In your eyes

A NaruSaku Story

Chapter 7: Points of view

As the new day dawned on the tiny resort village a certain Snake faced Nobleman's son was not having a good day.

First his father had sent him a letter saying that he had received disturbing rumors and accusations of his son's activities, and he would be investigating the matter personally at the orders of the Daiyamo.

Secondly he had to deal with the rather Irksome Jubei who not only could he not intimidate but who seemed completely incapable of caring about how important Snake face's revenge was. The former Mist Swordsman would only eat his rice balls, and practice his sword play on the manor's training grounds, completely ignoring the ranting of the man.

Third he had to deal with the thrice damned Sergeant at Arms Zenigata, Heiji and his new personal assistant Chikai Raundo, who took a perverse pleasure in watching the Sergeant berate the nobleman's son about his boorish behavior towards that pink haired slut Sakura Haruno, and had even forced him to pay money towards the rebuilding of the town as punishment.

On top of which now that she seemed to have become a favorite of the hospital administrator. The nursing staff would only give him the bare minimal treatment required for his injuries since word of his behavior towards the pink haired Shinobi had become known. Now he was treated with cold glares and many people who usually respected him were now spitting at him, and cursing his name.

But the final straw was that the team of ninja he had hired had been unable to track down the Bitch and her loser boy friend, and therefore he had been unable to enjoy his revenge.

"Excuses!! More and more Excuses!!" he raged inwardly.

He had had to listen as the tall whip thin leader had drawled on lazily about how they had first tried to chase them down when they went on a hike into the hills, only to arrive at the sight of their picnic and find the pair gone having vanished.

Then they had tracked them down to the Ocean, but again on arrival found the couple's belongings but no sign of the couple themselves. They had made to search the area only to come back and find the belongings gone as well.

Finally they were unable to attempt over the last 2 days because the pair were firmly ensconced either in the resort or amongst the company of too many witness's for even Snake face's comfort. Haruno seemed to split her time between the hospital, and the resort, and Uzimaki ever present at her side had appeared to vanish from the town entirely for a 12 hour period. Reappearing as if he had never left, no one could figure out where he had been or why.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as the leader of the team the tall black haired male flung a kunai with lethal precision at a bird on the window sill. The bird was killed instantly and a satisfied smirk spread across the leaders face.

"What was that for?" he asked him somewhat nonplussed at the blood and feathers smeared across the window sill.

"We've learned to watch ourselves around animals lately, they seem to hear too much." Was the lazy reply from the ponytailed male

The female and the larger male exchanged apprehensive looks, and wondered if they had been found out before they were ready.

"So you haven't succeeded then, you'd better have a damned good plan to make up for your failures." Snake face snarled viciously "My patience is running out rapidly." He threatened.

"Yes we do." The leader replied with a cold tone.

This whelp was beginning to wear on his own patience. But he couldn't refuse him since he was also their only protection from those that hunted them. He also knew that if something happened to the bastard certain information would reach the ears of certain people, and then there would be no where for them to hide. He shuddered at the thought of what that meant.

"Well use a hostage to lure them out of the town and away from those that might interfere. Once they come for the girl well destroy them." He replied casually, and with a very slight tone of eagerness.

He had truly wanted to challenge Naruto Uzimaki for a while now, especially since he had heard of his defeat of the Immortal Kakuzu with but a single move. His female companion smiled eagerly as well. She had her own reasons for wanting to confront the Haruno woman. He watched as she unconsciously touched the right side of her face concealed by a fall of long hair. Their larger companion well he simply enjoyed a good fight, and loved to beat people up so nothing new there.

"When well you do this? And where?" Snake face asked he seemed to approve the plan.

"Were getting the bait as soon as we leave here, It shouldn't be too troublesome." He replied lazily "Then well use that irritating child to deliver our message for us. They well surely come quickly when they hear of her plight, and then well spring the trap near the falls by the Lovers Leap."

"Good I want to be there to see them suffer. Just remember to leave that pink haired bitch alive." He snarled in evil temper. "Now go!!" he ordered imperiously

"Hai!!" Came the simultaneous reply before all three shadows vanished. Snake face laughed long and maliciously.

Below the window a small rabbit listened carefully to what the shadows within spoke about. It didn't understand a word they said but even it could feel the evil intent of the humans within. The human mind riding within its small body though could understand every word, and as she returned to her body she paled it was happening now.

-ooOoo-

Shikamaru had, had better weeks that was sure the truth he mused quietly to himself as he busied himself behind the bar at the resort that was his cover job for this assignment.

First they had been that near slip up by Ino at the hospital. He was certain after Ino's description of the incident that Sakura --smart cookie that she was-- now suspected something. Ino had gone back to her undercover job as a waitress at the club but she had been more careful around Sakura and Naruto since then.

Then their targets had been bouncing all over the board like Knights on a rampage. First they had tracked them down to the hillside areas near the town but by the time they had arrived Naruto and Sakura were gone so no joy there.

Next they had headed for the Ocean, and while at the beach Choji had a slight mishap that nearly gave them away. But fortunately Naruto and Sakura had used that fancy Hiraishin no Jutsuof his to spirit themselves away too the resort where Ino had promptly turned beet red at the thought of what they were doing there.

Then Naruto had up and vanished without a trace after receiving a mysterious message from the front desk. He was gone for the better part of 12 hours, and the only clue to his destination was the message itself. It was from Suna, and the message was a short simple phrase.

"It well be ready in 8 hours, come for lunch and pick it up."

Their had been nothing more, no signature or clue as to who sent it but after receiving it Naruto had had a huge smile on his face before kissing Sakura as deeply and passionately as he could while twirling her around. She had apparently understood the message, or at least trusted him enough to let him vanish for awhile; as after another round of passionate kissing he had disappeared, and Sakura had sighed in blissful contentment before sitting down at the bar and ordering a drink from him not recognizing him in his disguise.

Shikamaru was a man who believed in simple things and also believed in practicality. His disguise therefore matched his tastes. A simple change of his pony tail to a lower one, and the addition of a set of glasses, by adding a smile and adjusting his attitude to appear more cheerful he made himself seem like a completely different person. Sakura was apparently too dazed by the kiss she shared with Naruto to notice anything, and she thanked him with a generous tip. Then she made her way to the resorts comprehensive library to wile away the time reading.

Upon his sudden return which startled several guests but caused Sakura to jump into his arms with a gleeful laugh. The pair had eaten dinner, and then promptly vanished up to their room where they remained until the next morning. Now they had finished breakfast, and were making their way to the Wave side of the river where it would be up to Ino who was watching that side today to keep track of them.

Shikamaru figured that today was the day they would be able to finally put an end to this mission. Something about the whole situation didn't sit right with him though and he wondered worriedly if their was some variable he had neglected in his plans.

"How troublesome; Naruto why cant things ever be simple with you?" he thought bemusedly with a shake of his head as he cleaned the bar off.

He was shaken from his revelry by Ino who used her special Mind Reader Jutsu to send a thought into his head. "Their on the move." She sent. The thought sent a chill of apprehension through him, and he quickly left the bar to meet up with his teammates and prepare to spring their trap.

-ooOoo-

Sakura had never had a better week in her entire life then she'd had this week. So many things had gone right she just didn't know where to begin.

First she and Naruto had come to a deeper and more fundamental understanding of each other than they ever had before. Her feelings for him were clearer now then they ever could be, and she was deliriously happy. Add in the fact that he was a peerless lover in the bedroom; attacking the art of making love with a passionate intensity that made his normaly insane training ethic look like Shikamaru's cloud watching laziness. The end result was a happy blissful Sakura who couldn't be more content in her life right now.

Second they had spent the last 5 days together in a whirlwind of fun and activites. The rebuilding of the town and her volunteer work at the hospital had gone incredibly smooth, thanks to her own skills, Naruto's Kage Bushin army, and the dedication, and planning of the mayor and others. The village council had insisted that they had done more then enough, and all but begged them to enjoy their vacation while agreeing that they would alert them to any possible problems they may need help for.

To tell the truth Sakura had become quite fond of the small community and thought it might be a perfect place to retire too and raise a family. She blushed prettily at the thought as she read the book she had acquired from the resorts well stocked library, while finishing her breakfast. Naruto currently sat across from her looking up at her with a set of adorable puppy dog eyes that caused her to giggle at his antics before she chided him to finish his own meal.

The last few days had been one adventure after another. First a hike up into the hills surrounding the community for a picnic lunch put together by the staff. There they spent time on a hill side that Heza-Chan the lovely redheaded waitress had recommended as one of her favorite spots, and which had a great view of the river and the village. They had only been there for a few hours, and after finishing lunch she had wanted to check in at the hospital. Both to look in on a few of the more injured patients, and to speak to the mysterious young woman she had spoken to the other day.

Naruto had used Hiraishin to whisk her away to the Hospital, and while her patients were looking much better. She was only able to speak briefly to the young woman before she had left the hospital and wasn't able to learn much more about her.

The next day Naruto had taken her skin diving at a small beach near the resort. The waters were refreshingly cool, and as clear as blue crystal. They had spent hours, swimming with all manner of colorful fish and sea life including a Pod of playful Dolphins who they ended up using as impromptu body boards while the dolphins frolicked merrily in the surf.

After a brief rest sunning themselves on the beach. Naruto who had gaped in open appreciation as she walked out of the Surf in her 2 piece red bikini had initiated another round of lovemaking which had started in the ocean, moved to the sand, and ended up--after a quick Hiraishin--back in their bedroom. She had berated him for forgetting their belongings but mysteriously she found that their stuff had been returned to the hotel after they had come back down for dinner.

Possibly the most awkward moment had been when Naruto had received a simple message that had sent him into an exited mood. He had told her that he needed to go to Suna for the majority of the day but promised he would return to continue their vacation as quickly as possible. She had questioned him but he had given her a mischievous grin and stated that it was a surprise which he would reveal when the time was right.

Trusting him implicitly she had assented and he had whooped in glee scooping her up and twirling her around before kissing her soundly on the lips. She had swayed a little dizzily whether from the kiss, or the spinning she couldn't say exactly before getting a drink and spending the remainder of the day in the library reading from its collection.

He had returned 12 hours later with a soft coating of dust on him from his visit to Suna, and with the gift of a dozen Desert Rose's –-courtesy of Gaara-- before sweeping her up off her feet, and taking her to bed for the evening. Once there he had taken away any questions she had with his simple and artful lovemaking leaving her too breathless to say anything more.

Now the pair was making their way to the Wave side for a few hours of fun at a local spa for some well deserved pampering. Naruto had groused at this a bit calling it girly, but she had insisted that since he got to make her wait by herself for 12 hours then he would just have to endure it. He had groused some more but had quickly ceased it when he noticed her eyebrow twitching dangerously and her fists clenching.

"Ah yes this is the life." She sighed blissfully as she relaxed back into the soothing mud bath. She reached over and gave Naruto an affectionate squeeze of his hand which he returned with a grin before she closed her eyes to relax a little before they changed for lunch.

"Everything's perfect nothing could go wrong today." She thought in blissful contentment.

-ooOoo-

Shorty ran as if the Devil himself was on his heels. Which he was pretty sure was the case.

The day had started off pretty good. Naruto it seemed without even trying had made good on his promise, and now Shorty had a job as the gopher and assistant to Zenigata-San. He also had earned a place to stay in a small but cozy room at the barracks where he performed numerous chores for the local guardsmen stationed there.

He'd even gotten to watch that pompous Snake faced ass get berated by "Pops" as Shorty liked to call him, and be forced to pay restitution to the village for acting like such a boor towards their guest.

Man did Naruto have it lucky Shorty had thought. Sakura was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, and she and Naruto were clearly in love. Boy could she fight too; the way she'd handled Snake face's goons had been something to see, and the way she healed the sick and injured after the storm had left even Shorty in awe of her. Her strength was something to be feared he watched in incredulity as she'd single handedly lifted a massive stone wall off of a trapped old man with little more effort then a person might lift a piece of paper.

And the boss "Whoa; was he something or what?" thought Shorty now running for all he was worth towards the resort. He'd thought that the boss was going to kill Snake Face and his buddies just from that glare alone, something about the boss made him a true terror when he was angry.

He was so distracted that as he ran past the front gates of the resort he bumped into one of the new guys that tended bar at the resort "Cho" he thought the name was.

"Hey watch where your going!" exclaimed the surprised bartender as he readjusted his glasses.

'Sorry Sorry; I gotta go, I gotta find Sakura and Naruto it's really important. It's a matter of life and death." Shorty panted out breathlessly as he dusted himself off and took the hand up that the pony tailed man offered him.

"Their not here." Cho said lazily while rubbing his shin. "I heard their heading for the Wave side Spa, then to one of the local seafood places for lunch.

"Oh No!! I gotta find them quick or …" he hesitated then continued "I've gotta find them it's super important!" Then he shot off not granting any further explanation.

He was a little; no scratch that a lot terrified. He had been running an errand for Zenigata-San delivering some papers to the Mayor, when on his return he had bumped into pretty redheaded Heza-Chan from the resort. She had smiled at him and he offered to help her carry some parcels of food that the Inn was offering to residents that were still being sorted back into their homes.

They had made all of 2 stops together when a Massive figure had landed with a crash in front of them. His massive arms had engulfed the redhead, and with a shriek of terror lifted her off the ground. Shorty no slouch in a fight had rushed up and promptly punched the big goon in the gut only to yank his hand back in pain. It had been like punching a mountain side. With a booming evil laugh he had adjusted the squirming waitress in his grip and told Shorty in no uncertain terms.

"Bring that pink haired slut, and her loser boyfriend to the Lovers leap rock, and tell them to come alone or the girl here gets to be the next to leap off the falls; Got it kid." He had boomed unpleasantly before vanishing in a poof of smoke.

So Shorty ran for all he was worth, and prayed he could find the legendary Neo-Sannin in time.

-ooOoo-

Shikamaru mulled over the possible implications of what the little squirt had been saying when a sudden cold thought had entered his mind. Hadn't Ino said something about picking up bait?

Turning on his heels Shikamaru raced off to where Ino and Choji were waiting for him. He was already formulating a couple dozen strategies in his head, discarding unlikely ones, and filing away a few promising scenarios for future use.

When he approached Ino and Choji on the roof of the hotel and quickly gathered together the weapons and ninja gear which they handed to him he noticed the distressed look on Ino's face. He listened to her explanation of what she'd witnessed, and quickly put 2 and 2 together. They'd have to move fast if they wanted a chance to take their targets down now.

"All right lets do this." He said with a casual confidence that too anyone else would have sounded like he was bored to tears.

"Hai!!" came the response from his team and quickly they took off converging on the Wave side of the bridge.

-ooOoo-

The Lovers Leap was one of the most romantic spots in the area. A flat, round tabletop of solid stone that had a commanding view of the falls and the resort area; a railing and low wall made of natural stone had been put up to allow people to enjoy the view safely. The legend of the spot marked by a bronze plaque on a standing stone obelisk was where the rock had earned its name.

The legend stated that two ninja had professed their love for each other but because their clans were at war they couldn't be together. She had been ordered to kill him, and when she had confronted him at the rock he had refused to fight her. So the man had made a vow to her. He vowed that if he could fly then their love would be eternal, but if he couldn't fly then he would always protect her even if he had to return from the grave. Then with a kiss he had leapt from the rock and vanished into the mists never to be seen again. No one knew what had happened to the woman, though the legend stated that she had died of a broken heart. Pining away for her unrequited love and passing away on the anniversary of her lovers leap from the stone one year later.

"No one was sure whether the local legend was true but the story has persisted for more then 2 generations now, and was revered still amongst poets, and those who were in love." Sakura explained to Naruto with a romantic sigh as they ate lunch together.

He listened intently giving her that look of quiet attentiveness that he gave when he was receiving a lesson in Jutsu or some such. It was the same look he had given her when she had explained the tree climbing exercise to him

"The more things change the more they stay the same." She sighed inwardly but had a smile on her face as she thought it. She took a bite of her fish, and was about to say more when Naruto looked at her with a mischievous grin on his face.

"I can fly Sakura-Chan." he smiled a wide fox grin at her.

She laughed at the look on his face, and the absurdity of his statement, Sure he could use Hiraishin to teleport, or even move at an incredible speed while running; but fly, As in defy gravity, flap your wings and make like a bird fly; uhuh no way. Inner Sakura again howled in laughter at the image of a chibi Naruto flapping his arms wildly trying to fly.

She gave him a half smirk, but he persisted with that adorable pout thrown in for good measure. "I really can fly."He grumbled softly his eyes had darkened as if a storm of emotions was raging within them and her heart clenched at the sight.

Suddenly his eyes brightened up almost seeming to glow in their intensity. He looked directly into hers, deep sapphire blues bored into soft emerald greens with an intensity that made the hairs stand up on Sakura's neck, and gave her goose bumps; her heart beat increased as she dreaded what he would say next.

"I'll prove it Sakura-Chan just like in the story." He smiled a wide genuine smile at her while thumping his chest confidently. "I promise you if I can leap off that stone and fly then our love well last for all eternity." He smiled and nodded giving her a thumbs up that caused her to briefly flashback to his first promise of a lifetime.

She debated swatting him on the head for being a baka. But something was nagging at the back of her mind, suddenly the images of him floating in their room, and on their balcony flashed through her mind. She shook her head clear though she still wasn't certain of what she'd seen, and instead decided to softly chide him for his foolishness.

Sakura had to be careful though. She knew that strong as he was he was more broken, and sensitive inside then many people would ever know. She knew she could destroy his dreams with a wrongly chosen word or a poorly chosen phrase, and she'd sworn that she'd see his dreams to fruition. But she also knew that she had to be the one to keep him grounded in reality. While his head was in the clouds, she had to be the one to keep his feet on the ground.

"Naruto no one can fly Not even the fourth could." She talked to him as if he were a small child who had just told her some childish dream of flying to space, or being the richest person in the world.

He had some special dreams that everyday she felt more and more confident that he could achieve; like becoming Hokage of course. But he'd need a firm hand to guide him and make sure that he didn't overstep his very real limitations in spite of the many amazing things she knew he was capable of.

But Naruto looked into her eyes and was undeterred He looked like he was about to argue further when a loud panicked voice interrupted them both.

"Boss!! Sakura-San!! You gotta come quickly. She's in danger he took Heza-Chan, and he said if you don't come alone he'll kill her." Shorty gasped out between panting breaths.

Sakura immediately moved to his side. She applied a gentle chakra touch to his lungs, and circulatory system enabling the blood to flow more easily, and his lungs to absorb oxygen better so he could catch his breath.

"Slow down Shorty. Who's got Heza-Chan? And where?" Naruto asked him his voice now a low growl of determination.

"Their at the Lovers Leap." He said slowly catching his breath now thanks to Sakura's healing skills. "He was enormous, a giant, and tough" he showed his bruised knuckles which Sakura quickly healed.

"Shorty I want you to go find Zenigata-San, and tell him what happened. Then tell him to be ready in case we need back up ok." Sakura spoke with that dead calm combat savvy that she'd developed in the years of studying under Tsunade. Naruto looked at her proudly and nodded when Shorty looked to him for guidance.

"Leave it to me boss I'll do my best!!" he crowed resolutely, before rushing to the door. At the door though he stopped and turned around his face frowning with a worried expression on it. "Boss, Sakura-San; be careful huh this guy looked dangerous." Then he turned and ran to find "Pops".

-ooOoo-

A Massive figure stood near a tree where the drugged and unconscious redhead was tied. He looked her young figure up and down leering at her womanly curves with undisguised lust, but stopped when he was glared at by his female companion. They both looked at their leader who leaned against the railing patiently waiting for their prey to arrive. Suddenly they could feel a massive chakra spike as their quarry neared. The trio made ready to unleash their ultimate powers on the unwary couple.

"Now I well challenge and defeat you Naruto Uzimaki." Thought the ponytailed leader

"Now I well avenge myself Sakura Haruno." Thought the female

"Finally I get to crush something." Thought the gigantic male

"Their here!!" All three thought simultaneously

-ooOoo-

Before Sakura could even blink Naruto reached out and pulled her close to him. Then with a whirl of sensation she was standing in their room thanks to The Hiraishin no Jutsu. Quickly the two changed into their Shinobi outfits, and grabbed the ninja gear they kept close by just in case of trouble. Looking at Sakura as she pulled on the new special gloves he had brought her for her birthday with a determined look he smiled a soft sad smile.

He reached into his pocket where he felt for what lay within. He wanted to give it to her now but this was hardly the time or place for such a thing. His smile disappeared as he felt it and he wondered if they'd get another opportunity. He was broken from his reverie as she reached up and cupped his chin with her hand, then brought his eyes to meet hers.

"Naruto?..." she questioned her eyes now showing her concern.

He shook his head and he quickly smiled a determined if genuine smile at her. Though she noted his eyes didn't match it. He didn't say anything but he pulled her close to him and trapped her lips with his.

Sakura gasped then moaned as he was suddenly putting all the passion and fire that he could into this kiss as if it would tell her everything he was feeling at that moment. All that he wanted to say, all his dreams for the future, all his love, all his strength flowed into that kiss and hence into her. They stayed like that for what seemed like hours but was really only a few precious moments before he broke the kiss both their faces were flushed and Sakura was having a hard time catching her breath.

"I love you Sakura-Chan, and I swear I'll protect you no matter what." He spoke up suddenly and looked her in the eyes as if trying to burn the memory of her face into his brain.

A tear ran down her face but she smiled, and shook her head with a determined look. "No my love, this time well protect each other."

He smiled then a smile which she mirrored as suddenly they vanished the Hiraishin no Jutsu carrying them through space and time to their destiny.

To be continued