Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 1:
The heat of the sun beating down created shimmering vapours, which danced with the kicked up dust of the road. As the cart pushed on, the occupant wished she could take shelter under the thick canopy along the sides. However, as she neared the tall gates of her destination she knew she would soon be free to escape the noon sun.
A small smile curved at her lips as she gazed over the familiar khaki gates, the kanji boldly displayed for all to see. They were swung wide open for weary travellers, yet the imposing structure could leave a different impression.
Reaching the gates, she looked to her left to see the sentinels talking to a fellow traveller. He leant over the desk, elbows balanced, signing something on a board which had been handed to him.
The two guards watched him, faces shaded by the overhanging of the desk's roof. Finished, he pushed it towards one of them, before he stood reaching for his traveling bag, strolling into the village proper.
She watched the sentinels as they seemed to lull back into boredom, one laying his upper body across the desk as the other remained upright, arms crossed. It seemed she wasn't the only one the heat was getting to.
Taking the initiative, she stepped down from her cart to approach them, her own bag was slung haphazardly over her shoulder. Smiling at the two on approach, a sudden-blissful-light breeze appeared to caress her sweaty face, teasing the ends of her dark tresses. Stepping up to the desk, she riffled through her bag, taking longer than expected by a disgruntled mumble, and produced her identification form with seal.
"Hi, I'm Suzuki Yuuna. I sent my citizen forms ahead of time." The man lounging in front of her hauled his head up to stare at her, his partner grasping the offered form and seal glanced over them before returning them to her.
"Suzuki was it? As in the land of Honey Suzuki's?" His eyes had taken on a noticeable glint. Rubbing the back of her head, she shuffled.
"Yeah." With a jolt, she was pulled forward as her hand was shaken. Releasing her, the aforesaid guard looked to his counterpart in elation.
She chuckled, "I see you're an admirer of my clan."
"Yeah, you guys develop the best sweets! Err… sorry about that." He grinned rubbing the back of his head, observing Yuuna as she soothed her hand. She smiled, waving off the apology. The other leaned back in his chair placing his legs on the table, the chair steady through practice.
"Man, we haven't had any Suzuki for what, a decade?" He opened an eye to look to his partner in confirmation. The guard smoothed his chin before giving a nod.
"I believe so, a couple and their daughter." He paused before his eyes shot up. "Wait, that wasn't you was it?"
Thoroughly amused, she grinned. "Guilty as charged." They returned the grin.
"Well, we know a few people who will be happy to see you. Sign here, you'll have to go to the documentation office to get your paperwork filed. We only sign new comers in."
She opened her mouth to ask. "It's in the Hokage Tower." The latter guard supplied, before offering a pen. She sighed taking the pen graciously as she leant on the desk, scrawling her name under the numerous others. She took a moment to hazard a glance over the list of names, many were generic however, a few led to a raised brow. The guy before her was Takeshi Nori, weird name.
She handed back the pen when she was done, dipping her head, the respectful gesture returned. Moving back to her cart to grapple the reins of her horse rather than retake her perch on the ledge seat, she made her way further into her old home.
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She was sent careening into a potted plant after what must have been the seventh person to shoot past her. Paper work went flying everywhere as the poor woman wasn't quite quick enough to wrestle the papers back into her arms. She swept down to assist in the paper war, gathering the sheets into a uniform pile, before placing them with the others being stacked. Quite a few people walked past including the earlier traveller, paying them no heed. Yuuna scowled 'rude!'
"I'm so sorry" The woman stuttered out the apology as she burst up from the floor, righting her skewed glasses.
"That's alright, you were in a hurry." Yuuna stared up at the trembling ball of energy, her white coat fluttering with her agitated movements, she looked ready to bolt.
"Yeah, first day on the job and all that, see ya!" She made a mad dash leaving Yuuna in the middle of the floor.
"See you too." Nonplussed Yuuna stood from her crouched position, patting her crinkled skirt back into place, another person came racing by, back-tracking, to land at a stop next to her. They stared at one another in stilted silence, trying to piece the mismatched puzzle together.
"Yuu'?" The woman started in a drawn out tone. Things seemed to click into place at the nickname, and the distinct piceous hair and crimson eyes began to match up to the memory of shorter hair and a rounder face.
"'renai?" They gawked at one another, what seemed like a whole minute, before Kurenai moved forward to deliver a warm hug. Yuuna felt herself eventually wrap her arms around the other woman, giving an awkward pat to her back. It seemed so surreal.
Pulling back they gave each other a smile as the familiarity began to sink in.
"Gosh, you've grown!" They both laughed, breaking the uneasy atmosphere between them. "How are your parents?" Kurenai looked up before pulling her to the side as another person came whizzing-by. Yuuna frowned.
"They're fine, why's everyone in such a hurry?" She turned back to Kurenai who rolled her eyes.
"They're just having a clean-up." Exasperation evident. Yuuna's eyes narrowed, just.
Hand on hip, and leaning to one side, Kurenai sized her up "At any rate, you're going to have to tell me what you've been up to for the last decade. Honestly you can't leave me hanging like that." Yuuna ignored the obvious diversionary tactic as she examined the woman. There was cheer with a hint of amusement, but as Yuuna looked closer, she could see hurt in the other woman's eyes. There was uncertainty to them.
Her own eyes softened in response, leaning in to give an additional hug, causing Kurenai to falter as she reciprocated.
"Sorry, I'll get my citizen documents sorted and then I'll take you out for dango, my treat!" Pulling back once more she took another cursory look, relieved to see the hurt lighten in the other woman's frame.
"You better!" Kurenai leant forward, wagging a finger in exaggerated scorn, a smile weening its way back on her face. "I'll meet up with you in twenty." With that she waved moving back on to her course. Yuuna smiled to herself before turning in the direction of the office. She almost tripped.
"Oof- for the love of-." She stared down at the child who had managed to run into her, the little figure having fallen on his backside. He glowered up at her, blue eyes sharp in their disdain.
It sent a chill down her spine.
She mentally shook the feeling away before offering the child a hand, he looked, eyes widening before they narrowed again.
"Naruto, get back here!" His head snapped around before he bounded round her, making a mad dash for the door, at least two Chuunin lagged behind him.
Yuuna's eyes trailed them, 'strange.'
She gave a shrug, proceeding to the documentation office, it was best to hurry before someone else could come rocketing down the hall.
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"What, really! He said that?" The shock on Yuuna's face was priceless as Kurenai chuckled to herself.
"Yeah, but I showed him what for!" They both burst into ruckus laughter then, causing a few heads to turn their way.
"I bet you did, oh great Genjutsu mistress!" She smirked, leaning her elbows on the table as she cradled her head, "You'll be promoted to jounin in no time." Kurenai shook her head, waving off the complement, before picking up one of her dango sticks. They lulled into a comfortable silence, each enjoying the easy atmosphere of the shop, sipping their green tea in peace. This was broken however, as Kurenai furrowed her brow, looking across at Yuuna.
"You know, we all were really worried when you just up and left. We didn't even get to say our goodbyes." Yuuna went to speak, yet changed her mind turning her attention to her green tea, taking a sip.
Kurenai sighed, "I don't say this to offend, I just missed you is all." She cleared her throat, blushing before taking a sip of her own tea. Yuuna placed her cup down as she sent a smile Kurenai's way.
"I know, and I am sorry. If I could have stayed I would have. Things happened and there were some family problems which had to be dealt with." She received a raised brow. "Hehe, yeah, not the best excuse but, I'm here now and I have no plans of going anywhere." Her companion glowered at her over her cup.
"You better not." Yuuna smiled, a spark of mischief entering her eyes as she clasped her hands.
"Oh no, I'd never lie to the great and powerful genjutsu mistress!" Kurenai snorted before they returned to a tranquil silence.
Leaning back, she took a moment to cast her gaze over the many customers chatting and enjoying the products on offer. It was pleasing to see the joy of a happy customer, she hoped to see many of them at her own shop.
Her gaze was caught however, as she noticed a familiar figure sat patiently at one of the many benches. She watched as a waitress placed an order of tea and dango in front of him, he gave her a friendly smile which, she gave a girlish giggle in reply. Once she moved away he proceeded to take one of the dango sticks revelling in the flavour.
It was normal enough yet, something struck her as odd, he was wearing the traditional kimono and hakama she had seen him in earlier. His shoes were a bit more modern in comparison to the rest of his outfit, but still had a feeling of conservatism to them. The gnawing sensation at the back of her head remained.
"Yuuna?" She turned her attention back to Kurenai whose forehead was crumpled in concern. Yuuna nodded her head towards the man in the corner, her eyes narrowed in deliberation.
"Do you see anything strange about that man over there?" Kurenai turned so she could see him from the corner of her eye, becoming serious as she scrutinised the odd fellow.
"Hmm, he looks normal enough, a bit messy from travelling I suppose but, ordinary. Yet, there is something off, I just can't put my finger on it." She turned back, Yuuna stroked her chin, pondering over the oddity. She paused as she realised what it was.
"He hasn't got his bag." She became alarmed as Kurenai tensed, it wouldn't have been unusual he could have left his bag in his hotel room or flat. A flare seemed to go off as Yuuna herself stilled in realisation.
Why wouldn't he at the very least change his clothes? It must be uncomfortable, from the amount of accumulated dirt he'd been travelling for a week, yet he wasn't in a rush. He was in a dango shop for Kami's sake!
Yuuna glanced down at her own bag, which she had taken with her into the shop, having not the time either to change nor having gone to her flat yet to leave her belongings.
She turned from her contemplation as another thought struck her "I looked at the names at the gate desk, his was just above mine. Yet, it wasn't their when they made me sign at the register in the office, but I saw him walking around there!" That scratched out the idea of having been there to register.
Kurenai's look hardened.
"Yuuna, I want you to get up and slowly make your way to the exit. When you get out make your way to the Hokage's office. Tell them from me 'the hawk circles high.' They'll find me after that. Do you understand?" Yuuna's fear hardened to resolve before she gave a subtle nod reaching for her bag.
"Hello ladies, mind if I join?" They both stiffened, Kurenai's head snapping up at the male's voice. He had an eerie look in his eyes yet, his body language remained amicable "Why didn't I notice his approach?"
Without a reply he took the seat next to Yuuna, resting one arm on the table whilst the other remained hidden. Kurenai watched Yuuna, she could see her tremble, her eyes widening, snapping down before looking back at Kurenai. Terror.
"So, you two certainly seem preoccupied, anything interesting caught your eye?" Keeping his left hand under the table, he leant his chin on his right, a glint of sadistic amusement swam in the shallows. With Yuuna trapped between him and a wall, Kurenai could do nothing without putting her in harm's way.
She grit her teeth before plastering a pleasant smile across her lips, "Well Mr Shinobi, we were curious about why you're here." He let out a faint chuckle without any of the mirth, his left arm moved slightly, and she watched as Yuuna's breath hitched.
"Now, where would the fun be in that?" Without looking at Yuuna he addressed her. "Miss Civilian, we'll be standing up in a moment, if your friend makes a move to follow, you'll be getting a kunai to the gut." The corner of his lips twitched into a smirk, mimicking Kurenai, "Do you understand?" He could see her nod. "Good."
He swept his way off the seat, pulling Yuuna along with him as he advanced towards the exit. The smirk on his face irked Yuuna to no end and by Kurenai's tsk, the situation irked her too. Where were other shinobi when you needed them!
Just as they arrived at the exit however, a distinguishable mop of shiny, black, bowl hair and thick eyebrows appeared.
"Yo! 'The Noble Green Beast' has arrived!" Yuuna's eyes lit up.
"Gai!" The man next to her tsked. He grabbed a hold of her arm pushing her through the doorway before he curved around Gai, to make his exit. Expertly, he clasped on to her as he put Yuuna between himself and, both Kurenai and Gai.
"I thought I told you she'd get a kunai if you moved." Yuuna winced as she felt the kunai dig into her stomach. Both Gai and Kurenai took up a defensive stance as they tracked his movements.
"I don't know what's exactly going on, but it is truly unyouthful to take a hostage!" Gai's face had taken on a grave look, matching Kurenai's. They circled around the man each at opposite ends waiting for him to make his move.
Yuuna was petrified, yet she knew if she didn't do something soon then things would get a lot more complicated. She gritted her teeth as she grasped his arm, "Don't underestimate me." She pushed back before pulling him forward to through him over her shoulder.
Unlike the desired effect, he twisted to land on his feet. She didn't have time to feel pissed however, as this gave Gai the opening to side-kick the shinobi down the street.
"Nicely done youthful lady!" He flashed a blinding smile before leaping at the rising shinobi, "Dynamic entrance!" The shinobi barely managed to dodge, he turned only to run into Kurenai ready with a Genjutsu.
"Genjutsu: paralysis!" Caught in the Genjutsu, it was child's play for Gai to knock him out and for Kurenai to restrain him. Yuuna stood and watched, it wasn't until Kurenai approached that she realised she was shaking, pain returning to her side. She felt as her legs began to give out, only to be steadied by bandage clad hands.
"Wow there, take it easy!" She looked up to glance over the beaming face, his glistening smile reassuring.
"Thanks Gai, I'm fine now. Just the adrenaline leaving my system." Gai's head tilted as he looked down at the youthful lady, releasing her from his hold. Leaning in, he scrutinised her facial features, rubbing his chin in concentration.
"Do I know you miss?" Yuuna stared up at Gai, her smile lopsided as she grinned back at him.
"Same old Gai I see." It was as if a light bulb went off and Yuuna found herself being lifted off the floor. The world spun and the only things tethering her to the here and now was Gai's beaming face and Kurenai's concerned voice.
"Gai, you're going to make her sick!" It was a moment later she felt herself being placed back on the ground and tugged into a careful grip. Giving herself a moment to recover, she looked at the tearful sight of her old friend.
"Yuuna-chan, you've become so youthful!" He proceeded to vigorously rub her head much to Kurenai's chagrin and Yuuna's pained amusement. As Kurenai managed to get him to release her, tearing into him, a group of Anbu appeared.
Yuuna smoothed her hair as she watched them pick up the dead-weight bastard, it was then she noticed a familiar mop of silver.
They made eye contact.
Their eyes widened. His narrowed, a multitude of emotions passing through them, anger, fear and betrayal playing dominant features.
It was the sight of the Sharingan however, that sent her reeling. He broke eye contact, disappearing in a whirl of leaves much to the confusion of his teammates. Yuuna felt her throat constrict.
"He hates me." Her hands clenched.
She was pulled back to the present as she heard Kurenai explain to the Anbu about what had happened, "I was alerted to the situation by Yuuna," she thumbed in her direction causing the Anbu to glance over at her, "She noticed his bag was missing." They nodded, as if that explained everything, before they themselves disappeared.
Yuuna sighed, she really just wanted to crawl under her covers and never come out. She felt as a hand was placed on her shoulder, tugging a small smile on to her face as she saw Gai.
"Don't worry about Kakashi, he's…" He waved his hand in the air as explanation. Their was concern in his eyes that went deeper than Kakashi's reaction from a moment ago, Yuuna filed it away for later. She hummed in half-hearted agreement.
"Yuu'?" She turned to look at Kurenai who placed her hand on Yuuna's head before she smoothed it. "Let's get you back home, hmm?" She smiled before pulling her over to the cart.
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She stared out at the night, a chilled breeze floating into the room as she sat on the window ledge. So tired, yet unable to sleep.
Turning her head around her gaze landed on the empty boxes in the corner of her room, subconsciously she placed her hand on her side. Her mind brought out the memory of Kurenai's worried rant as she bandaged Yuuna's side and the amusing image of Gai's escapade to help unpack her belongings.
Much to Kurenai's exasperation and Yuuna's enjoyment he had chosen to complete the task whilst walking on his hands, and having failed that in a spectacular jumble of pots and pans, ensued to complete five hundred push-ups. They both left, Kurenai offering to take her horse to the stable area within Konoha, Gai declaring to tag along. She'd had a long bath after that before changing for bed, yet sleep had eluded her.
Turning her eyes to the scenery past her window, she felt that sinking feeling return at the appearance of silver and grey in her memory. He was pissed – betrayed – and she didn't blame him, not after their last remembered conversation and her sudden disappearance.
She had so many questions, and she knew that black and red eye held the key to them. She tilted her head back as she stared up at the ceiling, "What am I going to do?"
Resting her head against the window, the thought circled her mind over and over. It was there she remained for the night.
Hi, there I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave a review if you like ^_^ Sorry for the weird code, I was attempting cockney slang.