Chapter Seventy-Seven: Let's Play "Ninja"

Naruto, while in his U. Naruto form, continued strolling through Iwa with the five orphans keeping company with him. Tsukiiwa walked alongside Naruto at his right while wondering if what was happening was really happening. Stopping into a store, Naruto purchased a red marker and five white headbands. After buying the items, he and the group with him left the store and continued on their way.

"Naruto-niichan," Seto, the younger of the two boys asked, "Since we're not really ninjas, how are we going to play this game of yours?"

With a typical large goofy grin, Naruto replied, "Easy. I'm going to give each of you a task. But the point of this whole game is to carry it out without getting caught."

"Why," Kaito, the older boy asked.

"Because if you're caught you're out," Naruto said, "As ninjas, you must carry out your mission without being caught by the enemy. It'll be big trouble if the enemy ever catches you. Everything must always be done carefully without alerting the enemy of your goals."

"This sounds interesting," Tsukiiwa admitted, "How do you want us to play this 'ninja' game?"

"First rule," Naruto explained, "Never discuss ninja business in public site where people can hear and see you. Ninjas are all about secrets and deceptions and any one of these people could turn out to be a ninja in disguise."

"Like you," like you Tsukiiwa pointed out.

"Very much so," Naruto said before turning and flicking her on the forehead.

"What was that for!," Tsukiiwa barked.

"Here's a code of the ninja I live by," Naruto replied, "Never betray your comrades."

"What are you talking about," Tsukiiwa asked with a confused look as she rubbed her head, "How did I betray you?"

"By pointing me out verbally as a disguised ninja in a village of ninjas I'm a foreigner to," Naruto explained, "You exposed and betrayed me. An act like that can lead not only to my death but also the deaths of your other comrades and your own. Remember, while I'm in this form, I'm wearing goggles, not a head protector marking me as a ninja. I'm Uzumaki Naruto, an ambitious orphan with big dreams in life. OK?"

The group nodded.

"Good," Naruto said, "Now let's find a suitable spot for us to discuss your 'missions'."

"How about the playground," Zoe, the older of the two eight-year-old girls suggested, "There are hardly any people there during this time of day."

"OK then," Naruto replied, "Just lead the way."

Naruto followed the five orphans to the spot in the park they habitually hangout at when they weren't in the orphanage. True to the girl's words, there was hardly anyone at the park.

"We're here Naruto-niichan," Ruki, the younger of the two eight-year-old girls, said.

"Perfect," Naruto smiled, "Now let's get this game started."

Naruto took out the red marker and white headbands he bought from the store. With the marker, he drew a red spiral in the middle of each headband. When that was done, he handed each of them a headband.

"Put these on," Naruto instructed and then explained, "These headbands will mark you five as a special team of ninjas. You'll make up the Gonin No Uzumaki (The Five Uzumakis)."

The five did as they were instructed and placed the headbands on.

"What now," Tsukiiwa inquired, "It's not like we have any ninjutsu to use like real ninjas."

"Being a ninja isn't based on ninjutsu alone," Naruto explained, "There's more to it; especially with this game we're going to play, with 'real' ninjas."

Now the five of them were both interested.

"But you have to do this without blowing your cover," Naruto reminded.

"This sounds fun already," Tsukiiwa smiled with a mischievous grin.

"What's the mission," Zoe asked. Naruto summoned three kage bushins and henge'd them into Tsuchiko, Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi.

"Alright here's how we'll play this out," Naruto said before explaining the game to the five of them.

(Meanwhile)

Shikamaru and the rest of the Konoha nins were at their destination with into Tsuchiko, Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi. When the clerk at the front desk asked about Naruto's absence, he was simply told that Naruto was out tending to some business involving troublesome orphans.

"How long do you suppose Naruto will be playing with those children," Tsuchiko asked as they made their way to the seventh floor of the hotel.

"My guess is as good as yours," Tenten replied, "He never said when he'd be back."

"I almost feel as though this Naruto is mocking us," Kurotsuchi stated.

"What would move you to make such an unyouthful accusation against Naruto-san," Lee asked indignantly.

"First off," Tsuchiko started, "He boldly walked into our village dressed exactly as the late Yellow Flash while ignoring the fact that he was practically pissing everyone off."

"I did mention that earlier," Chouji spoke up, "But Naruto replied that even if he did wear something different, how everyone would have looked at him wouldn't have changed at all because of whose son he is. Plus he wanted everyone to see that he's the Second Flash not the Yellow Flash."

"What's the difference," Akatsuchi remarked, "He just copying his father."

"But he's not his father," Shino spoke up, "Regardless of their striking resemblance."

"But that's not the only thing," Kurotsuchi said.

"…," The Konoha group stayed quiet and waited for her next comment.

"He so brazenly turned himself into an orange clad brat with that stupid smile pasted on his face," Kurotsuchi said, "He's basically saying, 'I am so untouchable, that I can parade around your village as a child-like jester and your protectors are too scared to stop me!' He's either being moronic on purpose or an outright asshole."

"I wouldn't advise underestimating Naruto," Shikamaru said, "Like I said before, he has a way of making things go his way."

"After this little impromptu play session as that orange clad brat playing with children," Kurotsuchi remarked, "The Tsuchikage and Council of Iwa might not take him seriously. I mean, he's supposed to be a dignified representative for your village, correct?"

"I'm sure no harm could come out of Naruto having a little fun with those kids," Chouji assured.

"I will admit that though he's acting a little childlike," Neji added, "I highly doubt he came and brought all of us here to solely play games and disregard the diplomatic purpose of our mission with him. I assure you that wouldn't bode well for him back in Konoha."

"Indeed it wouldn't," a voice said from behind. The group turned to see Naruto approaching them.

"You're back," Tenten said stating the obvious.

"Were you worried," Naruto remarked. Tenten snorted at him.

"Naruto-san," Lee greeted, "Your time with those five orphans was well spent, yes?"

"Yes indeed," Naruto replied before he decided to spite the rest of the group, "I can honestly say that their enthusiasms and spirits are…prime with the springtime of youth."

Oh no!, Tenten and Neji mentally bawled, Damn you Naruto!

"Yosh!," Lee shouted loudly and enthusiastically with clenched fists and tears (A/N: anime tears), "Even here in Iwa the burning fires of youth shines brightly! Truly an inspiration those five youths are! I will use such inspirations as a motivation to drive me to brighten my flames to higher levels than before!"

At that moment, logic be damned, a sunset at the beach with crashing waves on the shores in the background appeared behind Lee. The Iwa Jounins' eyes started twitching involuntarily at the scene.

"Where the hell did that genjutsu come from," Tsuchiko asked with a confused expression.

"We still haven't figured that out," Neji remarked.

"Is your green clad friend always like this," Akatsuchi asked.

"Don't ask," Tenten replied, "You're better off not knowing."

Naruto grinned lowly while watching their expressions.

"In any case," Naruto said, "Those kids are really something. They not so bad after you get to know them."

"Believe me," Kurotsuchi replied, "Many of us already know them and the pranks they're known for."

"Is that right," Naruto asked, "Mind filling me in? We can postpone all the diplomatic stuff for later and have some drinks; my treat. How about it?"

"Not to be disrespectful," Akatsuchi said, "But not many will take a liking to you as you're dressed."

"Not to be a wise-guy," Naruto replied, "But has anyone took a liking to me before my coming and arrival in Iwa."

"Point taken," Akatsuchi admitted.

"Naruto," Shikamaru interjected, "It's been a long day for all of us and honestly after all the traveling we did, we'd like very much just to take the rest of the day to rest up for tomorrow."

"Is that what you all truly want to do," Naruto asked the group. Without argument his entourage nodded their heads.

"Alright then," Naruto consented, "Consider it done. It has been a long day and a good rest would do some good."

"If there's nothing else," Kurotsuchi said, "We'll take our leave now."

"We'll see you tomorrow at the Tsuchikage Tower," Tsuchiko said before she and the two with her left the group and exited the hotel.

"Do you guys really want to rest up," Naruto asked.

"Somewhat yeah," Shikamaru shrugged, "But later we'd like to look around and check the village out."

"Alright then," Naruto said, "Go rest up and I'll meet back with you guys later."

"Were you really going to treat those three to drinks Naruto," Kiba asked.

"No not really," Naruto admitted, "I knew they wouldn't have accept my offer anyway, even if I really was here."

"Even if you really…," Shikamaru said before understood Naruto's words, "Wait a minute, you mean to say that you're just a-"

Naruto burst into a cloud of smoke and vanished.

"Kage bushin," Shikamaru concluded.

"He was never actually here," Neji acknowledged.

"Troublesome blonde," Shikamaru remarked before changing the subject, "C'mon. we did ask to rest up for a bit. So let's get some well needed sleep."

"You're just as lazy as ever," Kiba said. Shikamaru just shrugged.

(Back At The Park)

Well that takes care of that, Naruto thought while absorbing the memories of his dispelled clone, "I wonder how those little pranksters are doing?"

Naruto made his way back to the group of orphans to watch them at work. It wasn't until another seven minutes when Zoe and Riku of them got caught by one of Naruto's kage bushins which was henge'd into Akatsuchi. Three minutes later Seto and Kaito were caught by "Tsuchiko"; and finally, Tsukiiwa was caught by "Kurotsuchi."

"You were all caught," Naruto announced, "Mission: Failed."

"C'mon Naruto-niichan," Seto said, "It was hard trying to pry into their conversation without getting caught."

"Don't worry," Naruto assured, "That wasn't a real mission. If were, you all would be dead. Keep in mind you're all playing the roles of ninjas not actually becoming them. So let's have some fun and go at it again. And this time, try not to get caught."

"What do we get if we succeed," Ruki asked.

"If you guys win," Naruto said, "I'll…buy and reward you guys with…"

Naruto paused for a moment to think about what they might like to have.

"Well," Tsukiiwa asked, "What will you buy and give us in return?"

"How about…," Naruto suggested, "…Ice cream and the highest quality youkan with gold leaves from Amaguiriya; as much as you can eat." (A/N: a youkan is a tasty chocolate treat; watch episode 178 of the first Naruto arc before Shippuden)

Naruto smiled when he saw the drool from their mouths.

"Ice cream," Zoe asked dreamily.

"Chocolate," Seto asked as though he could already taste the sweets.

"As much as we can eat," Kaito asked in high hopes that they weren't being tricked.

I think that did the trick to motivate them all the more, Naruto thought before he confirmed his words, "I give you my word. And I never go back on my word. It's my nindo."

"You got it!," the Tsukiiwa, Zoe, Riku, Kaito and Seto yelled and cheered simultaneously.

"Alright then!," Naruto ordered, "Gonin No Uzumaki! Let's play Ninja!"

(Meanwhile Back In Konoha)

Ryota was walking alongside Haku as they headed toward the training ground to meet up with Konohamaru and his two friends. Before Naruto left, Naruto requested both Ryota and Haku to spend time helping Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi in developing their elemental affinities. Recalling the three of them, Udon was a fire-type, Moegi was an earth-type and Konohamaru was a water-type.

"I hope Udon doesn't feel too left out," Haku said, "Konohamaru and Moegi are the only two we can identify our respective affinities with."

"I'm sure we'll think of something to give to Udon," Ryota replied

"But neither of us specializes in fire jutsus," Haku pointed out, "And my bloodline limit is the complete opposite of Udon's. Therefore I would be of little to no use to helping him."

Ryota saw Haku's point.

"Then we have a problem on our hands," Ryota admitted, "I will admit that I never actually learned fire jutsus since I focused on strengthening my earth affinity. I'd be lying if I said I could teach Udon something useful about the fire element."

"Perhaps I can help change that a bit," a voice said from behind. The girls turned to see Kakashi approaching them with one of his favorite orange books in hand.

"Kakashi-san," Haku greeted.

"How long have you been following us," Ryota asked.

"That's an interesting question," Kakashi said, "And while Naruto is away I'm sure my expertise could come in handy in helping the three kids in their elemental training."

"You didn't answer my question," Ryota replied.

"And you both are kunoichis," Kakashi mocked with his head still in his book. Now both females were getting annoyed.

"If you must know," Kakashi said before closing his book, "I'm very knowledgeable in the use of fire jutsu and manipulation. Plus, Naruto requested a favor from me. It was to help you two. And he told me not to be late."

While Kakashi was a known pervert, there was no question that he was an expert in elemental training.

"If Naruto-san believes you to be a useful asset," Haku said, "Then I agree with his words without question."

"So he asked you be to on time for once, huh," Ryota said.

"No," Kakashi said, "He told me to, as a direct order."

"Were you threatened," Ryota mocked.

"No," Kakashi replied, "He just pulled ranks of me."

"Well it got the job done," Ryota said, "Just don't go around reading that book of yours while in front of the kids," Ryota said.

"What," Kakashi remarked, "And smear my good name?"

"Whatever," Ryota replied, "Let's just continue heading to where we were going."

(Later At The Training Ground)

Konohamaru and his two friends were waiting for the new teachers to arrive.

"Can you believe it!," Konohamaru said excitedly, "Today is the first day of our elemental training!"

"Naruto-niichan said he arranged for some ninja to teach us while he's away," Udon commented, "I hope that we measure up to their expectations."

"We'll surpass all of their expectations," Konohamaru said confidently.

"Yes we will," Moegi agreed.

"It's good to see such optimism before the training actually starts," said a masculine voice. The three youths turned to see Kakashi, Haku, and Ryota approaching them.

"Haku-san, Ryota-san and Kakashi-san," Moegi greeted, "So Naruto-niichan sent you three as our new teachers?"

"Yes," Haku confirmed, "Each of us are specialists in our respective affinities, which actually relates to your affinities."

"Therefore," Ryota said, "Each of us will take each of you to be trained in mastering your affinities."

"Sweet," Konohamaru said.

"As excited as you three may be," Kakashi said, "Here's something to know: your training will not be as easy as any of you may think. One of you may be faster at learning to control and harness your elemental abilities than the others or vice versa. However, that doesn't by any means indicate that one of you are slow learners and have to spent a long time learning to increase your strength in harnessing your respective affinities. Understand that each of you is different and thus each of your affinities requires different amounts of time to develop. Naruto understood this and he expects you three to understand this as well. Am I understood?"

The three youths nodded their heads in agreement.

"Good," Kakashi said giving an eye-smile, "Now, Konohamaru?"

"Yes," Konohamaru respond.

"It clear that you're a water elemental ninja," Kakashi said, "Therefore, you'll be undergoing training with Haku as your teacher. Moegi?"

"Yes?"

"Since you were identified as an earth elemental," Kakashi explained, "You'll be trained by Ryota. And Udon, I'll be assisting you with your fire element. Now each of you, go to your assigned teachers."

The three youths did as instructed and went to the teachers they were assigned to. Thus their elemental training was soon to be underway.

(Back In Iwagakure)

Shikamaru and the team were walking about through Iwa looking around the village. They weren't getting as many ugly looks as they were earlier before while others ignored them. They decided to pay the people no mind as they went on their way.

"Where's the team leader again," Kiba asked.

"In case you forgot," Shikamaru replied, "He's out playing games with orphans instead of getting himself prepared for tomorrow's meeting with important village officials."

"That isn't really responsible of him," Neji remarked, "Hiashi-sama would have frowned on his actions were he to be here to see that."

"Still," Chouji spoke up, "Naruto has a way of surprising people, and unlike you Shikamaru, he doesn't plan head. He plans as he goes."

"Yes," Shino agreed, "That's what makes Naruto-san the number one most surprising ninja."

"If that's the case," Tenten remarked, "What's his next surprise?"

"GET OUT OF MY STORE!"

"I had to ask," Tenten remarked as she and the group hurried to the sound of the ruckus. Entering the ice cream and candy store, they found Naruto, back to his normal appearance with the five youths with him, being yelled at by the female clerk who looked no older than twenty-eight years old.

"Are you refusing me service," Naruto asked.

"We don't serve your kind here," the female clerk said, "So leave."

It feels like the same bull shit my alter ego had to put up with most of his life, Naruto thought sourly, "What do you mean by my "kind"?"

"We don't cater to Namikaze," the clerk retorted.

"You say it as though the name was some kind of disease," Naruto remarked.

"You shouldn't be talking to niichan like that," Zoe retorted, "If you know what's good for you then you better show him some respect!"

"You kids actually look up to this guy," the clerk asked incredulously.

"He's the only person who played and spent time with us," Kaito responded.

"Which is more than what I can say for anyone else from Iwa," Tsukiiwa added.

"Don't be a hypocrite young lady," the older female replied, "I saw your display earlier today when Naruto entered our village. You were the foremost one who voiced your indignation and disgust for him even being present in your face. So don't try to judge me girl."

Tsukiiwa blushed from embarrassment from being reminded of her earlier actions but there were more reasons to why she behaved toward Naruto earlier the way she did. However, she refused to explain herself to the senseless woman in front of her.

"There's no need for any arguments here," Naruto said calmly, "That's not what we're here for."

"But she was sure asking for it," Tsukiiwa muttered under her breath.

"Anyway," Naruto continued, "I'm not buying anything for myself here. I'm treating these youths here from your village, to chocolate and ice cream. I promised them I would do just so and I'm a man who hates failing to keep his promises, even ones made to these five great kids here. Are saying that you're willing refuse service to your own people, especially innocent children of Iwa who were so looking forward to being serviced with a smile?"

Shikamaru and the others watched the whole scene from outside but decided not to intervene, seeing that Naruto had the situation under control. The woman held back a sneer but consented.

"How much ice cream and youkan with gold leaves do these kids want," she asked.

"As much as they can eat," Naruto smiled, "And please turn your frown upside down."

The woman huffed but finally decided to service Naruto and the youths with him.

"I told you Naruto has a way to surprising people," Chouji said. Naruto turned to see the other Konoha nins entering the ice cream parlor.

"So you guys finally decided to leave the hotel," Naruto said.

"We decided to go and find you really," Kiba said, "Only to see you being torn a new hole."

"What does that mean," Ruki asked.

"It's just nonsense," Naruto replied, "Pay him no mind."

Shino took notice of the headbands the five youths were wearing.

"I see that they possess headbands with marker drawings of a spiral," Shino said.

"That's because the five of us together make up the Gonin No Uzumaki," Tsukiiwa replied with a grin.

Team 9, Shikamaru, Chouji and Kiba blinked twice on hearing that while Shino had a raised eyebrow.

"The Gonin No Uzumaki," Lee repeated, "But you guys aren't of Uzumaki descend."

"Who cares," Seto replied, "Niichan named us after his family and we consider it an honor! We're his ninjas!"

"Somehow I think they took the game "Ninja" a little too serious," Kiba remarked.

"Hey," Naruto replied, "Don't you dare attempt to dampen the flames of their youth."

Not again!, Neji and Tenten wailed mentally knowing what was to come next before giving Kiba a dirty look. Shikamaru knew Naruto did that to spite them.

"Yosh!," Lee yelled with fires of enthusiasm in his eyes, "I wholeheartedly agree with Naruto-san! Such youthfulness from these five should never to dampen! NO! They should be encouraged to shine brighter and stronger than before. As senior ninjas, we must set the example to these future warriors so that their flames will always radiate as brightly as the everlasting sun!"

"Weirdo," Tsukiiwa remarked.

"You don't know the half of it," Tenten replied. The clerk returned with a large bowl of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream; enough to feed the five of the youths with extra that could be left behind. A moment later, she came back with a tray with twenty bars of youkan with gold leaves. The kids cheered as Naruto asked for the bill. When she wrote it out, Naruto saw the bill and found that it fit the purchase.

With the way she acted earlier I thought she was going attempt to overcharge me on purpose, Naruto thought as he pulled out his money and paid for the purchase.

"Hey Lee," Naruto requested, "Would you please take these two purchases to the table over there?"

Lee nodded and grabbed the large bowl and tray in each arm. For him, he took it as a way to test his skills and balance while seeing it he needed further training in any area he was lacking in. The five youths followed before sitting around the table to pig out on the treats. As Naruto and the others followed the clerk called out, "Hey, you paid one-fourth more than you bought."

"Keep it," Naruto said, "Consider it a tip for your services."

The woman was taken aback by Naruto's actions.

"Uh…Tha…Thank you," the humbled woman said meekly.

"You're welcome," Naruto said before he went and took a seat between Tsukiiwa and Tenten. Chouji looked at the treats greedily while Kiba himself was tempted to dig in.

"Don't even think about it," Naruto said as though he was reading their minds, "These treats are for them, they earned it."

"Nice way of spending your diplomatic days Naruto-sama," Neji said, "Shouldn't you be back in your room preparing for tomorrow?"

"I'll worry about that later," Naruto said, "I don't need reminders. Besides, these guys gave me a good show. I had to reward their hard work and effort."

"How much effort could be needed for playing "Ninja"," Kiba asked, "It's not like they had to do anything complicated I'm sure."

"No," Naruto said, "But what mattered was that they had fun. Right, guys?"

"Rig-gt," the four younger youths said with their mouths smeared and stuffed with ice cream and youkan.

"They could use some table manners," Tenten remarked.

"You could use a boyfriend," Tsukiiwa retorted.

"Excuse me!," Tenten blushed indignantly. Kiba and Chouji snickered but quickly quieted when Tenten gave them a death glare.

"Looks like someone has no romance in her life," Tsukiiwa teased, "I feel your pain."

"I beg your pardon," Tenten retorted, "And what would you know little girl?

"I'm not little and you're only older than me by so much," Tsukiiwa said, "Plus, I know that you don't make time for romance in your life. Your attitude shows it. And I doubt you look at any of your teammates here as potential boyfriend material, seeing that none of them are like Naruto."

"And what's that suppose mean," Kiba replied indignantly.

"Why am I being pulled into this," Naruto asked.

"I noticed all of your attitudes from the beginning after I brought my other friends to meet you guys," Tsukiiwa explained, "Naruto was the only who took a genuine interest in us despite how busy he really is. He didn't allow his work to keep him from getting to know and play with us regardless of how others would have thought or looked at him. He was even polite and stayed polite to that mean clerk in spite of how rude and disrespectful she was toward him. He even gave her a generous tip when he knew she didn't deserve it. Naruto was a gentleman and he went out of his way to be friends with me and the others in spite of my rude behavior from earlier before he save my life from that scorpion. (Failed to hide her blush) Naruto was truly romantic and I find him to be true boyfriend material."

The group was silent at that moment. Even Naruto, who was left stupefied.

"How logical," Shino said.

"You're actually agreeing with this brat," Kiba asked, "She's making us look bad!"

"She did no such thing," Shino said, "She only made her opinions clear based on all that she observed from all of our actions today."

"Maybe we should take a lesson from Naruto," Chouji joked.

"I'll stick with being myself," Kiba said, "And besides there's only one girl I'm interested in."

"You mean Haku," Chouji recalled, "But you didn't even go on a date with her yet, let alone ask her out."

"I'm still working on that," Kiba retorted.

"Troublesome," Shikamaru said in boredom.

"Look," Naruto spoke up trying to mend matters, "Every girl has different ideas about what they find romantic in a guy. No one should expect one's ideas about it to be the same as someone else's. I'm certain that Tenten has her own ideas about what she finds romantic in a guy. Am I right?"

Naruto turned to Tenten hoping that she would back him up. Instead, he found her sitting there quietly as though she was contemplating something.

"Tenten-san has no answer to defend herself," Ruki pointed out.

As she started sulking, Tenten felt like a boulder was on her shoulders with the inscriptions that said "As Bad As Shizune."

"It must be true then," Zoe said, "Tenten-san has no idea at all about what's boyfriend material."

At that, Tenten felt like an even bigger boulder was dropped on her shoulders crushing the previous one with the inscriptions "As Bad As Sakura."

"Alright everyone knock it off," Naruto said, "I don't need us getting into discussions that's intended to put us on the spot."

"Tenten started it with that comment she made about us needing table manners," Tsukiiwa replied, "And besides I was just giving my honest opinions about you from the other guys."

"Someone has a crush," Kaito and Seto teased.

"I do not!," Tsukiiwa replied loudly with the blush returning back to her cheeks.

"It's written all over your face," Seto remarked.

"Oh be quiet!," Tsukiiwa retorted.

"Yes please," Naruto said, "Now finished your snacks so we can be on our way. I still have much work to do for tomorrow."

"You're still going to play "Ninja" with us right niichan," Ruki asked.

"Of course," Naruto said, "How does tomorrow afternoon sound to you guys?"

The four younger youths cheered.

"Will you treat us to snacks again tomorrow," Kaito asked.

"Don't know yet, we'll just have to see," Naruto replied before he turned to the others, "Would you guys like to join us tomorrow afternoon for a game of "Ninja"?"

"No thank you," Kiba answered, "I prefer to be the real thing over playing pretend. Plus there are some places around here Akamaru and I would like to check out."

"It would just be too much of a drag trying to mix my work with playing around," Shikamaru said lazily, "Also, Neji, Lee and I already discussed some activities we were planning on doing tomorrow after our meeting with the Tsuchikage and the village officials. So we're already booked."

"I was intending to study and see what kind of insects resides in this village," Shino said, "It could be enlightening if I were to learn about them."

"I'll join you Naruto," Tenten spoke up, catching everyone's attention.

"You'll what," Neji asked almost as though he heard wrong.

"I said I'll join Naruto," Tenten repeated.

"You're really going to participate in playing "Ninja"," Kiba asked incredulously.

"Since these five here are so eager to play "Ninja"," Tenten replied, "I'd like for them to have a taste taking on the real thing."

"All the better," Naruto smiled, "Just try to go easy on them."

"Of course Naruto," Tenten smiled, "Would I dream of doing otherwise?"

Something about her smile made the five youths rather nervous.

(Later That Evening)

After Naruto dropped off the orphans to the orphanage, the Konoha team returned back to the hotel. The matter of who sleeps in which room wasn't really an issue seeing that each room had two beds, a bathroom, a refrigerator and a television. Chouji and Shikamaru were in one room, Kiba and Shino were in another, Lee and Neji were in the third room, and the last room was shared between Tenten and Naruto. The guys didn't take long falling asleep after cleaning themselves up.

While everyone else was asleep, Tenten was the only one who was still awake and sitting up in her bed. Despite her teammates telling her to drop and forget about the topic, Tenten was still bothered and annoyed by the remarks made about her earlier in regards to not having a boyfriend.

"…I know that you don't make time for romance in your life. Your attitude shows it."

My attitude, Tenten thought, What would that snob know?

As a kunoichi, Tenten was competent, intelligent and very skilled in the use of weapons of various sorts. Even now she continued to admire Tsunade as a prime female role model and she so much desired to become like her. Tenten always prided herself in her abilities as a weapon mistress and though she never thought about it much, she was indeed a beautiful teenage girl with potential. Her sensei, teammates and others knew her as tomboy, but always held onto to her femininity. Yet, as she thought about it, she realized that not one guy ever asked her out, not once.

"I'm certain that Tenten has her own ideas about what she finds romantic in a guy."

Tenten turned to look at Naruto's sleeping form on the other bed. He was still dressed in most of his Jounin uniform with his vest and cloak hanging on the coat rack. Though Naruto was expressing his confidence in what he said about Tenten, in truth, Tenten didn't know much about romance. In fact, she didn't know anything about it. She never kissed a boy either.

Aurgh! What does it matter anyway!, Tenten thought in frustration while shaking her head before lying back down, So what that I don't have a boyfriend! So what if I don't make time for romance! So what if guys never asked me out! I'm sure all of those guys wouldn't have measured up to my standards anyway!

Tenten rolled to her side away from Naruto in the attempt to fall asleep. But her sleep kept escaping her as Tsukiiwa's speech about Naruto and her other male teammates kept replaying in her mind.

Damn it!, Tenten thought with her frustration never leaving her, Why does what that girl said bothers me so much?

It's going to be a long night for poor Tenten as she continues to wrestle with her conflicting thoughts and feelings. While Konohamaru and his friends are training in their elemental affinities, Naruto and the gang meeting will be meeting with the Tsuchikage and other important officials though Naruto made time play "Ninja" with the orphans again with Tenten choosing to tag along this time. Find out what happens next time.