My Chibi Dobe

Chapter 9 “One Warm Heart and One Lost Soul”

Oh how he loved those ocean blue eyes when they sparkled with happiness and how they looked even more exotic now that they were clouded with lust. Hard, tan, callus, worn hands traveled up his pale body to cup his face gently. Soft lips kissed his and slowly started to devour his mouth. The smaller body pressed hard into his taller frame and he could feel the hard erection digging into his thigh. He groaned into the mouth as he pulled the warm body closer with one hand and undressing his lover with the other. Then a tan hand stopped his pale one and the delicious mouth left his.

“Naughty Sasuke don’t play with me unless you mean it. Wake up Teme.”

“NARUTO!” The Jonin woke and sat straight up. The raven cursed nights like these that left him wanting and needy. He got out of bed and headed for the shower. He let the cold water cool his over heated body and hormones. Ever since Naruto was turned into a chibi they seem to have gotten worst as there no way he could claim him as his own.

He had loved the blond for what seemed like forever. In the academy he had watched the dobe work harder than anyone else. He had lousy chakra control and spent days some times weeks to master what took others maybe an hour. Sasuke would watch in fascination as determination fueled the fire in Naruto’s eyes and the fighting spirit that forced him to push himself to the limit until he got it right.

That was his dobe nothing could bring him down. He was jealous of Naruto’s heart and spirit because his own was so cold and bitter. After losing his family and then Itachi had been forced undercover he had been left alone in the darkness. Until Naruto was assigned to his team, the Uchiha, had care for nothing but getting stronger so he could defeat the Akatsuki and bring his brother home. When Naruto was assigned to his team the sun pierced through his dark world and he could breathe again. Though he tried to fight it he found himself becoming more and more attached to the sunlight.

He wanted his Dobe back he wanted to confess to the dobe and make love to him. He had, had it all planned out. Once the Dobe returned from his mission he was going to take him out to Ramen and then ask him to train at their old training grounds from when they were genin. Then instead of fighting he would confess his feelings and give him the necklace he had made just for his dobe. Then he would take his beloved dobe in his arms and whisk him away to his manor and make love to him till the early dawn.

That’s how it was suppose to go but instead the dobe went and got himself chibi-sized. The past week had gone well. Sasuke shut the water off and got out of the shower and put on his robe before wandering the house in the early morning light. Naruto wasn’t threatened by his chibi-self and was opening up more to him. Now he had to figure out how to make his older self look non-threatening. That was going to take some work also the fact that his dobe was hidden in the mind with the chibi dobe, begging to returned to normal. The raven stopped in front of a picture of the graduating class of rookie 9 and there was his dobe smiling at the camera with his arm slung around a young Sasuke who was glaring at the dobe for touching him. If anyone bothered to look close enough they would see a faint blush across the Uchiha’s cheeks.

“Don’t worry Dobe we’ll bring you back. I will save you from the hurt and pain even if I have to defeat your inner child to do it.”

Monday

“Well Naruto how was your week with the Nara’s at the Deer Sanctuary?”

“I like it a wot. I had fun with Shika-nii-chan and Temari-nee-chan. I play a wot with Sasuke but you can’t tell Uchiwa-sama cause I not play with Sasuke.”

“Don’t worry gaki I won’t tell anyone. I’m glad you had fun this week you will be with Ino and Choji.”

“Ino and Choji?” Naruto asked as he tilted his head to the side. He looked just like a little fox all that was missing was the little pointed ears and a fluffy tail.

“Yes they will be here in a moment to pick you and Oushi up.”

“Can I still play with Sasuke?”

“I am sure you’ll still see him around and I bet he would love to play with you as well.” Tsunade glanced over the report Temari and Shikamaru had submitted on their week with the chibi. It seems that Naruto was the same mischief marker he was rumored to be the first time around. Then something caught her eye in Friday’s report. Naruto’s older self had surfaced for a few moments. It seemed his mind was at war with it’s self and Kyuubi was trying to keep the older personality sane. “Naruto are you still having headaches?”

“Yeah, sometimes I fall sweep and I don’t wanna sweep.”

“Don’t worry gaki we’ll find away to fix you.” Tsunade smiled at the chibi and soon there was a knock at the door. “Enter.”

“Tsunade, Ino Yamanaka and Choji Akimichi are here and here is an update from the team sent to Yoru.” Shizune smiled as she led Ino and Choji in.

“Good.” Tsunade took the file then looked over to the two waiting chunin. Ino and Choji hadn’t taken the jonin exams like most of their friends. Even though they were strong they each had a reason for not taking the exam. Ino felt that she wasn’t strong enough to stand on her own. She still felt like a hindrance to her team even with her newly acquired medical-nin skills. Choji on the other had felt self conscious around others and he didn’t feel that he could lead a team or measure up as a shinobi enough to pass the exams. It was a miracle in his opinion that he managed to pass the chunin exams after the fourth time taking it. He was really nervous about watching Naruto. It was a great responsibility to take care of a child but even more when the child was the number one surprise ninja in all of the shinobi villages.

“Helwo.” Naruto said shyly from behind Oushi.

“Ohayoo Naruto. I’m Ino this is my team mate Choji.” The girl with the long blonde hair smiled. Naruto noticed out of the corner of his eye that Choji’s eyes seemed to dim at the word ‘Team-mate’. “You’ll be staying with my family for a few days then with Choji.”

“Okay but Oushi goes too!”

“Oushi?”

“That’s me. I’m keeping an eye on the pup for Kakashi and Iruka.”

“Wow! I thought it was just Pakkun that could talk.” Ino jumped back in surprise.

“We can all talk. The runt just doesn’t know how to shut up.” the massive ninken grumbled.

“Okay you have your orders take care of Naruto and record and memory lapses.”

“Hai.” The two Chunin bowed and Ino lifted the chibi in her arms and cuddled him close.

“Choji grab his bag and hurry my mom wants to see Naruto right away.” The Blond called over her shoulder as she whisked the chibi away.

“Have heart kid a lot can happen in a week.” Oushi said to the dishearten chunin as they followed the other two out of the tower.

“Why do you say that? We’re just friends.” Choji sighed.

“Yeah and I’m a bunny. Trust me pup just watch and wait you’ll learn things you never knew before.” The chunin looked at the ninken in confusion. What was the dog trying to say? It was very cryptic and he didn’t have Shikamaru’s brain to figure it out. He was just average Choji with no real talent or hidden skills. So he would just have to watch and wait just as the Ninken suggested.

The Hokage watched as the Naruto and his caretakers left and waited for them to leave completely before she read the brief report from the away team.

Report Mission to Yoru
Objective: retrieve and escort Kurai, Sukora to Konoha.
Progress: Team of Hyuuga, Neji; Aburame, Shino; Sabaku no Kankurou arrived in Yorugakure without any complication. Met with the Mangetsukage are now in the process of acquiring the corporation of Kurai, Sukora.

Signed

Jonin Hyuuga Neji

“Something tells me that the Mangetsukage’s niece is not a going to be a willing bride.” Tsunade chuckled as she read between the lines. She knew this was a gamble when she received other Kage’s request to send her single male shinobi to escort his very single niece to Konoha. The Kazekage seemed to think it was the perfect opportunity to get his brother out of his hair and volunteered Kankurou for the job. She had to rely on Tenten’s and Hinata’s information on their team mates to insure their single status, sexual orientation was something that the girls did not know as no one has ever seen Neji or Shino date. “I wonder how they are doing.”

XxXxXxXxXxXx

“How the fuck did we end up chasing a bat and dodging panthers?”

“Easy Kankurou, we were set up.” Neji stated as the dodge another kunai in the dark and hiding behind a boulder.

“Neji is right. As soon as we met with the Mangetsukage it became apparent that he had another agenda planed.

*~*~*~*Flash Back*~*~*~*~*

The three shinobi enter the Kage’s office and were taken back by the eagerness of their host.

“You must be the escort shinobi from Konoha!”

“The two of us are from Konoha.” Neji stated pointing to Shino and himself then turning to their other companion. “Kankurou is from Suna. The Kazekage has an express interest in the recovery of Uzumaki, Naruto.”

“Well good the more the merrier. Now I have approved Sukora’s temporary transfer to Konoha but she doesn’t exactly know she has this mission. She spent a lot of time in her lab or at the academy and her classification is Tokubetsu Jonin. So she only leaves the village when she deems important for the village safety. In light of this you’ll have to approach her with your request to help your friend. Keiko where is Sukora?”

“She’s at the Kurai training grounds with Ryuu and Phoenix.”

“Serenity please show our guests to the Training grounds and equipment them with the necessary items.” Kazuma smiled as he motioned to a petite woman with short dark brown hair and light green eyes.

“Yes sir. Please gentlemen follow me.” Serenity smiled and led the Three Shinobi out of the tower and through the village to the Kurai compound. “I’m sorry about my Uncle he’s a little obsessed with trying to find Sukora a husband.”

“Husband?!” Kankurou shouted as the other two remained silent and unreadable.

“Oh don’t worry you’re safe from the ‘alter’.” Their guide giggled. “My sister is dead set on staying single. She is a strong independent girl, maybe a little too independent. My uncle is just concern about how she has isolated herself from everyone and the village. He thinks a husband will solve that since the rest of us are married and starting families as you can see.” She smiled rubbing her abdomen swollen with child.

“Who are Ryuu and Phoenix?” Shino asked.

“They are my brother’s twin sons. When Sukora started showing her talents at the age of 4 they were raised to protect her and be her ground. She rarely talks to any one besides the twins. They are 16 and are her apprentices she wouldn’t keep them around if they weren’t as she claims useful.” Serenity led the team underground. They stopped before two sealed doors and a huge weapons cabinet next to them. She opened the cabinet and pull out items handing them to the waiting team.

“Chakra cuffs, you’ll need them to restrain the twins. Chakra rope, you’ll need it to restrain Sukora once you catch her.”

“And the rubber gloves?” The shade wearing teen asked with a raised eyebrow.

“The gloves are to handle her linking sai it’s a lightening rod and you need to handle it with care because only Sukora can handle it with out getting shocked.” Then she bit her thumb and did so hand signs unsealing the Doors.

“KORA YOU HAVE GUESTS ENTERING THE TRAINING GROUNDS!” Serenity called out into the darkness of the cavern.

“ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!”

“Well you heard her. Good luck.” and she smiled before leaving and sealing the doors behind her.

*~*~*~*~*End Flash Back*~*~*~*~

“Oh yeah… I’m going to get Gaara when we get back to Konoha!”

XxXxXxXxXxXx

“Here we are Naruto-chan.” Ino smiled as they entered the flower shop.

“Ooohhooo HE’S HERE!” a tall thin blond dashed out from behind the counter.

“Calm down Suki, don’t scare the boy.” Inoichi smiled.

“Oh but he’s just so cute. Ino how long do we get keep this cutie?”

“Three days then three days at Choji’s then Sunday Tsunade wants to have him over.” Ino giggled as she cuddled Naruto.

“Ino let him breath!” Choji pleaded as the chibi gasped for air.

“Oh! I’m sorry Naruto-chan I guess I got a little carried away.”

“It’s okay nee-chan.” gasped the chibi as he was set down on the ground. “Helwo Yamanaka-sama, Yamanaka-san.”

“You don’t have to be so formal Naru-chan I keep telling you that you’re like family. In fact do you want to play dress up like we use to? I have a few dresses I need help with.”

“Suki he’s a little boy he’s not going to want to play in dresses!” The Taller blonde protested on the chibi’s behalf.

“Ok Suki-san.” Then faster then anyone could blink, Naruto became Naruko. He was dressed in a light summer Kimono with Sakura blossoms in a gently falling pattern.
“Now you remember the henge I taught you. Gather your chakra and picture what you want in your mind.”

“Okay.” With a small poof Naruto’s hair was long and in two ponytails with soft bangs framing his whiskered face.

“Oh Kami! Mom! You’re the one who taught him the Henge jutsu?!”

“He looks like Naruto’s Oiroke no Jutsu in chibi form.” Choji laughed only to be hit on the head by his team mate.

“His what?” Inoichi asked looking perplex while Suki giggled.

“Oh I have a picture! I have it in my scrap book, here behind the counter.” Ino cheered as she retrieved the book and began flipping through it. “Here it is. This was taken July last year at the birthday bash that Hinata threw for Neji and Kiba because their birthdays were on 3 and 7.”

“I remember that day. It was at the lake and Kiba decided to pull a prank on the #1 surprise ninja and replaced his orange blue striped swim trunks with a tiny orange with blue poke-a-dots bikini.” Choji recalled with a blush.

“The prank would have worked too if it weren’t for Naruto’s Oiroke no Jutsu.” Ino took the picture out of the scrapbook and handed it to her parents and there was Naruko in the tiny orange with blue poke-a-dots bikini. She filled it quite nicely and looked so cute with her long golden hair up in two long ponytails needless to say tissues had to be handed out after see the picture. “CHOJI! IT’S NARUTO!”

“I know! I know! I can never get use to it.”

“INOICHI! THAT’S CHILD HALF YOUR AGE!”

“A child with a damn good imagination.” Choji nodded in agreement. Just then both Shinobi received a slap to the back of the head.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

That night when Naruto was tucked into bed with Oushi on the floor beside him and Choji went home for the night Ino decided it was time to fill in apart of Naruto’s missing past. She found her parents in the living room looking over an old photo album.

“Mom, Dad? Can I talk to you?”

“Sure Ino, you know you can come to us about any thing.” Suki said and invited her daughter to sit with them.

Ino didn’t sit just yet because she really didn’t know how to approach the subject but she needed to know. “It’s about Naruto.”

“We thought it might be that’s why we got out his photo album.” Inoichi scooted over so Ino could sit between Suki and himself.

“You have a photo album of just Naruto?”

“Yes, well Naruto and Iruka-kun. You see I have know Iruka-kun since he was five, when he and his family moved here from the Waterlands. See he was really cute as a chibi.” Suki pointed out a picture of a chibi with his brown hair up in a short pony tail and brown doe like eyes shying away from the camera. “This was taken when they first got here as you can see he is just like Naruto-chan shy and quiet and oh so kawaii.”

“We had a lot in common with the Uminos. We instantly bonded with them and when the Kyuubi attacked we lost our dear friends. I fought the in the battle while your mother took you to the hideout to keep you safe. I saw them fall but I was too far away to help. I saw Iruka and I tried to get to him but he was too far. I saw the Sandaime reach him and I assumed Iruka was going to be sent to the hideout in Hokage monument. I didn’t find out until after the battle that he had been in the field. I saw him briefly he was sitting with an ANBU waiting for something that was before I had to go in to the council room. The council went around and around about Naruto’s fate. But in the end the Sandaime had the finale say. I didn’t know what happened to Naruto-kun after that my main concern was getting back to you and your mother.”

“It was very hard after the war and during the rebuilding of the village we lost track of Iruka-kun. It was until three years later that we found out what happened to him and Naruto.”

*~*~*~*~Flash Back*~*~*~*

“Welcome to our flower shop how can I help you?”

“Ohayoo Yamanaka-san I don’t know if you remember me but I’m Umino Iruka you were friends with my mother Ningyo.”

“Of course I remember you Iruka-kun. My, what a handsome Shinobi you have grown into.” Suki smiled at the blushing teen then she notice a little blond chibi trying to hide behind the taller boy. “And who is this cutie?”

“This is my foster son Uzumki, Naruto. He’s why I’m here.” Iruka stepped to the side revealing the toddler with his arms full of flowers. “We picked these wild flowers and put them into bouquets. I was hoping that you could sell them for us. The villagers will not buy anything from a demon and his keeper.”

“Of course I will sell them for you! Those villagers have no idea what they are talking about they are just listening to that trash Fugaku keeps spouting off. ” Suki knelt down to the chibi’s level and gently took the flowers from the tiny arms. “Hi Naruto I have a little girl about your age would you like to meet her?”

“No tank you.” And ran and hid behind Iruka.

“I’m sorry Yamanaka-san but yesterday a group of the village kids attacked him yesterday while I was away. He’s really skittish right now.”

“I understand poor thing. And please call me Suki Yamanaka-san is my mother in law. I’ll sell these for you, Naruto and I’ll keep the money in a jar and when it’s all filled up you can take the jar home alright?” She smiled to the chibi and received a small smile in return.

“Arigato” Iruka thanked the petite blonde and bowed in gratitude.

“Awigato.” whispered the chibi and bowed mimicking his father.

*~*~*~* End Flash Back*~*~*~*~*

“That’s how the wild flower stand came to be. Naruto-chan was a very quiet child and so helpful. When I got into my sewing projects for my clothing line I sell at Kairi’s clothing shop I would pay him to model for me. Most of the clothes I made you growing up Naruto-chan model for. I taught him the henge to make sure the fabric would look good on a little girl. Then when he got older I did help him perfect the Oiroke no Jutsu so he could model the swim wear and women clothes that I had designed.”

“This is a lot to take in.” Ino’s head was spinning what a life Naruto had led and the only memories she could ever recall was the loud mouth failure who boasted about becoming Hokage.

“I’m sure it is there is a lot that Naruto-kun did that no one knows about. I don’t think anyone truly knows what that boy has gone though. I found out yesterday that almost all the Chunin and Jonin are doing D rank missions because Iruka-kun learned about the dangerous training methods they used on Naruto.” Inoichi smirked when he remembered watching Ibiki and Anko chasing Mrs. Siako’s runaway cat just that morning.

“Thanks for talking about it. I am definitely seeing things in a different light and now I feel a little ashamed on how I’ve treated him in the past.”

“Oh, Ino it’s not your fault. You reacted to what you saw and how others treated him. You had no way of knowing. Naruto-chan only showed people what he wanted them to see. He also told us never to tell others of his jobs or how he was treated as a child he didn’t want to be pitied he wanted to earn everyone’s respect.”

“I know that now dad but I still feel bad for what I’ve done. But I’m going to make it up to him you’ll see. Can I borrow this album? I want to look through it some more.”

“Sure sweetie you go get some rest tomorrow is a big day and Naruto can be quite a handful.” Suki smile and gave Ino a hug. Then she and her husband watched as their daughter disappeared up the stairs.

“She’s growing to be a strong young woman.”

“That she is Inoichi. Hopefully this experience will open her eyes a bit.” Inoichi looked at his wife a little confused but she just smiled.

‘Maybe some things are better left unsaid.’ He thought as he cuddled with his beloved Suki and looked over another photo album.

Tuesday

The bell chimed as Sasuke entered the flower shop in his chibi form. He was a little nervous because he still didn’t know how to get Naruto to trust his older self. After the attack on Friday he had become very protective of the Dobe. He wanted to protect him and make sure nothing happened to him but he was held back by his chibi form and Naruto’s forgotten memories.

“Ohayoo, Sasuke-kun. Shika said you were wondering around in chibi form.” Ino smiled at the chibi Uchiha.

“Hn.”

“That’s Sasuke alright.” Choji smiled as he munched on his chips.

“Where’s the Dobe?”

“Naruko!” Ino called out with a giggle. She and her mom had been having fun with Naruto that morning dressing him up and getting the chibi to smile and laugh. For a little while Ino had henged herself into chibi size and they had a tea party. Choji played the butler and severed them tea and cookies.

“Naruko?” Before Sasuke could question them any further he was tackle a long haired blond chibi in a baby blue Kimono.

“Sasuke!”

“Dobe? Is that you?”

“I helping Suki-san sewing.” Naruko smiled. One thought ran through the raven’s mind and that was ‘CUTE!’ his Naruto was the cutest little girl he had ever seen. This unfortunately led to his thinking of Naruto’s Oiroke no Jutsu. Even though Sasuke never showed interest in girls he did find his Naruto’s female form highly attractive and soon the raven chibi felt blood dripping down his nose.

“Sasuke? You okay?” Naruto asked releasing the henge on his hair.

“Sasuke you pervert!” Ino yelled as she hit him up side the head.

“Choji-nii-chan what’s a prevwort?”

“Uh… We’ll tell you when you older. Why don’t we get you changed and Ino can clean up Sasuke’s nose.”

“Okay!” Naruto smiled happily as he took Choji’s hand and was led back to the sewing room.

“Alright Uchiha what were you thinking that you had to go and get a nose bleed?” Ino glared as she picked up the chibi and sat him on the counter.

“Hn.” There was no way he was going to answer that but he couldn’t fight the blush that filled his face.

“Not talking?” Ino continued to glare as she cleaned Sasuke’s chibi face. “Fine but I warn you, you had better curb your thoughts or I will take over your mind and body, and then I’ll make you do the chicken dance in the buff in the middle of the town square!”

Sasuke just nodded his eyes were wide with shock and the realization that Ino would do that to him. Even though she had been one of his former fan girls she had no qualms about torturing him to protect Naruto’s innocence. I seemed that ‘His Sunshine’ had already wrapped Ino and Choji around his little pinky. It made Sasuke wonder, how many more would fall to his Dobe’s light and who would be his competition to keep that light.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

“This is ridiculous! We’ve been running for hours!” Kankurou complained.

“True but in that time my bugs have learned the lay out of the training grounds.”

“Good Shino I think it’s time to end this charade. From the brief encounters with the twin guards I noticed one is a long range fighter and the other is close range fighter. I will take the one with the close combat skills Kankurou you will engage the other brother in combat. This leaves Kurai for you Shino you can weaken her with your Kikai.” The Hyuuga looked to his comrades as he out lined his plan of attack.

“Good time for a little pay-back.” The puppet master smirked as he released two of his favorite puppets.

“Byakugan!” Neji activated his blood limit and found his target.

Shino said nothing as the hum of his Kikai told him where his pray was hiding.

“Let’s go!” and in an instant they took off for their own battles.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

After changing out of his model wear Naruto took Sasuke by the hand and showed him the flower shop and sewing room. He rambled on and on about what he had been doing since he got there yesterday and told Sasuke he had another plan that he need help with.

“What are you up to now Dobe?”

“Choji-nii-chan likes Ino-nee-chan. I think he want to be happy like Shika-nii-chan.”

“So you want to set him up with Ino?”

“Yup.” Naruto smiled brightly. Sasuke was amused by the chibi’s match making schemes. He figure the more he helped his Dobe the more trust he would earn plus he was going to make a photo album of all the couples Naruto set up and embarrass all their friends with it.

“Okay Dobe what do you have in mind?”

“Bar-be-queue!”

“Huh?” suddenly Sasuke was pulled out the door by the sunspot followed by Oushi.

Ino was in a blind panic Naruto and Sasuke had just ran out the door without saying one word to her or Choji on where they were going. She knew Naruto was safe with Sasuke and the nin-ken but that didn’t stop her from worrying. She and Choji were looking up and down the street and in the various shops trying to find their charge.

After hours of searching they finally made it to the restaurant district; one of Choji’s favorite places to be. First the checked Ichiruka’s ramen stand but were told that the two chibis had not been by today. So they began to check every restaurant and food stand. When they came to the Choji’s favorite bar-be-queue restaurant they were greeted by the hostess.

“Welcome back Akimichi-san. We have your private room ready.”

“Private room?”

“Yes those two kids came in here earlier and said that you requested a private room for dinner tonight.” The hostess smiled and led the two chunin to the back where the Private room was waiting. “Here you go the menu and the bill has already been taken care of and your Waiters shall be with you shortly.”

Ino smiled and waited for the hostess to leave before she started interrogating her team mate. “Choji what is going on? Did you have anything to do with this?”

“I’m just as confused as you are.” The Akimichi blushed and thanked Kami that he was able to keep his voice stable. Just then the current door swung open to reveal the chibis they had been searching for both dressed in formal wear.

“Good Evening Akimichi and Yamanaka.” the little Uchiha bowed who was dress in his formal kimono with the Uchiha fan on the back.

“We will be your s-ser-vers tonight!” Little Naruko smiled brightly and bowed. The chibi was in a henge once again and wearing a beautiful lavender kimono that had lilies embroidered along the hem. Sasuke was proud of Naruto even with the slight stuttering he remembered his lines completely.

“Naruko, Sasuke, what is going on?”

“This is your date. Akimichi has had this planned for awhile we just thought we would speed up the planning.” Sasuke smirked and signaled Naruko to pour the tea. Naruko smiled as she poured the tea gently not to spill it and watched as the two teens blush from the corner of her eye.

XXXxxxXXXxx

He managed to catch up with his opponent quickly and was shocked by the skill the young Shinobi had. It seemed that he was not the only one with a blood limit and no one seemed to have bothered to mention it in the mission report. As the leader on this mission it would have been nice to know exactly what he and his team were walking into but it seemed the both Kages didn’t deem it necessary.

“You’re a Hyuuga are you not?” the boy asked as he was able to block the gentle fist.

“Yes. How did you know?” Neji leaned back to void a hit to the face.

“Naruto-sama had told us much of the Leaf clans especially the protégés. He even boasted about beating a true genius by the name of Hyuuga Neji.” the Nin with the glowing green eyes rebound the charka with his own flipping over the Hyuuga and landing perfectly on the ceiling.

“That would be me. We are here on mission concerning Naruto.” Neji watched his opponent carefully using his Byakugan to find the boys weak point.

“Then come back tomorrow Sukora-sama is in the middle of her endurance training and can not be disturbed.” The green eyed boy launched himself at the jonin.

“I’m afraid that is not an option.” Neji activated his rotation not only bounding the boy but hitting a pressure point at the neck knocking the boy out. Then he turned on the wireless radio. “I have my target secure. Kankurou Shino what’s your status?”

“Neji I have no sign of Kurai yet.” Shino stated.

“Hyuuga I got my hands full but I’ll be done in a few.” The puppet master reported before focusing on the battle at hand. He had to say was surprised when he first met up with his opponent now the kid was pissing him off. It seemed the kid was also a puppet master but unlike his wooden puppets these were made of solid stone. He already broke one of Karasu’s arms. “Hey kid my team mate has taken out your brother you might as well give up.”

“Never.” The boy with the glowing green eyes shouted as his puppet attacked once again.

“Man I really hate kids.” The two puppet maters were not giving up but then Kankurou noticed something one of the kid’s charka threads was weak and the stone puppet’s movement had slowed. That was the problem with bigger and heavier puppets; they need a lot more charka to maintain movement. It was the perfect time to end this battle. While the kid was distracted with Karasu, Kankurou moved Sanshouo in to position. “I don’t have time to play with you kid I’m on a mission. Uzumaki needs Kurai and I’m going to see that he gets her.”

“You won’t get Sukora-sama!” the boy yelled as he tried to maintain his puppet’s fight. He didn’t see the Sanshouo behind him with its chest open.

“You lose kid.” And in a second the boy was pulled into the puppet and locked in.

“Hey let me out of here!”

“Hyuuga My target is secure. It’s all up to you Aburame.”

“Understood.” Shino responded before cutting off contact.

“Well brat you might as well get comfy 'cause you aren’t getting out until we capture Kurai.” Kankurou smirked as he walked his prisoner to the entrance ignoring the boy profanities.

XXXxxxXXXxx

Wednesday

“So how was your date last night?” Suki smiled into her cup of coffee as she watched her daughter choke on her orange juice.

“Mother! How did you find out about that?”

“Naruto. He asked to borrow one of the kimono’s I had made and I asked him why he wanted it. He told me that he wanted Ino-nee-chan to be happy on her date.” Suki said causally as she watched her daughter blush.

“It was a nice evening. Naruko and Sasuke were our waiters for the evening and they were really cute. I wish I had my camera but I was too surprised by everything.”

“Oh? How did Choji take it?”

“He was quiet.” Ino said softy. For as long as she had known Choji he was never a big talker and last night he seemed especially quiet. She remembered the Sasuke saying that Choji had planned it out but she didn’t get a chance to ask about it as she was distracted by little Naruko severing their tea and after awhile she seemed to forget about it.

“Is something wrong dear?”

“No, nothing’s wrong.” The chunin protested but she couldn’t help but feel she was missing something important. “Mom last Night was nice but I think I missed something but I don’t know what it is.”

“I’m sure you’ll remember in time dear, now why don’t you go get Naruto. Sasuke and Choji will be here soon.”

“Alright.” Ino got up and ran up the stairs to her room.

“Good work Naruto soon her eyes will be wide open to her heart.” Suki smile and started dreaming of a winter wedding.

Across town Choji met up with Sasuke into order to find out just what the chibis had planned next. “Alright Uchiha what was last night all about.”

“No need to be formal Choji. Naruto said we should use our first names so we can be friends. The Dobe thinks we dislike one another.”

“Whatever Sasuke, I know are up to something. How did you know about the date I had planned?”

“We are Shinobi, gathering information is part of the job description. What are you complaining about you finally got a date with Ino and I finally have one less fan-girl.”

“It wasn’t really a date! Yes we had dinner and yes we had a good time but she doesn’t want to date me! She was only there because you and Naruto set it up.” The chunin was very upset and very depressed at the same time.

“It’s true that the date was a set up but she didn’t protest it. If she really didn’t want to be there she would have said something. You know Ino is not about to hide her feelings about anything. This is your chance to get her to notice the real Akimichi Choji.” Sasuke wasn’t very good with these emotional pep talks. He usually left it up to Sakura or the Dobe as they had more experience with emotions; while he on the other hand suffered from life long anti-socialism. Now he was trying to muddle through the chunin’s insecurities without trying to let the guy down or insult him. ‘Damn I wish the Dobe was here.’

“Fine, she didn’t run out screaming but what do I do now?”

“Naruto has some ideas to get you both together in the right place right time but the rest is up to you. You actually have to talk to her if you want her to know that you like her. There is only so much the dobe can do and you’ll eventually have to date her without the chibi and myself around.”

“I guess your right.” Choji now seemed nervous and unsure.

“Don’t worry about it let’s meet up the others and take it from there.” Sasuke sighed before henging into a chibi.

“You really love Naruto don’t you?” Choji smiled softly as the chibi blushed.

“What makes you think that?”

“Not everyone is willing to go through childhood again just to make one chibi happy.” The chunin chuckle softly as the blushing chibi stomped away.

XXXxxxXXXxx

To say Kurai Sukora was pissed would be an understatement. Not only had her training been interrupted but she hat been defeated in her own training grounds. She didn’t think she could get any more pissed until her Uncle the gracious Mangetsukage just now informed her of a mission she had.

“Now Sukora these are your escorts from Konoha. They need your help and we agreed to lend you to them to help find a cure for their fallen comrade.”

“Mangetsukage-sama I have No problems with taking a mission I do have a problem with being attack in my own training grounds!”

“Gomen, Kurai-san but it was urgent we get to you right away.” Neji tried to mediate between the Mangetsukage and his niece. They had wasted enough time and they needed to head for Konoha because every second they were gone was a chance for the Akatsuki to take their chibi friend.

“Who is this comrade? Why do you need my help?” Sukora was not going to make easy for the invaders. She glared through her dark glasses at the Hyuuga protégé.

“Uzumaki Naruto.” Sukora’s head whipped around so fast she could have broken her neck and she came face to face with Shino. “He has been turned into a 5 year-old child.

“Blue eyes…” the Blind jonin whispered. “Phoenix go get mission packs 63, 13, and 42. Ryuu go to the lab and get my potions bag and scrolls 55, 92, 114, and 332.” Her twin guards disappeared in a puff of smoke. “As soon as they return we shall leave. Uncle I shall deal with you when I return.”

“Watch your mouth little girl I am still Mangetsukage.”

“You have wasted time Uncle. I should have been informed of Uzumaki’s condition as soon as the message from Konoha got here! If I had been informed I would already be in Konoha curing him!”

“You needed a proper escort.”

“Bull shit!” Sukora stalked right up the Kage’s desk and slammed her fists into the stone cracking the marble finish and getting into her meddling uncle’s face. “I am a Tokubetsu Jonin Kunoichi I don’t need an escort. If I did I have Phoenix and Ryuu who are also jonin rank.”

“You are a Young woman and I am just looking out for my family.” Kazuma’s voice wavered as Sukora leaned in closer before removing her sunglasses. He eyes were the deepest and purest green like flawless emeralds; they glowed with strength and power. It was like looking into his dead brother’s eyes; she really was her father’s daughter.

“I see through you Kurai Kazuma and while your heart is in the right place your actions are wrong. This will be the last time you interfere with my Shinobi way after this Mission I’m Leaving Yoru until the Mangetsukage Rokudaime is appointed.” She stated in a cold whispered that the others could not hear, before leaning back and covering her eyes with the dark shades once again.

Kazuma paled as he slumped in his chair. He finally went too far with his plans to see her happily settled with a family of her own. Who he saw just now was his dead brother Dante the ruthless assassin with no soul. That was who he was before he met Yuri a sweet academy teacher who melted his frozen heart. Now Dante’s last daughter was just like him cold and soulless. Was there no hope for Sukora?

The twins came running in arms loaded with the necessary supplies breaking up the built up tension in room. “Sukora-sama we have everything…”

“That you requested.”

“Good lead the way Hyuuga.” Sukora said taking her pack from Phoenix and walking out the door not waiting for the others to follow.

XXXxxxXXXxx

Thursday

After yesterday’s quiet and shy outing to the movies Naruto thought it would be good to take his Guardians to the lake. Unfortunately Sasuke couldn’t go with them he had to go with Kakashi for some reason; so the three of them and one nin-ken had trekked down to the lake with a huge picnic basket full of yummy treats. The weather had spike to record highs wasn’t it suppose to start cooling down in late August? Nope Fire Country is still flaming so the cool water was a refreshing treat for the three picnickers.

“Yay!” the chibi squealed as Ino tossed him into the water.

“Time to get out now Naru-chan! It’s time to eat!” Ino called out and Naruto Doggy paddled his way to shore with Oushi not far behind him

“Ino thanks for making lunch.” Choji said softly.

“Your welcome it’s not a problem. Plus I know all your favorite foods.” The blond medic-nin smiled as she wrapped Naruto in a fluffy towel. “It’s just a little thank you for treating us to the movies.”

“Yeah! I like the opening cartoon!” Naruto grinned.

They all sat in the cool shade enjoying their mini feast each of them lost in their own thoughts. Choji gave a mental sigh as he thought how beautiful Ino looked in her purple bikini. He loved the soft sound of her laughter and how gentle she was with Naruto. She would make a wonderful mother someday. He could only hope that she would be his wife when the time came.

Ino watched Naruto slurp down his beloved ramen with great enthusiasm. She was amazed by the boy and she seemed to learn something new about him everyday. Just like yesterday Naruto was with her father in the meditation room and they sat stone still for two hours. In all the time she had know the Kyuubi container she had never seen him sit still for two minutes let alone two hours the boy was just bundle of raw energy. The medic-nin also noticed how Choji was with the chibi. He was kind and playful with Naruto. He had always been soft spoken unless you had triggered his temper with a comment about his weight. He was a gentle soul with a passion for food and a fondness for butterflies. It had really scared her when he came back from the mission to retrieve Sasuke in critical condition. His life hung by a thread and if it went for Shikamaru’s family research Choji wouldn’t be here now. That thought alone may her heart stop. She couldn’t see her life without Choji in it. He had always been there for her from the day fending of bullies; where he would comfort her and tell her she was pretty and the bullies were just jerks to their genin days where he encouraged her to do her best and tell her how smart she was. That was the Choji she loved kind gentle loving and supportive. That’s when it hit her; the thing that was missing was love. She truly loved Choji and she didn’t even know when she fell in love with him.

“Ino are you alright you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“No Choji I’m fine. I just found something I’ve been missing for a very long time.”

“Really what’s that?”

“You.” And before He could respond Ino captured his lips in a kiss. It didn’t take long to respond to the kiss in fact he pulled her onto his lap and poured his feelings into the kiss. Soon their kiss came to an end as the need for oxygen became apparent and their audience made their selves known.

“Glad you two pups got together but you have a young pup here, too young to know about mating.” Huffed Oushi and Naruto giggled as the two chunin blushed. Soon they were all giggling and laughing. The laughter died out but the smiles were still on their faces and Choji to Ino’s hands in his.

“Ino I’ve known you my whole life and I think you are the most beautiful woman I know. I love everything about you and I think that you are one of the most talented Medic-nin there is. I would be most honored if you would brighten up my life as you brighten up the room with your smile, by going out with me.”

“Oh Choji,” She couldn’t keep the tears back they just rained down from her eyes as she threw herself into his arms. “Yes, yes, yes! I’d love to go out with you!”

While the happy couple hugged and cried with happiness Little Naruto was taking pictures to show Sasuke what he had missed. The chibi was happy that the Uchiha showed him how to use the camera or he would miss these great moments. But as with all good things the picnic ended as the sun inched its way to the horizon. The teenagers dressed and packed up their camp while Oushi kept an eye on Naruto before making their way back to the village.

Naruto was getting sleepy he couldn’t wait to snuggle up with his scarecrow doll and drift off to sleep. He had fun with his friends he was content and he couldn’t wait to tell Kyuubi all about it. He talked to Kyuubi at night and he pleaded with the Fox to let him stay the way he was. But Kyuubi was not alone his older self was there too. He knew his older self wanted control again but he couldn’t give it to him because his older self was hurting.

Flashback*~*~*~*~*~

“Naru-chan you have to let me have control. I know it’s hard for you to understand but I am needed. There are bad ninjas that want to take us away from here and take Kyu-san away from us. I need to protect us.”

“No! You’re hurting! You’re heart Hurts! We are safe like this!” the chibi hugged the older boy. “I don’t want us to be alone any more.”

“I’m sorry Chibi. I didn’t mean to make us lonely just protect us.” Naruto hugged the crying chibi close.

“Kit, this is your chance to be happy. Let the chibi have this time to heal. The Bat will come to Konoha and cure you soon enough and you’ll be back in control.” Kyuubi didn’t like to see his kit torn apart it wasn’t good for his health or sanity.

“Kyu, everybody is finding out how I grew up I didn’t want them to know! I don’t want their pity!”

“Kit that’s why your have torn yourself in two. They won’t pity you they are your friends. You have to trust them and trust yourself if you are ever going to return to being your true self.”

“Please Nawuto…I don’t want us lonely.” The chibi looked up to the older boy with tears running down his little face.

“Alright Chibi. For now will do things your way but you have to promise to tell everything at night that way we don’t miss a thing.”

“Pwomise!”

End Flashback *~*~*~*~*

Since he made that promise with his older self the headaches were less and they all were content with how things were going at least for now. The chibi was lost in his own little world that he didn’t see the villager until it was too late.

“Demon from Hell!” The man screamed as he threw scalding hot water on Naruto burning his shirt into his flesh.

“AHHHHHH!” the chibi screamed in pain.

“NARUTO!” Ino dropped the blankets she was holding and ran to the boy. Choji dropped the basket and grabbed the man with his Bubun Baika no Jutsu of both arms.

“Oushi go get help!”

“No need Akimichi!” Anko shout as she jumped down from the roof. She was glad she was on the stupid D-rank mission that way she could finally get even with the villagers that hurt Naruto. She remembered those horrible days when she would visit her former team mate and find him bandaging the chibi fox. Even with a heart messed up as hers it was hard not to fall in love with Naruto and his happy look on life. “Is this the trash that hurt My Foxie?” the gleam in her eye promised serious pain.

“HE’S A DEMON THAT SHOULD BE PUT TO DEATH!”

“Yeah he’s all yours Anko-sensei.” The chunin confirmed as he released the jutsu and handing him over to the jonin.

“Choji we have to get Naruto home!”

“My house is closer. Anko tell Hokage-sama Naruto will be at Akimichi bakery.” Choji gently scooped up the smaller figure and ran as quickly as he could to his family home.

Friday

It was a long night for the chibi and his guardians. After Ino was able to remove his shirt she began to slowly heal the burns. It was an extremely slow process because he little body could handle all the chakra at once. Tsunade had come running at word of her gaki being hurt. Together they managed to heal the chibi but the burns cause a fever and Choji and Ino took turns watching over him through out the night.

“I’m sowwy.” Naruto squeaked as sat still while the medic-nin checked his freshly healed skin.

“Oh Naru-chan it’s not your fault.” Ino soothed the chibi’s fear.

“Ino is right. That man was wrong to do that to you.”

“But…”

“No ‘buts’ you are just a child you did nothing to warrant being hurt. Today Tsunade-sama wants you to stay in bed and rest. Choji will bring you treats from his dad’s bakery and I’ll get you some coloring books so you won’t be bored.” Just than a black blur burst through the door and jumped on to the bed and threw himself at the blond chibi.

“DOBE!”

“Sasuke?”

“SASUKE! Be careful Naruto is still healing.” Ino scolded as he pulled the Uchiha off her patient.

“Hn.”

“Now we’ll leave you guys alone I need go fill out a report on Naruto’s condition and Choji is working out front in the bakery but we’ll be back to check on you two later.” Ino smiled and took Choji by the hand a lead him out the door.

“What did I miss?” Sasuke asked as he watched the couple leave.

“Nothing much just Ino figuring out she liked Choji and Choji confessing he loves her and asking her out. I got it all on the camera.”

“Naruto? You’re talking in complete sentences!”

“Shh… don’t tell anyone it’s only temporary.”

“What do you mean temporary?”

“My younger half couldn’t handle the pain and passed out. He’s with Kyuubi now and I can hear him crying in my head.”

“Naruto… I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I had a mission and I couldn’t get out of it. If I had been there…”

“If you had been there you would have burned just like me. Don’t worry about it. It’s not the first time this has happened and it won’t be the last.”

“Damn it Naruto! Stop being strong! It’s ok to be mad, to hate them for hurting you for something that was not your fault! Okay to trust others to protect you and care for you!”

“Like you’re one to talk, Mr. Anti-social-I-Don’t-Need-Anyone-I’m-An-Avenger!”

“Fine we’re both messed up! That doesn’t mean what I say isn’t true!”

“Look let’s drop it for now I’m tired and I’m in pain.”

“Fine but we will talk about it later.” Sasuke ignored the Kyuubi-container’s eye roll. “So what’s going on with your younger self?”

“He and I came to an understanding. He’ll enjoy this rare second childhood to ease the memories of my past and he shares his daily memories with me. But when Sukora cures me then he will go back to my subconscious. It just a part of me that I’ve ignore until now. Kyu said because I have repressed my feelings for so long that I spilt myself into two personalities and it is making me very unstable.”

“You were always unstable dobe.”

“Hey I’m not the one hedge as a chibi! I have no choice but to look like this. You on the other hand choose to look like a snot nose brat.”

“I had too your chibi self thought I was my father!”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Naruto winced. “I guess that’s one of the things I repressed. If you want him to trust you got to talk to him not just play with him. Try showing him pictures of us growing up.”

“I don’t have pictures of me.” the Uchiha heir blushed.

“Ask Ino or Sakura I’m sure they have pictures left over from their fan-girl days.” Suddenly Naruto burst out laughing as Sasuke paled faster then when he blushed.

The sound of laughter reached to the front of the house where the family bakery was. Choji smiled as he pounded and rolled the dough in to a loaf. It was good to hear the chibi’s laughter again. He didn’t think he had ever been as scared and as angry as he was yesterday. He couldn’t understand how the villagers could blame Naruto for something he didn’t do. It was true that the Kyuubi attacked the village but that was the demon fox not Naruto, he had only just been born. It made no sense to hurt a child for the doings of a powerful demon that was sealed inside him. Those villagers were narrow minded bastards! The more Choji thought about it the angrier he became and he began to pound the dough into the counter.

“Easy son you’ll break through not only the dough but the counter top as well.”

“Pop!” the younger Akimichi jumped. “Oh sorry I guess I was just lost in thought.”

“You were more than lost you were beating the thought into nothing. You want to talk about it son?”

“I was just thinking about yesterday.”

“I see you’re worried about Naruto. He’s safe here son there is no need to worry.”

“It’s not just that Pop. I mean those villagers hate him for something that was not his fault! They treat him like shit and they hurt him. Did you know he wasn’t even allowed to go to school?”

“Yes, I did. All the clans knew. The director of the school board made that clear the night the Kyuubi was sealed. He didn’t want the children to be endangered by the Kyuubi. He tried to get Naruto banned from the Ninja academy as well but the Hokage governs over it because they are his future Shinobi.”

“That bastard.” Choji muttered as he clean up the counter throwing the ruined dough away.

“Yes he was but Iruka didn’t give up on Naruto and he taught him everything he knew to help the boy succeed. Those of us who sided with the Hokage helped them out where we could.”

“You mean with the odd jobs? Naruto said he water the Vegetable garden.”

“He did.” Choza smiled as he remember Naruto struggle with the heavy watering can, but too determine and too stubborn to give up. “Inoichi told me and Shikaku about Naruto and Iruka-san’s troubles with the villagers and Iruka-san was wearing himself to the bone with missions and looking after Naruto. I decided to help out as well I paid Naruto to water the garden it was the start of his strength training. He said he wanted be big and strong just like his Ruka. I showed him how to divert his charka to his muscles for extra support. He was a hard worker and never gave up even if it seemed impossible. Your mother would pay him to deliver pastries to Hokage tower. It seems he was the only one who had clearance to the ANBU office.”

“He hasn’t changed much dad. He still very determined and very stubborn and still the only one allowed in the ANBU office with out being an ANBU.” Choji laughed.

“You are a good friend Choji. Never forget that and don’t worry about what happened yesterday. You caught the man and he will be punished for it.”

“But Pop I couldn’t save Naruto!”

“No, but you were there for him. You have to be there for him now. Sometimes that is all you can do.” Choza placed a hand on his son’s shoulder giving him support. Choza knew yesterday’s attack weighted heavy on the boy’s heart. Choji was a kind hearted boy and it would bother him for a long time to come. “Go spend time with the chibi you’ll feel better and you’ll see everything will turn out alright.”

“Sure Pop after I finish here I want to make something special for Naruto.”

“As I remember Naruto always had a fondness for snicker doodles.” Choji’s eyes lit up and began getting out the right ingredients.

A/N: Chapter 9 Finished at Last! This has to be a record for me 24 pages long. I can’t guarantee that every chapter will be this long I just type as it come to me. My laptops are still out of commission but don’t worry I am still working on solving that problem. Hopefully I’ll get the next chapter up before Thanksgiving. Thanks for reading Keep Reviewing!