9

A thoroughly wore out Naruto eased himself into the hot springs and his aching muscles groaned their thanks. Who knew that his wife would be such an insatiable vixen? Some muscles just weren't meant to be used that much at once.

'I can hear you thinking you know.'

Naruto slapped himself on the forehead and groaned out loud. He still couldn't get used to not having any private thoughts. His wife's ability to link their minds was a godsend in some cases and a torturous exercise on his patience in others. He looked wearily up at her as she slid into the spring beside him and snuggled up against his side. He threw an arm over her shoulder and sighed contentedly. He wouldn't have it any other way.

"You better damn well not want it any other way. I'm too good to you as it is."

"You know I think your brashness has become worse since you became a demon. I ought to wash your mouth out with soap. As your king I can put you in your place you know."

"And you know that as your queen you'll never see any action for as long as we live."

"Oh really? Who do you think could hold out longer? Me, who went for years without intimate contact? Or you who can't seem to get enough of me?"

"Is that a challenge dear? Because I thought you couldn't get enough of me."

"Perhaps its best we drop this before someone gets their feelings hurt."

"I don't think so bud. You started the ball rolling and I intend to mmpppfff...mppfff...mmmm..."

She never got to finish what she was saying because Naruto had pulled her into his lap and put his lips to good use; shutting up Ino before she got irate and things got out of hand. He didn't want an incident like the second night they were there and she wanted to keep their games going while he just couldn't go anymore. Seriously, his spirit was willing but the flesh was weak and spongy. He just couldn't go on. His exact words as he flopped on the bed were 'just go on without me. I think I'll just lie here and die.' Unfortunately for him she knew what buttons to push and he had to 'soldier on' so to speak. Through with quieting her, he released her and sat back while she leaned against his chest.

"Hey Naruto?"

"Hmmmm?"

"Why didn't you come out with us for over three years? Didn't anyone try to get you to come out? Or did everyone just stay away?"

"No. Shikamaru came by every now and then but with the way Temari keeps him busy I'm surprised he ever found the time. Hinata came by and brought supper over every now and then and told me how Kiba wanted to see me again but he stayed away knowing I needed my space. Neji and TenTen dropped by occasionally. You came by every now and then with Chouji. The one who really wouldn't let up was Lee. That guy just kept pestering me and pestering me until he finally got me to train with him in the back yard. I still wouldn't go out into public but Lee kept me company and probably kept me sane. Neither of us ever told anyone of our private spars but Hikaru got a kick out of Lee. It's probably why he's so bubbly all the time. Lee was a good influence on him. Whereas I brought a grounded influence to his life, Lee was always happy and carefree. I owe him a lot."

"Lee huh? He was always such a nice person. I wish he could find someone who would be good to him. If only he weren't so eccentric, he could find a good girl."

"Lee's not eccentric. Once you get him away from Gai, he's actually really down to earth. I might've imitated Gai too if he took as much interest in me as he did Lee. He taught Lee everything, from manners to improving his self-esteem. Gai might be annoying but if ever there were two people with hearts of gold, its Lee and Gai. If only Kakashi had been as good a sensei as Gai."

"No sense worrying about the past dear. It won't do you any good. Look to the future."

"You're absolutely right. I need to think about what I'm going to do. How should I repay Lee?"

"You could give him some weights."

"No, I want to leave him with something to make him stronger. Not just physically but as a ninja as well. What can I do, what can I do? Hmmmm...."

"You could let him sign the Toad contract. You won't be able to use it after you take up the throne. And Lee would be a good signer..."

"YEAH! I could let him sign the Toad contract. You're brilliant Ino. But, Lee can't mold chakra. So how to overcome that...hmmmm. Hey, the necklace I won from Tsunade. It gave Yamato the ability to suppress the bijuu's chakra correct?"

"Yeah so?"

"It was made of stone from the demonic realm. What if there was a stone that could help mix spiritual and physical energy to make chakra instead of using your coils?"

"I don't think that's possible dear. Genmaki already said that necklace was one of a kind remember?"

"Oh right. I forgot about that. But I want Lee to wield the contract now. It would be perfect; the toads would love him. Except for the fact that he couldn't exchange sake with Bunta without going crazy. Do you think that the toads would make an exception for spiritual energy instead? After all, if the snakes can make a demand for sacrifices as well as chakra then there has to be a loophole as to what they can demand in exchange for help."

"Maybe...it just might work."

"No time like the present. Let's find out."

And with that Naruto leapt out of the springs and sprinted off into the desert, Ino hot on his heels. She heard his shout of 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu' and a large puff of smoke later, there sat GamaBunta smoking his pipe.

Sigh...why am I out in the middle of the desert brat? What could you possibly want now? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon? And another thing...where the hell are your pants?

"Do what? Pants? What the hell are you...Oh! Oh crap!"

Deciding he'd already come to far to go back now, Naruto covered himself with his tails and grinned sheepishly back up at Bunta.

"Well, I was kinda in a rush...anyways, I need to ask you something?"

Allright, but who's the other blonde?

"Who, Ino? She's my wife, why?"

It was then he turned around and saw Ino, naked as the day she was born, trying to cover herself with her hands and her tail. Sighing, he drew her in behind him and she pressed herself against his back while his tails covered all her vital areas and tickled her skin. She looked back up at Bunta, who was wearing a lecherous grin, and gave him a shy wave. The giant toad chuckled and gazed back at Naruto.

The wife huh? I don't suppose this has anything to do with her?

"No, not at the moment. As you know Bunta, I'm the new Kyuubi, so once I ascend the throne I can't hold the contract anymore. I need to ask your permission on something concerning the contract."

Oh? Got someone in mind do you? Are they worthy?

"More than you'll ever know. He's totally worthy and he likes green. I think him and Gamakichi would get along great. There's only one problem. He can't use chakra."

Ah, you're looking for a loophole. Chakra is the main thing that draws us here besides the offering of blood you know? There aren't many who have the gumption to call us here without another worthwhile offering. What makes him so special?

"His spirit. He goes all out to defeat his enemies. He's the fastest person I've ever met. He can't use jutsus but then again, he doesn't need to. I want him to hold the contract because I owe him big time and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. There's more than one way to make a Toad Flame Bomb you know."

Indeed. I take it he is in Konoha? Have I ever met him before?

"No but you've met his trainer. One Maito Gai."

You're serious. I remember the boy now. He's a miniature Gai. True, his heart is in the right place but sometimes he's just as psychotic as Shukaku. Obsessive compulsive with training, huge eyebrows, can't hold his liquor...

"He's also a total gentleman, respects those who respect him, and would lay his life on the line for his comrades, including your children. All I ask is that you give him a chance. Please Bunta? Make this my last request. His spiritual energy and blood for your contract. I guarantee with as much spirit as the guy has you'll never see the bottom of the barrel."

You've piqued my interest Naruto. Very well, let him sign and call upon his spiritual energy. I'll handle the rest. Now enjoy the rest of your honeymoon. And for Kami's sake put on some clothes. No one wants to see your sorry excuse for an ass except your wife and that's pushing it.

"Hey you sorry excuse for a wallet, my Naruto's ass looks fine I'll have you know."

"INO!"

"Well its true..."

HAHAHAHAHA! I like her. No doubt I'll like Lee as well. I'll see you two later. And congratulations Naruto, on everything. Call me to your Kingdom when you can. I wish to see you as an equal instead of as a subordinate.

"You can count on it Bunta. And thank you for everything."

Goodbye Naruto. And hail the new Kyuubi.

With that Bunta disappeared leaving Naruto and Ino alone again in the cold desert night. Ino slid in front of Naruto and stood on her tiptoes giving him a kiss. She leaned against his chest again and sighed happily before whispering.

"All hail the new Kyuubi."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

While Naruto and Ino were indulging themselves in finding new ways to love one another, Sakura was left with the task of rearranging her life. Juugo and Karin had instantly taken a liking to Hikaru and Genmaki, but she found that Hikaru was still distant, even with his emotional outburst her first night back. He was still a little boy and he missed his mother. He remembered her warmth, he remembered her love and in that moment he was that poor little four year old again. But Sakura had missed nearly half of his life because of a stupid childhood dream and he didn't accept her fully. Was he happy that she was back in his life? Of course. She was his mother. But she wasn't his mom. That distinction belonged to Ino until she proved otherwise. And even then, Ino had been more of a mother in a little under a year than Sakura had been in his first four years.

Hikaru loved having a brother and sister. They missed their father, but only as they were used to having him around. Having a brother whom had known the pain of losing a parent helped as Hikaru played with them constantly when Tsunade brought them over. Genmaki watched stoicly and tried not to get too attached to the little ankle biters but it was hard when he'd be lying there and Karin would curl up against him and go to sleep. He'd cover the little girl with his tails like a blanket and she'd snuggle up against him more. Hikaru suggested seeing if his daddy would give Juugo and Karin their own foxes and Genmaki wasn't averse to the thought. These children were now a part of the Uzumaki household and they needed protection. Especially from their father, who would no doubt be out for blood against Naruto and Ino and especially Sakura. Sasuke always got what he wanted but this time there were too many witnesses to save him from being banned from seeing his children or coming within so many feet of the Uzumakis.

Tsunade and Sakura chitchatted while the children played. Tsunade had missed the girl terribly but she had done Naruto wrong and her loyalties lay with Naruto first. During their first reunion, Sakura had broken down and cried on Tsunade's shoulder while the older woman held her, her own eyes brimming with tears. It had taken a lot to forgive Sakura but she would never forget how weak her student was. She partly blamed herself for not beating it into her how stupid she was for still having a place in her heart for Sasuke. The other part blamed Sakura rightly for not having the constitution to be with her rightful family and leaving on a whim. She glanced across the room to see the children playing happily together. She smiled. Perhaps, in the end, all the pain was worth it since Naruto had a way of making everything allright.

"Tsunade-sama, what do you think about Naruto and Ino? Do you really think they're demons? Is Naruto really the Kyuubi?"

"Sigh...yes he really is the Kyuubi. But he's not that Kyuubi. Naruto is still Naruto whether he's a demon or human. Technically speaking, the Uzumakis are royalty. Naruto is a king now and Ino is a queen. In truth, Naruto has always been a noble but he was denied his heritage. Perhaps this is Kami's way of making up for that. To be denied your birthright only to be given a kingdom. It sounds like its right out of a fairytale."

"Yes it does. You know, when I left Naruto I didn't have a single regret. I didn't have any regrets until Ino confronted me one day and I started to see things in a different light. I realized that there was no love in my life anymore. All I had were my children. I was expected to pump out babies and take care of them until they grew up to wield the Sharingan and then there's no telling what would have happened to me. I still have nightmares thinking about it. I'm so glad that there are people in the world like Naruto. He may be bitter but he's not cold even if he has a right to be."

"That's just his charm dear. He always puts everyone else before himself. That's why he would have made a great Hokage and why he'll make an even greater king."

"Speaking of Hokage, what about Sasuke? Surely Konoha doesn't want a child-killer as their leader?"

"You forget the majority of Konoha doesn't know about that incident. And while the majority love Naruto over Sasuke, there is no doubt that he is an excellent ninja. I wish there was more I could do but after Sarutobi-sensei came back into power, he was too old to do everything himself. He had to have help and thus he gave more power to the council, making the Hokage little more than a general of the troops and taking away his power for important political moves. No doubt with Sasuke, most of that power will be given back because he will demand it. But don't worry too much because Naruto has a contingency plan for the day of Sasuke's inauguration."

"Really? What is it?"

"Now now Sakura, that would spoil the surprise. I don't want you getting ahead of everyone else."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gaara and Matsuri had come to visit the Uzumakis at the spring and decided to stay the night. All were sitting in the spring just enjoying the night air and the warmth of the water. Matsuri was glad to have a night away from Kaoru; the little girl was entirely too energetic. She blamed the influence of Naruto for that and perhaps Temari. The two blondes were entirely too much alike. Gaara had rid himself of his sand armor for the night, his pale skin seeming to glow like luminescent paint. Matsuri had insisted that Naruto and Ino be in their demon forms as she proclaimed they were just 'too cute'. Gaara had rolled his eyes and laughed at the sight of his wife trying to pet Naruto's tails only to be swatted by the appendages. Naruto apologized profusely; the tails seemed to have a mind of their own, like Gaara's sand.

Ino had been happy to see Gaara and Matsuri leave. She liked them well enough but this was supposed to be her alone time with Naruto. She had finally climbed into the springs after an all day training session with Naruto and let the water wash over her sore muscles. Naruto had called that 'light' training. Light? Who was he kidding? If not for her demonic form, that training would have killed her. How in the hell did a regular human like Lee do it? No wonder Naruto wanted the guy to have the contract. He wasn't human, he was superhuman. She groaned when she heard Naruto slip into the water behind her and pull her back to the edge by her waist. She really didn't want to move right now, why couldn't he leave her alone?

'You know this link works both ways right? I heard that. And besides I believe you'll like what I'm going to do to you. So sit down, shut up, and enjoy.'

Well, that was a shocker. Naruto was never forceful with her and she was about to turn around and protest him doing anything to her when his hands began to rub her shoulders, causing her to moan and press further into his back.

'When did you learn to give a massage? I didn't think you had skilled hands.'

'Ha, shows what you know. What do you think Ero-Sennin and I did all those years, train constantly? Nah, he took me around and showed me to some...interesting people. One of them was a masseuse who said I had a lot of promise. She showed me how to give a proper massage to loosen the muscles and the morals.'

'Wait just a damn minute. She! Uzumaki Naruto, if I find out you fucked some nameless hussy just for massage lessons I'll...'

She never got to finish that sentence because Naruto had twisted her head and locked lips with her once again. That was a dirty trick and yet it worked so well against her. She'd find one of his weaknesses one of these days and she'd have him right where she wanted him.

'Not likely babe. And I thought you had me where you wanted me already.'

'Shut up and keep massaging. Let's see if you can get my whole body loose.'

Naruto grinned and kissed the back of her neck making her shiver.

"You seem pretty loose to me dear. But we'll see if I can make your legs turn to rubber."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The honeymoon was over too quickly for their tastes and soon they were on their way back to Konoha. They were greeted at the gates by smiles of the chuunin guards. All the shinobi had heard about the shame of their future Hokage and couldn't be happier. Word around the campfire was that Naruto had destroyed the Uchiha's manhood permanently and none of the best medics were willing to heal him. Of course, being a total asshole and alienating one of the Sannin and her two apprentices didn't help Sasuke one bit. He pitched a hissy fit and demanded that they help him but without any power to back him up, his whining was more like the buzz of an annoying mosquito. The guards at the gate gave Naruto a salute and a cheesy thumbs up, which he promptly returned, making Ino groan and quickly drage his ass home.

They walked in the door and were immediately glomped by an overenthusiastic Hikaru, followed by Juugo and Karin and an extremely happy Tsunade. She loved taking care of Hikaru but sometimes the boy was too much like his father. She had to have Iruka chase him down after he pulled a few pranks and had tied him to a chair in her office while she did her paperwork. It had been worth it in the end when he had asked her why she didn't use clones to do her paperwork like daddy did? She had blinked in confusion and asked him what he meant. He had told her that his daddy always used clones to do paperwork, that way he could finish earlier to help him with his ninja training. Tsunade had blinked and then began swearing up a storm, frightening the poor little boy, making him think he had done something wrong. She had confused him further by untying him and hugging him fiercely while swinging him around in circles. All this time the answer to her problems was under her nose and she hadn't seen it.

Naruto had died laughing when he heard this. Poor Tsunade had figured out the way to beat the paperwork monster in the twilight of her Hokage career. When asked why he had never told her the secret, he had smiled smugly and told her that she never asked, earning him a one-way ticket to the sheetrock express. Ino had to peel her poor mate off the wall and unceremoniously dumped him in their bedroom until he regained consciousness. The adults all began chatting again while poor little Juugo and Karin watched Tsunade in horror. Hikaru had shrugged nonchalantly and went back to playing. Seeing that he was unperturbed by this, Juugo asked him if this was common.

"Of course it is. Grandma sends Daddy through the wall at least once a week. It's ok though; Daddy's strong so he isn't hurt. He just wobbles around for awhile until he can walk straight again. Grandma says its fun beating up a demon king and besides, they can't really hurt one another."

"Demon king? Your daddy's a demon?"

"Yup. He's the king of foxes."

Karin took the moment to speak up.

"Really? Are you a fox Hikaru? I think you'd be a cute fox."

"Heh. Nope, I'm just a regular human. I can't do anything fox-like like daddy but he's shown me a lot of other stuff, like how to fight. I can show you guys if you want."

Both the little tykes brightened at this.

"YAY! Show us a jutsu. A really cool jutsu."

"Ok. Ummm, let's see. Oh I know. I could show you a katon jutsu..."

Ino overheard this with her kitsune ears and growled low, making the other women look at her.

"UZUMAKI HIKARU! NOT IN MY HOUSE YOU WON'T!"

"Yikes! Mom's mad. Outside, quick!"

A quick scuffle and the three kids were outside, safely being watched over by Genmaki, who never ceased to be amazed at his queen's scary attitude. The kids finally out of earshot and Sakura gone home to prepare lunch for her children, Tsunade decided to get details about the honeymoon.

"Ok girl, spill. How was it? Was it good? Everything you expected? How big..."

"TSUNADE-SAMA! Please, you're like Naruto's mother. I can't tell you those things."

"Oh please I'm not really his mother. More like a...distant cousin or something. Pretend for a moment anyways and indulge me."

Ino smirked. She'd show the old woman a thing or two.

"Well I must say he's larger than I ever thought. Oh my god, Tsunade his tongue is so long, and it stretched for what seemed like miles. His smile is what got me the most though. His pipe is huge."

"His pipe huh? You're using an awful lot of innuendos and...you're not talking about Naruto are you?"

"Of course not Jiraiya-sama. Now you'd better wake Tsunade up from that sleeping potion you put in her sake before she gets pissed at you. You dirty old man, you actually think I'd fall for that? I'm psychic you know?"

Jiraiya just grinned and put away his notepad.

"Oh well it was worth a shot. No hard feelings right?"

It was Ino's turn to smile now, although with her kitsune features, the smile was much more feral.

"No hard feelings at all Jiraiya-sama. In fact, once I tell Tsunade what happened, I don't think you'll be having hard feelings for quite a while."

Jiraiya paled at this and began to back away slowly toward the window.

"Oh come on Ino. It was all in good fun. Besides, I don't write books anymore so you wouldn't have ended up in anything. Whaddya say?"

"Look behind you."

Jiraiya shut his eyes and whimpered when he heard the sound of knuckles cracking behind him. He tried to make it to the window, but Tsunade's fist was much faster and he went sailing off into the horizon. Ino just sighed and smirked at the heavily breathing Hokage.

"Shouldn't you two just drop the façade and get together? Its pretty obvious to everyone how you feel about each other you know."

Tsunade just smiled and flipped a pigtail back to its rightful place on her back.

"Nah, its much more fun the way we do things. Although I think I get more fun out of it than he does. Now young lady, I want details about your honeymoon..."

'Great' thought Ino 'she's just as bad as Jiraiya-sama.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto had awoken the next day and went searching for Lee. He found him circling Konoha on his morning run. Pulling in beside him, Naruto began to keep pace and struck up a conversation.

"So how you doing Lee? Everything all right?"

"Yosh Naruto. Everything is great. My training is coming along fine and I hope one day to beat you, my most youthful of rivals. It will be a most exciting moment in my ninja career."

"I hope to see that one day Lee, but for now I have something to tell you that will make you even more excited. It concerns you and a jutsu."

Lee stopped dead cold in his tracks and Naruto had to put on the brakes to go back to him. Lee just looked at him with wide eyes and an open mouth.

"Me and a jutsu? What do you mean Naruto? I can't use jutsus, you know that."

"Ah but Lee, I know a jutsu that you can use and it is only allowed to be used by one person at a time. Meet me at the training grounds in five minutes and lose the weights they'll only distract you."

"Yosh. I shall be there. Which training grounds?"

"Mine, behind my house. We won't be bothered there."

Five minutes later a very excitable Lee was seen bouncing around the back yard of Naruto's house, confusing the children watching and causing Ino to pinch the bridge of her nose. She hoped that Naruto was right about this.

"Lee stop bouncing around and get over here. I need to tell you something."

"Hai sensei."

"Don't call me that Lee. I'm Naruto, I'm your friend. This jutsu is my gift for staying by me during my tough time. Only you can do it and it doesn't require chakra."

"Doesn't require chakra? Forgive me Naruto but I don't see how this jutsu can work without chakra. Its just not possible."

Naruto softened at this. Lee was smarter than most people knew. He gave Lee the biggest grin he could and offered a trademarked thumbs up and a Gai-like speech.

"Lee, my friend and rival, how many times have you and I proven the impossible is possible? This jutsu normally takes chakra that is true, but I have found you a loophole that will allow you to do it. Tell me Lee can you feel your spiritual power?"

"My spiritual power? When I meditate I can sense it. But no matter how much I meditate I cannot make it mix with my physical power and make chakra. It is a shame, because I have been told by several people I would be a very powerful shinobi if my chakra coils were not so...unusable."

"Lee, I want you to meditate and reach your spiritual power. Unlock it so that you may use it when you wish. Let it flow through you and when you have attained it, I will show you the jutsu."

Lee nodded and sat down cross-legged on the ground. He concentrated hard on his spiritual power and his eyes scrunched in frustration. Unlocking his power was much like opening the gates, except once his spiritual power was unlocked it would be unlocked forever. Lee had heard many things over the years. Deadlast, dobe, idiot, loser, talentless, incompetent, failure. That last one stung the most. But he had gained friends and they believed in him. He gritted his teeth and thought of Gai-sensei, who never gave up on him. TenTen, though she had been slow to come around, believed in his abilities and trusted him with her life. Neji also trusted him. Then there was Naruto, his admitted rival and friend, who trusted him enough and put enough faith in him to somehow broker a jutsu for him. Not only a jutsu that he alone could use, but one that required no chakra. He would break his barriers and release his power. Naruto was counting on him. That's when he felt the dam beginning to break.

Everyone stood by and watched with bated breath. Naruto noticed the first trickles of power leaking from Lee's body and soon the dam burst, a huge wave of spiritual energy washing over the property and sending a sense of fear and yet calm over everyone present. Lee opened his eyes and for the first time in years he felt a sense of empowerment and inner peace. He was ready; he would not let his friend down. Naruto held out a hand and pulled his spandex wearing friend to his feet. They exchanged grins before Naruto pulled Lee into a bone-crushing hug.

"That's the only hug you're going to get from me Lee. You better appreciate it my friend."

"Hai Naruto I do. This means a lot to me. Now then, may I know what the jutsu is?"

Naruto's grin threatened to split his face open. Lee looked at everyone else and saw similar looks and suddenly he felt...elated. This jutsu must be one of a kind. He nearly started bouncing again when Naruto suddenly shouted 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu' and a familiar toad appeared. Gamakichi had a huge scroll in his hands and looked up at Naruto, who was sitting on his head.

Is this him bro? The one you spoke of?

"Hai. It is. What do you think?"

With the pressure his spirit puts out I believe that Pops will be very happy with your choice.

"I don't mean to interrupt Naruto, but why is Gamakichi here?"

Naruto ignored Lee and instead pointed at the scroll that was on the ground.

"Unroll that scroll Lee and sign your name in blood, then put your right handprint below it."

"All right but I don't see where you're going with this."

Lee did as he was told and was surprised by the names on the scroll. As he read further left, his eyes grew wider and wider until he came to a most familiar name. He looked up at Naruto with tears in his eyes and a wide smile on his face.

"Naruto, my friend. Is this what I think it is?"

"Hai, Lee, it is. Congratulations my friend. You are the new Toad summoner. Now finish signing your name and summon for the first time."

Lee was beside himself. He signed his name with a flourish and put his handprint down and watched as the scroll rolled back up with a snap and disappeared. Gamakichi let Naruto off his head and watched with pride as Naruto helped Lee to his feet.

"Rise Lee. You are a summoner now and the toads are your allies. I have asked Gamakichi to be your personal summon since I will no longer be able to be their summoner."

"But why?"

"I'll tell you one day. For now, know that you are my choice as successor. Now bite your thumb, gather your spiritual energy, and follow my handseals, then jam your bloody hand into the ground while shouting 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu'. Understand?"

"Hai."

Lee did as he was asked and jammed his hand into the ground, shouting 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu'. He felt the energy spread beneath him and found himself lifting into the air at a rapid pace. His ascension abruptly stopped and he felt a bumpy surface beneath him. He looked down to find himself on top of a giant, pipe-smoking toad.

Oi Naruto. Is this little bug on my nose my new summoner? I thought he would be bigger than this. His spiritual power is enormous though, more than making up for a lack of chakra. Tell me your name boy.

"My...my name is Rock Lee sir. It is an honor to meet the esteemed GamaBunta. I am at your service."

Lee bowed while saying this and closed his eyes, not noticing the smile on GamaBunta getting wider and wider.

I like him. I like him a lot. He's got much better manners than any of my previous summoners and he's better looking too.

"Hey you stupid toad! Lee does not look better than me!"

Hmmm? Did someone say something? Oh look its my former summoner. I didn't see you beyond the radiance of this handsome young man on my nose. Surely with one such as him signing the toad contract we will be revered by all.

"Thank you GamaBunta-sama. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."

All right Lee, you can drop the formalities. I am just Bunta to you. You have proven yourself worthy of my people's help and devotion. The Gama family will help the Rock family as long as you all remain loyal to Konoha and your ideals. I look forward to seeing you in the future. Good fortune young one.

GamaBunta disappeared after letting Lee off his nose, leaving a beaming Lee and an equally happy Naruto. Gamakichi turned to Lee and told him to summon him sometime before waving bye to everyone, but not before he spoke to Naruto.

Hey bro, invite me to your palace soon ok? I want to see a real king with my own eyes.

"I shall most certainly do so Gamakichi. I'll see you on the other side."

Lee didn't catch the gist of that conversation since he was still in shock. He was a summoner!

"Yosh! This is the best day of my life! Wait until I tell Gai-sensei about this..."

"Freeze Lee. You can't tell Gai-sensei yet. I haven't officially named you yet."

"Named me? What do you mean?"

"There was two parts to your gift. I'll give you the other soon. Just be sure to be at Sasuke's inauguration no matter what ok? Now go enjoy yourself Lee. You deserve it."

Lee ran forward and enveloped Naruto in another bone-crushing hug. Naruto didn't struggle, he just hugged Lee back, letting the hapless ninja have his moment. Although if he would have activated that damnable sunset genjutsu, Naruto would have killed him there. Lee ran off into the sunset shouting happily all the way. Naruto felt Ino walk up beside him and worm her way under his arm.

"You're a good man Naruto. How you manage to do so much good with so little is beyond me. You've given Lee a gift no one else could. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you Ino. You have no idea what those words mean."

Unfortunately that moment was ruined when Naruto's stomach growled. Ino scowled at the offending tummy and Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly.

"Well I can't help it. Working with Lee always gives me an appetite. Hey gang! Who's up for some Ichiraku ramen?"

There were no objections from anyone. Let the king have his moment.