A/N: Thanks a whole bunch for your reviews, guys! It passed my expectations. I expected only two, and you guys gave me so many more! Thanks! I'll address a few of the reviews, just because I can. ;-)
FIRST OFF: I never planned to make this into a one-chapter story, believe me. Even if I had gotten just one review, I would have done another chapter, just because I hate leaving a story unfinished…though two of my other stories have not been updated for some time due to lack of reviews and motivation. So, don't worry. It won't even end after this chapter. It will definitely be longer, so do not worry!
Krymsom: I honestly hate SasuSaku ones, just because even as Sakura matures, she would hopefully get over that prick, unless Sasuke changes further in the story. Sorry, but I get ticked at SasuSaku. She might not be able to quit him cold turkey mind you, and there might be some signs of affection, but there is no way that I would let her run off with Sasuke…not unless she came back to Naruto. ;-)
Shintenshin no Jutsu: First off, I enjoy your name. The 'Mind Body Switch Skill' used by Ino Yamanaka. Cool. Thank you, and I realized it was a bit overdone, but I figured it would be best…because it shows Naruto's dedication, as well as showing just because Naruto was gone doesn't mean people stopped hating him.
'Person': The anonymous reviewer whoever you are: I just said it was BASED on the Shippuuden series. I never said I would stick to it to the letter. Thank you, though. I appreciate the review.
To everyone else: I am not going to stall you any longer. Thank you for your reviews, encouragement, and overall awesomeness. ;-) Thanks, and I hope you continue to leave such awesome reviews. If you ever have any questions, comments, or even snide remarks (I cannot believe I'm leaving myself open for that, but oh well.) drop me a pm or just leave it in review. I will reply to the reviews each chapter! So, thanks and enjoy! YOU GUYS ROCK:D
Chapter 2:
Naruto Uzumaki was lying on the white cushiony hospital bed, unconscious. His clothing and headband had been removed, and he was in a simple blue-green hospital gown and most of his form was covered by a soft white hospital bed sheet. His blue eyes were closed, and his face seemed peaceful. The room he was in was large, by special request of the Hokage.
Said Ninja was standing next to Naruto, carefully filling out a medical info sheet. She was glad that Naruto would pull through. More than glad. The sudden burst of Kyuubi Chakra had healed all of Naruto's internal and external wounds. Everyone who had previously been on the street to fend off the villagers was in the large room that Naruto had been put in, sitting in chairs and reading books or magazines. Jiraiya was standing next to the window, staring out at the splendid afternoon view of Konoha.
"By all rights, he should be awake now." Murmured Tsunade, and everyone had heard her. They looked up, concern visible on their face. Especially Sakura's.
Jiraiya's face was drawn into a frown and he shrugged. "He's always been a late-riser. He would sleep through almost anything…until the sunlight hit his face. But…maybe his mind is keeping him asleep to deal with the trauma he just dealt with." He suggested, and Tsunade nodded.
She absent-mindedly went to fidget with her necklace, the one she had given Naruto years ago, but she realized it wasn't there. The necklace was currently around Naruto's neck, and she smiled fondly at him.
Kakashi spoke from behind his Make-out Paradise book. "Tsunade-sama…that was the biggest mob of villagers who attacked him in the past thirteen years, and I think that he needs the sleep. Did you see the weapons used on him, the weapons that littered the street?"
Tsunade shrugged slightly. "I saw a few clubs, a few knives." She said, and Kakashi sighed and closed his book.
"Pitchforks, bats, garden hoes, glass bottles, regular silverware, axes, and wooden rods…even a set of spiked brass-knuckles. He was beaten, and I don't think even the fox Chakra could completely heal him. His body is reacting to the stress…and it might take a few hours tops for him to wake. The Fox is probably still healing the wounds that we can't see." Kakashi said, and Sakura finally sighed.
"Okay…I give up. I know some things, but you guys keep mentioning the Fox. The being made of Chakra, the one above Naruto when he was dying, was in the shape of a fox. What was it, and how was it battling for dominance on the inside of Naruto? The Villagers kept calling him demon…and you keep saying 'The Fox'…and Iruka even said the Kyuubi. What in the world is everyone talking about?" Sakura asked, and the adults in the room exchanged glances.
Shikimaru sighed loudly, but Temari sat forward in her seat. "I think I get it, just from the information you've just said, Sakura." Shikimaru said, and everyone raised an eyebrow at him.
"Correct me if I'm wrong…but the Kyuubi isn't dead, is it? The Fourth Hokage never killed the Fox, but somehow Naruto has been sealed with the Kyuubi inside of him all these years. I don't have enough information to complete the entire analysis, but Naruto can call on the Demon's Chakra…I saw it at the Chunin Exam all those years ago." Shikimaru said, and Temari raised an eyebrow at him.
Jiraiya sighed, and ran a hand through his hair. "You guys will have to ask Naruto. It's his decision to tell you, not ours. What I can tell you, is that it hasn't been easy for him. He hasn't told you anything…because of his past. When people know his burden, they push him away most of the time. They shun him."
Sakura stood, and said determinedly, "I don't care what it is! We're his friends, and we won't abandon him."
Tsunade smiled at her apprentice, and looked down at Naruto, to see a small tear roll down the side of his face. His eyes were open. The deep cerulean eyes expressed gratitude as well as sadness. Tsunade smiled at him and then quickly put up her gruff façade. "About time you're up, baka! You had everyone worried!" She frowned and put her hands on her hips, and Naruto smiled.
Everyone stood, and immediately gathered around Naruto. He raised himself up easily, and Tsunade gave him a warning, "Be careful! You may heal like crazy, but that beating you took…you don't want to overstress your body."
Naruto nodded and rubbed his head sheepishly. "Heh, okay, Baa-chan."
Tsunade about clubbed Naruto over the head with her fist, but Shizune laughed nervously and held Tsunade back. "Just like you said, Tsunade-sama! He's recovering!"
Kakashi waved at Naruto and said, "Yo!"
Naruto grinned widely and said, "Kakashi-Sensei! How ya' doin?"
Kakashi chuckled and shrugged. "I'm doing fine."
Everyone smiled and started to catch up on what had happened in the past few years, and Temari told Naruto, "You know, Gaara's Kazekage now."
Naruto's smile froze on his face. "What? G-Gaara? Kazekage? No way!"
Temari nodded and grinned. "Yeah, it was hard work, but he did it."
Naruto sighed, and rubbed his head. "Man. I'll have to catch up fast!" He said, and Sakura smiled at him.
He smiled back at her, and a slight blush crept over his face. Sakura blushed slightly, and the adults exchanged knowing glances. Apparently, Naruto remembered everything that happened outside his body while he was struggling for dominance.
Naruto's smile softened into a tender gaze, and Sakura met his eyes. The room quickly burst into chatter, talking among themselves to appear not to be staring. "Sakura…thank you." He said softly, and she nodded back.
He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed his mouth when nothing came out. He glanced around the room and sighed. He had been awake when Sakura had asked about what the adults were talking about, and he felt that he owed his friends an answer, even though Shikimaru knew most of the answer.
"Guys…" He said softly, and everyone looked at him in curiosity
"I…I'm going to tell you the answer to Sakura' question." He murmured, and everyone turned to him and gave him their complete attention.
Jiraiya gave him a nod of encouragement, and Naruto gulped. Shikimaru actually paid attention, forsaking the clouds floating in the blue sky. Temari watched Naruto with interest, and Sakura leaned forward. Tsunade sighed and exchanged glances with Kakashi and Jiraiya, and Shizune gave Naruto a sad smile. Naruto looked into Sakura's green eyes, eyes that captured and calmed his soul. The soft green eyes were filled with sympathy, curiosity, and kindness, and he knew he had to say it.
"You wanted to know why I was treated like I was, and why everyone kept referring to 'The Fox'." He spoke so softly, it was almost a whisper. Naruto looked down at the covers, and started to fidget with the white material.
"Shikimaru…you guessed right. The Fourth Hokage never killed the Kyuubi. He summoned the Death God, using the same technique the Sandaime did when he died. However, the Kyuubi's soul was too large and strong to completely kill, so the Fourth used an infant and sealed the Kyuubi inside that infant. That infant…was me. I never knew this…until Mizuki told me and tried to get me to give him the scroll of sealing years ago. I never knew why I had always been chased and beaten and hated by everyone…until that night. That was the same night I learned the Kage Bunshin skill. I am the container of the Kyuubi…and I can use his power and Chakra. Sometimes I go under his influence…when I'm consumed by rage and by bloodlust. If I die…he dies, so he supplies me with his power. But…at the instance in the street, I was not dead. The seal weakened because I was on the border of death, and he managed to open the gate a slight bit. I closed it, thanks to you guys, but if I hadn't he would have controlled me and then broken free of my body." Naruto spoke slowly, and looked up at Temari.
"I…am like Gaara." He said, and Temari nodded. Sakura and Shikimaru nodded in understanding, and Naruto braced for the worst.
What happened, however, was far from 'the worst'. Sakura walked over to his left side and hugged him, resting her head on his firm shoulder. He smelled the scent of a cherry blossom shampoo in her hair, and he enjoyed it. She whispered, "Naruto…thank you for telling me this."
He nodded, and felt a slight graze on his cheek, a feathery kiss that made his heart beat harder. He knew, he remembered as if he was watching outside of his body, that Sakura had kissed him full on the lips. But, he had not felt anything that happened to his body, he only saw it. He could only imagine how her soft lips felt when pressed against his, and he desperately wanted to lock her in a kiss now. But, in front of all these adults, in front of his friends…he had to stay in control.
But he kissed her back, subtly, just grazing his lips on her cheek as she drew away. She gave him a look that was both of affection and surprise, and pleasure. She winked at him, causing him to grin, and Jiraiya knew. He grinned, a Pervy look on his face. Naruto immediately glared at the old man, and Jiraiya laughed, only to be conked on the head by Sakura and Tsunade. Jiraiya collapsed to the ground with a lump the size of a softball.
Kakashi watched with worry, and Shikimaru sighed. "Well…not to underplay your power and the power of the Kyuubi, but why weren't you able to bring back Sasuke all those years ago if you could call on his power?"
Everyone grew silent, and worry appeared on all the adult's faces. They knew how sensitive Naruto was about that. He bowed his head and Sakura felt a sense of depression, for once not about Sasuke leaving…but for Naruto. Naruto had tried his best, he had almost died…and Naruto believed he wasn't strong enough. She could tell.
"I…I'm stronger now. I could only go into a one-tailed state before, under the control of the Kyuubi. Now I'm different, and I've grown stronger and stronger with better Jutsu." He said, and he looked up. He wasn't sad, but he was angry and determined. "As I promised Sakura-chan…I won't fail! I will bring back Sasuke, even if it kills me! Once I make a promise, I never go back on it!" He yelled, and Shikimaru only raised an eyebrow at the angry outburst.
Naruto's fists were clenched, and Jiraiya walked stepped to Naruto's side. He put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, and said, "Naruto…you are strong enough to bring back Sasuke. You know it, as well as I do. Don't worry."
Naruto nodded, pushing back his anger. He unclenched his fists and sighed. "I know." He muttered, and everyone was silent for a while.
"Tsunade…can I go?" Naruto asked, looking up at said ninja.
She nodded and said, "Yes…but you will be leaving with Sakura and Kakashi. You're to spar with him so he can assess your skills."
Naruto pumped a fist rapidly in the air and quickly became his hyperactive self. "BOO-YAH!" He yelled, and everyone chuckled.
"Meet me down at the hospital entryway once you're checked out, Naruto. Then we'll go to the field where the assessment will begin. Okay?" Kakashi said, and Naruto nodded.
"Let's go, Sakura. We all need to go so Naruto can get decent." Kakashi said, and Sakura nodded. "Wait, Kakashi-sensei! I have a present for you!" Naruto yelled, and pointed at his backpack next to Jiraiya. Jiraiya knew what it was, and grinned, pulling it out of the pack.
Jiraiya handed Kakashi a novel, signed by himself. It was the Brand New book, not even in stores yet, in the series of Icha Icha Paradise. 'Make Out Tactics' was the title.
Everyone left, waving farewell and saying that the rookie nine would have to get together and have a reunion party. "Thanks guys!" Naruto said, waving. Everyone left as a single crowd, chattering and laughing…but Sakura stayed behind. Naruto watched her with a smile, a smile that was not real. He was awkward, and she could tell.
She quickly shut the door, effectively keeping anyone from eavesdropping on them. She crossed the space between them quickly, and sat on the edge of Naruto's bed. She was on his left side, and he turned slightly to face her.
"Naruto." She said, looking at him.
"Sakura?" He asked, confused.
Her green eyes were unreadable, but they sparkled in the light. The gentle green texture of her iris was like a green sea, peaceful and beautiful…perfect. She smiled, and said, "Naruto…you've always felt like that towards me, right?"
He immediately knew what she was talking about. How…how he loved her. He nodded, blushing, and she blushed slightly as well. "You always sacrificed yourself for me, rescued me whenever you could, and I always turned you down and looked at Sasuke. Why do you still feel like you do towards me? I don't really deserve this kind of dedication." She said, and Naruto turned serious. It was amazing how serious he could be when he wanted to.
"You do deserve it. You're the most perfect girl I've ever seen or met." He whispered, and Sakura looked down.
"Well, then you must not have met a lot of girls." She said, and he knew once again where she was going. She considered it her fault for him getting hurt for her wishes…like him being pierced with Sasuke's Chidori.
Naruto removed the covers, and stood, completely re-energized and strong. He didn't mind the fact he was in a hospital gown, but he looked at her, standing in front of her. He boldly took both of her hands in his, and was amazed at the softness of her hands, but he continued to say what was needed. "Sakura. You are the most perfect person I have ever met. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone gets blinded by their desires…but you cannot take the blame for when I get hurt. You're wonderful like that…but you know, it was Sasuke's decision. You were younger and you had eyes for Sasuke, and tried to stay loyal to him. That sense of loyalty is another amazing quality about you. I promised you I would bring him back…and I still intend to do that, and you can't hold yourself responsible for anything that he does or any wounds I get. There's no sense in you worrying yourself." He said, and Sakura was amazed at how strong his grip was, even when it was gentle.
He leaned closer, bringing her hands up to his chest, right on his heart. She could feel the thumping of his heart, and she was surprised it matched the rhythm of her heart…fast. They were close, and she knew what was going to happen, and she did not fight it. She closed her eyes and her lips touched his, just for a moment. "Sakura…my heart is yours to do with what you will. I'll always be there for you, and I'll do whatever you say. You are everything I've ever wanted or needed, and I want to be that same thing for you. To be there to keep you from crying…from worrying." He said, and Sakura could feel both of their heart rates increase in speed.
"Naruto…kiss me again." She whispered, looking deep into his cerulean eyes. They closed their eyes and he obliged her. They kissed, passionately, and Sakura murmured between kisses, "I…I love you. Always."
She released her hand from his grip, and instead held his. She moved his hands to her own chest, right above her heart. He wasn't groping her, or touching that part of her at all, but he could feel the strong heartbeat. "I was misguided for a long time, Naruto. But, I know now that my heart is for you. Forever and always." She whispered, and she was surprised that she let him lower her down onto the hospital bed. They joined in a kiss, and she was surprised once more at herself. She was almost angry at her reaction, but at the same time…she knew he at least deserved this for all the years she had scorned him. She had wrapped her legs around his waist as he leaned over her, bringing their bodies together. Naruto removed his hands from Sakura's chest and moved his right hand to run his fingers through her soft pink hair. His left hand placed itself lightly on her leg that was wrapped around his waist, neither seeming too personal or too withdrawn.
Naruto was surprised at himself as well. He had never known this kind of contact before, but his body reacted all by itself. He just gave into the stunning kisses and let his body react freely. Naruto regretted what his body did next, because he let it. His mouth opened slightly while they were kissing, and gently traced Sakura's lips with his tongue. They both froze, opening their eyes. He was about to back off and release himself from her intimate hold, when she raised an eyebrow and whispered, "That was new."
He grinned at the same time she did, and she raised her arms and rested them on his shoulders and wrapped them around his neck. She gently drew him to her, persuasive but soft and they continued. They were lost in the moment, giving their bodies free-reign, both having never experienced this kind of contact but both doing exactly the right thing.
Naruto moved his kisses from Sakura's lips, down to her soft neck. He could feel her pulse pounding, and she sighed in contentment as he gently kissed the soft white skin. Her right hand gently ran though his messy hair, and her left hand began to softly caress his back.
It seemed to be a bit late for the question, but Naruto decided to ask anyway. "Sakura-chan? Will you…be my girlfriend?" He asked, and gently nibbled at her collarbone, hardly leaving any mark.
She ran her fingers through his blond hair and brought his head up so they could look each other in the eyes. "Yes. Yes, my Naruto-kun." She murmured, and they pressed their lips together, Naruto's excitement redoubled. He had never heard Sakura address him with the 'closeness' and endearment that the suffix '-Kun' represented. She had always said, "Sasuke-kun", but never "Naruto-kun".
Sakura sighed, a wistful and longing sigh, and she whispered from between the kiss, "Naruto…we have to go now. If we stay too long…we could get in trouble."
Naruto growled in frustration, and Sakura felt the vibration run through his chest and vibrate into hers. "I don't want to stop now." He murmured, and kissed her with fiery passion that almost made her lose the ability to care whether they got caught.
But, she remained resolved…just barely. "Naruto, please. We can do this later. We'll have plenty of time." She said, pushing his head gently away, his lips separating from hers.
He sighed, and nodded, helping her sit up while backing away slightly and removing himself from the intimate embrace of her legs. "Okay, Sakura-chan".
She smoothed her rumpled clothes, re-organized her hair quickly, and then stood. Naruto raised an eyebrow at the hickie he had left on her neck, and blushed. "Oops." He said, and Sakura seemed to realize what had happened.
"Where is it?" She asked, and Naruto touched the soft red spot on her neck. Sakura put her hand on that spot, covering it with a quick Genjutsu, and took her hand away. For those without blood-limit's that allowed them to see past illusions, it would look normal. But, those with the Sharingan or Byakugan would see the hickie, but Sakura wasn't worried about that.
"I'll see you at the entrance." She said, and walked out of the room, leaving Naruto to dress in his clothes that were on a table next to his bed. He stripped quickly, redressing just as quick. His suit had no holes, which surprised him. Someone must have fixed them up quickly or bought a new suit. He slipped on his orange pants, and his black kunai holster over his right thigh. Then, he slipped on his tight black tee shirt, and then zipped up his black and orange jumpsuit jacket. He then quickly tied on his black Ninja Headband, and slipped on his boots.
Ready to go, Naruto walked out of the room, and went to the main desk to get signed out.
Kakashi stopped, putting away his book, and turned to his two tagalongs. Naruto and Sakura stopped, amazed at where they were. A flood of memories hit them, as they realized that this was the same exact place they had first taken the 'Bell Test'. Neither had been here since Sasuke had left the village, both too depressed and saddened to come near this place. But, now that they were here, memories pounded at them, memories of Sasuke.
Naruto's fists clenched, and Sakura drooped her head as Naruto pointed out the obvious. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei. Remember the last time we were all here together?"
Kakashi seemed to actually just notice his surroundings and said with surprise, "Oh! Yes, I remember now! Back when we were Team 7, before Sasuke left. Wow, I guess this is a fitting place for another assessment."
Images flooded Naruto's mind…images from his and Sasuke's battle at the Valley of the End. Naruto's nail's cut into his palm, drawing a small amount of blood, as his muscles clenched tighter.
Sakura noticed the blood, as it slowly dripped from Naruto's palm, and she saw his jaw clenching. Her heart caught in her chest, pain coursing through her own body as Naruto wounded himself, both mentally and physically. Kakashi also noticed Naruto's reaction and thought, 'It seems Sasuke's name is taboo around these two for now.'
Kakashi looked at them, smiling softly beneath his mask. He reached into his pouch attached to the back of his belt, and with a faint ringing sound, withdrew two bells. Naruto and Sakura immediately grinned as he said, "Now…you guys, you are no longer my students. I will fight you with the seriousness that I expect you to face me with. You are now my equals."
Naruto chuckled and adjusted his headband, on his forehead. Sakura reached into a pocket, and withdrew a pair of black leather gloves. She slipped them on, and clenched her fist, and the sound of leather being squeezed sent a shiver up Naruto's spine for a moment. He knew how hard she could punch.
Kakashi continued to speak. "In this lesson, I'll be teaching you two three types of Ninja fighting. To win this bout, you need to come at me with the intention of killing me."
The afternoon sun beat down on them, and on the crowd hidden in the trees watching. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Shizune, Temari, and Shikimaru were all watching. Iruka had to leave for the Academy, but Shizune was recording the fight with a video camera. Everyone was watching closely.
Kakashi raised one hand, his left hand that was unoccupied by the bells, and lifted his headband. His blood-red Sharingan glared out at the two Shinobi, and they immediately averted their gazes. "Seeing as I'm fighting you as equals, I won't fool around here."
Suddenly, Naruto charged, obviously impatient and ready to fight. He had a kunai out, and thrust it at Kakashi. Kakashi dodged easily, moving his head to the side and grabbing Naruto's outstretched arm, and then throwing him backwards. Naruto flew backwards…only to be caught by another Naruto. Everyone gasped in surprise. No one had even seen Naruto do the correct hand-signs for a Shadow clone. The Naruto that was caught, was spun through the air by his captor and immediately performed a Henge and transformed into a large Shuriken like Iruka's. Everyone suddenly understood. A Shadow Clone had charged, not Naruto, but that didn't explain Naruto's speed. The Shadow Clone was now a giant Shuriken, thrust at Kakashi. However, Naruto froze. Standing behind him, with a kunai at Naruto's throat, was Kakashi. He had moved so fast, no one had caught it. Naruto chuckled, at the same time as Kakashi.
Kakashi's chuckle caught in his throat as he felt something prodding his back. Another Naruto had a kunai in Kakashi's back, and Kakashi felt a trickle of sweat run down the side of his face. Naruto was fast.
Tsunade gasped. "Since when did Naruto get so good? That was incredible? I didn't even see him form those Shadow clones!"
Jiraiya chuckled. "Well, give me some credit Tsunade. Even I could improve that knucklehead pretty far in two years."
Tsunade gaped, as did Temari and Shikimaru, at the standoff. Sakura's eyes were wide, mouth open as well, as she realized all that she had just seen. Naruto had indeed improved.
"Well, Naruto. Your timing with the Shadow Clones has improved greatly." Kakashi said, smiling.
Naruto grinned, "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi replied, "You're welcome. But…you're impatient. I never said 'go'."
Sakura's eyes went wide, realizing what was about to happen. "NARUTO! Don't let him go!"
Kakashi looked at her, his eyes closed in a grin. "Go!" He said and, with a puff of smoke, he disappeared.
When the smoke cleared, Kakashi was gone, leaving two bewildered Naruto's. Sakura stomped over to Naruto and clocked him on the head. "You idiot! I told you not to let him go!"
The Naruto she hit, the one holding the large Shuriken, disappeared in a puff of smoke. The real Naruto, the one who had had a Kunai at Kakashi's back, muttered sheepishly, "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan. He caught me by surprise! It won't happen again, I swear!"
Kakashi's voice floated through the air. "The First Lesson that I will teach you is this: Taijutsu."
Out of nowhere, Kakashi appeared, launching a rapid series of hand-to-hand combinations that overwhelmed Naruto and sent him flying. Sakura attacked, trying to blind-side Kakashi, but he leapt out of the way. Naruto quickly got to his feet, but Kakashi was gone once more.
"Where is he? Left? Right? Above?" Sakura asked, glancing at each direction as she spoke it. She grinned, and said, "No! So he must be below!"
Tsunade grinned at the same moment as Sakura and everyone watched as Sakura swung her fist…at the ground. As soon as her fist touched the dirt, the ground exploded upwards, shattering the ground just as effectively as a bomb.
Naruto's eyes widened in shock and he thought, 'Oh man! I better not act stupid…or Sakura-chan might kill me!'
When the dust settled, Sakura wiggled her fingers at the debris. Sitting there, sweat dripping from his brow in fear, eyes wide, was Kakashi. "Uh…wow. It seems you've learned precision Chakra control and release." He muttered, and Sakura giggled.
"I found you, Kakashi-sensei!" She laughed, and Kakashi dusted himself off and climbed out of the debris.
"Well, it seems you have indeed grown. I won't be holding back." He said, and both Naruto and Sakura grinned in anticipation.
Kakashi fired off three Shuriken, faster than Sakura could react to, aimed directly at the pink-haired Kunoichi. Sakura gasped, as did Tsunade and Shizune.
Naruto jumped in front of Sakura, using his body as a shield and with a sickening slicing sound…the three shuriken pierced deep into Naruto. Sakura paled as blood flowed from Naruto's chest. She took a step forward, and Kakashi paled as well. "Naruto!" He murmured, and Naruto fell to his knees. Then…he disappeared in a puff of white smoke. Kakashi yelled in shock, "Dang! A shadow clone!"
"RASENGAN!" yelled Naruto, appearing behind Kakashi and attempting to nail his teacher with the glowing blue orb. Kakashi had no choice but to jump backwards…towards Sakura.
Sakura and Kakashi realized this at the same time, even as Kakashi was flying through the air, and Sakura grinned. She swung her fist at her incoming instructor, who caught her wrist and used it to swing himself out of harms way and deep into the woods. Sakura continued forwards, straight towards Naruto. Sakura's eyes went wide a split second before her fist impacted…with an unfortunate Naruto's face.
Naruto flew backwards, hurtling through the air like a rag doll, and slammed into a tree. Sakura gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Oh my god! Naruto!"
Naruto held his bleeding nose, as he curled up on the ground in a ball. "SAKURA-CHAN! OWOWOWOW! Why'd you do that?" He yelled, and Kakashi laughed from up in the trees, effectively disappearing. He would let them recuperate before coming after him again.
Sakura knelt by Naruto, who had tears and blood streaming. "That hurt!" Naruto whined, and Sakura noticed the crooked nose. Yup, she had broken his nose. Ouch.
She winced as she quickly reached out, and with a cracking noise, straightened his nose. Naruto howled in pain, and Sakura quickly healed the bone and cartilage back together. Naruto made a questioning noise and then asked, "You learned medical Jutsu?"
Sakura nodded, and took her hand away. Naruto wiped the blood and tears of his face, and stood. Sakura stood as well and softly apologized. "Sorry Naruto. He surprised me."
He sniffed, touching his nose and making sure everything was okay. "It's okay, Sakura-chan. He's fast. But…next time try not to break my nose." He grinned, ready to go.
"Okay." She giggled, and for some reason, the way he was looking at her made her blush. He stepped forward and gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then took a few steps away from her. "Ready? Let's go." He said.
She nodded, and together they jogged into the woods, looking for signs of their ever-elusive instructor. Unknown to them, all the people who had hidden in the woods, except for Jiraiya and Shikimaru, silently said, "Awww! That's so cute!" Fortunately for the two youth Shinobi, they hadn't heard the exclamation.
It was getting into the late evening, and now the sky and their surroundings were red from the setting sun. They had only engaged Kakashi a few times, but they hadn't managed to land a hit on the man. With his Sharingan, he was very formidable, even with Sakura and Naruto's improvements. He was extremely fast, and he had even used a few of Rock Lee and Might Guy's Taijutsu moves.
Right now, the two Shinobi were closing in on Kakashi, using Naruto's keen sense of smell. Thanks to the Kyuubi within him, he could smell other's scents and even their Chakra. They were close.
Suddenly, they jumped down from the trees and onto the grassy floor of the forest. Naruto had made a hand sign that meant Kakashi was ahead. They approached stealthily, hardly making the slightest sound. Kakashi, hiding behind a tree now, waited for them to draw closer before unleashing his attack.
'NOW!' He thought, and quickly initiated his attack.
Naruto and Sakura froze, hearing someone stumbling towards them. They both went on the guard, prepared for an attack. However, what they saw, froze their blood, and made their breath catch in their chests. Stumbling towards them was a familiar figure, but he was pierced by kunai and bleeding profusely.
"Sakura…Naruto! H-help me! I escaped from Orochimaru's…please, help me!" Sasuke gasped, and collapsed to his knees. He leaned against a tree, panting and bleeding. "Please." He begged, and Naruto took a step forward.
Naruto's fists clenched, and he growled slightly. Sakura's eyes were sad and soft, but her voice was firm. "While I would have liked to talk longer…it's time for you to go now, Sasuke." She brought her hands up in front of her in the seal of the ram and pronounced one word. "Kai." With the release word, the Genjutsu shattered, and Sasuke disappeared.
Naruto let loose the breath he didn't realize he had been holding, and his muscles unclenched. Sakura spoke loudly, smiling slightly. "I fell for that on the first exam, Kakashi-sensei! Don't think that we'll fall for the same tricks twice!"
Kakashi smiled, and stepped out from behind his tree. "Hehehe! I guess you're right, guys. You have grown smarter."
Sakura grinned. "Don't you have something to say?"
Kakashi paused, and then he realized what she was talking about. "Oh yes! Ninja Tactical Lesson Two: Genjutsu!" He said, and grinned.
Naruto was observing his surroundings, and saw something that made him grin, laying on the ground, looking like it had been snagged and torn from Kakashi vest…was one of the bells. Naruto jumped towards it, fast enough to grab it before Kakashi could notice the bell.
Naruto grabbed the bell, grinning, but Kakashi grinned back. "However, it seems that Naruto will always be a knucklehead and never learn."
Naruto, with a jerk that made him drop the bell, found himself in the same predicament as he was in the first bell exam: upside down. A rope trap had snagged his ankle and raised him, upside down. However, instead of getting angry, Naruto grinned. "Hehehe! IDIOT!" Naruto yelled, howling with laughter.
Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke, and Kakashi panicked. "ANOTHER Shadow Clone?" He asked, and from behind him came a battle cry.
"RASENGAN!" Naruto yelled, the glowing blue orb resting in his outstretched palm. Kakashi jumped backwards from Naruto, behind a tree. Naruto didn't even pause as he used the Rasengan to punch through the tree and reduce it to splinters, easier than snapping a toothpick. Kakashi jumped farther, only to be pursued by Naruto still.
Sakura leapt forward, fist cocked back for a killer blow, which Kakashi dodged. The tree behind Kakashi splintered the same, blasted into thousands of pieces by Sakura's Chakra enhanced blow. Kakashi thought despairingly, 'Oh, geez! Come on!'
Naruto, holding the Rasengan, grinned as he pursued Kakashi. That grin set off a warning bell that made Kakashi instinctively jump even as he heard a second Naruto voice behind him.
"Ultimate Secret Taijutsu: A THOUSAND YEARS OF DEATH!" Naruto yelled, hands clasped in the seal of the tiger. He thrust his fingers upwards towards Kakashi's rear-end, but Kakashi jumped. Naruto's fingers missed the intended target by a mere inch, and that made Kakashi sweat.
Then, both Naruto's puffed into non-existence, and the smoke momentarily clouded his vision. Only his Sharingan allowed him to see Naruto fly towards him, aiming a kick towards Kakashi's head. Kakashi blocked it, then grabbed Naruto's leg and swung him away, towards Sakura. Sakura caught Naruto, spinning, and then threw Naruto towards Kakashi. Kakashi's eyes widened as Naruto formed a Rasengan…without the aid of a clone, in that split second Sakura caught him.
"RASENGAN!" Naruto yelled again, and Kakashi performed a flying jump out of the way. The swirling blue orb of Chakra missed Kakashi's chest…by a millimeter. Kakashi fell to the ground unceremoniously, only to continue to roll and jump away as Sakura bashed the ground where his head had been. The ground cracked, and Kakashi freaked out.
He had told them to come at him with the intention of killing him…but he hadn't expected them to really do it! Good gosh, this was going to be harder than he anticipated!
Kakashi jumped to his feet, and fled into the woods, leaving Sakura and Naruto panting. Naruto was dusting off his jacket, and staring up at the red sky, and grinned. "Kakashi-sensei is making mistakes." He said, and Sakura nodded.
"You almost nailed him twice, Naruto. I'm impressed. Got any other moves besides a couple Shadow Clones and a Rasengan?" Sakura asked, smiling.
Naruto nodded. He paused, looked at the direction Kakashi fled, and smiled. "Kakashi-sensei stopped. He's taking a breather. Come on. I'll show you what I've got."
Sakura nodded, smiling. This was going to be interesting.
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Kakashi paused, breathing heavily. The two had given him quite a scare! He didn't realize that had improved so greatly. He panted, and thought morosely, 'I don't even have time to read my new book that Naruto got me! I started it earlier, but I didn't want to stop! URGH! I wish I had enough time for a quick peek!'
Suddenly, Naruto leapt out of the bushes, kunai drawn and thrusting at Kakashi. 'Dang, he found me fast!', Kakashi thought as he jumped at Naruto, drawing his own Kunai. Their kunai clashed in the red atmosphere, causing orange and blue sparks to fly, and the two ninja soared past each other.
Naruto puffed into non-existence, and Kakashi cursed. Naruto jumped out of the bushes again, straight towards Kakashi who was still in the air. Kakashi flipped, landing a hasty kick on the crown of Naruto's head, and used the impact to push himself further up into the air. He performed a back flip, and landed with his guard up and ready. The Naruto he kicked puffed into non-existence, and Kakashi gave a grim smile that showed he had expected this.
Suddenly, Naruto and Sakura appeared above him, on a tree-limb. "Yo, Kakashi-sensei! You ready?" Naruto yelled, and Kakashi sighed in disappointment.
"You really shouldn't announce yourself so loudly before you attack. It allows your enemy to prepare a counter-offensive, Naruto." Kakashi chided, and Naruto laughed.
"Counter-offensive this, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto yelled, and closed his eyes. He put his hands together in the cross shape, index and middle finger of each hand up and put together. Sakura watched with half-interest, expecting a few Shadow Clones. Kakashi watched as Naruto's Chakra spiked, and then watched in astonishment as Naruto yelled his Jutsu name.
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto yelled, and in a split second, tons of Naruto shimmered into existence around him. Hanging from tree branches, standing upside down on the tree branches, appearing in front of him standing confidently…were roughly one hundred and fifty Naruto's.
Sakura raised an eyebrow, not expecting this many from Naruto. So he had a larger number of Shadow Clones…that's nothing too new. But then, Sakura noticed something about the Shadow Clones, each of them in a split second had performed the same Jutsu. There were now 200, no wait, 400 Naruto's surrounding Kakashi. Sakura raised both eyebrows, and Kakashi did as well. He paled slightly, and Naruto laughed.
"Like I said…Counter-offensive that!" Yelled all four hundred Naruto's.
The real Naruto, the one on the tree branch next to Sakura, grinned. "All right guys! Charge!"
Kakashi blanched and watched in amazement as all four hundred leapt at once…in one solid horde at him. One versus four hundred…even if the four hundred were easy-to-dispatch Shadow Clones…was going to be a little harder than he thought.
However, Kakashi's veteran instincts kicked in, overriding his surprise and slight fear. He leapt, two kunai drawn and ready, and met the clones head-on. Kakashi flipped, stabbed, kicked, punched, threw, and spun like a whirling dervish, never ceasing his movements. Naruto and Sakura watched in amazement as Naruto's numbers were quickly cut down to half in less than a minute.
"Well, that was impressive, Naruto. But…I don't think it did any good." Sakura said, sighing and shrugging.
Naruto shrugged and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I guess it didn't do too good." He said, and Sakura straightened to her full height.
"Fine. I'll take care of this." She said, and stretched the leather glove on her right hand a little bit. Naruto watched as Sakura jumped from the tree branch, and she landed, fist planted into the hard ground.
Sakura yelled as she swung with all her might, and unleashed her Chakra into the ground. The ground erupted, blasting forwards toward Kakashi and the Naruto Clones. The Naruto's disappeared and detonated in puffs of smoke as debris destroyed them.
Kakashi leapt backwards, still killing clones, out of the way of the erupting ground. Naruto quickly formed a KageBunshin, and then had the KageBunshin throw him at Kakashi. The reason being, Sakura had left herself open when she attacked and hit the ground. Her head was still lowered, unable to see the Kakashi shadow clone leaping towards her.
Naruto, a split second later, formed another shadow clone and transformed it into a pebble. Naruto grasped the pebble, landed in front of Sakura, and flicked it at the incoming Kakashi shadow clone. Kakashi's clone raised his eyebrows and a split second before the pebble hit him, the pebble transformed into a kunai. The kunai and Kakashi detonated together, and Naruto held a defensive position in front of Sakura.
She stood, only half-aware of what happened. "You're as good at protecting your team-mates as ever, Naruto." She complimented, and Naruto nodded. Kakashi was now gone, disappeared into the red evening. They would have to search again…but Naruto knew it would be dark before they found him again. He lowered his guard, and sighed.
"Thanks Sakura-chan." Naruto replied, and Sakura gazed at him questioningly. Naruto's mind was suddenly drawn to a thought of Gaara…and he looked to the west, towards Sunagakure…the Village Hidden in the Sand. The Village where Kazekage Gaara now ruled.
"Naruto?" She asked, and Naruto shook his head. He cleared his thoughts and muttered, "It's nothing." But he was lying. There was a sinking feeling in his stomach, but he tried to ignore it. Now was not the time to be distracted.
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At that moment, Gaara looked out of his office window. His pale green eyes glazed as a thought of a blond hero entered his thoughts. "Naruto." He whispered, and quickly snapped back to reality. Something wasn't right.
He gazed around, adjusting his Kazekage robe. Underneath was his red and black tunic-top with it's armor vest and harness that usually held his sand gourd. His gourd in question was next to his desk. It was larger, as was he. He was older, stronger, and he was definitely more becoming than the angry and disturbed young man he was two years ago. He was…more like Naruto, which was his lifelong goal.
Gaara could feel something…out in the desert. It didn't belong. It was a strange element, something unknown, and completely dangerous. Gaara stood, setting down the quill that he was using to write a scroll to Konoha. He removed his robe, and slowly attached his gourd to his harness. His eyes glazed over as yet another thought entered his mind. This time…it was a picture of a black cloaked figure, walking towards the gate of Sunagakure. The black cloak had red clouds on it, and Gaara felt his inner demon stirring.
Gaara spoke one word softly, in a voice that was deeper and more mature than his whiny rasp he had two years ago. "Akatsuki." That word, sent shivers down his spine. They had finally come for him.
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Outside the gate, standing still now, were two Akatsuki members. They wore the traditional hat to conceal their faces, not that they needed to now. Now…they were confronted by a bloody figure. He was a Sand warrior, an elite captain. Unfortunately for the Village of Sand…he was a brainwashed soldier. Someone planted high in the council, by a hunch-backed Akatsuki who was now at the gate.
"Captain Yuura. Do you remember me?" came the deep gravelly voice from the hunchback. The taller one shivered slightly at the voice.
"Yes, Master Sasori." Replied Yuura, kneeling. As Yuura kneeled, the path behind him became visible. Twenty to thirty dead ninja littered the ground and rocky gate, all slain by their commander.
"Deidara. You know what to do." Sasori said, and the taller figure removed his hat.
His blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but bangs escaped and covered his left eye. His artificial eye…his robotically enhanced eye. His right eye, the real one, was a light blue that shone with insanity. He chuckled, and adjusted his headband, the one with the scratch through the Lightning village symbol.
"Hehehe! Okay, Master Sasori. I'll begin." Deidara said, and Sasori muttered something.
"What?" Deidara asked, looking down at his companion.
"I don't like to be kept waiting." Sasori warned, a veiled threat emerging.
"I know, I know." Deidara said, dismissing it with a wave of his hand. Sasori was always impatient…but who cared? He was about to nab his Jinchuriki…the Ichibi (one-tailed demon) Shikaku. The host, Kazekage Gaara of the Sand was going to put a fight…without a doubt. But, what was a one-tailed demon? Hardly anything. Tonight would be easy.
With that…Deidara walked unopposed through the gate and into the open area of the Sand Village, the wind blowing his red-cloud patterned black cloak around his body. He glanced down at his hands, whose palms were facing up at him, and smiled at the slits there. His palms had two mouths, with sharp teeth and tongues to sculpt his attacks. "It's time for some art." Deidara muttered, and vanished from Sasori and Yuura's sight.
A/N: Sorry it took so long to update! I got grounded! It sucked, but now this chapter's up. Have fun, review, and re-read over and over and over again. Lol! I'm outta here for now! I'll update within a few weeks, sorry, but I'm still kinda grounded, and slammed by the upcoming holiday preparations. Don't forget to review.
FlexRhysode1
