The double-edged tool.
Written by: Sonjo
-Prelude-
Konoha, home of some of the most promising shinobi of their time. It had been several weeks since the village had suffered a considerable loss: the last member of the Uchiha clan. Six of Konoha's genin- along with three allies, rushed through a deep forest and fight to 'save' this prized comrade, only to find that he did not wish to be rescued. He'd broken all bonds with his previous home and set his sights on the village of Sound: Otagare. He sought soul-crushing power, even knowing that he might not be alive to see his ambitions come to life.
Naruto, the host of the Kyuubi spirit, set off to train with one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya for a period of two and a half years. Before he left, however, he had bid farewell to his dearest friends. Rock Lee, the shinobi that saved him from an opposing ninja, received a special request. It was pinned upon his door, making sure he would get it after recovering from his wounds. With a heart-filled deed done, Naruto withdrew from Konoha's gates along with his Sensei. One can only wonder what the parchment held.
-Chapter One: My Way Onto Yours-
It was morning, the gleaming red sun shone upon Lee's face. He had been in the hospital, Due to his injuries from a battle several weeks past. The boy awakened, slowly opening his eyes. He looked out the window, outside was a vivid view of the village. The children were running about, and civilians taking care of the shops and streets. Lee smiled, as the children reminded him of when he was younger.
There was a knock on the door. Lee turned around and leaned back into bed. "Come in." he responded. The door opened to reveal Tenten, peering into the room. "Good morning, Lee" the girl said, with a small smile on her face. "Oh, good morning Tenten. How has Neji been healing?" Lee looked over to the window again, Tenten's gazed turned to the floor. "He's healing well, thanks to Shizune-sama. They said it won't be long until he can go on missions again." Lee turned back over to Tenten. "Ah, that is great! I am feeling well, myself! And that can only mean that we can take on missions as a team once again!" Lee nearly stood on the bed; he was suddenly filled with excitement. Tenten giggled briefly.
The girl was then reminded of why she came to visit the Youthful Shinobi in the first place. "Oh, before I forget. Tsunade-Sama has given me this note to give to you." She pulled a parchment of paper out of her hollister. "All you have to do is show it to the lady at the front desk, and you'll be able to go home. Just as long as you take it easy and-" Lee interrupted Tenten with thrashing excitement. "WHOO! At last, and can return to my home and resume training! Thank you, Tenten!" He jumped out of bed, gathered his clothes, and ran out of the room. Tenten sighed to herself. "I will never understand him."
The eager Lee dashed through the village streets with alarming speed. The villagers store at the cloud of dirt that he had left behind him, wondering what that could have been about. Not so long after, the lad had arrived at his home. He'd noticed a folded piece of paper taped to his door. "Hmm? I wonder what this could be?" he thought to himself. Lee ripped the paper from the door, and began reading it. It seemed to be from Naruto, seeing the 'nickname' on top of the note. It read:
'Dear Fuzzy-Brows,
I've left Konoha to train and become stronger. I won't be back for quite awhile, so there's something I want you to do for me while I'm gone. You see Fuzzy Brows, Sakura-Chan misses Sasuke very much, and I feel awful that I couldn't get him back to her. She's very lonely, and a little shaky. That's where you come in. I want you to watch over Sakura-Chan, seeing as you have some weird affection for her. I'm training so that I can bring Sasuke back to her, and make her happy again. Heh, maybe if you're lucky enough, you can bring Sasuke tied up as a gift! Heh-heh! But, on a more serious note, keep her mind occupied. I'm leaving my way of the ninja onto you, Fuzzy-Brows.
See you,
Uzumaki Naruto.
Lee had nearly dropped the paper. He was honored to have this request put upon him, but at the same time, nervous. The way he had worded the letter made it sound very important, and Lee was afraid that he might not be able to accomplish this task. But, he would take the risk and do as Naruto requested.