. Apparently she and Naruto fell asleep the night before, in her bed nonetheless. He was so warm that her back was slightly damp from sweat but it felt nice. The young woman tried to turn around and look at him but she realized his fingers had been tangled into her hair and were resting on her cheek and temple. Not wanting to wake him, she settled back under the blanket and closed her eyes. It was perfectly quiet.

Then he snored loudly then, a snort that started a chain of snuffling sounds. Most men did, she guessed, but she didn’t understand how she had slept through the night with him snoring away. Absently she reached behind her and poked him through the blanket.

“Be quiet Naruto; you snore.” She grumbled. The ninja shifted behind her.

“Hmph, I don’t want… want ramen instead…” he mumbled while rolling over and practically onto Kaori, stunning her as he snuggled against her back. Her face flushed and her heart beat soared. Strangely, that was enough to wake the blonde man.

“Oi, Kaori are you okay?” he asked sleepily into her hair. The girl stared straight at her mirror that made up the door of her closet in shock. The scene reflected back looked incredibly intimate.

“Naruto… um…” she didn’t have a chance to finish when his warmth was suddenly ripped away and he scrambled towards the wall side of her bed.

“Oh geez Kaori-chan I’m sorry!” he apologized frantically. A solemn nod was all he got before she pushed the covers off her and slid out, tugging at the big shirt and her little blue shorts as she did.

“It’s okay, thanks for everything, I’ll go make something for breakfast if you want to get your stuff into the dryer.”

Naruto sat silently as his friend walked out into the hall and started clunking around for food. Had he frightened her? Her heart had been racing and her voice seemed so small.

I should find out what she thinks about me… but then could I seriously date a civilian?

Naruto smiled. Of course he could; he was going to be Hokage soon and he would be the strongest one yet! He could protect her and he would whether or not she was his. A fox influenced smile spread over his features. Why not try?

~

Naruto wasn’t able to stay for very long so after a breakfast of waffles, one of Kaori’s favorites, he gave her a warm hug and promised to be back the next day to take her to dinner in return for letting him crash at her house. The young woman tried to protest but he proudly announced that he wouldn’t take no for an answer and left by giving her a slightly wet kiss on the cheek before darting out the door, nearly leaving Kaori with a nosebleed.

Did he mean a date? She thought bewilderedly while blindly stumbling around her living room. She didn’t have time to dawdle on the idea; she had to get to the daycare by nine!

~

“Kori-chan!” a chorus of high little voice followed by short little bodies assaulted the twenty year old as she stepped into the four-room daycare center in the center of town. The older care takers smiled as she was latched onto by a bunch of children from two to five and chatted to incessantly. She laughed in delight while picking up a little black haired boy with large navy blue eyes and holding him under her chin.

“Good morning sweetie.” She cooed to the child.

The small boy nodded and cuddled under her chin to watch the other children from her shoulder.

“Hi kiddies!” she greeted the others, utterly delighted in seeing their cute faces beaming up at her. After everyone said good morning to her and had a little chat the children dispersed to play while the older women began to set up some new tables for snack time. Kaori held Seiichi’s hand as she walked over to help.

“I can do this Sami-san.” The young woman said with a friendly, charming smile. The graying woman on the floor returned the smile in relief as the Kaori took over building the table. Seiichi stood right beside her, his blue bunny in one arm and his thumb in his mouth. Those big navy blue eyes watched her as she twisted the bolts in place. Occasionally she’d pause and tickle his tummy, earning a muffled giggle and blush.

“Hey Seiichi, why don’t you hand me that wrench, the red one.” The little boy pulled his thumb out of his mouth with a ‘pop’ and picked up the wrench. Kaori smiled and continued working as he stared at her.

“So guess what Seiichi? There is a festival coming up.” She glanced to gauge his expression. He just kept staring and sucking him thumb. Kaori, however, would not be defeated.

“Well in few months I’ll be going to it, would you like to come with me?”

Again those navy eyes just stared at her. She made a face and crawled out so that she was nose to nose with him on her hands and knees. “I know you want to come, my cute little bunny.” She giggled and ruffled his hair. He blushed and pouted at her. She just laughed and pulled his thumb out of his mouth. “When your mommy comes to pick you up I will ask her and we can spend the whole day together, or if you don’t want to go you can stay here with the other kids for the evening.”

Seiichi frowned and swung his bunny back and forth before he looked up and nodded his head shyly to Kaori. The woman smiled and patted his head.

“That’s my bunny! Why don’t you go and see if Sami-san needs help while I finish this? Then you can help me make lunch.” The little boy nodded and ran off to tug on Sami’s dress. Kaori shook her head, a joyful smile plastered on her face as she ducked back under the table to finish tightening the bolts. It was almost eleven when she finished and she joined Sami-san with Seiichi in between her and the other woman. After making bento box lunches for the older children they made rice balls and mashed rice and vegetables for the infants and toddlers which Kaori molded into little people with natto to make more entertaining to eat. Seiichi was silently smashing rice into an unrecognizable paste with a blue roller while Sami-san talked to Kaori.

“I hear a shinobi had been frequenting your bar lately, Kaori.” The older woman said with glint in her eye. “Jiro told me that you two have become very friendly.”

Seiichi’s hand froze.

Kaori shrugged nonchalantly. “Yes he is very nice; he walked me home last night after some guys tried to bother me. He really is a nice man, very funny.” The girl smiled as she made a spiky haired person from the food. The older woman chuckled.

“So do you like him then?”

Kaori blushed brightly. “Y-yes… maybe…” she laughed. “He is really very sweet and funny and… well I don’t know! He just makes me laugh and I don’t feel awkward around him. I don’t think I’d mind dating him if he wanted to.” Her voice turned shy as she rolled some natto.

There was a loud clang as Seiichi dropped the roller to the floor. Both women looked down in shock as he bowed his head, eyes hooded and fists shaking. Kaori tried to reach down to him.

“Seiichi?”

With a harsh smack he slapped her hand away and jumped off the step stool and ran out into the back yard play area. With a quick apology the young woman wiped her hands on a towel and ran out after Seiichi.

“Seiichi!”

Chapter 4

“Seiichi!” the little black haired boy heard his name being called by Kaori as she ran around the playground, trying to find him. The yard was big with bushes and trees and a lot of play equipment. She checked all of his usual places but he had used his super-secret-hiding-spot underneath the porch. The little boy held his bunny tightly to his chest as he stared at his bare feet with large eyes.

Shinobi. How he hated that word! Shinobi were bad; he knew that at only four years old. Since his father died he knew that those who wore the head bands and masks were evil and only brought death with them. He hated them.

“Seiichi-kun!” his seraph called again. He could see her through his little peeping hole dressed in a light blue shirt and off-green cargo pants. Her shoulder length hair was down and blowing around her pretty face as she looked for him with concerned eyes. Flashes of memory surfaced within him and he flinched. Blood, lots of blood, screams and cries of pain, his father, lying dead at his feet because of a ninja with a white mask. Blood covered his hands, his clothes his face and into his midnight hair.

“Foolish boy, stop sniveling” A sharp kick sent the child careening into the wall of the wood hut. “And the next time I see you I want a fight, I want to see revenge.” The masked man sneered before vanishing.

Seiichi could remember the splitting pain that wracked his body, ultimately sending him sprawling into darkness. When he awoke a week later his angel was sitting by his bed with a beautiful smile on her face and a stick of colorful dango in her hand. His beautiful mother came in as well and cuddled her son. As the women talked and Kaori offered to get a discount at her daycare Seiichi focused his eyes on her face. He could see the love in her eyes as she looked at him and smiled, he could feel his heart race when she took him in her lap and let him play with her hands. He loved how sweet and clean she smelled. He loved who sheltered he felt when she held him. He loved everything about her.

Seiichi opened a dark eye as his angel looked around in anguish. He felt bad for hiding but he didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t spoken since his father’s death so how could he tell her that she couldn’t be with a shinobi? Pain pounded in his head and he curled up, whimpering quietly. More memories surfaced but these… he was not familiar with these memories.

~ Bodies lay everywhere, felled by the sword in my hand. A mixture or red and cloth stained the corpses of my parents only… they weren’t how I remembered my parents. My father had had white hair and pale skin, my real mother had the same dark color but her face was very different. The two people at my feet were older than my parents.

Then a tormented cry rang in my ears as a young boy ran in. He screamed and cried things that I could not make out. What did he want from me? What did I do?! ~

Then the memory was snuffed out and he was thrust back into his little sunny world in the daycare. His angel had disappeared and he was alone. The little boy hugged his bunny close.

I will not let you be hurt by the killing people . The little boy vowed. His active mind had a plan forming already made to keep her safe and sound.

~

“Sami-san, Seiichi hasn’t come in yet.” Kaori said as she sat by the sliding glass door that led to the back yard. The children were having their naps and Kaori was currently rocking an infant girl to sleep while bathing in the spring time sun. Sami-san was holding another little girl on her lap as she slept but her focus was on her young co-worker.

“Seiichi is a smart boy Kaori-chan, he didn’t leave the yard and I’m sure he will calm down and come back.”

Kaori nodded and turned her face back to the glass, seeing her worn expression reflected back at her, mocking her. She sighed and continued rocking the baby.

“What did I do? I’ve been trying so hard to get him to open up and I blow it!” she hissed venomously. The baby stirred and began to pop her little lips.

Sami-san sighed and the wrinkles around her mouth deepened. “Kaori-chan you are closer to him than anyone, probably as close as his mother is! He witnessed the death of his father and it traumatized him, give him time.”

The girl sighed and her friend cackled. “You always expect things to come easily to you Kaori, you are a smart girl who is very talented, just learn patience with yourself.”

A grateful smile spread across Kaori’s face. She really needed Sami-san to keep her in check.

“Thanks… once the kids go outside I’ll bring him his lunch and try to find out why he was upset.”

Sami-san nodded and reclined in her rocking chair. “Maybe he was jealous of your shinobi friend, sometimes little ones get possessive of their caretakers.” She said wryly. “I occasionally have one or two who glare at my husband when he comes in.”

Kaori smirked and turned to the baby in her arms. One day she’d like to have children of her own, maybe two or three. With a husband too or she’d have one heck of time trying to support them all. Then again Kaori was content without her own little ones for now since she was a little young to be tied down to kids and a husband. She had a life to live after all and there wasn’t much room for children in a young woman’s life.

“One day Kaori, you’ll make a beautiful mother.” Sami pointed out while resting her head back. The twenty year old smiled and stroked the infant’s cheek.

“No soon, but one day.”

~

Sasuke exhaled loudly as he sank into the hot water of the natural spring. The wooden shack trapped the steam and kept his annoying team out. At twenty one he still couldn’t believe that he had not killed those fools yet. Jugo was fine when he could be controlled and he was easily manipulated, but the woman was more annoying than his old pink haired teammate or the one with glasses. Maybe he should avoid women with unnaturally colored hair.

The Uchiha male lifted his hand from the water and examined it apathetically. The fourth shinobi war had begun, his old teammates were in the middle of it and Naruto was about to become Hokage. That blonde idiot. Did he think he was more powerful than Sasuke Uchiha? Ridiculous! Naruto and Sakura were weak, especially Sakura. She was still smitten over him even though he almost killed her several times. She was a fool, just like Karin and the new girl who had joined his team after the red head left. They all had entertained stupid ideas of him loving them.

Women were too much trouble.

Of course no one should be mistaken; Sasuke was going to rebuild his clan the way his brother wanted. But he would destroy Konoha first in retaliation for what they did to him, his family and his brother. They would all pay before he would settle down with some unimportant woman to rebuild a family.

The thought made him scowl. Women. Sometimes he really hated them. They were so mindless and gossiping about everything. None of the attractive ones were serious. Moe, the new girl with the most annoying personality, could be serious on occasion but she was a pain in the neck and he would not risk such an atrocious green hair color in his children.

Perhaps a civilian would do better; they could easily be manipulated and there would be no chance of another kekkei genkai interfering with his Sharingan. A civilian would be weak but obedient and would bare his children well enough. But before that he had to kill Naruto and destroy Konoha.

“Sasuke-kun! SASUKE-KUN!” The Uchiha felt like banging his head against the wall. In fact, he let his head hit the wall behind him as he sighed. One day he would rip the mouth off that annoying woman.

~

Naruto smiled as he darted through the trees. His time in his hometown was short and sweet but he was eager to leave mostly because he was going on a somewhat forced date with Kaori. He had been practically bouncing off the walls in Tsunade’s office when he reported in. The busty blonde dismissed him quickly since he gave her a headache and mumbled something about how a grown-ass man shouldn’t be as giddy as a school girl. Well, she just didn’t understand how elated he was.

Excitement pushed the jounin to run faster and faster through the woods. It was a ten minute run to the town where Kaori lived, but he had to keep his pace light so he didn’t smell like sweat or look like he actually had been running through the woods. Naruto had left his jounin vest at home and dressed in a pair of black pants, black shirt and his sage coat over top. His forehead protector was still fastened to his forehead, and he kept his weapons on him just in case something happened.

He huffed a stray lock of hair from his eyes as he leapt over a fallen tree. Again a lock fell in his eyes. He figured he needed a haircut.

Naruto’s hair had grown a little less spiky over the years and it made him look mature and rugged. In preparation Naruto had even spent an hour making sure he had everything ready: money, teeth brushed, mints—just in case— clean clothes, and manageable hair. When he was satisfied that the only way he’d make a fool of himself would be is hyperactive mouth he left the house his father and mother lived in, the one Tsunade gave him when he was told about his parents, and went to the gates with a pass to leave. Neji Hyuuga had been returning at that time, only for a short break to recover, and Naruto could barely contain his excitement. Neji noticed and wished him luck with his date, giving Naruto a boost of confidence.

Almost there. He thought when he came over a hill and saw the lights of the city. Kaori would be home now since it was six o’clock. He suddenly realized that he didn’t have anything for her. Weren’t girls supposed to expect flowers or chocolate? He didn’t even know what kind of flowers were her favorite!

Panic surged through him as he walked down the main street near her home, hands dug miserably into his pockets. What was he supposed to do? The lights from restaurants and bars glowed neon around him, asking him to come and try their wares. He stuffed his hands further down in his pockets and looked around for a good place to take her for dinner before he found himself at her apartment complex.

The shinobi smiled and attempted to calm his nerves. Naruto had been intimidated a few times before but he was sure nothing was quite as scary as the short walk to her door.

“I can do this, believe it!” he said to himself before running up the stairs.

~

Kaori jumped a little when she heard someone knocking on her door. It was hard for her not to run and throw the obstructing barrier open. Softly, she willed herself to walk and peek through the peep hole. Lo and behold there was her friend and rescuer, Naruto.

“Hi Naruto!” she said cheerfully when she opened the door. The young man grinned broadly but nervously as she smiled. His tan cheeks turned pink as he quickly looked her over. Kaori felt her skin prickle and turn red as she fiddled with her dress. She hoped he didn’t think she was being to girly by wearing a blue dress.

“Hey… Kaori… you look very nice.” He said shyly while scratching the back of his head. Kaori blushed cutely and looked at her feet. She really didn’t know what to say except for ‘thank you’.

After a pregnant pause Naruto held out his arm with his goofy smile back on his face.

“Ready to go?” he asked softly, his eyes growing hazy and calm as he looked at her. The tall girl smiled and took his arm, pulling her door closed behind her.

“Yea.”

Naruto and Kaori were very quiet as they walked the streets of Kaori’s town; both looking opposite ways as they tried to find a way to break the proverbial ice. Kaori couldn’t remember that talking to Naruto had ever being this hard. He had always been so easy to talk to and laugh with, but now everything seemed strange and heavy.

“So… what do you want for dinner?” Naruto asked softly while chancing a glance her way. She was blushing again and fiddling with the hem of her dress.

“Um… there is this nice restaurant on the corner here, it has ramen-“

Naruto held up a hand and stopped her. The girl turned to him with, innocent, marbled eyes looking up with wonder. Naruto felt his mouth go dry.

“This night… I want to get to know you.” He confessed softly. Kaori’s plump lips parted in surprise and she looked quickly to the side. Naruto began to get worried.

“So… you mean like a…”

“Date.” He finished in a half strangled voice. Kaori bowed her head to stare at her feet and Naruto realized that had he never seen her act so shy.

“Would you believe it if I told you I’ve never been on a date in my life?” she whispered quietly. The blonde shinobi flinched in shock before his jaw practically hit the floor. A dry smile played on the girl’s lips.

“I don’t know why, but the guys who used to ask me out were kind of… not my type. Actually none of them were anywhere close to the kind of guy I’d like to date and after a while I kind of forgot to look around for someone or make an effort.” She clasped his hands together in front of her. “So I’ll probably make a fool of myself or do something stupid.”

Azure eyes softened at her confession and Naruto smiled. “I’m not good at dating either Kaori-chan… but does this mean that you…”

She looked up and smiled, bringing attention to her round, rosy cheeks. “I like you a lot Naruto-kun.” She said sweetly. The two laughed before Naruto gave her his arm and took them to the corner for dinner.

Chapter 5

“Ahahaha!” Kaori laughed as she clung to the blonde’s arm. He was roaring with laughter at a joke he just made, half stumbling, as his chin high companion tugged on his arm. The meal had been fantastic and at a decent price for a Sukiyaki restaurant. The Sake had been even better and Kaori had been brave enough to steal a few sips of the warm liquid. Naruto realized she couldn’t keep her liquor very well.

“Oh do you want to get ice cream?” she asked when she spotted a colorful stand by the sidewalk. Naruto smiled down at her, loving that childish joy that shone on her face. She was so light hearted and sweet; she had charmed the waiter senseless with her smiles and gentle way of asking and she had charmed him, Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, into sharing most of his food with her. It was hard to deny that hopeful look in her eyes. Of course she shared with him, but if she gave him that look again he swore he’d try to get her the moon.

“Sure.” He answered with a smile. Ice cream sounded nice since the night was unusually warm and the nervous proximity of his companion was making him sweat a little. The young woman eagerly grabbed his warm hand and cooled his heated skin with her cool flesh. He instantly wrapped his long fingers around her soft little hand and let her pull him to the stand where a young man with brown hair and eyes served ice cream to an elderly couple. Naruto’s eyes narrowed when the boy looked Kaori up and down as they approached.

“What flavor do you want?” Kaori asked softly while she bent to read the flavors on the side of the cart. Naruto had his eyes focused on the young man as the boy took the money from the older couple and spared a glance at Kaori. Kaori was too busy watching the couple walk off, arm in arm, with a smile on her face to notice. Once the couple were off she turned to the waiting vendor.

“May I have a single scoop of strawberry please?” she asked in that almost sickly sweet voice she used with new people. She completely disarmed the vendor. It was charming, but it made Naruto irritated because the boy looked delighted by her tone. He preferred her normal tone of voice to the one that sent the other male’s eyes alight.

“Of course, and you sir?” the boy paled as he looked up and found the shinobi glaring at her.

“Green tea.” Naruto said stiffly and the boy hurried to get the orders but not so fast that he couldn’t get a word in with Kaori. The shinobi could see the glint of completion in the young man’s eye as he reached down to scoop up strawberry ice cream. Who did this kid think he was playing with?

“You work at the Hoiku (Childcare) up Suyumora Street, don’t you?” he asked while handing her the order. The young woman beamed and Naruto’s ears pricked.

“Yes I do.” She answered while stepping aside for her taller companion. The boy grinned as he dug for the green tea ice cream.

“My little sister goes there, her name is Mistani Usagi.” Kaori’s smile grew until Naruto thought her cheeks would burst.

“Oh Mistani! She is such a sweet little girl, tell her Kori-chan said hi when you see her.” Naruto blushed as she quickly held out a few dollars, embarrassed that he did not produce the money sooner. The boy shook his head.

“No this is on the house, my treat for my sister’s favorite teacher.” He said with a cheeky smile. Naruto frowned in jealously as he received his ice cream and was about to insist on paying when Kaori thanked the Usagi boy, grabbed his hand and pulled him down a tree covered alley way flanked on two sides by communal gardens and lamps. It was really romantic in Naruto’s mind and certainly better than watching that kid flirt with Kaori.

“I love walking here,” Kaori said after licking the melting drops from her cone in an almost sinful way. “I often forget to come down here but in the spring it lights up with all of the petals.” She looked up to the blossoming trees with a serene smile. “I’ve painted this place before and it’s always been my favorite.”

Naruto blinked at the peaceful and ancient look her eyes took on. He was beginning to see that Kaori was made of many things. She knew when to be childish and fun loving and she knew when to be serious and mature. She was the anchor for his hyperactivity and outbursts when needed. Those marbled jade and navy eyes with tendrils of topaz told him how much of a intellect she had within the confines of her mind. Apparently, it was a trait that she tried not to flaunt to him.

“I fell in love- taken by the innocence of child faced daffodils…their perky April fanfares, clarion calls from yellow-ochre brass bands… presaging, rejoicing calling us: here we are, here we are!” she recited while passing some of the yellow flowers, her arms held out as she danced on her toes. Naruto practically froze in his tracks as ice cream dibbled down his hand. What on earth had he gotten into with this girl?

Blue eyes softened as she stopped to smell a flower and he smiled. He had never felt as accepted as he did with her when she was this open with him. She never ridiculed him like others had and when he told her about becoming Hokage: she even said that he’d make a great Hokage with enthusiasm. She believed in him and often times told him how nice and funny he was. It always took people some time to warm up to him because of the Kyuubi demon sealed within him but she wasted no time in getting to know him for what he was.

Just look at her boy, she is so unsuspecting and naïve. When will you tell her about us? Kurama asked with a sneer. Naruto frowned minutely.

I will deal with that when the time comes… if I drop it now I’d just scare her. He answered the voice solemnly.

Kurama growled slightly to himself and retreated into his cage. The boy was wrong; something about this girl told him she wouldn’t fear them and that was more exciting than a hunt. The fact that she was able to tame a wild kistune was enough to make Kurama think that she had something special about her.

“Hey, there is a park up the hill here; do you want to go there?” Kaori asked while standing from the little blooms that had greedily held her attention. Her dress fluttered as a breeze, heavy with the scent of lilacs, swirled about them. The two people were almost done with their treats and were not longer tipsy from the Sake by now so Naruto was glad to accompany her to the large, empty park. They laughed and chased each other up the hill other until they were winded. They then climbed a grassy knoll with a single blooming cherry tree perched at its top. There was a rope and wood plank swing attached to it and when Naruto offered to push her on it Kaori couldn’t contain her blush or her childish joy. Just the feel of his strong hands gently pushing at the small of her back was enough to send her stomach into pleasant spasms as metaphorical butterflies tickled her insides. She looked at her naked feet as he pushed her to an easy height above the ground and caught her by the hips as she came back to earth. She felt like she was flying. The swing was so calming and rhythmic and she tried to relax. The problem was that she was just too nervous in case she slipped up around him!

“Naruto,” she looked back when he caught her and he smiled softly at her, showing some his white teeth.

“Yea?” their voices were subdued, as if they’d disturb the nighttime air with loud talking. Slowly the swing became to a stop and Naruto rested his hands on the rope above her head, bending over to look down at her upturned face. They shared a decidedly intimate and close moment staring into the other’s eyes, getting minutely closer until she could rest the top of her head against his chest and he could feel her warm strawberry breath against his chin. Naruto intently studied her features, trying to count the faint freckles on her skin as she examined his own unique facial markings.

She smiled and reached up to run her finger experimentally against a whisker mark. It was a slight indentation in his skin, sharp and defined but rugged and sexy when coupled with his intense eyes. He held completely still as she looked him over, waiting for a reaction of disgust or fear.

A smile pulled at her lips and she tugged on a lock of his hair. “You look worried…” she observed. The blonde sighed and bowed his head a little more, shutting his azure eyes from the world.

“I am… I was worried about what you’d think of me.”

Dainty brows furrowed and she ran her hand along his warm cheek. “I already told you I like you… did you think I’d be afraid because of your profession?”

He nodded; that was part of it at least. He opened his eyes as her other hand came up to cup his face. Her expression was serious but kind, like a mother assuring her child.

“I am not afraid of you Naruto.” She assured him firmly. “I think you are wonderful; you are courageous and hard working. Soon you will make a memorable Hokage, one I can write about for the museum, and you will accomplish much, even more than you have already.”

Suddenly Kaori felt hot, soft skin touching her lips. Moist, warm air damped her cheek and mouth as two arms encircled and held her by the waist from behind. The pressure on her lips was constant and gentle, softly begging for a response. She had never kissed before and had next to no idea how to answer his silent plea. During a confused moment she almost pulled back before she thought otherwise.

Her lips pressed back and her heart thrummed loudly under her breast as her fingers bluntly pressed into his cheeks and hair. Naruto’s kiss deepened slightly as he sucked her lip and released only to come back down in a gentle touch of lips. Chaste and sweet, that was the taste he left on her lips when he pulled away. Kaori had trouble catching her breath and calming the flames in her cheeks and Naruto was hanging onto the rope for dear life. Her words, for once words meant more than actions for him. Her voice hit him where it counted and in the most wonderful way. She cared for him.

“Kaori…” Wide eyes looked up to him and he blushed when he saw how red she was. A smile grew on his face, making him look reserved but happy. “I think I’d like to go on a date with you again.”

“That sounds nice.” She smiled and he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Chapter 6

“Sasuke,” Suigetsu said while landing by his team leader. “I have new information regarding Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze.” He said lowly. The Uchiha heir kept his position, letting his blood red sleeve billow about his right arm, curling the Uchiha fan that was printed on it while his bare left arm steadied himself on the branch. His vest was a dark cream color to complement the red. His hakama pants were the same blood red color and he had two swords strapped to his waist, his and his brother’s. His hair was the same spiked style from childhood, but it had grown more unruly with longer locks framing his angled face. Dark eyes glowed red at the mention of his old teammate.

“Report.” He ordered in a voice, husky from days of disuse. Suigetsu nodded and spoke in a hushed tone.

“Apparently he has given up on the pink haired kunoichi, Haruno, in favor for a civilian girl by the name of Hayashi. He has been seeing her regularly for two months now and is quite attached to her. She is living in Akemo Town fifteen miles from Konohagakure. Here is her information.” He held out a scroll and the Uchiha took it. Kaori Hayashi, waitress daycare assistant and student. She was taking classes to become a curator and historian specializing in the Husani Era, a good student with no criminal record or ties to shinobi. She came from the far north. Suigetsu reported her being very close to Naruto and that he visited her every few days while preparing to accept the title of Hokage.

She would be perfect bait to lure him out. I will look into this personally. Sasuke thought while tucking the scroll into his vest. The Uchiha’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the distant shinobi village that earned so much hate from him. Soon they would all pay for what they did.

Without so much as a sound Sasuke rose to his full height, hand on the pommel of his sword.

“Remain at our base and keep the others in line. I do not want to find you all dead and have you inconvenience me.” he said in a dead voice. The white haired man nodded and vanished, leaving his leader to his own devices. Sasuke let a maniacal grin twist his face until he nearly resembled a demon. He would have his day and Naruto Uzumaki would get to witness the destruction of that damned village. They would all pay.

The trees few by Sasuke as the moon began to climb in the dark blue sky. He ran like a ghost towards the town his subordinate mentioned. He was going to see how attached Naruto was to this girl and if she had a guard. Knowing how stupid the blonde was she probably didn’t.

Before long he was in thinning trees and beginning to see some cottages and small houses. In a matter of seconds his demonic shadow appeared on the roof of a store. Sharingan eyes peered down on the unsuspecting people as they went about their evening routines. Suigetsu said she worked as a waitress but the fool forgot to mention where.

No matter, I will find her. He thought while casting a henge to disguise his appearance. He jumped down into an alley and appeared to be a normal young man with short black hair and grey eyes. His clothes appeared to be just a navy shirt and dark pants with a jacket. Already a few girls were whispering about him.

Idiotic women . He thought sourly while stalking down the street. He checked several restaurants and two bars, one that happened to be a striper bar. No one by the name of Kaori worked there but he supposed she could have been using another name while working. He was about to go into the back to check all of the rooms when a girl walked up to him.

“Hey are you the guy who is asking about Kori-chan?” the black haired girl asked. She was really short and he had to bend his head down to look at her. He nodded and she put her hands on her hips.

“Well Mister Kori-chan doesn’t work here so get lost, the manager wants paying customers not people looking around for a date.”

“I am not interested in dating Kaori; I want to talk to her. I assume you know where she is.” He said lowly, letting his eyes haze over and giving her a sexy look. The girl blushed.

“Well I shouldn’t tell some stranger-“ she was cut off as Sharingan swirled and her mind became his plaything. His new jutsu allowed him to see what they thought. Apparently her friend worked in the tavern up the street.

“Get back to work.” He ordered and the blank eyed girl stiffly walked off, having forgotten everything about him.

This is it. He thought while walking into the slightly dim tavern. There were four women working the floor, none of which resembled the brief image he saw in the stripper’s head. Perhaps she wasn’t working tonight. He approached the bar and took a seat. A man and a woman were talking in the corner.

“-I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing Kaori.” The bigger man said to the girl who had her back to Sasuke. She was tall and had a soft voice.

“I’m okay, thank you for worrying Akihiko-san.” She smiled and rubbed his shoulder affectionately. “Take a brake and I’ll man the bar for a bit.”

The young woman turned and Sasuke caught a glint of metal from the center of her throat. Resting just below her clavicle was the necklace Naruto had worn since childhood; a Konoha flame. Sasuke now knew who his little love interest was. She was a pretty and kind looking girl but she certainly wasn’t a notable beauty. In fact she partly resembled his old female teammate, Sakura.

Naruto gave up on her? It seems more like he found a replacement. He thought smugly as the girl approached him.

“What can I get for you?” she asked in a very pleasant voice. She leaned against the counter and smiled charmingly. At least she didn’t sound like that annoying pinkette. The disguised man smiled softly.

“Sake.” He ordered. The young woman gave him a sweet and completely innocent grin before reaching under the bar to grab the bottle. He was impressed that she wasn’t trying to flirt with him since his henge did nothing to affect his attractiveness or aura. When she came back up she set out the bottle and cup.

“Here you go… anything else?” she asked in a cheerful tone. Sasuke’s eyes smoldered as he looked at her.

“Yes, where did you get that necklace?” he asked while lazily gesturing towards it. A pretty blush colored her face and she touched the metal with her hand.

“Um someone gave it to me.” She said shyly. A man called for another round and she hurried to the other end of the bar to attend to some customers. Sasuke smirked. She was the one.

Sasuke spent the evening glowering over his cup and watching the girl go about her work, smiling and idly fiddling with her necklace. Every time she touched the metal she blushed softly and smiled to herself. It was sickening to see someone so taken with the idiot; she must have been more of a moron than Naruto was.

“Kori-chan!” the tall girl turned as a short blonde girl with a high voice stepped up to her. “Is it true that you’re dating someone?”

“Yes.” She answered softly while sitting on a stool further down the bar. Her friend squealed and jumped in delight making his target sigh and rest her cheek in her palm as her friend danced.

“I knew it! And he is a shinobi right? The one who is supposed to become-“ a hand shot over the girl’s mouth and Kaori’s brow twitched.

“Don’t get carried away Hana, this could end up just being a boyfriend girlfriend thing, I’m not engaged or anything!” she said in a hush as some young men looked up. Sasuke turned his ear towards the other patrons.

“So it’s true.” One murmured.

“Damn… I never really noticed but Kaori is really cute and smart… lucky bastard.”

“I heard she was jumped by some guys a few weeks back and he saved her from being killed; no wonder she is going out with him.” Another said before taking a swig and calling for another beer. Sasuke’s eyes narrowed on her. She seemed average enough but he wouldn’t be fooled. She was probably just as foolish as the rest of the female population anyways.

“Okay, Okay Kori-chan but I want to be the first person you tell after you two have sex.” The blonde continued loudly. Sasuke’s attention came around to the girl as her face turned bright scarlet.

“Bye Hana.” Kaori droned while pushing her friend out the door. The man who ran the bar returned and she took a break by arranging the bottles on the wall to Sasuke’s right. She was crouching while setting the bottles in their slots, giving his eyes a nice look of her surprisingly shapely backside.

“Oh!” she gasped as she lost her balance and fell back onto the floor. She blinked for a moment and sighed, crossing her legs and rubbed her temples.

“I need to get home.” She murmured while bouncing up to her full height and finishing her job. Akihiko, the bartender, quickly sent her home before it turned ten and she passed Sasuke once more to get her jacket.

“Excuse me miss,” he said smoothly, drawing her marbled gaze as he swiveled on the stool. He let his eyes smolder into her, now black. “You wouldn’t happen to be seeing someone would you?”

She looked confused for a moment, disbelieving almost, before she pulled on her jacket and looked away.

“I am seeing someone.” she answered while cleaning up his empty cup and wiping the table. He felt his head getting a little fuzzy from the alcohol but his finely trained body was able enough to handle the drink. Still he was sure she was beginning to look more attractive as she nibbled her lip between her teeth.

“I was curious to see if a girl like you was single, good luck.” He said while dropping a bill on the table and walking out. He had to do some surveillance before he made his move.

~

Kaori smiled brightly when she found Naruto sitting against her door, hands on his knees and face bright as he watched her walk up to him. He stood and stretched out his arms experimentally and he was overjoyed to have her walk right into his embrace and hug him. She hummed and held him tight, basking in his warmth.

“Hmmm, you’d make a great heater you know.” She said as he hugged him and nuzzled into his black shirt and deeper into his arms. The blonde smiled and rested his cheek on the top of her head. She was the perfect height; he didn’t have to bend down to kiss her or to hug her and her curves fit perfectly against him.

“Are you cold?” he asked quietly as her nose brushed his neck. Her apple scent was incredibly addictive to his senses as his nose skimmed her soft hair.

“Yea actually, I think I could go for some soup, I bought ramen too if you’d like.” She said with a charming smile as she unlocked her door and walked in. Her fox called loudly to her and leapt onto her shoulder from the shelf where it had been waiting. Kitsa’s bright eyes studied Naruto carefully as her owner walked to the kitchen, stroking the furry chin of her companion as she went.

“That sounds great, I can make it.” Naruto said as Kaori pulled out two containers of soup, one ramen and the other chicken noodle. The young woman gave him a tired smile and he ran his fingers through her soft Strawberry Blonde hair. “Go get ready for bed, I won’t burn anything.” He chuckled. Her tired smile turned into a brilliant grin.

“Okay, thank you. Kitsa, be a good girl and make sure Mr. Shinobi doesn’t fry my kitchen.” She joked before going down the hall to shower and change. Naruto smiled and began getting the food ready, quickly finding all of the pots and pans due to his previous visits and getting things set up for their meal. Kitsa kept distracting him with her perpetual adorableness, her and the sound of the shower running. His attuned senses could hear the shift in the falling liquid as it hit the supple flesh underneath deluge. The thought made his mouth go dry. He had been going steady with Kaori for nearly two months and he swore he hadn’t felt this happy since his younger years before the war, if even then. Visits to Kaori’s were the highlight of his week so he made as many trips as he could when Tsunade-baa wasn’t drilling Hokage rules and regiments into his brain. They would go out for a walk, out to eat, or to see a movie in the theatre to spend time together. A few times they just stayed in her living room and got to know each other’s interests and hobbies without the distraction of onlookers.

Just as the soup grew hot Kaori stepped out of the shower in her thick bath robe and slipped into her room to change into her bed clothes. Every time he came over late she’d dress in the orange shirt he gave her and some sweat pants since they often ended up cuddling on the couch, talking about their lives.

Naruto lead such an interesting life compared to her; he fought and protected many people with a desire to bring peace to the world. Kaori was more realistic to how the world, and more specifically humans, worked. The cycle would always continue but that was why people like Naruto were around, to balance the world. When she told him that he hugged her tightly, nuzzling her in such an intimate way that it made her turn beat red and let out a squeak. She soon realized that he had never had anyone who truly believed in him for many years, at least until he met his team. She heard all about Sasuke Uchiha the runaway, Sai the artist, Kakashi the copy nin but he didn’t want to talk much about the girl named Sakura. If he didn’t want to talk she wouldn’t push him though it did make her wonder if they had ever dated.

“Ah! Naruto!” she called lazily as she reappeared in his large shirt and a pair of sweats with little cats printed on them. The blonde smiled brightly at her as he set the bowls on the coffee table before the couch, a place where they had claimed as their own sacred place when having dinner. His bright, kind blue eyes warmed as she approached on her toes, swaying as she pretended to balance on a wood floorboard. Her swinging hips were siren calls for his eyes.

“Mmm yum, thank you for making it!” she chimed warmly while standing beside him. The jounin laughed and blushed before handing her a spoon. She was always so warm with him.

“It’s no big deal… just ramen and soup.” He said, embarrassed. The young woman just smiled and patted his head, a habit he was beginning to enjoy greatly.

“I don’t care if it’s soup or the most elaborate dinner ever, thank you for making it.” She then sat down, pulling him with her before she picked up her bowl.

“Itadakimasu!” Despite her tiredness she managed a cheerful tone and smile before practically inhaling her soup. Naruto’s manners weren’t much better but both were starving.

“Mhm, Kaori-chan.” Naruto said while a mouthful of noodles hung from his lips. Kaori rolled her eyes and poked his cheek.

“Swallow please, I can’t have you choking.” She said and he slurped the noodles down. Soon his vibrant eyes were on her.

“So I was wondering if you’d like a tour of Konoha when you move, I can help you with your things if you like since you have a lot to move.” He smiled softly at her and she blushed brightly. He loved seeing her cheeks turn pink.

“That’d be really nice Naruto, and I can actually come and see you for a change! I feel terrible that you have to run all the way over here to visit.” Those beautiful eyes softened and she smiled softly at him. Naruto set his bowl down and stroked her hair.

“I don’t mind and it’s not far for me. Besides,” he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “I think you are well worth any journey.” She squeaked a little and kissed his chin.

“You’re very romantic Naruto.” She complimented sweetly. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders.

“So you’ll be working in the Museum eh? That honestly sounds boring.” The girl flushed and smirked.

“Well I guess you need to be a bit of a nerd to enjoy; you’re a very hands on person but I like reading and watching.” She kicked her feet up on the table and leaned against his shoulder. “I’ve always had a knack for history and the Hisani period is the most interesting to me, it is also part of the history of my ancestors so it’s fitting that I like it so much.” She turned to look up at him. “But forget that, you’re going to be Hokage soon! I will definitely be there to see that!”

Naruto beamed, remembering that his lifelong dream was close to being fulfilled. Soon, in a matter of three weeks Tsunade would bestow the title of Hokage to him and he would take over as the Rokudaime. Naruto felt his excitement building as he thought about being recognized by the village as the Hokage, the boy who was hated for housing the Nine Tail would succeed in saving his home and everyone from the cycle of hate. It was so much but he knew he could do it with the help of his friends and allies.

“Yea,” he said finally, in a soft voice. The look in his eyes told Kaori he was deep in thought. “Yea you should come and see that… I’d like that.” He looked down and she smiled.

The two settled in and finished their meals before snuggling up to listen to the radio play music and watch Kitsa play with a toy. The evening was drawing in around them but both were warm and content in each other’s arms. Kaori managed to snuggle onto Naruto’s chest right underneath his chin while his head leaned against the back of the couch, his mouth open slightly as a small line of drool wet the corner of his mouth. It hadn’t taken long for them to reach this stage; the pair had found out that they were very compatible on the third date. Neither were used to being touched or held often and it was an ongoing adventure learning how they reacted to each other’s touches.

“Naruto-kun?” Kaori mumbled sleepily. He snorted in response and blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and the drool from his chin. She gave him a tired look and smiled.

“It’s late… you need to get home, you have job training.” She reminded him sweetly. The shinobi let out a groan and tucked her between his firm body and the couch, practically squishing her.

“Nah, Tsunade-baa can deal with it later; I like this better.” He was half asleep and enjoying her warm body in his embrace. Kaori huffed and gave him a push off the couch.

“Grah!” he yelped and she started laughing. The young man made a face then reached up and pulled her on top of him.

“You’re gonna get it!” he roared as he began to tickle her sides.

“Ah-ha! No stop! Ah ha ha ha!” she cried as he held her and attacked her senseless. The man smiled as she gasped for breath and struggled to stand.

“Okay, I’ll get going but send me a letter before you get ready to move and I’ll come and help you pack everything into a scroll.”

“Show off shinobi.” She said while pulling him up to his feet and walking him to the door.

“Night Kaori.” He said from the doorway. His love interest beamed at him.

“Night night Mr. Shinobi.” She said before going on her toes to kiss his lips. Immediately strong arms encircled her waist and he responded with fervor, molding his lips to hers in a way that made her heart thrum and her fingers curl. When they separated both were out of breath and flushed but satisfied. Mostly. Naruto couldn’t help but steal another kiss before reluctantly pulling away and going down the stairs. They left with a wave and a smile, unsuspecting of the events to come.

Chapter Seven

Sasuke’s eyes drifted lazily over his subordinates, all kneeling before him in the cold, dusty room of an abandoned house. The Uchiha shifted his gaze from Suigetsu to Jugo to Moe, clearly displeased with his team. They were pathetic and he’d have to replace them once he destroyed Konoha or perhaps sooner. Suigetsu was useful most of the time while Jugo had strong physical traits but a weak constitution and both had served him well in the past years. Moe, however, was just there to heal them and Sasuke was positive that he would be the one to kill her if she kept her antics up.

“Suigetsu, Jugo, Moe, I have a mission for you.” He announced smoothly in his superior tone. The three looked up to their cold leader expectantly.

“There is a girl in Akemo town that is reportedly in a romantic affair with Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze of which I have confirmed makes her a worthwhile target. Her name is Kaori Hayashi. In a month she will be moving to Konoha and out of our reach. I want you three, on the first night of the spring festival, to kidnap her and bring her to me. She is not to be damaged in anyway, that means no cutting.” He said sharply to the murder-loving Kirigakure nin.

“Sure, sure, I’ll try not to chop off her toes.” He drawled while rolling his eyes. Moe snorted.

“Why do we need some little civilian to lure him out anyways?” she said in her harsh voice. Jugo sighed and returned to drawing on the dirt with his finger, not interested in his teammate’s sqwaking. A muscle under Sasuke’s eye twitched.

“Do not question your leader.” He growled. “Survey and prepare yourself in case Uzumaki assigns her guards.” His onyx eyes narrowed as he stared the ninja down. Anger, death and pure hatred rolled off the last Uchiha like waves crashing against a beach. He was not one to anger for his power had grown to match any Anbu level shinobi or better. They all knew that one day he would unleash his madness upon the world and they wanted to be on his side when he snapped.

The raven haired man finally spoke after a deathly silence. “I want Konoha to know who took her so if she makes a scene let her and then bring her here.”

“Hai!”

~

“Okay Seiichi-kun, you be a good boy for Kaori-chan.” Seiichi’s brown eyed mother cooed while patting her child on the head. He simply stared up at her as she rose, noting the disappointed look she carried on her face. He knew it was because he never talked or smiled at her.

“Thank you so much for offering to take him out, I would if I wasn’t so busy.” Aoishi said with a tired smile. Kaori returned it brightly, tilting her head to the side.

“It’s no trouble at all. After my move I’ll be visiting about once a month so I can come and give you some time off and watch Seiichi.” She turned to look at the little body by her leg. “Ready sweetie?”

His response was merely to reach up and take her fingers in his hand while hiding his face behind his worn blue bunny. The women laughed and said goodbye as Kaori started for the brightly lit streets of Akemo with her little man by her side. He was silent as he walked in his cute little purple yukata but she didn’t mind; she had a plan to help him come out of his shell.

“Hey Seiichi-kun do you want to play this game?” she said while pointing to a booth where one throws blunt wood kunai at a stack of cans for a prize. The boy frowned and looked away. Kaori sighed and knelt down to pick him up and settle him on her hip, his favorite spot. The little boy readily snuggled against her, putting his arms around her neck and letting his blue bunny hang behind her as he laid his cheek against the cool skin of her exposed neck. The young woman rubbed his back, smiling softly while approaching the booth. The elder man operating the game smiled and got up.

“Well hello there ma’am, does the little one want to play?” he asked while standing up and stretching with a good natured smile on his wrinkled face. Kaori smiled and looked to the shy little boy who had grabbed her kimono collar to help hide his face. The two adults laughed and she handed him two coins. He gave her six wood kunai and stepped to the side so she could face the targets.

“Six shots for the pretty girl, hit all the cans four times and win a prize!” the man said in a loud voice. Kaori threw two and missed all but three of the eight cans before she looked to Seiichi with pleading kitten eyes.

“Hey bunny would you help me? I’m not very good.” She smiled softly at him and his eyes narrowed. The look he gave her told her that he saw through her little act but he still took a kunai from her hand and let her stand him on a stool. One, two, three, four perfect hits all in succession. The older man gaped as Kaori reached up and plucked a new baby blue bunny from the rack that Seiichi had pointed to.

“Is that kid a ninja?” the man bellowed, furious at the display of talent. The other patrons gaped as the little boy returned to his angel’s arms. Kaori merely smiled as she set the child on the ground and gave him his new stuffed toy to match his old bunny.

“Nope, he is just a fast learner, thank you.” She waved and took the boy’s hand while he examined his new stuffed animal and compared it to his old one. He had such a serious expression on his face one would think he was trying to extract some complicated meaning from its button eyes.

Kaori smiled as the scent of lilacs and food pervaded the air. People were walking around in their spring kimonos with their friends, family and lovers. The spicy smell of food coupled with the sizzle of fryers surrounded them while colored lanterns hung above the street. Everything had a warm glow about it. Kaori couldn’t help her smile as she saw people who usually wore a tired, worn look on their face relax and laugh while celebrating the arrival of spring. Her friends waved and cooed over shy little Seiichi as they passed but most had more important plans to attend to. A few stopped and talked to her and invited her to join them but she knew that Seiichi would get bored at a restaurant or bar. After biding her friends goodbye Kaori made her way to the center of town where dancers and performers paraded in the streets garbed in colorful costumes and masks. It was a beautiful sight to see.

Soon onlookers began to dance along with the performers and Kaori took Seiichi in her arms and swayed to the music. The boy blushed and laughed silently while she held his hand in the air and sang to him in her soft tone. A few single men noticed her and watched with a mixture of admiration and intimidation as the tall, intelligent and loving woman doted on the child as if she was his mother—for all they knew she was. Needless to say, she drew their attention more than the girl walking about in short and skimpy yukata, but none of the men dared approach her for a dance. Her significant other had made it clear whenever they were out how he felt about other men flirting with her and none of the civilian men dared risk their lives to try and sway her opinion. Of course that didn’t stop some visitors to the town from asking to buy her a drink or attempt to win her a prize at a booth. She politely declined them and once little Seiichi hit one persistent man over the head with a stick he picked up, sending the offending man off with a triumphant smirk on his face. Once the man was gone Kaori laughed hard and patted Seiichi on the head for his excellent defensive skills before the pair moved off to a dango shop to get his favorite treat and to heat up with some tea. Seiichi was smiling more now, just a little turn of his lips, and the serious look was gone from his face when a little blonde girl asked to see his bunnies. Kaori smiled as the two children sat beside their respective chaperones and played together then returned to her tea. Everything was going so well, still, she wished Naruto could be there with her.

“Hey there babe, this seat taken?” a vein throbbed on her temple at the lecherous tone the man next to her used. The young woman closed her eyes and took a sip of her tea.

“Not unless the person sitting there is invisible.” She retorted while eyeing Seiichi who was frowning at the man to her right. She heard the stool skid back and the man sat rather close to her. Seiichi rose from his seat on the ground and tugged on Kaori’s kimono so she’d pick him up. The child gave the man beside them a death glare that would scare most grown men. The white haired man beside her only grinned maliciously in response. Kaori made a face. He had pointed teeth

“Your kid?” he asked, showcasing his unsettling maw. Kaori didn’t like the malevolent aura he gave off and she protectively hugged Seiichi to her chest.

“No.” she answered curtly while handing a stick of dango to the child. The man beside her snorted.

“Well then why do you have him when you could have a guy like me?” he asked haughtily while turning to face her. He was dressed in a dark cloak which contrasted against his white hair. He looked creepy. The vein throbbed more noticeably and her cheeks flamed with her rising anger. She hated guys like him.

“Because he acts more like a man than you do.” She brashly snapped before paying for the meal and exiting the open air shop with Seiichi. The man followed them out.

“I gotta admit that was a nice shot but I don’t give up that easily.” He drawled while stepping beside her. He was barely her height and looked skinny. The man gave her a slimy feeling.

“Go away.” She said firmly to his face, her eyes blazing. The man chuckled and turned to face her, his violet eyes lighting with malice. With a firm shove he pushed her back into an alley and right into someone’s massive chest.

“I can’t do that Ms. Hayashi.” He growled in dark amusement. “You need to meet our leader.”

Kaori gave him a look as if to ask ‘are you loony?’ The boy in her arms clenched his fist around the lapel of her kimono as she stood in the shadowy alley. She hadn’t even noticed him corral her by its maw. Sensing her growing panic the shark toothed man chuckled as a feeling of dread overcame the girl.

“Come with us Ms Hayashi and nothing will happen that you’d regret.” He purred as a large hand clamped down on her shoulder from behind. Emerald green eyes melted to a blue grey as she looked down on the shark-man with unmasked contempt and anger.

“And who exactly would be so interested in talking to me?” she asked lowly. Seiichi’s weight seemed to grow along with the pain in her chest. These people were serious—they were killers. If they wanted her that was fine but she couldn’t let anything happen to Seiichi: she’d never survive the guilt. He had to live. He didn’t deserve to die. Horror filled her heart as the man pulled out a small sword.

“That’s none of your business right now.” he snapped and the person behind her tightened their grip minutely on her shoulder. Kaori frowned at the ninja before her but kept her face calm as he continued. Surely someone could see them by now. She had seen some Konoha ninja earlier...

“If you don’t come with us we will kill the kid and hang his body over the street.” Her aggressor threatened.

The young woman paled and felt her stomach drop. Immediately her arms tightened on the boy in her embrace. This would not happen to him!

“You are pathetic to threaten a child in such a way. I will go only if he isn’t harmed. He is mute so he can’t tell anyone.” Seiichi gaped and clutched her tight, mortified that she was willing to leave him. The white haired man frowned but shrugged.

“Fine, let the kid walk off and come with us. We won’t kill him unless you try to escape.”

Now Kaori may not have been a trained fighter or shinobi but she was no fool. She could feel his lie and it made her furious. Her fingers curled around the cylindrical object tucked into her obi as the men stepped away as she turned to set the little boy down.

“Now sweetie I want you to go to your dad okay? I want you to hurry sweetie?” She hoped her hint was received. The boy looked mortified but nodded, hugging his new bunny tightly while holding out his old one, his favorite. Kaori felt tears sting her eyes. She couldn’t fail him even if it killed her. She hoped Naruto and her family would understand.

Kaori smiled sadly and took the toy, tucking it in her obi while standing up right, shielding him with her body as the two nin stood behind her and to her side. Seiichi slowly walked to the opening of the doomed alley and cast a glance back at his angel surrounded by demons. One last, kind smile was directed at him before chaos erupted.

“RUN!” she screamed. The men lunged for her but fell right into her simple trap. Her right hand whipped out and let loose a spray of blinding mace, making the men stumble and fall. Seiichi took off and disappeared into the crowd so that not even the kunoichi on the building above them could locate him as she swooped in on the girl. Kaori was ready though, her instincts kicking in as adrenaline coursed through her veins. The kunoichi wasn’t expecting the civilian girl to ferociously tackle her to the ground and ram her silk encased elbow into her nose, breaking it. Kaori then took off running in the opposite direction Seiichi did, screaming that Shinobi were trying to attack her. Civilians scattered, screaming in horror as the three ninja raced down the street and encircled the girl, their faces contorted with pain and anger. Ahead she could hear the shouts of one of the Konoha ninja. There was some hope!

The largest one caught her by her upper arms, causing her to cry out as his brute strength started crushing her limbs. The bloodied woman appeared behind Kaori and hit her sharply in the back of the head, causing her to slump against her captor lifelessly with a single name on her lips.

“Naruto…”