Chapter 3

The ramen at Ichiraku was amazing, the 3 unanimously thought. They had each eaten more than usual (which is a real stretch for both Sasuke and Naruto) and had gotten to learn a bit about each other. Sasuke and Naruto learned that Hinata didn't like to talk about herself (or talk, for that matter). Hinata learned that Sasuke and Naruto were almost complete opposites, or if you look at it from a different angle, they were too alike. Sasuke learned that the boys his age resented him for his looks and his money, two things he would give away without hesitation for just one thing...And Naruto learned that Sasuke wasn't what everyone said he was, and underneath it all, he was hurting, for some reason. They left knowing a little bit more about each other, but definitely not much. They then agreed to go downtown together to buy new gear. They found a nice little store with a fully-equipped (with weapons, not what you might be thinking!) panda as the mascot, which Hinata seemed to like.

"Welcome to the Three-Pronged Kunai! My name is Ten-Ten, how may I- hey, I know you guys! Yeah, you're rookies, right? I remember hearing about you last year. How are you guys!?" inquired Ten-Ten.

"We just became Genin, so we were hoping to buy some new weapons and gear." explained Sasuke.

"That's great, and you picked the perfect store! We have the sharpest weapons and the best equipment that every shinobi needs. I'll gladly help with anything, just give me a call. Hinata, can you come over here to help me with something?"

"S-Sure." said Hinata. The two of them disappeared behind the counter, leaving Sasuke and Naruto alone, in a room filled with deadly weapons...

Naruto went straight for the swords, and Sasuke went for the ninja equipment. He found an aisle of skin-tight, light-weight, and surprisingly durable jumpsuits. There were a few color choices; black, a dark reddish-orange, and a very bland green. While the other colors were abundant, there was only one green left.

"These green jumpsuits must be really popular with someone, they're almost sold out." commented Sasuke. He decided to buy a black one. It should help with training, he thought.

'You know, I really got to work on my taijutsu. I have to get my speed and strength up phenomenally if I'm going to be any kind of competition for the others. I wonder...yes, they do! They have leg weights. Let's get the heaviest pair they got, shall we?' Sasuke decided. They had a pair so heavy Sasuke had to pump chakra through his arms to carry it. The kanji for determination was inscribed on the weights. Along with those, Sasuke picked up a pair of wrist bands that were pretty heavy weights, though not as heavy as the leg weights. He put his purchases on the counter, at the same time that Naruto decided to. Naruto picked up a few katanas, a crossbow and quiver, and nunchucks.

"Well, there goes all my money that I've been saving. Aw, man." whispered Naruto. Sasuke thought for a moment, then decided to make a choice that would change both their lives.

"It must be hard, living all alone. I know it's hard for me. We could both use some family, and my house is big enough, so I was wondering if you wanted to move in with me? I've got plenty of money, and we could train more effectively." stated Sasuke. Naruto looked at him as if he had grown two heads.

"Me? Move in with you? Are you serious?" Naruto asked. Sasuke nodded.

'What's his motive? Why the change of heart all of a sudden? It doesn't matter, he's got enough money to fix all my troubles. I'll go along with it...for now.' Naruto thought.

"All right Uchiha, you've got a deal." Naruto said, shaking his hand. That's when the two little princesses finally came back from their 'girl talk'. Ten-Ten looked down, blinked twice, then looked back up.

"Umm, my father bought these weights as a joke. They're insanely heavy, are you sure you want them?" she asked.

"I put them on the counter, didn't I?" Sasuke replied, handing her the money.

"Ok, if you say so. Given your purchases, you are eligible for the Ten-Ten Tool Set. For an extra 35 ryo, you get a packaged set of our finest ninja tools, picked by me, Ten-Ten. Would you like to make this purchase?" asked Ten-Ten monotonously.

"Sure." Sasuke handed her the money, picked up his stuff, and went to wait outside. While waiting, he put on his new gear. The jumpsuit fit perfectly and felt very natural. The armbands weren't so bad, though he did have to try in order to move his arms. The leg weights, well...unless he exerted chakra from his legs, he was immobilized. He wore his regular outfit over the new gear (he changed in the dark alley next to the store, if you're wondering). Soon the others came out of the store. Naruto was decked out with a bunch of weapons, and Hinata just bought the few medical supplies they had, which could easily be used to kill as well (of course).

"Well gang," started Naruto, "we've had a fun night, but it looks like it's almost past our bedtimes, so how's about we start heading home?" Sasuke and Hinata were almost neighbors, so it was no wonder that they were heading in the same direction. The orphanarium, however, was on the other side of town, which is why Hinata was confused as to why Naruto was walking with them.

"He's, uh, moving in with me. Figured I could use the company, plus the whole team would be living nearby. It would be more conveniant." explained Sasuke. Hinata decided not to ask questions. She also wasn't as open as when she and Sasuke walked together, and neither was he. They just kind of coasted along in silence to their destinations. Sasuke respectfully said goodbye to Hinata when they had to part ways. Naruto just watched, noticing that both of them seemed a little down when they realized they had to part. He smirked widely, cathcing Sasuke's attention.

"What?" he asked. No response. "What!?"