Hey guys. Alright, I've been really up and down with this story for a long time now, and I think it's about time I stop slacking off and really work on it. So, we're going to do a bit of a re-boot. Everything is the same, really, except for a few edits here and there. I've grown as a writer and I can't be satisfied with this work in it's current state. SO. I'm going to work on this story this summer and hopefully get it done before the end of the year.

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto! And the fan art that brought you this story was done by the oh so lovely Warrior-of-Ruin who can be located on DeviantArt. I'll set a link to her work on my profile.

I'm fidgeting too much for an eighteen year old. I really ought to grow up.

Hinata Hyuuga stalled outside the Hokage's office door, idly chewing her thumbnail. She always got nervous around him, and she assumed she always would. She once thought that when she admitted her feelings to him she would be free of her awful stammer and blush, but it was too good an idea to be true.

Shaking her head furiously, she gathered her courage and knocked on the door, inflating with the common Hyuuga pride.

"C'mon in!"

Her knees were knocking already.

She gently pushed the door open, peeking inside meekly before stepping in, closing the door behind her. Taking a discreetly deep breath, she turned and took her place before the Hokage's desk, bowing respectfully before focusing on him completely, something she had great practice in.

"Hinata-chan! It's good to see you!" Naruto threw his arms around his old cohort pleasantly, taking her by complete surprise from across the desk.

A good minute later, he got her to speak, although through undesirable methods.

"H-Hokage-sama! P-Please! I'm n-not even close t-to choking! I don't need you to g-give me mouth t-to mo-mouth!" She squealed, pulling from his arms to prevent him from trying anyways. He threw his hands into the air in mock surrender, eyes wide with a bit of surprise, and lips quirked with a hint of satisfaction.

She had the most dramatic reactions.

She cupped her hot cheeks with her hands, grimacing. She knew that look. Kiba still regularly gives her that expression; pressing her buttons is something that he does with a great amount of pride.

"Now you decide to speak! Were you playing a trick on me?" He peered at her with narrowed eyes before grinning broadly and laughing. "Thanks Hinata-chan! Suddenly it's like I'm not human anymore; hardly anyone jokes around with me or anything!" He snorted, folding his arms across his chest.

She remained beet red, basking in his praise. "I'm glad I can help brighten y-your day." She managed over her shyness, averting her eyes and smiling slightly. He grinned in the silence.

Her voice shook away the awkward waiting: "H-Hokage-sama, what was it you wanted to see me about?" She timidly pressed, wringing her small digits. Although seeing him was nice, she had training with Kiba and Shino in half an hour and she really couldn't be late again.

"Hinata-chan! I'm appalled!"

She bowed reflexively, face red once more. "I-I'm so sorry I should have w-waited for you to, to begin sp-speaking!" She yelped, clutching at the hem of her jacket. Was he really on such a power trip that he had to speak first, even with friends?

Then, to her surprise, he was laughing. At her. Again.

"Hinata-chan, you should call me what you always have," he grinned down at her, setting his hand heavily on her head and tilting it upwards. She offered a small, hopeful smile. While she was proud of him, the formal 'Hokage-sama' didn't quite suit him.

"Naruto-kun?" She breathed anxiously.

"Well, Awesomely-Wonderful-Powerful-Hokage-sama would've worked, too, but I guess that's okay," he winked. She blushed and let out a small laugh, her cheeks burning lightly. Slowly his expression went from cheerful to solemn as he took his place behind the desk. "So Hinata-chan, there is something I wanted to discuss with you,"

In an instant she was a professional kunoichi; her posture straightened while her expression ironed out. "Of course." she waited patiently for him to continue.

"We've been friends for a really long time, and we've always helped each other out," he leaned back, unconsciously twirling his thumbs, "and I wanted to show you that I truly have appreciated everything you, individually, have done for me. I've done different things for different people, but I have something specific in mind for you,"

She felt her face heat at the exclusive recognition. "Ah, what would that b-be?" She murmured, her eyes unable to hold his and quickly re-directing to the tiled floor.

For a moment, he was silent as he judged his decision for the thousandth time, his eyes studying her thoroughly. She was still pretty small; he assumed she hadn't grown since they were fifteen. She was pretty, as he had always thought, with bright opal eyes and shining dark hair, hanging almost past her waist now. He wasn't so sure if she was muscled well or somewhat wiry; nobody really knew what was beneath those baggy jackets she wore. Her chin was sharp, no longer rounded with baby fat, and her eyes held the resolution of an honorable kunoichi.

"I want you to become a part of the ANBU Black Ops."

She wasn't sure whether to laugh at the joke or tell him it scared her. So she just stared, waiting for him to say, "No, just kiddin' Hinata-chan!" and go on to assign her to some low rank mission involving either elderly grumps or small children. But it never came. He just stared right back at her. Finally, she managed to speak.

"That's a h-horrible joke, Naruto-kun."

He looked surprised. "What? No, it's not a joke," she almost felt the color drain from her face, "I mean it. I really want you to become an ANBU initiate."

She shook her head slowly. "Naruto-kun, that's s-silly. I'm only a chūnin, you can't give me such a massive jump of a-a promotion! Besides, my strength is hardly on par with a jōnin!" She cried into her curled fingers that had found their way over her lips. He smirked, an attractive facial expression, in her opinion.

"Hinata-chan, of course I'm not going to give you such an immediate change of position, but I can make you a jōnin. I believe you're skilled enough for it. Plus, if you work hard enough from there, I can make you an initiate. I want you to work your way up, like all the other shinobi do. I know it doesn't sound any different from what any one else wants, but I have high hopes for you, Hinata-chan. I completely understand your desire to impress your family; I had a meeting with the first clans of Konoha the other day, and your dad is crazy stuck-up." He laughed, then ran his hand through his messy golden locks, "I really think if you can become a leader within the ANBU Black Ops, you'll knock his too-tight socks off." He beamed up at her.

She attempted to brush away the embarrassed blush off her face, but ended up failing in her attempts. "Naruto-kun, I-I don't know if I can d-do that. I can try hard b-but... Well, I'm just, ah, s-struggling with my training as of late." She murmured, simply refusing to meet his oceanic eyes.

"I can't personally help you, but I can tell you other's that will. Whether they want to or not." He winked at her with a grin. She shook her head rapidly, holding her hands up to stop him.

"Please, I don't want you to f-force anyone into this. But... I suppose I could find someone to help me improve," she whispered, seriously contemplating the offer, "I can make an effort towards it." She looked up with a firm expression, once more inflating with pride. He grinned back excitedly.

"I knew you would!" he chirped, leaning forward on his forearms, "I'm so glad Hinata-chan! How exciting; you'll do great! And you'll become so strong, too."

She smiled shyly in return, brushing her bangs out of her eyes slightly.

I will work hard and show everyone I can be strong, too!

"I'm not sorry, Sasuke." The Hokage sighed, his arms folded over his chest, watching as his 'friend' rose from his cot.

"What makes you think I want you to be sorry?" He retorted, adjusting his long copper-toned sleeve.

"What makes you think I understand whatever the hell goes on in your crazy head?"

Under any other circumstances, both would've given their trademark grins, or, in Sasuke's case, smirk. But this wasn't the usual case; they weren't twelve anymore. They couldn't truly be considered friends, not after all they had done to each other.

"I just expected you to get a little smarter over the years." The Uchiha returned, folding his arms. One of the surrounding guards almost let out sigh, but managed to suppress it. Both men did nothing but banter like this the past three times there had been a visit. The shinobi couldn't help but wonder why the newest Hokage even bothered to see the man, when the brunet clearly wanted nothing to do with him.

"Trust me, I'm smarter. You're just a complete lunatic; it's a little hard to get you." The blond grinned, flicking his messy tresses from his eyes with a slight jerk of his head.

Sasuke smirked at him, almost cheekily, "I am, aren't I?" Gripping the rough, chakra suppressing iron, the brunet grinned sadistically.

Naruto sighed at the response, running a strong hand through his hair. "I have work to do, okay? So if you're just gonna be a jerk, I'm leavin'."

The Uchiha shrugged stiffly, "You know the way out." His manic expression faded into the often seen blank canvas.

Naruto's jaw tightened and his eyes sobered. There was just no getting the old Sasuke back. All that was left was the anger and blunt responses. With a curt nod, he turned and left.

Sakura settled herself into the well-cushioned office chair, lips pressed together to fight a proud grin. She was still getting used to her new job, assigned to her by Naruto, of course. She looked up at Ino, letting the broad smile explode onto her face. "Does it suit me?" She reclined in the chair, giving a tiny laugh of excitement.

Ino smiled back with an almost equal thrill, "Throw a few bouquets here and there, maybe a nice family picture, and it'll look perfect." She smirked, patting the cushion of one of the seats in front of the metallic desk and settling herself into it. Sakura sneered at her, still in good humor.

"You just want me to buy more flowers from you." She folded her hands cockily behind her head, smiling. Ino sighed melodramatically and shrugged.

"Business is never really booming during summer. Most people just go pick the flowers themselves. It's more fun and romantic that way." She pulled a minuscule amount of dirt from beneath her index nail. Sakura gave a light laugh. "But, Sakura, I honestly didn't think you invited me here to chat about decorations." Ino settled her hands in her lap, over her crossed legs.

Sakura sighed and nodded. "I'm afraid so... Ino, I just, well... Oh, I don't know how to say it. You know you're like my therapist, so help me!" She implored, running lithe fingers through short pink locks. Ino blinked rapidly, eyes wide.

"I can't help if I don't have a clue about what you're trying to say." She sighed, closing her eyes and shaking her head self-importantly. Sakura groaned and buried her face in her hands.

"I just, well... I don't know. I feel so odd lately." She sighed, rubbing at her eyes when they began to itch strangely. Ino arched a well-kept eyebrow.

Pursing her lips, she demanded, "Elaborate." When she focused, she was a wonderful person to discuss problems with. But she was also a terrible gossip.

Sakura was fully aware of this when she said: "I think I'm terrified. Of my future, I suppose. When Naruto put me into this position, I was extremely excited, but sitting here, in this office, I feel a little scared. I mean, this job is like placing all of Konoha's lives in my hands." Even then, she felt the so-called butterflies slamming against the walls of her stomach. Ino smiled gently.

"Everyone is scared of change, Sakura. I understand your fear. Hell, in a year or two, I'm going to be managing my own team!" She exclaimed with a slight laugh. Sakura's lips curled into a slight smile.

"So, that means, you're scared too?" Ino nodded feverishly. Sometimes she still felt like they were little girls and she was still tending a little bud, wondering if she could help grow her into a beautiful flower like herself. She liked those times, because then she could pretend she was still superior.

Ino grinned, "So scared, that I fear when I see the devilish kids, I'll faint!" She and Sakura shared a small laugh, their smiles remaining. Sakura slightly bowed her head.

"I know, sometimes, I seem really foolish. But, I can't help but wonder if I'm insane, or perhaps what I feel is different from everyone else. It's strange, I know," she sighed and ran her hand through her hair again, eyes closed, "looks like I don't have everything figured out yet, huh?" She smiled wistfully at her old friend. Ino laughed.

"You idiot, of course you don't. If you were truly smart, you'd give up on trying to understand everything." They laughed again and settled back comfortably.

Sakura smiled gently, to herself. "Yeah. Everything's going to be fine. Want to go grab lunch?" Ino nodded and stood.

"Sure. But either you pay, or you buy flowers later." Ino giggled, leading the way out of the pristine hospital office.

Shikamaru yawned heavily, eyes tearing up in the corners. Neji remained stoically silent, keeping his eyes trained forward as they walked. "You aren't even tired in the least?" Shikamaru asked after finding that the so-called 'contagious' yawn did not travel. Neji almost sighed, but bit it back and shut his eyes.

"No. I have a firm sleeping schedule." He answered quickly. He wasn't so sure about Shikamaru. He seemed a bit of a whiner. Shikamaru rubbed his neck and closed his eyes in thought.

This guy... It's like he's always doing something he can't take his attention away from.

"So you go to sleep early, huh? Even then, I'm tired." He shrugged, sniffing slightly at the smell of sukonbu cooking somewhere far off. Neji once more suppressed a sigh.

It's like all he can think about is sleep!

Sneaking peeks at one another, they both shared a similar thought.

I'm not sure I'm going to like him much. How troublesome; we're probably going to be a bad pair of advisers.

Kiba and Shino sat idly in team eight's old training grounds. "What's taking her so long?" Kiba whined, Akamaru chewing roughly on a thick branch by his feet. Shino adjusted his goggles, watching the calm field quietly.

"Patience is a virtue." He murmured his wisdom before observing the beetle that crawled over the top of the fallen log they sat on. Kiba turned and glared, a slight heat in his cheeks.

Muttering, "We've still been waiting a while," he stood and stretched. Shino silently smiled to himself, almost shaking his head, but thinking better of it. Jerking suddenly, Kiba grinned.

"She's coming?" Shino inquired, standing when the beetle scurried away. The wily brunet nodded, folding his hands behind his head with pride.

"Yep. I recognize her scent, easy."

"You should. You've been smelling her for six years now." Shino had been aware before him; he had sent tracking insects to observe her usual path, and they were quick to alert him. But Kiba had still caught her rather far off.

We'll be good for tracking teams.

"Hey! I caught her smell from a big distance, you know! I think that deserves some praise." Kiba barked.

"Ah, sorry I'm late!" Hinata interrupted, panting and setting her palms on her knees. Kiba looked to her and shrugged casually, ignoring Shino.

"It doesn't matter."

She smiled up at the two boys before they set to work training.

Although team Kurenai had been technically disbanded long ago, they couldn't just forget their tenacious bonds to one another; they visited one another and trained as a group very often. They couldn't imagine life without each other, not after so many years together.

Chouji grinned broadly as he brought three strips of cooked beef into his mouth in rapid succession.

"Ah, Akimichi-kun!" Maki, a very friendly waitress, greeted him pleasantly. He smiled back around the meat. Swallowing what was left of the beef strips, he answered her with enthusiasm.

"Hello, Maki-chan!"

Observing his table, she had a rather alarmed expression. "What on earth? Akimichi-kun, why did you get so much? This will all cost you a fortune!" She laughed lightheartedly. He smiled back with the lightest of blushes.

"It's all celebratory! I'm to be a special jōnin in a few years." He grinned. She smiled broadly back, congratulating him.

"Very good, Akimichi-kun! You'll make a fantastic teacher. So long as you don't stop visiting!" She teased, a smile swelling her round cheeks. He laughed shortly.

"Of course not! Every time they improve, I'll take them out for barbecue!" He chirped, grin turning lopsided. She smiled and stealthily slipped a strip from the surface of the grill and into her mouth. Although it burned, she grinned cheekily at his expression: complete shock.

"You'll have to take me out to eat sometime, too, okay?" She winked lightly before sauntering away to continue her work.

Chouji held his breath, staring at the space she had just briefly occupied. He didn't even mind when the chicken on the grill became charred lumps.

Hinata smiled gently at one of her distant cousins, fluttering her small fingers in a slight wave. With her short heels clicking against the concrete steps, she made her way through the stairwell of one of the many branch member apartments.

"I still don't understand why you don't live in the main house with your otou-san." An elder voiced with a sigh as Hinata passed. The pallid girl blushed lightly and bowed her respect.

"I fear it is no place for me. Good night, Akane-sama." She left quietly, to the top of the building where her home waited. Slipping inside, she slid her shoes off with ease, sighing lightly. Flicking the lights on, her bland apartment was revealed, the only real color being the sharp yellow oval encircling an eye-catching red flame painted broadly on the far white wall.

Running slender digits through her locks, she sighed, making her way to the bedroom. Both of her teammates still held back somewhat against her, which was to be expected, but she still was convinced she needed them to go all out against her to improve. From her bedroom, she slipped into the main bathroom, preparing to shower.

Sometimes, she idly wondered if there was anyone who could be honest with her and make her work hard. Sighing, she shook her head and turned on the steaming water.

"Maybe, one day, I can just become successful on my own." She gave a small, pitiful laugh. "Yeah, right."

One-hundred and twenty-three... One-hundred and twenty-four... One-hundred and twenty-five...

Sasuke was silent as he stopped all movement, holding himself mid-push-up. His biceps slightly stung, and sweat was quite literally rolling off of his body. He had to get better. He had to be stronger, faster, smarter. How they had managed to capture him was still baffling. Naruto was, somehow, terribly powerful. He turned his dark eyes on one of the guards outside of his cell.

"What time is it?" He demanded, his voice like a low bass.

The guard turned, glancing somewhere far to his left, then back to facing forward. "Nine-thirty-six, p.m." He answered curtly. Sasuke resumed his training. Another twenty-four minutes, and he would allow his body rest.

I've got to become successful on my own. Having someone help is pathetic.