Hey guys I'm back for now. Sorry I haven't updated soon. I've been having to study for finals and take those finals plus I've had events from other activites going on. Sorry if this chapter isn't as good as the other ones. My beta reader and I haven't had much time to fix the mistakes although we will go back and fix anything after finals are over.
I'd like to thank Dark Kyuubi, RomanceGirlXXTsundereLuverxxX, butterflyV, Anon, SuperNeos2, and raidersfan777 for reviwing my last chapter. It helps a lot to get feedback.
Dark Kyuubi - Thanks and I'll update as soon as possible especially since school is almost out.
RomancGirlXXTsundereLuverxxX - Yea same here. I like the storys that let Sasuke live even though he's done a lot of wrong especially one's with a Team 7 bond.
butterflyV - Thanks and sorry there isn't going to be a sasuhina story. The way I see it is that Sasuke would never really have a chance with any of the girls from the Naruto universe. I'm going to be pairing Hinata with Kiba, although as you will read I will be pairing Sasuke with an OC character since to me it makes more sense.
Anon - XD same here although Sasuke will be putting Naruto through some tourture as well :)
SuperNeos2 - Yep Sasuke will definetly need prayers although makes for some good comic relife XD
raidersfan777 - Thanks! I'll try updating faster although things might slow down :/ I'm not sure how busy my friend is going to be in the summer so let's hope for the best.
I will be presenting my OC character in this chapter. Again I will try and refrain to the best of my ability of making her a mary sue. If I start doing that please tell me or give me suggestions to keep that from happening.
I do not own Naruto or any of the Naruto franchise characters or settings created by Kishimoto Masashi.
Chapter 2: New Friends/New Enemies
The trio arrived at the street Ichiraku's was located on a few minutes later. The sun was already setting bringing the temperature to nicer conditions. The wind had died down for the most part save the occasional soft breeze. Ichiraku's had changed a bit since the start of the war. It still had the sheets covering the entrance although it was a little bigger and was more comparable to a small restaurant instead of a stand, yet quite not there. This of course only meant more business for Teuchi as well as hiring a new waitress.
Team 7 walked into Ichiraku's Ramen and sat down. Naruto of course was excited since it was his favorite food. The one of the main reasons why Sasuke or Sakura for that matter even agreed was because Naruto was paying for it. Naruto had noticed that a good amount of customers had left though once they entered. He saw the hateful eyes they were giving in his general direction, but notice it wasn't for him yet Sasuke. He also could sense the Anbu waiting outside in secret locations just in case the Uchiha decided to make the wrong move.
Sasuke suspected as much since he was feared and hated because of his actions. He didn't fully blame them, yet didn't like the feeling of being watched with every step he took. The Uchiha ignored it for now by pushing those thoughts aside when he saw Teuchi and Ayame walk up. They both gave Naruto big smiles, since he was their favorite customer and dear friend all rolled up into one.
"Hi Old Man and Ayame-chan. I hope you're both having a great day and are prepared to fill up a big order because this one is on me." He laughed happily then smiled at them both.
Teuchi gave a light hearted laugh "Hello to you as well Naruto. We're doing great and of course we're always ready to fill up a big order especially to our favorite customer."
Ayame giggled at Naruto's childish ways "Hi Naruto and thanks for asking. Oh I thought you two…." She noticed Sasuke and the stories about him and for a while was about to give him a glare but seeing as he was with Naruto decided to trust in Konoha's Hero. "um three should know we hired a new waitress a week ago. She's about your age and actually moved in from a different village. I hope you three can be friends with her, and she'll be taking your orders today as well as serving you. We're trying to get her used to her new job."
Sakura smiled at Ayame "Sure, that's perfectly fine with us and I'm sure Naruto wouldn't mind making another friend."
Naruto laughed a bit nervously but nodded in agreement. "Yea! I love making new friends and I'm sure she's awesome because I doubt you two would higher just anybody." He then looked at Sasuke then back at Ayame as he whispered in a tone that was a little too loud "although you might want to warn her about Sasuke. Some people get intimidated when they first meet him usually."
Sasuke heard Naruto and glared at him "If anything people get intimidated by you and your annoying personality dobe"
The two boys were about to start arguing, but before it escalated Sakura stopped them both as she looked at Ayame signaling she'd do her best to keep the two under control. She reinforced this but popping her knuckles a bit, which sent a shiver down Naruto's spine.
Ayame laughed a bit and nodded her thanks to Sakura. Teuchi along with his daughter went into the back to go fetch the new waitress. They had explained to her that the blonde hair kid was the hero of Konoha as well as their number one customer. The pink haired girl was the apprentice of the Hokage as well as Naruto's secret love, so she wouldn't get her hopes up about him, considering he doesn't notice any girl except Sakura. Finally, they told her about Sasuke. They tried their best to keep him from sounding too horrible but had to tell her that he did betray them and why he did it. They also went to explain that Naruto had brought him back and apparently Sasuke decided to stay this time. The girl nodded a bit shyly since she was going to be serving two heroes of Konoha as well as a previous traitor of a famous clan.
The new waitress walked out from the back and saw that Naruto was engaged with his two friends. Sakura was responding every so often while Sasuke kept quiet excluding the occasional short answer or grunt. She noticed right away how handsome both Naruto and Sasuke were but could see as to why Naruto liked his pink haired teammate. She didn't let it bother her though since she was shy to really talk to a guy on a relationship level but could make a good conversation if she thought of the guy as just a friend. She then started walking over putting on a smile trying to be as confident as possible around the three famous Shinobi.
"And that's why I decided to eat more vegetables and healthy foods." Naruto smiled a bit since he was explaining meeting his mother for the first time and his new decision to eat healthier since it was his mother's wish.
Naruto noticed a beautiful, fair skinned girl with striking blue-green eyes and waist length light brown hair that was held back by a makeshift bandana like Ayame. He figured it was the new waitress standing on the other side of the counter giving a shy smile. He gave her a big smile while Sakura smiled gently, which made her feel a little more confident. Sasuke looked at her with a calm emotionless look like he usually did. The Uchiha did notice how beautiful the young woman was but quickly shook the thought from his mind.
"Hi you must be the new waitress the Old Man and Ayame-chan were talking about! It's nice to meet you and I hope we can be friends. I'm Naruto Uzumaki." He held out his head which the girl shook nervously because of the blonde Jinchuuriki's enthusiasm.
Sakura sighed a bit and lightly bopped Naruto on the head "Chill Naruto or you're going to scare her." She then turned her gaze to the waitress "It's really nice to meet you as well. I'm Sakura Haruno. If you want I can introduce you to the other girls later."
The brunette felt more confident as she nodded and smiled a bit more and shook Naruto's hand, although was surprised at how quickly Sakura had kept him in control. She looked at Sasuke feeling slightly afraid of him but was never one to really judge especially since she was new to the village. The waitress knew what it was like to be judged by people, but quickly shook that dark thought from her mind.
"I'm Sasuke Uchiha….nice to meet you" Sasuke's expression became slightly more soft but it quickly went back to its emotionless self.
Naruto was a little surprised at how Sasuke greeted her considering he just greeted most people even new people with a simple 'Hn' or 'Hey'. He ignored it for the time being as his stomach was on the verge of growling
The waitress looked at the three and bowed in respect "I'm Aya Kimura and it's a pleasure to meet you three. I also hope we can be friends and I'd like to meet the other girls you're talking about Sakura."
Naruto laughed a bit in triumph "Yea, when you're not working or if we're not on a mission we can hang out." His stomach then growled a bit automatically made him laugh nervously and rub the back of his head. "Sorry about that I didn't eat lunch"
Aya giggled a bit as she shook her head "No, it's ok that's why I'm here. What can I get you three to order?"
Sakura was afraid that Aya didn't know how much Naruto could eat but shrugged it off for now. "I'll have one medium sized shrimp ramen please"
Aya nodded as she looked at Sasuke surprising keeping her gaze on his instead of feeling afraid and looking away. "Give me a large Pork Ramen"
She wrote down the order then looked at Naruto who had a gigantic smile on his face, yet also seemed to be getting impatient since he was the last one to order. He then took in a deep breath something which Aya didn't expect at all.
"I'll have ten large bowels of Miso Ramen along with five large bowels of pork ramen. Finally to top it off, I'll also take five medium bowels of shrimp ramen oh and if you have any dishes that mainly consist of vegetables I'll also take five servings of that" He then looked at both Sakura and Sasuke, who had sighed at the same time.
Naruto titled his head a bit confused at their actions "What? I promised my mother I'd start eating more vegetables and I don't break promises!"
Aya was at the very least surprised at everything that Naruto ordered and wondered how he kept his form by eating all the food. She quickly understood why the blond haired Jinchuuriki was Teuchi's favorite customer and mentally laughed at it. Aya quickly wrote everything that Naruto as well as both Sasuke and Sakura had ordered and bowed a bit.
"I'll be right back with your order." She turned and went into the kitchen to start cooking since she was also to be a cook at Ichiraku's.
Sasuke had discreetly watched Aya leave then looked at Naruto who was studying him a little more closer then what he would have liked. Sasuke eventually pushed Naruto back to keep his personal space and ignored the blonde idiot who got frustrated at Sasuke's actions.
"You know Sasuke in all the time I've been a part of Team 7 I have never seen you speak so many words to a new person. You must've changed more than I thought huh?" Naruto was still giving a thinking pose while looking at Sasuke, who just glared daggers at him.
"No one asked for your opinion dobe so drop it" Sasuke then crossed his arms and closed his eyes as he waited for the food to return.
"Tch, whatever teme be your grumpy old self. It doesn't bug me" He then looked at Sakura smiling a bit "So what do you think of Aya, Sakura-chan?"
Sakura thought a bit at Naruto's question. "Hmmm well she seems very nice, although it also seem like she doesn't really have confidence in herself at first but that's just a guess. I have to give her credit for not being intimidated by your friendly personality or Sasuke's emotionless attitude. I can't really make a judgment call until I get to know her more." She said as she looked at Naruto "What about you?"
Naruto scratched his chin a bit as he thought "She seems really nice and I bet she's way more interesting once we get to know her more. I wonder about her shyness though. It might be because of something that happened in her past or from where she came. Did you notice how she didn't really judge Sasuke right away? I could tell at first she did but she quickly changed those thoughts as if she was thinking of something bad. I bet something happened in her past to cause her not to be hostile at Sasuke until she actually gets to know him"
Sakura and Sasuke looked at Naruto in a little awe at his sage like words, especially since he really didn't usually use words of wisdom unless it was something really important. Sakura leaned back a bit to look at Sasuke, whom had opened his eyes.
"What about you Sasuke what do you think?" She asked him with curiosity in her voice.
"I'm not sure. I don't really know her enough to make a call." He then returned to closing his eyes and went back to his own thoughts.
Aya returned with both Sasuke and Sakura's bowels since they only had one. She then brought a tray stacked with majority of Naruto's food, and then she brought in the rest. The waitress placed the ticket in front of Naruto, since Teuchi had told her that the blonde haired ninja would be paying for it. Naruto quickly got some chopsticks along with his two teammates and said a loud 'Itadakimasu', while Sakura and Sasuke said a quiet one.
Naruto quickly finished two of the large bowls of Miso Ramen then stopped for a bit since he noticed something different in the taste. He gave a thoughtful look then smiled and continued eating even faster than before. Aya was really impressed that someone was eating her cooking that fast, but nonetheless gave a proud small smile. When the three finished Naruto quickly paid for the bill covering all the expenses then he looked at Aya.
"Wow that was amazing! It tastes even better. Did the Old Man or Ayame-chan add something to it?" Naruto asked with a childish eagerness curiosity in his voice.
Aya blushed a bit from the praise, although was very proud of the compliment while she shook her head a bit. "No…..actually I asked them if I could add something extra when I cooked it. They said it tasted even better plus it's also healthier, so that's part of the reason as to why I was serving you three. It was to see if their favorite customer would like the way ramen will be made from here on out. I'm glad you like it."
Naruto laughed "Like it? I love it! You're an amazing cook Aya-chan. You're definitely going to make an amazing wife to some guy some day!"
Aya automatically blushed at the compliment. Sakura hit Naruto in the back of the head, while Sasuke muttered 'idiot' under his breath. Naruto looked at Sakura not sure what he really did wrong and looked to Sasuke for advice to which he just received an annoyed look from.
"What was that for Sakura-chaaaan?" He cried in his whiney voice which just made Sasuke groan a bit.
"You're embarrassing the poor girl Naruto." She sighed although a part of her felt slightly angered at Naruto complimenting her but she just ignored it.
"No its ok I just don't really get many compliments or at least to my face I don't get many compliments. It was just unexpected, but thank you Naruto. I'm really glad you love my cooking so much." Aya said with a gentle smile on her face.
Naruto just pouted a bit while he looked at Aya and still muttered a sorry. Sasuke looked at Sakura deciding to have a little fun and revenge at the same time.
"I agree with Naruto. He didn't do anything wrong Sakura. You wouldn't happen to be jealous would you?" Sasuke said with a slight smirk on the corner of his lips.
Sakura looked at Sasuke surprised and blushed a little. She quickly turned to prevent one of them from even seeing her face "I don't know what you're talking about Sasuke. Why would I be jealous of Naruto? That's just absurd!"
Naruto was confused by the matter while Sasuke just smirked more from his victory. Aya silently laughed at the three Shinobi's actions.
The arguments were eventually ceased by Sakura threatening Sasuke. The three shinobi continued eating while making small talk among themselves and Aya when she wasn't tending to a customer. Naruto gave a sigh of relief after he devoured all the food he ordered then paid for the bill. The blond shinobi was patting his full stomach in bliss. Sakura looked at the time and frowned a bit.
"I have to get home and get some rest. I have to get up early since Lady Tsunade wants me to take the early shift at the hospital." Sakura said as she stood up and looked at Aya "I'll get with you later and we can talk about having a girl's night out so I can introduce you to the rest of my friends later on. I'll see you three later." She then turned and left.
"Bye Sakura-chan, see you later" Naruto smiled and waved to his pink haired love.
He then turned to both Sasuke and Aya "We should be going as well Sasuke. I haven't gotten you a key for my house yet, and I'm not going to be getting up just so you can get into my house. I have to get up early to train in the morning anyways, so I thought I'd hit the sack earlier than usual. I'll wait for you outside. Bye Aya-chan" Naruto then stood up and walked outside of Ichiraku's to wait for Sasuke.
Aya looked at Sasuke curiously "You and Naruto live together?"
Sasuke groaned in misery when he remembered he had to stay with Naruto. "Yea I have to live with him for six months until my probation is up. I'm actually your surprised that you didn't treat me more coldly, since I'm sure the owner told you who I am."
Aya looked down a bit "Um….well honestly at first I was afraid of you…..but I've never been one to judge people since I know what that's like. I learned what matters is what you do in the present not what you did in the past."
Sasuke was surprised at her words and he almost smiled a bit but turned into a warm smirk "Not many people think like that. You're definitely something unique." He turned around and waved once with his right hand "See you later"
Sasuke then exited Ichiraku's and headed to Naruto's house with the blonde haired idiot. Naruto eventually had started talking about some topic as Sasuke just kept quiet. Aya blushed at Sasuke's response and smiled warmly while she had muttered a silent 'bye'. She then started cleaning up the dishes that were left behind, so she could wash them.
The young waitress walked into the back with the dishes she was greeted by the owner and his daughter. Aya put the dishes in a sink and quickly yet thoroughly washed them. When she finished she noticed it was about time to close and since there wasn't any other customers left she found Teuchi and his daughter.
Teuchi smiled at her warmly like a father. "Well what did you think of Naruto and his two friends?"
Aya gave a thoughtful look "They're all interesting. I didn't expect Naruto to be so free spirited. Sakura seems to be like the adult that keeps things in control, and Sasuke….well he didn't seem too bad at all. I'm not too sure about him. I think I would need to get to know him more before I make a comment on him. In fact I think I should get to know all three of them more, since I know so little about them."
Teuchi nodded in understanding "Well then how about you take the day off after tomorrow? I'm pretty sure one of them will not have anything to do."
Aya nodded "Sounds like a great idea. Thank you Teuchi."
Teuchi gave a light hearted laugh "No problem, anyways I think we should close up and call it a night. It might be a big day tomorrow. You never know."
The two girls nodded in agreement. Everything was eventually cleaned and put in their rightful place. The owner looked at the two girls giving them a small wave.
"Take care you two and get some rest. I'll see you both tomorrow." Teuchi waved bye to the two girls then headed towards his house.
Teuchi's daughter looked at Aya "Come on Aya. Let's go back to my house to get some rest. Oh, by the way how's the search for an apartment coming along? You almost have enough money?"
Aya thought a bit. "Yea, I almost have enough for a cheap yet decent apartment. If anything I'll have one by the end of next week. Thanks for letting me stay at you're house until I have one."
Ayame smiled warmly "You're welcome. If you need anything just ask and I'll do my best to help you out. You're like a little sister to me, so I'd do anything I can."
The young waitress smiled "Well we better get going before it gets too late."
Teuchi's daughter nodded in agreement. The two girls started heading to Ayame's house as the sun was just about to disappear from the horizon. The wind dropped in temperature and picked up in speed a little. Far off in the distance, a shadow disappeared from a tree outside the village gates.
End of Chapter 2. A small cliff hanger, although don't take much into just yet. That 'shadow' will make its presence known in later chapters. I hope I didn't make Aya a mary sue and if I did please let me know, but just to let everyone know there is more than meets the eye to Aya. You have to remember I'm going to develop her character as well as everyone else's. Please R&R and I'll post the next chapter as soon as possible. Thank you for reading. ^^