My Chibi Dobe

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.

My Chibi Dobe

By Angelwings Sorrow

Chapter 14 “Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them”

Tsunade said nothing as she read over the report in front of her while the masked ANBU waited. There was a falling out among the Akatsuki and it became too dangerous for her spy to stay undercover. What she hadn’t expected was the added defectors that followed her spy home. What to do with them now was the question.

“Well Weasel-san it seems that during your mission you became a father of two.”

“That is not funny Hokage-sama.” the ANBU growled as he removed his mask.

“Gomen Itachi but from your report that is exactly what they are. I did do some checking with their former villages as you requested. Oh, and the next time that perverted Weasel pops into my bathroom I’m going to make medic pouch out of weasel skin.” Itachi gave a mental sigh. Shuichiro was never the same after he came across a novel written by Jiraiya when he was reporting in to Kakashi. The damn weasel has been hard to live with ever since.

“Deidara was the youngest son from a clan of Clay Masters. He was a promising young prodigy who lost his parents in the Shinobi wars. Those mouths in his hands were implanted after his abduction. The boy was taken from his grandparents after they were killed. Reports say a man with long black hair had been hounding the couple to hand the boy over for personal training. After his grandparents death the village authorities blamed Deidara because the couple died in an explosion and clay was found everywhere. Later after further investigation they uncover explosive tags under the grandparent’s bed. This combined with your report that he was just used as distractions, will clear the boy of being a missing Nin. It seems that this was how Madara recruited his members. He gathered information on some of the strongest clans in all the Shinobi nations. He offered them training and a dream; if that wasn’t enough he slaughtered the families took them. It wasn’t Kakashi’s father who betrayed the allies within Suna it was Madara who killed Sasori’s parents. When the boy was old enough Madara tricked him away from his grandmother with the promise of revenge on Kakashi’s father. ”

“Then he used the Sharingan to alter their memories.” Itachi sneered. “He was looking for power while in his weakened state now that he has regained some of his strength he is deposing of his minions. Then I take it he took advantage of Orochimaru’s defection from Konoha to further his ambitions.”

“That is what we believe Orochimaru was a smart and powerful Shinobi but he was scarred by his past and was trying to find immortality so he would never feel alone. Sensei tried his best to reassure him he would never be alone and that we would always be there for him but his dark past led him to believe in the darkness of death he would forever be alone.” Tsunade sighed sadly it hurt to think of her teammate that she had lost long before Sasuke killed the body.

“What about Kisame? Before I was taken into the Akatsuki, Orochimaru had already altered Zetsu’s as well as Sasori’s body and had begun the process of altering his DNA. It seems I was promised to Orochimaru in order to get him to join because he left after I refused to be his next vessel. How did Madara get his hands on Kisame?”

“That is a shorter and much sadder tale. The mist doesn’t consider him to missing Nin because he never entered the academy let alone graduated. He was an orphan of the Shinobi wars and unlike Konoha their orphanage doubles as a Slave trading post. Kisame was bought at the age of three.”

“Then they really are but children in the bodies of killers.” Itachi muttered as he read over the reports on Kisame and Deidara.

“By all accounts and a quick revision of the bingo books the two former Akatsuki are now free and clear and your responsibility. Now that you are no longer undercover will resume you’re ANBU duties. I’m sure your brother won’t mind babysitting your kids while you’re on duty.” Tsunade smiled as Itachi eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

“I shall visit my brother before I bring them into Konoha. Right now I am keeping Deidara and Kisame at my family cabin for now.”

“Very well when you do bring them in take the to the hospital I want to do full physical on both of them and see just what that snake bastard put them through. Maybe some of it can be reversed. Monday I want you in here for a debriefing with all of Naruto’s caregivers. Make sure you and your children burn those awful uniforms of your former employer.”

“Understood, Tsunade-sama.”

“Knock, Knock.” Itachi replaced his masked to concealed identity.

“Enter.”

“Tsunade-sama Naruto has arrived and is with Ibiki until Jiraiya-sama gets here.” Shizune smiled as she entered the office with an armful of papers and files for the Hokage to go through.

“Don’t let Iruka sensei find out or my top TI man will be chasing Mrs. Siako’s cat for the rest of his career then I’ll have no one to interrogate prisoners.” Tsunade chuckled.

Itachi watched silently as Shizune glided around the room cleaning up the empty sake bottles and finished scrolls. Her smile never wavered and her eyes soft and caring as she tidied the office before leaving the room again and returning with a fresh pot of tea. She was beautiful and so far away. Even though he was no longer a spy and part of the Akatsuki he was too tainted to be with an angel like Shizune.

“Shizune this is Weasel he just returned from a long term mission. He is to be assigned to Naruto’s invisible protection detail. I want you to take him to Ibiki and have him placed on the duty roster. When you return, I want you to set up a meeting for Monday with Team Gai and all of Rookie Nine. I want the Yoru Shinobi there as well so make sure there is a replacement guard on the labs for during the meeting.”

“Hai Tsunade-sama. Follow me Weasel-san. You’ll get to meet Naruto-kun he is a handful and tends to slip away from his sitters.” Shizune smiled. Itachi said nothing as he followed her to the ANBU office but he inhaled her soft scent of lilies that filtered through his mask. He let himself enjoy the moment even if it was only for a moment he was in heaven.

XxXxXxXx

You’d think with his years of experience writing best selling novels he would have no trouble find the perfect flowers for a woman he has known for over half his lifetime. But no here he was looking lost in a sea of flowers. It seemed he wasn’t alone the kid next to him looked just as lost.

“Can I help you guys?” Ino smirk as she watch the two men jump and turn around looking like they got caught in stealing Tsunade’s sake. “Well Jiraiya-sama, are you looking for something special?”

“Well I…” The Sanin blushed as he tried to answer the nosy blond.

“And I must say it’s a surprise to see you here Kankurou-kun. Who has caught your eye that finds you in my family shop?”

“Uh… well…” the puppet master struggled to think of a response as he really didn’t have the slightest idea why he was here. It a had been a spur of the moment idea, but the more he thought about it, the more it seemed like a bad idea. He didn’t even know if Tenten like flowers.

“Well then are you guys looking for a certain someone or yourself?”

“NO!” they nervous males shouted turning bright red and running out of the flower shop. “WE’RE LEAVING!”

“I’ve got to tell Sakura about this.” Ino giggle as she watched the two flee from her family shop.

XxXxXxXx

“That was close that girl was too nosy for her own good.”

“Yeah Ino is a gossip it’ll be all over town by sundown Jiraiya-sama.” Kankurou slumped into the barstool next to the Sannin.

“Oh is that so? I’ve been out of the village way too long. So kid you’re from Suna; what’s your name?”

“Sabaku no Kankurou.”

“The Kazekage’s brother. Shouldn’t you be with him as his guard?”

“Naw. He is staying with the Hyuuga clan spending time with the chibi. I’m just enjoying the fairs of Konoha.”

“I see. Is that why you were in the flower shop enjoying the fair?” the Toad Sage smirked as he downed his sake.

“I could ask the same of you Jiraiya-sama.” The puppet master replied before throwing back his sake.

“Touché. This rounds on me.” Jiraiya signaled the bar tender for another bottle.

“So who were you there for?”

“An old love for an old fool like me.” Jiraiya sighed. “How about you?”

“A Kunoichi that would like nothing more than to use me a target practice. Why is it a Shinobi can only fall for the most violent Kunoichi they can find?”

“Kid I’ve been asking that same question for years. The answer is they keep us from doing the stupid things in life and the fix us when we ignore them and do the stupid stuff anyway. We can’t live with them and we sure as hell can’t live without them.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Kankurou seemed to get depressed because it was the truth. Tenten had sparked his interest during the first chunin exam. She was a fighter even if she was beaten by his sister, she didn’t give up. As she got older she grew into a strong and beautiful woman and he made it a point to bug her every time he came to Konoha just to get a bit of her attention. “I guess that makes us pathetic.”

“I wouldn’t put it quite like that I would say we are following in the proud tradition of Shinobi everywhere.” Jiraiya said brightly earning a glare from the puppet master. “Alright we are pathetic and sappy but that’s love kid.”

“So what do we do about it?”

“That is the unanswered question that finds us here.” The Sannin said with a sigh. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Tsunade is not into flowers unless they have some medical purpose.”

“You’re in love with the Godaime Hokage?!”

“Shhh…. Not so loud brat!”

“Sorry it was just unexpected. So what are you going to do?”

“I have no idea yet, but someone is on my side trying to give me a helping hand.” Jiraiya smirked thinking back to the journal that was tucked safely in his knapsack. “Well I must be going I have to meet my troublesome woman and the chibi.”

“You sound like my sister’s guy Shikamaru. Well I wish you lucky maybe someone will give me a helping too.” Kankurou waved to the departing The Sannin before returning to the half empty bottle of sake.

XxXxXxXx

“Well Weasel you shall be part of the invisible protection for Naruto here. The threat has been increasing the closer we get to finding a cure. Next week he will be staying with the Wong Family. They are the best blacksmiths in the village and Jonin Tenten is a skilled Weapon’s expert. She is a master as traps almost as good as the grownup Naruto here. There will be another guarding Naruto along side Tenten and Uchiha Sasuke is a consent companion in the chibi’s life. You will be required to read his file before starting on guard duty.” Ibiki said handing the file that now took up four folders.

“Knock, Knock.”

“Enter.”

“Captain, we have a problem in lock up with the two A-rank prisoners that Gai-san brought in.”

“I’ll be right there Coyote. Weasel, watch Naruto and make sure his mutts don’t tear up my office.” The scarred man growled before rushing out of the office.

Itachi watching the Chibi blond play with the red and white pups laughing and carrying on while the massive bulldog napped in the corner. He was reminded of those days long ago before his father had banished the boy to the illusion of genjutsu. He was right when he called Naruto their sunspot because the boy could light up anyone’s life with just a smile.

“So you’re finally home Itachi.” The elder Uchiha was shaken from his memory by the child’s voice.

“Naruto?”

“Shhh… Don’t tell anyone.” The Chibi giggled. “Sasuke will be happy your home.”

“I’m Happy to be home too. I’ve been gone way too long. So you remember but you don’t want people to know, that means you’re up to something.”

“Nothing gets by an Uchiha but that’s all I’m going to say. I’m glad you’re back Itachi Sasuke has been real lonely without you. Maybe now he’ll smile more.” Naruto smiled sadly as he cuddled Kaji in his arms while Koori snoozed in his lap.

“I don’t know about that Sunspot.” Itachi smiled as he lifted his mask. There was no need to hide his identity with the chibi who already knew who he was. He bent down to the chibi’s level and absently petted the sleepy white puppy. “Sasuke was never truly alone because I knew that you would be there for him. I didn’t want to leave him but I knew he would have you there to keep the loneliness away.”

“I tried but I don’t think I kept it away. Sasuke left me, he left the village I don’t think I was a very good friend.” Naruto’s golden bangs hid the sorrow in his eyes but they couldn’t hide the tear that had escaped.

“It’s true that my foolish little brother made a poor choice but you did save him from that mistake. You brought him home and have kept him safe. Sadly Sasuke is an Uchiha and that means that he is emotionally stunted. You have been the best friend that he could ever ask for maybe even than he deserves.” Itachi gently lifted the chibi’s face looking into his huge tear filled eyes. “Don’t give up on him Sunspot. Sasuke just needs to learn how to smile and I know that you are just the one who can teach him. In the mean time I’ll do my best to keep you both safe.”

“Thanks Itachi-nii-chan.” Naruto gave a watery smile as hugged his puppy.

Monday

“Good morning. Sai has sealed you all in here for this very important briefing.” announced Tsunade after they had all filed in. “Since Sai has been away on a mission until now he can be trusted to watch Naruto during this meeting. What I have to say effects us all. For years we have had a spy with in the Akatsuki placed there by the Sandaime. Recently things have happened within the Akatsuki that has cause my spy to withdraw. Please welcome home our long awaited prodigal son, Uchiha Itachi.”

The whole room went deathly silent as the elder Uchiha stepped out of the shadows. He no longer wore the Akatsuki cloak but the traditional clothes of his clan dark tight pants with the high dark collared at shirts and the Uchiha symbol embroider on the back. Sasuke was the first to move and greet his brother with a bow and a small smirk. They had spent the whole weekend catching up and getting to know his brothers charges.

Kisame and Deidara were interesting and they still freaked him out, but he could understand why his brother had saved them. They were like his Dobe; they were all very naïve about their own emotions but jaded about the world around them. He had his own charge that needed him like those two needed his brother. When Naruto had found him Sasuke had been covered in blood holding a mountain of a man that was sobbing in his arms.

Jugo was one of Kabuto experiments involving steroids and other chemical compounds to in crease his size, strength, and Chakra levels. He created a monster with the mind of a child. Jugo was caged when he had become uncontrollable and was forgotten by all but Sasuke. Jugo was brought to Konoha and placed in the care of the Konoha sanitarium under going to treatment to try and undo what Kabuto had done and Sasuke made sure to visit him everyday in between missions slowly helping to heal the boy’s mind. He had to mentally smile at the similarities between him and his brother.

“Welcome home Aniki.”

“Thank you Otouto.” Itachi smirked as he returned the bow. The room was still in the shocked silent as the two greeted one another but Kakashi smiled behind his mask. It was good that Itachi was home again and the family was reunited.

“Now that the pleasantries are over, it’s down to business. Itachi report.”

“Hai Hokage-sama. For the past month the Akatsuki has been conflicting with one another and the cause is Pein’s desperation for the tailed demons. Pein was once a student of Jiraiya-sama and seeks to show the world of Peace through the vision of Pain. When I was brought into the organization Madara was training Pein for leadership building up his dream of everlasting peace.”

“That Bastard! That’s not what I meant when I talked of peace!” Jiraiya raged.

“Calm yourself Jiraiya let the boy finish.” Tsunade said softly as placed a gentle hand on his clenched fist. “Continue.”

“I’m sure he didn’t believe that either at first. Madara warped Pein’s dream over time and train him in the paths of pain. He was trained as the leader of his little Organization he has been trying to capture the Tailed beasts because he needs the power to fuel his immortality. With that power he can wipeout and rule over all of the Shinobi Nations.”

“What about Gaara? Is he also in danger because he still carries Shukaku?” Kankurou asked. He did not want a repeat of his brother’s kidnapping, it had been the most nerve wrecking experience of his life. He almost lost the brother that he had just gotten to know after years of separation. If Gaara was still a target he would accompanying his brother to the mist village.

“No he is not a target.” Everyone turn to the Petite Yoru Kunoichi. “With my blood limit I can see that The Kazekage Seal is stable and unbreakable. During Shukaku’s first sealing it had not complete and the extraction was not cast correctly causing them to reseal the Shukaku in the Kazekage. This made the seal even stronger and unbreakable.”

“That is Correct Kurai-san. Once Madara realized his mistake he ordered Sasori to kill the Kazekage because he couldn’t have the power of the tailed beast then no could. Right now he believes that the Kazekage is dead. He has successfully extracted five of the tailed beasts but so that leaves Naruto and two others. He will likely go after the others leaving Naruto for last but I don’t want to chance it. Tsunade-sama has tightened security around the village which means no unnecessary travel from or to the village and an ANBU team is watching Naruto from a distance.”

“Kurai-san how goes your research?”

“I’m close to a cure Hokage-sama, but that is all I can say for now. I don’t want to get anyone’s hope up because I’m still researching the ingredients. We were lucky the break-in didn’t set us back due to the fact they broke in to the wrong lab. I’ll be taking my team out to find some of the plants that are not in supply here this week Aburame-san as agree to accompany my team in an effort to speed up the process.”

“This news is to remain in this room. Sai will be brief by Ibiki on these new developments and will be assigned to the invisible protection detail. Who has Naruto this week?” Tsunade asked as she looked over the paper work submitted by Itachi and Sukora.

“I do Tsunade.” Tenten said stepping forward.

“Who is your partner? Naruto is to have two visible Shinobi guard.”

“Well… I …” the weapons mistress didn’t know what to say. When she got her mission scroll on Naruto it didn’t say she would be working with another.

“I volunteer Hokage-sama.” Kankurou stepped forward.

“If your Kazekage agrees then I have no objection.”

“I have no objection. Temari and Hyuuga Neji are escorting me to Kirigakure. They are more then adequate guards for the trip. Kankurou is also of Jonin rank and will be an excellent sitter for Naruto.” Gaara said from his seat near Tsunade.

“Excellent. The rest of you are to continue training and prepare for the Akatsuki. We all must be on high alert as we no longer have a spy. Also the chunin exams are coming up and will be held here. Sai has also informed me that Danzou has been especially quiet chances are he’s the one working to stop the cure process.”

“Hai!” they shouted accepting the mission at hand. Ibiki rapped on the door signaling Sai to release the seal on the door.

“Ohayoo everyone.” Sai greeted with his fake smile.

“You all are dismissed.” Tsunade said and watched the group quietly file out. “Oh Shino, congratulations to you and your family. I just read the report twins can be a tricky birth.”

“Hai. We we’re luck that Sakura-san responded so quickly.”

“Sakura report also stated that Kurai was on the scene when she got there.”

“Hai. She just got back to the compound when my mother went into labor. She was able to give my mother something to keep comfortable till Sakura-san got there. Then she stayed to assist with the delivery an hour later Shindo and Shizuka born.”

Tsunade sighed as recorded the names of the two new Aburame heirs. It would seem that the clan leader had not run out of name beginning with ‘Shi’. Also she noticed that Shino was not informed of Kurai-san’s role in the birth of his siblings. Sakura’s report said that the delivery of the first baby went smooth with no complications. That was not the case with the second child. The baby had not turned and started to come out feet first. Sakura had never dealt with a breeched birth before and was about to send for Shizune when Kurai asked the pink haired Kunoichi to step a side. She then used her chakra to gently turn the baby still in the womb in the right direction. It was a technique that was not widely known and could be harmful to the child if not done correctly. The medic-nin would need complete control of their chakra and turn the child very slowly to avoid tangling the baby in its own umbilical. Well it’s just as well that the Jonin did not know of his brother’s early distress. There was need worry the Kikai master now that the danger had pasted.

“I’m putting you and your siblings on light duty until your mother is well recovered. Having twins is very strenuous and I’m sure she could use the extra help with them and your other siblings.”

“Thank you Hokage-sama.” Shino bowed before leaving.

“Oi Nade!” The toad sage shouted as he jumped back in from the window.

“For Kami’s sake Jiraiya! Use a door!”

“And miss the sweet surprise look on your pretty face?”

“What do you want? I’ve got a lot of paper work to get through.” The Hokage blushed as she shuffled her papers to look busy.

“Oh but I’m your hero. I come to sweep you away from this prison labor.”

“Really and how do you plan to do that?” Tsunade sighed and looked amused by her former team mate.

“Ask and you shall receive.” Jiraiya opened her office door to reveal a smiling Iruka and Shizune. “These two will be filing your paperwork and all you meetings have been moved to tomorrow leaving you free for the day.” He may have been clueless at first but this past weekend Naruto’s innocent observations were the key to his brilliant plan.

“Well…” the medic-nin was blown away by thoughtfulness of the gesture. It made her slightly suspicious of his motives, but she was not going to look a gift horse or in this case gift toad in the mouth. She smiled and got up from her chair and went over to the Toad Hermit. “You are my hero at least for today.”

XxXxXxXxXxXx

Naruto giggled as he watched Kankurou tried to be witty and charming but was striking out. He actually got to ‘I lost my phone number can I have yours?’ before Tenten brought out her dragon scrolls asking if he would like to become a human pin cushion. The Puppet master was silent after that.

“Zǎo shang hǎo à mèi. Nǐ shì shuí?”


“Brother Japanese.” Tenten Smiled as she approached the young man coming out of the forge.

“Gomen. We rarely get visitors out here.”

“Naruto, Kankuro, this is my brother Kane. Brother this chibi is the one I told you about.” Tenten said as she scooped up Naruto to in here are then glared as she pointed to the puppet master. “The Sand nin is the pervert I also told you about.”

“Tenten!” Kankurou shouted in outrage even though it was the truth she still shot down his chance at making a good impression on her family.

“Take the boy inside sister I will show Kankurou around the Property.” Kane sighed as he took off his work gloves. He watched his stubborn little sister carry the chibi into the house to have some muffins she had made this morning. “Sorry my sister is a little hard headed.”

“It’s okay, I’ve grown use to it.” The puppet master sighed taking off his cat like hat odue to the heat from the smith shop.

“Being use to it does not excuse Tenten’s behavior. Come let me show the forge.”

“So Kane what was that language you were speaking? I haven’t heard of it before.”

“It is the language of our former land called China. Our family was driven out by a jealous rival Blacksmith family. Somehow we found our way to Konoha and the Sandaime let us build a home here. Tenten was about four when we settled here and had a hard time making friends. I was worried about her and asked the Sandaime for help.He sent Anko-san to help Tenten open up more.” Kankurou tripped a step when he heard the last sentence. He remembered the crazy Jonin examiner and it was hard to believe that she was sent to be a mentor to a shy little girl.

“Anko-san got Tenten interested in the Shinobi ways. Tenten flourished after that and was determined to be the best Kunoichi there ever was. Our father died when she was 8 he never got to see her graduate and the loss was hard on my sister. She became focused on her blacksmith kills as well as Shinobi skills and nothing more. It wasn’t till Anko-san brought the chibi here that Tenten started to smile again.”

“What?! Are you saying that Tenten knew Naruto before they were genin?”

“Hai. She was nine and chibi was eight. Naruto-kun was loud and determined to make her smile and Tenten was determined not to give in. Anko train them both in the art of weapons but Naruto-kun made it interesting. He would set traps on the training field trying to get her to smile. Then one day Tenten tripped a trap left over from a Jonin training session. Before it could spring Naruto-kun pushed out of the way and got caught in a domino effect. Trap after trap was set off until he landed tied up in his underwear covered in blue paint with the biggest smile on his face and then it happened, my sister smiled again. Since then Naruto has been making her smile ever since and trained her in traps and we trained him in the art of blacksmithing.” Kane smiled as they toured the grounds around the family home.

“Wow is there anything Naruto can’t do?” Kankurou was in awe. It seems that that file on the blond was about to get bigger. “So it’s just the two of you out here? You guys live far from the rest of the village.”

“Yes it is just the two of us we lost our mother when we fled from China she caught an illness on the trip to the sea where we would cross to the Waterlands. She never recovered and died before ever seen the shore line. When Father settled here he was eager to start working again. He said we would needed space for a large forge. Later the extrat acreage we turned into Tenten’s training field. But be careful when going out there she has some nasty traps set up out there. I think she is trying to surpass Naruto-kun.” Kane smiled as he led Kankurou into the house for lunch.

“Not trying dear brother, I will surpass him and get him back for that last trap he set for me.” Tenten smirked as she served lunch. “So ero-nin you got the lay of the land?”

“Sure did Cricket.”

“Cricket?!”

“Yeah since you didn’t like the nickname firecracker and grasshopper doesn’t suit you so now you’re cricket.” Smiled the puppet before dodging the kunai that came flying at him.

“You better run cause when I catch you I’m going to KILL YOU!” the Kunoichi shouted as she jumped over the table and gave chase leaving here brother with the dogs and chibi.

“Well Naruto-kun by the end of the week they will either kill each other or be kissing each other senseless.” Kane smiled at the giggling chibi before popping and egg roll in his mouth.

Tuesday

The sun was shine and the birds were chirping and a certain chibi was planning as he watched Oushi training the young rookie Ninken. He watched as the older Ninken bark out orders and the two pups try to do what they were told. His plans for Tenten and Kankurou weren’t proceeding very well. Last night she made him sleep out side in a tent and said they need some one to patrol the out side.

“Pakkun! Get your but out here I know your hiding in that tree.” The pug came down landing next to his older brother. “What are you doing here?”

“Well Kakashi is stickin’ to the village for a while told me you were training the rookies. Why are you training the pyro and freezer?”

“They need to know the ropes. When the pup is back to normal they’ll be training twice as hard and they need to be prepared to back him up.”

“More like trip him up.”

“Okay pups listen up this is your first lesson in tracking. Sniff this mutt he’s your target.”

“What? Target?”

“First one to bite him wins a treat.”

“WHAT?!!”

“Yip! Ruff!!” (Yay! Treat!!) The pups jumped happily before rushing the pug to take a sniff.

“Wait a minute! Stop sniffing me! Oushi!!”

“Better run runt. These pups are quick.” Oushi grinned as pups chakra flared.

“I’ll get you for this OUSHI!” Pakkun shouted as he ran into the forest with the pups hot on his heels.

“That’s cruel.” Kankurou laughed as he gave Naruto a ride on Sanshouo.

“Sometimes you have to show the runt who is really the top dog.”

“You’re lucky. If I tried that with my little brother I’d get the sand coffin.”

“Naruto! Time for lunch!” Tenten yelled from the porch.

“Yay! Ramen!” Naruto jump from the puppet and headed to the house with Oushi following right behind him.

“I guess I’m not invited.” the puppet master sighed as he put the puppet away.

“Maybe it’s cause she doesn’t want to be hit on by a pervert.”

“What are you doing here Uchiha?”

“I came to visit my Dobe and see how he’s doing.” Sasuke smirked as he made his way out of the trees. “So you have a thing for Tenten.”

“If by ‘A thing’ means I love her, than yeah I do; but she won’t look at me that way.”

“Ever thought that it was your actions that make her think you’re not serious? You Jiraiya-sama and Kakashi-sensei all have the same problem. You’re all too perverted to be taken seriously. I still think Kakashi-sensei use genjutsu to get Iruka-sensei to marry him no matter what the Dobe says.”

“So you think I’m hopeless Uchiha?” Kankurou asked as he looked Sasuke straight in the eye. He knew the Uchiha won’t lie or sugar coat things just to make him feel better; it wasn’t his style.

“Truthfully I don’t know Tenten that well so I can’t give you a definite answer. What I can tell you is that she is a strong dedicated Kunoichi which means she values honesty strength of character. You need to show her you’re not just a perverted fool. Start simple try asking her to spar. Some people dedicated to their Shinobi way like that tend to communicate better with their fist then words.”

“Sounds like you speak from experience.”

“True. It’s the only way to get things through the Dobe’s thick skull.” the raven avenger smirked.

XxXxXxXx

“Itadakimasu!” Naruto shouted before slurping down his ramen.

“Where is your teammate sister?” Kane asked as he popped another dumpling into his mouth.

“I don’t know didn’t see him.” Tenten replied as she calmly ate her chow mein noodles.

“Tenten!”

“What?”

“I understand you don’t like the boy but you do not ignore him and you certainly do not deny him food! He is your teammate and our guest! You will go back out there and invite him to share our meal or you will be working in the forge for a month.” Kane had never been so upset with his sister than he was right now. He knew she pushed everyone away because losing their parents so young she did not want to feel that pain again but this was ridiculous. When she was placed on team Gai she formed bonds of loyalty once she was sure their affections laid elsewhere. It was obvious that the boy assigned as her partner held some affection for his stubborn little sister and was willing to put up with a great deal to be with her. The sand nin did not deserve the cold shoulder that Tenten was determined to give him.

“Wei, lao da ge.” Tenten whispered with her head bowed in shame. Kane was the last of her family and it hurt when he was upset or disappointed in her. She kept her head down as she got up and headed to the front door.

“Why Tenten-nee-chan sad?”

“Well Po pi, Tenten has to learn not everyone is out to hurt her. Also it is disrespectful to treat one’s teammates so poorly.” Kane sighed as he ruffled the chibi’s sunshine hair.

“We have company brother.” Tenten announced as she entered the kitchen followed by Kankurou and Sasuke.

“Uchiha-san it is good to see you again. I hope your Wind Shuriken is serving you well.”

“It is Wong-san, but I have another request to make. My brother has returned home and his kodachi is in disrepair since has been many years since he used it last. Do you think that you can fix it?” Sasuke asked as he handed over the rusted weapon.

“I would have to remake the kodachi as this one can not be repaired. Your brother will have to come here in two days and I can balance it for his grip. But I can get done in four days. Will that be aright with your brother?”

“That will be fine.” The raven bowed before turning his attention to the chibi. “Oi Dobe where are your mutts?”

“Twainning. First one to bite Pakkun wins treat!”

“Then we should send a note to Kakashi-sensei telling him to get Iruka-sensei’s healing ointments ready because those two bite hard. Are you up for some training Dobe?”

“Yeah! Nee-chan said she show me twaps!”

“Well let’s go warm up and Tenten will meet up with us later.” Sasuke smirked as he tossed the chibi in the air. He bowed to Kane and nodded to Kankurou as if to say ‘Here’s your chance don’t blow It.’ then headed out the door.

“I also have to get back to work. I will see you both at dinner.” Kane replied as he picked up the kodachi before heading to the forge. “Remember what I said Sister.”

“Wei.” Tenten nodded not wanting to see the disappointment on her brother’s face.

An awkward silence hung in the air as two teammates finished their lunch. The puppet master was trying to think of something to ask without pissing off the beautiful weapon mistress. Unfortunately all he could think of was what a great cook she was. He had never had food like this, it was probably recipes from her family’s home land, and it just made him love her more.

Tenten on the other hand was upset and depressed. She was trying to avoid the perverted sand nin, but her brother was right she had been cruel. She didn’t mean to be but how else to keep him away. No matter what she did Kankurou became more determined to get close to her. It was Easy to build bonds with Lee and Neji because Lee’s heart and attentions were focused on Sakura and Neji was wrapped up in his Destiny to care about her other than a teammate. She was having a hard time fighting Kankurou’s natural charisma and flirtatious manner. If she wasn’t careful she could serious end you falling for him.

She didn’t know how to relate in to ways of love. She lost her mother before they got to Konoha so she had no female role model to talk to about boys and feelings. After the loss of his wife her father became distant and withdrawn. He spent hours in the forge leaving Tenten to be raised by Kane while he lost himself in work. She was terrified of these feelings that she was having she was unsure of herself and she didn’t like it. She also knew if she did allow the sand nin close to her it would hurt that much when he left her.

“Uh… this is good food. I’ve had a meal like this.”

“Thank you my brother taught me how to make the foods from our former land.” Tenten said softly as continued to nibble her noodles.

“Do… Do you wanna train? You know after lunch?” Kankurou was slightly worried that the weapon’s mistress was so quiet. The fire was gone from her eyes and he needed to help her get it back because this was not his little Cricket.

“Sure training sounds good.” Tenten agreed ‘Maybe training will clear my head.’

XxXxXxXx

“Dobe what are you doing?”

“Fixing nee-chan’s twap.” The chibi smiled.

“Oh? Now why would you want to do that?” Sasuke asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Cause my twap better.” The chibi had been getting tips from Naruto at night. He knew that this would hopefully give Tenten a push in the right direction.

“Really? Well I don’t want to be here is Tenten doesn’t like your improvements. Come on let’s go find your Ninken they’ve been gone for a while.”

“That’s cause after the caught my brother they started to chase a weasel that appeared out of nowhere.” Oushi smirked as he stretched out in the after noon sun.

“A weasel huh? It seems Shuichiro is finally getting his just desserts.” The Uchiha smirked as he picked up the chibi and tossed him in the air.

“NOT FUNNY RUNT!” screamed said weasel as he raced across the field with Koori and Kaji hot on his heels.

“Kaji! Koori!” The chibi called giggling at the funny sight. The pups stopped chasing the summons and returned to their mini master. The Weasel was panting as dragged himself over Sasuke and Naruto.

“When did the Sun Spot get the mutts?”

“What’s matter Shuichiro can’t handle the rookies?” Oushi smirked as he got up and towered over the Summons.

“Those two are demons. Runt, Master, requests you be home in time for dinner to watch the Fish stick and the Dumb Blond he has a mission.”

“Fine I’ll be home. Now go away before I let the pups use you as a chew toy.” Sasuke glared at his brother’s summons.

“Gladly!” the weasel disappeared in a puff of smoke.

“Come on Dobe lets go. Tenten and Kankurou will be here soon we need stay out of the line of fire.”

“Okay. Twaps ready.” The chibi smirked as Sasuke carried him into the trees. Hopefully his nee-chan and nii-chan will find happiness.

Wednesday

Yesterday went better than expected with his traps. Tenten fell into one and when Kankurou went help her out of the hole he set off another trap. The Sand nin was swept up into a tree and his pants were ripped off showing his heart pattern boxers. Kankurou was blushing and Tenten was giggling. When she managed to get out of the hole she stumbled over to the tied up nin tripping another trap. She was thrown up and into the arms of the swinging puppet master. The rope holding him was cut and they both went tumbling to the ground. Kankurou bore most of the blunt force to protect Tenten from the rocks and broken branches but when they had stopped rolling Kankurou’s head had hit a sharp rock. That had not bee part of the plan but it did work in favor of getting them together. Sakura had to come heal him but Naruto asked to only heal the puppet master a little bit that way Tenten could be his nurse. The pink-haired healer had heard rumors of the chibi’s match-making plots and decided to play along. Now Naruto was in the kitchen with Tenten making Won-Ton soup.

“That’s it Naruto-kun. Make sure you seal the dough, because you don’t want the meat to float out in the broth.”

“This make Kanky-nii-chan better?” the chibi asked as he work on another dumpling.

“Well I don’t know if it will make him better but My brother use to make if for me when ever I was sick and it made me feel better.” Tenten smiled as she stirred the boiling broth.

“Something smells good in here.”

“I’m just making some soup for the patient, brother. Wash your hands, your lunch is on the table.”

Kane took of his work boots and headed to the bathroom. He had an interesting talk with the chibi that morning and somehow got wrapped up into his match making schemes. He made his way back to the kitchen and his mouth watered at the lunch his little sister had made him. Tenten must be softening for her to go the extra effort to make won-ton soup for the injured nin. It was time to test his little sister’s feelings and see if the chibi was right but could he let her go if what Naruto had said was true? For the longest time it had just been the two of them. His father was never the same after he lost their mother and that left the two siblings to care for one another. They were inseparable and he knew he would be losing apart of himself if she left with the foreign ninja. He gave a mental sigh as he watch Tenten smile lovingly as she gently placed the dumplings into the steaming broth. This was a part of life he had to except for her happiness.

‘Maybe this is a sign for me to get out of the forge and get a life of my own. We have grown too dependant on each other.’

“So is this a sign you are warming up to Shinobi from the land of sand?”

“No it’s just soup.” Tenten bristled.

“If that was true than why are you blushing?” Kane teased as she continued to eat his lunch. Tenten stiffen at the accusation but the sighed before turning back to her brother.

“I don’t know what I’m feeling Kane. He confuses me as much as he amuses me. He didn’t have to catch me yesterday but he did and protected me from the worst of the fall and traps. I mean I could have handled it.”

“But he didn’t want you to be hurt. I believe he truly cares for you and I see you are becoming fond of him as well.”

“But… he’s a pervert! He chases anything in a skirt, and has been know to date more than one girl at a time. I mean he’s like a young version of…”

“Ewo-sennin!” Naruto cheered happily waving a hand drawn picture of his beloved godfather.

“Naruto! That is not nice to call Jiraiya-sama such names. Now why don’t you go check on the patient and I’ll bring the soup in a minute.”

“Okay nee-chan!” the chibi jump down from his seat and ran off to show Kankurou his newest drawing.

“So you’re worried he’s another Jiraiya-sama. Since he’s been here he’s been mooning over you. I believe he’s trying to change for you sister.”

“Even if I believed he was changing his perverted ways it wouldn’t work.” Tenten said briskly as she returned to the soup. “He’s from Suna and I live here in Konoha. He won’t leave his home to be here he has to protect His brother the Kazekage and you need me here. So it’s best if there is nothing between us but this mission.”

“Tenten I love you and I always we’re family and nothing will ever change that but I’m not a child that needs looking after. If you find happiness in another land I will not stop you from going.”

“Kane…”

“I realize now we have become too dependent on each other and that I am holding you back. It’s time you followed your own path and find your own happiness. I’ll still be here if you need me but don’t be afraid to go out and enjoy your life.” He pulled his sister into a tight hug, before heading out to the forge. He knew that she would have a lot to think about as well as tending to her patient.

XxXxXxXx

“Hey Squirt, are you sure Sakura said there was nothing else she could do?” Kankurou glared at the smiling chibi. He tried to sit up with one arm because the other was broken and in a cast.

“Sakura-nee-chan said too much heawing chaka not good. So you heaw witf the cass.” The chibi smiled as he continued to draw on said cast.

“How am I supposed to do my job if I have thing on? I can’t control all my puppets with only one arm.” The puppet master continued to glare but to Tenten it looked more like a pout.

“Lunch is ready. Naruto you have to get off the bed now or you might spill the soup.” Naruto scampered off the bed and Tenten placed the try over Kankurou lap.

“Hey Cricket? The soup looks great and all but I’m left handed and my left arm is broken.”

“I’ll help you but you have to stop calling me ‘Cricket’.”

“But it suits you since you don’t like me to call you fire cracker.” Before he could say another word a soup was shoved in his mouth.

“‘Firecracker’ is what Ibiki calls Naruto.” Tenten shuttered. “I don’t want be reminded of Ibiki every time you call me that. Why can’t you just call me by my name?”

“Because you have a will of fire burning inside of you. You run around and fight with such passion and determination that I am in awe of you. That’s why I called you firecracker. I call Cricket because you are agile and graceful in you movements just like a grasshopper; I can see it when you battle and I see it when I watch you train.” Kankurou was looking deep in her eyes as if to show her he was telling her the truth through his eyes.

“You’ve been watching me a long time haven’t you?” Her heart melted at this heart felt confession. Then she thought this confession just as hard for Kankurou to give as it was for her to hear it. “Hey have you been stalking me?”

“NO! That’s not what I meant! I … You… what I mean is…”

“I was just teasing.” Tenten giggled as ladled more soup on to the spoon for him to eat. She enjoyed the confused face on the puppet master he really wasn’t so bad once you got to know him.

Thursday

Kankurou was up and moving with a help of Tenten Naruto and a cane. He felt fine there was no pain but he had the damn casts still on his arm and leg. The pups thought it would funny to piss on his leg cast when he was standing still. He was lucky enough that Sakura came by and said his arm was okay. She removed it but left the cast on leg so he wasstill dragging the damn thing around. He and Tenten got a report that the ANBU caught one assassin nearing the forge. That wasn’t good because it meant one of two things. Either the assassins were getting braver or who ever hired them was hiring stronger ninjas.

“Okay Naruto were going to work on controlling your element and the pups will follow your example.” Tenten smiled. The chibi looked wide-eyed at the weapon’s mistress. “Now I have set up a number of targets for you to hit with your Kunai. Now you are going to channel you chakra in to the kunai before you throw it. The pups will be attacking the life like targets and they will do it while channeling their chakra. Now go ahead and try it.”

Naruto closed his eyes and focused his chakra and channeled it into the kunai then threw it at the targets. His little body wasn’t like his grown up body and he ended up missing almost every target. The Pups followed his movements and also missed a few targets. Tenten giggled at the scene though she knew they were trying their hardest but they were just too cute.

“Naruto! You have to be careful where you throw the Kunai.” A figured shouted as they stepped out from behind the targets.

“Ruka!” the chibi cried happily. He was about to run up to the man but he could hear Kyuubi growling in the back of his mind.

“Don’t go kit. Something doesn’t smell right.”

“Listen to Kyuubi chibi that is Not Ruka’s chakra!” Big Naruto shouted.

“Iruka-sensei what are you doing here?” Tenten asked. Something was not right because her former teacher was supposed to be teaching today and it was too early for class to be over.

“I came to check on Naruto I haven’t seen him for a while.” The imposter smiled. Suddenly Kaji Bit deep into his leg and broke the enemy’s henge.

“Genma-sensei?!” Tenten shouted as she took a defensive stance.

“Ha you think I am my whiny Fag of a brother? No I’m Shiranui Youji and once I kill the Kyuubi I will finally be promoted to ANBU.” The Jonin grinned maliciously.

“We’re not going to let you take him.” Kankurou yelled just as Tenten sliced off his leg cast with her chain scythe.

“You think two snot nose brats are going to stop me. You only made jonin because you are the brother of the Kazekage and you are one of the Hokage favorites.” Youji sneered as he threw two Senbon trying to disable the pups.

“Don’t let those things hit you rookies!” Oushi Growled as he tossed Naruto onto his back. “Youji is a poison Specialist. He never carries the antidote with him.”

“Grrr… BARK! Grrr… BARK!” (Bad NIN! Bad NIN!) the pups agreed.

“So he likes poison let’s see how he likes Karasu!” The puppet sprang forth from its hiding place and flew and into battle with the jonin.

“Tenten Check the forest He must have knocked out the ANBU guards!”

“Right!” the weapons mistress tried to jump for the trees but was diverted by some Kunai flying her way. She jumped back swing the Scythe blocking more kunai that was thrown her way.

“Oh no, you don’t! The ANUB are all sleeping like babies no need to wake them.” Youji smirked as he blocked another attack from Karasu.

“Hey Cricket get The Squirt and run for it I’ll take care of this scum bag.”

“You take care of me? Ha! I’ll send you and your doll back to the sand box.” Youji laughed as he unsheathed his tanto. The blade was short and with a blunt tip and had a double edge. It looked like the one Sai always carried around but something was different about this one. Youji attacked swinging the weapon down ward and it looked like he missed but then a large gash appeared in the puppet Masters side.

“Shit!” Kankurou growled. The damn Weapon turned your own chakra against you. It hurt like a bitch but he couldn’t think about it right now. “Tenten Get Naruto out of here now!”

“Right!” The weapons mistress snapped out of her worried gaze and grabbed the two pups and she and Oushi with Naruto still clinging to his back took off toward Hokage tower.

“NO!” Youji made to go after them but was stopped by the tail of Sanshouo to his midsection. He hadn’t seen when the sand-nin conjured the huge lizard shape puppet but he realized he was out matched.

“Your opponent is me! Let’s see how you do against a grown man instead of a child.” Karasu’s mouth opened exposing its poison filled needle.


Friday

Youji was defeated just as the ANBU arrived. It seemed not only was he out matched by Kankurou’s skills but he had also been maneuvered into some of Tenten more vicious traps. The Jonin would have to be confined to the hospital till he has made a full recovery from his injures before being escorted prison for his attempt on Naruto’s life.

“This stinks!” Once again do to injuries and now chakra depletion the sand-nin was stuck in bed. Well more like the couch since he refused to wallow in said bed.

“Emweald said you haf to.” The chibi smiled. That had been another development in his recovery; the Yoru-nin had to take over his treatment when he went into cardiac arrest. Oushi wasn’t kidding about Youji being a poison specialist. The tanto had been coated with a poison that could poison a chakra system if you weren’t immune to it or had the antidote. Kurai was able to stop his chakra from killing him but she told him it might take a week for his Chakra to return to normal levels. He did not want to be bed ridden for a week! The only positive out come of this night mare was that Tenten insisted that he recover at her house where she could keep an eye on him.

“Yeah but that doesn’t mean she’s right.” Kankurou pouted as he crossed his arms. He was feeling a tad vulnerable with out his puppets and face paint.

“Kurai-san is right. Every Nin knows that if you run out of chakra you die.” Tenten lectured as she brought in lunch. “Now you better behave or I’ll take you back to the hospital and have her give you the shot in the butt.”

“No! I’ll be good.” The sand-nin shouted. Kurai had told them there was only two options to cure the chakra depletion. He was either to rest until his levels returned to normal or he could take a potions shot in his ass that would hurt like hell because it was a very thick potion. The decision was easy he went with resting instead of the pain and humiliation exposing his bare ass to the woman he loved. He was lucky he was spared from his sister being present because she was in the Mist village with Gaara. If she had been there she would have forced him to take the shot.

“Good boy. Now what should we do today Chibi since your Nii-chan is ordered to stay put?” Tenten smiled as she set a plate of sandwiches down on the table.

“I know Prezent!” Naruto shouted and ran off to his room to get his gift for the injured jonin.

“He got me a present?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Tenten smiled as Kankurou sighed and took a sandwich.

“Here Nii-chan! Tenten-nee-chan and I made it.” The chibi smiled brightly as he handed the puppet master the large wooden box. Big Naruto and Kyuubi did the actual work but it was chibi’s idea and all three were satisfied with the results.

“Wow you shouldn’t have.” Kankurou’s voice came in a horse whisper. He was in awe of the craftsmanship of the weapons that the box held. There were shuriken and Kunai with the Suna seal on one side and a grasshopper on the other. Then there were specially made needles that would fit in the hidden compartments of his puppets. “I don’t deserve these.”

“Yes, you do. We both think you do.” Tenten smiled sadly as she sat on the couch next to the puppet master. “Listen Kankurou, I want to say I’m sorry. I know I haven’t very nice to you since we started this mission and I know I treated you horribly even before the mission. I had no right to judge you or treat you like that. I didn’t know you and I have to admit I was a little frightened of you.”

“Frightened of me? Why?”

“Because I feel happy when you’re around or when you make me laugh with your cheesy pick-up lines. For a long time it has just been me and Kane. I trained myself against feeling anything more than friendship towards other and not to trust love other than the family love I feel for my brother. I was wrong and over this past week I notice you being less than your perverted old self and more of man that I like maybe one day I could love.”

“I’m not good with words and when I do try to say something I always end up fucking it up. If you give me a chance I swear I’ll try hard not to fuck it up. I just want you to be happy and smile like you do with the chibi. I know it’s been hard living with me but the truth is I can’t live without you Cricket.” Kankurou pulled her into his arms and gave her the kiss of a lifetime.

Once over the shock of having demanding lips on her own Tenten melted into the kiss before she started to savagely kiss the puppet master back. As the new couple became more and more aggressive in their kissing, Naruto and the Ninken made a hasty retreat to the outdoors.

The chibi sat on the porch a looked to the Sky. His time was running out and he knew it. He could already feel his older self gaining control over their share body. He was sad that his time was ending but he knew that this was not his place he had grown up along time ago. It was only by accident he was able to get a second chance at childhood and to heal the scars that were left on his older self’s heart. He had done all he could to help his friends find their precious persons but it seemed like some were more stubborn than others. He did have one weekend left to get the two Sannins together for good and less then a week for his next targets if Big Naruto was right about Emerald’s skills. Rumor between his Nii and Nee-chans was that Kurai was very close to a cure and that it would be ready some time next week. There was only one thing left to do in the time he had left and that was to plan for Naruto’s future happiness. He was going to need help and he knew just the shinobi who could help.

“Come on Oushi, Kaji, Koori, we haf to see somebody.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it pup?” The Huge Ninken asked as he tossed the chibi on to his back.

“I runnin out of time. I hafta do this for Big me.”

“Alright pup I’m with ya. Let’s go.” Oushi Leaped away with the pups following behind.

“I’m happy I had this time and that I was able to help heal our heart. This last plan is my gift to you before I go be Happy Naruto-nii-chan.”

AN: Okay Please don’t kill me! Yes I know I took forever to bring this chapter out. After My Computer Difficulties were sorted out I was Writing like crazy until half way through this chapter My Muses went on Strike! They sent me and a Friend a list of demands through Youtube. For those of you who would like to see it the address is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf6A4paLCw0 or type in “Muses on Strike”. I have more than one name and the muses call me By stage name Sukora Night. Well with the muses on strike I will continue to try and get these stories finished! I will not give up! Thanks for reading Please keep reviewing!

PS. During the Computer problems I lost my translation note. I was attempting to write in Chinese but with My notes gone I forgot what I wrote or If I messed up what I was trying to say. I meant it to say “Welcome home Little sister. Who are your guests?” and then “Yes Big Brother.” Sorry If I butchered it. ^_^”