Naruto, "Come on pervy Sage. I see the Fire country borders."
Jiraiya, "Yes, yes, what is the rush?"
Naruto, "What is the rush? I have not seen my nee - chan in two and half years. It would be almost three years in two months."
Jiraiya, "We were training brat. If you had time to miss her then maybe I should have trained you more."
Naruto rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, now come on."
Jiraiya teased, "Your nee - chan is not the only one you miss though, do you?"
Naruto huffed, "I miss Sasuke too, but I am pretty sure the ANBU we teamed up with to protect that noble was him. Kakashi - Sensei mentioned, he was training him to become the Head of ANBU."
Jiraiya snorted, "So ambitious both of you."
Naruto, "Obviously, we are going to change the village. It will make things easier and better for people like nee - chan."
Jiraiya, "You are thinking about that boy we could not save, aren't you?"
Naruto looked straight ahead at that, "Nee - chan could have ended up like him too but she did not. She is alive and well, back in Konoha and we will meet her there."
Jiraiya sighed, "Kid, she is stronger then she looks. Trust her a bit, will you?"
Naruto, "I do trust her but... "
Jiraiya, "You are scared to loose her. I know the feeling kid. I was sure I was the only one left of my family. Then she turned up and I do not want to loose her either."
Naruto gave a smirk then started running towards the village. If they wanted they could reach by sun down but Naruto decided to stop by Grass to see how Karin, his dear Aunt by relation, was doing. Ever since they learned of her existence the Konoha Council, especially the Clan Matriarchs had insisted she stay in touch with them. At one point, the Godaime had sent a letter to Naruto by her Slug summon to appear at Suna for a DNA test to check their relations. As it turns out, she would be his Aunt by relation as her father was his grandfather's youngest sibling on his mother's side. Naruto was not complaining though, Karin was really awesome and they shared things about the Clan that went right over Tanna - nee's head. She tried to understand Naruto of course but having another kid Uzumaki, the same age as him was so much better.
Karin, "Naruto - kun, Jiraiya - sama, welcome."
Naruto, "Karin Chīsana obasan ~"
Jiraiya, "Karin - chan, how are you?"
Karin turned red, "I told you to just call me Karin - nee. I am doing well Jiraiya - sama. I am however close to punting my patients across the hall though. They think simply biting will save their asses. It is just a temporary measure."
Naruto, "But you are my cute little Aunt. Calling you just by your name is disrespectful."
Karin tsked though she was smiling, "Fine you little brat, but you must listen to everything I say, got it?
Naruto grinned, "Got it, Chīsana obasan."
Karin huffed, "Anyway, come on. You said you will spend the night right? You can stay at my place. I have two free bedrooms, the Master bedroom is mine of course."
Jiraiya gave a whistle, "That is a lovely two storey house you got there."
Karin smirked, "The village Head could not afford to piss off the Daimyo's wife so yes, I no longer live in a dingy apartment. I have a full house at my perusal."
Naruto, "Awesome! I think I should consider getting a private home too. Sasuke - kun and I are getting serious about our relationship too."
Karin nodded, "Yeah, that is a good idea. Having privacy for a new couple is always a wise choice. Here we are, this is your room and Jiraiya... Where did he go?"
Naruto, "Huh? Oh, he did mention he had a parcel for your village Head."
Karin, "Ah! I see, from Suna I think."
Naruto, "Yup and he wanted to give us privacy. Something about Aunt and nephew bonding time."
Karin, "You mentioned he is your Godfather, right? He can join us, you know?"
Naruto, "I did tell him but he said we should enjoy doing whatever Uzumakis do and join us tomorrow."
Karin, "There is something I want to talk about though."
Naruto, "Sure, what is it?"
Karin, "The last few days I have noticed the presence of faceless masked shinobi."
Naruto pursed his lips, "Are you sure?"
Karin, "Yes, and a few kids went missing too."
Naruto, 'For Kami's sake, I thought Tsunade Obaa - chan put an end to Danzo's little army. He could not get kids from Konoha orphanage and now he targeting kids from surrounding village.'
Karin, "Naruto - kun, your angry chakra is leaking out."
Naruto took a deep breath, "I am alright. I have a suspicion who it is. I can't believe he is still doing this after last time. Maybe I should have killed him instead."
Karin, "This person sounds pretty dangerous though, Naruto - kun. Of course, you do not have to worry about anyone sneaking a look or listening in here. I put up safety seals around my house, my mom's special."
Naruto, "Really cool, I have been working on my parent's seals too. Ero - Sannin does not want me using most of the seals though as it was made during war times. So, they are mostly for taking out enemies not for daily use."
Karin, "I get it. Mom always said seals were not toys and should be treated with respect and caution. It does not matter how harmless someone says it is."
Naruto, "Akari Oba - chan said the same thing when she first started to teach me."
Karin, "I met her multiple times the past two and half years. The half yearly gatherings helped with it too. But then again no one can deny a request from the Daimyo's wife."
Naruto laughed, "I can see that happening. If you are making dinner, I am making dessert, yeah."
Karin, "Dessert? What are you thinking of?"
Naruto, "A little something called Yakgwa."
Karin, "Yakgwa? Never heard of that before."
Naruto, "It is food nee - chan made up for her book. It is basically honey cookies."
Karin, "Akari Obaa - san told me about those books. I really truly love Star Trek the best between the three books."
Naruto, "I think I know what you mean. The idea of travelling to different worlds and meeting creatures who are not humans and the plant life."
Karin, "Yes, exactly the new plant life. Oh! Especially the detailed plant life, I really wish the Luna berries were real. It looks and sounds so delicious."
Naruto nodded, "Yes, yes, and not to forget the dishes she comes up with for the books. From apple pies to idli and sambar."
Karin, "Did Tanna - sama make all those foods too?"
Naruto saw the starry eyes and laughed nodding that she did make those foods she mentioned in the books. In fact Naruto explained, she made those food items first and then named them and added it to the stories. The pani puri and dahi puri were actually a favourite among the ladies as an evening snack during summer. Karin's eyes glowed remembering that snack from the last meeting and nodded in agreement, it really was something that was perfect for summer time. Now, she was pestering her nephew to teach her how to make Yakgwa which would be perfect to make for autumn nights and lazy evenings. The two Uzumakis laughed as they shared stories over home made dinner and sweet desserts. Jiraiya returned after midnight only to see the blond and red head sprawled across the couch and carpeted floor snoring away with the television playing a late night series.
Jiraiya chuckled, "Up we go to your rooms, brats."
Karin, "Huh? Uh? Oh! Welcome back Jiraiya - sama. There is dinner in the fridge for you but we finished the dessert though."
Jiraiya, "It is good. I will eat and sleep after putting Naruto to sleep."
Karin got up, "Yes, good night."
Naruto woke up staring at an Uzumaki swirl, 'Right! I am at Karin's place.'
Karin, "Good morning. I made lunch to go during your travel."
Naruto grinned, "Thanks Chīsana obasan ~ You are my favourite Aunt."
Karin, "You little... You know what I am in a good mood so I will let it go."
Naruto, "He, he, he, he. Glad to hear, look who is awake."
Jiraiya yawned, "Good morning gakis. Something smells great."
Naruto, "My sweet Chīsana obasan made lunch for us to eat on the way to Konoha."
Karin, "Brat, respect your Aunt."
Jiraiya chuckled, "Happy to see you two get along so well."
Naruto, "We get along like gremlins and we are proud of it."
Karin, "Sit breakfast is ready."
Jiraiya and Naruto settled for breakfast and after that they gave their farewells to Karin with promises of writing letters and getting a permanent landline soon. However, Naruto was pretty sure his nee - chan has probably gotten a landline for their home by now and would help him and Sasuke get one too if they get a new home. Naruto had started to speed walk making Jiraiya call out to him, to take it easy, it had barely been a week since he recovered from using Kyuubi's powers. Naruto made a face but slowed down as he started to talk about the seals Karin used in her home and how solid and stable those seals were. Jiraiya had noticed them too and was very impressed by her handiwork but did not want to go into the details as they were staying for just one night after all. Seal theory can last for hours and theory on practical seals and usage can go on for days depending on it's method of use. Karin seemed to have plenty of uses for her seals that she applied all over her home.
Jiraiya, 'A true Uzumaki that one.'
Naruto paused after a few hours, "We can have lunch here."
Jiraiya, "Sure kid. Calm your jitters though , will ya?"
Naruto blew a raspberry, "No."
Jiraiya, "Brat!"
Naruto, "Eat old man. I am more surprised you did not try to peak on any woman."
Jiraiya, "It was late at night brat. The onsen closes after nine o'clock around here."
Naruto drawled, "Lucky me! I did not have to pull your perverted ass away from some poor unsuspecting women."
Jiraiya, "Shut up! Plus I don't think your dear Chīsana obasan would have appreciated any trouble going her way."
Naruto grinned, "I gave her permission to castrate you if you did."
Jiraiya, "You little brat!"
Naruto laughed as he finished his lunch bento and then raced in the direction of Konoha after cleaning up. Jiraiya grumbled as he followed the overly energetic blond back to their home village. Sometimes he really wondered about the blond and could not help but ask himself if Tanna had not been there how would Naruto have turned out as a person. Naruto had slowed down to match his jog and was talking about going shopping for new costumes sets and disguises with the ladies. The silver haired man would not admit it but Naruto stirred a lot of his protective instincts whenever a seduction or information gathering mission came up. The blonde was too good and too sharp when it came to understanding the likes and dislikes of both sexes in bed although he never slept with them. His expressions after his clones dissipated were hilarious though. At least he does not have to worry about any form oof sexual abuse landing directly on his Godson even though learning the details made him furious.
Naruto was standing on top of a pole, "KONOHAGAKURE! NARUTO UZUMAKI IS BACK."
Jiraiya huffed, "Oh ho! You two are new."
Nobara Hyuuga, "Welcome back Jiraiya - sama. It is wonderful to see both you and Sempai back home."
Haruno Katashi, "Yes, Tanna - Sensei will be happy you are back."
Naruto appeared, "It is great to be back my little Kouhais. I see you are joining the guard shinobi section."
Nobara, "Yup, someone has to keep the home front safe."
Shikamaru, "It really is you, Naruto."
Naruto beamed, "Shikamaru! Are these your students I have been hearing about from nee - chan and Gaara nii?"
Temari chuckled, "Yup, these are the ones. Shikamaru and the new Team Ten have been escorting me back and forth from Suna."
Hatake Nomura, "It is great to see you again Naruto - nii. Kakashi - dono does not say it, but he missed you. These are my teammates, Haruno Taichi and Aburame Hibari."
Naruto, "Pleasure to meet you."
Taichi, "It is really cool to meet you too, Sempai. Sakura - nee always told us stories about you."
Hibari, "My hive likes you."
Naruto, "Are these royal beetles?"
Hibari nodded, "Yes Sempai... You know about beetles?"
Naruto, "Yes, they are one of my favourites."
Hibari, "Awesome! I have one that is fully grown and huge... Um.... "
Naruto, "We can meet up later and you can show me."
Hibari grinned, "I would like that, sempai."
Naruto, "I am going to meet my nee - chan now. See you later Shikamaru - kun, Temari - chan, kiddos."
Temari smiled, "See you, Naruto - kun."
Shikamaru, "Troublesome."
Kids, "Bye sempai ~"
Naruto was about head to the academy when an ANBU appeared, "Ah! It is you, ANBU Tiger."
ANBU Tiger, "The Godaime has summoned you and Jiraiya - sama."
Naruto nodded, "Alright! Let's go meet the Godaime first."
Jiraiya, "Let's go, kiddo."
Naruto, "Lead the way please."
ANBU Tiger, "Come!"
Tsunade looked up as he saw the familiar faces enter, "Welcome home, Naruto - kun, Jiraiya. You look well."
Naruto grinned, "I am back, Tsunade - O bāchan."
Tsunade tsked, "Brat!"
Shizune chuckled, "You have not changed."
Sakura was freaking out, 'Why would you call her that, Naruto - kun?'
Hinata froze sweating, 'Why Naruto?'
Tsunade, "Report!"
Naruto opened a seal, "Every mission we did, failed and successful is here."
Tsunade, "Failed? Jiraiya said the missions went smoothly."
Naruto had a serious look, "Smooth does not mean success, O bāchan."
Sakura was crying inside her head, 'Stop calling her that, Naruto.'
Hinata, 'I beg you, stop.'
Tsunade, "Stop calling me O bāchan, brat."
Naruto tilted his head, "But you are my mom's Obaa - chan which would make you my O bāchan. What's wrong in being an O bāchan anyway? Nee - chan told me her dream is to become an old and energetic O bāchan."
Tsunade grumbled rubbing her forehead reading the report, "Your nee - chan is something else. No one else makes becoming a wrinkly old hag a life goal like she does."
Naruto laughed, "She scolded you, didn't she?"
Tsunade, "Well, I would not say scolded."
Shizune laughed, "Worst! She gave her a two hour lecture on how everyone grows old and how women must learn to love themselves. That every woman is perfect whether old and wrinkly or young as a naked baby."
Sakura giggled, "It was something to hear."
Hinata's lips twitched, "Agreed! I have missed Sensei's passionate lectures."
Tsunade grumbled, "I am never giving her my sake ever again."
Naruto paused his laughter, "You gave her your shinobi grade sake, didn't you?"
Tsunade, "She was curious about it, and I figured since Shizune and I were there it would be fine."
Sakura, "No one expected her to start lecturing Tsunade - sama on accepting herself and how she was much more than just mere beauty."
Hinata, "My favourite line was, 'Anyone can be beautiful but it takes someone special to become the first female Hokage.' I won't lie I was pretty touched too."
Tsunade, "Okay, you can get these stories from your nee - chan. Now, Sakura - chan and Hinata - chan here have become Chunin. Sasuke -kun as you might have heard achieved his Jounin title three months ago."
Naruto, "Yes, I received it from his Hawk summon. A gift from Itachi nii - sama from reaching Jounin level."
Tsunade placed the papers down, "I have reviewed Jiraiya's report on your performance Naruto - kun. I have to say, you are not Jounin level yet but you definitely deserve the title of Tokubetsu Jounin."
Naruto, "Thanks O bāchan, when do we take the test?"
Tsunade, "Hatake! Get in here."
Kakashi, "Yo!"
Naruto, "Sensei, you were hiding in there."
Kakashi, "Just arrived actually."
Naruto, "Another late mission?"
Kakashi, "Afraid so! With the village almost a town, missions, especially high level ones have increased."
Naruto, "Oh! I expected it, considering how big Konoha is now."
Kakashi, "Hmm... Now, for the test. You will be taking it with Sasuke and Sakura as a team, like the old days."
Naruto drawled, "And let me guess you will be late by two hours."
Kakashi gave an eye smile and poofed saying, "Meet me at our old training grounds tomorrow morning at five o'clock."
Sakura huffed, "Seriously Sensei still treats us like kids."
Hinata giggled, "Yes, he does. Tsunade - sama, I am here to submit my form to become Shizune - dono's apprentice."
Naruto, "Oh yeah! Nee - chan mentioned you want to become a pediatrician."
Hinata nodded, "I do. I will be honest when I first started to learn Iryo jutsu, I just wanted to learn about healing jutsus. But after helping children during my missions I have become more interested in becoming a Pediatrician."
Tsunade, "Accepted! Now, get out of here, you brats. Jiraiya and I have things to talk about."
Sakura, "You will be amazing, Hinata - chan. Hyuuga Hinata, the number one Pediatrician of Konoha has an awesome ring to it."
Naruto, "Nice! Nice! What about you, Sakura - chan?"
Sakura stood proudly, "I am apprenticed to Tsunade - sama. I plan on becoming a field medic instead of a hospital medic. I plan on fulfilling my couple goal with Kuroda - kun on becoming the strongest couple."
Naruto, "I heard you are having your engagement party once one of you become a Jounin."
Sakura turned pink, "Yeah, we are. My parents are no longer pestering me about it either and are encouraging me to become a Jounin soon. Thanks for the idea by the way."
Naruto, "Aside from Sasuke - kun, you are my oldest friend Sakura - chan. Of course, I would help out."
Hinata smiled, "Speaking of Sasuke."
Naruto looked at where she was motioning and saw Sasuke in his Jounin regalia leaning against the pole next to the bridge. Sakura and Hinata giggled and promised to meet Naruto later with Ino in tow this time to have a shopping spree. Sasuke stood straight as he nodded at the girls who waved goodbye and left, walking towards Naruto who rushed to hug him. The two boys stood there hugging each other whispering how much they had missed the other before letting go. Sasuke held Naruto's hand and led him to the Uzumaki compound. As much as he wants to hog Naruto to himself, he knows Anko would be pissed if he did not bring the blond to meet his older sister first.
Anko, "Lookie who is here!"
Naruto, "Anko nee - chan, I missed you. Is nee - chan home? Or still at the Academy?"
Anko, "She should be here soon. Go wash up. I will make tea and snacks for you."
Naruto, "A shower sounds great."
Anko grinned, "Don't touch our stuff if you plan to get kinky."
Sasuke, "Anko - Sempai."
Anko, "What? Tanna - chan and I did a whole bunch of stuff together in there."
Naruto, "Uh... I am using the bathroom in my room. No way, you did any of that stuff there."
Anko, "Yeah, you are right. Tanna - chan takes privacy seriously even if the person is not here."
Sasuke, "We will just wash ourselves, Anko - Sempai."
Anko, "You should start calling me nee - chan, too. I plan on proposing to Tanna - chan soon. Once our schedules align, I am putting that ring on her finger."