My Chibi Dobe

Chapter 11 “Of Bugs and Dogs”

The Kurai trio settled into the Aburame compound well enough as the compound was mostly settled in forest with thick trees and foliage with in the compound itself. Much to Shino’s annoyance Shibi was still absent. There was no doubt that he was avoiding his son in favor of self preservation. Shino knew his father couldn’t hide forever so he could wait for now.

Sasami on the other welcomed their guest with a smile and open arms. Being one of the few that married into the Aburame clan she did not have the blank expressions and suppressed emotions. She was one of the rare few that were not repulsed or frighten by the Kikai, in fact she was the opposite. She was fascinated by insects especially the Kikai. It was during a nature trip while she was at the academy that she met the quiet Shibi. She had been following some butterflies when some rouge ninjas had attacked their group. She was hit with a kunai in the shoulder it pinned her to the trees and was trapped. Shibi had come to rescue commanding his Kikai to defend them and drive the enemy back. Once freed from the tree Sasami manage to smile at the young Kikai master before fainting in his arms. Ever since then the Kunoichi was interested in the silent Shinobi. It took along time to convince Shibi she truly wanted to get to know him and even longer to convince the stubborn man that she wanted to marry him. But in the end she got what she wanted a loving husband and a house full of children. Sasami had accomplished what no other had done in the bug clan and that was to have more than one or two children in fact she had eight and was currently pregnant with her ninth.

“Shino are your guest joining us for Breakfast?”

“I do not know mother.” Shino replied as he helped his younger brothers and sisters into their chairs. His youngest brother in the high chair glared at him through his tiny shades for confining him to the retched chair but he ignored it. “Ryuu-san and Phoenix-san said Kurai-san is undergoing recovery. It seems we had interrupted her training when we asked her to come to Konoha.”

“I hope she is alright. I’ll prepare some trays for them then. Everyone needs a good breakfast to start the day.”

“Of course mother.” Shino agreed as he sever his siblings their breakfast. “Shimi do not feed your vegetables to the Kikai.”

“Gomen Aniki.” The little Kunoichi in training pouted.

“Now hurry up and eat we need to get supplies to day. Tomorrow is the first day of academy. This will be your first year so you need to be prepared.”

“Yes Aniki.” Even with two of his siblings on missions Shino still had to deal with the remaining five. They could be a trial, but he was proud of them and was glad they were more like their mother more open with their feelings.

“SHINO!” Make that six siblings if you counted his childlike teammate and best friend.

“We’re in the dining room Kiba-kun would you care to join us for some breakfast?”

“Thanks Sasami-san!” Kiba greeted as he entered the family dining room. “Shino I heard you were back I just got in myself on a quick mission to Grass country.”

“Yes, we returned on Thursday. The Yoru team is staying here for the time they are here.”

“Wow! So what are they like?”

“I don’t know I haven’t seen them much since our return.”

“Really? Hinata saw two of them at the Hospital yesterday inspecting the labs and stuff. Oh and guess what? I get Naruto tomorrow I get to share him with Hinata!”

“That also means you will share him with Neji as well. I don’t think he will be open to leaving you two alone too much.”

“No cause he’ll be staying at my place not the Hyuuga compound.”

“Does dog breath have a crush Aniki?” the young Aburame closest to Kiba questioned.

“Watch it runt or your dog food.” Kiba glared at Shino’s little brother.

“Shidan you will respect your elders.”

“Hai Aniki.”

“So Shino what are your plans of today?”

“I need to take Shidan, Shirin, and Shimi, for their academy supplies. I also have to take Shima and Shifu with us to give mother a rest.”

“Yeah your mom is due any day now. Well I’ll give you a hand it will be like practice for when I pick up Naruto tomorrow.” Kiba smiled as he scarffed down his food much to the disgust of the younger Aburame siblings. They may be more open with emotions but they had the rules of etiquette and manners ingrained in their DNA but they said nothing not wanting to upset their beloved Aniki.

“Your help will be appreciated.” Shino nodded to his teammate as he tried in vain to feed his stubborn baby brother.

“Shifu the sooner you eat the sooner I will let you out of your chair.”

“Shino dear he won’t no matter what you say. I’ve tried everything I can think of to get him to eat but still refuses and will only take his bottle or a couple of baby biscuits.”

“I will work with him this week and see if I can get him break this bad habit.”

“Then I wish you lucky my son because he is almost as stubborn as you.” Sasami smiled before taking two breakfast trays to their guest.

“Come on rug-rats! There is an adventure just waiting for us!” Kiba encouraged but sweat dropped as he received around of glares from the shade wearing clan heirs. ‘Boy it’s going to be a long day.’

Monday

“This is going to be so Awesome!” Kiba shouted as he practically skipped to the Hokage’s office.

“You seem very excited Kiba-Kun.” Hinata giggled at her team mates antics.

“I am! I mean I’ve never had a little brother or sister. I had Hana is five years older and a know-it-all. I never had anyone to look up to me the way Shino’s brothers and sisters look up to him or how Hanabi looks up to you.”

“Hanabi doesn’t look up to me.” The Heiress replied softly. She had no illusions when it came to her position in her Family.

Neji was the rightful heir with his talent and skill the pride of the clan despite being of the branch house. Hanabi was the next skillful genius in the family a more suited heiress for the main branch as she had gotten more beautiful as she had grown older. There were many offers for her hand both in and out of the clan, but all were rejected by their father. Hiashi despite his cold out ward appearance loved his daughters very much and considered them both to young to marry. If a young suitor could beat Neji, his brother’s only son and genius heir, then he would consent to a long engagement. Sadly Hinata knew no one would fight Neji for her.

She had hopes when she was younger about Naruto loving her and whisking her away, but they were just dreams. She could see how Sasuke was his heart and soul. You didn’t need the Byakugan to see how much they loved each other or how much they needed one another. So her love turned into that of a sister’s love and she too was looking forward to taking care of Chibi Naruto as well and enjoying his innocent look on life.

“Nonsense Hinata She looks up to you, you’re just too modest. We’ll were here I’m kind of nervous what if he doesn’t like me?” Kiba said as the stopped at the entrance to Hokage tower.

“You’re one of his best friends Kiba-kun, Naruto-kun will be happy to meet you again.” Hinata tried to reassure the Dog handler. Akamaru on the other hand was very impatient to See Naruto again and took it upon himself to get to the pup as he barreled into the Hokage office at full speed ignoring his master’s command to “Heel!”

“WOOF, WOOF” (Cookies and dirt!)

“Watch it Pup! You might squish Cookies and dirt!” Oushi growled at the young ninken who knocked over his chibi pup.

“WOOF!” (HAPPY!)

“I get it now off the pup!” Reluctantly Akamaru got up off the giggling Kyuubi-container.

“Well Akamaru I see your happy with this duty.” Tsunade smiled. She was happy Naruto had such caring friends. She had taken him for the weekend and Naruto went on and on about the great adventures he had been having with all his big brothers and sisters. Naruto was seeing them as his family and the chibi was opening up more with everyone. Even though his trust was still fragile he was taking the risk to be happy.

“AKAMARU!”

“WOOF!! WOOF!!” (IN HERE!)

“Sorry Tsunade-sama” Kiba bowed when he managed to get into the office with a blushing Hinata following right behind him.

“Don’t let it happen again Inuzuka. Now Naruto and Oushi will be staying with you at the Inuzuka compound till next week then with Hinata and Neji at the Hyuuga Compound. Gaara will be joining Naruto at the Hyuuga resident when he gets here on Monday. The Kazekage had to return to Suna for meetings last week and said he would return for the week before heading to the hidden mist for treaty Negotiations. I have already spoken with Hiashi already so please make the Kazekage comfortable during his stay.”

“Hai Godaime-sama.”

“On another Note Kurai-san and her team have arrived she will contact you to bring Naruto in for test and an examination. Other than that you both watch him and note down any headaches or memory-lapses, if the become severe bring him to the hospital immediately.”

“Hai.” Both Jonin bowed and went to gather Naruto’s things when a fight broke out.

“Watch it Pup!”

“Woof! Bark!” (It’s true! You’re old!)

“I may be old but I’m still a ninken!”

“Grr! Bark! Woof!” (Come on, you’re old and slow!)

“I’ll show you slow! I’ll send you back to the whelping box! Let’s go Pup were out of here!” The Huge Bulldog grabbed Naruto’s shirt with his massive jaws then flipped the chibi on to his back. “Hold on tight pup! Eat My dust punk!” and the ninken was out the window.

“WOOF WOOF!” (No way! Old Greezer!) The Giant White Ninken jumped out the window determined to beat the elder dog.

“AKAMARU! OUSHI!” Kiba yelled helplessly after the two dogs.

“You’d better hurry up Inuzuka. Remember anything happens to Naruto it’s on your head and you will have to deal with not only me but Iruka-sensei.” Tsunade smirked as she saw the young Shinobi pale.

“AKAMARU! OUSHI! GET BACK HERE!” Kiba threw the duffle bag over his shoulder and was out the window following the racing ninken.

“Gomen Hokage-sama.” Hinata blushed taking the small suit case and ran out of the office through the door not daring to follow out the window.

XXXxxxXXXxx

Sukora stepped out of her room feeling refreshed for the first time in weeks. With her chakra restore she could but her full energy in to her research. She wasn’t surprised when Ryuu and Phoenix showed up with their supplies in hand. Her brother had trained them well, but they were unnecessary. She was a grown Kunoichi she didn’t need looking after especially by two kids four years younger than her. She watched over them more like a sister and treated them as such. Making sure they trained, studied, rested, and ate properly, this kept the twins happy and the rest of the family worried less.

“Set up the stove and I’ll make breakfast. Then we will go to the hospital.”

“Hai Sukora-sama.” The Twins bowed and when off set up their home made stove in the open courtyard. Sukora was about to follow when she felt something bump into her leg.

“Chookaku Shiryoku” Sukora whisper activating her blood limit before looking down at the chibi that bumped into her. There was a small swirl of chakra that formed the picture of a child about one maybe two years old. “Hn.”

“Hmph.” Huffed the chibi glaring at the Kunoichi through his shaded eyes. When Sukora didn’t move he reached his arms up indicating that she was to pick him up. “Up!”

“Hn.” Sukora didn’t know why but she complied and lifted the young Aburame in her arms. Then proceeded to the courtyard, where her teammates awaited her, ignoring the way the chibi clung to her t-shirt. She didn’t know that Shino was searching the entire compound for his missing baby brother in a panic but the smirking chibi did.

XXXxxxXXXxx

Kiba fell through the gate panting for breath. This was not how he planned to start his visit with Naruto. To top off the bad morning all of his older cousins were in the yard with their ninken laughing at the fallen Inuzuka heir. Kiba felt his chances of being the best big brother just dropped to less than none.

“You okay Kiba-nii-chan?”

“Yeah kid, I’m alright.” Naruto ran up to his fallen guardian.

“Kiba get up before you embarrass the clan any farther.”

“Shut it Hana! I really don’t need to hear it right now.” Kiba growled as he got to his feet.

“And they trusted you with a child. Face it Otouto you can’t handle your ninken no have no hope of caring for a child like Naruto.”

“Hana-san! Leave Kiba-nii-chan alone! You never were nice! That why Yoshita bite you when the pups came. You take care of them but you don’t have heart!” The chibi shouted at the older Inuzuka.

“It’s okay Naruto.” Kiba soothe the chibi. “Hana is just a little grouchy right now. She is a vet she takes very good care of all the animals.” He was taken by surprise when Naruto turned and hugged him as if his life depended on it.

“She still no heart. You haft big heart.”

“Kiba! Hana! What is going on?”

“Nothing Mother. I’m going back to the office.” Hana glared at her brother and his charge before leaving out the gate.

“Everything’s cool Ma!” Kiba tossed Naruto into the air letting him land on his back before running to the clan leader. “Hey Ma! Look I got Naruto!”

“I see, good to see you again Naruto-kun” Tsume greeted.

“Ohayoo Inusuka-sama.” Naruto shyly smiled.

“Uh… ma I have to ask…”

“Let’s take this inside it is a private matter. Oushi will you join us?”

“Sure I’d love to reminisce about old times. Right Kuromaru?”

“Grrr….bark! Bark …yowgrr….grrr” (Old times my ass! You’re still older than me.) the Wolf ninken barked.

“Enough. The rest of you get back to work!” Tsume Shouted breaking up the crowd that accumulated around them. The clan disbursed as if someone let out a bag of cats for chasing.

Kiba followed the ninken into the main house with Tsume following behind them. The ninken stretched out in one corner of the room and started a growled conversation. Tsume brought tea and cookies to the living room. Naruto climb down from Kiba’s back and sat quietly as tea was severed.

“You want to know about Naruto-kun’s past.”

“Well yeah… I mean everybody seems to hiding it! I know about the Kyuubi and all makes him strong and powerful I get it but he’s not evil!” the young dog-handler ranted.

“Kiba! There is no need to shout I already know this. You were just an infant when the Kyuubi attacked the village so you do not understand the devastation it caused. The villagers lost their homes, loved ones, and their leader. The villagers as well as the Shinobi were lost as what to do next, so they found away to survive the insanity, they blamed the Kyuubi and sought to punish it. The Villagers and older Shinobi did not see Naruto they saw the demon he held within and to this day few actually see Uzumaki, Naruto.”

“That’s unfair! He didn’t do anything he was a baby!”

“Kiba! Lower your voice you are upsetting Naruto-kun.” Indeed Naruto was upset and silent tears ran down his chibi chubby face.

“I’m sorry kid.” Kiba took the shaking child in his arms. “I didn’t mean to yell I was just upset at some people not you.”

“It okay.” whispered Naruto as he hid his face in Kiba’s jacket.

“Kiba Life is often not fair and cruel more towards some than others. I was there at the council meeting and I fought for his life by siding with Sandaime-sama. Fugaku was a formidable opponent as he had most of the council and elders on his side. But the last wishes of the Yondaime were the deciding factor. He wished the child to be a hero and live among the people he had unknowingly saved. After that night I would keep an eye on the child from time to time at a distance. Iruka-san was a strong brave boy to take care of a child at the age of only 11. It wasn’t easy for them but there wasn’t much I could do at the time to help. I had lost your father in the Kyuubi attack and I had you and your sister to raise as well as a clan to lead. It wasn’t until Naruto was five that he came here in the dark of night that his life became a reality to me.

Iruka was sent to retrieve a former team mate and left Naruto with a sitter. Unfortunately the sitter was Mizuki. He beat Naruto in a drunken haze Naruto managed to escape and hid in an alley that’s where he found a wolf cub beaten within an inch of his life. He feared for the cub’s life and poured his chakra into the animal. I don’t even know if it was chance or his determination that kept the cub alive but it managed to survive. Naruto must have wandered for hours till he found his way here. He was pounding on the gate when the dogs alerted me.”

Flash back*~*~*~*~*~*

“BARK!, WOOF!” (Up! Intruder!)

“I’m up!” Tsume got up and ran to front gate of the compound where a few other of the clan awaited her.

“Tsume-sama it’s the demon!” shouted one of the guards.

“Rokashu! He is a child not the Kyuubi. Now go back to your post.”

“Tsume-sama, the boy is holding an injured puppy.” Another guard informed the clan leader.

“P-p-pleese… Help… him.” The injured chibi held out the furry bundle to Tsume.

“Don’t worry I’ll help him, Naruto-kun. Are you hurt?” the Clan leader gently to the tiny animal from the chibi’s arms.

“N-n-no, I fine… Can I stay wift puppy?” She knew Naruto was lying the stuttering was a dead give away, but Tsume said nothing put shifted the cub to one arm and took the child gently by the hand and led them to her vet office.

“Well get this one fixed up and you can stay in the guestroom.”

“But Tsume-sama! What about Hana-sama and Kiba-sama?”

“What about them.” The clan leader glared at her subordinate.

“He is a danger he could attack them.”

“Ryoko, he is a child and poses no threat. Do you think I would willingly endanger my children?”

“No Tsume-sama,” Ryoko backed away.

“You all are dismissed!” Once the guard had left Tsume continued on to the office. “Come Naruto-kun this little one needs some TLC.”

“TLC?”

“Tender Loving Care. Just like you do.” The chibi remained silent as he let himself be guided away by Tsume.

End Flashback *~*~*~*~*~*

“Naruto-kun Asked for help to save the cub. I took him and the cub to the office and treated both injures. I wanted him to stay in the guest room but Naruto-kun refused to leave the cub so he ended up staying with the cub in the recovery room. By morning Naruto and the cub seemed to have recovered dramatically. Then Naruto-kun asked me to keep the cub here where it would have friends and be protected from the villagers.

I agreed in return Naruto-kun had to come visit his friend. Weeks after the cub was brought here it started showing signs of being a ninken. It seems that when Naruto-kun healed the cub it jumpstarted the sleeping chakra in the animal. After that I took the cub as my partner at trained him to be the best ninken of the Inuzuka clan.”

“You mean that cub was Kuromaru?!”

“Woof, woof” (That’s me.)

“Okay, that’s weird but I can see it. Naruto is always the hero of the underdog I can see him saving a cub, but what I can’t get is why he cleaned out the puppy pens and how come I never knew he was even here? I mean my earliest memories of Naruto were of him are goofing off in class.” Kiba’s head felt like it was going to explode from shock and the questions that filled his head.

“When Hana was 11 she was to receive a nin-pup for training and to prepare her, she was to clean out the puppy pens to earn the trust of the pups. She didn’t like this she thought she was above manual labor and she handled the pups roughly. The Breeding bitches took offence and wouldn’t let her near them and the pups began to fear her. One day I asked Hana to bring me a pup so I could give it its shots but it feared her so much it ran. Hana lost her temper and gave chase but when she caught it she grip its hind leg so hard she broke its leg. The pup cried out and bit her causing her to throw the pup. It would have hit the wall if Naruto-kun hadn’t caught it. She yelled and screamed at him and tried to take the pup- from him but he was to fast and for the first time fought back. He battled her for the pup and through sheer will to protect the pup he won and Hana had lost more than just the spar with Naruto-kun. She was denied a ninken partner. The elders and I decided she should learn humility and how to care for others not just herself and her needs. She had a choice Learn to a veterinarian or leave the academy and become a civilian.

After Naruto and the Pup were healed I asked him to take care of the puppy-pens and I paid him for his hard work. I found out later that I wasn’t the only one to give him a paying job. It seemed the villagers were trying to starve Iruka-san and Naruto-kun by either over charging them putting in false claims to extort money from them.”

“Wait when Hana was 11 I was almost 6. That’s when Hana became more interest in sparing with me and taking me places. She would sudden show up at the kennels and drag me off to train or to go with her on a supply run.”

“She didn’t want you around Naruto-kun when he was here she saw him as danger too you. She wanted to protect you because she didn’t want you to be hurt like she had been or stripped of you Shinobi status. She still doesn’t realize that it wasn’t Naruto-kun’s fault in her demotion and the ban on her from having a ninken.”

“So she kept me from my brother.” Tsume’s eyes soften as she watched her son hold on to his adopted brother as he had fallen asleep. She knew that the two would form a strong bond she was not surprise when Kiba had started referring to the Kyuubi container as his little bro.

“Don’t be too hard on Hana, she loves you and just wanted to protect you.”

“Yeah I know.” Suddenly there was a light tapping at the door. Kiba shifted the chibi in his arms to let the visitor in. “Oh hey Hinata!”

“S-s-sorry to disturb you, but you forgot Naruto-kun’s suitcase. I tried to catch you but you were all too fast.”

“Welcome Hinata-chan it has been awhile since you had visited us.” Tsume greeted warmly. She had always liked the shy Hyuuga heiress because of her calming and gentle nature and its calming effect on her wild son.

“Konnichiwa, Tsume-sama.” Hinata bowed before being pulled further into the room by Kiba.

“You will join us for lunch won’t you? You can tell me of all the trouble this son of mine has been causing you.”

“Ma! I’m a saint! I swear! Of course Hinata is staying for lunch she is my teammate and we’re watching Naruto together.” Kiba said giving them a toothy grin.

“Well then put Naruto in the guest room so he can finish his nap. Then Hinata can supervise you as you do your chores you forgot to do in your haste to pick up your charge.” Tsume smirked handing Hinata a thick scroll listing all of Kiba’s chores. “And I expect them done by lunch time.”

‘Can this day get any worst?’ the dog handler thought as he was pushed in the direction of the guest rooms.

Tuesday

Shino couldn’t believe it he lost his baby brother for the second time in two days! After searching the entire compound yesterday morning he found Shifu in the nursery taking his morning nap. He nearly fell to his knees in
relief at the sight of the sleeping chibi. Shima started to wake so he could dwell on where his brother had been he had to tend to his sisters needs.

“Where did he go?” Shino mumbled as he began his search once again.

“Where did who go?” a voice asked softly.

“Mother!” Shino jumped back in surprise. That was the first time that anyone had ever come up behind with out him or his Kikai noticing.

“I was once an active ninja Shino you shouldn’t be so surprised.” Sasami smiled.

“I’m sorry mother.” Shino lowered his head in shame forgetting his mother was just as skillful as any other member of the clan. Why should her skills disappear because she became a mother?

“It is all right my son now tell me who are you looking for.”

“Shifu. I put him down for his nap and then after I put Shima down for her nap I looked in his crib to find him
gone.”

“He’s not gone he’s in the courtyard with your guest.” Sasami laughed as she pointed out the opened screen door. Sure enough his baby brother was sitting on Sukora’s lap eating the bread she had offered him.

The Kurai were sitting around a huge thin round stone propped up by bricks. There was a fire going underneath it and it seemed they were cooking on this primitive stove. There was some sort of flat bread baking on it and a pot containing what looked to be rice and the was a small kettle for tea as well as a pan for larger foods. Sukora sever her teammates with swift graceful movements as if she had done it a thousand times before. Then she ate her own severing alternating between feeding Shifu and herself with no awkwardness or hesitation.

“Shifu seems to like Sukora-san’s cooking. He ate a full breakfast from her yesterday.”

“He did? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know, but I must say she is a talented Kunoichi that is wonderful with my children. I like her very much.”

“Yes, she is interesting.” Shino muttered hypnotized by the scene being played out before him. He didn’t notice his mother giving him a knowing look before slipping out of the room. She knew her son had met his match and all there was left to do was watch it unfurl she had a feeling when Naruto-chibi came to stay the Aburame compound things would get a lot more interesting.

XXXxxxXXXxx

“He not wake up Oushi.” Naruto said as he stared at his snoring guardian.

“He’s a heavy sleeper just like you are pup. There is only one way to get this big lug up. Runt!”

“RRR..Bark!” ( I’m not a runt!) Akamaru protested

“Whatever. Grab that end of the sheet.”

“Woof.” (Fine)

“Okay pup you and me are going grab to this end. You count to three and we’ll all pull.”

“Okay!” The chibi smiled and scampered over to grab the sheet that the snoring Inuzuka was wrapped up in. “One… two… Three!”

The two ninken and chibi yanked as hard as they could and sent the sleeping Kiba flying into the wall across from his bed. There was muffle groan as the boxer clad body fell to the ground landed face up with a loud oof! The three stood over the still sleeping form at a lost of what to do when Hinata entered the room.

“What happened here, Naruto-kun?” she asked as she surveyed the room to find huge dent in the wall and Kiba sprawl half naked on the floor still sleeping.

“I try wake him up, but he sleepy. Oushi and Akamaru help me pull him out of bed, he not wake up Hinata-nee-chan!” Naruto explained to the blushing Kunoichi.

“HINATA?!” Kiba was awake in an instant and scrambling for cover. “Hinata what are you doing here?”

“I-I-it is ten o’clock Kiba we are suppose to take Naruto over to the Hospital for tests. When I got here you mother said I should just come on back here and that you were getting Naruto-kun ready.” Hinata was blushing and trying to look anywhere but Kiba.

“MA!” Kida yelled. He was pissed at his mother for embarrassing him like this. He almost naked in front of his crush and the chibi and Damn Ninken were laughing at him.

“You better Hurry Kiba! Tsunade-sama is waiting for you!” His mother yelled back not bothering to hid her amusement.

“I-I-I’ll Take Naruto-kun outside till your ready.” Hinata stuttered before pulling the chibi from the room followed by the laughing Ninken.

“This was supposed to be a fun week.” Whined the dog handler as he proceeded to get dress.

After a quick breakfast Naruto walked hand in hand with his guardians smiling excited about seeing his friend once again. Last night Naruto had a long talk with his chibi-self about Sukora it had taken along time to convince the chibi to let him take control for the day. He had to promise that he would give back control after he met with the Kunoichi and reassure the chibi that he wouldn’t get his heart hurt. Chibi did really didn’t understand the concept of time, he just knew that the longer Naruto was out the quicker he forgot about him. He had been buried in the back of Naruto’s mind for so long he didn’t want to go there again. Kyuubi had told them that they had to be at peace with one another to merge and become whole again or else they would forever be of two minds.

“Hi, Naruto!” Sakura greeted as the trio entered the hospital.

“Hi Sakura-nee-chan.” Naruto smiled.

“Konnichiwa Sakura-chan, we’re here to see Kurai-san.” Hinata smiled.

“Wait here and the clones will come get Naruto.”

“Clones?” Kiba looked confused.

“Kurai-san team-mates, they are identical twins. They are look and act so much like the other, you’d think they were clones. Even their voices are the same and it’s a little creepy how they finish each others sentences.” Sakura confided as she pushed the button to the labs to signal Naruto’s arrival.

“I don’t think they’re that much a like.” Hinata smiled.

“Yeah they can’t be that much a like everyone has a different scent even if they are twins.” Kiba confirmed.

“Not everyone has a super sense of smell Kiba. Oh here they come!” and as if on cue Ryuu and Phoenix appeared before the waiting friends and bowed.

“Greetings Naruto-sama,”

“Sukora-sama is waiting for you.”

“I be back nii-chan, Nee-chan!” Naruto hugged Hinata and Kiba before going off with the two Yoru nins.

XxXxXxXx

Once in the elevator Naruto dropped all pretences and turned to his escort. The twins seemed to notice the shift in the Chibi’s chakra and both fell to one knee before the Kyuubi container and bowed their heads.

“Naruto-sama we are Honored to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you both again. Now stand up before someone else sees you.” The twins obeyed the chibi's instructions and stood up just in time for the elevator doors to open.

“Sukora-sama is awaiting you in the lab.” Ryuu said as they led the chibi down the hall.

“She is unsettled being here.” Phoenix added knowing Sukora would not like it but Naruto was different like family so it was alright.

“That is not surprising. Konoha is very bright and loud. It must be stressful for her sensitive senses. Where are you guys staying?”

“At the Aburame Compound.” The twins replied.

“What?!” Naruto came to a full stop. “You’re staying with bug boy? Why?”

“Aburame-san offered…”

“When we arrived …”

“And Sukora-sama accepted…”

“But she didn’t want too…”

“We think he likes her.” The twins smirked.

“Really? Well that is the best news I’ve heard all day.” Naruto gave them a grin that had the two jonin shivering with fear.

XxXxXxXx

The Three jonin watched and two ninken had watched as three disappear into the elevator. All worried about what might happen to their little chibi. These ninja were strange and secretive and Rookie Nine did not trust them with their precious chibi. In fact not long after Naruto had left with the two Yoru ninjas did all of Rookie nine started showing up at the hospital first was Shikamaru and Temari bring in some recently broken deer antlers from a buck fight, for medicinal use. The next to arrive Sasuke, he wanted to know if Naruto was alright and refused to leave until he saw his dobe. Soon Ino and Choji showed up with cookies and flowers for the chibi they also did not want to leave until they saw that he was alright. Suddenly the waiting room was become exceeding full with Chunin and jonin. Lee had come to drop off lunch for his beloved when he saw his friends in their vigilant wait for their comrade turned chibi he had to stay and show his youthful loyalty as well. Soon after Neji, Tenten and Kankurou arrive looking for Lee since he did not show up for training. They too decided to stay since they heard Naruto was being held, I mean examined by the foreign ninjs. The last to arrive was Shino with his baby brother in tow. Shifu had a doctor appointment since his birthday was coming up and he needed a check-up do to his refusal to eat his mother was concerned that he was not getting adequate nutrition. After the appointment Shifu refused to leave the hospital and wandered over the group of waiting ninjas.

“Hey Shino! What are you doing here?” Kiba greeted.

“Shifu had an appointment.”

“Really? I didn’t know he was sick.”

“He isn’t. Mother was concerned with his refusal to eat.”

“You mean he’s still not eating?” Kiba looked at the smallest Aburame, who promptly glared back through shaded eyes. Out of all Shino’s siblings Shifu, Kiba thought, was an extract replica of Shino.

“That is not good Shino.” Sakura said as knelt before the chibi running a chakra over him. “If his energy gets too low then the Kikai will turn on him.”

“Yes that was why my mother was concerned but the healer did not find anything wrong with him and all test show up negative.”

“That’s because I’ve already treated him.” Everyone was startled by the sudden appearance of the newcomer. “His body can not break down solid foods as it should. He had been relying too much on the Kikai to break it down for him which caused him to eat smaller meals. Eventually the strain was too much for him and he stopped eating all together.”

“Who are you?” Sasuke demanded as he stood up to stare down the dark haired girl who entered the room.

“Kurai, Sukora from Yorugakure. I am here to treat Uzumaki, Naruto.” Naruto chose that time to jump out from behind Sukora and run over to Sasuke.

“Hi Sasuke!” the chibi shouted as he jumped into Sasuke’s arms. The Uchiha was shocked but happy at the same time. It was the first time Naruto had seen him with out the chibi henge since the day he transformed.

“As you can see, he is unharmed, now if you’ll excuse me I must return to the lab.”

“Wait! Kurai-san, how did you treat Shifu-kun? He shows signs of a weaken system but also signs of a starting
recovery.” Sakura as asked once she finished he scan of the chibi.

“A simple tea mixture with natural enzymes producing herbs, it helps break down the foods and eases digestion. He will like have to drink the tea all of his life but he will still grow to be a strong capable Shinobi.” Sukora answered with detached professional tone.

Kiba shivered as he thought ‘She sounds a lot like Shino.’

“Thank you Kurai-san.” Shino Bowed to the potion master.

“Hn.” Sukora nodded then retreated to the labs. The rookie 9 and team Gai made her nervous and she did not want to be around them any more than necessary. Naruto was lucky to have friends like them and to have feelings of warmth, love and comfort. Ever since she watch her father died because an enemy uses his emotions against him she swore she would never fall pray to such weakness.

A tiny part of her envied Naruto and how free he was with emotions and how they seemed to make him stronger just as they seemed to make her weaker. Even in his chibi state he still manages to light up a room. Naruto was the only one who seemed to understand her and know that her cold exterior was just a front to the emptiness in side.

Flash Back*~*~

“Knock, Knock.”

“Enter.” Sukora answered as she wrote some notes.

“Hey Emerald.” A young voice called out.

“Blue Eyes.” Sukora turned to see a swirl of chakra form of a young child. “You got shorter.”

“Not my choice.” pouted the chibi as he hopped up on the table ignoring smirking potion master.

“I read the report Blue Eyes, you were careless. I thought I trained you to be more aware of your surroundings. I

didn’t waste three months of my life and potion research so you could be captured and almost killed!”

“I’m sorry! I just got back from a 10 month mission, and was tired and hungry. I just wanted some ramen that’s all.”

“You and that damn ramen, look at what that ramen cost you! You lost 13 years of your life. The only remotely thing good about that ramen is that it barely kept you from being killed. I went over the data on the potions that you were injected with and I discovered it contained extract of Chimamire Kinseiyuri. It grows in the Shadowlands and is used to shut down a shinobi’s chakra system.”

“The chi-what?” Naruto asked scratching the back of his head.

“The Chimamire Kinseiyuri it only grows on the bloody grounds of forgotten battlefields. It feeds on the chakra residue left in the blood of the dead. The high sodium levels in your system from years of eating ramen had made you immune to the Kinseiyuri. Salt is the only thing hat can kill any and all plant life.”

“So what does this mean?”

“It means that Sodium is salt and it stopped you from dying. I’m going to run some test and see what I can do to counteract the potion you still have in you system. I might have to leave on a mission to retrieve certain ingredients but other than that it means you have to wait it out.”

“Great I hate waiting. I guess my chibi side will be happy about that.”

“Your chibi side?”

“Yeah it seems I have some issues I repressed while growing up.” Naruto said as he rolled up his arm for her to take some blood work. He explained what’s been going on in his head and all the match making the chibi and him had been doing. He also told her that was getting help from Sasuke who has been running around in chibi henge to keep Naruto-chibi happy.

“I see you finally found your precious person. Have you told him you love him?” Sukora asked as she scanned his and Kyuubi’s chakra.

“No.”

“Listen Blue Eyes because I will never say this again, even under torture, but feelings do not make you weak. For some unexplainable reason they have made you stronger and even more powerful than me. Your feelings touch everyone, no one could ever truly hate you the real Uzumaki, Naruto. I think if you told him he would say he loves you too.”

“You think so?” the Kyuubi container whispered.

“Yeah I think so. Feelings work for you so cherish them.”

“They could work for you too if you’d let people in.”

“No they wouldn’t and we are not talking about me.” The Kunoichi glared as she turned away from her annoying patient to make notes in his chart.

“So I’m stronger than you now?” Naruto teased.

Sukora glared at the chibi before making a hand sign. “Chinmoku” Naruto smiled cause nothing happen, but when he went boast about it he couldn’t make a sound.

“I perfected my silencing jutsu.” She smirked while the chibi silently ranted.

End Flashback*~*~*~*

Sukora shook her head and refocused on her job. Naruto dissevered to be with his precious person and she was going to make sure he got to be with him. Emotions may not work for her but a spirit like Naruto would die without them.

“I will not fail you blue eyes.”

Wednesday

“You know I didn’t think we’d ever meet anyone more cold and stand offish then Sasuke!” Kiba said as he wolfed down his breakfast.

“Kiba-Kun you don’t mean that.” Hinata scolded gently as she sipped her tea.

“I do to! I mean look at it this way she is like a creepy combination Neji, Shino, and Sasuke. Who I might add are three of our friends with the most serious attitude in all of Konoha. Shino well he’s the least serious of the three, because being best friends with me has loosened him up a bit. Then there is Neji, because after the fight with Naruto during the chunin exam, he got some sense knocked into his fat head.”

“Kiba-kun!”

“What? It’s the truth. Anyway after that he started being nicer to you and acting a little more human. Then there is Sasuke a man hell bent on revenge. The guy was always going on about revenge for his clan. Only since Naruto has been turn to a chibi has the guy pulled the huge stick out of his ass.”

“Kiba-kun!!”

“But that Kurai chick is down right scary. I mean when she appeared out of nowhere no one sensed her not even Oushi and Akamaru or even Shino’s bugs. She looked like death was coming all dressed in black, with dark sunglasses and a black lab coat it freaked me out.”

“Kurai-san is from a different village she probably unaccustomed to us and is handling it the best way she knew how. How would you feel if your were suddenly faced with 13 ninjas ready to kill you if you had so much as looked at their precious person wrong?”

“Well if you put it that way… I guess I would be defensive too.” Kiba winced as Hinata gave him a disapproving look. “But we all just want Naruto to be okay. I mean we don’t know these guys, how can we trust them?”

“We trust Naruto. He trusts Kurai-san and her team so we should too. Until they show us they can not be trusted we have to trust them. Neji said that the whole trip from Yoru Kurai-san spent her rest time going over her scrolls looking for a way to help Naruto. So I believe she truly wants to help Naruto-kun.”

“Yeah I guess so, I mean even Shino’s weird little brother seems to like her.”

“Kiba-kun!” Sometimes it was hard dealing with Kiba’s blunt opinions but he wouldn’t be Kiba if he was any other way.

“Ohayoo Hinata-nee-chan!” Naruto greeted as he came in from cleaning the puppy pens.

“Ohayoo Naruto-kun. What have you been doing this morning?”

“I got up early cause Nii-chan snowes loud! So I clean puppy pens. Inuzsuka-sama say she got surprise, t’day.” The chibi smiled as Hinata lifted him up and sat him on her lap.

“I do not snore you brat.” a blushing Kiba growled. “So what’s this surprise ma’s got for you?”

“Dunno. Are you gonna give Hinata-nee-chan you present?” Naruto asked innocently causing the dog handler to choke on his milk.

“What gift Naruto-kun?”

“This one.” Naruto pulled out a small box that was poorly wrapped.

“You brat you went through my stuff!” Naruto’s eye went wide as he saw Kiba lunge over the table. He tossed the gift in the air and took off running as the dog handler was hot on his tail.

“When I get a hold of you I’m going to wring your scrawny neck!”

“But Nii-chan! Kyu-chan said it was okay!” giggled the chibi as he dodged another attempt to tackle him.

“That Furball is not in charge!” Kiba proceeded to chase the chibi out the door into the rest of the compound forgetting that Hinata had the gift in hand. The Kunoichi blushed as she stared at the small gift in her hand. She didn’t know if she should open it or not. It was like this small gift could change everything in her world.

Hinata knew long ago that Naruto would return her feelings so she changed her feelings once she saw where the blonde’s heart truly lied. She realized how much the two boys shared and how her feelings could never match up to that level of love that Sasuke and Naruto omitted to one another. They were the same yet they were complete opposites, she guess that’s what made them so perfect for one another.

Now as she stared at the small gift in hand she wondered what it could mean for her. She knew she wasn’t a Tokubetsu ninja like Neji or even gifted and beautiful like her sister she didn’t think anyone could find anything special about her to want to date her. She sighed looking sadly at the gift. What did this gift mean? She knew her feelings have always been drawn to her fun dog loving teammate but she never acted on then. As they grew older her feelings grew from like to caring, and finally to love. Her shy nature had held her back from confessing to her teammate just like so many other things in her life. She had tried to change that about herself making herself stronger and more determined but in the end the jonin fell into old habits and once again doubting herself she remain silent.

“Good morning Hinata-chan.”

“Ohayoo, Tsume-san.”

“I see Kiba finally worked up the courage to give you his gift.” The Inuzuka leader smiled.

“What?”

“He made that two years ago but every birthday and Christmas that pass he would loose his nerve and run out to buy a last minute gift.” Tsume smiled as she sat down next to Hinata. “You’re a sweet girl Hinata-chan and have a great deal of patience…” Suddenly there was a loud crash and curse. Then the two Kunoichi watched through the window as sopping wet Kiba chased a dry laughing Chibi Naruto running around the courtyard. “I change my mind you have the patience of a saint to put up with my son. Anyway no matter what he does or how stupid he acts you are always there for him. He has always cared about you and I believe, to him, this gift is like giving you his heart. My son is not the most articulate one around but he does express himself with his whole heart.”

“Yes, Kiba-kun has always been kind to me and supportive when my family has not.”

“Hiashi is a difficult man. You look so much like your mother, beautiful and graceful; he has a hard time dealing with you. He loved her so much even though she was of the branch family.”

“My mother was a branch member?” Hinata’s eyes widen no one had ever told her that.

“Yes and a gifted chunin until she married then she became a devoted mother. She was a kind and wonderful girl. In the academy she was shy and unsure of herself but she worked hard to prove she was just as capable as the main branch. Miskai was my teammate and I can tell you are your mother’s daughter. She would be so proud of you and she would tell you believe in yourself and follow your heart.”

“Tsume-sama! Kiba-sama and Naruto-kun let one of the training packs loose in the village!” one of the Inuzuka members shouted as he came running in.

“Well it was nice to visit Hinata-chan but I have to go strangle my son. Kuromaru! Let’s go!” Tsume and her ninken disappeared from sight leaving Hinata alone once again.

“Maybe… maybe Kiba loves me like do him.” With great care Hinata gently unwrapped the small gift.

XxXxXxXx

“Hide me! Hide me! Hide me! Hide me! Hide me! Hide me!” Naruto laughed as he raced through the village running smack in Sukora who was on a quick break to get some tea before heading back to the labs.

“Blue Eyes what did you do now?”

“I not do it! Kiba did!” the chibi giggled.

“Naruto when I find you I’m going to hang you by your toes till they fall off!” Kiba shouted as he ran through the market place trying to catch up with his runaway charge. Naruto heard the approaching Inuzuka and jump into the black lab coat of the potion master seconds before Kiba ran right pass them.

“Yes, I can see that. So you’re hiding because the Shinobi is chasing you for no reason and the ninken are running around for the hell of it.” Sukora replied not looking at the chibi hiding in her lab coat.

“You not nice Emwald.” The chibi pouted.

“I never said I was. Now what did you do?” She smirked as he fingers ran over her Braille notes.

“I try to help Kiba-nii-chan and Hinata-nee-chan happy! But nii-chan chase me and dog pen got open. You help me get doggies back?”

“Hn.”

“Pwease… I no want Kiba not like me.”

“Fine but this is the last time I help you get out of trouble.” Biting her thumb he did the hands signs before hitting her wrist. “Kuchiyose no Jutsu.” When the puff of smoke cleared a bat the size of a house cat appeared dangling from Sukora’s wrist.

“(yawn) Morning master how can I help you in this bright place?”

“Yukina I need you to use your sonic waves to herd a bunch of ninken back to where ever they came from. Naruto will show you the way.”

“Where is Naruto-san? It has been many a moon since I’ve seen him.”

“He’s the chibi hiding in my coat. Naruto this is Yukina she’ll gather the ninken and you show her where they belong.”

“Thank You Kora!” the chibi jumping cheered out of his hiding place.

“Hn.”

“I visit later.” Then he gave her a brief hug and ran off with the bat flying over head.

“Some things will never change.” The Kunoichi sighed with just a ghost of a smile touching her lips.

XxXxXxXx

Kiba was dead tired by the time he crawled into bed that night. He had chased Naruto all over the compound then all over Konoha. Why was he getting the trouble-maker side of the chibi? In all the reports of who had watched him up until now he wasn’t nearly as wild as this.

“This is karma for saying I was wilder then he was, isn’t?”

“Woof!” (Ha!)

“You’re not helping Akamaru.” Kiba muttered as he pulled the blankets over his head. He was not having the best night either Naruto somehow got the training pack back and now had a huge bat hanging from the ceiling in the chibi’s room. Then he had to deal with his mom who was pissed that the pack had gotten loose. Kiba had to spar with her for a few hours or until he was beaten into the ground which ever came first. His mom may have been her 40’s but she was still one of the strongest Kunoichi he knew. Then after losing really bad to his mom that he was taken to the clan medic to get patched up just in time for dinner.

“Well things weren’t all bad you and Oushi got two new pups to look after.”

“Ggrrr… bark” (rookies, pups.) the White ninken corrected. During dinner Tsume had presented Naruto with his surprise.

Flashback*~*~*~*~*

“Well Naruto It seems we got sidetrack to day, but I have not forgotten your surprise.”

“I got surprise?” the chibi kit titled his head in question.

“Yes. Remember when you brought the wolf cub to me? Well that cub grew up and has finally mated. Just like I
promised you get first pick.”

“What?!” Kiba spitted out the milk he had been drinking. “He gets one of those terrors!”

“Kiba they are strong powerful ninken. Only the strongest Shinobi will be able to handle them. If you mange to
handle Naruto and his pup for the rest of the week then you can have next pick. You need to start building your
pack.” Tsume stated but Kiba heard the hidden meaning behind it and blushed as he looked across the table at a blushing Hinata.

“Come along Naruto let’s go to the puppy pen and you can find your ninken.” Tsume smiled and Naruto jumped out of his seat and ran to the door with Oushi trotting behind him. Kiba and Hinata followed Tsume and the hyper blond to the puppy pens. Kuromaru was waiting by the pen where his mate and cubs were. His mate was a Siberian husky that had light –reddish tan and white fur. She had been brought to Konoha during a dog trade from their cousins in snow country.

“Naruto, you know you had two chakras right?” the chibi nodded. “Well I need you to flare both of them now.” Naruto closed his eyes and let his older side take control suddenly the flare of power could be felt through out the compound. Tsume eyes widen it seemed that Naruto truly had come into his own. He had come long way from the beat boy who came to her with an equally beaten cub pleading for her to save it. As Naruto focused on keeping his chakra flared Tsume opened the Pen and two of the pups ran to the boy flaring their chakra as well.

“Ma! What’s going on?” the chakra began to swirl around them and filled the room. The wind picked up around them and was getting stronger Kiba held Hinata close to protect her from flying debris. Suddenly they could feel a flash of heat and then cold run through them.

“They are bonding. Naruto-kun is a powerful Shinobi and his chakras chose partners that would balance him. I’m not surprised he choose the two strongest of the litter.” When the chakra dissipated the two pups had knocked the chibi over and were licking his face.

“How come that didn’t happen when I bonded with Akamaru?” Kiba asked not realizing he was still holding Hinata with one arm.

“You both weren’t as strong as you are now. Naruto-kun chakra is already mature despite his chibi body. The Kyuubi also has very powerful chakra and showed his alpha dominance.” Kiba nodded in agreement before he could comment he was distracted by Naruto’s giggling.

“I call you Kaji.” The chibi smiled holding the pup with dark red and whit fur with dark amber eyes. Then he picked up the pure white pup with clear blue eyes that look more wolf than husky. “And I call you Koori!”

“Fire and Ice. Well done Naruto-kun.”

“Hinata-nee-chan! I got Puppies!”

“That’s Wonderful Naruto-kun. I know you will take very good care of them.” Hinata smiled as she patted the chibi on the head not moving from Kiba’s hold.

“Nee-chan that Pretty!” Naruto exclaimed pointing to the necklace that hung gently around her neck.

“Thank you Kiba-kun gave it to me.” The Kunoichi blushed as she leaned into Kiba’s stunned embrace.

End flashback *~*~*~*~*

Kiba smiled at the memory. He had walked Hinata home and she thanked him for his gift of the small hand carved jewelry box and fairy necklace; then gave him a quick kiss before disappearing into the main house. He was walking on cloud nine all the way home. Now all he needed to do was ask her to be his girlfriend.

“Well better get some sleep. Training is going to be a bitch tomorrow.” Kiba moaned as he turned off the light dreading the day to come.

Thursday

Shino was wandering through the compound after training letting the quite calm his nerves he hadn’t seen Sukora
since Tuesday at the hospital. He knew she was busy with her research but it seemed like she ever came back to the compound. At first he was worried because she said Shifu need a special tea to eat but Sukora had already given the recipe to his mother. If he hadn’t trained himself against facial expressions he would be frowning.

“She’s avoiding me.”

“Who’s avoiding you Aniki?”

“No one Shisu, when did you return?” Shino turned to his chunin sister.

“I returned 2 hours ago but I just got home 5 minutes ago I was looking for mother.”

“She is resting for when it’s time to have the baby.”

“Oh good I didn’t want to miss the birth of my sister.”

“We do not know if it’s a girl.”

“It has to be the boys already out number us!”

“Shisu we have guests in the main house so please behave.” Shino glared at his younger sibling.

“Really who, The Ninja from Yoru?” guest were rare as everyone was too afraid of the Kikai to stay the night at the Aburame compound.”

“Yes, They are here to cure Uzumaki, Naruto. How did you know?”

“Hanabi-chan told me. She says they are really strong and fast.”

“I would imagine so but you are not to bother them while they are here.”

“Hanabi-chan also said their leader was a girl about your age could she be who is avoiding you?” Shisu was always as curious as a cat and she knew her brother wasn’t talking so she was even more curious.

“Shisu go wash up for lunch.” Shino order and the Kikai hummed threateningly.

“Hai!” Shisu may have been curious but she valued her life more.

XxXxXxXx

“Hinata where’s the dobe?”

“Oh hi Sasuke-kun. Naruto-kun is training his new ninken with Kiba-kun.” Hinata greeted the Uchiha as she set out the blanket for a picnic lunch.

“New Ninken? When did he get Ninken?” Sasuke help Hinata set out the food and lit a fire to boil water for Naruto’s ramen.

“Last Night Tsume gave him first pick of Kuromaru’s first litter. He was only supposed to bond with one but his
chakra is so strong he bonded with two. Here they come now.”

“SASUKE!” a happy blond shouted as he ran to his Uchiha followed by two equally excited pups, who were followed by an exhausted Kiba, Akamaru, and Oushi.

“Hey Dobe. What have you been doing?” The raven smirked.

“I got Pups! Red one I call Kaji, White one I call Koori! We twain!”

“Yip, Yip, Yip, Yip!”( Fun! Train! Fun! Train!)

“No… More…” the Dog handle Panted as he collapsed on the blanket. “Brats… had… too much… sugar.”

“Your fault pup. You let him have five bowls of that sugar crap you called cereal.” Oushi growled before lapping up some much needed water.

“Maybe that just means you’re out of shape Kiba.” Sasuke smirked as he watched Naruto inhale the ramen.

“Hey I just had training with my mom and her pack yesterday then these three today!”

“Fine, after lunch I’ll train with the dobe. You and Hinata can have some alone time. How bout it Dobe is that ok with you and your mutts?”

“Yeah! We beat you! Hinata-nee-chan can heal Kiba.” Naruto giggled as he saw his guardians blush.

It wasn’t love before Sasuke took Naruto to the training field to test out his ninken. Oushi and Akamaru went to supervise the pups make sure the rookies didn’t hurt themselves. Hinata watched the group from her spot under the shady tree with Kiba’s head rest gently on her lap taking a much needed nap. She wondered if this is what it might be like to have a family with Kiba. Kids with their Ninken training or playing as her and Kiba watch from a distance.

“What are sighing about Hinata?” Kiba asked softly not opening his eyes.

“Just thinking, Kiba-kun.” She smiled and started carding her fingers through his hair.

“About what.” He sighed contently.

“Just thinking about what the future might bring.” Hinata wince a little when she saw the Uchiha heir get a bit it the rear by Koori. To Kiba that yell was music to his ears.

“I hope I’m in that future of yours.”

“I’d like to think so.” The Hyuuga heiress Blush and looked away from the eyes now opened and looking at her. Kiba sat up and took her slender hands into his clawed ones a kissed them gently causing Hinata to blush more as she turned to him.

“Hinata… I’m not great with words. In fact I stink at them, but my heart has been screaming for me to say something, anything, just as long as I tell you how I feel.” As Kiba struggle to find the right words Hinata was having a hard time breathing as her heart was beating twice as fast with every word. “We’ve been teammates for a long time. You are the one who knows me and can calm my wild temper, you support me and you scold me but also ease my hurts. What I’m saying Hinata is that I love you. Will you be my Mate?”

It was all too much all her dreams were coming true in a single moment she manage to squeak out a single “Yes!” before fainting in her boyfriend’s arms. She didn’t hear Naruto and the others run over worried. She was lost in the darkness but surround by love.

XxXxXxXxX

It had been a long two days at the hospital with test and research to be done Sukora had sent the twins to the compound hours ago because they were asleep on there feet. She herself hadn’t left the hospital since Tuesday because of the leads she was running down with the potion. What she needed was a shower and a good night’s sleep.

Upon entering the Aburame compound at around midnight she pulled out a chakra sealed jar and opened it. Out of the jar flew a Kikai, the same Kikai that had been stalking her Hotaru. “Now buzz off and don’t follow me again or my swarm is going to fry your ass.” She hissed softly at the Kikai before it left in search of its master. She removed her shoes before stepping on to the wood porch then proceeded to her room to get some fresh clothes before heading to the bath house. She was half way to her room before she felt a disturbance of chakra as she passed the nursery.

“Chookaku Shiryoku” Activating her blood limit she slid the door screen opened. There were five chakra forms four of them were low showing a state of rest the fifth one was tossing and turning in its crib. She sighed as he tiptoed around the sleeping futons to the troubled sleeper.

“So little on what has got you troubled?” Sukora asked softly running a calming hand through the thick tresses.

“Up.”

“Shhh… Little one you don’t want to wake the others.” The Kunoichi gently lifted the chibi from his bed and held him gently. Her Hotaru flew from her long jacket and seemed to float around the room and hum softly. Shifu’s whimpers seemed to slow to the occasional sniff as he watched the Hotaru dance before him. He laid his head on Sukora shoulder as she hummed and rocked him to sleep.

Shino was in awe as he watched them from the doorway. Of all his siblings Shifu had always been the most difficult when he was a baby he would cry endlessly until he was fed or changed. When he started teething he refused anything they tried or did to sooth him. Recently during a game with some of his cousins from the branch families he was lock in an old broom closet for an hour and since then developed a fear of the dark. Shion had station 2 two Kikai in the crib to alter him if Shifu should wake because he and his family had many a sleepless night trying to calm and sooth the distraught chibi and his mother needed her rest. Sukora tries once and his brother was asleep in five minutes, he didn’t know whether to be grateful or jealous.

“(Sleep little one.)” Sukora laid the chibi back down in his bed and tucked him in. She called most of the Hotaru back let rest hover about the chibi’s crib keep him comfortable before tiptoeing once again out of the room. Once she was out and the screen door close she deactivated her blood limit.

“You are good with him.”

“Aburame-san was there something I could help you with?”

“No you already did. Shifu is not easy to please let alone sooth back to sleep. Thank you.” Shino bowed.

“I do not need your thanks. He is a child who needed some help. I have many nieces and nephews I am not heartless to ignore a child’s needs.”

“I never said you were Kurai-san. Why is it when ever we speak, I end up offending or upsetting you.”

“Gomen, I have been up for the pass few days and tomorrow I have another long day ahead of me. I did not mean to take it out on you, but at times you do unsettle me and I don’t understand it.” Sukora rubbed her forehead to stave off an on coming headache.

“You are interesting to me I do not deny this, but I’m sorry if I make you feel uncomfortable. Is there anything I can do to help you in your mission?”

“In the next week I’ll be finished with the research and I will have to leave the village to find rare ingredients with my team but if you can keep your Kikai to yourself your help will be appreciated.” Truthfully she didn’t want the Bug Nin around because he made her confused and stir feelings that she had buried long ago. But she would need help from someone who knew the area and could find the plants fast.

“I shall clear it with the Godaime in the morning. I will not keep you up any longer. Oyasumi nasai.” Shino bowed and headed back to his room. Sukora shook her muttering to herself that she was asking for trouble. Once she was in her room she forgot about a bath and curled up on her futon and let the darkness take her in a dreamless sleep.

Friday

“So Dobe how does your match making plans go?”

“Well so far pretty well. Most of them are already close they just need a little nudge. Chibi has been working so hard he didn’t wake up today so I came out.” Naruto grind as he ate his ice cream. Sasuke was watching him today as Kiba was at the Hyuuga compound asking Hiashi and Neji permission to date Hinata. What they wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall.

“Well hello you two fancy seeing you two out an about.” Sasuke and Naruto turned to see their perverted sensei with perverted book in hand.

“Hey Kashi what are you doing over here?” the Chibi questions.

“The road of life has many twist and turns and it has led me here to you.”

“Ruka kicked you out of his class again didn’t he?”

“Yes.” The Copy-nin sighed miserably.

“Well I guess I can show you my new Ninken!”

“You have new ninken? When was this?”

“Wednesday, meet Kaji and Koori.” Naruto beamed pointing to the pups jumping on the older ninken and chewing on his ears.

“They aren’t ninken they’re rookies.” Oushi growled. “But I have to say they are more obedient that my runt of a brother.”

“You’re too hard on Pakkun.” Chuckled Kakashi as he petted the ‘rookies’ “Looks like you regain your memories
Naruto. What about your chakra can you access the Kyuubi’s chakra?”

“Well I temporarily have control. Long story short I have two personalities chibi side and the real me. The chibi side is normally in control while I am chibi size. He’s to tried today but he’ll be back tomorrow. When the real me is in control I can access all of my chakra and I can flare out Kyuubi’s charka a little because there is a huge block on it. Kyu thinks it’s cause my little body can’t handle it.”

“Have you told the Hokage this?”

“Nope I have a plan in progress her knowing I have memories will spoil the plan, but I did tell Sukora about it and my other plans to get my friends and family with their precious person. She said it was a frivolous waste of time and not to use Kyuubi’s chakra for such nonsense. She’s working on curing me so she said not to bother her.” Naruto smirked as he finished the last bite of his ice cream.

“I have yet to meet this Sukora of yours but from what I hear she sounds a lot like an Uchiha.” Kakashi smirked behind his mask ignoring the glare he got from Sasuke.

“Well, she is very serious trains like there is no tomorrow and she’s a genius and often talks in on syllable sentences. Yup she could be an Uchiha.”

“Hn.” Sasuke refused to answer their taunts.

“Well who have you set up so far?” Kakashi asked curious as to what the chibi had been up since he’s been away from him and Iruka.

“Well, my first targets were Shikamaru and Temari. It was hard because they are super smart but I had Sasuke to help me out.”

“Yes, I saw that how was your second childhood Sasuke-kun?” Kakashi crooned only to receive a half eaten ice cream shoved in his face and visible eye. This caused the chibi to bust up laughing.

“Anyways…” Naruto smiled once he calm down from the laughing and Kakashi cleaned off the sticky mess from his face and mask. “The next couple was easier to get together. It was Ino and Choji, they have been in love with each other since forever. Ino just didn’t see it and Choji was just to shy to say anything.”

“I saw them just the other day making flower and bakery deliveries together, you do good work.” Kakashi praised his son. He and Iruka raised a smart caring boy. In a way Naruto brought him and his beloved Dolphin together.

“Sakura and Lee didn’t need any help they’re together and are planning on getting married.”

“Since, when, Dobe?” This was news both Sharingan wielders did not know.

“Since I saw Sakura wearing an engagement ring around the house she mostly has it on a chain around her neck so it won’t get in the way of healing. Now as I was saying they didn’t need my help so I moved on to Obaa-chan and
Oji-chan.”

“What?!” Sasuke and Kakashi were floored.

“Yup they’ve been crushing on each other for years and are in pure denial. I’m still working on getting them together it’s just taking some time. The next on my list were Kiba and Hinata. Hinata was just too shy and Kiba was afraid to confess he didn’t want to lose her friendship. But with the right nudging and some help from Tsume-sama the got together and now his asking permission from Hyuuga-sama.”

“Who’s next on your list Dobe?”

“Well, that’s a surprise, so you have to wait and see.” the chibi smirked.

“Well, I won’t stop any of your evil plans to marry off all of Konoha but since it’s the real you, Naruto I want to see how much your skills diminished while you’ve been in this form; then well test out you ninken against my ninken.” Kakashi offered not wanting to know what else was on the chibi’s mind or he and Iruka might be next. It didn’t matter that they were already married the chibi was a master at stirring up mischief.

“You’re on Kakashi-sensei! Sasuke you might what to get Iruka-sensei because Kakashi will need help home.”

“Don’t get a head of yourself Dobe. You may have your normal chakra but he’s an ex-ANBU.”

“You watch I’ll beat him.” And the chibi ran off to the training grounds with his Ninken right behind him.

“I think I better get Sakura as well as Iruka, just in case.” Sasuke loved his dobe but sometimes that big mouth of his gets him into big trouble.

“That will be a good idea. Well I’m off to upstage a chibi.” With a puff of smoke Kakashi was gone and Sasuke was all alone.

“No matter what he looks like Naruto will always be Naruto and I pray Kami that never changes.” With a rare smile appearing on his lips he set off to get the rest of their strange little family.


AN: Ring, ring. My record has been broken yet again! 31 pages complete for your reading enjoyment. I tried to get this out as fast as I could because I’m going to be really busy with the holidays. So Merry Christmas!! Remember Reviews are the best present you can give a writer. So thanks for reading Keep Reviewing!

Chookaku Shiryoku – hearing sight

Chimamire Kinseiyuri – Bloody Venus Lily

Oyasumi nasai – Good night.

Gomen- sorry