7

The silence in the air was deafening until the 'clink' of a dropped fork broke it. Ino stared at her mate and narrowed her eyes in disbelief.

"What the hell do you mean you don't know anything about weddings? You were married once weren't you?"

Head nodded in agreement and others voiced their opinions on the matter. Naruto just sighed and wondered why he had agreed to this dinner date with his new family. Ino's parents were dumbstruck and the looks from Tsunade and the others wasn't helping him any. Putting his hands to his temples he rubbed them trying to make the headache go away.

"Ino, I was married. That's true. But I never had a wedding. Sakura was pregnant with Hikaru by a couple of months and didn't want to have a wedding. And Tsunade should know this since she was the one who signed the papers."

He glared at her pointedly and Tsunade took that moment to knock her sake back and avoid eye contact. Looking away from his mother for the moment, he locked eyes with Ino's parents. Yuka had tears in her eyes and Inoichi had a stupid look on his face.

"You mean to tell all of us that you have never been in a wedding? Never said vows? Never gotten to eat wedding cake?"

"Um...no? What does it matter anyway? As long as we love one another, what does the wedding matter?"

A strong wave of fear overcame him at that moment and he saw that all the women were staring at him with intent to kill. His ears lay back on his head and he began to whimper. Inoichi clapped a hand on his back and Jiraiya did the same.

"Naruto, you don't understand. The wedding isn't for the both of you. It's for Ino. Women have a built in need to mark what is theirs and a wedding is their way of showing you off and saying 'This is mine. Hands off.' Sorry kid, but if you don't do it, you die."

Naruto sighed and put his head in his hands. Why him? He was Kyuubi, Lord of all Foxes. Why did he have to do something he didn't want to do? Oh yeah, his mate was evil incarnate and would make his life a living hell. Now he knew why Shikamaru called her troublesome all the time.

"What the hell did you just say Naruto?"

All attention snapped to Ino and quizzical looks were given in her direction. Naruto raised an eyebrow. He hadn't said anything out loud did he? He turned to Jiraiya and gave him a questioning look. Jiraiya shrugged and looked back at Ino.

"What do you mean by that? Naruto didn't say anything out loud."

'Yeah, I only thought that. I didn't speak out loud. Hmmm, Genmaki did say that our link was strong. Let's test-drive this. Hey Ino...here's what I plan on doing to you tonight...'

The only thing they saw was Ino turn blood red and fall out of her chair, a small smile on her face and blood dripping from her nose, her tail wagging happily. After the shock wore off and Yuka and Tsunade had helped Ino back into her chair, she looked at Naruto and blushed again. Naruto just raised his eyebrows and smirked.

"I thought so. You read my mind and didn't even know it. Did you like my ideas dear?"

"....."

"I thought so. Now then, it appears that Ino can read my mind. Looks like I won't have any privacy at all for quite some time. Oh well, moving on. No, I have never been in a wedding, I have no idea what to do in one, and I'm pretty much useless at this point. Just plan what you want and tell me what time to show up."

Ino looked like she was about to burst into tears.

"But...but Naruto, I wanted us to do this together. We have to. It'll be our only wedding and I want your input. We need to pick colors, arrangements..."

"Fine just make everything you can orange and I'll be good."

"....you know what? You're right. I think between me, mom, Shizune, and Lady Tsunade we can get the job done." 'Oh my god, why did I think he would want something other than orange?'

'I heard that.'

Ino glanced across the table at him with wide eyes.

'You heard me?'

'Yes I did. It appears we can converse without actually speaking. A side effect of your family's jutsu no doubt.'

'Oh really? Well then, allow me to return the favor and tell you what I'm going to do to you on our wedding night.'

Everyone was looking back and forth from Ino to Naruto since neither had spoken for several minutes. Suddenly, Naruto flushed red and passed out, muttering things about 'evil' and 'whipped cream'. Jiraiya's infamous lecherous grin spread across his face and he immediately figured out what was going on. He smirked at Ino, sending a shiver down her spine.

"So, care to tell everyone what you and the brat have been telepathically telling each other? I can make several educated guesses, but...."

He never got to finish since Tsunade sent him into the wall and Yuka walked over to kick him in the balls. Shizune would have done something, but all the fun things were taken. She just pouted in her chair. Iruka cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"I believe we were here to have a nice, calm, normal dinner? And also to discuss wedding plans? Please stay on track. I have enough problems being the only adult in a room full of children, don't make me the only adult in a room full of adults."

Tsunade stuck her tongue out at him and crossed her arms in a huff.

"Fine, spoilsport. We'll get back on track. But you have to arrange everything on Naruto's side."

Iruka groaned and covered his face. 'That was brilliant Iruka. You walked right into that one.'

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Konoha had been a fairly quiet town since Naruto had matured. Sure, there was the occasional prankster that tried to be an upstart, but no one would ever match Uzumaki Naruto for sheer quality. This particular morning, however, was punctuated by high pitched squeals and several grunts and groans. The reason? The girls (Ino, Tsunade, Shizune, and Yuka) were dragging the guys (Naruto, Iruka, Jiraiya, Inoichi, and unfortunately for him, Hikaru) around town to make arrangements for the wedding. Naruto wanted Ichiraku's to cater but was immediately shot down by all the women (and even Ayame refused when she heard about it, citing that a wedding deserved more proper fare) and sent Naruto into whimpers again. Hikaru merely looked around in awe at the whirlwind that was forming around him. His mother was so excited she was nearly hyperventilating and his father was about to have a conniption fit. He didn't know what to think.

Ino finally got to the shop she wanted after making everyone taste several wedding cakes (no one complained about that) and picking out invitations and bouquets (could have been done at any time but they were passing her parent's shop so why not?). The finest clothing store in Konoha was dead ahead, bringing excited squeals from the women and groans from the men. The girls were excited to try on dresses, the men were ready to bolt in a heartbeat. Even little Hikaru was fidgeting badly. With a 'Let's go' Ino led the charge into the shop.

Naruto sighed heavily. He had already been dressed up in no less than five tuxes and thirteen kimonos. He was tired, he was hungry, and he was starting to get agitated with Jiraiya. The old man seemed to thrive off of seeing the girls in tight fitting clothes and trying to convince Hikaru to do things to them when they weren't looking. Iruka was off in his own little world and Inoichi was just as excited as the women. It wasn't every day your daughter got married he reasoned. Ino had finally gotten around to trying on dresses and he wasn't allowed to see her until she had found the perfect one. He groaned, thinking of how much this was going to cost. True, most of the time the bride's parents paid for most, but Naruto was nothing if not self-sufficient. He refused to allow them to shoulder the amount alone. Not like with his book sales he wouldn't have the money back in a month. And to see Ino happy it was all worth it.

Giggling and cries of 'No that's not quite right either' rang out for what seemed like hours. Naruto had fallen asleep on a bench and Hikaru had laid out lengthwise on it, with his head resting on his father's leg. Jiraiya had resigned himself to reading a magazine, hoping to see a little cleavage, and Iruka was dozing in a chair. This is the scene Ino walked in on. She looked at Naruto and Hikaru and 'awwwed', as did the rest of the troop. The two of them looked adorable in that position but Ino had a goal in mind. With a load 'ahem' all the men woke up. Naruto barely opened his eyes and cut them in the direction of the noise and closed them again. Realizing what, or rather who, was standing there they immediately snapped back open and his neck damn near broke trying to swivel to see her. Only one word came to mind when he saw her.

"Beautiful."

Ino blushed and tried to cover her cheeks to hide it but her mother wrenched her hands away and threw them down to her sides. Ino quickly clasped them in front of her and looked down in embarrassment. She had meant to come out and look extremely sexy for Naruto but he had blown that out of the water by calling her beautiful.

Naruto took his mate's embarrassment that she didn't like the dress and was forced to come out in it. He scowled and stood up. Walking to her he circled her like a hungry animal and looked at her from every angle. It was a pure white (although her 'pureness' was up for debate in Naruto's mind) and exposed her shoulders. The veil was thrown back behind her head and the train was especially long. It was...exquisite. Through with his analysis he smiled and stood in front of her once again. He lifted her chin up with his fingers so that she looked him in the eye.

"What do you think?"

"W..What?"

"What do you think? Do you like the dress?"

"Um...yes, I love it. It makes me look..."

"Radiant. Startling. Beautiful. Ino, you could dress in a burlap sack for all I care and you'd still be the most beautiful woman in the world."

A chorus of 'awwws' rang out through the shop and the pair jerked around to see everyone staring. Naruto put on his best foxy grin and scratched the back of his head.

"Well, it's true."

Hikaru had woken up at this point and looked at his mother. He cocked his head to one side and gave her a curious glance.

"Momma, I think you're missing some of the dress. Your shoulders and the top of your boobs are showing."

Nobody was able to stand up straight for fifteen minutes after laughing so hard.

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The shopping for bridesmaids' dresses went just as well. The only problem was when they got to Tsunade. She was going to be performing the nuptials but Naruto insisted that she have a formal kimono for the occasion. Her bust line was the problem because of her rather large assets. The kimono they had settled on made her squeal with happiness. It was made of silk and hugged her body perfectly. 'And best of all, I don't have to pay for it.' Tsunade thought. She could use it for more than the wedding and if she played her cards right, maybe she could convince her son to buy her a few more sets of clothes. She liked her normal attire well enough but it pays to be able to impress dignitaries and such. She adjusted herself one more time and stepped out of the dressing room. The silence she walked in on made her nervous. She raised an eyebrow and swept her eyes over the crowd.

"You don't like it? I thought it was a perfect fit..."

Jiraiya, unfortunately for him, was the first to offer his thoughts.

"Damn woman. If I knew you looked that good in a kimono I would have bought some for you years ago. The way they make those girls of yours pop..."

He never got to finish that sentence since Naruto bashed him over the head, knocking him out.

"Goddamn pervert. Gotta love him, but he can ruin anything with that mind of his."

Naruto turned back to see all the women with angry looks on their faces and Tsunade with her arms crossed over her chest. He decided that discretion would be the better part of valor and hauled the old pervert out of the store by the collar of his shirt. Taking him home gave Naruto a chance to get outside and away from the wedding frenzy in any event.

It only took a few minutes to deposit Jiraiya on his couch and then return to the clothing store to find everyone waiting for him. Ino and her mother had already made all the arrangements for clothing and just needed his signature. Inoichi had nearly had a stroke when he saw the price tag and was still in shock, sitting in a chair in the corner. Naruto glanced at the price at the bottom of the paper and shrugged, while walking over to his future father-in-law. He knelt down and whispered in the man's ear.

"Don't worry about the price. I got you covered. With what I make it's not even a dent and besides, it's all worth it to see Ino smile."

Inoichi grinned and nodded. He thanked whatever Gods were above that he had a rich son-in-law. This would definitely make retirement a lot easier. He cracked his neck and stood to face the troop, only to see his daughter fussing over her adopted son. He chuckled and wondered when he'd get to see his own grandchildren. He caught his wife's eyes and they both grinned. 'We must have been thinking the same thing.' He thought.

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Time flew by very quickly for the little family and the day finally came where wedding bells would be heard. Ino had invited all her friends and family to come out and it was a large gathering. They had opted to have the ceremony on top of the Hokage mountain where there was plenty of room. The Akimichi's were chosen to cater and Naruto was basically foaming at the mouth to try some of their BBQ ramen. It was quite famous throughout Konoha. Everything was perfect and nothing could ruin this day.

Naruto sighed and looked back to Tsunade. She smiled at him and gave him a peck on the cheek. She couldn't have been more proud of him that day. She wistfully thought back to the days where she planned to be married to Dan. Thinking of him always left a smile on her face. A sad smile but a smile nonetheless. She looked once more on the men standing on the dais with her. Iruka was the best man and Jiraiya...actually looked dignified, if uncomfortable, standing in his formal kimono. Tsunade smirked at this. The old goat should be uncomfortable after foisting his books off on Naruto. 'Although, the boy does have a knack for the romantic and they're always well written.' She admitted with a slight blush. Shaking her head she continued awaiting the bride.

Naruto looked down at his young son and smiled. The boy looked so uncomfortable holding those rings and he hated sitting still. Feeling a pat on his shoulder he turned his head and gazed at Iruka. Looking further past he saw a widely grinning Jiraiya.

"So brat, you ready for this? You really only want one lady? Look across the aisle there. There's plenty more than just Ino you know?"

The Toad Sennin's remarks got him a sharp elbow in the gut from Iruka and many raised eyebrows wondering what he could have said to elicit such a reaction from the normally mild schoolteacher. Naruto turned and took in the sight of all his mate's bridesmaids, all dressed in matching kimonos. Hinata and TenTen looked lovely as always. His blushing bride was nowhere to be seen at the moment. Removing his eyes from the lovely ladies in front of him, he surveyed the crowd. Everyone was here it seemed. He smiled at all of his friends until he came to a certain pair. He scowled and his eyes narrowed. He hadn't wanted to invite Sasuke and Sakura but Tsunade told him it would be in bad taste not to invite the future Hokage (no matter how much everyone may dislike him). He had begrudgingly agreed, but he had hoped they would have the good taste not to show up. So much for that idea. He gritted his teeth when he saw Sasuke with that same self-important smirk he always had, his arm around Sakura's shoulders. She didn't look happy to be there, in fact, she looked downright uncomfortable and hesitant, like she had been drug there. 'Oh well not my problem.' Thought Naruto.

A sudden whirlwind of sand in front of him caught his attention out of the corner of his eyes and his scowl turned to a wide grin. Gaara and his family appeared right in front of the dais. Walking down the steps Naruto embraced his friend.

"I see you were able to make it, my brother. I'm happy that you are here. Ah, and hello to you too, Kaoru. I haven't seen you in months. How are you?"

The little girl paid him no mind however and made her way to stand by Hikaru, talking with him animatedly, while the poor boy tried to look for escape. Naruto, Gaara, and Gaara's wife Matsuri, laughed at the boy's predicament.

"Ah young love. It appears that I won't have to arrange a political marriage after all Naruto. Kaoru seems quite smitten with your son. She takes after her mother in so many ways. Once she sets her sights on something she simply won't let go until she gets it, and even then the boy has no hope. He'll end up just like Shikamaru."

"Now now dear. You know that Temari just has Shikamaru wrapped around her finger. He can't say no or she'll beat him up. Besides he loves her even if he calls her troublesome."

"Yes but look at how Kaoru acts toward Hikaru. I'm telling you the poor boy doesn't stand a chance. He'll give in I assure you."

All three shared a good laugh at that and carried on their chitchat until a familiar melody began to play. Gaara gave Naruto a reassuring smile and took his family to their seats (he nearly had to pry Kaoru away from Hikaru but assured her that they could play afterward.) Naruto looked toward the screen that was set up so that no one could see the bride and his jaw nearly hit the floor. Escorting his little girl down the aisle, was Inoichi with the biggest smile on his face. The girl in question, however, was garnering more looks than anyone.

Ino looked straight ahead to her mate. She knew she looked good but the way everyone was staring at her she knew she was drop dead gorgeous. Even Naruto's tongue was hanging out. She never turned her head but her eyes were scanning the room. She secretly smiled at the turnout until she swept over a pink head and the dark one beside her. She kept up her smile on the outside but on the inside she was doing a mental wardance. If only Tsunade hadn't made Naruto invite those two...ah well, nothing they could do about it now. Finally reaching the dais, she turned to her father who kissed her on her cheek and handed her over to her mate.

"You look beautiful Ino."

That was enough to bring tears to her eyes but they still had to go through with vows. Oh how she wanted this over with. Tsunade stepped forward and coughed to get the couple's attention.

"We are gathered here today to bring together two souls in holy matrimony..."

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Naruto sat back in his chair at the head of the table by his wife and sighed in happiness. The wedding now over, everyone had moved to take in the excellent food of the Akimichis and man was it ever good. Naruto himself had knocked back over ten plates and had drunk a few flasks of sake (not that it affected him, regular sake was like drinking water) before Ino drug him onto the dance floor and they had shared their first official dance. Now kicked back and trying to regain his breath beside his mate, he watched everyone else.

Jiraiya had somehow convinced Tsunade to dance with him and surprisingly enough, the old pervert was behaving admirably. He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer and was impressing Tsunade to a new degree, if the blush on her face was any indication. Anko had Iruka as her partner and was trying her best to make him slip and fall into the valley between her breasts. Naruto sighed and wondered when his father figure would ever get the hint that Anko wanted him badly. Perhaps that was where his cluelessness towards women had come from. His eyes settled on his ex wife and his former best friend and he gritted his teeth. Ino heard the noise and gave her husband a kiss to settle his nerves.

"Don't worry about them Naruto. We have all of eternity to ourselves. Don't let the past consume you just because he's an asshole."

"Indeed Naruto. It is only with great misfortune that he has accomplished as much as he has."

"Gaara. I didn't here you sneak up on us."

"Well I wouldn't be much of a ninja if you heard me sneak up now would I? Take your eyes off the two lovebirds and look at our children."

Naruto and Ino looked over to the corner where they could see Kaoru and Hikaru talking with each other. Hikaru apparently was telling a funny story and Kaoru was laughing up a storm. Other children who were Hikaru's friends were gathered around and watching them with great interest and giving their input. The story finished, Kaoru laughed again and leaned in giving Hikaru a peck on the cheek, turning the poor boy into a tomato. All the children laughed at him and he hid behind Kaoru's back until his color returned. Gaara turned back to the newlyweds and chuckled.

"See? I told you that the two were destined to be. Our friendship has spilled over into the new generation Naruto. And besides, their offspring will be especially strong. Two former jinchuuriki's children should make especially strong children and I've always wanted to see how strong my grandchildren would be. Add in your strength and we've got shinobi gods."

"Gaara I've already told you, leave them be. If you're right you're right, but don't pressure them. They're young yet. Let nature take its course. We found love didn't we? Why rush two who will find it without a problem? Hikaru has the looks to get any girl he wants and Kaoru the same with boys."

"Perhaps but I've always wanted to see how my redheaded grandchildren would look with blonde and pink streaks."

Gaara and Matsuri howled with laughter, while Naruto raised his eyebrow and Ino giggled. Ino sighed, wishing the wonderful evening would go on forever. After the wedding they would be going to Suna to enjoy the oases and generally enjoy life for two weeks. Hikaru would be staying with Tsunade, much to Tsunade's and his pleasure. She was enjoying the glow of her wedding when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned up to see Sasuke with that smirk on his face and Sakura behind him with a hangdog look on hers.

"May I have this dance Ino? It seems it may be the last time I get to enjoy your company."

She gave Naruto a pleading look, but his gaze held fast. His eyes however told another story. He didn't want Sasuke touching his wife and that made her heart flutter but appearances have to be kept.

"Go ahead Ino. It would be most unseemly if we denied the future Hokage a simple dance. Just hurry back. I wish to dance with you again."

Ino nodded and let Sasuke take her hand. She had a bad feeling about this. He whisked her onto the dance floor while Sakura sat down beside Naruto.

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Sakura sighed on the inside as she took the chair next to Naruto. She had tried to get her courage up to talk to him many times in the past few months but never seemed to be able to. Finally she had convinced herself that she could do it at his wedding. Naruto was a naturally forgiving person and never held a grudge, even to his enemies. Steeling her resolve she took a deep breath.

"Naruto, I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I'm sorry for what I did. I left you and Hikaru all alone and I'm sorry for that. I loved you both but I wasn't in love with you. I'm sor..."

"You're years too late for that Sakura. I don't care anymore. I forgave you long ago but I will never forget the pain you caused. I can never forget what you and Sasuke have done. You broke my heart, fine I can live with that. Sasuke stole my dream, fine I can live with that. But you abandoned your son, Sakura, for a heartless bastard and I will never forget that. Don't think I'm the same person you married Sakura. That man died the night you left. I'm Uzumaki Naruto, reborn. I'm no one's plaything and my heart and soul belong to Ino now. I am bound to her and she me through more than words and a written contract. We are bound at the soul."

"I'm happy for you Naruto. I really am. I just wish that I could undo some of what I've done."

"Why show remorse now Sakura? It didn't bother you back then, why should it now? Your inner voice never spoke up to tell you different back then so no words you say now will put anything right. And as far as Sasuke goes? What the fuck? Why did Ino just slap him?"

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As soon as Sasuke had whisked Ino onto the dance floor his smirk widened even more. Ino bit her lip and tried not to let him get to her. This was obviously a trick or something.

"So Ino, how does it feel to be married to a loser and a dobe? I wasn't sure your standards had fallen so low that you would just be with anyone. I thought I still held a place in your heart?"

"You lost any place you might have held in my heart when you left us for the pedophile. I hope he wasn't too rough on you. Or did he eventually have to exchange the stick in your ass for a whole tree after he reamed you?"

Sasuke scowled at her verbal jab. He was losing this war of words already and he wanted to get her good and upset before he handed her back to Naruto. He wanted her to question his humanity and his loyalty.

"You know the dobe still loves Sakura? I bet he'd leave you for her in a heartbeat if he could. And for your information, nothing ever came near my ass."

Ino smiled sweetly. She was right. This was a way to try to get her to doubt Naruto and she was now winning the war. No reason to let up now.

"Well I'm happy to hear that you're still a virgin there. And as far as Naruto and me, he would never leave me. I'm his queen and he's my king. We're meant to be, bound at the soul. You, you pathetic little worm, would never understand love on that level, if you've ever understood love at all. So fuck off."

Sasuke ground his teeth together. He wanted this bitch upset and quick. No one talked to him that way. No one! The smirk on his face got sickly big and he growled out his words.

"Well then, if that's the way you want it, when I become Hokage, the first thing I'm going to do is declare the two of you unfit parents and place Hikaru under my care. After he graduates from the academy, I'll send him on the most dangerous mission I can find and then we'll see how damn smug you are."

Ino's reply was a feral growl and a slap that could have disintegrated steel, aimed at his jaw.

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The festivities immediately came to a halt and Naruto was beside Ino in an instant.

"What happened?"

"This asshole threatened to take Hikaru away from us when he became Hokage. I merely showed him what I thought of the idea."

Tsunade made her way over and tried to establish a form of diplomacy by asking what happened. She was answered with a growl from Naruto that made everyone back up except Ino, who offered her own growl to his. Sasuke simply stood there smirking.

"Well dobe, if you think you can do anything about it, fight me. If you win, I'll leave your family be. But everyone knows you can't defeat me. You never could."

"You're right Sasuke. The old Uzumaki Naruto never could have beaten you. He was too kind and forgiving. However, now I have a family to take care of. You are of no consequence anymore. And you have tried to ruin one of the happiest days of my life. I'll never forgive you for that. As for your offer, of course I'll fight you."

Tsunade immediately stepped forward.

"Naruto think about this. You can't fight the future Hokage, it would look bad."

"Think of this as my wedding gift to Ino. He has insulted her and I can't let that happen. Honor demands it. Besides, there are plenty of people here who would love to see him taken down a peg or hundred. His arrogance knows no bounds. HATAKE! I know you're here. Come out of hiding. I saw you in the back."

Kakashi stepped forward, his eyes cast toward the ground. It had been years since Naruto had even acknowledged him in public and now the only reason he called on him was because his favorite student had shamed the idiot of Team Seven. He was ashamed of himself but he never apologized to anyone, why start now? Looking up he gazed into the taller blonde's eyes.

"Yes Naruto? How can I help you?"

"I want you to referee a match between myself and Uchiha Sasuke. Only stop when one of us is incapacitated. Understand?"

"Understood. But are you both going to fight like that?"

At that Sasuke peeled off his kimono, revealing his battle garb. Naruto narrowed his eyes.

"You planned this. You planned to ruin our wedding day. You bastard."

"So what? I'm an Uchiha, we do what we please. Besides, it's not like I'm going to get dirty fighting you."

Naruto glared back at Kakashi and cracked his knuckles. He turned to all the people and saw them watching in anticipation. Kiba and Lee, of course, were the ones to break the silence.

"KICK HIS ASS NARUTO! SHOW HIM WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ACTUAL NINJA!"

Naruto put on a foxy grin and kissed his wife on the lips before whispering in her ear.

"Take Hikaru and stand next to Gaara. This could get messy but it won't take more than five minutes."

"Naruto, you're not going to hurt him too bad are you."

"Nah, I'm just going to break a few bones and make sure he can't have any more children."

Ino giggled, nodded, and took Hikaru and herself to stand next to Gaara. She smiled at the Kazekage, who raised an eyebrow.

"You might want to put up a sand shield every now and then. He's not going to hold back."

Tsunade put her hand on Naruto's shoulder and bade him to lean down. He complied and listened to her.

"Don't hurt him too bad Naruto. He deserves it, but the council would have your hide for it. Promise me you wont' go all out."

"I promise to go no more than four tails. He isn't worth more than that. Wish me luck Baa-chan and let everyone know that after this the festivities continue."

Tsunade nodded and turned to the throng.

"ALLRIGHT EVERYONE! THIS MATCH WILL BE UNDERWAY SOON AND THEN WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE PARTY! HATAKE! START WHEN READY?"

Kakashi coughed and turned to Sasuke and asked if he was ready. He got a nod. He turned to Naruto and saw him still in his kimono. He raised an eyebrow and asked if Naruto was going to fight in that. His response was a snort and a snap of the fingers. Naruto went up in a blaze of fire, causing Kakashi to raise his arms to fend off the heat. When the flames died, Naruto stood there in a black battle gi and black pants with a blood red sash. On his back was the kanji for 'Forsaken Samaritan' surrounded by nine golden foxtails. He wore no shoes but his feet and ankles were taped, his toes exposed. He wore no hitai-ate but had a bandana with the kanji for 'Bad' on it. His wrists and hands were taped and his hair was wild, flowing with the breeze. He appeared as he did in his younger days, blood red eyes and extended fangs and claws. He had decided to stay human for this exhibition for the most part and not flaunt his demonic form. Ino was slightly disappointed that her husband had decided not to show his beauty (it still got her hot and bothered when he did) but decided it was for the best. Everyone was in awe at the change and whispered that perhaps Sasuke had picked a fight he should not have. Naruto merely rounded on Kakashi, who still had a dumbfounded look on his face.

"Now we may begin."