In the Midst of Despair
Chapter 1: Before
A/N: This is my first fanfic. Please excuse me for grammatical or spelling errors that you may find within the story. I'm just a little girl...TT... well anyway...on to the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
It was another usual day. The thick cool air hung over the city of Konoha. The birds chirp over the dancing leaves that hung loosely from the thick tree's branches. And the citizens walk across the streets to work. It was just another usual day indeed.
However, normal was not to describe the day for a certain ninja named Uzumaki Naruto who had grown up from the immaturity of youth as they say. He is now at the age of 19, married to Hyuuga Hinata, and currently an ANBU member. People often say that he resembles that of the fourth hokage who was later known to be his father.
He had surpassed both of his sensei: one of the legendary sannin , Jiraiya and the copy ninja , Hatake Kakashi. Although Naruto had the both of them as his sensei, he did not become a pervert like them, fortunately.
His best friend, Uchiha Sasuke , had not been heard of ever since. Rumours said that he is still Sasuke and had killed Orochimaru. But Rumours are rumours and that it is not yet proven to be true. Yet Naruto had still a very immense hope that he will come back to them and be the whole team seven again.
He is now in good terms with Sai. Ever since they visited Orochimaru's hideout, Sai eventually understood what true bonds are. It changed him wholly that he had shown feelings and emotions and never did faked a smile ever since.
'Shit, I'm late' he thought as he sped up towards the main gate of Konoha. Today, as we said, is a special day for him. 'today is the day' as he always say as he waited for four long years. For it to be special, it is the day of the homecoming of the last of team seven, Sakura Haruno, his teammate, first crush, and best friend will arrive from her four year training with her sensei, Tsunade-hime or as Naruto calls her, Tsunade-baa-chan.
'Hmm... I wonder what Sakura-chan looks like now?' he always thought to himself. Almost all the time, he questions himself about Sakura. Questions like : Does she still remember him? Does she still recognize him as a friend? Is she stronger than him? Questions continue to linger in his mind as he went pass through different houses towards his best friend.
He still remembers the day Sakura told him that she was going to live the village for a long time and how he saw determination with both sadness and guilt in her eyes.
Flashback:
( Naruto's P.O.V)( 4 years ago)
"Sakura-chan!" I shouted at the top of my lungs in order for her to hear me as I ran towards her. "Do you want to eat ramen with me at Ichiraku's? I'll pay!" I shouted, both a hint of excitement and gluttony was present in the tone in my voice, while I maintained the high pitch I sounded a while ago.
By now, I should have either a black eye or a lump on the top of my head with a scolding from her from being so loud, but none came. I was replied by complete silence.
"Is everything alright Sakura- chan?" I questioned her, replacing the tone of excitement and gluttony with a tone of worry and anxiety.
I rarely see Sakura-chan like this. The first and the last time I saw her in this way was when I made my so called' Promise of a Lifetime'. It really hurt me a lot when I saw her. She looks so fragile and weak. It almost made me cry too.
" Is everything alright Sakura- chan?" I repeated to question her. Worry had completely overtaken my senses.
" Naruto..." I heard her whisper, barely audible.
I touched her shoulders using both of my hands and she jumped in surprise. It was evident that she was contemplating what to say to me whatever it was.
"It's alright Sakura-chan you can talk to me. I'm your best friend right?" I said with a goofy smile in my face for I know that I had cheered her up, a little.
She smiled a little, finding the courage to speak.
" N-Naruto, I'm going to leave the village for about f-four years to train." By now, I can see guilt, sadness, and loneliness in her eyes as she spoke. "I want to be strong like you and I...I just don't want to be an annoying burden to you and anybody else." As she said this, tears were now streaming in her face.
I knew that my face become a little pale and my body became stiff. Me and Sakura-chan became best friends ever since Sasuke-teme went to the gay bastard. We were always together and solved our problems together. We knew that we love each other as brother and sister even if we didn't say it to one another. Even if she punches me or throws me anywhere that I almost reached the sky, my love for her never wavered.
" Sa-Sakura-chan... You aren't weak... You're strong and intelligent..so why do you have to leave! I'm gonna be alone. Didn't you remember that we promised each other that the both of us will bring Sasuke-teme back! " I said as I stare in her rigid eyes.
"No Naruto, even you knew it! I'm weak and fragile! I cry so easily and... I can do the least for you and everyone else! It is you that will save Sasuke—" I didn't let her finish. I heard enough. I immediately pulled her in a tight hug that says that it's not true.
" Naruto...It's just for four years so you don't have to worry. This isn't just about you...I also want to be strong for myself..So please..if I get stronger we will easily bring Sasuke-kun back..." She begged. And I sighed.
"Alright...but just for four years no extensions okay? Go back in Konoha for four years in this day!" I exclaimed, my cheerfulness was present again.
"Arigato Naruto, always remember that I'll always love you." She said. As she kissed my cheek and returned the hug I gave her.
End of Flashback
(AUTHOR'S P.O.V.)
He almost dashed towards the gate.
And eventually he arrived there.
A/N: Hello! I hoped you enjoyed the prologue of the story. I am really sorry, for the errors that I made within the chapters. I'll try to update as fast as I can!
Reviews will be much appreciated.
--OaE--
