Chapter Four

Why is hating you so easy?

Disclaimer: No, don't own Naruto.

Author: Kakashi's sweetheart

Dedication: Chiyokittenchan

-Morning-

Naruto awakened, immediately his hands lunged for his eyes, dispelling of the effects of a full night slumber, removing the crust from the corners of his ocean blue eyes.

Renewing his vision he'd finally look around the dungeon he had slept in, that he called his 'bedroom'.

His gaze would finally catch sight of the enemy katanas placed on the surface of his dresser.

"Better return the katana to Sasuke."

He'd swing his legs to drape over the side of his bed, his bare feet meeting with the ice cold wood floor of his bedroom. The tingling sensation starting at the caliced soles of his feet thus spreading over his body, chills racking his spine.

He'd extend his arms above his head while he'd stifle a yawn. Smacking his lips after the fact he'd take the hilt of Sasuke's katana and grip it firmly in his hand. The bronze hilt was cold against his palm.

The blade had the bitter scent of blood. The blade of the katana sending off a crimson hue when it reflected against the light of his small desk lamp.

"Hm, guess I should clean them…" Naruto took the bottle of clove oil, which dispersed a heavenly scent, taking a silk cloth he'd run it over the blade, cleaning it of any blood and dispelling the awful scent of blood.

Once they were clean he'd return them to their sheaths before he'd place them on the surface of his un-made bed.

He'd pull off his gray shirt which he'd slept in and threw it off somewhere to be found weeks later when he decided to wash clothes.

Next were the boxers. After this he was completely stripped of clothing. Pulling open the first dresser drawer he'd retrieve shuriken patterned boxers.

Bending over he'd place his legs through each leg opening before tugging them over his waist. Retrieving an identical set of battle clothing he'd apply them to the remainder of himself.

He adjusted the kunai holster over his right leg, the weapons pouch upon his right hip.

Taking a short glance toward his worst enemy, the mirror, he'd retrieve the katanas and head toward his destination, being the hospital where he'd take a short visit to return Sasuke's battle tool.

Without even taking the care of locking the door he exited his house while making his way into the lonely dirt streets, where only a few rare shops had their doors open and were welcoming paying customers.

None of which Naruto really paid attention to, nor did he even know they existed amongst Konoha.

Being the impatient knuckle-headed ninja he is, he ran as fast as his chakra could take him before reaching the hospital entrance. He knew Sakura worked early shifts so he didn't bother with a curfew.

"Sakura," Naruto sprinted through the double doors, bursting down the hall, making a quick stop at the entrance desk. "Sasuke Uchiha's room?" Naruto requested, out of breath.

The secretary couldn't help but chuckle. "He's in room 201. You think you can find it by yourself?" The woman spoke, a soft smile over her face.

Naruto racked his brain from the quickest response. "Yeah." Naruto then dashed down the second corridor past the waiting room, calling off the numbers in his head.

Once he arrived he immediately burst through the door, stumbling into a small medal table with different scalpels and scopes, medicines and I.V's.

The room was empty all except for Sasuke whom immediately rise to a sitting position, his back against the head board of his bed. "Haven't you ever heard of 'knocking', you idiot." Sasuke just exhaled a breath while closing his eyes, his brows furrowed.

"Hmph, I just came to return something of yours that you left before you went out cold!" Naruto smirked victoriously. "Hn…whatever, it didn't count for anything, after all,"

Sasuke looked up at Naruto, a smirk crossing upon his thin lips. "It was just a training session."

Naruto gulped furiously, clenching his fists tightly together, staring down at the white tile. He didn't beat Sasuke for real, it was just training.

"Hm, well, I'll still kick your ass for real next time!" Naruto raised his fist, glaring toward his rival."

"Hm…" Sasuke chuckled and merely raised his hand in a gesture for Naruto to stop talking.

"Loser, do you have any recollection of our match, I told you to never make your attacks obvious to the enemy…you'll never win, well, did you ever notice that the fight was completely one sided,"

Sasuke looked into Naruto's wide eyes and chuckled wickedly.

"There ya go…I got myself beaten up…so, in the real match, I'll know all of your battle tactics, but when it comes to me, you won't have a clue."

Sweat beaded at the brim of Naruto's forehead, a couple of beads trailing down his nose before dripping the floor.

Sasuke's chilling gaze ripping through the blonde like a heavy blow to the stomach.

Naruto couldn't find any words, no sarcasm to throw down Sasuke's throat; he was completely blinded to the core. Paralyzed from the limbs to the consciousness of thought.

Finally he could speak, the heaviness would bear down upon him, but somehow he could speak in trade for a numbness of body movements.

"I hate you."

Soon Naruto would retreat from the room and slowly make his way down the corridor.

From Sasuke's room Sasuke simply scoffed. 'Wonder why hating you is so easy, Naruto.' His head would recline against the head board and he'd just stare up at the ceiling.