A/N New Story. I seemed to have taken an active interest of NarutoXYugao in the recent months. All I know is that there are like a grand total of 6 stories for this pairing and most of those stories are either A.) Very short OR B.) Discontinued so I decided to write my own.

I also want to make clear that im not good with fight scenes, to the point that I hate doing them. So with that said I want you all to know that while there will be fight scenes in this fic, they won’t be the main part of the story.

Anyways yea read and review.

Oh and before I forget, I have a challenge up on my profile. So go check that out.

And make sure to read the ending A/N because they contain important notes on this fic! Seriously, there is something very important ill need to explain so there won’t be any confusion and misunderstandings.

“Talking” – people talking

“Talking” – Kyuubi

“Talking” - Thoughts

Disclaimer: Nope…

“So, this is the kid?” Hayate looked the picture over before handing it back to the Sandaime.

“Yes, that is Uzumaki Naruto, the one I told you about earlier.” He took a pass at his pipe.

“Hokage-sama, I mean no disrespect but this kid doesn’t look like much.” The Sandaime chuckled.

“He may not look like much but he is very adept at learning new skills. He’s already come to the point where even the Anbu are having trouble catching him.” Hayate gawked at the old man.

“Anbu? How hard can it be to catch a seven year old kid?” The Sandaime took another pass at his pipe.

“The last chase that happened I believe took over three hours to capture him.”

“Three hours!? How many Anbu did you have chasing him?” Hayate did not like the smirk on the Hokage’s face.

“I had 3 four man teams going after him. Of course this was after the Jounin and Chuunin failed to apprehend him.”

“Well at least we know that his stealth is excellent.”

“Oh but that’s not all Hayate! Uzumaki Naruto is a professional escape artist.”

“You’re joking. What kind of escapes has he managed to do?”

“Hmmm, good question. He’s escaped from being bound with rope, chains, wire, The indestructible wire. Prison cells cant hold him, neither can paper seals that immobilize people. Paralysis Ninjutsu and the like don’t work either. In fact the last time he was caught the Anbu bound him with the indestructible wire, used a paralysis jutsu and a paper seal. How he escaped that was incredible.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Your saying he escaped from that?”

“Not only did he escape but when back up arrived they found that the three Anbu left guarding him had been immobilized. One was bound by the wire. One had a paralysis jutsu on him and the other had a paper seal on his forehead.”

“The kid performed a paralysis jutsu?”

“It was actually a stroke of luck. Naruto said that he wasn’t sure how he performed it.”

“So the kid performed a jutsu, successfully, just from seeing it done once…” Hayate whistled. “For a kid that’s incredible. Hell for anyone that’s incredible.”

“Yes indeed it is.” Hayate looked at the photo on the desk and then back at the Sandaime Hokage.

“So if he’s already skilled in certain areas, what do you want me to do with him?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” The Sandaime stood up from his chair and strode over to the window. “This village, as kind as it is, has a hatred that knows no bounds. They will never allow the child to grow into a successful Shinobi. In fact the council just yesterday declared that the boy will not be allowed to attend the academy until its final year.”

“That doesn’t give him any time at all! He’ll fail for sure…” The Sandaime gave him a sad smile.

“Your right, it doesn’t. That’s why I’ve called you here Hayate. I want you to train him, not just to be able to graduate form the academy but I want you to train him so that he can act independently.”

“Independently? Hokage-sama, what do you mean by that?”

“Exactly as it sounds. Naruto has no family, he has no friends and from what I have been both told and witnessed, he has no one to watch out for him besides for a few volunteers. To me that is unacceptable. I want him to be able to defend himself without the aid of anyone else. I know that that’s a lot to ask for but unfortunately it is necessary.” Hayate looked at the Hokage questioningly.

“There’s more to it then that, correct?” The Sandaime turned away from the window and took off the Hokage hat.

“You are correct. Hayate…people don’t change. Not in this place. The hatred of this village will remain undoubtedly until Uzumaki Naruto is dead. In saying that I have come to realize that I do not trust to put him on a team with anyone. I do not trust the Jounin, the Chuunin, The civilians, no one.”

“Hokage-sama…”

“He must be trained to fight alone and succeed. Only then will he be able to accomplish his greatest dream.”

“If I may ask…what is his greatest dream? I know he wants to become Hokage but I feel as if there is something more to it then that.”

“Once again Hayate you are correct. His greatest dream is Family.”

“Hokage-sama I don’t understand?” The Sandaime let out a sad chuckle and set his pipe down.

“Few people can understand that dream. Only those that have suffered as he has suffered can comprehend the meaning behind those words. However I believe that one day you may understand.” Hayate briefly nodded his head.

“I am willing to see however I just have one more question.”

“Then speak it Hayate.”

“You said that you did not trust anyone with Naruto. If that is true then why is it that you trust me?”

“I thought you would have already understood that.”

“Forgive me Hokage-sama for I do not.”

“It’s alright Hayate. I am trusting you to train Naruto simply because you hold no anger or misgivings towards him.” The Hokage raised his hand when he saw Hayate about to protest. “I’ve been watching you for quite sometime Hayate to see if you would be a good choice to train the boy and despite the fact that you have lost loved ones in the wake of the Kyuubi’s attack you never pinned the blame on Naruto. Do you understand now Hayate?”

“Hai Hokage-sama!”

“Good now that that is settled we can-”

“HOKAGE-SAMA!!” The doors to the Hokage’s office were thrown open and a women burst into the room.

“Haruno-san what’s the matter!?”

“There is a mob after Naruto! He’s being chased near the southern wall!” The Hokage’s eyes widened but quickly turned into a glare.

“Hayate, get there NOW!” Hayate nodded and quickly disappeared. “Anbu!” In a flash three Anbu were kneeling at the Hokage’s feet.

“Hai Hokage-sama!” They chorused.

“You heard what Mrs. Haruno said so get moving!” In a swirl of leaves the office was empty once again except for Sarutobi and Mrs. Haruno.

“Fujiko. Thank you very much for informing me of this attack on Naruto. I sincerely hope that we can intervene in time. Now if you’ll excuse me I must now attend to this.” The Hokage disappeared in a cloud of smoke leaving Haruno Fujiko alone in his office.

“I hope we can Hokage-sama…For Naruto’s sake.”

XXXXXXXX

“KILL THE DEMON!!” A random villager shouted behind Naruto.

“I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!” Naruto screamed as he ran down another alley. He dashed out the other side and immediately took cover near a stand. No matter where he went he could still hear there wished for his demise. He tensed when the mob came out of the alleyway and stopped in the middle of the crossroads.

“Damnit! The demon got away!!” several other villagers chorused there hatred for him.

“Lets burn his home down!” Another villager yelled. The mob all cheered in unison and started to head off towards his apartment.

“NO!” Naruto slapped his hands over his mouth. “Please don’t let them have heard me…” The stand he was hiding by was thrown to the side as a bunch of the villagers found there prey. Naruto tried to back away but found himself pressed against the side of a building.

“Thought you could get away from us!?”

“Time to die demon!” One of the villagers ran forth and smashed a metal object against the side of his face. Naruto didn’t know what happened. One moment he was up against the wall and another he was on the ground. He tried to move but his body wouldn’t respond. Only managing to turn his head he saw the crimson liquid dribbling onto the ground.

“Blood? Am I bleeding? What’s happening…” his thoughts where cut off when a foot rammed into his midsection causing him to hit the wall. Naruto cried out in pain as he made contact with the hard surface. Slumped against the wall with blood rushing down his face he faced his attackers.

“Please…stop…”

“NOT UNTIL YOU ROT IN HELL YOU DAMN DIRTY DEMON!!” The villager brought his wooden gardening tool back and swung it at the little boy as hard as he could. Naruto saw the object coming towards him but he was far too scared to move. All he could do was wait for it to reach him. When it did, his world went black.

XXXXXXXX

“Serves you right demon.” The villagers laughed and shouted with glee upon looking at the amount of blood coming from the boys head. The villager threw away the broken weapon and joined his comrades in there celebration.

“Wait! Everyone wait a second!” One of the villagers had his fingers to the boys throat. “This little bastard is still alive!” Another of the villagers moved forward with his pick axe in hand and readied to swing it.

“Get out of the way, I’ll finish the brat!” The villager on the ground quickly moved to the side. The other villager hefted the pick axe until it was over his head. “Die demon.” With all of his might he swung the axe.

It never reached its targeted. The villager holding the axe let the weapon fall from his hands as he felt the energy leave him. He looked down to see a blade sticking through his chest. The other villagers tried to get away but found that they were surrounded by Anbu.

“All of you will immediately drop your weapons and lie down on the ground or you will suffer the same fate.” Hayate said as he pulled his Katana out of the now dead villager. The air was filled with the sound of items being dropped and the grunts of displeasure as the villagers complied.

“Hayate-san!” One of the Anbu called out kneeling next to the unconscious child.

“Is he ok?” The Anbu shook her head.

“If he is to have any chance at survival he is going to need immediate medical attention.” She gently picked up the small child and cradled him in her arms before jumping to the rooftops. Hayate watched the Anbu in mild curiosity before taking off after her.

XXXXXXXX

“We do not serve his kind in here!” The doctor just sneered at the child in her arms and walked away from her.

“Fine, if you wont help me then I’ll just have to help myself!” The Anbu member roughly shoved away several doctors and made her way to the nearest unoccupied room. Finding all the rooms on the bottom floor occupied she quickly made her way to the stairs. Before she made it though several nurses came over to her.

“Anbu-san, a room just opened up on this floor. If you follow me quickly we can begin to heal the child!”

“Show me the way!” The nurses led her to the other side of the hospital and pushed open one of the doors. When the Anbu entered one of the nurses motioned for her.

“Quickly, set him down over here so we can begin!” She gently laid him down on the vacant bed and stepped back as the nurses worked. “Hook him up to the monitor now!”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” The Anbu asked.

“Hai, take the gauze and wrap it tightly around the wound while I get the medical supplies we need!” She took the gauze from the nurse and went to work trying to tightly, but gently, wrap the cloth around the wounded area. When she was done she stepped back so the nurses could work. Upon hearing the door open behind her, she turned to see Hayate and the Hokage step into the room. Her attention was yanked back to Naruto when the machine measuring his vitals flat lined.

“Shit, his pulse is fading! Somebody get me the defibrillator!” One of the other nurses in the room snatched a black bag from the side and set it down on the table next to the bed. She set up the device and placed the pads on Naruto’s torso and side.

“Everyone get clear!” Everyone stepped back a little bit. The nurse hit a button and a jolt was sent into Naruto’s body causing him to buck slightly.

“Do it again!” The nurse nodded and yelled.

“Clear!” Another jolt was sent but the monitors status did not change.

“Again!” The nurse pushed the button again. Naruto’s body bucked but his vitals stayed.

“One more time!” The nurse at the machine didn’t move. The other nurse in the room looked at her coworker. “I said do it again!” The nurse shook her head.

“There’s no point in continuing. With the amount of blood he’s lost we wont be able to get his heart restarted.”

“Just do it!” The female Anbu pushed the nurse to the side and hit the button. There was no change. The room was silent except for the ominous tone of the machine. The nurse moved towards Naruto and placed her fingers on his wrist. After a few seconds she looked over to the Hokage and shook her head. “I’m sorry Hokage-sama…he’s gone.” Sarutobi sighed and his posture fell considerably.

“Thank you for trying…” It was all he could say.

“Get clear.” The Anbu said as her finger hovered over the button on the Defibrillator.

“He’s gone Anbu-san…”

“I said get clear!” The Hokage placed his hand on the Anbu’s shoulder.

“Anbu…please stand down…” The Anbu shook her head.

“Tell her to get clear from Naruto now.”

“I said stand down.”

“Just tell her to stand down!”

“YUGAO! STOP THIS INSTANT!” The room was silent once. Yugao turned to face Sarutobi.

“Hokage-sama, please. One more time.” Sarutobi stared at her masked face for almost a full minute before slowly nodding his head.

“Hokage-sama with all due respect!”

“Nurse please just stand clear. Anbu you may do it once more.” Yugao nodded quickly and pressed the button once the Nurse backed away from Naruto. The child’s body jerked but the machine did not change. Yugao hung her head and slowly approached Naruto. She placed her hand on his forehead, allowing it to gently slide back over the injured area and through his hair. Sarutobi looked at the display with curiosity and made sure to bring it up with Yugao later. He motioned for the two nurses.

“You may disconnect him from the monitor now.” The nurses nodded. One removed the pads from the defibrillator while the other went for the heart monitoring pads. “Hayate…your assignment is terminated but please come back to my office later today.”

“Hai Hokage-sama.”

“Anbu, I would like to see you as well later today.” Yugao nodded her head and Sarutobi left the room. Hayate walked over and stood beside her.

“Come on, there’s nothing more we can do here.” Yugao looked towards the two nurses.

“If it is alright, I would like to remain here for a little while?”

“Hai, but please make it short. We need to begin prepping him…” Yugao nodded and the nurses left the room. Hayate took one last look at the child in front of him before making his way to the door.

“No child should have to endure the kind of suffering he has.” Hayate said before closing the door behind him.

XXXXXXXX

The room was empty now with only her and Naruto. She made sure that the door was locked and the blinds drawn before she sat down on the edge of the bed. She removed her Anbu mask and placed it down next to Naruto.

“You wanted to wear this mask so badly. I remember on your sixth birthday that I finally let you and I have to admit you were suited to wear it. There is no doubt in my mind that if you had the chance, you would become an Anbu with flying colors.” Yugao leaned down and pressed her lips to his forehead.

“You really are an amazing person. The fact alone that you’ve endured so much pain and suffering in seven years…but the fact that you won over the respect of the Anbu without even trying says wonders about you. The villagers may hate you but I want you to know that you are in the hearts of every Anbu member, including mine.” She kissed his forehead again and got up from the bed, putting her mask back on in the process. She took one last look at him before leaving the room. Outside the room she nodded towards the three nurses to let them know she was finished. Upon seeing her nod the three nurses slid past her and into the room. She sighed to herself and disappeared into a puff of smoke.

XXXXXXXX

“You wanted to see me Hokage-sama?” Yugao said as she entered the Hokage’s office. The Sandaime pulled his pipe out of his mouth upon hearing her.

“Yes I did, please sit down.” He said motioning to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “And please remove your mask.” She did as she was told, placing her mask in her lap.

“If I may ask, what is this about?” Sarutobi took a pass at his pipe and swiveled his chair slightly so he could see out the window.

“I wanted to speak to you about Naruto. Or rather how you interacted with him.”

“I don’t believe I did anything strange with the child…” Sarutobi allowed a small chuckle.

“No you didn’t do anything strange at all. In fact from what I have seen you have treated the boy with nothing but respect. You have even gone so far as to spend his birthdays with him.” Yugao’s eyes widened for a second but Sarutobi caught it out of the corner of his eye. “Yes I know about that Yugao. It is my curiosity that has called you here.”

“Does it really make you that curious that I treated Naruto nicely?”

“Considering the unparallel hatred of this village? Yes it does.” The Sandaime put his pipe down on the desk and turned to look at Yugao. “There are very few people who care about that boy and even fewer who are willing to do as you have done. All I wish to know is, why?”

“To tell you the truth, I’m not entirely sure why myself.”

“I see…then I am going to ask some simple questions and we’ll see if we can find the reason. Is that ok?”

“Hai, Hokage-sama!”

“Very well. What do you think about his dream to become Hokage?”

“I see it to be very admirable.”

“Admirable? How so?”

“Considering how much abuse that he’s taken over the years, how he has been beaten and neglected, to still want to protect everyone…It’s something you wont find in today’s world.”

“What you say is true. To be able to suffer and forgive your sufferers is not something just anyone can do.” He looked straight into her eyes. “He shows an admirable trait however that alone does not get someone kindness.”

“Hokage-sama, I treated him with respect, I was with him on birthdays, I was kind to him because he did what no one else can do!” Sarutobi saw the conviction in her eyes.

“And what is it that he alone can do? What is it that earned him a place in your heart?” Yugao blushed at his question.

“He…he made me happy.” Sarutobi’s eyes shot open and his mouth opened partly.

“Can you repeat that?”

“You know what kind of lives Anbu lead that it’s not only physically demanding but emotionally as well. Enough that many snap under the pressure and guilt of some of the things they have to do. However I found that no matter what type a situation I have had to deal with, just spending time with Naruto afterwards is enough to alleviate that feeling.”

“Can you elaborate on how exactly?”

“The way he talks, how he thinks, how he acts. He so carefree that it’s like nothing can bring him down even on his birthdays when things are at there worst. His attitude, his feelings, he can easily pass them on to others and make them relax and laugh a little. Naruto seemed to know exactly what to say and do to make someone happy and I’m no exception.”

“In saying that, did you use him for your own sake or is there something more?”

“Sarutobi, do not think for a second that I used him for my own selfish pleasures! I cared about him. I still care about him and I will continue to care about him. I loved being around him as much as he loved being around me.”

“Forgive me for the insinuation but I needed to hear you say that to sate my curiosity.”

“I know…and I’m sorry for my outburst.” Yugao hung her head.

“You have no need to apologize.” Sarutobi sighed and looked out the window once more. “It’s a shame.”

“Hokage-sama?” He looked her briefly in the eyes before returning the gaze to the window.

“It’s a shame that, since Naruto has died, I won’t be able to see the progression in your bond with him.” Yugao blushed again at his words. “Yugao, I want you to remember what I’m about to tell you understand?”

“Hai.”

“Age means nothing.” She looked at him questioningly. “If the bond is strong enough and the feelings are present, then age means nothing. Of course in saying that there are rules to be followed and certain actions cannot be taken until a certain age. (1.) Do you understand?” Yugao nodded slowly and Sarutobi noticed the blush on her face spread a bit. “Very well, then you are dismi-”

“HOKAGE-SAMA!” An Anbu member appeared kneeling next to the Hokage’s desk.

“What is it!”

“The nurses at the hospital have just informed me that Uzumaki Naruto’s heart has started beating again!”

“WHAT!?” He looked over at Yugao who was as equally as stunned. “Anbu you are dismissed, Yugao-” He saw her put don her Anbu mask and nod at him. “Let’s go!”

XXXXXXXX

“Hokage-sama this way!” One of the nurses shouted from the ICU section. Both Sarutobi and Yugao dashed down the hall almost plowing everyone down in the process.

“Where is he!? Where is Naruto!?” The Hokage yelled to her almost frantically.

“He’s being looked at right now by several doctors all of whom look kindly on the boy. Anbu are station inside just in case though.”

“Understood. When did he go in?”

“Just a few minutes ago.”

“Anbu, I want you to wait here until they finish with him. After that you are not to leave his side no matter what, is that understood!?”

“Hai, Hokage-sama!” Yugao responded and immediately took her post at the door.

XXXXXXXX

It wasn’t until three hours later that they brought him out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room. Yugao approached one of the doctors.

“Is he alright?” The doctor motioned towards the other side of the hall away from the others. When he was sure that they wouldn’t be overheard on accident he spoke to her quietly.

“We managed to stabilize him and heal the injuries to his head. His ribs are going to be sore for a while but nothing is broken. Physically he is going to ok however mentally…He took several very strong blows to the head and we don’t know if they were damaging enough to damage the brain. We won’t know until he wakes up.”

“Understood. Please submit your report to the Hokage immediately.” Yugao quickly made her way into Naruto’s room where the nurses were hooking him back up to the monitors. When they were finished one of the nurses came up to her.

“We are going to make sure there are no disturbances so we won’t be in the room but if something does happen please make sure to find one of us.” Yugao nodded to her and the nurse left the room with the others. She made sure the door was firmly closed and the shades were drawn before sitting down on the edge of Naruto’s bed.

“Naruto-kun…” She gently placed her hand on the side of his face. “He’s warm…that’s good.” Yugao took of her mask again and placed it next to him. “That’s another thing I admire about you Naruto-kun…the ability to bounce back from even the worst of injuries.” Several tears Landed on the tip of Naruto’s nose while another ran down his cheek. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…” She leaned down and pressed her lips against his forehead like she did earlier that day and then rested her own forehead against his. She closed her eyes and started humming a slow, soft melody.

While she hummed to herself and Naruto’s prone form, Yugao failed to notice the Hokage standing in the now open doorway. He smiled softly seeing the two and slowly backed out of the room, quietly closing the door.

“Thank you Uzuki Yugao…” Sarutobi thought to himself as he walked towards the exit.

XXXXXXXX

“Well Hayate, it seems that your assignment will not be terminated after all.” Sarutobi said beaming at the confused man in front of him.

“What? Hokage-sama I thought the assignment was about Naruto?”

“It is Hayate.”

“Naruto died earlier today, I don’t see how the assignment can be completed now…” Sarutobi’s smile got even bigger.

“Well Hayate it seems that Kami smiles upon us today. A few hours ago I was informed that Naruto’s heart started beating again and that he was recently transferred out of the ICU to a hospital room to rest.” Hayate was at a loss for words.

“But…he…how?”

“That is a secret to everyone but Naruto.”

“I-I see.”

“When Naruto recovers and is released from the hospital you are to inform him that you will be training him. If he questions you, you my send him to me and I will explain it.”

“Hai Hokage-sama.”

“Oh and before I forget, during your training there will be an Anbu watching Naruto. Don’t worry, she will only be there to watch out for the boy and if she feels like it, to teach him some of what she knows.” Hayate nodded. “Alright, then for the time being you are dismissed. Use this time from now until Naruto gets out to plan out what you wish to teach the boy.”

“Hai.” Hayate bowed slightly and made his way out of Sarutobi’s office.

XXXXXXXX

“It’s about time you woke up mortal.” Naruto groaned and tried to sit up. A tail came out from the side and helped him to a sitting position resting against the bars.

“Ky-kyuubi? What’s going on?” The giant fox laid down against the bars so its head was next to Naruto. “What happened to me?”

“WE, almost died!” Naruto looked at the great beast with wide eyes. “Actually you did die for a moment there. Boy, you should be grateful that I do not wish to die yet.”

“The only reason I’m in this mess is because of you…” Naruto said softly. The Kyuubi snorted.

“You may be hated because of me but know this. If it wasn’t for me your future would be boring and meaningless.”

“My future!? What possible future could I have beyond being beaten!? How the hell am I suppose to accomplish my dreams if everyone hates me!?” The room rumbled as the Kyuubi laughed.

“That mortal is for me to know and for you to find out on your own. Now hurry and wake up before you miss an important hint.”

“Wait, What? What hint? What are you talking about!?” His shouts went unanswered as the room around him dissolved.

XXXXXXXX

He could make out the monitors that displayed his vitals beeping off to his right and there was something that sounded like humming very close up.

“Whose humming…Why cant I open my eyes?” He lifted one of his small hands and tried to bring it to his face but found something was blocking it. He placed his hand on the object and lightly grazed it with his fingertips. “Feels very soft and smooth…smells nice too…” He heard a soft gasp and the humming abruptly stopped. He felt the bed dip a little as someone moved right next to him. Naruto groaned as he forced one of his eyes opened.

Yugao couldn’t believe it when a small hand gently caressed her face. She sat up quickly and wiped away her tears. When she saw one of his eyes partially open her eyes widened and her mouth hung open. The blue eye squinted a little. Yugao got off the bed and hit the switch for the lights dimming the light in the room considerably. She sat back down on the edge of the bed and peered down at the young boy. She smiled when she saw the boy’s eye light up when he saw her.

“Anbu-ch-chan…” He only got out that little bit before he started coughing. Yugao waited for his coughing to die down before leaning down to the boy.

“Shhh, don’t talk Naruto. You need to save your energy so you can heal. Just rest…” The smile never left her face when he nodded and buried his face into her thigh. She watched Naruto as he slowly fell back asleep, his hands clutching onto her leg.

XXXXXXXX

It was late at night when Naruto woke up to the sound of someone in the room. He picked his head up slightly and saw one of the nurses checking the Monitors and filling out a chart. When she saw that he was awake she smiled and waved at him. Naruto was going to say something but he was cut off when the nurse put her finger to her lips and pointed. Naruto looked at her curiously before noticing that Yugao was still on his bed leaning against the back wall fast asleep. He nodded and then waved back at the nurse. She just smiled and quickly filled out the rest of the information on the chart before hanging it next to the door. The nurse walked over to Naruto and whispered to him.

“How are you feeling hun?” Naruto gave the nurse a big smile and a thumbs up. The nurse giggled a little. “That’s good to hear and from the looks of your chart you will probably be able to go home in a few days.” Naruto looked like he was going to start bouncing in joy when the nurse spoke again. “But that’s only if you stay in bed and rest. No jumping around or getting up ok?” Naruto pouted but grinned when the nurse ruffled his hair, being careful not to hit his injury of course. “Now go back to sleep Naruto.” Naruto nodded and laid back down. When the nurse saw him close his eyes she her smile got a little bigger and she quietly made her way out of the room.

When Naruto heard the door click he opened his eyes and sighed. He wanted to get up and move around but at the same time he felt like sleep was trying to pull him back in. Eventually sleep won and Naruto squirmed a bit to get comfortable. When he couldn’t find a good spot he got up and crawled onto Yugao’s lap. As soon as he curled himself up sleep consumed him.

XXXXXXXX

When the Hokage walked into Naruto’s hospital room the next morning he was definitely not expecting to see Naruto curled up on a sleeping Yugao’s lap.

“Damn, wish I had my camera.” Sarutobi walked over to Yugao and gently shook her shoulder.

“Nar-ut-o…go back to sleep…” Sarutobi sighed and loudly cleared his throat. Yugao jerked and slowly opened her eyes. Upon seeing the Hokage her eyes shot open and she was about to stand up when Sarutobi stopped her.

“Unless you want to re-injure Naruto I suggest you stay sitting.” Yugao looked down and saw Naruto still sleeping on her lap. His foot twitched a couple times while mumbling something about ramen to himself causing both Yugao and Sarutobi to laugh. When the laughter died down Sarutobi strode over to the window and pushed back the curtains. “You know…it’s simply amazing that Naruto is already almost healed. If it were anyone else they would have died and stayed dead.” Yugao listened to the Hokage but her eyes never left Naruto’s face.

“When will Naruto be allowed to leave?”

“Well the nurse last night judged it would be a couple days but once we get him checked out he may be able to leave today.” He turned away from the window and looked at the pair. “And now I would like to discuss your next assignment.” Yugao looked up from Naruto to give her full attention to the Hokage. “This assignment is going to take place until Naruto’s entrance into the academy. Of course you will still have some of your Anbu duties on the side. Your job will be to observe Naruto’s training under Gekkou Hayate and make sure that no serious harm is to befall him or that he will be attack by another mob. Your optional objectives will be to watch Naruto when he is home alone and, if you are willing, to teach him what you know to accompany his training. Remember those are optional so if you so choose you do not have to fulfill them. If you do choose to do them you may decide how much interaction you have with Naruto. Any questions?”

“No Hokage-sama.”

“Good, now I am going to find someone to give Naruto his examination so we can see if he may leave today. If you could wake up Naruto that would be a big help…and don’t forget to put your mask back on.” Sarutobi said as he closed the door behind him. Yugao faced Naruto, whose foot was still twitching occasionally, and almost didn’t have the heart to wake him up considering how peaceful he looked. She sighed and gently shook his shoulder.

“Evil….munchkin…that’s my ramen….” Yugao deadpanned.

“He even dreams about ramen? I’m defiantly going to have to get him to expand his diet.” She shook Naruto’s shoulder again. His response was to roll over onto his back and continue sleeping. Yugao growled in frustration. “This should wake him up.” Yugao shifted her body so that she was facing the middle of the bed and proceeded to simply stand up. Sure enough when Naruto hit the bed his eyes shot open.

“DON’T HURT ME!!” He screamed and rolled off the other side of the bed before going underneath the bed itself. Yugao was a little surprised at his outburst but decided with what happened that his response was justified. She got down on her hands and knees and peered under the bed.

“Naruto, do you really think I’m going to hurt you despite all of the fun we’ve had?” Naruto flinched when she started speaking but after she spoke her question Naruto actually took a look at who was with him. When he saw Yugao’s face his eyes lit up.

“Anbu-chan!” He adopted a Cheshire grin. Yugao couldn’t help but smile at the small blonde.

“Alright Naruto, time to come out under the bed.” She reached under there to offer him her hand, which he accepted immediately, and pulled him swiftly to her. “There that’s better now.” She said when he sat up on the floor in front of her.

“Hey Anbu-chan?’

“Yes Naruto?”

“How long have you been here?”

“Why, do you not want me here? I thought you liked me?” Naruto’s grin fell and he quickly started waving his hands back and forth.

“Wait no. that’s now what I mean!” Yugao giggled.

“I know what you meant Naruto, I’m just messing with you.” Naruto pouted and crossed his arms. Yugao playfully messed up his hair. “To answer your question, I’ve been here with you since you were admitted.”

“Really?” Naruto looked at her with an expression that bordered on surprise and happiness.

“Yes Naruto really. Why did you want to know?”

“No one else seems to visit me or anything other than Hokage-jiji so I was kinda curious…” She saw his eyes lose some of there brightness and he hung his head. Yugao grimaced at his pained expression and did the only thing that she could think of to make it go away. She lifted him onto her lap and wrapped her arms around him. Naruto’s body stiffened for a second but quickly relaxed. She couldn’t think of anything to say that might cheer him up in this situation so she just opted for holding him, which seemed to be working on its own. After a little while Yugao pulled away from him slightly and lifted his chin up with her finger.

“The Hokage should be here soon with someone to give you an examination to see if your fit enough to leave so I’m gonna have to put my mask back on. You’re free to stay in my lap if you want to though. Naruto nodded. Yugao grabbed her mask of the bed and put it on. She hesitated for a second before taking it off again and quickly kissing Naruto on the forehead before donning it completely. Naruto immediately became happy again.

“Hey Anbu-chan?”

“Yes Naruto?”

“Can you play with me today?”

“I’ll have to check with the Hokage to make sure im not busy.”

“Ok…”

“But I’m sure that he’ll let me have today off so I can play with you.” Naruto’s mood got even better then. “Oh and Naruto?”

“Hm?”

“When we are alone like this you can call me Yugao.”

“Ok Yugao-chan!” Naruto couldn’t see it because of her mask but Yugao blush spread across her face.

XXXXXXXX

“Well Naruto, you check out just fine so you can leave today.” The nurse said smiling especially when the boy started bouncing around excitedly. Her smile only grew when Yugao pulled Naruto into a hug. She turned from the two and focused on the Hokage who immediately knew something was off.

“What’s the matter?” The Hokage whispered making sure that Yugao or Naruto couldn’t hear him. The nurse shook her head.

“That’s just it Hokage-sama, we don’t know. Everything about him checks out but when we looked at his blood tests well….”

“What is it? What did you find?”

“We found some sort of abnormalities. We didn’t even know they were there until we took a look at some of his old blood tests and there is definitely a difference between the two.” Sarutobi looked at Naruto while the nurse explained.

“I want you to be honest…Do you think it has to do with it ?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. Personally i think they’re just a side effect of having it in him his entire life. The seal was meant to slowly give Naruto it’s power…human bodies weren’t made for that type of power.”

“Which means that either his body is breaking down because of it or it is changing his body’s to adapt to it.”

“But if that’s true then-”

“Naruto is going to be in serious trouble down the road when the council eventually finds out. This is now a double S class secret and you are to tell no one, am I clear!?” The nurse nodded her head vigorously. “Also I want you to get several of your most trusting coworkers and continue to examine the abnormalities.”

“Hai Hokage-sama!” The nurse gave a curt bow and quickly left the room. Sarutobi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Why must he be the one to suffer?” His inner thoughts were cut off when he felt a tug at his Hokage robes. He looked down to see Naruto staring up at him.

“Ojisan, can I go home now?”

“Yes you may go home now Naruto however I am going to have someone accompany you for a little while just to make sure you’re alright.” He saw Naruto withdraw a little at his statement.

“Hokage-sama?”

“Yes Yugao?”

I wish to volunteer to look after him.” Sarutobi chuckled.

“I figured you would want to do it. Your assignment is to look after Naruto until I personally relieve you.”

“Hai Hokage-sama!” Naruto was beaming with the fact that he would be able to spend time with ‘Yugao-chan’. Sarutobi watched with a sincere smile as Yugao took Naruto by the hand and led him out of the room to get him checked out.

XXXXXXXX

Since they left the hospital Naruto had become increasingly more reserved and clung to Yugao’s hand as they walked down some of the lesser used streets in Konoha. Yugao squeezed Naruto’s hand in an effort to let him now that he was going to be ok but he still held on tight and tried to get as close to her as he could. After a couple of streets she heard several scornful remarks towards Naruto and said boy whimpered having heard them too. Just from hearing him make that sound caused a tightening in her chest.

“No one, especially not a child, should have to be afraid to walk down the street of there own village…” She picked him up and hugged him to her chest before bounding onto the rooftops. She felt his small hands grab onto the front of her vest and his head press against the armor still trying to get as close as possible to her. She responded by tightening her hold on him making him relax somewhat. She started to notice the area and realized that they were close to Naruto’s apartment. When she saw it thought she almost dropped Naruto. The door to his apartment had been smashed open and from the looks of it there was some serious fire damage. Naruto saw the burn marks and his eyes lost some of there vibrance.

Yugao landed on the railing in front of the destroyed door and hopped onto the ground. Naruto squirmed a bit and she set him down. She felt her chest tighten even more at the pained expression on his face. The feeling in her chest became painful when she saw the inside.

There was nothing that could be salvaged. The bed had been ripped apart and then most of it was burned. The little furniture he did have had been smashed and burned and his walls were covered with graffiti, all calling for the death of the ‘demon boy’. Yugao watched Naruto as he sifted through some of the remains of what was once a nightstand. She watched as he lifted a charred wooden picture frame. Yugao quickly recognized it as the one she had given him for one of his birthdays a couple years ago. Inside the frame was supposed to be a photo of Naruto and herself but the fire had destroyed it.

Yugao quickly scooped him into her arms when he started crying. She whispered little things to Naruto and tried to cheer him up but it seemed that he had finally reached his limit. Her heart broke when she saw the defeated look in his eyes. She positioned him against her chest in the same manner as before and left the apartment.

XXXXXXXX

She landed in front of a different apartment in a much nicer area of Konoha. She opened the door, kicking it open, and walked inside. Naruto didn’t seem to notice that they stopped moving or that he was now sitting on a very comfortable bed much unlike his own. He only realized his surroundings when he felt an object being placed in his lap. He looked down to see another picture frame identical to the one that he was still clutching. He picked it up to see a picture of himself and Yugao where she was leaning against his back with her arms wrapped around his neck. He smiled softly but hid eyes still remained dull. His body stiffened when he felt two arms wrap around his neck and hung loosely. He relaxed when Yugao rested her head on his shoulder much like she had done in the picture.

“Naruto, no matter what happens, you’ve always have me, ok?” The boy nodded and crawled onto her lap, leaning against here while hugging the picture frames to his chest. Yugao pulled him close and leaned against the wall getting them both comfortable. She waited until his breathing steadied signaling that he had fallen asleep before allowing herself to succumb to sleep.

XXXXXXXX

“So…you once again stand before me…how pathetic you look.” The great beast’s words resonated throughout the passages of Naruto’s mind giving him an even greater feeling of power. Naruto didn’t move though as he stood before the bars.

“I’m tired…” Naruto said softly not really caring if the Kyuubi heard him or not. The fox’s ears perked up and lowered its head so it was almost eye level with Naruto.

“If you are tired mortal, then why bother me…Go back to your world and leave me in peace.”

“I’m tired of caring…” At this Kyuubi’s attention was all on Naruto.

“Then don’t. Why should you have to care about those who wish nothing but harm upon you?” The Kyuubi wasn’t really expecting any sort of answer to his question but one look at the boy’s dull eyes and the fox was starting to become interested. “Become stronger…become an enigma to the human race…allow your emotions to be swept aside.”

“How?”

“Devote yourself and do not hesitate to do what must be done.”

“What about Yugao-chan?”

“What about the women?” Kyuubi huffed in annoyance. When Naruto didn’t answer the beast growled. “Do as you please with the women but do not allow her to distract you. If you want to become stronger then you have no time for such idle distractions. If that is all then leave me be…”

XXXXXXXX

It was a different ceiling than the one he was used to seeing. His was cracked and stained from water damage while this one looked brand new and pearly white. Groggily he crawled off of Yugao’s lap and rolled onto the floor with a thud, dropping the picture frames in the process.

“Itai!” Naruto quietly shouted while nursing his aching head. Grumbling he picked himself off the ground and snatched the frames he had dropped only moments earlier. He set the damaged frame haphazardly on the nightstand while carefully standing up the other one. He allowed his eyes to linger on the photo of Yugao and himself before turning his attention to the women. She was still propped against the wall with her hands resting in her lap. Naruto took another look at the picture and then crawled back onto the bed. He grabbed her and slowly pulled on her so she fell sideways onto the bed and then struggled to lay her out in some comfortable fashion. He failed miserably considering he wasn’t strong enough to effectively move her on his own but the problem was remedied when Yugao rolled in her sleep onto her side. Now that she was in a good position he grabbed the blanket that was underneath her and threw it over her so at least she was partially covered.

“Na…ru..to-kun…” Hearing her mumble his name he crawled back onto the bed and placed leaned down close to her face. Big mistake for Naruto. As soon as he was in reach, Yugao’s arms snaked around him and pulled him close to her chest. “Glad…ok…” She was mumbling incoherently now but Naruto couldn’t hear her regardless because of the vice like grip she had on him and that his head was smashed into her chest.

“CAN’T BREATH!!” Naruto struggled against her but it was obvious that she wasn’t going to let go any time soon. He mind only thought of one alternative to being suffocated. “Should I? She’ll kill me if I do it though…but I’ll suffocate if I don’t…Screw it. Note to self: Run like hell afterwards.” Naruto maneuvered himself slightly so he was at a better angle before he found a good spot. He pressed his face in as close as possible to her chest…and nipped it. The effect was instantaneous as her eyes snapped open and he was practically thrown away from her. As soon as he was free he hit the ground and rolled under the bed.

“What the hell just bit me!?” She looked down at her chest to inspect the small red mark and sighed when she saw it wasn’t bleeding. Then it hit her.

“Naruto? Where are you?” Said boy didn’t make a peep to indicate his location. When he saw purple hair and a face hanging over the edge of the bed though, he squeaked and rolled back to the far side away from her. Sure she didn’t look angry but Naruto had already learned his lesson on this particular subject. “Naruto, come out from under there.” He shook his head. “Naruto I’m not going to hurt you for biting me…I would like to know why you did though.”

“You where trying to suffocate me!” Yugao thought for a moment about what he said and then realized from the position of the bite that she must have grabbed him in her sleep. She scratched her head sheepishly.

“Ah, Gomen Naruto, I didn’t mean to.” When she saw that he still wasn’t moving she sighed. “Look, I accidently grabbed you and you bit me. We’re even ok?” Naruto nodded slowly and cautiously slid out from under the bed. He hesitated at the edge of the bed but Yugao was having none of that. She grabbed Naruto, pulled him out from under the bed, pulled him into her lap and then proceeded to apply another vice like grip. Naruto struggled against her but once again found that he was unable to get away.

“Hey, let me go!” Yugao bent over so she was right next to his ear.

“Do you really want me to Naruto?” There was a moment of silence before he shook his head and whispered a quiet no.

“So you do like me hugging you?” Naruto nodded his head. “Then why do you always try to get away from me when I hug you?”

“It’s…new to me.” That was all he said but it was all she needed to hear to understand his words. Despite the fact that she hung out with him quite a bit when not on a mission, he still couldn’t get used to the physical contact that wasn’t threatening.

“No one should have to feel like this…He’s done nothing wrong and yet a simple hug scares him…” Yugao couldn’t say anything out loud to the child in her arms because no words would come to her to help. So she opted to simply show him by the means of their current hug. She pulled him firmly, but gently, closer to her and slowly played with his hair. After a few minutes she heard him speak albeit very softly.

“Yugao-chan…”

“Yes Naruto?” He fidgeted somewhat in her grasp and mumbled something. “Naruto you need to speak up if you want me to hear you.”

“Thank you for being nice to me.” If Yugao had been standing she was sure she would have dropped him because of that statement.

“Naruto…you don’t have to thank me.” She kissed the top of his head and then ruffled his hair. “It’s my pleasure being here for you.” He was shaking now and at first she couldn’t really see why but then she saw the shimmers of his tears streak to the ground. She was at a loss for what she should be feeling. Happy because she was bringing so much pleasure into his life or Sad because he was so happy just to have one person care about him. She was so conflicted that she didn’t even notice her own tears mixing with Naruto’s.

A/N That’s the first chapter folks! I have about half of the second written but unfortunately I wont have the time to finish it before I leave (T.T).

Ok what I need to clarify here is the Sandaime is saying that if she does have feelings for Naruto then she should very well act on her feelings. I also made him say that there are kinda rules to follow wich means that until he gets older (12 to be exact) that she shouldn’t take things any farther than they are now.

I think that’s all I need to clarify but I may be wrong. Anyways you guys, ill see you sometime next year and hopefully ill have multiple updates with Sanity’s Betrayal, Rise of the Forsakened and this fic as well.

Review and tell me what you think!

-The Forsakened One-