Painted Masks

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Naruto related. As in having a license. I do have a lot of merchandise though XD

A/N: This is part one. Part two will be worked on throughout the summer break and through till x-mas break. By then part two shall be finished.

xXx

Smooth polished wood, delicately painted in swirls of glimmering, dark colors. Black, silk ribbon, flowing down from both sides. All were parts that made up a mask, complete with the spaces for eyes to see and a small, thin cut for breaths to pass through. It was the only thing he could really call his own. The only item he found to be his most precious.

The only gift from the family he never knew. The family that couldn't be there for him as a child, helping him through the questions and aching pain. All because of one evil being. A being of nine-tails and unbelievable power.

The Kyuubi. The kitsune demon that ravaged his home-village. Turning everyone's life into a blinding nightmare.

Naruto cherished what small items were left to him, after having left his guardian. He loved the mask most of all, next to the only picture he had of his mother. It's beauty awed him and he loved being able to hide behind a mask that wouldn't easily crumble. He was also pleased that he couldn't be treated harshly behind the mask, when in proper disguise, mainly around this time of year.

This fragile item of his hung, slightly hidden from common view above his bed, carefully dusted and cleaned every chance he got. He was even more intrigued by the mask, as when he held it his normally jumpy hands were calm and unmoving. Acting as though one mishap in how the item was held would cause it to become dust.

Today, he would finally openly wear his mask in front of all. This wasn't because it was his birthday or even the day Kyuubi was sealed away inside of him. Today was the start of a new festival the village wanted to test out, in hopes of relieving the pain of that day. The festival still had its connections to Kyuubi in that everyone wore a mask or something fox related. This festival, because of the mask bit, allowed Naruto to freely walk around the crowds, without being scorned. Possibly the only festival.

This reason why is all the villagers that knew about him believed the demon vessel would not join in their festivities and fun. They all thought he would be indisposed or restrained, anything that might result in keeping the creature contained. As always, assuming is not a wise choice to make.

The young teen grinned, feeling relaxed a bit as he toyed with his limp, blonde hair. He had it grown out a bit more than people thought, because the spikes prevented it from hanging down. He groaned as he tried to make it look more alive by shaking his head a bit. It worked, pleasing him that for today he also didn't have to spike his hair. He never really wanted to wear his hair like that, but was indeed forced to. Like he was forced to wear that ridiculous orange jumpsuit.

This time he could wear the clothes he preferred in the colors that he wished. Which naturally would be dark colors since all good ninjas wore dark colors. Not a bright and noticeable orange color. Needless to say it also wasn't very easy to get the clothes he wanted since all the villagers wouldn't really let him buy items. He was lucky and bought these clothes while out on missions to different villages.

The outfit he really wanted to wear tonight was the first set of clothing he bought while away from Konoha itself. Well, not including the trip he took to the Country of the Wave (?). He had a long sleeved deep navy blue shirt and black cargo pants, the kind that fell loosely around the hips. He had a nice hip length and baggy violet jacket that contrasted well with the blue. Lastly came his most precious mask. The only thing off about it all was his hair, being the wrong shade of color.

Looking in a mirror he was very pleased with everything, admiring himself in a child-like demeanor. He smirked and made a few funny faces, even though he couldn't see them from behind his mask. He chuckled softly to himself, taking a brief moment to work his ninja magic on his hair. He made a few quick signs and watched as his hair changed to a deep forest green color.

When he finished he caught a glimpse of the clock and cursed loudly. The opening ceremony for the festival started at 8 o'clock and it was on the other side of the village. His clock read 7:45, which only gave him enough time to get there.

He sighed, throwing on some black sneakers and running out the door. He almost forgot his wallet and keys, but caught himself in time. He was slightly grumpy about the fact that he didn't have time to enjoy Ichiraku's Ramen. That place was literally his heaven on earth, the only place where he decided to eat at everyday without being told to.

He didn't quite understand why he really loved ramen, since it isn't at all healthy. Drawing a rational conclusion he figured that it was the only thing a child could easily make. Since it was easy to make, he lived. If it wasn't then he might not be where he stood with a status of ninja. That is what he would say to whoever asked, however the truth was he didn't like ramen all that much, but the little shop brought him peace of mind and an escape from the villagers.

Still annoyed, he ran past his favorite place to eat, drawing closer to the grounds. He could hear the sounds of excited people, all waiting for the ceremony to start. Waiting to enjoy the treats only served during festivals. He noticed the people as he ran through the streets, the people that normally would have whispered behind his back, not even notice that he walked by.

He was pleased, but also hurt in a deep way at the same time. When he felt like just turning around and going home, he came straight into the crowd for the festival. Then all thoughts of turning back, back to another night spent alone, were gone.

The crowd was abuzz; their excitement for the next three days was enough for anyone to hear. The smells of fresh, hot food wafted around everyone. A few merchants shouted their special items for the festival. The sounds of laughter and joy came from the booths where games were held. Children ran around, strangers were now friends.

He stared with awe at everything before him. For him it was a rare sight to see such unity and friendship among his fellow villagers. He deftly dodged a pair of children, brandishing small and blunt kunai. The sight made his hidden smile grow even larger. He would stop in and join in their games, but he had a personal mission to head towards the parade grounds.

He didn't actually head towards the grounds, but instead went into a tree nearby them. He knew that the grounds would be crowded with people and all the best seats were already taken. Besides, being in the trees could also be even better than front row on the side of the street.

So he settled himself down to wait the extra five minutes he had before the parade would begin. Just long enough for him to doze a bit and keep his energy up and at full.

He was always told he looked sour or grumpy. Moody from others and dark, he was also told how handsome he was from all the girls in the village. How he hated each and every one of them, trying to flaunt him around like a piece of jewelry or a handbag. It disgusted him; not a single girl would ever understand the real him.

So he did what he did best. Staying silent and emotionless. He would listen to their bickering and squawking, taking in bits and pieces of what they shouted to each other. He had only recently started this, amazed a bit at how much information they could leak out about other girls or themselves.

It didn't help him a bit that one of his teammates is one of those crazy girls. In fact he believes her to be one of the worst few after him. He didn't have anything personal against her, for if she weren't always all over him, he probably would consider dating her. Just once though.

Well, more like now. The pink-haired kunoichi, Sakura, managed to coax him to go to the festival with her. Mind you, he has no idea why or how she did it, all he knows is that he came. He came with her and is deeply irritated by it.

She was chattering away in her excitement, he was half listening to whatever she jabbered about. Trying with minor effort to release her hold on his arm. A scowl etched his porcelain features, as her grip just seemed to tighten around his helpless arm.

They were both heading towards the parade grounds, well more like one dragged the other there. Sakura had grown excited as she could hear the loud thrums from the Taiko drummers, loving the way it made her heart jump in her chest. Sasuke grudgingly let himself be led; he could hear the drums and hated how they drowned out all other noises. Feeling slightly vulnerable when he couldn't hear if anyone was sneaking up behind him.

He lets out a small breath when he felt the softer hand of Sakura gently release him as she jumped about in the crowd. She was babbling incessantly about the glimpses of things she could see over the taller villagers' heads. He grunted, not really caring for the crowd and noise that enveloped his entire being.

"Sasuke-kun! You should see the lovely Maiko dancers on the first float. They look so elegant." She cheered, lightly tapping his shoulder and pointing in the direction of the large float down the strip of road.

Slightly curious he shifted forward onto his tiptoes, scanning a little ways ahead and spotting the float. He was slightly mesmerized by the sight of the painted women and their elegant movements to the beats of the drums. He almost felt himself pulled into a trance from their graceful movements, slowly seeing the story their bodies were telling.

Sakura smiled softly to herself as she finally got the crush of her life to take some interest in what was going on. She watched with him as the float passed, not daring to touch him in any form. If she did she would break his trance and not be able to do much else the rest of the night.

When the float passed, he stood there in slight amazement. The story they had told with their movements was of Izanagi and Izanami, when they had completed their first walk around the land and the second walk they had to take. The story mixed with the birth of Amaterasu and how she hid behind a rock and refused to come out and light the world with her glowing warmth until a party of her fellow gods enticed her to peek out and be snatched back into the sky.

Then the float was gone, bringing forth the next one. It was just a simple dance of the dragon, telling another brief story that was well known to all in the Country of Fire. It was mainly a little bit of Konoha's own history and it bored him to no end. So he looked around him, spotting a tree not to far off in the distance.

Seeking freedom from the excited crowd, he silently left Sakura's side and made his way there. Here, by the tree, he could still see the parade if something caught his fancy and easily get a better view of it. He casually leaned against with his arms crossed and eyes focused on the street ahead of him.

Sakura had noticed him leave, slightly upset that he didn't make any motion to her. She shrugged it off, not following. It was true she was almost obsessed with him, but she also knew when she wasn't really wanted. She just acted like she didn't. Right now she could tell he didn't want anything else to do with her for the night. She felt it was her own fault for dragging him somewhere he most certainly wouldn't have liked.

She sighed, always knowing her efforts were pointless when it came to the village's ninja genius. Running a hand through her short, cherry-pink hair she pushed her way through the crowd. She was on a hunt for a group of her friends to hang out with the whole night.

Azure eyes snapped open as the jingle of bells from the dragon float reverberated through his ears. Shaking him deeply and almost making him yelp in pain. His sensitive ears could pick up the higher frequencies of sounds a bell made and it pained him deeply.

He was also upset that he had missed the first float. He had wanted to see the Maiko dancers and watch their dazzling dance and hear the story they had to tell. He sighed softly and looked around, not caring much for the current float before him. It was then that he spotted his fellow teammate beneath him, leaning against the tree trunk and looking slightly bored.

Panic rose within his chest, fearing he might get caught and face the villagers' scorn and hatred. Looking pathetic and weak in front of the only partially stable thing in his life. Then slowly he calmed down, recalling that right now he didn't look like a demon-vessel to them, just a regular person.

He sighed, still feeling nervous at finding his rival beneath his spot in the tree. The sound of shouts brought his attention back to the parade and what he saw ripped his already severely wounded heart to shreds.

It was a float with an image of Kyuubi no kitsune, ravaging the land and killing dozens of shinobi. It was a float that reminded the village of what this day truly was about. He watched in horror, pleased that he had a mask to hide away his tear-filled face. The image shifted to Yondaime riding upon his giant frog friend, his coat fluttering in the breeze. His eyes glaring down at the Kyuubi yet also filled with a deep heart-felt pain.

Then a majestic battle took place and slowly lead up to his great sacrifice in sealing the demon inside a newborn child. Naruto watched, freely sobbing as he could feel the silent anger every-single adult felt towards him grow. His life felt like it just took an even worse turn.

Yet, the images didn't end there. It continued, showing him as a small child, crying deeply all by himself in his lonely apartment. Muttering to himself, asking why no one liked him, wondering what it was he had done to be treated this way. A loud thundering crash was heard and stopped the images as Tsunade appeared in full fury.

She bellowed out in her rage to the ones working on the float and to the villagers. Shocking everything into silence. "How dare you! How dare you all! You should feel ashamed for yourselves for this blatant act. What gives you the right to show such things without the boy's permission? I'm deeply hurt and disappointed with all of you. The parade will continue, but this float will no longer be within it!" She yelled and vanished along with the float.

He thanked Tsunade deeply for her intervention and protection. There were definitely kids his own age or younger that would have seen things he didn't want anyone to see about himself and his past.

He shifted when he heard a confused jumble of words come from below him. Watching, as Sasuke seemed transfixed to the spot where the float once was. He was pleased when he shook his head and muttered indistinct plans to himself and looked up into the tree. A soft sound in the still silent grounds brought his attention straight towards him.

"Who are you? And why are you in the tree?" His silky and dark voice asked, echoing slightly in the blonde's shocked ears. At once the sounds of the parade started up again with a buzz about what they just saw, enveloping both boys within its clutches yet again.

Quickly thinking up a false name to go with his fake image he responded to his rival. "My name is Susumu Yoshimoto. As to why I am in a tree is none of your business." He smirked behind his mask, almost laughing at the death glare he received.

"May I ask, Sasuke Uchiha, as to why you are in such a place as this? From all the things I have heard about you, I took it that you hated all things social."

"Hn…" Came his reply as Sasuke deftly leapt into the tree, taking a seat on a branch next to him. He was awed by the sight of this unfamiliar person before him, dressed in such deep colors and hidden behind a delicately painted mask.

The spiky and wild deep forest green hair intrigued him as he thought of who might have such vivid hair. He felt a strange attraction towards him, even though he hadn't even seen the guy's face yet.

"As unresponsive as the rumors say as well." He chided slightly; the grin could be heard in his voice. He turned towards his companion in the tree, taking in the pale flesh and darkness about him. He was pleased to see that the only thing he had related to the fair was on the back of his normal shirt. On top with his clan symbol was an intricately detailed image of Kyuubi with a flare of flame around him.

"Well sorry." He muttered, just content to sit and watch the other floats drift slowly by with other themes to them. His mind slowly drifting back to the image of a crying young child with blonde hair and faint whisker marked cheeks. He almost didn't notice those faint markings from behind the chubby hands of the child, but he spotted them, at once his quick mind making the connection to Naruto.

"That was some spectacle earlier… with the Hokage storming in there like that. Don't you think?" He asked Sasuke. He wanted to see if maybe he hadn't watched the last image or made a connection as to who that small child was.

"Whatever…" He mumbled in reply, not really paying attention to the person beside him anymore.

Naruto growled in frustration and reached over and pinched the young shinobi's side, causing him to start in surprise. At once he was pinned by an another death glare and couldn't help but laugh.

"What the hell was that for?!" Sasuke yelled, severely irritated. It didn't help that he could hear Susumu's laughter, echoing majestically from behind his mask.

"To get your true attention baka. Though I got to say, you don't come off as a person that is slightly ticklish." He teased and waggled a finger at the ebony haired teammate of his. He couldn't help but chuckle again when he got a growl in response.

"Alright, I'm sorry." 'Susumu' cheered when Sasuke shifted into an attack pose. The words didn't come fast enough though and he found himself falling through the tree towards the ground.

He yelped as a branch easily broke against his back, sending up bright colors of pain. Knowing that if he didn't land right he would be in severe pain, he used that broken branch to flip himself about and easily land on his feet. Then silently he held out his arms and caught the still free falling Sasuke before he hit the ground flat on his back.

Needless to say, the genius of Konoha's ninjas no longer felt that way about himself. He was silently cursing himself for jumping the boy in a freaking tree for crying out loud. If his victim fell he would have as well. He struggled to be put down from Susumu's grasp, feeling like a total idiot and embarrassed.

Naruto easily set him down and laughed. "That wasn't a really bright move there. Any how, how about we grab a bite to eat together eh?" He asked, blushing greatly behind the mask, which was miraculously unharmed and still upon his face.

Sasuke growled in his anger and irritation, but complied with his request. He wouldn't admit it, but he was really hungry and really wanted some takoyaki and other foods. He just nodded, silently letting his new found companion lead the way through the slightly crowded streets to any stand.

Naruto was pleased that Sasuke had complied, feeling giddy and girlish at this rare opportunity. His first instinct was to go to a ramen stand, but he fought it harshly. He was not here for ramen but to enjoy foods he couldn't normally eat. So he led Sasuke towards a takoyaki stand and ordered two for each of them.

Sasuke sighed softly and lowly so no one could hear. He was pleased to be lead to the first food-stand on his list; not that he'd ever mention anything about it. He waited off to the side as 'Susumu' ordered and paid for the food. Mildly pleased when the other teen joined him with two containers of food and napkins.

"Well, here we are. Two orders of takoyaki for you and two for me, enjoy! The guy at the stand told me that there are tables in this direction." He cheered and handed off Sasuke's food while he settled down at a table underneath a canopy with lights.

Sasuke smirked to himself as he saw a chance to see who the person beneath the mask really looked like. Since it was obvious he couldn't eat with it still on. He quickly sat down across from him, slowly opening his container of food while he eyed Susumu.

Naruto had of course foreseen this when he mentioned food. He wasn't a total idiot like everyone thought. While walking towards the stand he had performed additional touches to his jutsu to hide any resemblance of his real self.

When he sat down, he could feel Sasuke's eyes on him and watching his movements. He smiled, reaching up slowly and untying the silk ribbon and catching the mask in his free hand. Smiling at the choked gasp that emitted from Sasuke's throat.

He had hidden his azure eyes, knowing that their expressiveness would be a dead give away. Instead he had deep green eyes flecked with amber; he had also made them smaller and less expressive. He had hidden his whisker marks underneath the image of smooth and fragile looking skin, despite the still lingering tan color.

"Hmm?" He asked as he set his mask on the table and lifted the stick of takoyaki towards his smaller mouth.

Sasuke didn't know what to say really. He was stunned into silence by the beauty the man before him held. He was silently reminded of Naruto even though the man didn't look a thing like him. The only thing that felt the same was his hair and how the man held himself.

Blushing and picking up his own stick, he shook his head and mumbled something. Silent he quickly ate his food and wishing to break free from him and think to himself.

Naruto sensed his eagerness to leave and also caught the blush. He chuckled silently as he finished off the food as well, putting his mask back into place and releasing the jutsu. He put a finger to his hidden chin in thought as he scanned the area. He tilted his head when he caught sight of a ring toss game.

"Sasuke-san? Would you like to play some games with me as well?" He asked, trying to keep the boy close to him. He really wanted to see if he could get Sasuke to be a little more open with people, even if it was just a little.

Sasuke looked up, saddened slightly at the sight of the mask back into place. Distracted and wanting to just ignore his need to think and get to know this person, he nodded a silent yes. Getting lost in the sudden flurry of excitement that overtook him when a familiar hand clasped over his own and dragging him towards the stand.

Sakura, Ino, Chouji, Shikamaru, Lee, Neji, Tenten, Shino, Hinata, Kiba, and Gaara stared in shock as Tsunade had interrupted the parade. They were enjoying themselves, paying half-attention to the float of Kyuubi, when they spotted that same sad image.

They were shocked into silence; their trained shinobi eyes had all spotted the faint lines on the young child's face. They all made the same silent connection as Sasuke and felt terrible in their own way.

Sakura made more connections than the others did since she was Naruto's teammate. Everything flashed through her mind and added to her heavy guilt for how she had treated the boy, how she had always brushed him off and said hurtful things. Tears formed in her eyes and she stood crying in the middle of the crowd.

Ino sympathized with Sakura, knowing and understanding how her fellow friend felt. Her own feelings weren't as strong for she wasn't always around Naruto, but she still brushed him off the same way.

Chouji was stunned enough that he even stopped eating his BBQ chips. He just stood there, frozen as he felt the same as everyone else slightly. He seemed to understand Naruto a little better than before. Shikamaru, a hand on Chouji's shoulder silently felt his own mixed emotions for him.

Lee just stood in silence, an odd happening for him, but smiled softly as he spotted the slight likeness they both shared. Tenten just stood beside Ino and Sakura, crying slightly as well. Neji had fallen to the ground, staring straight ahead, thinking about the fight he had against him in the chuunin exams, and going on about destiny and fate. Not realizing that Naruto had a worse setting than he could have ever believed.

Kiba and Shino just stood in silence as well. One was not even really thinking and with Shino it was hard to tell what he even thought. Hinata was silent herself. She wasn't crying like the other girls, nor was she feeling sorry. In fact her feelings for Naruto grew even more as she saw a bit of herself inside of him.

Gaara. No one stood near Gaara out of pure fear. Sand was swirling about him as he found himself feeling like he wasn't the only one with a monster inside of him. A demon that everyone feared. Yet, he was puzzled about why the demon didn't seem to terrorize the boy. Why Naruto didn't thirst for blood like he did and didn't put fear into the villager's into respecting him? It all puzzled him.

The mood was snapped harshly when they all shook off their deep feelings. At once crowding together and murmuring a plan amongst themselves for their companion. For the person they now saw worthy and stronger than them all, to achieve his dreams in life. Silently plotting on ways to show Naruto they did care for him yet not let him know they knew of his deep secret.

Reaching an agreement they left in-groups of two. Gaara went with Neji, Sakura went with Lee, Ino went with Chouji, Hinata went with Kiba, Shikamaru went with Tenten, and left Shino to go by himself.

All were eager to get everything together before noon tomorrow, even if it meant staying up all night long in order to do so.

Time had passed with Naruto and Sasuke. Each had emptied their wallets on various games and food all throughout the night, enjoying each other's company greatly. Sasuke had even lightened up a bit and had laughed freely when Naruto struggled to get the goldfish with the flimsy paper net. He had succeeded, but only after getting soaked and his prize flopping about in his hair.

Naruto was pleased to hear his normally expressionless and emotionless teammate laugh freely like that. He didn't even get upset that his hair was limp and stuck to his freed face. He had eventually taken off the mask since they frequently stopped to eat food, not knowing how much it pleased Sasuke to see such a handsome face.

Which was true. Sasuke felt a strong attraction for his new friend, slightly familiar, yet there all the same. So when the mask was no longer covering that graceful face, he felt happier than before.

They were done with the fair for that night, arms full of various prizes they had won for winning the games. They were heading towards a sweet dumpling stand before they would say their good-byes for the night. Each silently hoping that the next night of the festival they could see each other again.

Dumping their prizes on the table, they joked calmly with each other and nibbled on their purchased food. Teasing and recalling the funnier moments of the night. Each feeling a crushing weight descend upon their hearts for different reasons. Naruto felt saddened that he would never see this side of Sasuke ever again the next day, not even tomorrow night. The pain he felt as he slowly realized what he was getting himself into was too much. Sasuke was worried that this was all false or that the guy before him would just forget about him and not even show up the next night.

They grew silent when they finished and gathered up the countless prizes again. Carefully separating the conjoined piles, each not noticing the mask got lumped into Sasuke's pile of items.

"Well. I guess its time to go home. May I walk you?" Naruto asked. Feeling slightly worried he would get pushed away and end everything right then and there. He was shocked into silence when he received a mumbled yes, followed by a light blush of pink.

Naruto smiled, bowing slightly before the Uchiha heir, calmly walking beside him in silence. Each thinking to themselves, each feeling the slight tension in the lingering in the air. Sasuke was feeling his growing attraction, despite all his efforts. Naruto was trying his best to hide his attraction and deep worry.

What was really only a matter of minutes felt like hours for the both of them as awkwardness only added to their problems. They felt pleased, yet worried at the sight of the Uchiha home, not wanting to say goodbye and let such a wonderful night end.

They stood before one another; jutsu hidden blue eyes stared into ebony, feeling himself get drawn to the depths of Sasuke's soul. Unknowingly bringing himself closer towards him. He could feel his breath hit that pale flesh, noticed the shiver that racked Sasuke's body at the faint touch.

He felt something in him awaken for the slightly older boy before him, bringing their faces closer so that lips almost touched. Naruto dropped his bag of items carefully, freeing his arms to do what he wanted.

Sasuke felt his breath hitch in his throat as he felt the other boy's warmth caress his cooler skin, raising his temperature and staining his cheeks red. He felt something inside him stir and butterflies flutter about within his belly. Blissful heat cupped his cheek, his eyes slowly closing as he leaned into the hand.

Naruto was awed by this stunning reaction he got from him. Tenderly he closed the distance between their lips, shivering in delight at the electric fire that coursed through him from Sasuke's lips. Just that small contact was enough to make himself jump into life, making him want even more of the body before him.

Sasuke felt a wave of emotion rush through him like water through a broken dam when their lips met. He took in the smell of brown sugar and cinnamon that radiated from him, spurring his senses even further. Without thought he dropped his own stuff and wrapped his arms around 'Susumu's' neck, turning the gentle kiss into something filled with passion.

He couldn't take it; he moved the hand that had cupped Sasuke's cheek to the small of his back, wrapping the other into the raven colored hair. He nipped at the deliciously soft lips beneath his, almost begging for entrance to the moist cavern of his mouth.

He complied with the silent demand, moaning loudly as the taste of fire and power flooded his senses when their tongues met. At once a fight for dominance began as tongues danced elegantly around each other enticing them and adding to the lust they felt.

Naruto growled almost possessively in the kiss, capturing the darting tongue of his rival, gently sucking on the thick muscle. He recalled the hand on Sasuke's back, pushing it forward so they were right up against each other. Confined desire against desire, sending sparks of pleasure through each other's mind.

He almost couldn't remember to breathe, but he still pulled back, moving down to the pale flesh of the brunette's neck. Licking, kissing, nipping the area, pleased with the soft whimpers and moans that it elicited.

He smiled even more when he felt long, graceful fingers get entangled into his hair and felt legs wrap around his waist. He groaned in ecstasy at the pleasure that small movement brought to him, egging him on for more of the lithe body and pale flesh.

He could have sworn he would've gotten it as well, but a bark from a dog snapped their attention and brought them back into reality. They stared at each other's disheveled appearances, finding themselves only turned on even more. Silently they picked up their bags and Naruto turned to leave.

"Wait!" Sasuke cried out, feeling panic well up within him. Naruto turned around with a still glazed look to him, cheeks flushed and his pants tight. "Will you be at the festival tomorrow?" He asked quietly. Feeling vulnerable again and slightly heartbroken at the thought he would hear a no.

Naruto paused to think. Continuing this charade would only hurt them both, Sasuke more than it would hurt him. Yet he wanted it to go on, wanted to feel the acceptance of his lifetime rival. Wanted to claim his rival as his own and no one else's.

A safe reply would be a simple maybe. That should tell Sasuke to not get his hopes up on seeing him again. Of course he would still be hurt, but it was the only option he could come up with. So, he went with that option, not hiding the small-depressed smile as he turned back around and headed home to bed.

Sasuke didn't know what to do. He almost felt like crying, yet he almost felt like cheering out loud. His mind filled with 'Susumu' almost had made him forget about the scene at the parade. With that detail recalled when Susumu was no longer in sight, he went inside his home. Shivering at how cold it was and lonely it felt, slowly thinking to himself as he made his way towards bed.

Tsunade was upset and angry with everyone and everything. After that escapade last night she wanted to storm the nobles together and demand an explanation, but was slowly forced to realize she couldn't. It only doubled the fierce emotions she felt and found herself ordering every noble to her office at once when the time seemed worthy.

She was pleased to see as one by one nobles entered the room. A twisted smile was contorted on her face, promising the noble who did that stunt last night great pain. She watched some fidget and others just stare straight ahead.

"Who authorized that float last night?" She demanded right away, watching as a few flinched at her harsh tone.

She was met with silence as not a single noble spoke. She was about to slam her hand on the desk and start blackmailing, but froze when the youngest noble stepped forth. The noble was probably a year older than Sasuke and it was stunning to see such a young child of 17 with a status of true power.

Curious Tsunade glared at her. "Who are you?" She asked, taking in how the girl didn't flinch or anything when she spoke.

The girl stood tall, her hair was the color of starlight, glimmering faintly from where it rested along her backside. Her eyes were a stunning silvery gray and showed her hidden inner strength and power. She was dressed in the regular noble robes and colored in colors of fire for her Country.

"My name is Tsuki, daughter of the recently deceased second leading noble in all of the Fire Country." She reported to the Hokage, no emotion on her face as she stared straight ahead and waited.

Tsunade was shocked to hear that this was the genius child of that family. Shocked even more as she recalled that said family had their own bloodline limit like the Hyuuga and the Uchiha. She blinked as she tired to figure out why the child had stepped forth.

"Are you the one then? The one who put on that terrible show?" She asked, her voice lower than before as the anger welled up inside of her again as she thought of Naruto and how he must be doing at the time.

Tsuki nodded. "Yes I did. What of it Tsunade-sama?" She asked, still staring straight ahead.

Tsunade shivered at the cold voice, eyebrows knitting together in her confusion. "How did you come to know Naruto's story well enough to put on such a show?"

It was then that the girl seemed to show emotion. Her head lowered and she looked right into Tsunade's eyes and caught her within her gaze. Entrancing her and opening both of their minds a little more freely.

"My father told me. I knew ever since I was little and could recall anything. He knew he had done a taboo in telling me of the boy's true story. He knew it was against Sandaime's rule." She paused, freeing Tsunade from that chilling gaze.

"He wanted some child that was the boy's own age to understand and know what the boy felt and went through. Foreseeing the hardships the boy would be greeted with later on in life, despite Yondaime's wish for him to be a hero." She had continued, ignoring Tsunade's wide-eyed look.

"Plus I grew up with the boy. My father was one of the first foster parent's that small child had in his weaker moments of life. We were probably the only ones who granted him true kindness and saw his potential and worth. That is why I know more about him than any other person in this village."

Tsunade gasped, looking closer at the young woman before her. "So your trying to say that what you did was to try and open everyone else's eyes to the great scar they inflicted upon him, for something he had no control over."

Tsuki nodded. Taking a step back and watching Tsunade's movements curiously. She had waved for all the nobles to leave the room, all in silence at the gall of the younger being amongst them.

"Truly a genius and I ruined her plans… damn it…" Cursed Tsunade as she was left to contemplate the damage she had unknowingly inflicted upon countless people.

Tsuki heard her soft murmur and sighed. Leaning against the door she had left through. With that done with, she decided it was time to pay a visit to the boy that held a soft place inside her heart. Hoping that he could recall her and know who she is.

Sakura sighed; brushing her sweat drenched bangs away from her flustered face. Ino grunted in slight pain from where she had taken a seat next to her, watching the others as they worked. They had finished painting a large banner all by themselves and needed the guys to hang it up.

As if on cue when they opened their mouths to ask for help, Lee appeared right beside Chouji. In cheery silence the grabbed the banner, yelling for Gaara to come over to them and help. The Kazekage slowly ambled towards them, eyeing the banner they held in their hands and just nodded.

Sand pooled around him as he formed a few quick seals, watching as it boosted them as high as they needed to go. Neji took interest and activated Byakugan to direct them and place the banner up properly.

All collapsed onto the ground, cheering for getting one of the harder parts done. Except for Gaara who just continued to look at the banner.

They were almost done, thanks to a healthy supply of refreshments from Chouji's mom and Lee's super speed. Everyone else's skills helped greatly as well in getting the plan set.

In fact Hinata, Tenten and Kiba were in the kitchen, happily preparing food. More like Hinata and Tenten dealt with the food while Kiba kept getting underfoot. Begging occasionally to try some of the finished products. Shino was busy using his bugs to help with balloons that kept getting underfoot. Saving them from getting popped and forcing them to make more.

All in all they were pleased with the finished idea, smiling amongst themselves happily. They pestered Shino into going out with a letter to Naruto's house and rested and readied themselves until the time came. Wondering where Sasuke himself was, they sent out Shikamaru, who oddly saw no problem in delivering the other letter.

He was groggy and tired. When he went home the first thing he did was take a cold shower. Which stung slightly, but eased the tension he had felt all the way home from Sasuke's house. Only to find that the early morning dream required him to do so again. He growled in irritation, slightly pleased that he didn't wake in cold sweat from his constant nightmares.

He let his hair dry freely, occasionally brushing back limp strands that stuck to his face. Relaxing on his sagging couch with his home cooked breakfast of eggs and hash browns. Eating his food slowly as his mind wandered freely about last night, purposefully ignoring that float's display of something personal to him.

Finished with his meal he walked over towards a large fish tank, dropping a few breadcrumbs from his toast into the water. Smiling as the fish, five in all, ate happily at his measly offering. He had only found a tank last night and had yet to buy more items that would make the fishes' home more suitable.

Turning away from the tank he headed towards the bag full of last night's prizes. He was going to sort them and put them away and get rid of any that he had no use for. Meaning he was going to place them in a box inside his closet. He had kept most of them, throwing only a few into the box, but grew puzzled as he discovered his precious mask was missing.

"I could have sworn that I put it in the bag…" He mumbled, getting ready to search his discarded clothes for the precious item. Only to find his attention drawn towards the door as someone knocked upon the scratched wooden surface.

Curious he peeked through the small eyehole to see who it was. Finding himself staring at a familiar silver haired beauty. On instinct he opened the door, greeted by a warm smile from the other teen before him, noting the letter she held in her hand.

"Naru-chan!" Tsuki cried in delight at the sight of his face. Her silent promise broken as she reverted back to her childhood nickname for him, even throwing herself into his arms, laughing at his stunned and shocked expression.

At first his mind couldn't think, didn't seem to know who this odd person was, but that cry of his name brought forth the memories from an age he'd never thought he could remember. A name came to him and he softly uttered it, smiling as his mind clicked together all the pieces.

"Tsuki-chan!" He yelled in return as he recalled the images of a younger Tsuki, hugging him tightly against herself, soothing him to sleep and whispering words of love into his ears. She had been his teddy bear and promised him that one-day he would understand why the villagers treated him the way they did. Told him that if he just made them look at him, forced them to see him, they would one day accept him as a person.

She was the reason he wasn't like Gaara. He hugged her closer to him, tears falling from his face once more as he felt all his problems well up, just like in those long gone days. She could sense his need to cry; rubbing his back and silently telling him to let it all go. Skillfully taking them inside and closing the door to prevent interruptions.

Tsuki smiled happily, not caring that her shoulder was soaked with salty tears as Naruto freely cried. She had shifted him a bit so she held him in her lap like when they were younger, mouth to his ear and whispering silent words of hope and strength for him. Letting her hands massage his back and occasionally run through his hair.

She let out a soft sigh as she could hear him slowing down, reaching the end of everything he had pent up for many years. Smiling at him warmly as she kissed his cheeks and wiped away a track of tears with a dry sleeve.

Chuckling softly as he muttered and continuously murmured an apology, wiping away the last signs of his tears. Just like when he was small, always feeling like he had done something wrong. She shushed the mumbled "gomens" and nuzzled his cheek, her hard silver gray eyes filled with the warmth and love she felt for him.

"Onee-chan… I missed you…" He mumbled curling up in her lap, ear to her chest like before. Taking in the sounds of her heartbeat and breaths, almost feeling his eyes close and drift off to sleep.

"Neh, Naruto-nii-san… don't fall asleep just yet. I have two things for you." She told him softly, slowly shifting him out of her lap and handing him a small package from within her robes. "This is from me." She then handed him the letter she had intercepted from Shino. "This, I believe, is from all of your friends."

She blushed as she recalled the silent boy, face and eyes hidden from view. She at once saw that he was from the Aburame family and noticed how she took an interest in him. She shook herself mentally and focused on the younger boy before her, the only one that she saw as her true younger brother.

Naruto took the offered items from Tsuki, ignoring the letter first and focused on the package. He carefully ripped it open and brought out the item hidden inside. He looked up with a quizzical gaze to Tsuki, who instantly blushed.

"I know you may be to old for such a gift as this, but I thought you might appreciate it for when I can't be there for you." She mumbled, looking at her delicate fingers.

In his hand, Naruto held two small plushies. One was made in the image of Tsuki and even smelled just like her. The other was a cutesified image of Kyuubi with a small Yondaime attached.

He didn't know what to say, so he let instinct take over. He hugged them both close to his chest, taking in the faint scent that they held and feeling the slight calm they brought to him. He then hugged Tsuki in his gratitude for such a wonderful gift.

"Onee-chan, thank you so much. They're the first gift I have ever received and therefore the best one ever since it came from you." She laughed and lightly hugged him back. Telling him just how much it pleased her as well that he had enjoyed the two small items.

"Now open up the letter from your friends. I'm curious as to what they have to say to you." She egged him on. Truly curious as to what was written inside the small envelope.

He nodded and slowly opened the letter, pulling out the contents from inside. Shocked to see more than three types of writing and finding it coated in sand. Quickly he read the letter, eyes growing wide at the urgency of it all.

He looked to Tsuki who was silently watching him read the letter, causing him to read a section of it out loud. "Naruto. Please come over to Chouji's house at around noon today. This is concerning a mission and it is of utmost importance that you show up. Sincerely…" Then he read off all the names of his friends.

"Well then. Sounds like a debriefing before actually going. So, don't worry about packing anything just yet Naruto. Instead, why don't you get ready and put on fresh clothes and come out with me for some ramen and other errands I must run until it reaches noon?" She asked, knowing about what his friends had in store for him. She didn't get her spot with nobles just because of her birth line.

He nodded, quickly changing into tear free clothes and washing his face. Leaving Tsuki to just silently throw off her robes and reveal the hidden outfit she had on beneath. She was wearing a gray tank top with fine grooves that stretched out over her decent sized chest. She wore casual black cotton pants and had changed into black sandals.

Both ready, they left the apartment with smiles on their faces and hand in hand. Ready to enjoy themselves all day today.

Silk sheets tumbled softly to the floor, the figure from the bed rising up languidly, almost catlike in his movements. Black eyes glared at the glowing red of his alarm clock, slowly taking in the time. The harsh sounds of knocking reached his ears and made him growl deeply in irritation.

Determined to just ignore the annoying sound, he burrowed underneath his pillow and mumbled incoherently. The knocking, however, persisted in a lazy rhythm. Then he could hear a bored and tired sounding voice.

"Oi! Uchiha! Get your ass up, I've got a letter for you…" Came Shikamaru's voice to his ears.

Cursing the cruel hand fate had dealt him for dealing with morning people, the dark haired ninja clambered out of bed and towards his door. He didn't care that he was still wearing just his boxers and nothing else.

Shikamaru blinked in shock as he found himself face to face with the death glare of one upset Uchiha. "This is to bothersome…" He grumbled handing the 'grizzly bear' the letter telling of the 'mission ' they had for Naruto and asking if he would kindly bring a gift for the boy.

Obsidian eyes glared holes through the paper, but jerked the bleary eyed teen to full alertness. His eyes once again turned to glare at Shikamaru, a hint of question in them.

"Why should I do this?" He asked in a gruff voice, still adjusting to speech after a long night.

Shikamaru sighed, kicking a stone off to the side. A faint "troublesome" could be heard muttered as he focused on Sasuke's face.

"Where you at the festival last night?" He asked.

"Yes. Why do you wish to know and care?" Came a harsh reply.

"Then did you see the float… the Kyuubi float?"

"Again, yes I did."

"Well, this whole thing is because that float opened our eyes."

Sasuke grew silent as that image passed his mind's eye once more. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow in confusion as Sasuke nodded and replied to the question pertaining to coming.

"I'll think about it." Then before another word could be said, the door was slammed shut right in Shikamaru's face. He sighed and turned away to tell the others the message was delivered.

Sasuke stood in the foyer of his home, the letter in his hand and his mind reeling. He saw no need to join in this plan the others had since he forced himself to forego any strong ties with people. Yet at the same time he desired to go to the party, to see Naruto again. He grew confused as last night with Susumu flashed through his mind as well.

He sighed, running a hand through tangled hair and heading to his room. If he were to make a decision he first wanted to go through the pile of prizes he obtained last night.

He smirked with a cat-like gleam as he reached under his bed and pulled out a basket and the bag of prizes. He dumped the bag and sorted them, slowly eyeing the bag as it emptied into the basket or trash.

He kept going in a methodical pace, until the touch of smooth and polished paint broke his focus. He pulled out the mask and stared at it in awe. He caressed it with one hand, trained eyes scoping for any flaws and finding none.

"What's this doing in my bag?" He asked himself. "More importantly, Susumu will be wanting this back." He grew silent, hesitantly sniffing the inside of the mask. He broke into a smile as the faint scent of brown sugar and cinnamon wafted through his nose.

"Maybe I'll still go to the festival tonight after all…" He grinned, his hope rising with the thought of seeing Susumu once more. With that thought in mind he got up and headed into his shower to prepare for the day's shopping trip for this "plan."

The sky-eyed teen sighed in deep boredom as Tsuki dragged him into another clothing store. The entire time they were out, she was constantly stared at for two reasons and he was stared at for only one reason.

It didn't help the situation that Tsuki was dead set on buying him a real wardrobe even though the villager's wouldn't permit him to wear the clothes out in public.

He smiled though when she stepped in front of him with a black long sleeved shirt with the Kanji for power written on it and small phoenixes flying about it. She also held up black and white cargo pants.

"I like that combination…" He muttered to himself, shocking her by coming close and reaching out for them. "Let me try them on…" He paused when he saw harsh glares come from the employees there. "Well… let me check the sizes…"

Tsuki sighed, her heart heavy as she noticed the glares as well. "Ignore them. If I must I will exert my power as a noble over them and teach 'em a lesson." She teased in a haughty manner, grinning at the face Naruto made.

"Well… I guess I'll try them on…" He hesitantly took the offered clothes and headed into the dressing room. Tsuki just explained to him that she was going to continue searching the shelves for more clothes for him to try and pick out.

When he was done, physically seeing the clothes upon him he was stunned. The shirt was a snug fit, but still allowed movement and the pants had plenty of areas to hide weapons within. He had to admit he looked hot in this outfit with his disheveled blonde hair and sky blue eyes.

"I like this one!!!" He shouted out to Tsuki as he changed back into his own outfit.

"Good…" Came her reply from outside the door as she held another outfit in her hands.

He looked at this new outfit and tilted his head to the side. There was another pair of black cargo pants, but this one han blue trimmings and the shirt just plain confused him. It was a button up shirt, but it had intricate details all about it, making the whole shirt appear blue, when the base was really black. He looked at the image up by the right shoulder and smiled, it was the image of a fierce wolf bearing a sword within its mouth.

"This looked nice as well… how do you find such things?" He asked her as she seemed pleased and snatched the other outfit from him.

"Called me being a woman and knowing how to shop." She smiled and headed towards the counter with those two special outfits and a bunch of other random outfits for him to start wearing outside the village. Or for when he makes a stand and stops listening to the villagers.

He looked up at the clock and gasped. "Umm… Tsuki, make it quick since its almost noon…"

"Shit!" She cursed and just threw a slip of paper at the clerk, a special one that allowed her to take the clothes without paying right away, but instead later.

Then the two left to rush back to Naruto's home for her to get ready and slap something nice on Naruto and make a dash to Chouji's home.

xXx

Sasuke growled in frustration as he looked at the items lined up on the shelves. He didn't want to buy a gift since he never does for anyone else, but the others seemed to have the intent to kill if he didn't buy one this time.

He picked up a package and put it back down. He had no idea what the dobe would like to receive and thought his gift would be ignored anyway since they fought all the time. He sighed as he tried to think about something.

He had already gone to about seven stores and not a single item stood out to him. He left the one he was in, adding another store to the list. Black eyes looked up in interest as he looked at the store across the street. It was an antique store and he smiled. In such stores he was bound to find something good for the dobe.

He ran in and searched everything and finally found something. Sasuke was pleased and looked at the time. He needed to get moving over to Chouji's now for fear of some anger people.

xXx

"Places people!" Shouted Sakura as she noticed the time. At once the groups hid, inwardly smiling as they masked all sounds and were still. Sasuke just continued standing in the corner, looking as cold as ever, but still hidden.

Chouji's mother chuckled from her seat in the kitchen and her job was to answer the door and lead Naruto over to them. When the doorbell rang you could feel the tension and excitement everyone felt from where they hid.

They could hear voices, three in all and they grew louder as they came closer to the sliding doors of the room. The door slid open and Tsuki and Naruto walked in, slightly confused as to why it was so dark in the room and why it was empty when…

"SURPRISE!!!" Everyone shouted and the light flicked on to reveal Sakura and the others, leaping from their respective hiding areas. Sasuke had flicked on the lights and said nothing.

Tsuki grinned knowingly at Naruto, whereas he stood there clutching his chest in shock. All around him were birthday decorations and a pile of gifts on the coffee table next to the seats. He felt like tearing up and crying right there as he saw how much everyone cared for him.

"I…I don't know what to say guys. This is so unexpected… it's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me…" He kinda clung to Tsuki, exposing himself to the others just how much this meant to him.

"We were at the festival last night…" Began Sakura, who was shoved aside by Ino.

"And there was this float…" Ino was pushed back aside by Hinata, which stunned the others.

"This float showed us something we never understood about you before…" She spoke boldly and moved as Shikamaru stepped up.

"We wish to apologize for how we treated you…" Then Kiba butted in.

"And show you that we do care for you… butt monkey…" He snickered as he teased Naruto slightly and let Shino through.

"This is a party for you, the one with the strongest heart in all of Konoha."

Gaara stepped forward. "Also the one who teaches many things to others and heals wounded hearts…"

Then Lee jumped up. "This is to you Naruto, the best ninja in this village!" He cheered and popped a balloon on accident with his jump.

Chouji smiled and munched on a chip. "Basically… you're no longer alone…"

Naruto looked at them all and looked to Tsuki who looked relieved. "Guys… thanks again, for not despising me like the others…" He smiled as they all crowded around him and music played loudly behind him.

Everyone was awed at the new outfit he was wearing, which was the one with the button up shirt. Sakura and the girls were blushing as they commented on how handsome and sexy he was looking, even Hinata made a bold statement. There was chaos though when Tenten tried to see how many weapons she could store within his pants.

The guys joked on him and were doing some of their own gossip with Naruto for a while. Sasuke just watched from his corner, looking confused. See, when he took note of the outfit, he could've sworn he was looking at Susumu's body shape and not Naruto's body shape.

Naruto could feel that intense gaze upon him and sent him a glare. "What're you staring at teme?!" He shouted, sticking out his tongue and insulting Sasuke.

Sasuke blinked and looked away, cheeks slightly tinged pink.

Temari and Kankuro showed up a bit later to the party, looking flustered since Gaara had just left them to deal with things such as customs and enjoy the festival.

Chouji stepped forward, still munching on some food. "Alright people. Time for presents and then my favorite part… cake!!"

Naruto took a seat on the three-seat couch, right between Tsuki and Sasuke. Across from him on the four-seat couch was Sakura, Lee, Hinata and Kiba. On the end by Tsuki was Shino and went toward Neji and Gaara, forming a bend of chairs back to the four-seat couch. Next to Sasuke sat Shikamaru, Tenten, then Ino and Chouji. Left standing were Temari and Kankuro, who were unexpected arrivals.

"Whose should I open first?" Naruto queried, looking at the big pile. There were more gifts then he could've ever imagined sitting on that table and it made him feel warm inside.

Tsuki smiled. "I already gave you my own gifts earlier today…"

Naruto nodded and blinked at the stares the others were giving him. "Opps, I forgot to introduce you to them." He blushed.

"I noticed… I think you should do it now though… ok?" He nodded.

"Guys, this is Tsuki. She is the daughter of a noble, and is like a sister to me. If it wasn't for her and her family I might not be what I am today…"

Tsuki nodded as she heard the gasps come from most of them. "Don't let my status change anything here today. In fact… Tsunade herself had no idea who I was for awhile so don't feel obliged to do anything for me ok."

"Nice to meet you then!" Cheered Kiba with a smile and the others nodded, showing her they understood and were still stunned.

"Back to the gifts!!" Tsuki cheered and picked up a random one. It was from Tenten and was wrapped in plain parch paper. It was long and light, but felt sturdy within Naruto's grasp.

Curious and knowing full well what it might be, he opened the gift and his eyes widened at the sight of the katana. The sheath was beautifully designed with elegant swirls of smoke and another image of the phoenix.

"Its beautiful Tenten…" He murmured. She giggled from where she was next to Shikamaru, who blushed as he moved his arm from behind her.

"Thank you. Take a look at the blade as well…" He slid the sword free and was shocked to see the blade was a beautiful shade of blue and was engraved with a saying of power.

"I will treasure this weapon…" He told her and slid the dangerous weapon back into its home. Tsuki then picked up another gift randomly it was just a little bag with two round bottles within them. She read the tag and revealed it came from Shino.

Naruto took this gift and pulled out two vials. One was filled with multiple chakara bugs and the second one only held one chakara bug. He eyed them carefully and fought back a shiver.

Shino rustled from where he sat next to Tsuki. "I have given you a female bug and that other vial. These bugs are trained by me to locate me when released whenever you are in need of assistance. The female must stay with you if you wish to use them however…" He was silent then and Naruto nodded, placing to vials back into the bag and setting it down next to his feet, being careful with it.

This time he grabbed the next gift, reading the tag himself to see it came from Chouji. Before he opened it Chouji stopped him. "Hey. I need to see the bag really quick." Naruto handed it to him and watched as Chouji pulled out a bunch of cases.

"Alright. These are special pills my own family makes that stimulate various fighting aspects." He then proceeded to explain each type of pill within the bag and the side effects of using each one.

Naruto nodded and grinned. "Thank you Chouji. It was very thoughtful of you." Chouji shrugged. "It was nothing really. Thank my mom, she makes them."

Shikamaru leaned over in his chair and threw a gift towards him. "Here, from me of course… put it to good use."

Naruto eyed him suspiciously as he opened it and revealed a scroll on strategies for the dumb. He growled and threw it back at Shikamaru. "I don't need this mind you. I know very useful strategies."

"Then why the idiocy when we do missions." Shikamaru asked him.

"Well… you see… people expected me to be a fool and to just prevent any trouble, I acted as a fool intentionally. I really know how to use doppelgangers and various other fighting techniques… just like I don't like ramen a whole lot and can cook really great meals when I get my hands on fresh veggies and other foods."

"Keep the scroll anyway." Shikamaru said with a smile and peeled back a thin layer of paper, revealing it to be an advanced version. "It holds things even I haven't thought up yet. I highly recommend this scroll."

Naruto laughed and took the scroll. "Alright, I'll take it then and see if there is good thing in here."

Ino grinned evilly as she snatched up her gift. She was waiting for him to be distracted long enough for her to open it up. "My turn!" She cheered and then threw a huge stack of thin slips of paper at him. Every laughed as Ichiraku Ramen meal tickets floated through the air and settled all over the room.

"I bought you a years worth of this stuff. I hope, even though I just heard what you said before, that you would find them to be just as good." She smiled and then started to pick them up along with the others.

"Thanks, but why did you throw them at me?" He asked picking up some of them as well.

"Don't know really. I've just been wanting to do something like that I guess." She laughed and sat back down.

There was a lull of laughter as they gathered and counted all of the tickets, teasing Ino for having bought so many now when he had stated he didn't love it to death.

They stuffed the papers into a bag and set it back on the table. Then a loud crack resounded throughout the room and formed on the table. The crack came from some terribly wrapped item and before the table snapped, Lee picked it up.

"Opps, forgot just how heavy these things are." He blushed as he showed Naruto his gift. "These are the same kind of weights Gai-sensei has me wear. You can gain great strength and speed with these on while you train and you may be as fast as I am one day." He smiled and did the usual nice guy pose and set the weights on the ground.

Naruto thanked him and eyed the gift, expecting it to crack the floor now since it cracked a hardwood table. Then a box with holes started to shake and caught his attention. He picked it up carefully and looked to Kiba.

"Did you stuff Akamaru in here on accident?" He asked, moving his head in time to dodge a flying white fur-ball that leaped out from Kiba's jacket.

A vein popped out in Kiba's head as he tried to keep from retaliating against him. "No, just open the damn box loser." His eye twitched as Naruto flipped him off and smiled.

He opened the box and found himself rewarded with a growling and yipping kit. Akamaru jumped down and barked at it and the two seemed to be conversing a bit. The kit nodded and climbed up Naruto's arm and settled around his neck.

"Umm… Kiba?" He quested as the kit's fur ruffled when Tsuki tried to pet it and almost attacked her. "What the hell is this?"

Kiba smiled. "My sister's idea. Sure we are great at breeding nin-dogs, but she wanted to breed other fighting animals to sell to other ninja. This here fox is the first ever nin-fox she has bred. This fox we also hope will mate and provide other nin-foxes for us, but I want you to have her and teach her skills that'll be unique to the nin-foxes."

Naruto glared at him. "So you want me to be the test run really? See if this is such a good idea…"

The kit nodded and nuzzled Naruto's cheek and looked at him with amber eyes. She was adorable right then and he sighed. "Fine, I'll keep her and train her. First I need to know what she goes by…"

Akamaru barked and Kiba nodded. "Akamaru had asked her that just before. Her name is Murasaki."

The kit nodded and curled back up around his neck, watching Sasuke carefully and grinning. Sasuke looked away, feeling bored and itching to get ready for the second night of the festival.

Naruto picked up another gift and opened it, it was from Hinata this time and it was a simple medic kit. He opened the box to see all sorts of medicine and antidotes and bandages. He also saw the homemade ones that he knew were really useful since he used one of the objects before.

"That's so you can repair your injuries while on missions or the injuries of your comrades." She got out quickly blushing as Naruto smiled. He carefully got up, still aware of the kit on his neck and leaned over the table and planted a butterfly kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you Hinata… here's a gift to you as well." He smiled softly and sat back down.

She looked at him, blushing deeper than before, Kiba was bitching at Naruto, demanding to know why he did that. However that soft kiss conveyed an important message to her. She smiled and nodded in his direction, her heart heavy, but she was happy that he knew about her feelings.

Murasaki yipped and leaped out at Kiba, biting down on his nose and flipping backwards off his face and landing perfectly atop of Gaara's lap. She looked up at the pale blue eyes, ears lowered as she whined her apology and hopped onto the floor and back to Naruto.

Gaara stood, Temari and Kankuro were behind him. "To you Naruto, I give full protection while in the Sand's country. I wish I could give more, but I was not able to do so at this point in time."

Temari and Kankuro smiled. "We give the same as Gaara and thank you for all of your past help when we needed it the most."

Neji stood up after they sat down, giving Naruto no time to speak or continue any fights. "I would like to apologize to you for my inattention, despite the power of these eyes of mine. I will also like to let you know that Hiyashi has provided you a place among the Hyuuga with no strings attached." He then pointed out a package that contained scrolls on various genjutsu techniques.

Naruto nodded, touched by such simple gifts given to him. Considering an apology from Neji was rare and few. Sakura stood and grabbed her gift off the table and walked around towards him. She leaned down and kissed his cheek and dumped a lumpy gift into his lap.

He blushed and stammered slightly as he opened the gift and revealed another new outfit. Sakura had picked him out a lose fitting fishnet tank-top, just so he could move easily in it. She had also picked out dark navy blue shorts trimmed with black with plenty of pockets. There were also plenty of accessories as well, various necklaces and wristbands. She had also bought various other shirts for him and various types of fishnet.

"Are you trying to make a statement here…" He sweat dropped as he felt she was trying to convey a message to him about his wardrobe.

"Maybe…" She teased. "Its nice seeing you in something other than that orange thing you wear."

He sighed. "It is nice to wear something other than that damn thing…" He mumbled and smiled. "Thank you Sakura."

She just smiled and sat back down. There was still one gift on the table. One large gift and everyone knew who had brought it. They were all curious as well. Naruto looked to Sasuke as he grabbed the gift and looked at the tag. He inspected the entire box before he opened it up.

Inside was a wide array of items. He pulled out a set of soubou needles, a new set of shuriken that had jagged edges to dig into the enemy's flesh. There were more useful little weapons, but what shocked him the most was what was underneath this layer of stuff.

Murasaki herself clambered down from Naruto's shoulders and looked shocked at the items within. He pulled out a frame with a picture inside. He looked at it and gasped in shock when he found it was a picture of Yondaime dressed in his robes. There was a woman beside him smiling softly, which was his mother. He thought all the pictures were gone, but it seems he was wrong.

He pulled out another item; it was something else that seemed breakable beyond comparison. It was a colored glass decoration of a fierce orca with divine markings and across from the decorative piece was the image of a divine wolf howling to the heavens along with the whale. It looked expensive.

"Sasuke… where did you get these from?" He asked eyes still glued to the large decorative piece.

"An old woman at the antique store, she claimed to have known him when she was younger." He replied. "She practically handed them to me…"

Naruto just smiled and looked through the other pictures he saw of parents he would never know. Murasaki could pick up his masters overwhelming joy and expressed it towards Sasuke, rubbing along his leg and licking an exposed toe.

Sasuke shivered at the cool moisture of the fox's tongue on his toes. He silently watched as the tears pooled in Naruto's eyes as he gazed at the picture. He imagined having never known his parent's and not really having any one to rely upon for support and to open up to. He came to the conclusion that it must have been hard on Naruto to live such a life, but he believed it was not a fate as worse as his own. The way he saw it, Naruto was better off not having really known the love of a family before they were ripped away from them.

Sasuke thought about it further though, the long lasting effects of such a life. If he weren't so damned turned off by women, he would form a family of his own one-day and have some idea on how to express his love for his family and other things. His brow furrowed. If Naruto were to eventually get a family, he probably wouldn't be as able to function in his role as smoothly, but with his large heart things would still work out for the dobe.

"Food time!" Cheered the warm voice of Chouji's mother as she brought in the food Hinata and the others cooked.

At once Naruto's bout of mixed emotions disappeared and he jumped around like the rest of the group, eager to see what was being offered.

Sasuke shook his head and headed towards the throng as well, feeling a bit of hunger himself. He looked down at the nin-fox still at his heels. He offered her his shoulder and she quickly clambered into place, ready to hop onto her master's shoulder.

TBC…

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