Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. (Depression) All of it belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, except the plot of course.
Chapter 7
I know it… He is near… I sense that bloodlust, those eyes that have seen death.
Sasuke was running as fast as he could towards the familiar chakra channel he had sensed just minutes ago. He knew who it was. The one he had always searched for had finally arrived to Konoha. And God dammit! He is near Naruto, I must hurry. He kept running, his mind racing. He had to help Naruto; if his best friend died, everything would be his fault.
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"So, you decided to show up, Uchiha Itachi?" – said the blonde haired ninja, quietly pushing Hinata behind him. I have to protect her; I wouldn't forgive myself if something happens to her.
The black and red cloaked man smirked at Naruto's instinct – protect his girlfriend. But of course, love can do wonderful things, but it can also be full of sorrow and pain. He perfectly knew that.
"Dear Naruto why are you interested in protecting her? She is dating someone else, isn't she? Why should you protect her, it's her boyfriend's duty." – Itachi smirked evilly; he knew Naruto's weakness – loneliness and love, both of these feelings always together.
The blonde growled at the Uchiha's words. How dare he talk about love if he killed his own parents? "You don't scare me, you know! Believe it!" – yelled Naruto at the Akatsuki member.
"I know, but you should take a look at your friends." – said the quiet, silent venom of his voice. Naruto looked over his shoulder: Neji showed calmness, but Naruto knew that he was slightly scared, while activating the Byakugan to be ready for the fight. Meanwhile, Kiba seemed eager to start a fight – he wanted to discharge all his fury on someone, holding a handful of shurikens. But Hinata, sweet and caring Hinata, seemed completely shocked but was eager to fight if needed. In her right hand, there was a kunai which waited to be used. Naruto smiled silently, he knew he could count on her since the Bikouchuu (sp?) mission. I will think of Hinata-chan later, I must hand Itachi right now.
"You are here to take me, aren't you? Then leave them out of this!"
"Indeed, I am here for you Naruto-kun. Another reason of my return to Konoha is the rumor of my brother having returned."
"Looking for me, Itachi?" – said a cold, full of hatred voice.
The Konoha ninjas turned their heads towards the owner of the voice. His sharingan already activated, Sasuke coldly stared at his older brother. He had already controlled his own breathing after running for a while, searching for his brother and his comrades. I am glad I was able to make it on time.
"Long time no see, Sasuke."
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-Sigh- Papers, papers, and more papers. I hate paperwork! Why do Hokages have to do this job? They should have specialized people working on paperwork. Why does Shizune stress me with this? More importantly, why the hell does Naruto want this job?! It's so frustrating…
Tsunade was so exhausted after so much paperwork. She had already finished a pile an hour ago, but, when she was about to drink tea and take a nap on her desk, Shizune had appeared with more paperwork. Geez, I am going to complain to the Elders. Maybe they can do something about it.
Suddenly, a bang opened her door, turning it into a million pieces while her young apprentice – Sakura- entered her office.
"Tsunade-sama! Sasuke's gone missing, I can't find him!"
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN HE IS MISSING?" – yelled Granny Tsunade in a you dare to interrupt my nap for your love interests' voice.
"I am serious, Tsunade-sama. Sasuke's gone missing, I haven't seen him." – panted Sakura, a hand on her chest trying to control her panting.
"Have you tried to look for him using your chakra?" – exasperated the Fifth Hokage.
Sakura fell anime style, she hadn't thought of it – not in the slightest. She felt quite dumb, maybe on Naruto's level. This dumbness was the fault of her inner personality; she had been bugging her about her feelings towards Sasuke. At least, I hope, he won't be lost anymore.
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"Itachi!" – Roared Sasuke, while holding collecting energy on his hand, clearly preparing his ultimate attack – The Chidori.
Naruto was about to follow Sasuke's actions by forming his Rasengan, when he felt a small hand on his own, clutching it tightly.
"Naruto-kun, wait." – whispered his secret crush, my Hinata-chan.
"What is it Hinata?" – exclaimed Naruto, just as low as Hinata's voice. The blonde noticed she had already activated her Byakugan, her bloodline limit. I had forgotten how scary she can look with those eyes.
"He isn't Uchiha-san."
"Uh?!!! What do you mean?! He is Uchiha Itachi, the same stupid, old jerk who thinks he is better than anyone. But I will show him, wait and see." – Naruto was about to return to the battle when he felt Hinata's arms around his waist.
"P-please, Naruto-kun, l-listen to me. He isn't Uchiha-san, because it is a clone." – said Hinata on his back, her warm breath sending chills up to his spine.
"Uh…eh… S-so, what should we do?" – Naruto stuttered, while holding his breath, hoping Hinata wouldn't release her hold on him.
"We must rescue Sasuke-kun; he is in danger of any technique the clone can use."
Neji appeared from behind of them, which made Hinata release her hold on Naruto. Dammit – thought the blonde.
"Don't worry about Sasuke or Kiba, I already knocked them out with a Chakra string. Kiba was rather difficult to control, with his beast rage and everything, so I had to smack him on his head."
"Good job, Neji!" – yelled Naruto, cheerfully.
"Naruto-kun! Neji-nii-san!" – sighed Hinata, trying with all her chakra to control her giggles. No point.
"Anyway, what will happen to the clone?" – asked Naruto, rather happy but disturbed at the same time. I like Neji, he is a great person. Yup, he won my respects.
"Anbu are been informed to deal with Itachi's clone." – A quiet voice said from behind.
"Pssht, how troublesome. We can't even walk around our own village."
"Sai! Shikamaru!"
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Phew, no more worries! New chapter uploaded. Yay! I had exams, I am really sorry. Gomenasai! But, the completely new chapter is already uploaded. Responses to reviews have already been answered, so please read the Author's Notes. Please read and review, I need all your comments about this fanfic! For all those people who help me with their reviews, thank you! For all of those people that add me as a favorite author or favorite story, thank you so much but I would really really reaaaaaaaaally appreciate if you review. Everyone, take care!
Always your writer, SnowAstrum.
