Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Warmth of a Cold Touch	By : ChocolateRedVelvet Category: Naruto > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 4563 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and make no profit from it

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Caution: This is the writer's first draft
Rating: Adult (applies for this and future chapters)
Pairings: Naruto/Haku; Naruto/Kimimaro; Threesome
Warnings (applies to this and future chapters): m/m; slash, homoerotic, language, OOC, male pregnancy, cross-dressing, graphic sexual situations.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters owned by Masashi Kishimoto.

Timeline: This happens the same day as the last chapter. It proceeds from where the last left off.

Chapter Eleven
"Here we are. Ichiraku Ramen is the best restaurant in all of Leaf. Their ramen is awesome!"
"Thank you, Naruto for that outstanding review. You keep that up and we won't even have to advertise in the local papers," an old, weathered voice said with a chuckle.
He flushed and turned around to meet, Teuchi, the ramen shop owner's amused gaze. "Well, its true," he retorted with a shrug.
"That is why you're one of our best customers."
Naruto grinned. He turned back to the white haired civilian he bumped into earlier. "Everything is on me. Get whatever you want. Gotta say sorry properly you know?" Ayame leaned against the bar at that moment. She grinned widely at Haku and Naruto and quirked a curious eyebrow at the pale civilian with them. He could understand. Naruto almost always came to Ichiraku alone. Then he met Haku in Wave, and the brunet was normally his only other companion. His team came with once or twice before Wave, but the experience was so bad he didn't bother asking them to join him anymore.
Who knew you could get heartburn from ramen and poor company?
Naruto did, that's who. He never wanted to endure such a horrendous thing again.
"Hey, Ayame. This is…" he trialed off when he realized he had no clue what the other teen's name was.
"Kimimaro," the pale civilian supplied after a moment.
"Yup, this is Kimimaro. We bumped into him, literally, when he entered the Leaf. He's a merchant. So, to say sorry we're taking him to lunch. Everything is on me." He turned to Haku and then Kimimaro. "Excuse me for a moment while I talk to Tuechi."
Tuechi's eyebrow lifted. He wiped his hands on his apron and gestured for Naruto to meet him in the back of the restaurant. "Don't eat everything, guys," he called before he followed Teuchi to the employee entrance.
"We're not you," Haku retorted with a giggle.
Naruto smiled brightly at that. It took some time but Haku wasn't so stiff in public now. He still called him master now, but his actions were less like a vassal and more friend. Naruto loved that.
He opened the south entrance and stepped into the brightly lit back room. It was small and cluttered with all the cleaning supplies the shop used. It brought back memories of his childhood. He spent many days here, relaxing with Ayame and Tuechi when they didn't have a customer, playing with his second hand toys when they did. After a moment, Tuechi opened the other door that led to the back room. His apron was gone. He wore a simple blue yakuta. It was worn, relatively clean considering his occupation, and well cared for.
Tuechi and his family didn't have much and yet they gave Naruto so much of their time, effort, and profits. He wasn't foolish enough to believe there really was a student, or shinobi discount, but he always was the receipt of these discounts whenever he ate at Ichiraku. Now it was time to pay a little of that care back.
He opened his pocket and pulled out a small scroll and his froggy change purse. His pseudo-wallet was bulging.
He held them out as he bowed low at the waist. "Clan Uzumaki has come to settle a long past due dept to the Asakura family. We greatly appreciate your care and concern over these years. This is just a little something to show this."
Tuechi's hands trembled when he took the wallet and scroll from him. Naruto pretended he didn't notice. "There is no need for any repayment, what was done, was done in love. Still, the family of Asakura greatly appreciates these gifts."
Naruto released a slow breath and straightened. He was worried about how Tuechi would take his gifts. He really did love the Asakura's for taking care and feeding him all these years. He didn't want to offend them by making it seem like he could actually ever repay that kindness, but he wanted them to know they were appreciated. Plus, he wanted to do something nice for them.
He pointed toward the scroll. "This is the title to the land Ichiraku is on." He turned to the side and stared a bottle of bleach. "I know you've considered expanding your menu and looked to building a bigger place. I bought the warehouse next door. It wasn't much as it's been empty for some time." Then he gestured to the froggy purse. "Uh, I'm going to need that back, but the money inside is for you. It's just a something to say thank you for all those discounts. I know I was eating you out of home and shop."
Tuechi placed the scrolls and change purse on what little space there was on a ledge on his right. He grabbed Naruto's shoulders and pulled him into a tight hug. "The gods have greatly blessed me. I have a son to be proud of, one who is strong enough to enter the military forces and blesses me with his every act and a daughter who is so kind hearted she outshines the sun. Thank you, Naruto. I am very proud of you."
Naruto desperately tried to blink back his tears at Tuechi's words. He never heard anything sweeter. Few people ever said kind thing to him. Tuechi's words were like rainfall to a barren land. Naruto could feel it settling inside him. He would never forget this moment and what I meant to him and Teuchi.
He stood in Teuchi's embrace for some time, basking in the hug from someone who loved him, saw him as a son. He waited until he got control over his emotions and wasn't in fear of embarrassing himself before he lifted his head. "I don't know who my father is. If he's dead or alive, but I'd be happy to call you family."
Tuechi slipped one arm from around his shoulder and ran his fingers through his hair. Naruto closed his eyes and relished the caress. He always imagined a parent doing that to him when he was younger. It was years later, but no less appreciated.
"I'd be proud to call you my son, Naruto Uzumaki." He swallowed thickly. "Thank you very much for your gifts. I appreciate them very much."
"It's all good. Uh, but I did the frog back. Otherwise, Haku is going to make me get a real wallet." He pouted at the thought. He looked at some of the real wallets. They were so boring in black and brown leather. They all looked the same. He liked being unique and didn't want something that could get lost among the crowd anywhere near him.
Tuechi laughed brightly. He grabbed the wallet, took the bills out of it without counting them and shoved them into his breast pocket. Then he handed Naruto back the frog. Naruto tried to keep his relief off his face, but he guess he failed spectacularly, because Teuchi started laughing so hard, he needed to bend over to get some air.
Naruto tried to be offended but couldn't help laughing along. He really did love Gama-chan.
"Come on. Let's get back out there before Ayame stuffs that poor boy full of food."
Naruto considered his words. "But I want her to do that. Kimimaro seems a little broken. Don't know if I'm saying that right. He's sad. That I know. He hides it. I doubt he even realizes it himself. Anyways, Tuechi, he seems a little shy so make sure he's full before he leaves. Give him a little of everything he looks even interested in. Maybe even a take away bowl. Not sure where he's staying. Put it on my tab."
Tuechi opened his mouth to argue with Naruto but seemed to think better of it. His forehead crinkled with consideration. "Okay, Naruto. I'll make sure you're boy is taken care of. Do you want to keep the tab open if he comes back?"
"Sure. Great. Thanks, Tuechi."
"Come on, lad. Let's get some food in you. You come so rarely now I'm going to stuff you while I have the chance."
Naruto flushed. "It's all Haku's fault. He keeps harping on my diet, saying I have to eat properly to be a good ninja."
"Then it's a good thing I'm expanding the menu, isn't it?"
"Right. Awesome. Are you going to change the name seeing as it won't be just a ramen shop?"
"Never !" Teuchi cried out reverently. "The name is part of the allure."
Naruto wasn't sure what allure was but figured it didn't matter. The name wasn't going. That was all that mattered.
Naruto made his way back to the restaurant's seating area to find Haku and Kimimaro each had three bowls in front of them. They were eating slowly. Naruto shook his head at them. They were both so very proper. The total opposite of him.
Though he knew he couldn't get away with gulping down his ramen like he normally did. Clan head, proper manners, and all that rot.
"Ayame, get me one of everything to start," he called out as he took a seat. She almost immediately slid a bowl in front of him. She grinned broadly. "Got started already." Then she winked.
Twenty minutes and thirty bowls later, Naruto was finally full. Kimimaro and Haku were both staring at him wide-eyed.
"How is that even possible?" Kimimaro muttered dumbly. "His stomach can only expand so much. Biologically it's impossible."
Naruto chuckled. "I'm the great Naruto Uzumaki. Nothing is impossible for me," he replied as he patted his stomach.
"I'm not sure if I should be horrified or impressed," Haku said after a moment, breaking up the numbing silence. Naruto wondered why. He ate like this all the time…when he wasn't around Haku. He didn't realize he acted different around the older teen. He never cared what anyone thought about his eating habits before since people were so quick to judge him. He guessed he didn't want Haku to look at him the same way. Now he knew the brunet better. He'd never look at Naruto the way his classmates did. "Impressed. I'm awesome."
Haku snorted.
"Hey!" Naruto called, pretending to be offended. He knew not everyone could understand the awesomeness of Ichiraku's food and indulge in it as he did. Still, that was no reason to talk junk. "How did your meeting go?"
"Well," Haku answered. He shifted a little so he could look at both Kimimaro and Naruto, indicating he wanted to talk to them both. "The medic corps was very happy to see my application. This morning's meeting was supposed to be a preliminary interview. You know just some talking and getting a little bit of my history and work experience. It seems my reputation preceded me. They immediately took me to a ninja's room and had me work on him. It was a simple break so I just but a cast on it and feed him some medication. It turns out the man was a member of the ANBU division. They wanted to see how I really did under some of the village's heaviest chakra. I passed and now you're looking at the latest medic for the ninja hospital, specifically the elite jounin and ANBU floors."
"Wow! I'm so happy for you, Haku. I know how much you wanted a job at the clinic. I'm glad you got one you'll love working."
"I should be thanking you, Master Uzumaki. As your vassal it was your permission that allowed me to apply. Thank you very much for granting it."
"Oy! None of that stuff. Of course, I let you apply. You wanted it." It was really that simple. Haku wanted the job and he would be great at it. It wasn't like he asked to be a mass-murder. Then Naruto would turn him down. Unless those people were Iwa-nin. They were always fair game.
"Oh, I didn't tell you the best part. I'm getting level F3 pay."
"Compared to?" Kimimaro asked tentatively. Haku beamed at him. "Level D1. It's about nine standards above. All the employees of the civilian hospital receive level A1 – C4 pay. Only the head of the hospital receives C4, while ninja workers receive D1 to G pay. Only the Head Medic-Nin receives G."
"So, your just one step below him or her?" Naruto asked, shocked. Just how talented a medic-nin was Haku?
"Yup. The Head of the hospital loved that I'm very experienced with disabling even the most elite ninja. I told him all about how I used to incapacitate Master Zabuza before healing his wounds. If I didn't, nothing would get done. He said they have the same problem with the elite and ANBU level jounin. They always say it's a flesh wound even as they're bleeding to death. They've lost some very important people that way over time. He wants that to stop."
"So they're paying you to knock the ninja out?" Kimimaro questioned.
"Yup," he replied with a wicked grin. Naruto immediately hoped he was never injured enough to need Haku's healing. For some reason he believed the knock out would be extremely painful. It would probably the nin with scars, mental ones at least. "I'll be learning the rest of the time under the Head Nin himself. My medical skins are not that advanced, though he says I have very advanced knowledge of natural remedies and poisons. I'm so happy," Haku continued.
"Uh, congratulations, Mr. Haku. I wish you the very best at your new job."
"Thanks, Kimimaro. So tell us what you're doing in Leaf. You're a merchant, right?"
"Merchant's assistant. My master is a blacksmith. One day I hope to have a shop of my own. Right now I am just selling goods my master created and checking in with her local suppliers."
"What do you sell?" Naruto asked. "Maybe we can help."
A pale blush swept across Kimimaro's cheeks. "Weapons. You know for shinobi? I've mostly got Kunai, Shuriken, and Wind Demon Shuriken. I have a few blades and swords. Sturdy basic weapons to fill out your average ninja's tool kit." He paused. "We have a few specialty items for the discerning ninja, but most of it is basic weaponry."
Naruto hid his smile behind his hand. At first Kimimaro sounded unsure, maybe even frightened, but at the end he started to sound like a salesman. He clearly memorized the speech.
"I don't understand. How are you going to sell them? Will you be going door to door?"

Kimimaro visibly shuddered. "No. Uh, my boss has booked a stall for the next month. She and a local partner believe they will be able to sell her wares quickly because of the Chunin Exams. That and it's a ninja village so it shouldn't be that hard. So she says."
"True," Haku admitted after a moment.
Naruto sat thinking. Kimimaro's wares just might come in handy. He'd been thinking about the dojo lately and considering doing something more, different. He was all too aware of how hard the academy was for orphan students. He wanted to make it easier.
"Kimimaro, is it alright if I meet up with you another time and talk about your weapons. I think I might buy some of them."
"Really? Well, of course that's fine. That's my business. Selling swords. Do you have a day and time in mind?"
"Hmmm. How's Friday at noon sound? We can talk over food. It'll be a business meeting."
Kimimaro stilled. "Isn't that the first day of the chunin exams?"
Naruto shrugged. "Yeah, but I'm not participating. I've got a lot on my plate I need to handle first."
Kimimaro nodded his head in understand. "Where would you like to meet? I don't know much about Leaf as this is my first visit."
"Duh! Of course you don't. Well, we'll just meet here. The food is awesome at Ichiraku's anyway and maybe by then the old man will have some of his new stuff available for us to test out."
Kimimaro gracefully descended from his stool. "I am sorry to end our lunch so early but I must be checking in with my master's partners and suppliers." He bowed deeply at the waist. "I am looking forward to our next meeting."
Naruto returned his bow. "Until next time, Kimimaro. I hope you have a blessed and fruitful week. Let no one stand between you and your goals."
Kimimaro blinked in surprise at his goodbye. It wasn't traditional, but all Naruto. Then he smiled, and it was a very large one, at least Naruto got the impression it was a big one for him.
Ayame lowered a short stack of take away containers between them. "Mr. Kimimaro, we at Ichiraku Ramen, just want to thank you for visiting Leaf, and wish the best while here seeing our beautiful city."
Kimimaro arched one eyebrow in consideration at the food, thanked Ayame, and glanced back at Naruto and Haku. "Thank you, both of you."
Ayame, Naruto and Haku blushed brightly, caught red-handed in their lies. Kimimaro, small smile on his mouth, tilted his head and then walked away.
Naruto waited until the white haired civilian was several feet away before releasing his pent up breath. "Wow, he's intense. For one second there I thought he was going to stab me."
"Me too," Ayame called and then shuddered theatrically.
Naruto laughed, but stopped at the sound of Haku's giggles. The boy was red faced and leaning against the counter. He looked like he was going to slid off his stool any second. Naruto glared at Tuechi, remembering how he laughed at Naruto in the same manner a little while ago. "Are you laughing at me?"
Haku shook his head. "Nope, private joke. I'd have a lot to explain and then it wouldn't be funny," he replied through gasping breaths.
"Fine. Don't tell me. Come on we've got to head back to catch up with Kiba and Shino."
Haku sighed and stepped off the stool. "Yeah, and I've got a spar with Tenten."
They waved goodbye to Tuechi and Ayame with both Naruto and Haku promising to return more often since they were expanding their offerings. They were halfway home when Haku spoke.
"He's worse off than I thought."
Haku said the words under his breath. He whispered them so lightly even Naruto barely heard them. He wanted to pretend he hadn't. Haku was a devious person by nature and Naruto wasn't always happy to be reminded of that fact. He liked things straightforward. He wasn't much of a ninja in that respect. However, he couldn't ignore this. Something was wrong with Kimimaro and Naruto liked him. He wanted to help him if he could.
"What's wrong with him?"
Haku jerked to a stop, startled. He turned, face bleach white, and stared at Naruto for a moment, then he asked, "Master Uzumaki, what do you mean?"
"Enough with the master stuff. What's wrong with Kimimaro?"
Even more color leached from Haku's face. He wouldn't have thought it was possible until he witnessed it himself. He stood waiting for Haku to answer. He did, in a manner, after some time. "Please, don't make me lie to you, Naruto-kun. Don't ask me about Kimimaro. I promise you I only act for the best of your clan."
"Our clan," he replied automatically. Then he thought about what Haku said. The brunet was the most selfless person he knew, and everything Haku did was for him. "Will he be hurt?" he asked. Though Haku hated to shed blood, he would, if he his precious person was targeted.
Haku chewed his bottom lip. "It depends on if it all works out. If it does, then yes, for a little while but he will be better in the end."
"I like him, Haku. Don't know what you know, but he seems like an all right sort," he replied with a shrug. Kimimaro was stoic and very dedicated to his work. That was nice. Plus, Naruto couldn't ignore the sadness that seemed to follow the white-haired teen. Naruto didn't want to add to that if he didn't have to.
Haku gave him a small smile. "He would be a great addition to our clan."
Great addition to our clan. Naruto groaned. He was really starting to regret letting Haku send his clan status application to the High Fire Court. If he hadn't, the Third probably would have rejected it based on his age and he wouldn't have all this paperwork to deal with. Paperwork that was growing.
"Haku-chan, Kimimaro's hair color is very different."
His smile grew a little bigger. "Yes, it is very distinct."
Haku hadn't said the words. He didn't have to. Naruto knew the hair they bargained from Chiko came from Kimimaro. He hoped whatever plan Haku made worked well. Even if it did lead to more documents he needed to fill out. He was really starting to reconsider his quest for the hat. If the Hokage had even more work than a clan leader, it might not be worth it.

Hiashi stared down at the two missives from the Hokage and wondered what exactly to do. The task was simply: have one of his genin close to Naruto Uzumaki talk to the young blond and reconsider his decision not to enter the Chunin Exams. The same was to be done for Sasuke Uchiha.
The Hokage made it clear they were requests and not missions. He could turn them down, but wouldn't. He never knew when a favor the village owned could come in handy.
He sighed and sat down in his desk chair.
Technically, none of the genin in his household was close to either boy. It didn't even bear considering the other households. The divide between the Hyuuga and Uchiha clans was breached with the latter's demise. To be honest many Hyuuga celebrated the clan's demise, though not the way it came about. Well, Uzumaki…the Hyuuga knew all too well just what a seal was capable of doing and so didn't begrudge the boy for his burden. They simply didn't go out of their way to help anyone and as a former clan-less orphan the two didn't interact.
Hiashi was well aware of his first daughter Hinata's crush and the attention she paid the young Uzumaki. He also knew she never spoke to him unless it wasn't an option. The girl was so painfully shy. He was more than a little scared of just how quiet she was. Sometimes he was afraid she would stop breathing just so she could be absolutely quiet. She hated having anyone's attention.
Hiashi didn't handle her shyness well. He knew that, but sometimes he couldn't help his reaction. He just got so frustrated. He tried coaching her out of her shell, but nothing worked. She was worse than a tortoise.
No, he couldn't send Hinata despite the connection sharing classes with Naruto gave her. He knew she would never be able to question Naruto, especially well enough to convince him to change his mind.
From what he saw Naruto was painfully stubborn.
He gave a small smile at that. His nephew was the only person who came close in stubbornness. He wondered which one would alter his decision if the two of them conflicted on a topic.
Probably neither.
But it would be a spectacular argument.
Hinata could never match young Uzumaki in stubbornness. Hell, normally he would think a Hyuuga could never match any Uzumaki in hardheadedness. He still remembered Naruto's mother. And the thoughts weren't fond.
Neji, it would have to be.
Hiashi sighed. Alone in his office, he could indulge in such actions. The things he did for his village.
He opened his door and handed one of the guards who stood on either side a missive and closed it again. He took a seat and tried to think of what exactly he would tell his nephew about his task.
He looked up at the tentative knock on his door. "Enter, Neji," he called.
The boy walked in with slow, hesitant steps. It broke Hiashi's heart to see the child so unsure to be around him. His brother was turning over in his grave…if the Cloud ninja were kind enough to give him one. None of his thoughts showed on his face.
"Come in, child. I have a request of you." And it was a request. If Neji turned it down he would just remind the Hokage of the Hyuuga's and Naruto's notorious isolation.
The boy bowed and walked deeper into the room only to stop behind one of the three padded chairs in front of his desk. "Take a seat, nephew."
Neji flinched as through struck. Wide, lavender eyes stared at him in surprise. Hiashi looked back, wondering what he said or did to surprise his relative so much.
After a moment the boy placed a shaking hand on the nearest chair and pulled it out and took a seat.
"As you know the Chunin Exams are coming to Leaf," Hiashi started.
Neji nodded his head in agreement. Hiashi made sure to explain to Neji and Hinata just what the exam meant both to the village and the clan. They both agreed to participate and contrary to popular belief, neither party was coerced into entering. To be honest Hiashi wished both genin would wait a little longer or best of all, wait until they earned a field promotion. Oddly enough, there was less chance of dying in the field than in the exam. This was probably because few ninja were given missions far outside their scope.
Team 7's C turned A mission was one in a million. Literally, he'd never heard of a mission being so misclassified.
Most of the clan disagreed with him and thought it time both entered the exams. Contrary to popular belief, the Hyuuga were very talkative. Unfortunately, Neji and Hinata heard many conversations on why and when they should enter the exams. Hiashi firmly believed in letting the young make their own decisions, even if they were a mistake. They learned best that way.
"I know a few of your classmates, including your teammates are entering. I have heard that the Leaf's newest clan head is not entering the exam." He paused and considered just how honest to be. "I know you're not friends with Uzumaki. I doubt you've even talked to the other boy, but your teammate Tenten is acquainted with him. This is not a mission, but a request. I am asking you to try and see if you can find out why Master Uzumaki is not entering and if possible quell his fears. The Leaf would be bettered by his presence."
Neji stood and bowed. "It will be done, Master Hyuuga."
Hiashi sighed, stood and walked around the desk. He lightly, tentatively placed a hand on the boy's head. "Thank you, Neji. I am happy to receive your aid."

"Time."
Naruto dropped to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. Laughter rang around him. He ignored it and took a deep, lung filling breath, and swiped the back of his hand over his forehead. He felt like shit.
He'd just survived ten minutes with Haku, Kiba and Shino going all out against him. Three to one odds sounded bad and felt worse.
The practice was Shino's recommendation. Apparently, the silent Shino often sparred against his clansmen with the odds against him. It was how he and his family learned to build up endurance and gain true battle experience.
Naruto thought it was the worst kind of spar he ever endured.
He loved sparring normally, but even Sasuke at his worst was nothing like holding back Haku, Kiba and Shino in full battle mode.
He was surprised he'd survived the ten minutes. He supposed he had his chakra capacity to thank. Haku was the only other who lasted the full time and that was due to his exceptional battle prowess and experience. To put it simply Haku was a beast.
They spared three against one and in teams of two. Naruto felt this was one of the most informative spars he had since leaving the academy. Turns out Kiba and Shino had a hard time dealing with Haku and Naruto's teamwork and their chakra intensive jutsus. Naruto thought that was the best news ever since Shino and Kiba were actual teammates.
He groaned as a shadow fell over him. Kiba stood just to his right.
Naruto held his hand over his face and stared up at his sharp-toothed smile and the hand he held out. He accepted the kind gesture and stood.
"I guess you didn't chicken out, seeing as how you lasted longer than me. So, we are you're entering the exam?"
Naruto ran a hand through his hair. "Uh, right now entering isn't the best thing for me or the clan." The answer was simple, straightforward and yet, didn't tell that much. He really wasn't in the mood to explain his reasoning. After speaking with Homura and Haku, the answer seemed obvious, but not everyone would accept that. The Third didn't and now, his classmate was questioning him.
He wondered if this was the first of many conversations. Naruto didn't really understand why anyone was second-guessing him. He checked out the chunin exams stats. They were public for Leaf academy graduates and higher. Very few people ever entered the chunins the semester after they graduated. Hell, the last persons to do that where Itachi Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake.
He did not want to join that club.
Kiba peered at him for a moment. "I can respect that," he finally murmured. "Don't like it. I was really hoping to kick your ass in front of the whole village so I could show everyone just who the best canine was."
"Wait! You're entering the exams?"
Kiba flushed. "Yeah, mom thinks it will be good experience, plus my team needs to enter. Politics and all."
"Oh," Naruto said dumbly unsure why Kiba's team needed to enter for political reasons. As far as he knew his and Shino's clans weren't that big in Leaf powerwise. Maybe they were trying to change that…or their third teammate was the reason. "Oy, who is your other teammate?" he asked, not remembering whom Iruka placed with the two.
"Hinata Hyuuga."
Well, that answered his question. "The heiress."
"Yeah. Neji is entering," Kiba replied a little dejectedly. Naruto wasn't touching that with a fifteen-foot pole. He was dumb, but not that stupid. He knew Kiba liked the girl and had no chance since she was the intended heir. Plus, she was Hyuuga. They wrote and mastered the book on bloodline protection. He knew Neji was Tenten's teammate, but he didn't understand how his entrance meant Hinata had to join too. Politics. Thank the gods, he had Haku.
He paused and spotted the other two ninja. "And in your dreams. Only there could you win a spar with me."
Naruto was genuinely surprised this morning when Kiba and Shino showed up just beyond the gates of his land and activated the security seals with Kiba demanding entrance to see "that idiot Uzumaki." Apparently, Kiba took a little time to digest the knowledge that Naruto held the Nine-Tails and felt horrible for staying away for the last week and half.
He didn't fault Kiba. It took him months, since he learned of his tenant, to get used to the idea and that was because of Haku.
Their meeting hadn't been emotional or wordy. They weren't those kinds of guys, but Naruto was astounded by Kiba's defense and anger on his behalf. He was surprised to find that much of Kiba's issue with his sealing was the fact that the Fourth did it. Kiba, like most Leaf ninja, admired the Fourth Hokage, almost to the point of godhood. Finding out his hero damned a newborn in that way punched a hole right through his idea of what and who the Fourth was.
Calling the conversation interesting would be an understatement.
Now, they both felt comfortable joking about their canine allegiance. Naruto to the fox and Kiba to dogs.
"So, who's going to tell me what I did wrong and right?" he asked the elder ninja standing several feet away.
Hayate coughed, almost delicately. Not for the first time Naruto wondered if the older ninja was really sick or if he used the cough as a ruse much like Hatake's orange book. Apparently strong ninja were all weird. He shuddered at the memory of meeting Tenten's squad leader. It was only a minute or so long introduction but it was burned in his mind.
He doubted he'd ever forget Gai, even if he did have amnesia.
"First and foremost: too much chakra, way too soon," Hayate answered. "I know you have a storehouse of chakra, but that doesn't mean you have to burn through it." He held up a hand when Naruto wanted to argue. "Right now this doesn't mean a damned thing, but as you get stronger you'll learn more chakra intensive jutsus and if you don't learn now, you'll start a dangerous precedent."
"If you can get the same effect with a chakra low jutsu, use that. You fling shadow clones around the same way a jounin might use the flicker. Too many enemy combatants and you'll be drained when you could have outlasted them if you used something simpler. This is the difference between life and death, protecting a loved one and failing."
Naruto grimaced. Hayate knew him all too well already. While he would have accepted the fact that a little less chakra may allow him to protect a client, nothing got to him like the thought of failing Haku, or his fealty families. "You're right."
Damn, this sucked. It meant he had to go through his academy books and read them. Naruto hadn't really paid that much attention to his studies for a number of reasons, one of which was the desire for bigger, flashier jutsus. Now he needed to go back and get very acquainted with the C through E class jutsus he ignored.
Gods, sometimes it really sucked being responsible.

Sasuke slowed to a stop and stared.
Someone was in his spot.
He knew it wasn't actually his spot. The training grounds were public and accessible to all shinobi. Actually, they were accessible to certain shinobi depending on their level in the military.
This was the only other training ground he used other than Team 7's.
It was always empty. That was one of the things he loved about it. No one used it. No matter what day or time Sasuke was sure to find it unoccupied.
Seems there's a first for everything because today was different.
Someone was in his training ground.
Most surprising was the fact that the person was not training. No, they were sleeping. He walked a little closer and grimaced. Brunet. Pineapple hair. Cloud watching.
He almost audibly groaned. Seriously, what was Shikamaru doing here? This was as far away from his haunts as possible. Sasuke should know.
The second reason he loved this training ground was its location. It was far away from every other training ground and off the beaten path so none of his fan girls looked for him here. Third, he had to pass his clan lands to reach it. Every time he went by he was vividly reminded of why he was working so hard.
He never wanted another person to experience what he did.
"What do you want, Shikamaru?"
The boy sighed. "Honestly? To cloud watch in peace. Everyone is so troublesome nowadays. Do this, do that. Enter the exams. You must do well," He groaned. "Every one's got something they want done and they all want me to do it."
Sasuke arched one eyebrow in surprise at Shikamaru's whining. The other boy didn't normally complain so blatantly. It was just "troublesome," a muttered grumbled and then the boy would close his eyes and pretend to sleep.
Or maybe just try and sleep away his problems.
This was different.
This time Sasuke sighed. "Uh, couldn't you cloud watch a little ways away from the training ground? I plan to use it."
Shikamaru got up on his elbows and faced him. "I'm pretty comfortable right here."
"You're lying in dirt," he replied. "That can't be comfortable. The grass over there," he pointed out a spot several dozen feet away, "will be better. Softer."
Shikamaru lied down. "Nope. This is the best viewing spot. Plus, since you're not going to be in the exams you don't need the grounds like I do. Relax. Take the week off. I wish I could." Then he turned and went back to cloud watching.
Sasuke decided to ignore the fact that Shikamaru wasn't training on the grounds but cloud watching. He didn't believe that counted as getting ready for the Chunin Exams, but he knew better than to point it out the other brunet. "What the hell do the Exams have to do with training? I'm a ninja. I train regardless of whether I have a mission or not. Exam or not."
"Troublesome."
"Shikamaru, go cloud watch somewhere else. I have to train," Sasuke bit out, exasperated. He only had so much time to dedicate to his skills. He had a meeting with another fealty in three hours, which means he could only dedicate two, maybe two and a half, hours to training.
"If you're so dedicated, why aren't you in the exams? I'm no where as determined and my mom is forcing me to enter." He paused. "Well, mom and Ino." Then he shuddered.
Sasuke made a note to stay even farther away from the deranged blonde.
One crazy, unavoidable blond was enough for him.
Speaking of… "Naruto is not participating either."
"So, you're not doing it because Naruto's isn't. Need him to hold your hand?"
Sasuke flushed. "No. Never. I have other things I need to worry about." He grimaced. "You may feel ready, but I don't. I will not embarrass my clan in front of the Elemental Nations."
"Hmm. Never imagined an Uchiha passing up the chance to show the world how great they are."
Sasuke bristled and clenched his hands into fists. "What the hell does that mean?"
"Uh, nothing. You're the only Uchiha I know. Just repeating something I must have heard."
"You should be careful not to do that."
He sighed. "You're right. Well, I tried."
Sasuke looked at him in confusion. "You tried what?"
"To get you to change your mind and enter the Chunin exams. My father asked me to talk to you, but its just to troublesome. You're not ready, you're not ready. Just wish my family and teammate would listen to me when I say that."
"There are some benefits to being alone."
Shikamaru turned his head and glanced sharply at Sasuke. "Did you just make an orphan joke?"
"I've decided to stop taking myself and my situation so seriously."
"Since when?"
Sasuke blushed. "Two days ago."
"Ready for jokes already."
Sasuke shrugged. "Not really, but I remember something my mother told me once. If you are unprepared, pretend you are prepared and soon you will be ready."
Shikamaru shook his head in agreement. "Fake it until you make it. I usually apply it to sleeping, but everyone's different."
Sasuke couldn't help laughing at Shikamaru and wondering if the boy was always like this and Sasuke just was too blind to notice. "Seriously, Shikamaru. You have to move. Exam or no exam, I need to train."
He groaned. "Fine."

Haku counted to three before letting his senbons fly. They struck their target. He heard a grunt and then the heavy sound of a body falling to the ground. He grinned.
"Sorry, Tenten, but that's another win for me."
He didn't get a response. He wasn't expecting one. His needles were dipped in a strong paralytic that prevented all movement not required to stay alive. Haku followed the paths in the ground until he reached Tenten. She was lying on her side and appeared frozen in time. One arm was clutching a scroll, the other, the one she was laying upon, was against her hip. "You got to work on your tracks. I followed them right to you. If I was an enemy you would be dead or worse."
He sighed, knowing his teachings weren't really settling in. He waited the ten minutes until the drug wore off.
Tenten groaned and then started cursing up a storm. He understood a little of what she felt. He'd been victim to the poison, once or twice or a thousand times while training with Master Zabuza. Tenten's limbs probably felt as though they were on fire right now and in a few minutes they would start tingling, the annoying kind that happens when a limb falls asleep. However, she would be feeling it everywhere, and he did mean everywhere.
Maybe she would learn her lesson now.
He'd been warning her for days to stop relying on her weapons and assuming they could take on any combatant. A thousand blades no matter how sharp wouldn't hold down a stronger, faster, or smarter foe.
"Training with you sucks!" she bit out as she shook her arms.
Haku smirked. "I know." He became serious. "But you need this. You're teammates won't and don't understand the dangers you alone face as a ninja."
Tenten stilled and stared at him in surprise. "What are you talking about?"
"Rape."
She gasped.
"What? You think all ninja are so honorable they wouldn't take advantage of a downed female? They rape civilians, people who are helpless, what makes you think they won't assault a stronger foe? Ninjas live to prove their strength."
"But Yugao-sensei told us that female ninja didn't need to fear that anymore than men did," she sputtered.
"She lied," Haku replied baldy. He tilted his head to the side. "Then again, maybe not, after all certain male ninja have a higher chance of being raped."
"I think I'm going to be sick," Tenten whispered and fell to the ground. Haku commiserated with her. He was lucky enough to still retain his virginity. Master Zabuza was a harsh taskmaster but he didn't believe in whoring out his ninja or allowing other to treat them like whores, but one of the first missions he performed with Zabuza was with another missing ninja, a female. The mission was a failure and her village's hunter squad captured the woman.
She hid Haku from her pursuers just before they reached her. Even though Haku pressed his hands over his hears there was no denying what he heard and the memory haunted him. Two of the five men decided to "teach her a lesson" for leaving Cloud right there and then.
Zabuza found him hours later. It was one of the few times he saw the softer side of his mentor. Zabuza comforted him and then warned him to be especially careful wherever he went. Pretty boys like him were just a step below women.
He didn't want Tenten to experience the same horrors the missing ninja did, so he told her everything, warned her strongly. "Your team cannot always be there for you. Sometimes the thing you are fighting for is even more important than your client's life or even your own. You need to be stronger than each of your teammates so you can't be taken. You need to have a back-up plan for when, not if, when you are taken. The nin killed both of her attackers before the night was over. They may have taken her, but she make them regret it."
"I don't get it. I don't think you can really just get it, but I understand the warning. There will be teams there from all over Leaf, not just my classmates and then there will be teams from all the other hidden villages. There is no telling how their village trains them."
Haku nodded his head. "Shower. Then meet me at the clinic."
Tenten stood. "Haku. Thanks. Really. I can't thank you enough for the training and the warning."
He gave her a soft smile. "You're very welcome."
Fifteen minutes later they met up in front of the clinic. It was bare bones, nothing much more than four walls with squares for windows, but he smiled every time he saw it. He was building something here, putting down roots in Leaf. He never did that before. Master Zabuza was always on the move, looking for the next mission and the latest mark. They were always moving to stay one step ahead of the hunter nins and bounty hunters seeking his head.
This was the first time he could really call someplace home since he left his little village in Water Country.
It was unbelievable. Part of him still thought everything was a very vivid dream. He pinched himself fairly often. He just couldn't believe this was all happening. Then he saw the clinic. Another fantasy come true.
"I can't wait until it's finished."
He turned toward Tenten. "I feel the same way," he said.
"Haku! Tenten!" Haku turned swiftly at the sound of Naruto's voice. He hadn't seen the blond since lunch. It was late evening. He wondered where he was and what he'd been doing. He was supposed to be back earlier. He just parted his lips to ask the question when he saw Naruto was not alone. The first person Haku's eyes landed on made his mouth curl up at the edges in a tiny smile. He wondered when the other clans would start sending their members over.
He wasn't sure if the person was a male or female. At first glimpse the boy was very androgynous, but it was to be expected of a Hyuuga. He had rick brown, almost black hair that ran over his shoulders and down his back. His skin was very pale, the color of cream, and his eyes almost matched. They were the lightest shade of lavender Haku ever saw. They were that close to white. They gleamed with an inner light, probably chakra, which highlighted the pale pinks and blues of his lavender irises. He wore black shorts and an ivory, high-necked short-sleeved jacket. Most notably he didn't look pleased.
Haku guessed he was a genin. Most chunin and higher Hyuuga he spotted around the village always lacked visible emotion. The boy was probably too young to hide his feelings. Or he didn't care he knew.
The second visitor, also a boy, was a stark contrast to the Hyuuga. He was wearing a bright green bodysuit with pumpkin-orange leg warmers. His jet-black hair was cut in a bowl shape. His eyebrows were large, frighteningly so, and he had dark brown, almost black eyes. But the most notable thing about him was his blinding white smile. He was happy to be visiting them, even if it was only because of an errant teammate.
The blond looked abashed. "We have guests," he said with a low chuckle. "These are apparently Tenten's teammates."
Haku raised one eyebrow in question at the statement. He really hoped Naruto hadn't granted unfamiliar people access to their lands. It seemed he and the blond needed to have a long talk.
"Neji? Lee? What are you too doing here?"
"You did not show up for our meeting so we figured we would come to you," the Hyuuga replied. Tenten blushed. "Sorry about that. Guess, I got caught up in the spar Haku and I were having and forgot to monitor the time. Sorry about that guys."
"That is all right, Tenten. We figured it was something like that." Then he turned to Haku and bowed at the waist. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Haku. I am Neji of the Hyuuga clan."
Haku returned the bow. "I am pleased to meet you, Neji of the Hyuuga clan. Welcome to my home. May you find peace and comfort here."
"Yosh! Mr. Haku. My name is Lee Rock and I am very pleased to meet you."
Haku grinned widely. The genin was a lot to take in but he licked how honest he seemed. "Well, I'm very pleased to meet you too, Rock Lee." He glanced at the Neji and Tenten who were standing close together and talking quietly. "I hope you guys have a great spar." He turned to Naruto. "Master, I believe it would be best if we leave these three alone."
Naruto nodded. "Right. Have fun guys."
"Master Uzumaki, there is no reason for you to depart. My teammates are just going to discuss the chunin exams. I am sure you and your vasssal's input would be greatly appreciated."
Haku barely managed to keep his surprise off his face at the brunet's words. The Hyuuga were notoriously isolationist. While he knew the clans would come sniffing around he hadn't expected them to be so blatant about it or open armed.
Naruto chucked. "Uh, thanks for the offer." He glanced at Haku.
Haku softened his gaze and nodded his head the tiniest bit. "We accept. Thanks again," Naruto finished.
Haku knew the Hyuuga was not interested in their input. Less than three minutes later he was sure of it.
"Master Uzumaki, forgive me by why are you not entering into the exams?"
"Not ready."
"I find that hard to believe, Master Uzumaki. You have come into your clan leadership and are obviously very strong. Fate has granted you many blessings. The exam should be issue for you."
"It's Naruto or Uzumaki. None of this master stuff. Bad enough Haku won't stop." He muttered the last bit beneath his breath. "I'm not strong enough to compete. Oy, and I didn't come into my leadership. Stumbled upon it really. I was granted clan status by the Fire Lord when I, uh, bested Haku and he became my vassal."
Neji stared at Naruto for several seconds. There wasn't much emotion on his face, but Haku got the impression Naruto just shocked the hell out of him. Haku was momentarily confused why. He knew the Hyuuga were notoriously secluded by the boy should have heard about the newest clan in Leaf. He would have to be living in a cave not to hear the murmurs.
Then Haku's gaze settled upon the hiate across his forehead.
A cave or the branch partition would explain it.
The Hyuuga family with its main and branch sides was one stain on the otherwise beautiful picture Leaf presented. Haku knew no hidden village was perfect, just as no clan was, but he found the Hyuuga and their infamous, dirty secret of the branch seal absolutely disgusting.
Neji must be a branch member.
From what he'd discovered the branch members all wore their hiates on their foreheads to cover their "caged bird" seals. The main branch wore it around their necks.
Just the other day he saw a little girl, no older than ten, without a hiate and a bare forehead. It took him a moment to figure out what about her disturbed him. The clan was so large, with more than four hundred members that he regularly saw at least one member while out and about the village. However the sight of the little girl struck him dumb. Another civilian, former ninja judging by his stance, leaned over and told him. "She's part of the main branch. No cloth. That's what's off." Then he shook his head in disgust. "Always showing off their freedom, shoving it into their slaves faces."
The sight of a little girl doing something so cruel, even unconsciously, disgusted Haku.
He went on an information binge then, horrified by the thought that the Leaf may be just as bad or worse than Mist's with its extremist policies. Better dead than bound.
It wasn't.
But the Hyuuga was. The main house kept a tight hold over its branch members, going so far as to even restrict what they learned.
No doubt no one relayed the information that the village pariah was now a clan head to be respected as their Head was respected.
"You were granted clan status?" Neji asked.
"Uh, yeah. Never heard of Clan Uzumaki before right?"
Neji lowered his head a little and his forehead tightened with thought. "I must have been mistaken then. I believed I heard of it before. I thought your situation was similar to Kakashi Hatake's."
"Nah, Kakashi-sensei is a lazy bastard. I just, uh, became clan head."
Neji's gaze tightened. "You are Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto stared at him in question, clearly wondering what was wrong with the kid. "Of course. Who else were you expecting?" he retorted.
Neji smiled. It was an uplifting twist of lips that made Haku think of burdens lifted. "You changed your fate."
Naruto watched the brunet for a few moments and then shrugged. "Not really sure about that. Don't know what my fate is. I'm not one of those seer chicks, you know. I can only do my best. People tell me I can't be Hokage, but I don't listen to them. If I did I would never be anything let alone Hokage."
Neji's eyes visibly widened and then a light entered them. It was burned so brightly Haku couldn't help wondering if this was what the ninja meant when they spoke of the Will of Fire. He heard so much about it since entering Leaf, but had yet to see it.
"Master Naruto, do you think you can help me with my ninjutsu? Hyuuga are not supposed to use ninjutsu but… I've always wanted to learn. I want to be ANBU one day."
Haku barely kept from shaking his head. It seemed Naruto had picked up another stray. He hoped their little apartment wasn't overrun with visitors everyday. He could see that being a problem the way Naruto was going.

Koharu clenched her hands into fists so tight her manicured nails pierced her skin. She slowly relaxed her fingers and then grabbed a bone-white napkin. "Are you okay?" Mrs. Haruno asked, frightened at the sight of her bleeding hands.
Koharu waived the napkin at her. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Should have asked the girl to file them down more. You know how it is."
Mrs. Haruno, Sakura Haruno's great-grandmother, gave her a commiserating smile. She got her nails down twice a month and was always complaining about the girl who did them. Koharu started going to the beauty parlor about three years ago, long after she retired from the forces. She kept going because it fostered her need for information. She couldn't believe the gossip, both true and false, readily available there. She gained some of her best blackmail info there.
Mrs. Haruno darted a glance at her teacup, grabbed the dainty kettle, and shook it. There was little to no water in it. She turned slightly and lifted a hand and called for another. She looked back at Koharu. "Where was I? Oh, yes. Apparently neither Uzumaki nor Sasuke are entering the exams."
She shook her head. "Don't understand what is going on with children these days. Uzumaki I can understand, but Uchiha? Why wouldn't he enter? It's a disgrace. The boy was the rookie of his year, you know. The strongest of his class. And so polite too! My Sakura is always talking about how helpful he is. Seems to have a little crush on my dear." She grinned broadly. "Can't until those two are old enough to wed. I've already got my dress picked out."
She and every other grandmother. Honestly, what was it was with women and deluded themselves with lies. Anyone with any sense could tell that Sasuke Uchiha was as far away from polite as you could get, but all the girls ran home telling their families how sweet Sasuke was on them and they believed it. Sometimes Koharu hated dealing with civilians. They didn't look underneath the underneath. Hell, they didn't even open their eyes. But information like this made it all worth it. Chunin hopefuls were kept secret in Leaf. Only the Hokage and team leaders knew who was entering beforehand. The policy was installed to stop competitors from picking off the strongest before the exam even began.
If weren't for Mrs. Haruno's big mouth she wouldn't have known the only loyal Uchiha wasn't participating.
It was a glitch Koharu couldn't afford. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. What the fuck was wrong with Hatake that two of his genin weren't entering the exams when all the other rookies were participating?
Hell, she assumed that his team would be the one team to enter. After all, the psychic evaluations each genin was required to take before they entered the ninja forces said both Sasuke and Uzumaki had superiority and inferiority complexes and constantly needed to prove they were best.
What could be better proof than winning the Chunin Exams in their rookie year?
Sasuke Uchiha would be participating in the Exams even is she had to drug him and place him in her strongest genjustsu.
So much depended on his presence.

AN1:Congratulations, Sillovg, my 200th reviewer! Never thought I'd get to that number. Whew! She has requested Naruto/Shika. *rubs hands together* Already have an idea for this one and it might not be a one-shot. *Sighs* My muse is a task master, isn't she?
AN2: One, okay a few, of my reviewers must be reading over my shoulders as I type because some of the stuff you mentioned has been right on point. STOP IT! I'm trying to work here. JK! I won't say who was right or wrong as that would give away the plot, just that you guys are awesome!
AN3: Thank you. Thank you. SUPER THANKS! for the reviews. I Love the feedback and it has helped with my storyline. Honestly, dropped a subplot and remembered it because of a review. So you do count! I want to apologize to anyone who PM'd me. I've been so busy at work and with writing I haven't gotten a chance to reply to anything. This is the beginning of heavy case load season at the firm so bear with me.
AN4: Okay, I had a list of Kimimaro's kids and their pertinent scenes and my computer ate it. Actually my USB got damaged. So I have to start from scratch. Thankfully, I didn't lose much of Warmth. You can follow my writing progress by checking my page. I'm going to try and keep it up to date. Looking at what I have written and what I need to write, this fic is going to be longer than I intended. So, I want to know: Do readers want each year to be a different fic or do you want one really long story?
AN5: Anyone interested in a Harry/Theodore Nott fic or Lucius/Harry fic? I think it's going to be my next project. Harry/Blaise is being outlined.
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Warmth of a Cold Touch