Chapter 7: Promise

"What?" Naruto bellowed at the top of his lungs.

His mouth was hanging open at Ino and Tsunade as he stood in the office. It was Monday and today Ino would start working permanently as the three patients' nurse. The only problem is that Tsunade cut back his hours. She recommended for him to get an extra hour of sleep so he could come in at ten. Ino told the busty woman that Naruto hasn't been getting any sleep. It was true but it didn't matter to him.

It was unfair that his cousin would go behind his back like that. He knew that she was planning something a few days ago. He just wasn't expecting it to be this. Why was everyone trying to look out for him? Why would the even want to when it has more people that need help in the institute? Ino overworked herself sometimes and no one said a thing to her. Then when it comes to him, everyone is looking out for his wellbeing. If he wanted to overwork himself then he would. It didn't matter about another person's opinion. It shouldn't matter.

Naruto was the best at his job and would work hard until his patients were happy. Yes, he saw the rings around his eyes this morning. Yes, he was more tired than usual but that was natural. When dealing with patients like these you have to do everything in your power even if you're tired. He wouldn't have chosen this career if he wanted a normal sleeping pattern. He was like that with Zabuza and Kimimaro too. Well, he would admit he overdid it with those two. He passed out during a therapy session but it was only once! It wasn't like he died or anything.

"Why?" he asked his voice laced with anger.

"Look at you Naruto! Did you look in the mirror this morning? You don't even look like yourself!" Tsunade stood up with a glare.

"So what? It doesn't matter what I look like! It definitely doesn't matter if I'm on the clock or not. I'm still going to be here and you know that!" he argued.

"Stop being stupid, Naruto! You have to look your best for the job. You're a professional doctor, aren't you?" Ino folded her arms over her chest.

"Didn't I promise that I'll tell you when I'm overdoing it?" he asked in a low voice.

They visibly tensed. Tsunade sighed and sat back down. "That's the problem brat. We know you won't tell us even if the situation comes. I'm doing this for your own good. You don't want to pass out in front of your Sector 21 patients."

"It's only been a week!"

"Exactly." Ino frowned.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It's only been a week and you're already pushing yourself way too hard." The old woman's gaze softened on him.

Naruto ran a hand through his spiky golden hair. He shouldn't have told them about Kyuubi yesterday. He should've stayed home instead of going over Ino's house for Choji's Ramen. He should've kept his mouth shut because he knew that mentioning Kyuubi would make him even more stressed. When he arrived this morning he was immediately called to Tsunade's office by intercom. He didn't even say hello to his patients yet.

Ino just had to tell Tsunade and the blonde most likely told Iruka who already knew. Then his phone was probably running off the hook in his office because his pager kept going off every few minutes. He had no doubt in his mind that it was Kimimaro and Zabuza. They treated him like a little brother now that they were out of the institute. Ino probably told Haku too. If he didn't answer his phone sooner or later than Zabuza would show up and things won't be pretty.

Just great.

"I made a promise and I'll stick by them." Naruto's eyes narrowed in determination.

Both other occupants in the room sighed in exasperation. Tsunade just looked slightly annoyed and Ino looked worried. The discussion was over. Ino would be working from three in the morning to lunch time. He didn't know how she still got enough rest at home to look all chipper during the day.


He walked out of the office and rushed to his. He just picked up the phone in time for whoever it is, not to hang up. He tried to sound cheerful but it didn't work.

"Hello! Dr. Uzumaki's office!"

"Boy, you have some nerve not telling me about Kyuubi." Zabuza's rough voice came through the phone.

"Hey! Don't call me boy! I can take care of myself." Naruto snapped.

"Really? I just got off the phone with Iruka a few hours ago and he wants me to baby-sit you."

Naruto gaped. "What?"

Zabuza darkly chuckled. "I don't mind. I wanted to punch Kyuubi's face in when I first saw him. No better yet, kill him."

The blonde psychologist frowned. "Have you been taking your medicine?"

"Haku forces me."

"That's good but don't do anything to Kyuubi. I haven't seen him since Friday so I guess I could relax now."

"You know damn well that Kyuubi isn't going to give up like that! Haku and I have decided to come over your house tonight."

"You didn't even ask me!"

"So? It doesn't matter. Kimimaro made plans to come over tomorrow night. We're taking turns. I'm surprised when he told me that he wanted to break every bone in that fucker's body."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Calm down." He sighed. "I guess I'll see you tonight."

"You better believe it Naruto. As soon as you get off work, come straight home."

"You're acting like you live with me!" he shouted.

He already knew that Zabuza had a smirk on his face. "I might as well."

With that said Zabuza hung up. Naruto felt happy that everyone was trying to look out for him but he didn't need the help. He wanted to be independent for a reason. Iruka promised he wouldn't tell anybody. He shrugged it off. He had better things to do. He thought about his three patients and couldn't resist smiling.


Naruto waved at Asuma and Kakashi working today. Shikamaru's mother called him just a few minutes before he arrived. He saw the other guard walking out. He wasn't going to complain since Asuma was still here. He still didn't like Kakashi but he was going to co-operate with him.

"Hey! Good morning, Asuma!" he grinned.

Asuma seemed to be looking better. He lit a cigarette and took a puff before he greeted him. "Nice to see you so happy in the morning."

"Yeah, well a few moments ago I was pissed off. Did you know that Tsunade changed my schedule?"

Asuma shrugged. "I'm hardly up there."

Naruto just scratched the back of his head. "So how was breakfast?"

"The usual."

The blonde nodded. "How is Kurenai at home?"

"Complaining. I love her but there's so much a man could take." Asuma shook his head.

Naruto laughed. "It's expected. You're parents now. Women are bound to complain during pregnancy and even more after the pregnancy."

"True." He shrugged.


Naruto left the desk and went to the back where the three people he wanted to help resided. They practically lived there so it was probably like a home. They've been here for a while with nothing but sedatives. No one has been their psychologist since that Orouchimaru guy left. He sounded like a creep. He would most likely have to assign them a new psychiatrist too. He didn't trust Kabuto at all. It also didn't help that they didn't have a medical doctor. Their vitals were supposed to be taken at least everyday. No one he knew would come down here without a good paycheck. The medicine was going to be out of their system by the end of this week or next week.

He opened Sasuke's room first to see what the raven haired male was doing. Yesterday they went up to the library on Sector 5 so they could be occupied if something ever happened to Naruto. He was happy this place was starting to look colorful. He would've driven himself crazy if he had to look at those bare walls.

He almost couldn't talk looking at Sasuke in his outfit. The pale man had on baggy black jeans that were low on his hips, showing navy blue boxers and a white shirt that rose up a little as he breathed. He could see the little hairline that went down into those boxers since Sasuke was laid out on his bed.

"Good morning Sasuke. How are you this morning?" at least his voice didn't give his hesitation away.

Sasuke's coal eyes looked at him. "Hn."

"It's supposed to rain later on today so I'm a bit upset at that. I'm a sunny person."

"I noticed." He snorted.

"How was breakfast?"

Sasuke said after a moment of silence. "I had an apple."

"You didn't want anything else?"

Sasuke shook his head. "Wasn't that hungry."

"So do you like your new clothes?" Naruto grinned and scratched the back of his head.

"Idiot." Sasuke looked away from him and at a random spot on the wall.

"Hey! I'm just trying to have a conversation! You don't have to be a bastard about it!" Naruto glared at the Uchiha. The raven haired man was smirking at him. He grown accustomed to Sasuke's teasing moods. Sasuke made fun of him at least three times a day. If he didn't then there might be something wrong.

"Hn."

"I'm going to greet the others. You're always making fun of me." He stomped out the room and glared.

He could have sworn he heard a small chuckle when he closed the door but maybe it was his imagination. He went to Sai's room and saw the artist drawing on his desk with the charcoal crayon he gave him. Sai at first protested but when he realized that he could do shading techniques with it he began to use it. Today Sai wore black baggy pants with a black shirt that hugged his lean frame. It made his skin look so much paler than it usually is. He thought Sasuke was pale but Sai looked as white as some of the walls almost.

"Good morning Sai!" he smiled.

Sai glanced at him. "You're late today, dickless."

Naruto was already used to the nickname even though he didn't like it. What was up with his patients teasing him? Did he look like someone that liked getting teased? Was there some kind of inside joke that he didn't know about? He really wanted to know. He sat down on Sai's bed, still looking at the older male.

"I had a meeting in the old woman's office. She changed my schedule so I don't get paid until ten." Naruto frowned.

Sai went back to drawing. "Why is that?"

"She thinks I'm not getting enough sleep at home. I told her time and time again that my patients come before me."

Sai paused and turned fully towards him. He asked. "Why do you try so hard? I know it's your dream to one day own this place but is it really that much of a big deal to help us when you're exhausted?"

Naruto said. "I'm sure you have goals and dreams. When you leave this place I will be looking back on the times I got exhausted and you know what I will think?" He paused. "I will think that it was worth it."

The artist couldn't stop himself this time. He gave Naruto a real smile. Naruto smiled along with him. That gave Naruto an idea for their group therapy today. He could ask them about their goals and help them achieve it. It was only natural as their psychologist to help them sort out their dreams. He gave Sai a small pat on the back before he walked out to go to Gaara's room.

The red head was slowly opening up to him. He made small comments from time to time in his therapy sessions one on one. He sometimes spoke to Sasuke but most of the time he was still silent. He opened the door.

Gaara sat down in the middle of the floor with his legs crossed. He wore a dark red shirt and charcoal gray cargo pants. He definitely looked hot. Naruto had to keep the drool from coming from his mouth.

"Good morning Gaara!"

Gaara's sea-foam eyes snapped open and gave him a curt nod.

"What are you doing on the floor?"

The red head answered him. "Meditating."

Naruto furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. He made sure to stay at least a few feet away from Gaara all the time. He didn't want to ruin his five feet bubble room. The only people that were able to get close to Gaara were Sasuke and maybe sometimes Sai.

"What are you mediating for?"

"It helps me sleep."

Naruto looked shocked for a moment. "Really? Do you need some sleeping pills?"

Gaara looked amused for a few seconds. "I don't like medicine."

"Is there something I could do? Should I ask someone to bring you warm milk? What about tea with honey?"

"You talk too much."

The blonde psychologist scratched the back of his head. "Sorry. I'm just worried."

"I wouldn't mind tea."

Gaara closed his eyes and Naruto grinned. He guessed Gaara was done talking for today. He said more words than he ever did. He walked out of the room still a bit happy. He would be back for their lunch break. Hopefully by then he would have a medical doctor for them. Who would be brave enough to come down here? He already had Ino as the nurse. He also needed to find a reliable psychiatrist. Someone that wouldn't upset either of them. He had to find two people with a warm personality. He might just have them. He smiled brightly as he waved at Asuma and Kakashi before leaving Sector 21.


Naruto wasn't too sure about this. He should've thought more thoroughly about walking to the eccentric psychiatrist. He sat inside Sector 5 waiting to be seen. Everything was green. Everything was going to be a disaster.


When Naruto finally got back downstairs he didn't want to think about what he just did. He didn't want to regret the decision he just made. Tsunade even looked at him like he was crazy. If only his grandfather could see him now. He was sure that he would be teased until a hole in the ground swallowed him up. He found a good psychiatrist and probably the most unique one in the institute. Now he only had to find a good doctor.

He wasn't really friends with that many doctors but he knows a couple of them by face. Neji Hyuuga happened to be the only one that ran through his mind. Ino was probably going to throw a fit when she hears the team he assembled for the three dangerous patients' recovery. He repressed a shudder at the all green room he just stepped out a few moments ago. He would introduce them once Ino got used to the schedule. For now, he was just going to give the psychiatrist their files and see what he comes up with.

Oh God!

This was going to turn into something horrible. He could just feel it.


Naruto walked into the therapy session room. He would speak to Gaara first like always. He wanted to keep it in the same order so they could get used to everything else. Frankly, everything else was going to be spontaneous. He hated writing schedules down or writing anything down period. Naruto was the worse when he was in college when it came to reports. He sat in the newly painted room. The contractors were serious when it came to getting paid. The room was painted red, blue, black, and orange. It was painted everyone's favorite colors. The chairs were replaced by cushioned black sofas leading around the room. The nasty carpet was pulled up and a new gray carpet was put down. There were random pictures of waterfalls and oceans posted up on the walls. A small radio was on the middle of the table that Ino decorated with flowers. The place was swarming with warmth and colors.

He smiled at Ino as she walked Gaara in and gave him a cup of tea. "Have fun!"

Naruto just nodded as she walked out the room. "I'll try."

He turned to look at Gaara who already took out the pieces of a newly bought puzzle. There was a bookcase that had various books with puzzles and board games. At the bottom shelf was all the art supplies for Sai. The place still kind of smelled like paint but with the overwhelming colors someone could over look it.

"How are you today Gaara?"

Gaara just continued to connect pieces together. He took sips every now and then from the tea.

"So how do you like the therapy room?"

"It's…colorful."

"It's way better than before. I can't believe they left you all down here with nothing but old crumbling books and dust. I should complain to the people funding this place! They're doing a lousy job in making sure the patients are comfortable."

There was silence for a few minutes.

"Can I ask you a question Gaara?"

"You just did."

Naruto flushed. "Sorry. Well, anyway I was wondering about your problem sleeping. How long has it been going on? I can see rings around your eyes."

He stated. "You read my file."

"Yeah, said something about Nightmare Disorder but I want to go by my observations. Do you have nightmares?"

Gaara tensed and looked at him. "I used to when I was a child."

"Ah, okay. So that information isn't new then?"

"No."

Naruto realized he still didn't answer his question. "You still didn't answer the question. You don't have to answer it if you don't want to."

"Ever since I came in this place."

Naruto grew silent at the comment. It all started when he came here. When he was diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder? Was it because he didn't talk to anyone? Or did he truly have it? He frowned at the new knowledge. Orouchimaru apparently diagnosed them with the wrong things. He was sure he couldn't go by anything on that file. Maybe Orouchimaru was senile and couldn't tell the difference between normal mistrust. He sure as hell wouldn't trust him from the things he heard about him. Anyone would lose sleep in here. It's not just nightmares and it would've been on a security tape or something. Shikamaru never told him about any nightmare screams or anything like that.

Gaara seemed to have some hours of sleep but still wasn't getting enough for him to calm down. If Kabuto was giving them sedatives every day and night they wouldn't fall asleep unless it was strong. Most people just zoned out and came back to reality within a few hours. It seems Kabuto gave them something else too. Was he using drugs to experiment on different reactions? He was going to have to ask them.

"Did Dr. Yakushi give you more than just sedatives?"

Gaara gave him a dark look. So it was true. He was going to have to report this to Tsunade. He held back a groan. Naruto was going to have to re-write all their files.

He mumbled. "I hate paperwork."

So far all they had that was believable was Anti-Social Disorder. Sai was alright if he wasn't making lecherous comments and when he said something that a normal person would call wrong he didn't know why. The worst case in Sasuke though. Probably a strong anger problem with Gaara. He always looked annoyed by almost everything. Sasuke was diagnosed with depression. He committed suicide multiple times. He was also diagnosed with Intermittent Explosive Disorder. He wondered why. He was going to have to start digging up some information soon. Real soon.

He watched as Gaara went back to doing his puzzle. He still looked tense but that was to be expected. He didn't like Kabuto either. The bastard.


When they were in the group therapy room his three patients couldn't stop looking around. They had a big flat screen TV on the right side with a brown leather couch in front of it. There were many bookcases and new books that Naruto ordered from the library system. Sasuke liked reading to learn things from his guess. He wouldn't be surprised if the Uchiha was smarter than him. His family is rich so they probably put him through the best schools Konoha had to offer.

On the left side of the room was a pool table, a large bucket of basketballs, footballs, softballs (since he didn't want anyone to get hurt), a few large buckets of art supplies for when they start their art therapy, and soft brown chairs. There was a long table in the middle of the room with matching chairs. There were also at least ten small desks that were for any other patient that happens to come down in Sector 21. The room was more of a relaxing feel. The light blue walls, tan carpet, and pictures of deep tropical forests posted up on the walls. It looked more livable than when the first time he came in here. The yellow walls were disgusting. It had cobwebs and the lights were too bright. He dimmed those down a little. After all he did turn this into a small play room. Well, it wasn't small but more comfortable.

"Wow, dickless. Did you decorate this?" Sai asked.

Naruto forced a smile. "Maybe I did."

"What are we doing this session?"

The blonde psychologist then grinned. "I'm glad you asked that Sai! We will be talking about your dreams and goals. Who you admire and so forth. Take a seat at one of the desks."

"Hn." Sasuke sat at the closest one near him.

Gaara sat in the middle while Sai sat a few seats behind Sasuke. It was like a mini classroom filled with nothing but fun equipment around.

"Okay! Hm, how should I do this?" Naruto asked himself out loud.

"Idiot." The Uchiha smirked.

Naruto pouted. "Stop making fun of me!"

Sai just had one of his fake smiles on his face and Gaara just seemed slightly amused.

"Oh, I know!"

Naruto ran to get an orange rubber ball. "I'll call this the dream ball."

"How original…" Sasuke snorted.

"Shut up bastard!"

Ino popped her head in. "Naruto, don't make me come in there."

The blonde psychologist gulped. "Sorry."

Ino disappeared down the hall to finish with her flower decorations. The woman was going to drive him crazy. He should've asked Hinata to come down here.

He flushed and cleared his throat. "Okay when you catch the ball you have to say what you want to do when you get out of here. You can start off with tiny goals."

He threw the ball at Sai who caught it easily.

Sai hesitated for a moment and looked down at the ball. "I want my drawings to be in an art gallery."

Naruto nodded. "That's a good start. You're a good artist. The best one I know anyway."

Sai threw the ball at Gaara. The red headed male looked at him strangely. They looked like they were having some invisible conversation with their eyes before Gaara finally spoke. "I want to capture…other people's emotions."

Naruto looked confused. "Huh?"

"He wants to be a photographer." Sasuke said calmly.

"Oh! Awesome! Do you think I'll be able to pose for you?" Naruto grinned. He was always one of those people to take pictures with a bright smile. He had many pictures hanging on the walls of his apartment.

Gaara just narrowed his eyes and threw the orange ball at Sasuke. Sasuke caught it calmly even though the red head used force.

"Idiot." Sasuke frowned at him.

Naruto stuck his tongue out childishly.

"As for my goals…I don't think I have one."

Naruto looked at him seriously. "Come on Sasuke! You mean to tell me that you don't have anything you want to do when you get out of here!"

"Who said I was getting out of here?" The Uchiha raised an eyebrow.

Naruto became angry then. The raven haired man didn't believe in himself. "With that attitude you probably won't! You have to understand that you can bring yourself in and you can take yourself out! Fuck what society thinks about you when you're out there doing your thing. All that matters is that you can say that you overcame your past! Of course people would shoot you down but that's why it's called life. Life is sometimes or most of the time unfair but you should never give up hope that you can do whatever you want to do. You can prove to everyone that you can succeed and you will live your life to its fullest. Being stuck in here..." he paused. "…it's impossible. You have to want to get better for you. Not for anyone else! You have to keep a promise…" He looked around to all their faces.

"You have to promise to yourself that you won't give up. You won't let what other people think of you bring you down. It's your life not theirs. You know what you are on the inside and you know what you are on the outside. And I'm here to tell the three of you that your dreams aren't silly. You're goals are not impossible to achieve. I promise you, that no matter what you do when you leave this place, I will support you. I know all of you had a hard life. I didn't come just as your psychologist; I came to you because you need the support. Apparently your families didn't understand what you needed the most. Well, I'm going to tell you this now!"

Naruto said softly. "I consider us family and I don't turn my back on family. I will continue to run you down until you understand I'm not going anywhere."


Snowysess: Thank you for all the reviews in the past week! I stopped writing simply because I became a little depressed but I'm better now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I sure did enjoy writing it. This was actually the words of my older cousin. She told me this a few years ago when I was having a hard time in high school.

Review and I'll update soon. Well, as soon as my hands heal from typing so damn much!