And here we are! First chapter of 'Genderless II'! Thanks to igiveuoneguess ( u/5148503/ ) my new Beta Reader, we start of with already corrected and fixed chapters! NO MORE CRAPPY ENGLISH IN THE STORY!
But i really want to thank igiveuoneguess for her hard work and few ideas, without her story would be probably delayed but she saved my me and this story, big thanks for her.
I also updated my profile ( added English description ) so you could find out more about me.
So, ENJOY READING!
I don't own 'Naruto', Naruko and other characters all of them belongs to their rightfull owners. ( expect OC's and OC'ness of some characters )
"Naruko" - talking
"Naruko" - angry tone and/or jutsu name.
'Naruko' - Thinking.
"'Naruko'"- Repeating someone's words.
"Naruko" - Bijuu/Summon talking
PROLOUGE
"Aaaand done! Phew, that was the last one." Temari said, placing the last box of her things in her new room.
Together with Naruko, they had managed to clear the whole apartment and Temari took the guest room as her own. It was the start of a new chapter in her life. Although she was still unsure about her decision at times, whenever she saw Naruko smile, she felt warmer and knew that it was the right choice.
At the moment she was sitting on the floor, leaning against a stack of the cardboard boxes. She could hear birds singing through the open window.
'I wonder, what is living in Konoha going to be like?'
Temari got up and set to unpacking her things. Naruko was out on a mission and would be back within a few hours so she had enough time to finish moving in.
As she unpacked her clothes, books and personal items, she spotted a red box with a note attached. She picked it up and saw the words, 'For our beloved sister' neatly written on it.
Opening the box, she saw an hourglass.
In the hourglass was some of Gaara's sand, moving on its own. She also saw that the wooden closures on each end were made by Kankuro, his trademark smiling chibi face on it.
'Aww, boys…'
Temari blushed and softly smiled, putting the hourglass on the table in the center of the room. She looked at it for a while. It had only been a few days since she had left Suna but she already missed her brothers. They had been together since the start, and even though their relationship as a family had a rough start, it got better with time. 'Thanks to her… '
"I miss you guys so much already." She whispered as she placed her family photo on the desk. It was from their last Christmas, before Gaara became Kazekage. Gaara was in the middle, wearing a red shirt with reindeer antlers (getting him to wear it long enough to take the picture was an adventure in itself), Kankuro was on the left and had chosen to sport a fake, gray beard, and Temari was on the right, wearing her red Santa hat . All of them were smiling and sitting at the table, their arms around each other's shoulders. Like a family, the family she always wanted them to be.
"I can't wait until the next time I can see you guys. "
***Hokage Mansion***
"And the council meeting will be held tomorrow at 4 P.M, the main topic is the village budget over the next year. Then…"
"Kami… Shizune, enough. Give me a break." Tsunade whined, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm so damn tired I could sleep right here, right now. "
'I know.' Shizune sighed. For a few days, both her and Tsunade had been having a weird chain of endless meetings, appointments, mission reports and visitors being launched at them and they were being forced to stay in the office till midnight because of paperwork. The result? 'We haven't had time for our relationship lately. Every time we get back home, you crawl into bed and fall asleep as soon as your head touches the pillow. I'm itching all over for your touch, Tsunade-sama.'
"I know, Tsunade-sama, but it's almost over. Just two more days and we will have all of Sunday, all to ourselves." Shizune replied with a sigh.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair with a warm smile.
"All of Sunday. And just the two of us." She says dreamily. "We haven't done it since last week, right?"
Shizune blushed and her grip on the schedule tightened.
"Y-yes Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade got up and looked at her junior with the eyes of a hunter, a predatory smirk in place of her pouty lips. Shizune yipped as she saw the Godaime slowly coming closer to her, swaying her hips with every step, her hazelnut eyes looking straight into her coal black ones. They were now very close, and Shizune couldn't decide between looking at her eyes or at her juicy lips, neatly coated in red lipstick.
"How about a little break?" asked Tsunade catching Shizune's chin with her thumb and index fingers. "I think we both deserve… some… relaxation."
Shizune's face was red as Tsunade's lips were so close to hers she could feel soft puffs of breath on her own lips. She felt an overpowering urge to smash her lips against her senior's, but as she was starting to move, the doors to the office opened.
"Tsunade." Both women looked to see Danzo entering the room, making Shizune yelp and hide behind her sighing mentor.
'Great, just when I was finally getting some. I swear, I hate this old prick.'
"What happened?" asked Tsunade looking at the elder, poker face expertly concealing her pure ire at having been interrupted.
"It's not my business what you do with your secretary in your office, but don't you think that as Hokage you should…"
"What's between me and Shizune is exactly as you've said: none of your business, and I would be grateful if you would stop sticking your nose where it does not belong." Tsunade interrupted. She walked to her chair and sat in it, leaning over and crossing her fingers so that only the part of her face above the bridge of her nose could be seen. She was definitely mad. Shizune now stood behind her, cheeks still red.
"Now, is there a reason why you came here?"
"Yes, there is." Danzo answered as he closed the doors behind him. "It's about our jinchuriki."
"Our Jinchuriki has a name." Tsunade growled, sending a wave of killing intent at Danzo. "Her name is Naruko Uzumaki."
Danzo shrugged his shoulders casually. "Anyways, there's an open place in her team and …"
"There isn't." the sannin answered with a devious smirk. Danzo eyed her carefully. "Team Kakashi is full, it is comprised of two jonin sensei and three kunoichi."
"Three?" he asked incredously.
"Yes. My apprentice, Sakura Haruno; Naruko Uzumaki and Sabaku no Temari."
"The Kazekage's sister?"
"Yes. She's a jonin and the Suna ambassador. Both the Kazekage and I decided that Temari should stay here and be a voice of Suna in important matters of the Council."
"Ah… but as ambassador, she won't be able to be constantly available as a team member." Danzo smirked, closing his eye. "Team Kakashi would be missing one person if Temari-san is needed here."
"That's true." The blonde admitted. "But having a second Head-jonin will fix that."
"Still, I want you to think about using Sai as an asset for Team Kakashi. That boy will be useful, you can be sure of it."
Tsunade looked back at Shizune and nodded. The raven haired girl walked to the wall, placed her hand on it and channeled some chakra as she activated the seal.
"Privacy seal is active."
"You can stop the games, Danzo" Tsunade said. "I know you send spies after Naruko, her family, teammates and me. Still, you haven't lifted a finger to help her through all these years. Now, when she's finally free from those sociopaths, you want me to place a spy right under her nose? "
"I knew nothing would happen to her. Sarutobi took care about her body being safe." Danzo retorted with a dark voice. "Also, like always, you were worrying too much about her. She would have stayed alive, even without any help. Kyuubi wouldn't let her die because if she dies, so does the demon."
"Naruko is a human." Tsunade growled.
"Naruko is a jinchuriki. She's a weapon, a mere tool. The Yondaime created the ultimate weapon by sealing Kyuubi in his child. He always did what was right for the village."
"Minato sealed Kyuubi in her not to create a weapon for the village." Tsunade countered. "He did it to save her and the villager's lives."
"Both of us believe in different versions." Danzo said, head slightly tilted back in thought. "I wonder, which one is real?"
That was enough. He can offence her, but profanation of Minato's legacy is too much. Tsunade stood and pointed at the closed door, the fury in her eyes directed at the elder, trying her hardest not to send too much killing intent toward him.
"Get out of my office. NOW!"
Danzo bowed and exited the office after Shizune deactivated the privacy seal. Tsunade slammed her fist onto the desk.
"Damn old prick." Tsunade hissed, plopping back into her chair. "I hate him."
"Me too Tsunade-sama, but he's right." Shizune sighed, coming closer to her kage. "If Temari-san happens to be needed here as ambassador or is hospitalized, Kakashi's team would be weakened."
"I know." Tsunade growled, turning around in the chair and looking through the window.
She sighed seeing the colorful leaves fall from the trees, wind gently caressing them in the air. There was something mesmerizing in this scene…
"You know Shizune, if someone told me a few weeks earlier that Naruko would finally be free and happy, I would kill him without mercy." She started. "Looking out over the village… this day is just like when Temari-san arrived that time."
"I know, right? It's still incredible when I think about it." Shizune says, smiling. "I wonder what those two are doing right now?"
***Naruko and Temari's apartment***
Temari was standing before the oven, cooking Miso soup. She was wearing black shorts and a violet t-shirt under her apron.
"I hope Naruko eats other things besides ramen." She sighed.
She wasn't the best cook, but she knew some recipes and tricks. She wanted to do something more advanced then miso soup, but she didn't have the ingredients she would need. She could go to a nearby store but Naruko would be back from training any minute. She wanted to show some gratitude, since Naruko told her, 'You don't pay any rent! Ya got it?! I won't accept any cash from you!'.
'I feel like a freeloader. I got a room and didn't have to spend a single ryo. I hope that my cooking skills and helping hand will make up for the payment.'
"Tastes great." The blonde said, tasting her soup. "Now I just need to wait for her to get back."
She turned off the flame on the stovetop and walked out of the kitchen. She wandered to the balcony and leaned on it, looking at the streets below. Many leaves fell and danced on the gentle wind, creating a festival of fall colors. 'Just like that day…'
"TEMARI-SAN!"
Looking in the direction of the loud yell that snapped her out of her reverie, she found Naruko waving to her from the end of the street. Her orange and black jacket was tied by the sleeves on her waist, she wore black top with Uzumaki swirl and orange pants.
Temari waved back.
"OI, NARUKO, DINNER'S READY!"
"GONNA BE THERE IN A MINUTE'TTEBAYO!" the jinchuuriki excitedly yelled back as she started to run down the street, a wide grin on her face.
Looking at her happy face while all these leaves were gracefully swaying in the air, Temari couldn't help but smile and blush, a warm feeling spreading through her. All the pain and effort was worth that one simple smile…
'I miss you boys, I miss our little house, our Christmas evenings and all of those things… but this girl here…she stole my heart…and I want to be here for her… I want to help her be the best she can be… and even better.'
***Half an hour later***
"Ah, that was delicious." Naruko said as she leaned back in her chair with her hand on her stomach. "Best miso I've ever had…"
"Even better than Ayame-san's?"
"Definitely."
Naruko quickly sweat dropped with wide eyes and clasped her hands together with mix of panic and pleading in her gaze "Don't tell Ayame-nee that I said this!"
The older blonde laughed lightly. 'So Cute…'
"Hahaha, Thank you Naruko." Temari said putting the dishes in the sink. "I wanted to do something better but I only found ingredients for miso so…"
"It was the best, nothing more nothing less."
Suddenly, a bird flew through the window and landed on Naruko's arm.
"Looks like a message."
Naruko gently untied the paper from the bird leg and read it as it flew off, it's mission completed.
" 'Come to Training ground no. 7. It's important'."
***Training ground number 7, half an hour later***
Naruko and Temari arrived at training ground number seven to find three other people waiting for them near the wooden dummies: Sakura and two mysterious men. One of them was brunette, wearing the standard jonin outfit and a happuri-style forehead protector while the other was a black haired boy, wearing a black uniform. But perhaps the most noticeable feature was his paper white skin.
"I assume you two are Naruko Uzumaki and Sabaku no Temari?"the jonin asked, stepping forward.
"Yep, here we are." Naruko answered. "So, what's going on?"
"Alright first, let's all sit down and introduce ourselves" he proposed, sitting down. All of them sat and looked at him. "My name is Yamato, I'm going to be second head jonin of Team Kakashi, while Kakashi-senpai isn't available. I will command and keep an eye on you during missions. Any questions?"
"Yeah, I have a question" Naruko said, raising her hand. "Why is Kakashi-sensei absent?"
"Due to exhaustion from his last mission, Godaime-sama told him he should rest one more week. So, any other questions?" all of them shook their heads. "Ok, now, I want for you all to tell the group a little about yourselves. I will start. I'm Yamato, I like few things, I dislike many things and my dream is not important."
Naruko and Sakua sweat-dropped and sighed angrily. 'FRICKIN DEJA-VU! ONCE AGAIN, WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT OUR JONIN-SENSEI! GAAAAAH!'
"Ok, who's next?" Yamato asked, looking at their faces. "Maybe…you." He said, pointing at Sakura. The pinkette calmed down and smiled.
"My name is Sakura Haruno. I like my parents, friends, Hokage-sama, working at the hospital and helping people. I dislike people who see me as a useless, helpless woman and treat me lightly because I'm a medical ninja. My dream is to be the best I can be and some day be stronger than Shishou."
"Ok, I'm next." Naruko said with wide grin. "Naruko Uzumaki is my name, being next Hokage is my game! I like my step-sisters, my godparents, friends, training and ramen. I don't like when people treat me as alien or weirdo and when anyone insult or hurts my friends."
"Sabaku no Temari. I like my brothers, my home village, friends, nature and certain Kunoichi." She says looking with a corner of her eye at Naruko, making said girl blush a little "I don't like when someone puts those who I love in danger and attacks those weaker than them for no reason. My dream is to protect those who are dear to me. "
The jonin nodded with a smile and turned his gaze to the pale skinned boy.
"Ok, you're next. Tell us about yourself."
The boy looked at each of them. His eyes were…weird. He had a serious but emotionless gaze. His voice was calm, so calm that Temari could even tell it was… 'Empty'.
"My name is Sai. I enjoy painting and reading books. I don't know what I don't like. I don't have a dream." he gently smiled and looked at all the girls. "I hope we will get along and that all of you will be my bitches soon."
It was just a second . Or maybe even less. At which Sakura, Naruko and Temari jumped to the boy with pure anger in their eyes and their fists ready to get a blow on him. But faster than any of the teens could react, a thick and wide wooden wall erupted between them and the offending boy.
"LET ME AT HIM, I WILL SMASH HIS HEAD INTO TINY PIECES!" Sakura roared.
"I WILL CUT OFF HIS TESTICLES AND MAKE HIM EAT THEM!" Naruko yelled.
"IT WAS YOUR FIRST AND LAST TIME YOU CALLED ME A BITCH YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!" Temari shouted.
"Girls, please… calm down!" Yamato pleaded, holding his hands on the ground. "I will explain this to all of you but please, calm down!"
"NEVER!" the girls shouted in unison.
Yamato sighed. The wooden wall started to fade and when it disappeared completely, they saw Sai smiling at them from inside of a wooden cage.
"I put him in it in case you changed your minds." Yamato sighed once again. All three girls sent death glares in his direction. The boy still smiled innocently, as if he hadn't done anything wrong. "Sai is from ANBU Root. Since he was a child, he was trained to suppress all his emotions. He isn't too good in relationships and it's his first time he has worked with girls so…"
"We get it." Temari hissed. "But it doesn't mean that he can talk to us like that!"
"I'm sorry, in a book I read, it said that all females like to be slaves." Sai admitted.
"You are disgusting." Naruko bluntly stated stepping back with a grimace on her face.
"And stop smiling." Sakura said. "You only get on our nerves and it's creepy."
"Why should I? Everything looks better with a smile, so I've heard."
"But not with a false, creepy smile." Temari said. At this, Sai stopped smiling and Yamato cancelled the wooden cage with yet another sigh.
'Three strong, aggressive girls in one team… I can already see the day when all of them will have their periods at the same time…I'm sooooo dead, and so are you, Kakashi-senpai…'
"Ok, since we know about each other a little more, now let's get to the main reason of this meeting." Yamato declared, getting up.
"And what would that be?" Naruko asked. Yamato crossed his hands on his chest.
"Sakura was able to get some information from Sasori. Thanks to this, we know that Sasori was supposed to meet with Orochimaru's spy on Tenchi Bridge. We have a chance to finally catch that snake."
"And get Sasuke back." Naruko mumbled, getting a worried look from everyone except Sai.
Yamato nodded.
"Yes. But we must hurry. Prepare enough gear for a few days and let's meet at the gate tomorrow at 5 A.M."
CHAPTER I
"SASUKE!"
'It was supposed to be a simple mission. Under disguise as the spy, find out the location of Orochimaru's base and infiltrate it, find any kind of useful information and get back to the rendezvous point. But things got complicated pretty fast.'
"Hmph, you're weak. Probably even weaker then when we fought at the Valley of the End."
'I came back to Konoha because of her. I saved her from her living hell and wanted to support her. Help her achieve her dreams and help her live a normal life.'
"Why won't you come back to the village?"
"Didn't you say back then that you also hate that place?"
"That's true… but I found something that's worth living for and that's worth living there for."
'I wanted to understand her. I wanted to be there for her.'
"Naïve."
'But as I saw a broken, crying Naruko when she came back to her room after the mission… I realized that before we can truly understand each other…there are still many obstacles to overcome… '
***Konoha, Naruto and Temari's flat, Temari's room***
It was night and Temari was laying on her bed, trying to get some sleep. However, her mind kept drifting back to their last mission. As if the situation with Sasuke didn't complicate things enough, who could have thought that the spy would be Kabuto himself, Yamato's cover would be blown and Naruko would grow 4 tails? That painful shriek still rang in her ears whenever she thought about it. And that face when Naruko heard that she had hurt Sakura... They also learned that Sai was one of Danzo's spy… That mission had gone so wrong in so many ways….
'I just hope that Naruko doesn't beat herself up. It wasn't her fault…'
*THUD*
"DAMN!"
"Why I'm not surprised?"Temari sighed under her breath as she tossed aside the covers and got up. She simply wore a violet top and cream colored shorts. She knew what that sound was and hurried to Naruko's room to find the blond girl with a big bump on her head, continuing to read the thick scrolls strewn before her with only the candle light on the desk to illuminate the words. In a short time, Naruko's room had become full of books and scrolls that she brought up from her family's library room. All of the scrolls she was currently looking at were about jutsu or the history of her clan. Whenever she wasn't training or away on missions, she spent the larger part of her free time studying. Temari looked back and forth between Naruko and the room, amazed that she had so many scrolls lying around. The Uzumaki heiress wore black pants and a white top, her hair slightly in disarray, falling free down her back. Her room was simple: a bed, a small wardrobe and a desk. There was also a small table in the middle of the room but it was almost completely covered by books and opened scrolls.
"Naruko, why don't you get some sleep? It's 11 P.M already." Temari said as she took a few steps inside, hands on her hips.
"I can't sleep. I need to get stronger." Naruko answered, not taking her gaze from the scroll's content. "Sasuke was way stronger than both Sakura and I together, much stronger than all of us. If I want to take him back, I must get stronger and I know I will get stronger as I learn more about Uzushio's jutsu"
"I understand, but it's 11 P.M. Like I said already, you need to get some rest." The Suna kunoichi said as she came closer and placed her hand on Naruko's shoulder. "There's a time for everything and night is the time when we should rest. Besides, reading with only candlelight night after night can't be great for your eyes."
The whiskered girl sighed and put the scroll on the desk. She looked at it for a while and then turned her head upward to look at Temari. Her big, cerulean blue eyes sad and disappointed.
"It still bugs me, ya know?"
"I know." Temari answered as she looked at her with a warm smile. "But if you keep beating yourself about it, it won't change anything."
"I guess you're right." Naruko sighed as she blew the fire on the candle out and got up, stretching her arms. "You know what, I'm really thankful you're here with me. I feel more at peace than ever."
Temari blushed lightly, still smiling, grateful for the cover of darkness that hid the redness of her cheeks.
"No problem Naruko. As long as I'm here, I will help you with anything, you let me use your flat and you haven't taken a single ryo from me."
"You're not a problem Temari-san." Naruko answered as she shook her head. "After all, I felt lonely when Anko-nee moved in with Ayame-nee in their own apartment. At first I was happy, I had the whole flat to myself but after a few days, I got lonely, so it's nice to have someone to talk to."
"I'm happy to hear that. Ah, Kakashi-taichou is supposed to be back on duty tomorrow and I'm sure he will check all of my skills to see how well I fit in the team."
Naruko grinned, scratching her cheek with her index finger.
"Well, Kakashi-sensei wasn't happy when he heard that excluding Sai, all of his students are now girls. But I don't know why Gai-sensei cried when I told him yesterday "
***Konoha Hospital, few days earlier***
Gai walked to Kakashi's room with a shougi board under his arm, ready to help kill the boredom of his friend.
"GET READY KAKASHI, I will win today!" Gai shouted, opening the doors.
Kakashi looked at him, closing his orange book and giving him a sign to come closer. Gai sat on his bed and looked at his rival.
"Something happened?" the bowl-headed jonin asked.
"Tsunade-sama came here to give me some news. It looks like I will get help as a team leader. Tenzo has been assigned to be my substitute when I am busy or just unable to do it myself."
"Good for you."
"I have also new team members. Two actually."
"REALLY?! Two youthful students?! YOU LUCKY BASTARD!" Gai exclaimed with his shining smile and thumb up.
"There's Sai, a boy from Anbu root. He was discovered to be one of Danzo's spies, his mission was to gather information and keep an eye on Naruko, but he promised to keep important information away from Danzo. If Tenzo believes him, then I will too."
"Hmm… Anbu Root member… interesting. Okay, what about the second new member?"
"Sabaku no Temari." Kakashi casually answered. Gai was ready to shout something but then he realized. Sabaku no Temari… The Kazekage's older sister… Sister...
"Wait a minute… Sakura, Naruko…and Temari…" and it hit him. " GYAAAAH! A WHOLE TEAM OF KUNOICHIS?!'
"HA! BEAT THAT GUY!" an overjoyed Kakashi shouted, pointing at the other Jonin who had fallen to his kness.
"GYAAAAAAH!"
***Back to the present***
Naruko shrugged her shoulders and took deep relaxing breath. Better not think about it.
"Sai is a member of Root, so he won't be on every mission. Kakashi-sensei is gonna have a bad time." The Uzumaki heiress chuckled. "Ok, let's get some sleep. Good night Temari-chan."
"Good night, Naruko." Temari said as she waved to Naruko, leaving her room to return to her own.
'Yeah…it's time to get some sleep'
***Next morning, Training ground 7***
Sakura, Temari and Naruko waited for Kakashi at the usual designated time. While Naruko and Sakura were calm and cool, Temari was getting furious, never having been graced by the copycat's habits.
"HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT HE'S THIS LATE?" the angry Suna blonde growled.
Temari wore fishnet kneesocks and a short sleeved violet kimono shirt. Her cleavage was covered by fishnet and a metal plate that also served to protect her chest and stomach. She wore her suna hitai-ate on her forehead, and her sand blonde hair in it's usual quadruple spiky pigtails.
"That's just the way Kakashi-sensei is. You'll get used to it eventually." Naruko answered, having decided to do some sit-ups while they waited. Naruko wore long black pants with wide legs and few pockets, a tight, black, long sleeved shirt under a short sleeved orange jacket with a couple of pockets on her chest and her clan emblem on the back. She wore her hitai-ate on her forehead, and the back of her hair put into a short ponytail and the rest separated into two parts, one on each side of her face. She had been putting it all into a long ponytail until she cut her hair to medium length when they came back from mission at Tenchi bridge, so a new style had been needed.
"He'll come within the next two hours, saying he got lost at the crossroad of life or that he helped some elder with groceries or that he met a black cat or something." Sakura sighed as she sat near a tree and leaned back.( no changes in Sakura appearance )
"Then why are we here on time?!" the angry sand kunoichi yelled. "We could've gotten here at least half an hour late, or even an hour!"
"He can be late, we can't." Naruko answered as she looked at Temari, who had her arms crossed on her chest, foot angrily tapping on the ground. "Somehow, he'd know that we were late and later we'd be punished for it. Learned that the hard way."
Temari groaned and sat on the ground. This was insane! She thought that the son of the legendary White Fang, Sharingan Kakashi, would be more amazing. Kami she didn't know what she expected exactly, but she didn't expect him to be such a slacker.
"And it's always like this?" she asked her teammates. Naruko stopped her exercises for a while and looked into space.
"Almost, if I remember correctly, Kakashi-sensei wasn't late… maybe five times?" To which, she received a nod from Sakura.
The older blonde groaned and fell on her back.
"Just great."
***1 Hour later***
Naruko was sparring with her clones and practicing her Chakra Chains.
"Chakra Chains Jutsu!"
Naruko thrust her hand forward and a gold chakra chain erupted from her open palm and shot straight into the clone, the chain wrapping around fake. Naruko pulled her hand back, forcing the clone to fly straight at her. Naruko ran forward and slammed her fist straight into the clone's guts, making the fake Naruko groan loudly and poof out. Mere seconds later, another clone erupted from the groun, with a Rasengan in her palm. Naruko jumped high in the air and shot the chain straight at the clone and as it wrapped around it, the original growled and turned around, slamming it onto the ground with a loud crack, defeating it. As Naruko landed she started to gasp loudly for air.
"Dammit, I still waste too much chakra for these chains." She hissed, calming down.
That was when Kakashi shinshuned into the clearing. His visible eye smiled.
"Yo. I'm sorry, I got lost…"
"AT THE CROSSROAD OF LIFE, YEAH, WE KNOW! " Both Sakura and Naruko shouted, making the cyclop jonin sweatdrop.
All three of them walked over to stand before him.
"Ok ladies, let's get down to business." Kakashi announced, making the girls stand still. He looked at the suna kunoichi first. "First of all, Temari-san, I want to welcome you to Team Kakashi. I'm really glad that you decided to join my team." He said bowing lightly. Temari bowed in return.
"I'm also honored, Kakashi-taichou. I can't wait to work with the son of the famous White Fang."
"Thank you." Kakashi said, lightly sighing. 'Once again, they compare me to you, otou-san.' "Let's get to the next point. Naruko…are those are your new clothes?" the confused jonin asked, looking at his blonde student. Naruko spun around quickly and grinned.
"Yep, I found them in my mom's closet. They fit perfectly. They're only little tight in… certain areas "
'Of course'. Both Kakashi and Temari sighed.
"Anyways, I want to congratulate you your status as the Uzumaki Clan heiress." Kakashi continued with an eye smile.
Naruko smiled and bowed. "Thank you Kakashi-sensei"
"I also saw that you managed to summon chakra chains. Your mother would be proud of you."
"There's still long way to go before I master those chains but I will do my best." Naruko answered with a goofy grin.
Kakashi smiled with his visible eye. 'That girl…most people would have broken after the things you were forced to go through…and yet you can still smile like nothing happened…you're very strong Naruko.'
Kakashi turned his gaze on the pinkette. "Sakura, how are you feeling? I heard you got hurt on the last mission"
Naruko flinched and looked away while Sakura looked at her teammate with worry. Kakashi noticed it. He knew what happened at Tenchi bridge and knew that Naruko felt bad about hurting Sakura. He decided to talk with her later. 'I will talk with her tomorrow about it'
"I'm fine. I just needed to rest." Sakura answered. Kakashi nodded and turned his gaze on Temari.
"Ok. Temari-san, I want to see what you can do. "
"I'm not gonna go easy." She said with a smirk.
"I never said you should" Kakashi said, taking a battle stance.
***A few hours later, Ichiraku Ramen***
"So, how's it going?" Teuchi asked, giving both blondes their orders.
"Thanks Teuchi-ojiji." Naruko thanked as she took her chopsticks and started to eat.
"Good. We trained with Kakashi-taichou all morning" Temari asnwered. "We have some free time now."
"Kakashi-sensei said he'll train me and help me create my own jutsu!" Naruko added, bouncing in the seat. "So freaking cool!"
"You seem very excited." Teuchi said with a smile.
"You bet! Kakashi-sensei never trained me personally. He always trained Sasuke while me and Sakura trained on our own. Finally I'll get my piece of the cake!" she said with stars in her eyes.
'It's nice to see her in a good mood. Who knows? Maybe I'll take her somewhere this evening orsome other evening, if nothing comes up.'
"You need strength, so eat up! You won't be the next Hokage without strength!" Teuchi excitedly shouted.
"If I become the next Hokage, the first thing I'll do will be to recommend your ramen'tebbayo!"
"That's my girl!" Teuchi said as he ruffled her blond hair making her grin widely.
"By the way, where's Ayame-san?" Temari asked. "I was sure that she'd be here."
"Yep, she should be here but Anko-chan came back from her mission earlier so she asked me to cover her for a little while. They want to finish preparing for their wedding."
"It's nice to hear that somebody's getting married." Temari said with a gentle smile. "Especially when it comes to lesbians. I'm truly amazed that both Anko-san and Ayame-san have the courage to go through with their wedding."
"And I'm not." Answers Teuchi. "When I talked with Anko about the nature of their relationship, she told me the truth. I won't lie to you girls, I was ready to throw her out, but after I heard what she had to say, I felt that she is the right one for Ayame."
"And what did she tell you, Teuchi-san?"
Teuchi closed his eyes and smiled.
"She said, 'I'll do everything to make your daughter happy. I'll even sell my soul to devil if it's necessary.' She said it with so much strength and confidence that I knew she was telling the truth. That was six years ago and now, they're getting married."
'They waited six years?' Temari thought. 'Was it because they weren't absolutely sure about this?'
"They had some ups and downs, they were breaking up and getting back together every time I looked up. Heh, love is crazy stuff." Teuchi chuckled.
"Love is amazing." Naruko said. And immediately, the fan mistress felt something was odd. Naruko smiled and her voice sounded cheerful… but it was all a mask. That smile… so sad and painful, her voice… so full of shame and regret. "I wonder if I'll find true love too someday."
"You will Naruko, you'll see. I'm sure of it." Teuchi said as he placed a hand on her head. "You're a strong, beautiful, amazing girl."
Naruko chuckled. "Thanks Teuchi-ojiji."
'Something's not right. And Teuchi-san felt it as well, but I'm not surprised. After what she has been through, I knew Naruko's mentality would be a disaster. I should be careful. I don't want to push or force her to do something. But I don't know what to do. I have a feeling I should talk with her but I'm afraid if I will do anything she'll shut herself off and won't open up to me ever again. I told her that I love her and we almost kissed, but she still hasn't given me an answer, I won't push her, there's time for everything but… What do I do? Naruko's behavior is completely normal. She laughs, she jokes, she smiles, she gets angry, she acts like a normal girl and yet, I have a feeling she's hiding something. That once again, she's putting on a mask so people would stop worrying about her. Naruko…'
***The training ground, two hours later***
"Try to dodge THIS!"
Temari swung her fan and sent the next series of wind scythes hurdling in Naruko's direction. Naruko evaded the attacks, trying to make her way to her opponent, but Temari kept sending the next series of attacks, one after another. She hated to admit it, but Temari was a tough opponent.
"I'm not going to give up just yet! Kage bunshin no jutsu!"
Naruko created dozens of clones that spread out in every direction and started to run toward Temari.
'She's trying to distract me. Nice try…but…'
When all of the clones were close enough, Temari spun and swung her fan, creating a blast of wind with herself in the center, dispelling all the clones at once. That was when Naruko shot a chakra chain at her from behind, and it wrapped itself around her waist. She felt a sharp pull and found herself flying to Naruko.
"I finally got ya!"
Temari turn around and smirked.
"NOT SO FAST!"
She closed and gripped her fan and, once she was in range, used it as a club and barely hit Naruko. Barely, only because Naruko ducked at the last second. As Temari flew past her, she opened her fan again and swung it one last time, sending a blast of wind straight at Naruko's back. In the end, both of them crashed against a tree, groaning loudly and falling onto the ground.
"Are you okay?" Naruko asked as she ran to help Temari get on her feet.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Temari answered, massaging her back. "How about you?"
"I've been in worse condition than this. " She said. "So, let's call it a day?"
"Yeah, let's get back home." Temari said as she picked up her fan. Both girls smiled and started on their way home.
The sun was slowly going down, making the normally blue sky turn orange as shadows began to creep up on all the buildings.
As they walked through the streets, Temari couldn't stop thinking.
She wasn't surprised but Naruko was a really amazing fighter. She didn't expect any less from the person who defeated Shukaku but still, Naruko was something. According to Anko, Naruko is a smart girl, there were times when she was dumb and acted under impulse, but most of the time she's collected and careful. And she's incredibly shy when it comes to casual physical contact. Holding hands, sudden hugs and things like that would make her shut in herself. Only her stepsisters are able to hold her hands but neither of them can suddenly hug her from behind. Temari wasn't surprised by that fact. After all those years of being raped and beaten, she's scared of physical contact. She also noticed Naruko takes long showers. Almost half an hour is set aside for each. Anko's voice choed in her head. " 'Naruko feels dirty whenever she looks at her body. She told me about it. She sometimes sees herself covered in sperm and blood.' That's understandable.' She thought 'She feels impure, dirty, she can still feel all of those hands groping her body and she simply feels disgusted.'
As they were passing by the streets, few people commented Naruko's height and Temari nearly laughed. 'I just realized… I'm older and yet, whenever we're side by side like this, I look like the younger one.'
While Temari had 5.42 ft of height, Naruko was 5.50 ft tall, had athletic, muscular and curvy body and her golden hair shone healthily in the sun. She thought that Naruko would be addicted to ramen but she wasn't. She still liked ramen, it was her favorite meal, but she ate healthy so her body would get all the nutrients that she needed. She was simply a healthy and strong girl.
"Naruko-neechan!"
They both turned around to see Konohamaru running to them. The brunette boy with the blue scarf was grinning like always at the sight of his older mentor. Temari saw an instant smile grow on Naruko's face, a true smile.
Konohamaru was a good boy in Temari's eyes. He was always happy to help Naruko whenever and however he could, he even helped her move in to her new apartment and didn't complain once. Yet, he treated Naruko like an older sister, she was his mentor and rival but also a friend. Something like siblings.
"Naruko-nee, how are you?" Konohamaru asked, taking gasps of air.
"Good, but why did you ran so fast? I wasn't going anywhere." Naruko asked, placing a hand on his arm.
"I wanted to ask you something" he answered. "Can you give me some training next week?"
"I would love to Konohamaru-kun, but I can't." Naruko said apologetically. "I'm going to start creating a new jutsu under Kakashi-sensei tomorrow and I don't know how long it will take. "
"WOW, A NEW JUTSU?!" he exclaimed with stars in his eyes. "So fricking cool!"
"Yeah I know, right?" she says ruffling his hair. "I will help you as soon as I finish my training, ok?" Naruko asked, ruffling his hair. He nodded in reply. "Cool, now quick, go home. You have to rest for tomorrow."
"Ok, c'ya latter, Naruko-nee, Temari-san." Konohamaru said as he waved to them, jumping onto the roofs and disappearing. Naruko sighed and closed her eyes.
"I bet you're wondering why I like him so much, huh?" she asked as they started to walk once again.
"I won't say I'm not curious." Temari answered.
"You see, when I met Konohamaru-"
"Oh, gimme a break Genderless."
Suddenly, the air changed. Naruko froze and her eyes widened in fear.
'That voice…no…it can't be…'
Naruko turned around in a hurry and saw a person she never expected to see again.
Before them was blonde haired girl with ruby red eyes. Her outfit was very revealing, a bright and tight yellow top that almost revealed her d-cup breasts, black hotpants and white high heels. She was smiling, looking at Naruko with a predatory look.
"Long time no see, eh, Naruko?"
"No…It can't be…" Naruko weakly whispered, she was pale like a wall, and her body started to tremble horribly. Temari stepped between them, glaring at the new arrival with fire in her eyes.
"Who are you?" asked Temari.
"Me?" asked girl putting both hands manicured hands on her hips "I'm Shizuka Hirashimi. Old friend of our dear Naruko. Right, Naruko?"
"Why are you here?! You moved out from village ten years ago!" shouted Naruko in fear. Images of all these horrible memories, so called 'punishment' that humiliated her, that revealed her secret to so many people. Tear instantly gathered in her eyes.
"Aww, did you miss me? I missed you, glad to see you're still around. And I didn't forget about that little…'package' between your legs" she said, licking her lips and looking at Naruko crotch area. Temari, having had enough, stepped forward and roared.
"Listen you bitch, I don't care who you are but you don't touch her, understood?!"
"Oh my" giggled Shizuka looking at her with a wide smile. "Look who we have here? Finally hired some idiot as bodyguard?"
"Even if so, what's your problem? I suggest you answer before me being here becomes a real problem." Temari snapped back, making Shizuka laugh.
"Problem? Bitch please, that's not a problem. Actually, it's a pleasant surprise that I'll enjoy in our little game"
Temari felt shivers running through her spine. 'Game? What the hell is wrong with her? I don't like the look she's giving me and Naruko. Something's wrong with her…'
"But don't worry, my little pawns. This is just the beginning. I will give you something extra and I'll let you make the first move." Shizuka said as she turned around and started to walk away. "So, c'ya later. Especially you Naruko, I can't wait to see how our little game ends."
Looking at how Shizuka walked away, Temari couldn't stop the feeling that both of them had stepped inside of a typhoon that would make them cry before the end of it. Turning around, she saw Naruko sitting on the ground with tears running down her cheeks, her skin pale and eyes wide in fear. She crouched before her and lightly shook her.
"Naruko, are you okay?"
Naruko didn't answer. "She broke her. She only showed up and Naruko shut in herself like that. Damn…who is that bitch?"
"C'mon Naruko" she said, helping Naruko get up. She picked her up, bridal style, holding onto her tightly as she jumped onto the rooftops. She needed to get to the people that could help her bring Naruko back.
***Anko and Ayame's flat***
Anko and Ayame were in the kitchen, washing dishes .
Planning their wedding had been taking up the larger part of their daily activities, both of them were also working and with their jam packed schedules, they couldn't see their stepsister as much as they wanted.
Anko was wearing brown pants and a white t-shirt, her violet hair falling to her shoulders while Ayame wore her work-apron, a black t-shirt and blue jeans.
"Man, I'm tired." Ayame sighed. "I never thought that preparing a wedding would be so much work and not to mention, plain annoying with all the people we have to deal with."
"Don't remind me" Anko groaned, drying the dishes. "I was almost ready to kill that faggot by the end. "
"By the way, are our dresses ready?" asks brunette.
Anko titled her head as she recalled the events of the day. "Yeah, both dresses are ready."
"What about Naruko and Temari-san's dresses?"
"Temari-san's dress is ready, and about Naruko… she told me she will wear a tuxedo."
"Why she doesn't want to wear a dress? Every woman wants to wear a dress!"
"Naruko isn't 100% woman, you forgot?" Anko mentioned, making Ayame sigh sadly. "And I'm not surprised. With her condition, she feels like a man, acts like a man and… well… she's 100% tomboy."
"I know but…."
Her answer was interrupted by quick and loud knocking. Anko dried her hands on her apron and rushed to the door. When she opened it she saw Temari, gasping for air and Naruko in the arms of the older girl, her eyes wide and empty.
"We have a problem." Temari was able to get out.
"C'mon girls, get inside, quick." Anko said, biting her lower lip. Temari carried her inside and Anko directed them to the living room, where Temari sat Naruko up on the couch. Ayame came in with a plate in her hands but she almost dropped it when she saw Naruko. 'What the…?'
The younger girl was totally absent. Her eyes were looking into space, her body like a puppet.
"What happened?" Anko asked, sitting beside Naruko and lightly shaking the girl. Without effect.
"We were coming back from training and suddenly, some blonde girl appeared and Naruko became like this almost instantly." Temari answered.
"Blonde girl?" Ayame repeated, analyzing what was said.
"Yeah, she was civil but when she talked…I felt like I was listening to some psycho. That girl is dangerous as hell" Temari said, crossing her arms on her chest.
"Do you know her name?" Anko asked, looking worriedly at her young stepsister.
"Yeah, she said her name is Shizuka Hirashimi."
*CRACK*
***Five minutes later***
"So, that Shizuka girl has bullied Naruko since kindergarten?"
"Correct."
Anko and Temari were sitting in the kitchen, sipping coffee after the shattered pieces of the glass plate had been cleaned up, while Ayame had taken Naruko to the bathroom to try to somehow comfort the girl.
Anko wasn't happy; she looked lost in her thoughts. Subconsciously, she was gripping her cup really tight, and Temari was sure that if the snake mistress added any more strength, the poor cup would start to break.
"She's the reason why Naruko is like that. I think Shizuka revealed Naruko's secret in kindergarten and that's where it started. I can't believe she's come back to Konoha. I was sure that she wouldn't come back ever again."
"You were sure?" asked Temari looking at older woman.
Anko give her quick glance and closed her eyes sighing and pinching the bridge of her nose.
"It was when I found about Naruko's… condition." She started "It was back in her academy days, she hadn't come back from classes and it was almost evening. I thought she'd gotten detention or something, so I went to the academy but I couldn't find her. But when I was almost ready to leave, I heard the laughing of some brats. I followed the sound and I found Shizuka and her companions in a classroom toward the back of the academy, torturing Naruko. She was naked, tied to a chair, blindfolded and gagged, while all of them called her names and beat her, even her… extra part. I remember that when I showed up they ran through the window, leaving me alone with Naruko. That was the night I found out about her situation. Since that time, I knew that I had to do something and I searched for a long time until I found a way. "
"You kidnapped her and left her in some unknown village?" Temari asked.
"Yes... wait! WHAT? NO?!" Anko answered with red cheeks. "I'm not that bad. I disguised myself as her father's boss and convinced the company to make a new Headquarters in a faraway village and told them it had been decided to name Shizuka's father as the new boss because the old one was going to retire. They left the village a week after my proposal. And now… she's back."
The longer she thought about it, Temari couldn't understand one thing. Something so simple, yet so complicated.
"I don't get it. Why won't Naruko just beat Shizuka? She's stonger then her. Hell, Shizuka is a civilian!" she growled.
"The reason is the same as when it came to Kirigaya. Fear." Anko answered, getting up and turning to the window, her arms crossed on her breasts. "Naruko is scared. Shizuka is probably the reason why it all even happened. If not for Shizuka, I'm sure that Krigaya wouldn't have found out about her. When they were kids, Naruko was defenseless and weak. She was shy and scared while Shizuka was wild and troublesome. You know, that type."
"Sadly, yes." Temari replied. She knew that type very well; there were quite a few bitchy kunoichi in Suna who wanted to make Gaara their little pet when he became Kazekage. There wasn't a day when one of them didn't try to drug him with an aphrodisiac in a cake or something. "I just hope that Matsuri finally confesses her feelings for him soon. I need to talk with her the next time I'm in Suna."
"Naruko is strong." Anko started, still looking out the window. "She's loyal and kind but she's a closed person, she's afraid of showing her true self to people, she has been hounded since childhood. She knows she's stronger, she know she can beat Shizuka, she knows she can beat anyone who threatens her like that. But she's scared… the memories of bullying, fear, shame, helplessness…it all returns and practically paralyzes her."
"And there's also Kyuubi…" Temari mentioned. She knew what Anko was trying to say…at least she thought she knew….
"Yes, Kyuubi is also a problem. I'm sure he's feeding Naruko some bullshit, trying to get into her head." Anko sighed. "But Naruko is smart; she knows that Kyuubi is just trying to mess her up. She won't fall for that demon's words. I'm sure of it. I'm more concerned about her personal demons…"
"What are you trying to tell me?" Temari asked. Anko turned around and looked at her with a serious, yet concerned, gaze.
"Naruko must overcome her fear. She must confront Shizuka on her own and win. That's the only way for her to overcome her fear and the only way for her to finally live a normal life."
"Easier said than done." Temari stated, taking a sip from her cup. "There's also a part where she must accept herself. She won't overcome her fear if she can't accept herself."
"I know." Anko sighed tiredly. She sat on the chair and leaned her head on the shoulder, closing her eyes. "Sadly, I can't help her. She must do it on her own. Ayame, Teuchi and I will accept her, no matter what. She's like a granddaughter to Teuchi, and a stepsis for Ayame and for me… she's the reason that I'm here today. Without her, I would've probably been dead a long time ago. "
"Don't talk like that." Temari said. "You're a strong woman, Anko-san."
"Thank you Temari-san, but I know I'm right." She sadly chuckled. "I changed thanks to her. I changed for her and for Aya-chan. But now Naruko needs motivation, a reason to confront her fears. And until she finds it, she'll be the way she is."
"What should we do?" Anko sat up and looked at Temari with serious gaze.
"I'm sorry for what I'm about to say if I'm merely assuming, but if I'm right, you feel something towards Naruko, right?"
Temari blushed and looked at the corner of the room.
"Is it so obvious?" Temari mumbled, hiding her blush.
"Oh believe me, for me and a few other people it is." Anko answered, smiling "But it's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm glad that there's someone in the world who has fallen in love with her."
Temari dropped her head, letting her bangs cover her eyes.
"But I'm not sure if she loves me." Temari sadly said. Anko looked surprised. "I said I love her, that's true but she never answered. We even almost kissed back then but since I moved in, neither of us picked up our talk about it. I don't want to push her, I'm afraid that she'll shut herself off and that I'll lose her. I don't want that."
Anko analyzed the younger girl. Temari was having a real dilemma. She loved Naruko beyond her own understanding, it was obvious and she was really concerned about her well being.
'She really wants to help her… '
Anko stood up and came closer to the younger girl. Temari looked at Anko, who gestured for her to get up. Temari stood to face Anko.
"Anko-san?"
Anko gently smiled and wrapped her hands around Temari, hugging her and shocking the young girl.
It was a gentle, warm hug. Yet, it felt so…strong.
"Um…Anko-san?"
Anko released the hug and put her hands on Temari's arms.
"Naruko is a smart girl. She knows what you feel toward her. She'll talk with you about it when she's ready for it. Just as you have your nightmares, she has hers."
"I know. But I want to help her. What should I do?"
"Just be there for her. And support her. "
"That's it?" the dumbfounded girl asked.
"That's it. You see, for me and you that's something simple, but for her it's a big thing."
Temari thought about it for a while and realized Anko was right. If Naruko needed anything, it's support. She suffered all these years for her friends. She endured that pain and hid behind a smile so her friends wouldn't have to worry about her. Still, she's afraid that if her friends find out about her body, they'll leave her and her hell will start once again. It was so obvious, why hadn't she thought of it?
"I understand." Answers Temari.
No more than a few seconds later, Ayame and Naruko came into the kitchen. Naruko still looked pale and scared, but at least she could walk and talk by herself. Temari took a step closer to Naruko.
"Are you okay?" Temari asked. Naruko nodded and took a step closer, smiling weakly.
"Yeah…everything's fine."
Anko looked at Ayame, who gently shook her head.
"Girls, it's late. Go get some sleep." Ayame said, taking her place beside Anko.
"Great idea." Anko said with a smile, turning her gaze to Naruko and giving her a cocky smirk. "After all, somebody is going to create a new jutsu tomorrow, right?"
Temari didn't expect it, but Naruko blushed lightly. And on her pale cheeks it looked so pinkish that it was almost cute. The color of her skin started to slowly come back.
"It's nothing." Naruko muttered. Anko pounced and caught Naruko's head under her arm.
"Yes it is! My little girl is getting stronger! I'm so proud of you!"
All of them smiled and laughed. Suddenly, the heavy atmosphere disappeared, laughs filled the kitchen, a good mood took over the bad and Naruko seemed to forget about her encounter, if not fully, then at least for that moment.
"Girls, I have something for you." Ayame said, giving them two envelopes. Naruko took hers and opened it. Inside was an invitation. She read it out loud.
"'You are invited to Ayame Ichiarku and Anko Mitarashi's wedding at 'Golden Bell' …. 'NEXT WEEK?!' "
"Yep" Anko proudly answered, releasing Naruko's head and embracing Ayame, who blushed heavily. "Next week we will officially be a married couple! Anko and Ayame Mitarashi!"
"And here comes our question." Ayame started. "Will you be our bridesmaids?"
"Us?" Temari asked, looking at a surprised Naruko and next at her stepsister. "Both of us?"
"Yes, both of you." Anko said. "Plus, Naruko, we want you to give us our wedding rings at the ceremony."
Naruko's eyes widened and her face reddened in seconds, her skin fully coming back to its' natural color.
"ME?! Why?"
"Let me see here…" Anko started, closing her eyes. "You're our stepsister, you're the reason why we met, thanks to you we're having this wedding, we love you… did I leave out anything sweetie?"
"And you're irreplaceable to us." Ayame added with a warm smile. Anko snapped her fingers and opened her eyes.
"Yeah, that's right, irreplaceable, thanks darling." Anko said, kissing Ayame on the cheek after which she turned her gaze to the two young girls. "So, you two in?"
Temari and Naruko looked at each other with wide eyes and gentle smiles.
"Everything is already prepared, right?" Naruko asked.
"You bet." Anko asked.
"Then we don't have any other choice." Temari sighed, shrugging her shoulders and giving the couple a smile.
Both women grinned and came to them, hugging them tightly, so tight that Temari could swear one of her lungs wanted to jump out from her. When Anko and Ayame released their hugs, the snake mistress ran deeper into the apartment and in a flash, came back with a little dark-blue box in her hand. She walked to Naruko, took her palm and placed the box in it.
"Here. Protect it." Anko said, closing Naruko fingers on it. "It won't open until I use my chakra on it so don't try to open it."
"I won't. I promise." Naruko said, looking at the box, mesmerized by the thought of what was inside, what the rings looked like.
"Keep your invitations. Show them to the guard on the wedding day, they will let you inside." Ayame added.
"What?! Security!? At the wedding?!" a surprised Temari asked.
"Yeah, I didn't want to but looks like I have no choice." Anko answered, scratching the back of her neck. "After all, the snake whore is getting married. Who knows what could happen?"
"Don't talk about yourself like that." Ayame pouted, her face making Anko smile apologetically.
"Sorry honey. Either way, get back to your beds girls. It's almost 10 PM already. " Anko gently ordered, looking at the kitchen clock.
"Ok, then. We'll get going" Naruko said, putting the box with the wedding rings in the pocket of her pants and Temari nodded in agreement.
***Naruko and Temari's Apartment, Half an hour later***
Both blondes got inside, took off their shoes and entered the kitchen.
"I'm starving." Temari groaned, opening the fridge. "Naruko, want something to eat?"
"To be honest, I'm not in the mood for food." She answered, grabbing a glass and pouring water in it.
Temari took some cheese and ham from the fridge and looked worriedly at her younger friend. Naruko was still feeling weak and she was still a little pale. The Suna princess sighed, put the ingredients on the counter and came closer to Naruko, who looked at her with a little shame in her gaze.
"Don't be scared Naruko." Temari said, smiling warmly. "You're going to train under Kakashi-taichou, I will pick you up every day at 6pm and I will come with you tomorrow to the first session."
"You don't need to." Naruko bluntly stated. "I'm not 5 years old, I can take care of myself."
"I never said you're five years old. And I don't do it because I need to. I want to." the older girl admitted, ruffling the younger's hair. Naruko pouted and turned her head, avoiding Temari gaze. Temari sighed and took her hand from the younger's head. "I'm sorry."
"Nothing happened." Naruko said, still not looking at her. They both were silent for a minute. Naruko waited for Temari's words while said Suna princess waited for Naruko's move. Finally, Naruko finished her glass of water and started to walk. "I'd better get some sleep. I don't want to be late to tomorrow training."
Temari sighed. Her appetite suddenly disappeared, so she put the ingredients back to the fridge and made her way to her room. She got into her bed and decided to get some sleep. But she couldn't. Her thoughts were running through her head like crazy.
'Naruko, what's happening? Why won't you tell me? After everything what happened, I thought we were closer than before. I thought you trusted me in some manner. And yet… you treat me like some stranger…why?'
She suddenly heard a loud thud and a muffled scream. Silence for a long time. And then, a muffled cry and another pained scream. Next, thud after thud on the floor as various items were either thrown or knocked down, and then what sounded like hands pounding against the wall amongst uncovered crying and screaming. The next thing she heard was Naruko's broken voice.
"Why? Why am I like this?"
The pounding and screaming stopped, but Temari could still hear sobbing. Naruko cried for a few minutes, but she finally got up and went to her bed, the slight creaking giving that away. But unlike Naruko, who fell asleep after a few minutes, exhausted by her episode, Temari didn't. Not for a long time…
"Naruko…"
***Anko and Ayame's apartment, the same time***
"Damn…my back hurts" Anko groaned, taking her bra off and putting on a white top and black, lacy panties.
"Let me guess, you were slammed against the ground or something?" asked Ayame from the bed, she wore a white, short sleeved shirt and white panties.
"Something" answered Anko getting in the bed and cuddling her fiancé.
Ayame wrapped her hands around Anko, letting her head rest between her breasts.
"Just a week, and these here will be mine." Anko said, inhaling the scent from between Ayame's breasts. The brunette blushed madly and gently slammed her hand on Anko's head making the woman chuckle lightly.
"Mou, Anko-chan, how could you? They've been yours from the start" Ayame said, pouting.
"I know, I know." Anko said, sighing deeply.
Ayame expected another dirty comment but she found Anko silent, lost deep in her thoughts. She caressed her locks, making Anko purr lightly.
"Something's wrong, Anko-chan?" Ayame gently asked.
"I'm worried."
"About Naruko?"
"Yeah."
"I'm worried too." She admitted. "When I heard Shizuka came back to the village, my heart stopped."
"That girl is a bitch. She was a bitch back then and I don't expect anything good from her return"
"Neither do I. But the only thing we can do is wait." Ayame sighed.
"I hate waiting. All of this waiting is killing me."
"I know. Let's get some sleep. We'll be busy tomorrow."
"Yeah, we gotta deliver all those invitations to our friends."
"And order flowers…"
"What?! I thought we ordered them already."
"Yeah but that flower shop said they won't make it in time."
"So that means … I must go to that Yamanaka blondie."
"Yep."
"Damn it… I can feel that headache already…"
"Hehe, don't worry, it won't be so bad."
"I sure hope so."
"So, we're calling it a day?"
"Yeah. Goodnight sweetheart."
"Goodnight honey."
***Somewhere in Konoha***
Shizuka picked up the glass of sake from her desk and drank it in one gulp.
"Damn, that is good." She said, licking her lips.
She got up and looked at her large map of Konoha. There were some places marked with crosses, circles, triangles and square. At each place there were small descriptions and many photos. Many were of Naruko, others were of her friends, relatives or simple shots of the marked places.
"Take your time and enjoy your sanity as long as you can, Naruko Uzumaki. But make your moves carefully. One wrong move, and our little game could end earlier than anyone expects." The girl chuckled. "But I must say, I didn't expect that Suna bitch to be here. It forces me to change a few rules and plans, but this only makes the game more interesting. But still, I've already decided who will be my first target."
Shizuka looked at the clock as both hands hit 12. Midnight.
"So, let our game begin, Genderless."
Kunai hit the target and finding out where it hit, girl smiled wide.
"Fufufu…perfect."
So, how was it? Liked it? Loved it? WRITE A REVIEW! AND LET ME AND IGIVENOGUESS WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT!
Next chapter will be in next month. I have tons for work with school, other fics and many other things ( also my birthday is comming soon and my GF is getting crazy...i don't know why).
C'ya soon!