HERE IS CHAPTER 4!! YAAAY!!! ENJOY MY ADORING FANS! ;)
A brief warning here…well, not much of a warning as much as it is a piece of information. There is some ShikimaruxTemari hinting in this chapter. I might decide to carry it further, depending on your guys' reviews.
A/N: Once again. sigh I do NOT own Naruto. I also don't own the Shippuuden series, which this story is based off of. Also…I don't own the Make-out Paradise Series. HAHAHA! That would be funny if I did, though. Then I would get enough money to buy Naruto from Masashi Kishimoto! THEN THE WORLD WOULD BOW TO ME! BWAHAHAHA!
coughs okay. Well, time to get on with the story
Chapter 4:
Previously in Lost in the Green Seas:
Deidara grinned maniacally and laughed out the word that caused the world below him to burst into flames. "KATSU!"
Gaara and Deidara watched, one with amusement and pride…and the other with horror, as the 'Specialty' exploded. Flames leapt into existence, and the world shook, and the air was filled with a roar that made Gaara's ears hurt. It was ten times louder than thunder. His village…was doomed.
THE CONTINUATION:
[Konohagakure-The Village Hidden in the Leaves-9:30 p.m.
Kakashi was hiding at the base of a thick tree, crouched and panting. He was running low on Chakra, and he was getting irritated. He had not been able to read his new Icha Icha book at all! He desperately wanted to see what happened between the main protagonist and his women lovers.
'Dang. I'll have to wrap this up fast. Wait…what's that noise?' He thought, and realized it was Naruto and Sakura. They had finally found him. He sighed, and wearily thought, 'Great…time for another bruising.'
He stood, and looked around, straining every sense to determine the direction of the two Shinobi's attacks. Kakashi used his Sharingan, and spotted the disturbances. 'There!' He thought, and quickly went on guard.
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[Sunagakure-The Village Hidden in the Sand-9:30 p.m.
The air was filled with heat and dust, fire and ash, as Deidara's 'Specialty' exploded. Deidara laughed maniacally, and watched in pride as the explosion bloomed like a flower. The black, red, orange and yellow color mixtures cast a beautiful light across the village as it was caught up in his art's explosion.
"Beautiful." Deidara said, and grinned at the Kazekage. The Kazekage was obviously straining…but for what reason? Sweat was gathered on his forehead, and his limbs were shaking. Deidara's artificial eye detected a massive outpouring of Chakra, and he looked down as the smoke cleared from the ground zero of the explosion.
"What?" Deidara whispered, shocked at the sight.
Instead of a destroyed village, he was looking at a giant floating sand platform that had erupted from the very floor of the village. The sand had risen, and acted like a bowl and contained the explosion. The structure…was massive. It was beyond even the Shukaku spheres, which was why Gaara was straining so much. So much energy had been lost to save his village…and he now struggled to keep the structure intact. If he let it go…it could fall and damage the village.
Deidara hissed in displeasure, and then grinned. Gaara quickly glanced at Deidara and noticed the sinister grin. His eyes widened as Deidara said, "Within Range."
He raised his remaining hand, and formed the half-seal of the Ram. Gaara's eyes grew even wider as a white shape appeared out of his peripheral vision, a tiny bird. It was right at the edge of his sphere.
"KATSU!" Deidara yelled, igniting the bird into its explosive state.
The bird exploded, and the sand sphere reacted without Gaara's will. It closed him in, just as Deidara was hoping, protecting him from the blast. Gaara would believe he was safe…safe within his shell even as he strained to keep the giant structure underneath them in one piece.
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Gaara panted, breathing heavily as adrenaline rushed through his system. That had been a close call…closer than he ever wanted to experience again. He had to end this quickly. However, as he reached out to manipulate his sand, he detected abnormalities within his sand shell. Moving abnormalities that were burrowing through to the inside of his shell. Gaara's heart rate increased and his breathing became shallow. From all sides…tiny clay spiders crawled in from the sand, covering his protective shell and making it white.
Gaara was surprised that he could hear the command from the Blond Akatsuki from within his shell. That single word, made Gaara's world explode.
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"KATSU!" Deidara yelled again, teeth bared in a ferocious grin. He watched as the Sand shell bulged from the explosion within, and chuckled to himself.
'When the fool crushed my arm, my hand was still forming clay. So, I just had my hand spit the clay into the sand that attacked me…seeing as it was faster than any other sand I knew from the reports that that sand belonged to Gaara's "Absolute Defense" sand. It grew with him, soaked up more of his Chakra as he grew, so it was faster than the sand that he manipulates that isn't carried with him at all times. I knew that eventually, due to the limited information on him, he would form his protective shell…so all I had to do was release my clay into that single arm of sand. Then…I used the last of my clay to form that bird that caused him to hide in his shell. The explosion masked the explosive growth and activation of my spiders…and now the fool pays. Not just for my arm, either. But for making me waste my specialty. Hah…what a fool.' Deidara thought, and urged his bird forward slowly.
He watched with interest as slowly…ever so slowly, the sand from the floating shell slowly started to fall away. Just like the sand dripping down in an hourglass. He grinned. Victory was his.
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Kankuro was observing the battle, and had nearly peed his pants when the giant clay doll had fallen towards the city. He had been resting on the railing, eyes wide, when the sand from the streets came alive and surged skywards. It had knocked him on his back, but Kankuro knew immediately what was happening.
The explosion started, but all they could see was the bottom of a giant sand platform. It covered ¼ of the entire village…and that was an impressive feat even for Gaara. However, Kankuro quickly abandoned his post so he could properly see the rest of the battle. From his previous point…his sight was blocked by the sand.
By jumping from roof-to-roof, it took a few minutes for him to reach a vantage point from which he could see the rest of the battle unfold. What he saw shocked him.
Gaara had just gone completely into his protective shell due to an explosion right at the base of the shell, and Kankuro watched carefully. Didn't the Akatsuki know by now that a direct attack wouldn't work?
However, Kankuro's eyes widened as he saw the Akatsuki raise his hand and yell his word for activating his clay. He saw Gaara's shell bulge from an explosion within the orb…and he felt a cold knife pierce his heart. 'No…no…no.' Kankuro thought, and then saw the Akatsuki slowly approaching the orb. The orb…was slowly dissipating. That meant that Gaara was badly injured, or even dead.
"GAARA!" Kankuro yelled, anger and despair exploding within him. "GAARA!" he yelled again, and clenched the railing he was currently holding.
The sand from the orb continued to fall…and it eventually thinned to a thinner tube-like form. Suddenly…the Sand Platform above the city started to move. The movement was audible, like someone pushing a heavy object across the floor. It made Kankuro's teeth vibrate, and his bones tremble.
"No." Kankuro whispered, and he knew Gaara had been defeated. Gaara was removing the sand platform with the last of his power, desperate to remove it before he lost consciousness and control of the sand.
He watched at the platform slowly flew towards the protective cliffs surrounding Sunagakure, and he gripped the metal handrail tighter. The sand from the sphere still fell away. And it was starting to reveal a slouched, defeated Gaara. The only thing that gave away Gaara's consciousness was his hands were raised slightly away from his body, guiding the sand platform away. The Akatsuki had stopped moving, obviously letting Gaara attempt his last act as Kazekage.
Kankuro was far away, but he knew his brother well. He could tell Gaara was fighting desperately to use the last of his Chakra to move the Sand Platform away. Kankuro gritted his teeth, fiery anger coursing through his body. The Akatsuki had another thing coming to him if he thought he could just take Gaara without a fight!
The sand platform reached the border cliffs, much to Kankuro's relief, and then collapsed. It became apart of the desert again, and Kankuro smiled softly up at his younger sibling. "There you go Gaara. Good job." He whispered, and then watched helplessly as the last remaining sand dropped off Gaara's body. He remained there for a moment, hovering in the air through some means, which escaped Kankuro.
The Akatsuki watched as Gaara cast one last look at his village with his pale green eyes, and Gaara visibly sagged into unconsciousness. His cracked sand-armor made him look even worse than he probably was…but that explosion still had beaten him badly. Kankuro watched as Gaara finally let go…and slipped away. Gaara fell, his body limp, and plummeted towards the Sand Village. All eyes were glued to the sight of their Fallen Kazekage, some with tears in their eyes.
The Akatsuki swooped low, and used his bird's back to easily catch the falling Gaara. Gaara was then wrapped up by the clay bird's tail, which surprised Kankuro as the bird still flew steadily. It didn't need its 'tail feathers'. Kankuro looked back towards the area he had recently vacated…where Baki still was.
"BAKI!" Kankuro shouted, still within hearing distance. He could spot his old instructor as Baki looked at him, and Baki immediately sprang into action.
"Quickly! Open fire, Volley one!" Baki's deep voice barked. The Ninja around the Village had brought out giant wooden devices that were like oversized bows. The Ninja around him scurried into action, aiming their large catapult-like devices at the flying Akatsuki. Then…they launched their projectiles.
Deidara was surprised when the arrows, which were just about as big around as he was, whizzed past him. He caught sight of exploding tags on the shaft of the arrows, and quickly sent his bird into a dive. The arrows exploded over his head, and Deidara laughed at the puny explosives.
"IF YOU WANT TO KILL ME, YOU'LL HAVE TO PACK A BIGGER PUNCH!" Deidara taunted, yelling loudly over the explosions.
His taunt was answered by several volleys at once. Deidara paled slightly as he noticed the tags again. They were bigger. They definitely packed a bigger punch. He sent his bird into evasive maneuvers, heading towards the entrance of Suna the whole time, and evaded the massive blasts that turned the sky around him red with flames.
Baki, back at the rooftops, ordered the devices handlers to lead the target carefully. "Don't let that scum leave with our Kazekage! He saved us…we could at least do the same for him!" He roared, and the ninja roared in affirmation.
Deidara paled as he narrowly avoided swarms of exploding arrows, getting his hair singed multiple times, and he barely stayed ahead of them. 'They're good. If it was any ninja with skills slightly lesser than mine…they would already be dead.' Deidara thought, sweating slightly.
He finally escaped the archer's range, and soared towards the entrance of Sunagakure, where Sasori would be waiting for him. He looked at the entrance as he rapidly drew closer, and saw the faint hunch-backed form of Sasori at the entrance. Deidara knew Sasori wouldn't be happy. Sasori hated waiting.
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Kankuro watched breathlessly as the Suna Ninja Archers fired their volleys of exploding arrows, knowing that if even one of them misaimed…Gaara could end up dead. 'But,' Kankuro thought gravely, 'having Gaara dead is better than leaving him alive for torture and who knows what else.'
The Akatsuki escaped the volleys of arrows unharmed and soared away silently. Kankuro had leapt from roof to roof when the firing had started, and had landed next to Baki. Baki ordered a cease-fire when the Akatsuki was plainly out of range.
"Baki…I'm going after him. I can stop him…me and my puppets. He won't stand a chance." Kankuro said, not addressing his former instructor by any specific ranks…since Baki and he were both Jonin now. It served as a reminder for Baki, so Baki would remember that Kankuro couldn't be bossed around by him…and so Baki would remember that Kankuro was Gaara's brother. The Kazekage's brother, whose duty it was to protect his younger sibling and leader.
"Kankuro, wait! We'll gather patrols as soon as we can, but we can't rush out unprepared. We have to make sure that as few as possible lives are lost. If we can amass enough numbers…the Akatsuki won't win and we'll retrieve Gaara easily!" Baki roughly yelled. Kankuro had already shifted his scroll-holster on his back. He was ready to go.
"No. I'll go now. Make sure a squad of Anbu meets me at the village entrance. Hurry." Kankuro said, and jumped from the rooftop.
Baki yelled after him, obviously hating the order, "Fine, Kankuro…but don't do anything stupid! Just hold the enemy up! Don't fully engage them! We can't risk you getting killed!"
Kankuro didn't look back, he just kept springing from rooftop to rooftop with the aid of his chakra, and he flew towards the fleeing Akatsuki. He would get Gaara back.
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[Konohagakure-The Village Hidden in the Leaves-9:35 p.m.
Kakashi ducked beneath a chakra-enhanced punch from Sakura, just barely, and then jumped backwards. He had pinned Naruto to a tree with kunai, just barely managing to pin the blonde's clothes to a tree-trunk. Said ninja was having an awful hard time pulling the kunai and shuriken loose.
Sakura, paused her attack as Kakashi jumped back. She had to give Naruto cover as best as she could…because he had the timing down when to give her the signal when the final stage of their plan could be pulled off.
She glanced back slightly, keeping an eye on Kakashi through her peripheral vision. Naruto was vainly tugging at the handle of a kunai that pinned him to a thick trunk, comically grunting and yanking…but to no avail. He was successfully pinned. Sakura mentally shook her head in disappointment.
'Damn that Naruto! I thought he was faster and stronger than that! He shouldn't have been caught so easily!'Inner Sakura yelled, punching the air in anger. Sakura desperately wanted to yell it herself, but barely stopped herself.
"Naruto! Come on!" She yelled desperately, as she saw Kakashi prepare a Jutsu attack.
"KATON: Goukakyuu no Jutsu! (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique!)" Kakashi yelled, arching his back and then blowing at the tips of his fingers. A massive fireball erupted into existence, flying towards Sakura. Sakura quickly jumped backwards a bit, gaining just a few more seconds to think of how to help Naruto as the fireball soared towards her.
Suddenly, another Naruto landed in front of her. He had jumped out of the trees, while another jumped at Kakashi. Kakashi cursed his thoughtlessness. He should have known that Naruto would perform Shadow Clones…yet again. He dispatched the Shadow Clone in a single chop-thrust to the throat, and watched to see how Sakura and Naruto would deal with the fireball that was literally right on top of them.
Kakashi watched with pride as Naruto yelled, "Rasengan!" and thrust his chakra-orb filled right hand forward. He had formed it one handed.
A small explosion took place, wind blowing fiercely as the Rasengan met the fireball dead on and blasted it into non-existence. The Naruto still stuck to the tree puffed into non-existence, and Naruto said, "Makeout Paradise."
Sakura nodded, and jumped towards Kakashi. She angled her approach so that she ended up on his left. Naruto did the same thing, except he was on Kakashi's right. Kakashi glanced at both of them quickly, and then the two jumped at him.
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei! You want to know the ending to that book I gave you? Well, the main character finally falls for:…" He paused for a moment as he soared towards Kakashi, who slapped his hands to his ears instinctively.
'NO! SPOILERS!' Kakashi thought, and angrily kept himself from hearing Naruto's words.
'Crap! With my Sharingan…I can read his lips! DANG IT! NOOOO!' Kakashi mentally wailed, and quickly slammed the lids of his eyes shut. He scrunched them tight, anxious to prevent Naruto from spoiling the ending to his book.
Kakashi felt no pain from hits…but he did feel a strange tugging. He opened his eyes…to find the two teenager shinobi standing in front of him with wide grins on their faces. Each of them were holding a bell, which had been tied to the front of his vest, in their hands and were gently ringing it.
Kakashi slumped his shoulders, not in defeat, but in relief. The spoilers had been avoided. Then…he straightened. "Hahaha. Good job, guys. Good job." He laughed, and rubbed his head. He should have never gotten distracted by his book. Dang it.
Naruto laughed. "It's okay, Kakashi-sensei. I actually never read past five pages of the book. I found it way too stupid and boring. I'm surprised you actually read that perverted crap."
Kakashi glared at the young boy, lowering his headband at a slant so that is covered his left eye…and most of his left face. "You have no appreciation for great stories, idiot." Kakashi scolded, and Sakura laughed.
"I tried to read it as well. I found it waaay to pervy and without sufficient storyline to hold my attention." Sakura said, and turned away as she heard each of their names called.
"Naruto! Sakura! Kakashi!" yelled an approaching Tsunade. Behind her, approaching as well, was Jiraiya, Shikimaru, Shizune, and Temari. Temari, Shikimaru, and Shizune were grinning…but the two Sannin weren't.
Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi all bowed to Tsunade briefly, and then waited for her to speak. She smiled softly at Kakashi. "Well…what do you think?"
Kakashi rubbed his sore right shoulder. "I think you taught her too much for her own good." He laughed softly, and Tsunade grinned proudly.
"I think that Naruto…is a bit better than before." Kakashi said bluntly.
Naruto fell to the ground in shock, unbelieving that Kakashi would dismiss his skills. Jiraiya helped his pupil up, grinning. "Come ON, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto wailed, and Kakashi laughed. It wasn't a polite laugh, or even a held-in-check laugh. It was a deep, 'I'm actually laughing', belly laugh. "HAHAHA! Of course, Naruto. Fine, fine, fine." Kakashi said, holding his hands up.
"You did great Naruto. You…were unbelievably improved. Being able to form Rasengan in one hand at your age, forming Shadow Clones faster than even I can see, creating a whole horde of Shadow Clones in an instant…you've improved greatly. But…I didn't see any new moves." Kakashi said, and Naruto shrugged.
"I'm waiting for a special occasion before I unleash all my new moves." Naruto said simply, and everyone understood. They were moves to specifically work against Sasuke.
Jiraiya gave a confident head nod, and Kakashi turned to Tsunade. "Tsunade-sama. I believe that Team Kakashi is fit for action." He said, surprising everyone except for Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Shizune.
"Team Kakashi? We're still going to be a squad?" Sakura asked, bewildered.
Naruto gave a grim smile. "Of course we are. We're a family…and together we'll bring Sasuke back."
Kakashi smiled underneath his mask. They were still dedicated to Sasuke…they were a true family. They were the ninja that never gave up on their comrades.
"Good. You will report to me in two days, understood? That will give Naruto plenty of time to get re-acquainted with Konoha again…and it will give him plenty of time to reunite with old friends." Tsunade said, smiling.
Shikimaru had a thoughtful look on his face, and Temari smiled. "I know! What way better to get together with old friends…than to have a party?"
Naruto pumped his fist in the air. "YEAH! My apartment's kinda small, though. Maybe we could have a party out in a restaurant…because it would be impossible for EVERYONE to fit in my apartment." Naruto said, after consideration.
Temari smiled. "Yeah. I haven't been to a party in ages…and it would be great to get everyone who participated in the Chunin exam all those years ago together again."
Sakura smiled. "I can make reservations at that Korean Barbecue house that Shikimaru and Choji eat at all the time. It's spacious enough, and we can reserve the back party room." She offered, and Shikimaru gave a semi-bored nod.
"At least I don't get stuck with anything troublesome." Shikimaru muttered, but Naruto spoke up.
"Shikimaru…I won't be able to find everyone by myself. You've got the most current information…so could you find your team members and help me hunt down Team 8 and Team Gai?" Naruto asked, and Shikimaru hung his head.
"Yeah…even though it's troublesome." He sighed, and Naruto jumped excitedly.
"YEAH! This will be a party to remember!" Naruto exclaimed, and Tsunade smiled.
"Hey, brat, mind if we tag along?" Tsunade asked, indicating to the older ninja.
"Sure, Baa-chan! Go ahead. We're all friends…not just the rookie nine." Naruto replied, and Kakashi gave a thumbs-up. He would definitely show up. Especially if it was Korean Barbecue.
Suddenly, the air was filled with a loud rumbling. The sound emanated from a certain blond, who clutched his stomach in embarrassment. "Ahh…I forgot to eat lunch! I was going to have Ichiraku's…but I didn't manage to get there yet." Naruto mumbled weakly.
Sakura smiled, as did the others, and laughed. Ichiraku's was to be expected for Naruto. "Well…I'm going to go to bed…it is good to have you back, Naruto. I'll see you tomorrow evening. Make sure to contact me with the time of the party." Tsunade said, and walked away with Shizune.
Shikimaru sighed, and Temari smiled. "I'm going to go too. I've got to get some rest for tomorrow. You guys did amazing…I'm surprised you both aren't Jonin yet."
Naruto grinned in pride, and Sakura waved farewell. Shikimaru followed Temari without a word, walking close to the blond-haired Kunoichi. Sakura noted, that he was walking so close their arms would touch from time to time. Neither acknowledged the touching as they walked away, and Sakura smiled. 'So they're…' She thought.
"Hey, Master Kakashi! Will you treat us to Ramen as a job well done reward?" Naruto asked, butting into Sakura's thoughts.
They looked expectantly at Kakashi, who was reading his new Make-out Tactics book again. He didn't look up at them, but sighed. "Nope, sorry. I have to go…fill out new squad paperwork and stuff. Later."
He disappeared in a puff of smoke with a single hand sign, never looking up from his book. Naruto sighed. "Dang it. He probably just wants to finish reading his book."
Sakura nodded, and Naruto quickly took out his frog money purse. As he opened it, he realized it was empty. The only one left, who just took notice to Naruto's money-searching, was Jiraiya. He squinted his eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but Naruto beat him to the punch.
"Hey, Master Jiraiya…can you lend me some money?" Naruto asked, pleading.
Jiraiya wasn't stupid…he knew Naruto could scrounge up enough Ryo to feed himself. He wanted to buy dinner for Sakura, too. 'Seeing as these two are finally 'together' after all these years…I guess I can give him some.'
Jiraiya fished out his own Frog money-purse, and tossed it to Naruto. It was smaller than Naruto's, because it was Jiraiya's smaller spare wallet, but it would have enough to feed both teenagers. After all, Naruto did manage to steal the bells. They did a great job on it.
"Sure…but don't expect a birthday present from me." Jiraiya chuckled, and walked away. Sakura stood patiently, blushing slightly as she realized Naruto's plan.
"I don't think you've ever been to Ichiraku's…have you Sakura?" Naruto asked, as he counted the Ryo. Yup, he would have enough to take Sakura out for sure!
"I've passed it…but never eaten there." Sakura admitted, but she didn't say that she passed it and talked to the owners to talk about Naruto. She had visited all the places he used to go…so she could remember him better.
"Good. Would you like to eat there with me?" He asked, and Sakura thought about it for a moment. She wanted to go with Naruto, make it their first official date, but she wasn't sure if she should. They had already moved fast…making out in the hospital and kissing in the middle of the training exercise. But…actually going out to a restaurant with Naruto when she would have to get to work early in the morning…she wasn't sure.
Naruto, apparently misreading her misgiving, hurriedly said, "Y'know…like on a date?"
Sakura couldn't help but smile at him. Maybe Tsunade would forgive her for not coming in as early as usual. "Sure, Naruto. I would love to go on a date with you." She said, and smiled. She casually removed her leather gloves and put them in her pouch attached to the back of her belt.
"Great, Sakura-chan!" Naruto said, grinning widely. He pocketed Jiraiya's frog wallet, and then extended his arm for Sakura. She took it, wrapping her arm tightly in his, and smiled at him as they began walking. Maybe she could take this time to learn more about him…to actually get to know him behind his knuckleheaded jokester mask.
Naruto had sent a shadow clone ahead to order their Ramen and pay the proper amount, so that they could and eat as soon as they got to Ichiraku's. Sakura had to admit…the Shadow Clone skill came in handy.
They had arrived at Ichiraku's after a comfortably silent walk, and eaten right away. She asked questions as she ate, and Naruto answered. She asked the small things first. His favorite color, which was two colors tied for first: Red and Orange. She asked what his favorite animal was…which it turned out to be a fox. (Go figure.) His favorite food was obviously ramen, and she learned a lot of interesting small things. She had slowly been building up to a question that was burning in her mind ever since they had walked into the village arm-in-arm.
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage, and then asked the question. "Naruto…is it okay if we show affection in public? I mean…holding hands, linking arms, hugging…" She paused and blushed as she considered her next word. "Or kissing?"
Naruto paused, and he immediately knew why she was asking. On their way here, he had seen disbelieving yet angry faces as he was seen with Sakura. Disbelieving because of him still being alive…but angry because he was with Sakura, the Fifth Hokage's apprentice. They cast glares at Sakura because of her showing affection for the blonde, but they were mainly directed at the male shinobi because he obviously had done something to trick this Kunoichi into liking him. But, the silence that Sakura and he had shared wasn't uncomfortable due to that…in fact it was made more comfortable due to the security Sakura felt with Naruto by her side.
Naruto bowed his head slightly, gazing away from Sakura. 'Old Man', as Naruto called him, who owned Ichiraku stopped and stared with concern at Naruto. Naruto was a friend of his and his daughter, and they were beyond glad when Naruto came in after two years of being gone. They were ecstatic as they found out he was bringing a girl…a date! Now, they realized at the same time as the two teenagers…that her being with Naruto was dangerous.
Naruto sighed. "I don't think it is safe. Even with all my new skills…I don't want to risk that they would hurt you. I couldn't hurt the villagers, no matter what. But…I don't want you hurt either. They could hurt you…kill you, even. I only survive because the Fox. You don't have that regenerative ability. I can't risk you being seen with me in public being affectionate…around the villagers. Most of the other Ninja don't hate me at all…but there are those like Mizuki who still harbor hate in their heart."
Sakura cast her eyes down to her now empty ramen bowl. Naruto looked up at her, pain written all over his face. Earlier, right before she started to ask questions, she had demanded him not to hide anything. He wasn't hiding behind his mask…he was being open completely. As she looked back up at him, the pain she saw on his face almost broke her heart.
She felt her stubbornness kick in, and she felt her resolve harden. Just because Naruto didn't want to hurt them, didn't mean she didn't have to hurt them in self-defense. She could take anything that the villagers threw her way…and she would have the Hokage's support as well. To Hell with the villagers hatred! She wasn't going to give up Naruto, or her right to openly show affection for her new love just because Naruto didn't want her hurt. She was a ninja…a strong one at that. She was the apprentice of the Fifth Hokage, the Slug Sannin, and she was not scared by what could happen.
She set her mouth in a firm line, and a hard glint shone in her eyes. Naruto knew that look from when he was younger. "I'm not a china-doll that's easily broken, Naruto. I'm a strong Kunoichi now. Just because I'm a girl who likes to be gentle and affectionate…doesn't mean I can't defend myself. I don't care what the villagers might do. If anything happens, I can take care of myself…and then I can have Tsunade help deal with the problem. Everyone will think twice about messing with the Apprentice of the Hokage. I'm not going to not be affectionate with you in public just because the villagers. Screw them!" She ended angrily, huffing and crossing her arms.
Her green eyes lost their angry fire, and Naruto smiled softly. This is what he loved about her…her resolve. He couldn't help himself as he leaned forward, and kissed Sakura gently on her lips. She was surprised by the sudden action, but gave in to it. She figured she would prove she wasn't scared, and this was a nice…incentive.
They both had their eyes closed as they kissed, but both heard the curtain blocking the Ichiraku booth being drawn aside. "EH!?!? NARUTO? SAKURA?" came a familiar voice, half-yelling. It startled the two teenagers, and they hastily withdrew from their kiss.
Standing with hands at their sides, jaw dropped open, and eyes wider than the Ichiraku bowls of ramen…was Iruka. His face was twitching in shock, and he had a tape in one of his hands. The tape dropped from his hands, and Sakura and Naruto blushed in embarrassment of their old instructor just happening to come in right as they kissed.
"Eh…how's it going, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto sheepishly asked. His face was a bright red, and he looked like a lobster of some kind.
Iruka recovered, and stammered. "I-I figured you would be here by yourself…I didn't e-expect for you to be here with Sakura."
Sakura felt it was best she gave a reason for their kiss. "We're, uh, dating now…Iruka-sensei." She said, and Iruka raised an eyebrow.
"Oh…I guess that would explain that moment on the tape…huh?" Iruka said, and indicated to the tape.
"What moment?" Sakura asked, eyes wide.
"Well, Shizune dropped off a tape of your guys' training. She video-taped all your battles, and that included your little moment after dealing with Kakashi's transformed Shadow Clones." Iruka explained, picking up the tape.
"You watched it that fast?" Naruto asked, and Iruka raised an eyebrow.
"Fast? I've been watching for near two and a half hours. It's midnight." Iruka said.
Sakura jumped up. "WHAT? Oh man…and I have to go to work tomorrow at six o'clock!" She wailed, and Naruto sighed.
"Actually…Sakura…I sent that Shadow Clone earlier to ask Tsunade for a day off tomorrow for you. She said yes. I was going to tell you after we got done tonight." Naruto hastily interrupted, and Sakura sighed in relief.
"Oh…thank you. I was afraid I'd have to work with only a few hours sleep tonight." Sakura laughed, and Iruka smiled.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your improvement in skill, Naruto. I'm so proud of your growth." Iruka said, and put a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Hahaha…thanks Iruka-sensei. I appreciate it." Naruto laughed, rubbing his head in embarrassment.
"No problem. I'm going to go…and let you guys finish your date. Shizune also told me there was a party…and I hope you wouldn't mind if I came?" Iruka hesitantly asked, and Naruto wrapped his father-figure in a big hug.
"Of course! I was going to come by the academy tomorrow and give you the final details…so I'll do that anyway. But at least now I know you'll come!" Naruto laughed, and Iruka smiled as he hugged Naruto back.
"Well, I'll go get rest then. Have a good night!" Iruka said, and hastily retreated from the Ichiraku booth.
Sakura and Naruto both yawned at the same time, and the Old Man laughed from behind the counter. "Ah, you two! Go get some rest. We're closing now, anyway! You need to get some sleep." He chuckled, and put down a bowl he was cleaning.
Naruto paid for the ramen and said, "You can come to the party as well, Old Man. It's gonna be at Ikonoku Barbecue…and I'll swing by later tomorrow and give you the time."
The Old Man nodded, and his daughter smiled. "That would be great, Naruto. Thanks for inviting us. We'll be there, no matter what time it is."
Naruto laughed and exited the stand with Sakura, yelling, "Well, then, good night!"
Sakura and Naruto both paused, and Sakura hesitantly asked, "Will you walk me to my house?"
She wasn't scared…but she didn't want Naruto to leave her just yet. Naruto nodded. "Are you still living with your parents, Sakura-chan?" He asked, and she shook her head 'no'.
"I live in an apartment…it's about a block away from yours." She said, and Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"You mean you actually know where I live?" Naruto asked, and Sakura giggled.
"Of course I do, dummy." She said, and Naruto smiled.
"Well then, of course I'll walk you to your apartment." Naruto laughed, and held out his arm. Sakura didn't take his arm this time, but put her left hand in his offered right hand…and laced her fingers with his. He smiled, and she returned it. The full moon shone down on them, and they began to walk down the silent and sleeping streets of Konoha.
They were silent as they walked, until Sakura decided to ask one last question for the night. "Naruto…will you answer a question for me?" She asked.
"Yeah, of course, Sakura-chan." Naruto replied, glancing at her.
"First off…drop the 'chan'. It's cute…but you don't need to add the suffix. We'll be intimate…and just call each other by our first names plainly. But…the question is: What will you do to Sasuke when you find him?" Sakura asked, and Naruto continued to walk.
He was silent for a while, obviously trying to find a way to tell her. "I'll keep my promise, Sakura. Even if I have to hurt him a lot, or knock him unconscious…I'll keep my promise. Mainly because I know that Tsunade and you can heal him from anything I do to him, but also because I know he won't come easy. It'll be tough…but I'll fight him again and I'll win and bring him back." Naruto said softly.
Sakura's vision suddenly flashed white, and Sakura saw a vision in her mind.
(Flashback)
Sasuke, completely changed by his Curse Mark, had his hand thrust through Naruto's shoulder. Electricity crackled and hissed and chirped from Sasuke's hand. Naruto felt pure agony swell through his body as the Chidori pierced the Kyuubi Chakra shell and drilled a hole through his shoulder. He managed to scratch Sasuke's headband…but his Rasengan failed as Sasuke won the battle.
Naruto's form returned to its normal state…and Sasuke's curse Mark faded and he returned to human form. The electricity still crackled for a moment, but then it faded. Sasuke withdrew his arm from Naruto's shoulder, and Naruto fell backwards onto the ground…unconscious.
(End Flashback)
Sakura's hand dropped from Naruto's, and she fell to her knees. Naruto was asking her if she was okay, but she couldn't respond. She stared down at the ground, as her world flashed white again.
(Flashforward)
Naruto, sweating and bleeding from a dozen cuts and gashes, was panting. His red, slitted eyes were glaring at the matching red eyes of a three-comma Sharingan. Sasuke, sweating and panting, yet unharmed…held his shattered sword in his hands.
Sakura was watching the two, as she lay on the ground, stunned and unable to move. She was on her back, watching the two glare at each other from across a lake. Not just a lake, she realized, but the Valley of the End. She was on the rocks on the shore of the lake, unhurt but definitely paralyzed for the moment.
Naruto's orange and black jumpsuit was tattered and stained with his own blood, and he looked like he had definitely seen better days.
Sasuke, garbed in black pants, an open white long sleeved shirt, with a traditional Sound rope belt wrapped around his waist…was completely the opposite of Naruto. He was clean, although sweating and panting, and his clothing bore no scuffs of any kind.
"I'm done playing Sasuke. I'm bringing you back, just like I promised! Not even you can stop me now! I'm stronger than you'll ever be!" Naruto rasped, his demon-influenced body shaking in anger.
Sasuke's eyes were wide, glaring at the resilient blond. "No you're not. See?"
Sakura wanted to scream as she saw another Sasuke appear behind Naruto, Chidori charged fist cocked backwards and ready to strike. But…Sakura couldn't make a noise. She could only watch through tear-filled eyes.
Naruto roared in pain as his right shoulder was pierced, in the exact spot as he had been pierced years before. Sakura could only watch in horror as the first Sasuke raised what was left of his shattered sword, and then plunged it down into the top of Naruto's shoulder. Naruto screamed again, and tears blocked Sakura's vision as they spilled out like a river.
(End Flashforward)
The end. BWAHAHAHA! The end of the story. Haha, just joking! I hope you guys liked this chapter. The next chapter will have a little action really…just a lot of relationship stuff and re-gathering of friends at the party! And…I might continue the whole Gaara being captured stuff next chapter. Review please.
