Chapter 10 Dangerous Future, Glorious Past

I don't own Naruto. Anything I use from the story is the property of its creator Masashi Kishimoto.

Welcome to Chapter 10 everybody. Last time the second test began but Kitsune dragged his team to Anko's private room to keep them safe. It was there, that he revealed that Orochimaru was after Sasuke but that he didn't know why. Meanwhile he sent a separate clone to find and rescue Fu who he knew was in danger because of his spying on Kabuto. Along the way he saved a young woman named Karin Uzumaki who he took to the Third Hokage and when he finally arrived at Fu's side he found her teammates attempting to rape her. Naturally he stepped in. and saved Fu and brought her back to the house. Not long after he brought back Fu, Anko arrived having attempted to capture Orochimaru herself and after a quick explanation allowed the group to go the tower and finish their second exam. Now it was time for the Third exam and Kitsune had a lot on his plate.

(Tower)

The second exam was finally over and things went very well for Kitsune. Much to his personal joy, the other two rookie teams as well as Tenten's team arrived having passed the test themselves. He wasn't surprised to discover that Kabuto's team also finished which meant he had a great chance to get his revenge. He also met with Fu and Karin during the time and was pleased to learn that both were okay and in the process of becoming Leaf ninja once the exam was over. The only issue he had now was how to deal with Kin and protect Sasuke from Orochimaru's clutches once they left the comfort of the tower. However, there was another problem that made itself known. 'So, we have my team Hinata's Team Ino's Team Tenten's Team Kabuto's team Gaara's Team and the Sound Village Team. That means we have 21 people who have to compete.' Kitsune frowned.

'I don't see the problem.' Naruto replied from inside his head.

'The problem… is that there are way too many teams. According to Anko the Third exam is a tournament style battle with the remaining ninja. That means we have 21 people to cram into a competition and there's no way they'll do that.' Kitsune groaned.

'I see so they'll have to eliminate teams.' Naruto acknowledged.

"Yep and that's gonna be a pain." Kitsune groaned. Things are proceeding about as he planned which he didn't mind. The only problem now was who would face who in the inevitable battles to come.

(Scene Skip)

The groups gathered together in a large room with a small balcony on the side and behind them was a large ram hand sign and what looked like an electronic board. 'Just as I thought. We're going to battle it out and the winners will be in the Third exam. Naruto ignored the Third Hokage's explanation of the battles but he did focus again when he heard something surprising.

"Sorry but I'm gonna drop out." Kabuto of all people revealed. Kitsune was annoyed because he wanted to kill Kabuto for being a spy for Orochimaru. With any luck he would fight one of Kabuto's teammates and that would be enough.

"Very well" the third said calmly but underneath he was displeased aware of the fact Kabuto was a spy from Kitsune's information. A moment later a sickly looking chunin appeared in the room.

"Please Lord Hokage, allow me Hayate Gekko to take over." the man said calmly. Hayate proceeded to explain preliminaries and for Naruto it was as predicted. The question now was how would the battles proceed and Naruto was pleasantly surprised when Sasuke was picked in the first round.

'Sasuke Uchiha vs Kiba Inuzuka' was the first battle and it proved to be every bit as interesting. The battle was a tight one with Kiba's taijutsu and use of smoke bombs proving a challenge for Sasuke who couldn't get off most of his fire jutsu because Kiba was staying so close. Sasuke eventually won when he unleashed the exploding clone jutsu on Kiba during an attempt at a close-range strike. A technique he taught Sasuke by sneaking him out of the tower and going to their old training ground. He was positive the Third knew about him sneaking away but didn't say anything.

The next battle was Shino vs Kabuto's teammate Yoroi Akado much to Naruto's annoyance. It turned out to be a battle of absorption types and Shino barely won an endurance battle.

The next battle was uncomfortable to watch as Sakura fought against Ino. It felt like the battle took kunoichi back a long time as Ino and Sakura used basic techniques until Ino managed to trap Sakura with her hair and successfully activated her clan's most dangerous technique the mind transfer jutsu. Unfortunately for Ino, she didn't know about Sakura's inner self and that saved her which ultimately led to Sakura and Ino getting a draw.

After that Temari fought against Tenten in a battle that was the exact opposite of the previous one. The two women engaged in a fiercesome battle but sadly for Tenten, Temari was a wind user and that was the worst possible match for her. Ultimately Kitsune had to step in himself, saving Tenten from being on the wrong end of Temari's war fan.

"Thanks Kitsune." Tenten whispered as he held her in his arms.

"Sure, Naruto would kill me if I let something bad happen to you" Kitsune replied as he handed her off to her sensei. Once his battle was done, he had every intention of sneaking away so Naruto could go visit her and talk. At least that was his plan until he saw the next battle.

'Naruto Uzumaki vs Kin Tsuchi'

"Well this is a plot twist" Kitsune thought to himself. Kin looked towards Kitsune with a small scowl to hide the joy she was feeling. This couldn't have gone better for him if he tried.

As they walked towards the stage Kin noticed Kitsune discreetly flashing hand signs and she felt the familiar feeling of a genjutsu flowing throughout the arena. She was a little surprised by the move, but she smiled since she had a feeling she knew what he was after.

As they approached the stage Kin took her stance with a quiet Kitsune doing the same.

"Battle Begin" Hayate announced and now it was time for Kin to test her theory.

"I'm impressed you were able to put everyone under a genjutsu without anybody realizing it." Kin smiled.

"Sorry but that's just not the case." Kitsune smiled as he focused up and Kin was shocked to see Kakashi looking right at them instead of what she assumed was the battle going on underneath the genjutsu. The Third Hokage was also doing the same.

"So Naruto what are you planning now. By the way the other jonin know what's going on but decided not to intrude. Since you're my student it's my job to figure out your plan" Kakashi smiled.

"Well while Kin and I fight under the genjutsu. I'm gonna get Kin out of here." Kitsune smiled.

"Works for us, but eventually people are going to realize what's going on and want answers."

"Too late for that dobe." Sasuke smiled having dispelled the genjutsu himself.

"Well damn I guess I'm out of time." Kitsune frowned before creating two shadow clones one that transformed into Kin.

"Smart. You'll have the clone leave with Kin while the other one stays. Oh, you should probably have the Kin look a bit more damaged since your fight is pretty intense." Kakashi suggested.

"Alright" Kitsune smiled and the clone nodded before having him transform into Kin.

"So are we gonna sit here or get going. You have a promise to keep." the real Kin huffed.

"I got it" Kitsune smiled before walking over to the real Kin and kissing her on the lips in front of the watching group.

"Really" Kin blushed before the other clone grabbed her and teleported her away via a shunshin. Once she was gone the clone got into relative position and undid the genjutsu just as the fake Kin was knocked to the ground by Naruto so nobody had to actually fight.

"Winner Naruto Uzumaki" Hayate explained. Just like the others he dispelled the genjutsu, but he didn't speak.

As 'Kin' was escorted away a smiling Kitsune walked back to his team and the watching jonin all watched as Kin was escorted away by the medical ninja. The rest would take care of itself as far as he was concerned. Sadly, he couldn't leave without arousing suspicion which meant Naruto's visit to Tenten would have to wait.

The next battle was one equally as intriguing for Kitsune with Hinata facing off against Neji Hyuuga in a battle that was bound to bother the people who weren't aware of Hinata's real personality. A smiling Kitsune watched as Hinata and Neji also competing to a draw. For those who didn't know Hinata it was a shock to see the timid girl fighting so fiercely but for Kitsune it was a moment of pride.

The next battle was Gaara vs Zaku. Sadly for Zaku, and happily for Kitsune the young man was torn to shreds by a brutal Gaara. 'I owe him one.' Kitsune smiled since he really wanted to kill Zaku for how he treated Kin.

The next battle wasn't quite as crazy with Temari's sibling Kankuro fighting against Kabuto's final teammate Musumi. Musumi's ability to strangle his opponent would've been a difficult one for most people to deal with, but Kankuro ended up being a puppet user and Musumi was easily defeated.

The next battle was Choji vs Lee and Choji was overwhelmed by Lee's overwhelming power. It was impressive to watch Lee having to focus on the timing of Choji's rolls before attacking and he did so with aplomb.

The final battle was Shikamaru vs Dosu and it was a battle that gave Kitsune a new respect for Shikamaru. Dosu's strategy involved using soundwaves to attack but Shikamaru had earplugs in his ear which negated that, leading to an easy victory. That meant the final round was decided and the eight members were Naruto Lee Temari Kankuro Gaara Shikamaru Sasuke and Shino. As they selected the battles things got even more interesting. Naruto was going to fight against Lee with Sasuke fighting Gaara after that Kankuro fought against Shino and Shikamaru fighting against Temari. For the Sand Village it was a resounding victory and a smiling Kitsune was looking forward to the final round which would take place in a month.

(Scene Skip)

The next day, Kitsune stood in front of the Third Hokage with a smile on his face. Behind him were the three women he rescued in Karin Fu and Kin. Fortunately for him, the interrogation of Kin was taken care of while the second exam was finishing up and Karin and Fu were already in the process of being switched to Leaf Ninja. "Looks like everything went as planned huh." Kitsune smiled as he stood in front of the Hokage.

"Yes it did. I'm officially placing them under your protection from now on." The Third announced. Unless Orochimaru himself attacked, and that wasn't very likely, the girls were in good hands.

"There's just one problem old man. I can't keep all these girls in my apartment." Kitsune groaned.

"Yes, but that's not actually a problem because I can simply give you your family's compound." The third revealed causing the three kunoichi to look at the Third in shock.

"Wait a minute. This guy's got a freaking compound." Kin said in shock.

"Yes he does. Naruto's been living in his apartment for some time but now seems as good of a time as any to give him his true home." The third revealed. Originally, he was going to wait until Naruto was a chunin but considering the information Kin revealed, Naruto getting a compound was the least he deserved.

"Sounds good to me." Kitsune smiled and the girls along with the Third Hokage left the office.

(Scene Skip)

As they finally arrived at the large compound Kin Karin and Fu each had mixed feelings about their new host. Fu was reminded of her own time in Taki with the dirty looks Naruto was given by the villagers even with the Hokage walking by his side. Karin and Kin were both surprised by the looks but moreso Kin because Orochimaru never suggested he was anything special, something she was quickly learning wasn't the case. As for Kitsune he was focused on his new compound and as they arrived, Naruto saw the large gate and formed a smile on his face, "So is this where my parents lived." Naruto wondered.

"Yes it is. I've had ninja look after it all this time so it should be in good condition. You're finally home Naruto" The Third smiled.

"Excuse me Lord Hokage, who are Naruto's parents?" Kin wondered.

"I'm surprised Orochimaru never told you." the third chuckled. Orochimaru would've known and the fact he didn't say anything was shocking.

"He was far more interested in Sasuke" Kin admitted.

"Well I don't see any harm in telling you girls since you're going to be under his protection. His father is the Fourth Hokage while his mother's name was Kushina Uzumaki." The Third exclaimed.

"No Way!" Kin and Karin said respectively. Kin was stunned by Naruto's connection to the Fourth Hokage, a man who despite being much younger was still admired by Orochimaru for his talent and skill. In Karin's case it was because Naruto was connected to Uzumaki royalty. Fu was stunned because even in Taki it was well known that the Fourth Hokage defeated the fox. The idea that his father would seal the fox into his kid was simply mind boggling.

"It seems you two know about Naruto's parents." The third smiled as he looked at Kin and Karin.

"Lord Orochimaru greatly respected the Fourth Hokage for his talents and abilities. While it is true that he resented him for taking the title of the Fourth from him, he also acknowledged his strength." Kin revealed.

"Kushina Uzumaki was the last princess of the Land of Whirlpool. As her son Naruto is a legend and any number of Uzumaki still hidden throughout the elemental nations would no doubt serve him if he wanted them too.

'Yeah and I know one of them.' Kin thought to herself. Her new host was even more interesting than he ever imagined.

(Scene Skip)

Kitsune was smiling like a loon as he relaxed in his new bedroom after the incredibly long day. His new home was a Western Style mansion with 3 floors with the first floor containing a large living room kitchen and dining room. The second floor contained 5 rooms presumably for the maids who worked there before and a few bathrooms. The third floor had 2 more bedrooms presumably for Naruto and one belonging to the Fourth Hokage and his wife. Kin Karin and Fu moved into rooms on the second floor and he was certain the girls were happy. Naruto moved most of his stuff into the new mansion but the apartment in order to deceive anybody who was trying to target him.

Around an hour after he finished moving in, he received a surprise in the form of Kakashi arriving for a visit along with Hiashi and Hinata the latter of whom couldn't believe that this was Kitsune's new home. The news only got better from there since Hiashi revealed that Hinata could move in with Naruto as a reward for her battle against Neji. It took all of five seconds for Hinata to ask to move in today and a smiling Hiashi took his daughter back to the compound to get her things ready. Two hours later the Hyuuga were back and a celebration was on.

With all the celebrating over a smiling Hiashi and Hinata left for the moment but they would be back to completely move Hinata in tomorrow. Naruto's new bedroom was pretty simple containing a large closet with plenty of space and a large dresser that had 3 rows that he could use for his clothes. "What a day" Kitsune smiled as he sat in his bed. Sadly for Kitsune, his time to relax would short lived since he had a guest waiting for him, "Come on in Kin." Kitsune smiled and there was a small pause before the door opened and the ex-sound ninja walked in.

"How did you know it was me?" Kin wondered. She remembered how the first time they met she easily snuck up on him and was shocked at how easily he caught her this time.

"I heard you coming and before you ask, I wasn't worried about getting caught when we first met." Kitsune smirked.

Kin smiled before putting that thought to the side and focusing on the real reason for her visit, "The reason I'm here is because I have a favor to ask you?" Kin explained before moving towards the bed.

"And what's that" Kitsune smiled as Kin slid onto the bed and snuggled into his arms.

"I have a friend named Tayuya who is will be in the village serving a critical role for Orochimaru during the invasion.

"Oh, and what role is that" Kitsune smiled.

"Orochimaru was planning to start the invasion during the final exam while Gaara of the Sand Village has his match. Tayuya is part of the barrier team that was going to help ensure that he does so without interference. I've already told Lord Hokage about that before you ask."

"I see and I'm guessing you want me to take her from Orochimaru also." Kitsune smiled.

"Yes. I know where she's going to be during the Third Exam, and I can sneak her away before things go crazy." Kin replied.

"That shouldn't be…" Kitsune started to say but he received the memories of the clone he disguised as Kin and he was stunned by what happened.

There was a small lecture by Orochimaru about their failure which was a minor annoyance before the clone returned to Kin's room. The problem came when Orochimaru himself stuck a seal of some kind on the clone's head as it slept. The last thing the clone saw before dispelling was soil surrounding his body and Orochimaru saying. "You may have failed me in life but you will serve me in death."

"What happened." Kin said nervously aware of that something changed.

"The clone had some weird seal put on him by Orochimaru. I don't know what that was about but I had to do something" Kitsune explained.

Kin paled at the thought and wondered what would've happened had he not helped her out, "I'm gonna go to sleep." Kin said nervously before getting up and going back to her room. She was fully intent on breaking in the new bed after Naruto agreed to help Tayuya but right now she just wanted some time to think about her plan to free Tayuya. Naruto wasn't aware of it, but Orochimaru had a trump card by his side that made rescuing Tayuya FAR more treacherous.

(Higarashi Weapons Store)

While Kitsune spoke with Kin, his other half was on the move himself deciding that now was as good a time as ever to tell his long-time friend Tenten how he felt about her. Arriving at the weapons shop that doubled as her home, he was glad to see Tenten sitting behind the desk. Tenten opened the door. She was still in same outfit, though he was sure it was a new one since her outfit was damaged a bit during her battle with Temari. "Hey Tenten, can we talk for a bit." Naruto wondered.

"Are you Naruto or Kitsune?" Tenten wondered.

"Naruto, Kitsune let me out because he knew I wanted to see you." Naruto smiled.

"Cool but you'll need to watch the store for an hour since I'm alone. Luckily nobody comes by so you shouldn't have any problems" Tenten smiled as she brought Naruto in. Luckily for her, her father was out with is buddies which meant they had plenty of time to chat and maybe more if Tenten read the situation right.

"Got it" Naruto replied before making a shadow clone that transformed into Tenten and sat behind the desk. He wasn't quite on Kitsune's level with most things, but he could do shadow clones thanks to watching Kitsune do it as many times as he has.

The pair quickly made their way up to Tenten's room which was a simple room with a twin sized bed with brown sheets and a black headboard. All around the room were various scrolls and weapons. The smell of metal in the room suited Tenten far more than he cared to admit. "Hard to believe this is the first time I've been in your room." Naruto smiled as he stood near the door with Tenten sitting on the bed.

"Not really. We lost touch with each other after the orphanage and even though we were in class together for some time, I couldn't really talk to you because you were the demon brat. We're lucky that I get to see you during training" Tenten sighed. Her father owned one of the premier weapons shops in the village and if people knew she and Naruto were as close as they were, it was possible she'd lose tons of business.

"Yeah but I think I know a way we can spend way more time together." Naruto smiled.

Tenten's eyes widened, "How!" Tenten wondered.

Naruto reached into his pocket and walked over to Tenten, "This is for you" Naruto smiled before putting a key to Naruto's compound in her hands.

"Are you saying you want me to move into your apartment with you?" Tenten blushed.

"No, I'm saying I want you to move into my compound with me. We found out that I had a clan and there's two rooms left. I want one to be yours." Naruto revealed to Tenten's shock.

Tenten was stunned and didn't know what to say, "Kitsune's okay with that." Tenten wondered.

Naruto was bashful before saying, "Yeah he's cool with it. He wants me to be happy as well and he's got plenty of girls himself. He figured I could get one for me." Naruto said bashfully. Kin was his lover and Hinata wasn't too far behind. There was also no doubt in his mind that Karin and Fu would join the group of girls before too long.

There was only one thing for Tenten to do in this situation. "I'd love it Naruto. I'll start packing my things tonight and I'll move in tomorrow." Tenten smiled happily as she stood up to start packing her things.

"Yeah but first there's something I wanted to do." Naruto said with conviction in his voice.

"What's…" Tenten started to say before Naruto slammed his lips against hers.

Naruto pulled away from the kiss and smiled, "Well I want to be with the girl I care about" Naruto smiled.

"Alright" Tenten smiled before wrapping her arms around Naruto's waist and returning his kiss. If she was going to lose her virginity to somebody, Naruto was on top of the list.

LEMON START:

As the pair engaged in the soft makeout session Naruto couldn't help but smile at the fact the girl he cared about was his at last. Kitsune had Hinata and Anko among others and although he arranged Sakura, his feelings for Tenten were far different. Their kiss lasted around a minute before Tenten had to pull away. "Not bad Naruto. I wouldn't have pegged you as a good kisser. Kitsune maybe but not you" Tenten teased.

Naruto frowned at the response, "I picked up a few things when I was learning the sexy jutsu." Naruto protested.

"Then show me Naruto" Tenten smiled as she backed up towards the edge of her bed.

A smiling Naruto reached for the fasteners of Tenten's blouse and easily undid them one by one slowly revealing her very heavily bound chest something that caught Naruto off guard, "Well isn't this a surprise." Naruto smiled as he finished removing Tenten's blouse leaving her with just her bound chest.

Outside of my dad Neji and Hinata you're the only one who knows about this and before you get any ideas it's only because of the Byakugan that Neji and Hinata even know." Tenten smiled as she put her hands together in an odd hand sign and focused her chakra. Naruto looked on in shock as the bindings came apart revealing something that shocked both Kitsune and Naruto.

'Holy crap. She's as large as Hinata.' Kitsune gasped.

For his part Naruto could barely hold back the drool on her face. "They're huge" Naruto said following the words of his inner self.

Tenten looked bashful but Tenten smiled as she showed off her breasts, "I may not have Super strength like Tsunade but at least I have big breasts." Tenten said bitterly.

"W-why did you hide them." Naruto wondered in complete disbelief.

"My breasts get in the way of my fighting style." Tenten said calmly.

"Well they're amazing" Naruto smiled as he gazed at Tenten's orbs. She was almost as large as Hinata and had perfectly brown nipples that worked perfectly with her tan skin.

Tenten blushed back and smiled as she bent down putting her face to face with his slowly growing bulge. Tenten smiled before pulling Naruto's jumpsuit pants and boxers down in one motion revealing his massive bulge, "How about I use my massive breasts to make your big dick feel good. I am an expert with weapons" Tenten smiled as she wrapped her orbs around Naruto's prick.

"So soft" Naruto gasped as Tenten slid them up and down his shaft. He only got the phantom feelings when Naruto enjoyed the massive breasts of Tsunami, Anko and occasionally Hinata. When he had sex with Sakura, he couldn't enjoy such a thing because of her lack of size so this was a new experience for him and one he was going to enjoy.

"Thanks Naruto" Tenten blushed as she continued her ministrations by licking his tip with her tongue

"So good!" Naruto grunted happily as he enjoyed the sensation.

'Good for you Naruto' Kitsune smiled. Thanks to being with Hinata and Anko, he knew a good titfuck when he saw it, and this was proving to be a good one.

As Tenten continued her work a smiling Naruto just watched her go and after around five minutes reached his limit. "Tenten I'm going to cum." Naruto roared.

"Then let me have it Naruto" Tenten smiled happily before Naruto did exactly that spraying his load into Tenten's waiting mouth. To Naruto's surprise Tenten was able to take the whole load and swallowed it with very little effort.

"Oh man that's incredible" Naruto gulped.

"But we're not done Naruto" Tenten smiled as she slid her pants off revealing a red pair of panties with a side knot that Tenten undid revealing her soaked snatch.

"Right" Naruto smiled as he pulled off the orange top revealing his toned stomach.

"I'm ready Naruto." Tenten smiled as she spread her lips for Naruto ready to take his massive beast inside.

"So am I, but I want to make sure you feel good Tenten." Naruto insisted diving towards her snatch and sliding his tongue in with absolute ease.

"Naruto!" Tenten moaned as the normally timid Naruto slid his tongue in and out of her snatch causing her to squirm with pleasure.

"You taste delicious Tenten." Naruto smiled before resuming his work.

"Naruto… this feels good… but I want to feel you. Put it inside me already" Tenten moaned happily.

'Naruto, you can eat her out all you want later but right now she wants your dick so give it to her.' Kitsune practically ordered.

Naruto agreed and pulled away. Just as Tenten wanted, he lined up his prick with Tenten's entrance, "What the lady wants the lady gets." Naruto smiled ready to go.

"I don't have a hymen because of my training so you can let me have it." Tenten said with a smile.

Naruto nodded before sliding inside Tenten and claiming her virginity for himself, "So tight" Naruto groaned.

"That's because you're huge. I'm kinda glad you did that stuff first." Tenten winced.

"Then how about we relax for a second." Naruto smiled before leaning down and pressing his lips against Tenten's. The pair held the kiss for a few minutes before Tenten pulled away.

"Come on Naruto. Show me your flames of youth." Tenten teased.

'Just for saying that Naruto make her scream.' Kitsune groaned in annoyance. He really did hate that phrase.

'That was the plan anyway' Naruto replied before he began moving inside her.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Tenten cried as Naruto's moved inside her with his massive member hitting every spot she had.

"You're so tight Tenten but it feels so good." Naruto roared with pleasure. This was different from his time with Sakura because it was about somebody he truly cared about and as Tenten squirmed underneath him Naruto was being driven wilder and wilder.

"Naruto keep going" Tenten grunted trying to hold on.

"Oh I will but I think I want to finish this in a fun way." Naruto smirked as he reached down and pulled Tenten so they were face to face.

"Alright Naruto, let me have it." Tenten smiled as she wrapped her arms around Naruto. The pair began their own miniature battle with their hips meeting clashing with each thrust as each one tried to push the other back onto the bed so they could take control of their fun. Five minutes passed and nothing changed and the two gazed into each other's eyes passionately. This continued for another ten minutes before Naruto finally reached his limit.

"Tenten I'm going to cum." Naruto smiled keeping a hold of his longtime friend.

Tenten replied by smashing her lips against his, "Cum inside me Naruto. Let me feel your youth." Tenten said happily her own release nearly there as well. Another few clashes of hips later and it was finally time.

"Here we go!" Naruto roared as he sprayed his seed inside Tenten filling her to the brim instantly.

"CUMMING!" Tenten roared back her own release hitting Naruto's legs. The whole time the two never let go of each other and together they collapsed onto the bed.

LEMON END

"I think that's enough for one night." Naruto admitted. He could go a few more rounds for sure but he was certain Tenten was exhausted.

"Alright but you're staying over mister." Tenten smiled.

"Sure" Naruto replied before he and Tenten snuggled together. A lot had changed for both of them but for right now they just wanted to enjoy each other's company.

That's it for Chapter 10 and yeah a lot happened in this one. Next chapter, it's time to move into the Uzumaki compound and Naruto's housewarming party has a few surprises.