Hey everybody, thesaiyanjedi here with the conclusion of "A Surprise Inheritance"!

Thank you all for your patience with this story and I especially want to thank you for all of your support. I hope this ending, Naruto's big housewarming party, is enjoyable for you.

With that said, lets get to reading!

Chapter 7: Party at Naruto's!

The group were led to the back doors of the Uzumaki Estate. Naruto opened the doors to let everyone into the back yard. For what must have been the hundredth time that day, the guests were left in a state of total shock.

"No...freaking...way!" Konohamaru let out.

"Whoa..." Tenten said.

"This is amazing," Hinata said in wonder.

"Impressive...most impressive," Sai said rubbing his chin.

"I've got to hand it to you kid," Yamato said to Naruto, "it looks like you've landed one hell of a place here."

"Thank you Captain Yamato," the young blonde replied.

"Hey Naruto," Ino spoke up, "what's in there?" She pointed to her left to a big dome attached to the deck.

"Oh that? That's the barrier to my private, artificial hot spring."

The platinum blonde's face faulted, "No way!"

"No, seriously. My parents must have built this entire place to entertain guests, so they set up their own private bathing area. It's split in half on the inside so that men are on one side and women on the other side."

Ino went up to her best friend. "Forehead, promise me that after you move in with your boyfriend that you'll remember to invite the girls and I to use the springs once and a while. Please!"

Sakura bushed red and put her hands up in the air. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoever said I was moving in with him?"

"You're not?" Shizune asked surprised.

"No. My mom and dad wouldn't be too happy with me if I just up and moved out to live with a boy I've only been dating for a few months."

"But Naruto," Shikamaru questioned, "isn't the place a bit, well, big for you to be living in all by yourself?"

The blonde actually laughed, "Shikamaru, why do you think I invited all of you guys over here today? My mom and dad left me something special and I only felt it was right to share it with the one's most precious to me. So come on, let me show all of you around."

Naruto and Sakura led their guests through the concrete path in the back yard. Before they did though, Chōji couldn't help but notice the large barbecue pit sitting on the back patio.

"Just wait Chōji, we'll be eating soon enough," Sakura reassured him.

The blonde and the pinkette brought them to the centerpiece fountain, which some of them couldn't help but admire.

"To the left," Naruto pointed to his left as he stood in front of the fountain and faced all of his guests, "is an outdoor chamber that is meant for social events or personal time...that includes parties. To the right," he pointed to his right now, "are both my personal swimming pool and hot tub."

"WHAT?!" Ino yelled out, "Forehead, you told us he had a pool but you didn't say anything about a hot tub!"

Sakura put on a shit-eating grin, "I didn't want to spoil the surprise."

"What's that behind the fountain?" Shino asked.

Naruto turned his head to see what Shino was talking about and then turned back. "Oh, yeah, that's just a tiny garden area in case I wanted to grow anything back here."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "Since when do you have a green thumb brat?"

"Since I was a kid. I used to grow a few plants at my old place; just a hobby I guess."

"Well," Kakashi spoke up, "as Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, I think I speak for everyone here when I say that you have yourself an amazing home here Naruto, and we're all grateful that you decided to share it with us."

Everyone else cheered in agreement, causing the boy to blush as Sakura held his hand. "Thanks you guys. I want you all to know that all of you are welcome to visit me here anytime you want, my door's always open."

The boy paused for only a moment before putting on a massive grin. "Now whose ready for a party?!"

Fifteen minutes later, the party was already in full swing as all of Naruto and Sakura's friends were eating and gossiping among themselves. An outdoor radio was set up and was blasting music through the loudspeakers to get everyone even more in the mood.

The adults mostly hung out with each other, both to catch up on old times and because they figured that the children—if they could still be called that anymore—would prefer to spend most of their time with each other.

"So Kakashi," Guy interrupted, "I feel I must congratulate you; you have indeed taught your student well. The Springtime of Youth spines more brightly in that young man than in any other of his generation, save for Lee of course!"

Kakashi rolled his eyes, "Of course...But you know, the truth is that I sometimes wonder how much credit I can take for how the boy turned out."

"What do you mean?" Shizune asked.

"I mean that I haven't always been the most attentive teacher, or even the most open minded, to either Naruto or Sakura. Looking back on it, I probably spent a bit too much time on Sasuke's training...Look how that worked out."

"Kakashi," Kurenai interjected, little Mirai still in her arms, "you did what you felt was right, nothing more. You knew the path that boy was on and you were doing everything you could to sway him from it. Whatever choices Sasuke made were his fault, not yours."

"Yeah, but I need to have faith that he's turned over a new leaf and doesn't start up any more trouble. If he does, it's going to be my ass on the line next time."

"In speaking of Sasuke," Iruka said in a concerned voice, "I hope Naruto's not too upset, him or Sakura. I'm sure it would have meant a lot to him for his best friend to be here."

"Aw don't worry about it!" Tsunade cried out, her voice jilted and broken, a clear giveaway that she was already drunk. "Kids these days are never down for too long! And with a palace like this..."

Tsunade didn't get to finish her sentence as she was clearly about to collapse, thankfully Shizune caught her in time and sat her down in a chair.

"Lady Tsunade, you really should take it easy. You shouldn't be drinking too much so soon into the party."

"Aw stop Shizune! We're all adults here. Hey! I got an idea! Let's go down to the basement and raid the cellar!"

"I don't think that's a good idea m'lady. Naruto might get upset."

"Oh please! That brat's too young to drink anyway! What's he gonna care?!" The drunken Sannin pointed over to the man of the house and all of his friends. "See, just look at 'em! Not a care in the world that brat!"

Naruto was currently busy on the patio, standing in front of the barbecue pit grilling the meat. Steaks, pork ribs, sausages, tri tip, chicken legs and thighs, tilapia and salmon; plenty for everybody.

"Hey Chōji!" Naruto called out, "how do you like your steak?"

"Medium rare!" the Akimichi called out enthusiastically as he chowed down of the potato chips set up at the appetizers table. Naruto gave the thumbs up as he got back to grilling.

Some of Naruto's friends were eating already and they had to admit, they were impressed. For a guy whose diet was almost entirely based around Ichiraku ramen, he proved to be a surprisingly adequate cook.

"Hey Chōji, you may want to go easy, save some room for your steak," Shikamaru cautioned his best friend.

"Sorry Shikamaru, its just that the food is so good."

"Well don't go eating too much," Sai approached them, chewing on some mini carrots. "Remember, Naruto has a pool here and you should never swim until thirty minutes after eating."

"That sounds like something Sakura would say," Shikamaru noted.

"I know, Ugly just told me the same thing her—OW!"

Sai yelped in pain as he felt Ino give a hard tug on his ear. "You're lucky she didn't hear that, or else you may not have left this party alive Sai! I would have thought you'd learned that lesson by now."

"No kidding."

The four ninjas turned to see the pink-haired medical ninja in question approach them.

"Sakura," Sai began, "I should apologize in case you heard—"

"Forget about it Sai, I just want to have fun tonight. Besides, Ino clearly made my point for me anyway...Oh yeah, how are you two doing anyway?"

Ino answered her best friend's question, "We're doing fine. Mom was a bit weirded out at first, but we had a talk and she's happy as long as I'm happy...To tell you the truth, I think both of us are feeling the best we have since..."

Sakura hesitated for a moment before she finished Ino's sentence. "...Since your father died."

Ino only hung her head as Sai, now learning better how to read a person's body language, put his arm around his girlfriend in order to comfort her.

"I can relate," Shikamaru added. "My mom and I have had it ruff since dad died, but she's getting by."

Naruto could listen in on the conversation from his station, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for his friends. He figured he ought to do something to alleviate the tension, and Ino-Shika-Cho's food was just now coming of the grill.

"Ino! Shikamaru! Chōji! Sai! Come and get your steaks!"

As the former teammates, plus one, got their food, Sakura took her leave and looked around the yard. Konohamaru was chowing down on the snacks and getting all excited like he was still a seven year old, earning scolding from Moegi and embarrassment from Udon.

Lee, despite his age, was behaving no less mature. He seemed anxious to strip down to his swimming trunks and hop in the pool, but Tenten had to hold him back and advise him that he had just finished eating and he would get a stomach cramp. Sakura giggled, she had to admit, they looked kind of cute together...

She also saw the former Team Kurenai gathered around engaging in conversation. Something inside her was telling her that she should speak to the blue-haired princess of the Hyūga clan.

"Hey Hinata! How are you liking the party?"

The young woman was initially startled at suddenly hearing her name, but she relaxed when she realized who it was. "Oh, h-hello Sakura! The party is lovely so far. Thank you."

Shino picked up on the subtle hints that Sakura wanted to have a girls-only conversation, so he signaled to Kiba for both of them to leave them be for a moment. Kiba didn't really understand, but he did what his old teammate advised him to do anyway.

Sakura stood next to Hinata, trying to figure out what to say. "So...how have you been Hinata?"

"Oh, I've been fine. You?"

"I'm fine, me and Naruto have been getting along great." The girl froze when she realized what she just said. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"

"I-It's okay, really. I'll be alright."

"You know that I never meant to steal him from you Hinata. It's just that—"

"Sometimes love comes in the most unexpected places."

Sakura looked at her friend in surprise. "Yeah, yeah it really did." She let out a deep sigh. "Y'know, I kind of envy you. You saw the greatness that lay deep inside him before I ever did."

"But you can see it now can't you?" Hinata asked.

"Yes, and it's beautiful."

Hinata put on a light smile, "Then that's what matters...I really am happy for you two. As long as Naruto's happy so am I..."

Sakura couldn't help but notice a frown that appeared on the girl's face as soon as she finished talking. "What's wrong Hinata?"

"...S-Sakura...There's something I need to tell you."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Y-You know that Naruto and I went on a date once, yes?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well...after he and I had our talk about how it wasn't going to work between us, I...kind of...k-kissed him." Hinata hung her head in shame. "I'm sorry."

Sakura stared at the Hyūga heiress dumbstruck for a moment...and then she lightly laughed.

Hinata was shocked. "You're not mad at me?"

"No, why would I be? I already knew about what happened after your date that night."

"Y-you did?!"

"Naruto confessed it to me after we shared our first kiss. He was even more scared about telling me than you were."

"You didn't get angry with him did you?"

"I was shocked and a bit hurt, yes. But I got over it quick. I mean, you were letting go of your feelings for him and he and I still weren't together yet. What right did I have to complain really? Besides, I technically did kiss him before you did anyway so—"

Hinata narrowed her eyes as veins appeared slightly and her Byakugan started emerging. She had an uncharacteristic amount of irritation clearly present in her voice. "You did what?"

Now it was Sakura's turn to panic. "No, no, no! He was dying! I was doing CPR! I-I'm so sorry! I thought you knew!"

Hinata relaxed her eyes and chuckled to herself. "I'm just kidding. I knew the whole time. I wanted to thank you for that actually. Without you he wouldn't be here for either of us to love."

Sakura calmed down, taken aback that sweet, innocent Hinata Hyūga just suckered her like that. "I don't know how much I did really. It was mostly his father and Obito that saved him."

"Maybe, but he never would have made it that long if not for everything you did for him."

Sakura could not fight the content smile that appeared on her face. "Because I love him...Thanks Hinata. I've never taken the time to just have a talk like this with just the two of us before...It's nice."

Hinata smiled as well, "I think so too."

"Hey Sakura! Could you come here for a second please?" Naruto yelled from his place at the grill.

A small vein appeared on the girl's forehead as her boyfriend interrupted them. "Oh well, I guess I'd better go see what my loudmouthed boyfriend wants this time." She stated walking over the Naruto before turning around again. "Thanks again Hinata! Enjoy the party!"

Hinata waved her hand at Sakura "I will!" As she watched the pink-haired girl go over to the blonde haired boy, she actually felt no jealously or sadness, only happiness.

'Naruto...I'm glad that she can makes you happy...You never deserved anything less than that.'

It was about half an hour into the party and nearly everyone was chowing down on the barbecue and, to their collective surprise, Naruto's grilling wasn't half bad.

Things were going pretty well so far. A couple of his friends had taken a time out to check out the rec room for a game a foosball or to get a few foam balls from there to throw around the back yard. Somebody even brought a deck of cards with them and challenged somebody else to a game.

Naruto himself headed back into the house to get Kakashi one more drink before he had to get back to the office. When suddenly...

Knock! Knock!

'Huh?' Naruto thought as he walked to the front door. 'Who could that be? I don't remember inviting anybody else.'

When he opened the door he was surprised to see who it was. "Mr. and Mrs. Haruno?"

"Hello there Naruto. Sorry we're late," Kizashi said with a wide grin.

"We had a little emergency come up back home, we hope you don't mind," Mebuki said politely.

"Oh no, no that's fine...Honestly I didn't even know you were coming."

Kizashi looked surprised, "Oh? Didn't Sakura tell you she invited us?"

"...No, she didn't."

Mebuki rolled her eyes, "That girl, I swear! One of these days..." The older woman stopped herself when she noticed the alcoholic drink in the young blonde's hand.

Naruto picked up on where her eyes were looking and quickly brushed it off. "Oh this! This isn't what you think Mrs. Haruno, really! I was just getting this for Kakashi-sensei, I swear!"

Mebuki smirked, "Its okay kid, we believe you. So can we come in now?"

"Yeah, sure thing." He stepped aside and opened the door wider to allow the couple to enter the house. As soon as they entered they were taken aback, just like their friends had all been.

"Wow..." Kizashi was stunned.

"Naruto, Minato and Kushina really left you all of this?" Mebuki asked.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, well, they meant this place to be for all three of—Wait a minute! Mrs. Haruno, you knew my parents?"

Mebuki smiled, "I was good friends with your mother since we were children. I'm guessing Sakura didn't tell you that either?"

Now Naruto was getting grumpy, "No, she must have forgotten to mention that part."

Mebuki chuckled, "I told her the day before you two first got together; I guess she just hadn't got around to it yet."

Naruto was taken aback. He honestly had no idea about any of this...

"In speaking of whom," Kizashi interrupted, "where is a our little girl anyway?"

Naruto was just about to point them towards the back yard, when all of a sudden the back door opened and in stepped none other than the girl in question herself, who was walking up to her boyfriend.

"Hey Naruto, you'd better come quick! I think Lee might have—Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?!"

"You invited us, remember sweetie?" Kizashi said. "You told us there was gonna be a party this weekend so here we are. Sorry we're late."

"Oh...yeah, right..." Sakura looked to the side. 'I told them about the party, sure, I didn't expect they'd actually come.'

"Something wrong dear?" Mebuki asked.

Sakura waved her hands frantically, "Oh no! Nothing Mom, we're fine, really!"

"Hey Sakura," Naruto said getting his girlfriend's attention, "how come you never told me that your mom and my mom were friends?"

Sakura's eyes widened and some color drained from her face as she raised her hand to her mouth. "Oh no. I'm sorry Naruto. I must have forgotten to tell you about that."

Naruto sensed her worry and quickly brought her into a hug. "Its okay babe, I'm not mad." To prove his point, he placed a quick peck on her lips which she intensified...completely forgetting that her parent's were standing right there.

"Aw, isn't that cute?" Mebuki said in a mocking tone, causing both teens to break apart and blush in embarrassment.

"Mom!"

"Mrs. Haruno!"

"Oh come off it you two! Don't forget Sakura that your father and I were young once too."

After they calmed down Naruto got back to business. "Say, what were you gonna say Sakura?"

"Oh yeah! I wanted to warn you that I think Lee might have taken a sip from Lady Tsunade's drink by mistake!"

"Oh crap!" He bowed to his guests, "Tell you what Mr. and Mrs. Har—"

"Please," the woman interrupted, "call us Kizashi and Mebuki."

"Sorry. Listen, let me go take care of this and then how about Sakura and I give you the tour of the house."

"Sure thing kid," Kizashi smiled in a very Guy-sensei-like manner.

Naruto took off, Kakashi's drink still in hand, back into the back yard to stop whatever chaos the drunken Rock Lee might be causing.

Meanwhile Sakura turned back to her parents. "So...what do you think?"

"Of the house, or of your boyfriend?" Kizashi asked.

"...Both."

"Well the house looks amazing, I can't wait to see the rest of it. As for Naruto...come on sweetie, we've already discussed this. He's a good kid and we know he'll treat you right. Just promise us that you two will be responsible and take care of yourselves and that's all we ask."

Sakura hugged her father, "Thank you daddy."

"I for one know I've got a lot of explaining to do for keeping you away from that boy for so long; Kushina would be so ashamed of me," Mebuki said to herself.

Sakura quickly gave her mother a hug as well. "You were just trying to protect me mom, that's all in the past now."

As they broke the hug, Mebuki got a sly smirk on her face. "Still...I have to admit that boy has gotten quite cute for his age. If I were a generation younger—"

"MOM!"

"I'm just teasing! Jeez sweetie, you've got to learn to stop being so uptight about everything."

Naruto came back into the house and walked up to the Haruno family. "Alright, false alarm. Lee hasn't been drinking anything and both Guy-sensei and Tenten are making sure he doesn't all night! I also gave Kakashi-sensei his drink; he says he'll stay for another twenty minutes maybe and then he needs to go back. So in the meantime...how about Sakura and I show you two around the place?"

The couple showed the two parents around the house for about fifteen minutes and they were both very impressed. The only awkward part was at the end of the tour when Naruto and Sakura had to show them the master bedroom...

...But after the tour was over the four of them all went outside and some of the older guests waved to the Haruno family for stopping by. Kakashi said he needed to go, though he didn't seem proud of it, and shook Naruto's hand saying one more time how proud he was of him before going back to the office.

Naruto got Kizashi and Mebuki some food as they got to talking about how she knew his mother. She told him the story about how they began a rivals back at the Academy until one day they both took out several bullies all by themselves, which began their slow bond into lifelong friends. She also expressed her regret for not being there for Naruto while he was growing up, saying that as a mother she was concerned for her little girl's safety and feared what might happen to her if she were discovered to be friends with the Nine-Tailed Fox. She knew that it was no excuse and didn't expect Naruto's forgiveness...but she got it anyway.

After a while enough time had passed that everyone—and by everyone I mainly just mean the teens and the kids—were anxious to take a dip in the pool. Naruto directed them to rooms inside the house where they could change clothes and within fifteen minutes everyone was in their swimwear and ready to go. The guys were pretty much all in typical swim trunks, although Naruto did have to admit that he was kind of creeped out by Sai's choice to come out in a speedo. The girls on the other hand...

Tenten was wearing a lime green two-piece suit with a wide top piece that was held on by straps that went over the shoulders, and a bottom half that were simple bikini briefs. Hinata was wearing an orange one-piece suit. Her friends had all tried to convince her to be bold and get a bikini instead, insisting that she'd looked amazing in one, but she just didn't feel wholly comfortable with it...at least not yet. Ino, being the temptress that she was, came out in a yellow and black striped two-piece bikini that hefted her breasts and came with bikini briefs that tied at the hips. Even with her boyfriend there, she couldn't resist teasing Naruto, mostly just to get a rise out of Sakura, by winking in his direction and finding an excuse to bend over in front of him. Naruto stole a look for a few seconds—who wouldn't?—before he felt a tug on his ear by his girlfriend.

Oh well, it didn't matter. As hot as Ino, Hinata and Tenten were, it was his dream girl herself that he had his eyes on. Sakura was wearing a two-piece bikini just like Ino's, only her's was dark pink to go with her hair color. While Sakura had to admit that she always felt jealous of the other girl's bodies, especially Hinata's, the looks that her boyfriend was giving her gave her confidence as she pretended not to notice his glancing at her finally developing breasts and her rear end.

Within seconds all of the kids were in the pool having a great time. Konohamaru and his friends were splashing around and throwing an inflatable beach ball. The others were doing things like having swimming races—Lee's idea—or just coasting in the water.

"Oh wow!" Ino yelled in delight. "this feels great!"

"Yeah dude," Kiba shouted, "your house rocks!"

"Thanks man!"

"Naruto! Your home is exquisite and the envy of the Hidden Leaf Village!"

"Thanks Bushy Brows!"

"Yeah man," Chōji said, "you've got to invite us here more often."

"Hey, like I said before, you guys are welcome to come by anytime you want...Say, anyone want to try out the hot tub?"

"Hell yeah!" Ino pumped her fist in the air as she dragged Sai out of the pool along with her.

The hot tub, like the pool, was built into the ground for easy entry. It was smaller, obviously, so some of them had to take turns getting in and out, save for Naruto and Sakura who, as the owner of the house and his girlfriend, assumed 'special privileges' for themselves.

Naruto fired up the jets and the lights as all of them relaxed, Naruto and Sakura sitting right next to each other with their arms around one another.

"Aww...this feels so good!" Naruto moaned out as the jets massaged her muscles.

Everybody was enjoying the experience, particularly the girls for some reason. Ino felt like she was in heaven as the warm water and jets massaged her while she cuddled up to Sai. Hinata couldn't resist a blush as she sat in the hot tub with Naruto sitting opposite her...while Kiba just so happened to sit on her other side.

Naruto himself wrapped his arm around Sakura's shoulders and she let him as she too enjoyed the feel of the hot tub, despite how admittedly cramped and non-private it was.

"Hey you lovebirds, don't go getting any ideas now!" Iruka called out from one of the tables set up in the yard, causing all of the adults to laugh and for Naruto, Sakura and Ino to get momentarily embarrassed, while Sai didn't seem phased either way.

Sakura had to admit that on different circumstances, being here with Naruto like this might have seemed, dare she say it...erotic.

"You are one lucky bitch, you know that Forehead!" Ino called out.

"What the hell's that supposed to mean, Pig?!"

"I just mean that you happened to land the most sought after guy in the village who just so happens to have inherited this freaking palace! You're pretty lucky."

Sakura could tell that her best friend was trying to be sincere with her, so she accepted the compliment. "Thanks Ino...but if I ever catch you teasing my man like that again I swear I'll whoop you ass!" Ino just giggled as she nodded in understanding.

"Speaking of 'getting lucky,'" Naruto said, "how everybody else doing? Anyone else seeing anyone yet?"

Nobody said anything at first, until Shikamaru, of all people, figured he'd speak up. "Well, I didn't want to talk to you guys about this since it would have been troublesome, but Temari and I have been sending each other messages since the war ended."

All of them stopped and looked at the lazy Nara clan member with smiles.

"Way to go Shikamaru!" Naruto said ecstatically.

"Yeah, congratulations!" Sakura agreed.

"About damn time dude!" Kiba said rudely.

Shikamaru was rather shocked. "Say what?!"

"Shika," Ino said to her old teammate, "we could tell something was going on between you and Temari for years. It's no surprise that you're seeing her."

Shikamaru sighed, "It was that obvious, huh?"

"Pretty much," Chōji answered his best friend. "Actually...I've got something I need to say too." Everybody turned to the Akimichi clan member in curiosity. "During the war I met this girl from the Hidden Cloud Village and I think we really hit it off."

"Really," Tenten asked in interest. "What does she look like?"

"Tall, dark skin, red hair, carries a sword—"

"Wait a minute!" Naruto said in shock. "Are you talking about that Karui girl that beat the crap out of me after the Pain invasion?"

"...Yeah, I guess I am."

Naruto's face faulted. "Wow...I did not see that coming."

"Me neither," a lot of the others said together.

"I don't know what to say guys, it just sort of happened. We got to talking and we had a lot in common."

"Hey, we're all happy for you Chōji," Shikamaru said.

"Yeah, good going stud," Ino rubbed in.

Sakura knew that Hinata wasn't seeing anyone right now, so she wasn't going to embarrass her or anything. Instead, she looked to one of her other friends. "How about you Tenten? Have you met anybody special?"

"Oh, no, not yet. But I'm not really looking for anyone right now anyway."

Tenten didn't notice that Lee was looking at her with regret and maybe a tint of longing as well...

"Well," Shino spoke up for the first time, " I suppose time won't stop for any of us. Everything changes, Naruto's new lifestyle is proof of that. I guess the only thing we can do now is adapt and move on and hope for happiness in the future, whatever that may be."

"Shino...that was very profound of you," Hinata complimented.

"Yeah dude, that was deep," Kiba agreed. Shino merely shrugged his shoulders in reaction.

Naruto, for no other reason than he was in the mood, stuck his hand out in the center of the hot tub. "To the future!"

Sakura smiled at her lover and put her own hand on top of his. "To the future!"

By now the other had all caught on and everyone out their own hands on top of Naruto and Sakura's. "TO THE FUTURE!"

The twelve friends all leaned back against the walls of the tub as Naruto and Sakura smiled at one another.

It was dusk now, and after drying off with all of the spare towels there were to be found, each of Naruto's guests decided one after another that it was time for them to head home. But as they left, they each thanked their friend for throwing such an awesome party and they especially congratulated him on his new house.

Eventually, only Naruto and Sakura were left. Sakura had promised to go home with her parents, but she asked them if they could wait a few minutes first, to which they agreed.

"Well," she said to her boyfriend, "I guess the party was a big hit."

"Yeah, I think everyone had a great time!" Naruto took Sakura's hand into his own. "I wanted to thank you again Sakura, I couldn't have done all of this without you."

"You're welcome...Naruto?"

"Yeah?"

"...I love you."

Naruto smirked, "I know."

He leaned in to claim her lips, which she was already leaning towards him. They met and came together in a passionate kiss that must have lasted at least twenty seconds. When they finally broke for air they smiled sweetly, almost perversely at one another.

"Have I told you how smoking hot you looked in that bikini?"

Sakura smirked, "You could stand to mention it more."

"SAKURA?! Sweetie, are you coming?" Kizashi yelled.

'Damn it dad!' "Well, I guess it's time for me to go then."

Naruto merely smiled at her in acceptance. "Alright then, see you tomorrow."

He couldn't resist planting a quick peck on her forehead, making the girl blush. 'I love it when he does that.'

With that, the two lovers waved each other goodbye as Sakura joined her parents and headed back home, her boyfriend watching them the whole time until they made it out of the front gate.

Naruto was now left home alone. Alone, in this big, large palace of a house. But you know the strange part? He didn't feel lonely at all. Why would he when he could now share his inheritance with so many of his friends? He knew for a fact that this would not be the last time he threw a party for all of his friends.

The boy thought to himself as he looked around his home. 'You know what, Shino was right! Things do change and we just need to adapt to it and move on...Mom, Dad, thank you both so much! I get the feeling that this is going to be the start of a beautiful future!'

He smiled brightly as he started walking up the stares towards his master bedroom, where his amazingly comfortable bed lay waiting. "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

There you have it! I hope all of you enjoyed this fun little story.

Just a couple of notes to point out, the scene between Sakura and Hinata was inspired by a scene in an episode of "The Legend of Korra" called "A Breath of Fresh Air," where Korra and Asami have a very similar conversation concerning a certain male firebender that has been in each of their lives by that point.

As some of you may or may not have noticed, yes, the characters are meant to be wearing the same swimwear that they are in the tenth ending to Shippuden, which shows them all at the beach (the closest we will ever come to a beach episode in Naruto) set to the J-pop song "My Answer" by Seamo. This same swimwear is also downloadable content for "Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution," as I suspect many of you already know.

Sakura telling Naruto she loves him and him responding with "I know" was, of course, an homage to Han Solo's classic line from "The Empire Strikes Back." Similarly, Sai quotes Darth Vader's iconic line at the beginning, "Impressive...most impressive."

The putting their hands together and saying "To the future!" was my way of compromising on them doing a toast, since they are still too young by this point to be drinking...by western standards at least.

Well, that's it! I hope all of you enjoyed this, and I hope to see you all again for my next story! Until then, see ya!