Ripped apart,
Limb by limb,
Shattering bones,
Heart caving in,
Self mutilation,
Scar after Scar,
Empty and hollow,
Worn like tar.-Unknown.
"Team seven will undertake the D rank mission of removing the ahem, mural from the Hokage Monument. We can't have such a thing displayed when the Chunin Exams are next week. For dignitaries will be arriving soon and we can't allow their opinions of Konoha to be dashed."
Sasuke looked at Naruko, whose eyes looked perfectly blank. How could she be so good at hiding her emotions? He couldn't tell what she was thinking.
"Very well Hokage-sama." Kakashi bowed and turned to leave.
"And Naruko?"
The blonde regarded the old Hokage silently. Her eyebrow raised slightly in question.
"Refrain from such pranks when we have important international events happening."
Kakashi and Sai's heads snapped to the blonde Uzumaki. She gave the Hokage a blank look.
"I'm afraid that I don't know what you're talking about Jiji."
The man grinned, "I know you did it. Even if you're so good that there's no proof. You were also behind the Hyuga Mess two years ago. Normally I don't mind, but the Chunin Exams are coming soon."
Naruko still remained impassive. "Have you any proof?"
"You're not in trouble Naruko. But why did you do it? Was it because of the Chunin Exams?"
Sasuke spoke before she could say anything. "We had a bet. She said she'd do it in a hour without Genjutsu and I said she'd get caught. The winner gets a favor. It wasn't because of the Chunin Exams."
The Hokage stared at Naruko who had turned to smack Sasuke's arm. "Are you trying to get in trouble?"
"I didn't want him thinking you did it to be spiteful or anything. Besides, he said you aren't in trouble," the young Uchiha shrugged, rubbing his arm.
Hiruzen, "Just make sure you get it off. It was a good prank though, seeing as it took nearly a week for us to notice it."
Naruko started to snicker, "Thanks Jiji! Well, let's go clean the damn thing!"
Team seven stared at the monument. "Naruko, how did you paint it in an hour?" Kakashi asked, dreading the upcoming work.
Naruko made a hand sign and a thousand other Naruko's appeared. "Kage Bunshin of course! Ready ladies?!"
"YEAH!"
The girls all bent down and made some hand signs. They all leapt into the air with a shout of, "Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu!"
One thousand shots of water soaked the large monument, causing the paint to run and disappear. All the Bunshin disappeared and Naruko dropped back to the ground. "Let's go tell Jiji it's done."
Her team was left in shock. "How?" they all asked.
She shrugged, "Special paint. Only a little bit of water and it comes off immediately. I'm awesome, I know."
They returned to the Hokage's office ten minutes after receiving their mission and the old man blink, "You're done?"
"All it took was some Kage Bunshin and a water jutsu. Anything else for us today?"
The Hokage shook his head, "You have the rest of the day to do what you wish. You can pick up your pay at any time."
"Training ground seven everyone!" Kakashi ordered. The four of them disappearing with the Shunshin.
The three Genin stared at their sensei, waiting for him to tell them what to do.
"I thought I'd tell you guys, that I'm nominating you for the Chunin Exams. You can choose whether or not you want to do it. The decision is up to you. I just thought I'd tell you so you can think about it," Kakashi said, flipping a page.
"But Kaka-sensei, three man teams have to enter, so if one of us decided not to go, then none of us could go!" Naruko yelled.
Kakashi sighed, "Your knowledge scares me sometimes. She's right. You all have to decide on your own, whether to participate or not."
Sasuke and Naruko looked at each other and nodded. Sai nodded, "Many thanks. I'll be sure to get more summoning ink later on."
Kakashi looked at them over the top of his book, his gaze approving, "I suggest you be prepared in everything. Today, we'll work on your teamwork. Tomorrow will be Ninjutsu. The next day will be Genjutsu and the day after will be studying. The two after that will be Taijutsu. The day before the beginning of the exams will be a day for you to rest and get your strength, because I can honestly say, I don't know what is planned, but being prepared never hurts. Expect to get home late every night. Bring lunch, because you won't be leaving the training ground for any other reason."
The Genin nodded and committed his schedule to memory.
"Now, let's start with simple trust falls!"
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For Ninjutsu, the Genin had been run ragged. Naruko was forced to create five Kage Bunshin to practice alongside her, because she had more chakra that the other two. She could barely move at the end of the day.
Sasuke was leaning against one of the three poles, breathing heavily. He had to keep standing, or else he'd collapse. Sai surprisingly, had the most energy when all was said and done. They all chalked it up to his training in Root.
Kakashi was all eye smiles. His little Genin were definitely stronger than normal Genin and he couldn't wait to see their performance in the Chunin Exams.
Sai was the only one able to get home on his own and he bade kakashi a farewell. Naruko and Sasuke needed help moving. Kakashi created a Kage Bunshin to take Naruko home, while he decided to have a talk to Sasuke.
"So, do you have any plans?"
"Eh?" came the mumbled voice of his student.
Kakashi looked down at his worn pupil. "About Naruko? Have you any plans to win her heart yet?"
The boys still managed to become a tomato, even though he was so worn out.
"Itachi and Shisui gave me 'the talk'."
Kakashi couldn't hold in his laugh. That must have been the most embarrassing moment of Sasuke's life! If only he could've been there for it!
"And? Has anyone else given you any helpful advice?"
Sasuke frowned slightly, "My mom told me to be myself. That Tsunade woman found me walking home a couple nights ago and said that I should challenge Naruko to a spar and the loser would have to treat the victor to dinner. I should let myself lose, so that I have to take Naruko out to a fancy restaurant and stuff. Itachi suggested easing into it slowly while changing how I act. Shisui said that I should lock us in a room together and seduce her to which I replied, 'no'. Iruka-sensei said that I should come up with something physically challenging for the two of us to do, because Naruko like to train. I really don't know what to do. I think mom's advice is best."
Kakashi chuckled when he heard of Shisui's idea. That was one way doing it. Tsunade-sama's plan was detailed. As if she'd been thinking of it for a while. Sasuke had quite a lot of people trying to help him get with Naruko. Maybe they could all ban together and come up with something that could work. He'd have to check into it later.
"Well, besides the Hokage and TenTen, I'd say that you know Naruko better than anyone. Use your knowledge to your advantage. If you see someone trying to make a move on her and they're doing it wrong, let them continue. They make a fool of themselves and then you come in a make her happy. Don't set up anything though. Kunoichi are smart and will realize an act when they see it. I would advise you to give her a better nickname though," Kakashi explained as he helped the Uchiha along.
Sasuke scowled. Again with the nickname!
"Don't get angry Sasuke. I know you've been calling each other Butch and Ducky for a long time, but if you're going to have a deeper relationship, reminding her that she's more like a guy than a girl, isn't going to help you. Don't outright call her beautiful, like Sai did. Just, find something that works."
He rolled his eyes. The way Kakashi had said it, made him feel stupid. He had been calling her Butch because she was tough like a guy. But he knew very well, that nothing about her was masculine at all. He heaved an annoyed sigh.
Naruko's cluelessness had him running in circles, not knowing what to do. Maybe he could ask her what she thought about marriage. Maybe he would get to understand her better.
Kakashi laughed to himself as Sasuke dozed off. He pulled the boy closer and carried him into the Uchiha Compound. Itachi was the one to open the door when he finally got there. He and the Anbu captain shared a pleasant greeting and brief laugh over Sasuke's predicament with a certain blonde. Itachi then took Sasuke inside and bade the Copy Ninja a goodnight.
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The next four days, were, terrible! The Genjutsu's Kakashi had put his little Genin in, were horrible! The Taijutsu training left all three teens, bruised messes. The studying had been boring and they had opted out of it for more Taijutsu training.
The three Genin had never been worked so hard before. Naruko had whined that her training with Kyuubi wasn't as demanding. Kakashi had earned a bit of Kyuubi's respect after Naruko collapsed from severe exhaustion.
Sasuke had fallen unconscious and Sai was worn out, but still awake. Once again, his training in Root made his endurance and stamina better than his teammates. Sasuke had actually admitted to being jealous and has asked Sai for tips on his training. Naruko grumbled to herself, but listened to everything Sai had told Sasuke. You'd never know when it would come in handy some day.
Naruko had woken up the day for the Exams, feeling like she'd fallen off the Hokage Monument and didn't bother to save herself. Kyuubi promised that she'd be fine by the next morning, but the pain wasn't something she wanted to focus on. Painkillers didn't work very well. A normal dosage would last about an hour before she'd have to take more, and she hated dragging a bottle everywhere just for that and wasting it in a day.
Karin was at the Academy. She wouldn't return till three, so Naruko had time.
She had gone to Ichiraku's for lunch. Well, she was on her way to Ichiraku's for lunch when Sasuke had intercepted her and asked her to go to some restaurant with him. He even offered to pay! She didn't really know why she said yes, but seeing the small smile that came to his face, made her happy.
Getting Sasuke to express himself with a smile was difficult. He normally smirked, his way through his life. But a real smile from him, was rare, and she couldn't back out when he seemed so happy over it. She didn't know why he was happy, but just chalked it up to being a friendship thing.
The restaurant they went to, was very upscale. She froze inside the doorway. "Sasuke!" she whispered urgently.
He turned to look at her over his shoulder.
"I'm not allowed in there!" she whispered again.
He snorted and grabbed her hand, "I highly doubt that."
Naruko looked down at their laced fingers and back to Sasuke's head, which was turned forward. She didn't take her eyes off him, even when he asked for a table and they had taken their seats,
Only when let go of her hand, did she blink and look around. Sasuke had never done that before. Usually it was reassuring hand on her shoulder, that would calm her down. But he had held her hand. That was first time anyone had held her hand. It was…..nice in a way.
Naruko was pretty subdued for the first few minutes, letting Sasuke order for her. She was shocked when he ordered simple onigiri as an appetizer, with Jasmine Tea. Then, for her actual meal, he ordered Red Bean Soup. For himself, he ordered a foreign dish that consisted of a lot of tomato product.
"Why are you so surprised?"
She looked at him, "How did you know I like Red Bean Soup? And Jasmine Tea?"
Sasuke gave another small smile. The second one within an hour! "I know a lot about you Naruko. Just like how you know a lot about me."
She didn't understand what his hooded gaze meant. Sure she knew him better than anyone, but did that mean he knew her better than anyone?
"Why did you…...ask me to come here?" she struggled to word it correctly.
He pulled something out the bag that was on the floor beside him. How had she overlooked that?
He handed a large box to her.
She opened the lid to see a large detailed painting of her parents. Her father was holding her mother from behind and her mothers stomach looked huge! They were both smiling, like they were happiest people in the world. On the bottom was written their names and a quote from each of them.
"Those who stray from the path of justice have no courage, but under the wing of a strong leader, cowardice cannot survive."- Minato Namikaze.
"Naruko, it's a beautiful name."-Kushina Uzumaki.
Naruko could feel the tears coming.
"Happy birthday," Sasuke said softly.
She looked from him to the painting and back again, wiping her eyes on her sleeve.
He remembered her birthday! He even gave her the perfect gift!
"Thank you…...Sasuke."
She placed the cover back on the box and sighed. "How did you come across that?"
Sasuke gave a laugh, "My mother was best friends with your other. I wanted to give you something meaningful. You've never cared for money, or titles. It had to be something you'd use. Like Gama. You use him all the time. Getting you a frog change purse was the perfect gift for you. Because you love frogs and toads."
Naruko never really paid much attention to how well Sasuke knew her. But now, she all eyes and ears. He was displaying his amazing ability to remember even the smallest minutia. It made her happy, she realized. That he actually knew so much. It proved that he really was a friend. Maybe even as good a friend as TenTen. If he proved to be like TenTen, she'd show him her face. Because then she'd know, that he wouldn't care about how hideous she looked. Because he was what a true friend should be.
Naruko looked at him. "You're awesome, Sasuke Uchiha!" she winked.
His face went a surprising shade of fuschia as he looked away. "Don't mention it."
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"Hey! Hey! Iruka! Come here! Look at this!"
Iruka Umino, Chunin instructor of the ninja academy had been looking for Naruko Uzumaki for the past hour. It was her birthday and he wanted to take her to Ichiraku's. So, when the Uchiha Matriarch spoke to him, he was floored by the request. What did she need? And why was she here of all places?
He approached cautiously and she looped her arm through his, "Look over there!" She pointed to a restaurant that was in perfect view. Right through an open window, which gave them the perfect view of Sasuke and Naruko!
"Did he finally ask her out?!" Iruka asked in an excited tone. His little Naruko was growing up!
"It was a simple, 'Will you have lunch with me'. But in his mind, it's date. He just gave her her present, and she loved it!" Mikoto smiled as she watched the teens interact.
"What was the gift?" Iruka asked as he settled down a little.
Mikoto grinned, "Sasuke always gets her something personal. Something that she'll have continual use for. This year, he asked if I have any pictures of Minato and Kushina together and I gave him a painting that they had done. He even paid me for it! Anyway, he just gave it to her, and she loved it! Tears and everything!"
Iruka smiled, "That's so cute!"
"Well, hello Iruka, Mikoto. What are you doing?"
Mikoto and Iruka looked over to see Kakashi, reading his Icha Icha.
"Kakashi!" Iruka whisper yelled. He pointed over to the restaurant with a broad smile.
Kakashi followed the path of his finger and smiled as well. "So that's where she is. He finally asked her out? Or is this a disguised date?"
"Disguised." the two watchers answered simultaneously.
Kakashi took a seat on the ground beside Iruka. Mikoto was in a chair that she seemed to have brought along.
"Does he know that you're here?" Kakashi asked, flipping a page.
"Nope!" Mikoto grinned happily. With that, they commenced operation; Watch Sasuke and Naruko's Date!
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Karin looked up at the blonde lady that was talking to the white haired guy. They were talking about Naruko. About her nee-chan.
"She likes Tanzaku's Fire Sake. Shizune has been sent to get some." the blonde woman told the guy.
"I heard that she likes toads. I can let her sign the Toad Summoning Contract," the guy said.
"Um, why are you here?" Karin asked the two people. She really wanted to know why they were in Naruko nee-chan's house.
They looked at the redhead. The blonde sighed, "It's Naruko's birthday. We're planning to get her something."
Karin's eyes widened. She knew just what to get! "Thank you for telling me!"
She was gone before either Sannin could do anything.
If it was Naruko's birthday, then she knew of the perfect gift. Ramen! Nee-chan took her there every night! So, if she got her something special that had to do with ramen, then Naruko would love it!
"Ayame nee-chan! Do you know where I can get special ramen bowls for Naruko nee-chan's birthday?!"
Ayame ran to the bar of the noodle shop and smiled. "I see you found out! Here! Go to this address and tell them what you want!" she said, writing down directions for the little girl.
"Thanks nee-chan!"
Karin had to pretty much ask everybody and their brother where the place was, but she was finally able to get there!
There was an old guy, sitting behind the counter of a small shop. It wasn't a very well known store, but it was still on it's way to recognition.
"What can I do for you, little lady?" the old man asked in a gravelly voice.
"Do you sell ramen bowls? Ayame nee-chan told me told come here!"
The man laughed, "She did, did she? In the back, last isle!"
Karin felt like she was at Ichiraku's in that moment. All the bowls piled up reminded her of when Naruko would order. And half an hour later, she'd be surrounded by empty bowls.
Karin's eyes zoomed in on the three enormous orange bowls sitting off to the side. She grabbed them and went back to the old guy.
"You want those?!" he queried.
"Naruko nee-chan loves orange! She loves ramen! She loves the bowls at Ichiraku when they're filled with ramen!"
The man got a knowing look in his eye. "Now I understand. Ayame says that she is their best customer! Very well then. Would you like them inscribed?"
Karin's head tilted to the side. "What?"
He laughed, "Do you want me to put her name on them?"
"Oooooh! Sure!" Karin smiled.
Karin got to watch as the man pulled out some fancy paint brushes and black ink. He was holding the brush weird and she about to tell him he was, but then he began to write. 'Naruko' came out in fancy calligraphy and Karin gaped. She wanted to write like that!
When he finished the last bowl, he placed them all together and wrapped them in bubble wrap. Then put them in a box and put the box in a bag. He gave her a smile, "That'll be 2,500 Ryo."
Karin frowned, "But the price was at least twice that much!"
"Just a little discount for your nee-chan's birthday," the man winked.
Karin grinned, "Thank you!" She handed him the money and grabbed her gift. "See you Jiji!"
Karin was off again! She ran down the street, focusing on Naruko's chakra. When she found it, she took off in the direction. What she came upon though, was enough to freak her out.
"Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei and lady, what are you doing?"
The two looked up from their position behind a bush with a dark haired lady. The lady turned to give her a smile, "Sasuke and Naruko are on a date!"
Karin was beside them in seconds, "Really?! He finally asked?"
The adults laughed. "He suggested they have a contest. So, she's been trying to beat him at poker. So far, she's lost every game and has had to give him something for losing each time. With her mask on, she's kissed his cheek five times, made him blush like crazy. She's given him two five minute long back massages. Let him braid her hair and play with it. This is the tenth game. She hasn't asked to play another game yet, so maybe she likes what he's doing. I have to say, this is a little devious of him," Kakashi explained, watching as Naruko lost again and had to kiss Sasuke's cheek for the sixth time.
Karin smiled. Sasuke was trying hard to get nee-chan to like him. "He should let her win one, just to see what she'd want."
The adults looked at each other. What would Naruko want?
They watched some more, and laughed when Naruko threw her hands in the air and screamed, "YES!"
The funniest part, was that Sasuke was smirking, because he had let her win! Now they waited for her demand.
"Do something that you've never done before! Something shocking!" the blonde said, pointing her finger in the Uchiha's face.
Sasuke's smirk grew. He caught the hand and turned it over, planting a kiss on her knuckles. He looked up, catching her blue eyes, with his dark ones. She froze and he gave a good yank on her arm, pulling her closer, before placing his lips over her mask covered ones.
The hidden spectators were in shock. Mikoto had to hold Karins mouth shut before the loud 'aw' was heard.
Kakashi was snickering softly and Iruka was holding down the urge to gut the Uchiha. It was sweet yes, but that was his little Naruko!
Naruko couldn't believe it. Sasuke was kissing her! Sure she said something shocking, but she didn't think he'd do this! Why would he kiss her?
You're a powerful female that he's close to. You don't care about his money, or his name, just him. He admires you for that. Why else would he take you out on your birthday and kiss you when you ask him to do something he's never done before. If it was a kiss, that means you're his first. Even for males, that's a big deal. Why else does he watch you all the time, when he thinks you aren't looking? Or mumble things he thinks you can't hear, that sound strange to you
?
What are you saying?
Your Uchiha likes you. A lot! Plain and simple.
Even if you were right, he wouldn't once he saw what I really look like.
You aren't giving your male enough credit. You are his first friend. Even when there were girls on your class with wealth and looks, he chose to spend time with you. There's more to mate than just looks Kit.
I don't want to risk it Kyu. True, Sasuke is different than others, but I really don't want to get my hopes up. And he isn't mine!
Yes he is. You just don't see it. Now, it's been nearly a minute and your lips are still locked.
Naruko came back to reality and blushed as her eyes connected with Sasuke's. He pulled away slowly, removing the hand that he had holding her arm. He gave her a smirk. One that gave a weird feeling.
They stared at each other for a moment and she decided to break the ice, "So, you've never kissed a girl before? And why did you choose that of all things?"
Sasuke's smirk never left his face, "I've wanted to. For a while now. One day, I'll do it when your mask isn't on."
She thanked every Kami she knew of when he said that. Her face became hot and she knew she was blushing like a flipping fangirl!
"Why would you want to?" she asked.
"I like you."
That floored her. "W-what?"
Sasuke didn't look away as he became serious. "I've liked you for a while now."
Naruko started, wondering what to say. He couldn't mean it!
Yes he does!
"Sasuke, are you sure you aren't overthinking this?" she asked.
He shook his head, "No. I've had a crush on you for a long time. Only recently did I finally admit it. From your 'never give up' personality, to your intelligence. The fact that you aren't like fangirls, and that you take your career seriously. There are many more reasons, but I know you don't understand how I feel, and you don't feel the same way. I'm not going to let that stop me though. I plan to know everything about you. And I want you to know that while you're chasing your dream, I'll be right with you, making sure that you succeed. And then, maybe someday, you'll feel the same way I do."
Everyone was stunned into silence.
Sasuke had finally admitted his feelings! Kakashi briefly took notice of the camera in Mikoto's hands, but it wasn't enough to get him to speak. He was still caught up on the scene in front of him.
Naruko was gaping. "You really feel like that? For me?!"
Sasuke nodded and leaned forward, so that they were close, "I'll get you to feel the same Naruko. It'll take some time to build your confidence, since you don't seem to believe that anyone will like you, even though you're amazing. But I will have you. You're my best friend, and the only person that I want to marry. I promise you Naruko Uzumaki, that you'll agree to marry me within the next four years. I swear by your eighteenth birthday, you'll be mine forever. And I keep my promises."
Naruko gulped. He was serious!
Yes he is! Prepare to be wooed Kit. Uchiha never to anything half assed and he promised to have you. I look forward to his efforts!
Naruko looked Sasuke in the eye and asked, "You're serious? You really want to marry me? Even with what I am and the other possibilities?" He just nodded. "Prepare for a long four years then. I don't plan on falling in love, because for a person like me, it isn't possible."
Sasuke's eyes sparkled, "I'll take that as a challenge. You'd better be prepared Naruko. I won't lose."
The Genin went back to their game. The air around them returning to normal. The only difference in this game, was that Sasuke made it a habit to brush Naruko's fingers more. Naruko seemed to ignore the actions, but Sasuke could see the miniscule stiffening of her body as he did it.
He'd done it! Now he had a lot of work ahead of him. She knew how he felt now. Couple that with her determination to not fall in love, the difficulty level was just raised. But then again, Sasuke Uchiha thrivedunder extreme pressure and stacked odds.
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Naruko returned to her home after six. Iruka-sensei had found her after hers and Sasuke's 'date'. He then bought her as many bowls of ramen that she wanted like he did every year. He seemed a little too chipper, but she didn't ask. He had a girlfriend, that was infatuated with snakes. So, maybe she'd done something nice for him.
Inside, sat an innocent looking Karin. Naruko was immediately on guard, "What did you do Karin?"
The girl gave her a smile. "I got you something for your birthday! It's better than what your boyfriend got you!" She shoved a box into Naruko's arms, bouncing up and down and asking her to open it. Naruko didn't have a chance to deny the 'boyfriend' comment.
She opened the box to see three extra large ramen bowls! They was orange and had her name written on them. Naruko bent and gave the little midget a hug, "Thank you Karin. I can't wait to use them!"
"My gift is better!"
Naruko looked up to see Tsunade rushing toward her. "Happy birthday brat!" she said, tossing something.
Naruko caught it and grinned, "Sake!" From Tanzaku Town!
"Mine is much better than yours hime!"
Naruko looked at the old man that walked up beside Tsunade. "Do I know you?" she asked him.
He looked at Tsunade who made a 'go ahead' gesture.
"Well, Tsu-hime and I, are your Godparents. You weren't supposed to find out until you turned sixteen, but that isn't exactly going to happen."
Naruko ignored the annoyance bubbling up and looked at the large scroll in his hands, "What's that?"
He grinned, opening it to reveal a bunch of names and then a blank place. In the space before the blank was a signature she was shocked to see.
In a fancy sort of script lay her father's signature. Minato Namikaze.
"You're father signed this summoning contact when he was your age. I heard that you liked Toads, so, how about you become the next Toad Summoner?!" the guy smiled.
"Really?" Naruko asked, staring at her fathers name.
"Sure thing kid. I'll even teach you personally, if you prove yourself in the Chunin Exams. I'll make you my apprentice and I'll teach you all the ways of the Gama Sennin! Imagine, being the first female sennin in history?!"
Naruko regarded the man. He was Tsunade's teammate, Jiraiya. A Sannin, only Gama Sennin to date and world renowned 'super pervert'. When she had asked if she knew him, it was more of a, 'why are you in my house, cause I don't know you personally'.
If she showed her skill in the Chunin Exams, he'd teach her. And there were Toads involved! Becoming a sage would make her stronger and bring her closer the being the most powerful shinobi to ever exist!
"Sure!"
"Use your blood to sign it and I'll show you the hand signs."
After that was finished, Tsunade handed her a couple of bags. "A Hyuga, Nara, Inuzuka, Aburame and an Akimichi left these for you. They had to go home though, but all wished you a happy birthday," she smiled.
In the end, Naruko received a strategy guide for battle, a Make Your Own Ramen kit, a fancy butterfly necklace, a scroll on chakra points, and how to close and open them and a large box of beef steak jerky. Jiraiya handed her something, saying it was from Kakashi.
It was Icha Icha Violence; Special Titanium Edition. With five extra scenes and an alternate ending. It was also signed by the author, Jiraiya himself. Jiraiya told her to good while reading it and she had joined Tsunade in smacking him over the head.
"You also got mail nee-chan!" Karin said, handing her a three fancy scrolls. Two had indigo tassels and the last was bright red.
The red one was from the V.P., Hitoshi Magaru. Her ideas for adding weapons creation to Shadow's Fire's many branches was gladly accepted and he needed to know what the new emblem for the company was, so that they could begin hiring and manufacturing.
The first indigo scroll she opened, was from the Wind Daimyo. He thanked her for her suggestion and it seemed that Tazuna and his best men were already there and working on the structure. He also agreed to allow Shadow's Fire to become a major trading unit for Kaze no Kuni, since it was the best in the world when it was Gato Company and Holdings.
The last scroll was from Shibuki, head of Takigakure. It was a letter of appreciation, thanking her for killing Kakuzu, whom they had been after for years. She was shocked that the information of his death was spread so fast. She was blown away by the fact that she got the credit when it took five other peoples help to finish him off. The scroll offered an alliance with Konoha and requested that Shadow's Fire become a trading unit for them. The first one for Takigakure.
Naruko handed the scroll to Jiraiya, "Take that to Jiji. I think he'l be happy. Also, have him remind this Shibuki that five others took down Kakuzu with me and that it wasn't all me."
The Gama Sennin nodded and took the scroll, "So, any good news. Tsunade and Sarutobi-sensei informed me of your most recent jump in the world."
She nodded, "Yeah. I'm going to make Shadow's Fire the number one weapon producer in the elemental nations. And the Wind Daimyo is allowing the company to be a major trading unit for Kaze no Kuni! Takigakure wants Shadow's Fire to be their first trading unit! This is great!"
"Seems like you had a good birthday then?" Tsunade asked with a grin.
Naruko nodded thinking over the events of the day. It was a good day. Even Sasuke's confession seemed to make it better. She was still on the fence about it, but it was a sweet thing to hear anyway.
"Karin, bath time!"
The child jumped up and ran down the hall.
Tsunade and Jiraiya shook their heads. "We'll leave you to it," Jiraiya said as he dragged his teammate out the door.
Naruko followed the miniMaki and grinned. "Best birthday she ever had.
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Jiraiya opened the door to his sensei's office, letting Tsunade enter first. Both Sannin stopped dead when they took in the occupants of the room. Sensei, Iruka, Kakashi, Mikoto, Ayame and Teuchi from Ichiraku, and a few others they recognized when they had dropped off Naruko's gifts.
"What are you all doing?" Jiraiya asked, gaining their attention.
Mikoto giggled, "I recorded Sasuke's confession! We're about to watch it!"
"Let us see!"