My Chibi Dobe

Chapter 7 “Troublesome Match-Makers”

MONDAY

Iruka and Kakashi did their best to spoil their son in the week they had him. They took him to movies and on picnics. They bought him toys to play with and Kakashi would give the Naruto candy while his husband wasn’t looking, or so he thought. Oushi was having a ball enjoying Naruto’s Puppy years. He would chase Naruto in the woods surround their home and they would splash and swim in the pool beneath the waterfall that was near their home. The week ended all too quickly for the Hatake family. Despite the mission room confessions and Kakashi’s training sessions where he taught Naruto the best way to dodge fire attacks by using Katon Ryūka no Jutsu, this earned Kakashi a night on the couch, they had the perfect week as a family. Now they were walking back to Hokage tower where Naruto would be taken to his next guardian.

“Maa, Chibi Kitsune there’s no need to look so sad. Everything will be fine.”

“But Kashi, I sacred. I ‘ever been gone from home before.”

“It’s okay to be frightened.” Iruka smiled gently. “But you don’t have to be because they are your friends.”

“I don’t member them. I try but it huwts my head. Am I really a gwown up?”

“Yes you were but now your back to your Chibi self. Things changed after you became a genin. You made good friends and they care about you just like me and Kakashi.”

“Okay but why do I have to go witf them? Don’t you want me any more?”

“Oh my Chibi Kitsune!” Iruka pulled his son into his arms and gave him a big loving hug. “I will always want you with me and in my life, but there are some bad ninjas out there that want to take you away from us and the village. This is the best way to keep you safe. We love you and we will see you in the village or at Ichiraku’s for Ramen.”

“Okay Ruka but I’m gonna miss you.” The chibi wrapped his little arms around the Chunin’s neck and gave him a hug.

“Hey, what about me?” Pouted the Copy-ninja.

“I miss you too Kashi!” giggled Naruto. “Oushi you miss me?”

“Nope.” The Chibi kitsune face fell when he heard this. “I’m going with you.”

“You are?” Naruto’s smile was brighter then the sun and his eyes were shining with happiness.

“You are?” Iruka and Kakashi asked. Oushi was a summons and Kakashi was his master. It was not like Oushi to do things without orders or willing leave Kakashi’s side for another master.

“I said before where the pup goes I go. We haven’t got any missions and even if we did you always call my snot nose whiney little brother anyways.” Just then Pakkun popped up beside him.

“I heard that! Who are you calling whiney?!” The pug shouted at the Bulldog.

“You, that’s ‘Who’!” And with one swift kick with his chakra filled hind leg Pakkun went flying into the forest. “That punk, mom should have stopped at 7 pups.” He muttered under his breath before turning back to Iruka and Kakashi. “Look, you said yourself the pup is in danger he needs constant protection. Well I can protect him I’m the strongest of the pack and I track just as good as the whiney runt. I’m staying with him because I don’t trust any of those pups to look after our pup.”

“He’s got a point Iruka and I know you’ve been worrying nonstop about Naruto going away. This is the perfect solution because if he does mange to escape his babysitters which we know he will; Oushi will be right there with him watching out for him.”

“Thank you Oushi. I’ll feel better know you’re guarding our chibi.” Iruka smiled placing Naruto on the Giant bulldog’s back.

“Yay! Oushi gets to go witf me!”

“Now let’s hurry Tsunade-sama is waiting for us.” The chunin smiled and the family was on their way back to Hokage tower. Pakkun managed to catch up to them and started yelling at his older sibling about respect of rank and Oushi’s response was to hit him so hard, that he was sent back to the pack. Naruto was in a fit of giggles over it but all laughter and smiling stopped once he reached the Hokage office door.

“Go on in the Godaime is waiting for you.” Shizune smiled as she held the door opened for the Hatake family.

“Good you are all here. So Naruto are you ready for you next adventure?” Tsunade smiled at the chibi riding the massive ninken. She and Gaara had been talking about the Potion expert and which team should be sent to retrieve the Yoru shinobi as they waited for the chibi.

“Yeah because Oushi is gonna witf me!”

“He is? Well then you both are going to have tons of fun at the Deer Sanctuary.” Naruto was startled by the new voice that just came in. He turned to see a tall blonde girl in a black kimono like dress with four pony tails and a hitai-ate with an hour glass on it. He didn’t know where she came from but she looked pretty and was nice to him so he liked her. The guy who walked in with her was tall dressed as a jonin and had his Hair up in a spiky pony tail and didn’t say much but he seemed familiar.

“Helwo I’m Naruto!”

“I’m Temari Gaara’s big sister.” Temari smiled gently.

“Really?” Naruto tilted his head to the side looking like a little fox he was so cute everyone wanted to hug him. Then the chibi turned to Gaara and smile but there was a hint of sadness to his eyes. “You really lucky Gaara.”

“I am lucky.” Gaara understood what his chibi brother was saying. Naruto had no one to share his pain, no siblings, no really family other than Iruka. Gaara himself was not allowed to see his family till he was 10 and even then they were forbidden to inter-act with him out side missions. Their father fueled the demon inside his son with hate and loneliness it wasn’t until after his death that Gaara and his brother and sister could finally be free to be a family. He thanked Kami everyday for the love of his brother and sister.

“Temari can be your sister too if you want her to be. I warn you though she is very bossy.” The room was in shock it was the first joke Gaara had ever made and he said it with a deadpan face. Naruto giggled and the smile banished the sadness from his eyes.

“Hey!” Temari was the first to come out of the shock as her mind caught up with the insult. “I am not bossy! I’m a great sister and I’ll be a great sister for Naru-chibi.”

“Troublesome.” Shikamaru smirked. He was nervous about having Naruto as a chibi. He was okay with kids as he had taught at the academy and he would watch little Yahiko, his late sensei’s son, for Kurenai, but Naruto was a whole different matter. Naruto was a child with an abusive past and his trust of everything and everyone was fragile. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Iruka-sensei smile trying to hide his anxiety over leaving his son in the care of another. He didn’t blame him from the report they were given not too long ago, Naruto had a number of Babysitters and all of them taught the chibi deadly and useful skills. After the Mission room incident Tsunade had everyone who had ever watched the Kyuubi container fill out a report on their experience and what they taught the Kitsune child. The List was endless the report took up two folders there was nothing in either folder about ever playing kid games or reading stories to Naruto. Shikamaru mentally filed all the information away for later it, this was going to be a long week and he would do his best to make sure Naruto had a happy second childhood even if he had to have the bossy troublesome woman around.

“Shut up Lazy cry baby!” Temari glared as she lifted the chibi into her arms. “Don’t worry Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei I will take very good care of Naruto.” The Sand Kunoichi bowed to the Hatake family before leaving the office with Oushi hot on her heels.

“Troublesome Woman.” Shikamaru muttered then he turned to his former academy teacher. “Don’t worry Iruka-sensei we’ll take good care of him. He is one of my best friends this will be a good chance get to know the Naruto we missed. My mother is looking forward to seeing him again.”

“I bet she is.” Iruka smiled. “She made it her mission to stuff Naruto full of bake goods whenever he went to your Parents house.”

“That would explain why she has baking for the last two days because my dad and I are not big sweet eaters.”

“HEY, LAZY CRY BABAY! ARE YOU COMING OR WHAT?!”

“She sounds just like my mother. Don’t worry Sensei, Naruto will be fine and meet you for Ramen later.” Shikamaru bowed and lazy strolled out the door.

XXXxxxXXXxx

“You know Naruto can walk.” Shikamaru complained. The fan wielder had not let got of chibi Naruto since they left the Hokage’s office. They had spent the morning in the village. Naruto was quite at first he wasn’t use to being with any one other then his adoptive parents. Soon he started opening up more as they went long through the farmers market. In a small village rumors spread fast and they all knew of Naruto’s transformation. Shikamaru noticed there were hateful glares directed at Naruto mostly from the elder villagers. One was even so bold as to call him a monster right in front of Temari. Shikamaru had to stop her from reaching for her fan with his shadow jutsu and march them out of town. What Naruto said next surprised the hell out of them. “I’m sowwy. Viwwijers hate me cause of Kyu. It’s okay I use to it.” No child should be use to that kind of treatment let alone apologize for it. There was nothing they could say or do but be there for their friend. Shortly after they left the inner village the chibi fell asleep and Temari held him closer.

“I know but he is so cute. I never got to see Gaara this young. Father kept me and Kankurou from Gaara when he was born. We didn’t meet him until he became a genin. Seeing Naruto like this it has made me see what it must have been like for him growing up. He’s just a child yet he understands their hate and he is so lonely it breaks my heart.”

“I met Naruto when we started the academy. I thought he was a happy fool with a mouth full of empty dreams. I never would have thought he had such a miserable life. He was so troublesome pulling pranks trying to grab anyone’s attention just for a moment, even if it got him in trouble with Iruka-sensei. His behavior was never logical but now I understand emotions were never meant to be logical. All he really wanted was to be noticed and liked.” With those heavy thoughts weighing on their minds they walked in silence to the Deer Sanctuary.

It was lunch time when they reached the main house the smell of sugar and spice was thick in the air all the young deer were hanging around the kitchen window. Shikamaru’s posture slumped a little more the closer he got to his parents house.

“Naruto’s only staying a week how much sugar does she think he can eat?”

“Naruto is going to look like that round friend of yours by the end of the week.” The Sand jonin snickered.

“Mom we’re…” Shikamaru said as he raised his hand to knock.

“SHIKAKU THEY’RE HERE! GET OFF YOUR LAZY ASS AND GET THE DOOR!” Yoshino’s yell woke up Naruto and scared Oushi and startled Temari; Shikamaru seemed un-phased by the yelling.

“Yes dear.” Shikaku opened the door letting in the kids and dog in. “Welcome it’s good to see you all again.”

“Thank you for letting us stay with you Nara-sama.” Temari bowed as she set Naruto down surprisingly the chibi bowed as well.

“Thank you for hafing me hewe Nawa-sama.”

“You both are always welcome here. It’s been a while Naruto do you still like to play Go?”

“Hai!” the Chibi smiled brightly.

“SHIKAKU! STOP HOGGING NARUTO-KUN!” Shikaku was push out of the way and into the wall by his lovely wife of 25 years. Naruto was scooped up and carried off to the kitchen with Oushi trotting after them. Yoshino didn’t even give a glance at her son or their other guest she was solely focused on the Kyuubi container in her arms. “Oh Naruto-kun you’re still just as cute as I remember but still way too thin. Come I have some cookies fresh out of the oven just for you.”

“Well you might as well sit and make yourselves at home she’ll be keeping him in there a while.”

“Dad since we got the time. There are a few questions I have to ask you and I need to know the answers.” The young Nara had a look in his eye that said he was not taking no for an answer.

“I see. Let’s go out side then.” The three walked out and to the back of the house where the deer roamed free, well all those not hanging around the window were. “So what is it you wish to know?”

“How is it that you have known one of my best friends longer than I have?”

“Ah. I figured you would ask me this sooner or later. I had thought you would have asked when he first turned into a chibi.”

“Feh, too troublesome I knew we would be here soon so I waited.”

“Everything is too ‘Troublesome’ for you at this rate Yoshino will never have the grandchildren she wants so badly.” Ignoring his son’s blushing and the fan wielder’s giggle he continued. “I met Naruto-kun when he was four years old. He was delivering his flowers to the Yamanaka flower shop. He had placed the flowers in the bucket of water on the stand and scribbled a number on a piece of paper and stuck it to the door before running off again. I was curious so I took the Paper off the door and went inside and asked Inoichi about it.”

Flashback *~*~*~*~*

“Hey Inoichi this was left on your door by a blonde kid.”

“Oh that was Naruto.” The blond shinobi smiled at his former team mate. “He picks wild flowers and sells them here. Young Iruka asked us if he could hold a stand here. Money is tight with the villagers going to the Hokage blaming Naruto for impossible disasters and demanding they be compensated for it. Most of these claims have no merit but some mange to slip though and the compensation comes out of Iruka’s pocket. They don’t get much for the flowers but it helps. Plus Iruka has too much pride to ask for help so we keep the stand open. Sometimes we pay Naruto to water the potted plants it keeps him happy and busy.”

“I see. From what I hear he gets in to a lot of mischief around the village.”

“Only half of what you hear is true, the other half is the villagers. He really is a nice kid and he loves Iruka-san to death.”

“Hmm, you know, I think I have a job or two that he can help me with.”

“That would be great my old friend! Come back at 2 and I’ll introduce you. He really is a smart child. Iruka has taught him well so far even with his limited education.”

End Flashback *~*~*~*~*

“He told me of how the Villagers we draining Iruka of their money and how Naruto was trying to help pay the bills. I decide to help by giving him a job and I indirectly helped him with his reading skills. I sent him to the Library then I would have him read them to me. At first it was small books children’s books just to get him familiar with words and reading and as he reading improved I sent to get harder books and then eventually scroll and tombs. He was well informed by the time you boys were ready for the academy. I was surprised when you came home at the end of your first week of school and told us that Naruto had failed in the basic knowledge quiz. When he came by for one final visit I asked him why. He told me that if he looked smart the villagers would fear him.”

“Thank you for helping me Nara-sama but I can’t be more than what the villagers expect right now. They know what’s inside me and they fear it getting out. If I show that I am more than an idiot with no hope of succeeding then they will go to the Hokage and take me away from Iruka-sensei.”

“I was saddened by this but I understood. Fugaku had made it his mission to make the boy’s life hell since he could not get Naruto’s death.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me about this?”

“You never ask and I’m sure Naruto’s pride wouldn’t let him talk about is hardships.” The answer was logical yet annoying for the young shadow master but he let it slide it was too troublesome to make a fuss.

“Why is mom so obsessed with spoiling him?”

“Your mother always wanted more children but after you her body couldn’t handle it. That and you gave her quiet a scare with your laziness, it seems breathing was too troublesome and you refused to breath when you came out. The healers had to resuscitate you to get you going. Anyways I told her about what was happening with the Umino-Uzumaki Family and she was livid. She was ready to go tear the villagers apart. I stopped her before she made it out the door, then I calmly explained about helping them. She was behind the idea one hundred percent. When Naruto-kun started coming over she would always have some food for him to eat or take home to Iruka-san. He was always cheerful always said thank you. Even when he was full he would go on eating to make your mother happy.”

“Then we should go back inside.” Temari reasonably and they began to head back to the house. “Otherwise Naruto will get a belly ach and will have to roll his Ninken out of the kitchen.”

“Troublesome.”

XXXxxxXXXxx

Shikamaru and Shikaku managed to convince Yoshino to stop stuffing the chibi at least until tomorrow and all was quite for the rest of the evening. Then it was time to get ready for bed the question was who was going to give the chibi his bath?

“You both should give him a bath. He is your charge you have to take care of him.” Shikaku said casually as he and Yoshino cleared the dinner table.

“It okay I can do myself!”

“No Naruto-kun you are a little boy and it’s the grownups job to take care of you. Beside Shika could use the practice in case he ever decides to give me grandchildren.” Yoshino smiled before glaring at her son. “Now go to the bath house with Shika and Temari-san will bring you your night clothes when you’re done.”

Shikamaru muttered under his breath as he led his pint sized friend to the bath house. Once there he striped off his shirt because it would be too troublesome to get it wet, then proceeded to get Naruto ready for his bath, just like he done many times for Yahiko. Oushi waited out side because as much as he liked to swim and play with the pup there was no way he was taking a bath and have itchy soap put into his fur.

“I sowwy I twobleum.” Naruto said softly as the older boy washed his hair.

“You’re not Troublesome Naruto. Truth is you are a special friend but I am lazy so that makes everything seem troublesome. I’m sorry I’m a bad guardian.” The shadow nin said gently trying to soothe the hurt he made on the child’s fragile heart.

“You not bad you nice. You know what?” Naruto whispered as if he wanted to share the secret of a lifetime.

“What?” Shikamaru smirked at the serious expression on the chibi’s face.

“I see a wazy boy sometimes. He looks at cwouds in daisy fields.”

“Really?” Shikamaru stopped rinsing Naruto’s hair and looked at the chibi. “Why didn’t you say hi to him?”

“He was happy. If I say hi, he run away.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes I do, viwwajers tell kids to not pway wift me. The boy was happy I don’t want him sad.” The Jonin finished washing the soap off of Naruto before placing him in the hot bath. That was just like Naruto always thinking of others’ happiness before his own.

“Naruto, I think the boy would have been happy if you had said hi to him. He may have called you bothersome but deep down he would have liked the company.” Shikamaru smiled softy. He didn’t know that Tamari was outside the bathhouse listening to every word.

Shikamaru was a mystery to the sand kunoichi and always has been. Since the day they met in battle he had sparked her curiosity. He was lazy yet brilliant he was selfish yet selfless. Nara, Shikamaru was a walking contradiction and he frustrated her yet he made her like him to the point of loving him. She had been in serious denial over the years not knowing that every trip she made to Konoha made her feelings grow. Now hearing him with Naruto was like ‘Reality’ slapping her in the face. She loved the Lazy Shadow Master with all her heart. What to do with these feelings she didn’t know she would just have to wait and see. She could now hear the splashing of the water it seemed like a water fight had started good thing he thought ahead to bring extra towels. Putting a smile on her face and her heart on the back burner she entered the bathhouse to find Naruto giggling splashing Shikamaru who was laughing on the floor spraying the shower hose at the chibi in the tub. She watched as Naruto dove under the water with something then popped up dumping a bucket of water on the fallen ninja. She had never seen anyone look as sexy as a half naked Shikamaru playing an innocent child’s game. Despite being a lazy bum the Leaf jonin was sporting a very tight washboard abs and they shined under the water and light. She had to take a couple of deep breaths to get her body under control and hold back from jumping him in front of five-year-old child.

“And the winner is the Great Naruto!” Temari shouted and giggled.

“Yay! I the winner!”

“Yes, you win now time to get out its late and all little shinobi should be in bed.” Shikamaru said as he stood and fetched the chibi out of the water. Temari quickly wrapped him in a towel to prevent a chill and tossed the spare the drenched Shadow master.

“I’ll take him and get him ready for bed you can clean up your battlefield.”

“Good then you can tell him a bed time story.”

“A what?”

“A story.” the Shadow master smirked as he toweled of his face and hair. “Naruto has never had a story before. So since your Temari-nee-chan now you can be the one to tell him a story.”

“Yay! I get a story from nee-chan!”

“Alright. We’ll leave the lazy cry baby here to clean up and I’ll tell you a story about the first chunin exam battle I won.” The fan wielder smiled as Shikamaru gaped at the retreating figure.

‘Of all the stories she could tell she had to pick that one.’

XXXxxxXXXxx

TUESDAY

The sun was up the birds were singing and the deer were once again gather around the kitchen window begging like puppies for hand outs. Yoshino had Naruto up at the table eating his third helping of pancakes and Shikaku had just come in from filling the deer feeder.

“I don’t know why I fill the feeders since all of the young ones are around the window begging for sweets.”

“Well they can beg all they want. They are not getting any these are Naruto-kun’s sweets.”

Shikamaru sighed as he listened to the voices coming from the kitchen. Naruto was safe with his parents so there was no reason to get up right now; so he laid back in his bed and though about what he had heard last night. He had come in from cleaning the bath house and he could hear Temari’s soft laughter and Naruto’s squeals of excitement down the hall welcoming him home. He stood by the opened door and listened to them talk. There was a warm feeling spreading in his chest. Is this what his dad felt when he would listen to his mother and him at bedtime? He continued to listen to the two that were lost in the world of the chunin exams.

Flashback *~*~*~*~*

“Shika-nii-chan was so cool!”

“Yes he was. He is brilliant he had planned out my every move and you helped him beat me.”

“I did?” Shikamaru smirked as he could see the chibi’s eyes widen in wonder.

“The tunnel you made to defeat Hyuuga, Neji gave him the extra shadow he needed to trap me. I was so mad at him that he had tricked me but at the same time I thought he was really clever. While I was still trapped in the shadow jutsu He walked us to the center of the arena and he raised our arms and then….”

“Then what Nee-chan?!” Naruto was gripping his scarecrow tightly with anticipation.

“He quit.”

“What?! Why?”

“Because it was too troublesome.” The kunoichi giggled. “He had another 200 moves planned out but limited chakra left plus he really wasn’t interested in being a chunin so in the end I won that round. But it didn’t feel like I had won it felt like I had lost more then the battle. I lost my confidence and I began to realize there are shinobi that are smarter and better than me and it gave me something to work and train for.”

“So Nee-chan won?”

“Yes and no. I won the battle but I lost because it wasn’t fair. I didn’t make chunin but your lazy nii-chan became the first rookie chunin.”

“Wow!”

“Now it’s time for all little shinobi to go to bed. Ninken too.” Oushi jumped on the bed and made himself comfortable. Temari smiled as she tucked the chibi in giving his a quick kiss on the forehead before turning out the light. Shikamaru left before she ever knew he was there.

End Flashback *~*~*~*~*

Shikamaru smiled softly at the memory then frowned at the thought of this only being temporary. Temari was troublesome but she was also strong and smart as well as beautiful. He knew he had loved her for a long time, but he had never told her. She would probably laugh in his face to see him so scared of rejection but it was the truth. He couldn’t stand the thought of her rejecting him, but he was going to enjoy his time with his troublesome woman and that would be enough.

‘Time to start another troublesome day.’ Shikamaru thought and hauled himself out of bed.

XXXxxxXXXxx

“I win Nawa-sama.”

“So you did you seem to have gotten better since the last time we played.” Shikaku chuckled as he recorded the game.

“I didn’t know Naruto knew how to play Go.” Temari said as she brought in some tea for the go players.

“Iruka-san taught him to improve his math skills. Once when Naruto came over he saw that I had our Shogi set out stopped in mid game. Well Naruto got excited and wanted to play because he thought it was the same as Go. I told him it wasn’t but I did have a Go set and that we could play after he did his job for me.” The Older Nara smiled as he watched the chibi munch down the cookies and gulp down his tea. “He wasn’t the greatest player in the world but he got better as time went on. But he wasn’t near this level playing as he just played. I believe his memories are slowly surfacing.”

“Nee-Chan! Can we go on a picnic?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Great idea I just happen to have basket of food ready!” Yoshino smiled as she dropped the heavy basket on her son who had been pretending to sleep on the couch.

“Oof!” Shikamaru had the wind knocked out of him. ‘How much food did she pack?’

“It’s lovely weather in the meadow.” Yoshino dragged her son from the couch then pushed him and Temari out the front door Naruto and Oushi were already running ahead of them. Once outside she shouted “Have fun!” and slammed the door.

“I guess were going to the meadow.” the shadow wielder sighed ignoring the snickering Fan wielder.

“Nii-chan! Nee-chan Hurry!” Naruto shouted as he and Oushi ran toward the meadow.

There was something about Naruto’s smile that always made you smile, but that smile also hid the fact he could be a scheming trickster. Naruto had, had a long talk with Yoshino that morning about how to get the two Jonin to date. The chibi agreed he wanted Shika-nii-chan and Temari-nee-chan to be happy even if he didn’t know what date meant. If he could help them date to be happy then he would. He led them to the meadow where he would begin his plan to make them happy.

“Nii-chan Ruka said you help twain.”

“Sure Naruto The lazy cry baby will be happy to help you train.” Temari answered before the jonin could reject the idea.

“Naruto needs work on his dodging.” Oushi gruffed.

“Fine, let’s go.” Shikamaru sighed as he gathered his chakra he figured he could chase him with his shadow possession and he wouldn’t have to run around. “Don’t let my shadow catch you. Ready go! Kage Shibari no Jutsu!”

Naruto jump and ran channeling his chakra into his feet. He was one step ahead of the shadow and no one saw his smirk as he started running toward Temari. Shikamaru was focused more on Naruto and his shadow. The sooner he catch the chibi the sooner he could go cloud watching. Suddenly he felt the connection of shadows. The jonin smirked and stood up he with the jutsu locked in place now he could lie down and watch the clouds with out having to chase after the chibi.

“I got you Naruto I win.”

“No you don’t!”

“Huh?” Suddenly he was tipped over and fell backwards and Temari fell with him.

“Hey, genius you grabbed to wrong shadow.”

“Troublesome. The Jutsu is locked for at lest ten minutes.”

“WHAT?!”

“I use a type of seal bind that I use for taking prisoners.”

“Hey Nee-chan what is this?” Naruto had taken her huge sensu.

“No! Naruto don’t play with that!” Temari was up and running after the chibi Dragging Shikamaru with her.

“Troublesome woman! Slow down!”

The chase went on for an hour. It seemed Shikamaru put a little too much chakra in the bind and was dragged around after the Kyuubi container. That night after Naruto was asleep in bed the two jonins collapsed. Iruka-sensei was right Naruto did have a lot of energy as a child. After the game of chase they ate lunch then Naruto wanted to see the deer. So they had to find the deer but not just any deer he wanted to see the stags. So they had to hunt down the stags, which was dangerous because the Stags were very territorial. Once they found the young stags Naruto wanted to ride one. Even though Shikamaru had said no it was too dangerous he still ran after one to ride which he did. Then they had to chase after the Bucking stag trying to retrieve their charge. Then there was another water war at bath time as well as another ninja tale at bed time. They were so tired by the end of the day they didn’t realize that they fell asleep against one another while sitting on the couch. They didn’t even feel it when Yoshino covered them with a blanket and turned out the living room light.

Wednesday

The village was quite as the trio walked down the main street. They were going to meet Iruka and Kakashi-sensei for ramen that afternoon and Temari dragged them out early so she could do some shopping. After the awkward moment of waking up in the arms of your crush it was best to occupy your mind with other things.

“Where shall we go first?”

“I say the park for cloud watching.” Shikamaru replied which earned him a whack on the head.

“I know I wann…”

“Naruto are you ok?” the chibi was smiling and jumping around just a second ago. Now he was in shock. The two jonin didn’t know what to do or what was causing his fright.

“Oi Dobe.”

Shikamaru knew there was only one person to ever call Naruto dead-last, but the voice didn’t match. He turned his head in the direction of the voice and his jaw drop. There in the middle of the square was Sasuke a 5 year-old chibi. In a flash Naruto ran and hid behind the Sand Nin. Temari could feel him shaking as he gripped her dress in order the hide himself more.

“I-I-I not posed to play witf you.”

“I want to play with you Dobe.” Sasuke walk up to Naruto trying to get him to stop hiding.

“I NOT A DOBE!” The whiskered shouted face chibi as he jumped out from his hiding spot.

“Yes you are. I want to play Dobe.”

“You dad said I can’t.”

“He’s not here. I want to play with you Dobe. We’re going to play.” Sasuke Grabbed the chibi’s hand and ran off dragging Naruto along the way.

“Sasuke! Bring Naruto back!” Shaken out of their stupor the two jonins ran after two chibis.

XXXxxxXXXxx

Sasuke dragged Naruto to a park close to Ichiraku’s ramen stand. The played on the slide, chased one another around the jungle gym and then swung high on the swings. They were having a great time. The Kyuubi container became more relaxed the longer they played. Shikamaru and Temari sat and watched the two run all over. The two chibis were in a world of their own and nothing else mattered. Sasuke was glad his plan was working he wanted Naruto to trust him and this was a start. He had been waiting for Naruto to come to back to the village so he could set his henge plan into action.

“Sasuke you wanna to help me?”

“Help you do what Naruto?”

“Make Shika-nii-chan and Temari-nee-chan happy. If they together then they be happy.” The blond beamed. Sasuke for a long time wondered about Naruto’s bad speech and grammar. Now he knew that because he didn’t go to school and wasn’t around others to improved his speech. He didn’t learn how to speak well until the academy but even as he got older his speech was still appalling.

“Okay dobe I’m in.”

“Naruto, Sasuke it’s time for lunch.” Temari called over to them.

“We coming Nee-chan!” Taking the chibi Uchiha by the hand and ran off to the Ramen stand.

Thursday

Lunch had been a happy affair even if Iruka was a little shocked to see a chibi Sasuke run up to them hand and hand with their son. Kakashi didn’t seem surprised instead he just smiled behind his mask and order some ramen. During lunch Naruto relayed his adventures at the Nara place so far then he spent the rest of his time whispering ideas with Sasuke. They made plans to meet again the next day and put their match making schemes into action.

“You want to go to a Monster movie?” Shikamaru looked at the two chibis disbelievingly. He couldn’t believe these two wanted to see a monster film he knew for a fact that Naruto was afraid of ghost. “I don’t think Iruka-sensei would want you to see a horror film.”

“Come on Nara it’s not that scary. The dobe can handle it.”

“I didn’t ask you Uchiha.” Shikamaru glare at the Uchiha turned chibi. He had talked to Sasuke yesterday about his chibi plan. It was a good plan but it had too many flaws. He didn’t think the stoic Uchiha heir would be reliving his childhood along with Naruto but here they were acting like two little boys excited about seeing the monster movie. Even if the tiny Jonin was only smirking you could the laughter in his eyes.

“Pwease nii-chan.” The Chibi kitsune pouted. Naruto was so cute and he didn’t know it. Shikamaru couldn’t fight the feeling of caving in.

“Troublesome. Fine but if you have nightmare you wake Temari up not me.”

“Think again cry-baby.” Temari mutter as she followed the three boys to the theater. Once they were in the darken room Naruto took hold of Temari and Shikamaru’s hands.

“I don’t like the dark.”

“And you wanted to see a monster movie.” Muttered the lazy Nin. They all sat down in the middle row and waited for the movie to start.

During the movie the blood and gore freaked Shikamaru out making him squeeze the hand he was holding. Temari on the on other hand was bored the film was a pale comparison to what Gaara had done in his younger years. But she felt bad for Naruto as his hand that kept squeezing her hand to death. Neither Sand nor Leaf jonin had noticed that Naruto had placed Temari’s hand in Shikamaru’s hand then he and Sasuke left the movie as soon as it started with Oushi in favor for ice cream. The two Chibis were waiting patiently when his guardians to came out of the movies and surprised them by taking their picture.

“Naruto!”

“What Shika-nii-chan?” Naruto giggled as he watched Shikamaru dragged Temari over to the waiting chibi’s.

“Have you been out here the whole time?”

“Yup, me an’ Sasuke!”

“I thought you wanted to see the monster movie.”

“Oh. You right it scared me. Oushi an’ Sasuke take me out hewe an’ give me Ice cweam!” Naruto said proudly as he waved his dripping cone everywhere. Sasuke on the other hand continued to take pictures.

“So Nara how was your Date?”

“Date?” Shikamaru look to a blushing Temari and then their tightly gripped hands. She wasn’t jerking her hand away and she wasn’t denying the date. ‘Those smug little brats.’ Maybe this was his chance to be with his sand princess. He turned back to the two match makers but refused to let the hand her held go. “Troublesome, because we didn’t have dinner and we have two chibis to look after.”

“Okay! We go back to Deer house!” Naruto beamed as he jumped on to Oushi’s back and Sasuke climb on the huge ninken as well. Sasuke loved the feel of his chibi size arms wrapping around his Dobe’s waist as the road galloped through the village leaving their guardians behind.

Friday

Yoshino was all smiles and it Shikaku was happy his wife was happy, because that meant he didn’t have to do any of her insane chores. The reason for all the cheerfulness at the Nara Deer Sanctuary was that The Nara heir had finally for his precious person of the heart. Though their behavior hadn’t changed much Yoshino could tell Shikamaru and Temari seemed to be a little closer.

Right now the two jonins were watching the two chibis play near the deer’s drinking pond and were being nuzzled by the some of the spotted calves. Temari sat on the blanket enjoying the breeze while Shikamaru laid back and watched the clouds. He had played Go that morning with Naruto and was impressed with the chibi’s skills. Although He didn’t win Shikamaru bet when Naruto was back to normal he could give him a real challenge. Temari had been impressed by Naruto determination in their morning training. He refused to be defeated even though he was out classed by the older girl. He didn’t let a little thing like, lack of chakra control, stop him either. The little ball of sunshine kept attacking and dodging until the battle was called off cause Sasuke came to play.

“Hey Lazy?”

“Yes Troublesome?”

“Your friend is really great kid.” Temari Smiled.

“It makes me appreciate him more and also makes me waste energy being upset at his hiding things from me and our friends.”

“And what would you have done if he had told? Nothing because there wasn’t anything you could do. All the things he had suffered as child his made him what he is today. He doesn’t want you pity nor to feel shame about his life. He may not have come from a powerful clan but he did have a small home and a family and that is what he’s most proud of don’t waste your time dwelling on things you can’t change.”

“You know you are more troublesome when you have a point.” Shikamaru sighed not willing to fully say that she was right. Suddenly the sound of laughter was silenced and the two jonins were on high alert. In a flash they both dodge the incoming Kunai with an explosive tag.

“Sasuke get Naruto out of here!” Temari screamed as he was suddenly battle 5 enemy ninjas and Shikamaru was tangled up with six other ones.

“I don’t think so little man.” Chuckled the ninja who ad grabbed the back of the chibis shirts. Only to be knocked down by Oushi who had come, flying out of the trees. He grabbed Naruto by the shirt and took off.

“No one hurts My Dobe and gets away with it.” Releasing the henge the would-be-kidnapper was face to with the spinning Sharingan of a full grown pissed off Uchiha, Sasuke.

It was amazing that he held back as much as he did as three more shinobi had jumped out of the woods and attack the Uchiha heir. Normally he wouldn’t have hesitated killing the bastard who dared to mess with his dobe but since Naruto was a chibi he didn’t want the innocent child to witness death. Instead he settled for breaking every bone in their bodies. Temari had the same idea and let her wind blades cut up the bastards avoid any main arties she wanted them to suffer not die. Shikamaru took down the rest with his, Shadow shuriken.

“How troublesome looks like they are Rock Nin. Why would they come here?”

“For me.” The three jonin turned to see Naruto walk out of the trees and picked up the sealed scroll. “They were hired by feudal lord that wants me dead for exposing his embezzlement of his states taxes.”

“Naruto?! You remember everything?” Sasuke ran to the chibi and knelt before him searching those blue eyes for his Dobe.

“For now I do. But for how long I don’t know.” Naruto gave a hallow laugh. “It seems my present and my past are conflicting. I want to remember and return to my Older self but a part of me is tired of fighting and tired of being afraid. In my Younger form my past is happy with the denial and wants to stay innocent and carefree. This was a time when denial and Iruka’s love for me was all I had and needed to survive. It was enough then but now; my present self can’t deny the hurt and the pain and is having problems coping. Kyuubi is trying to help me sort it out but I wanted to say thank you all for taking care of me I know I can be a pain in the butt sometimes.”

“You’re not a pain Naruto you’re our friend.” Shikamaru reassured the chibi. “In fact Tsunade-sama has sent for Kurai to help cure you.”

“Sukora is coming here?” Naruto winced. “As if one Ice princess wasn’t enough to deal with. Oh well at lest she’ll make me Ramen.” Then a dizzy spell over took the whiskered chibi and he started to sway.

“Naruto!”

“I’m fine just fading out for now. Tell Sukora to hurry up and cure me or I’m going to kick… her… bat… assss” and then he stumbled into darkness landing in the safety of his Teme’s arms.

A/N: Wow that was a Long Chapter. I had meant to post on My birthday which was on the 24 of Aug to celebrate my 21st birthday for the 8 year running. (Hehe) Unfortunately the muses were out getting wasted and left me with this long mini story. I know I said a week with each guardian but I didn’t want to bore every one so I cut out the weekends. Thanks for reading keep reviewing.