Chapter 7
Everyone's eyes on the balcony widened in surprise when they saw Naruto step out behind Tsunade. That is everyone was surprised except for the council and Shizune. Naruto greeted the council and ANBU before moving to his friends.
(Note: Naruto is part of the Konoha 11, so you will only count 10 names from the Konoha 11. I know Sai isn't part of the Konoha 11, but I had to put him in.)
The Konoha 11 in order, standing from right to left (Naruto's perspective as he walks up from the doorway behind them) are: Hyūga Neji, Nara Shikamaru, Tenten, Akimichi Chouji, Hyūga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Sai, Rock Lee, Yamanaka Ino, Aburame Shino, and Haruno Sakura. All of them were shocked to see Uzumaki Naruto here. He hadn't been seen in over 4 years. They guessed that the ceremony was to welcome Naruto back. Naruto had changed so much; he was more mature, smarter, and hotter (girls thinking that part).
Naruto walked up to Neji and starting with the Hyūga genius reacquainted himself with his old friends.
"Hello Neji. Long time no see. I'm glad to see your doing fine."
"Ah, it has been a long time, Naruto. Glad to see you too."
"Hey Shikamaru. How are you doing?"
"Oi, Naruto. I've been fine although my promotion to Jounin has been a bit troublesome. How about you?"
"I've been better. Hi, Tenten. You're doing fine, I see."
Tenten blushed at Naruto and replied, "Good to see you Naruto."
"Yo, Chouji. How's it going?"
"Hey Naruto. Everything is going fine. We should go out for some BBQ sometime."
"Hahaha. I'll think about that. Hello Hinata."
"H-hello Naruto-kun. I'm glad to finally see you again after so long," said the heiress though she didn't blush when talking to Naruto like she always did.
"Yea, me too. So you got married I see," said Naruto, pointing at the ring on her finger.
"Hai, I did. Kiba-kun and I are very happy together."
"Hey Kiba. Nice job on marrying Hinata. Make sure to keep her happy."
"Hey Naruto. Thanks and don't worry I intend to keep Hinata happy."
"Hi Sai. You've changed for the better."
"Hello Naruto. Your observation skills have gotten better I see."
"Really? I haven't noticed. Thanks though. Hey Lee. How have you been?"
"Naruto! You have finally returned to the village. I'm so happy," cried Lee.
"Hi Ino. You look prettier since I saw you last."
Ino blushed a bit at Naruto's comment and said, "Thanks Naruto, although you haven't seen me in like forever!"
"Hey Shino. You're as calm as ever."
"Naruto, you didn't forget me this time. You remembered me."
"Of course and sorry about that other time. I've been meaning to apologize for it."
"Don't worry about it. I forgive you Naruto."
Sakura had been waiting to see Naruto for a long time. Now he was here. She had watched him talk to the rest of their friends and was a bit anxious as he finally reached her. Everyone on the balcony looked anxiously to see what Naruto would do when he got to Sakura. Most thought that it wouldn't go well. Sakura on her part just wanted a chance to say sorry. However, none of them were expecting Naruto to just walk past her like she wasn't even there.
Sakura stood there speechless. Naruto had just walked past her, without even glancing! It was like she was invisible or something. Sakura watched, hurt, as Naruto walked to the corner and greet Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and Shizune. Then, he walked to Tsunade.
"Na-Naruto!" spoke Sakura.
Naruto continued like he hadn't heard her. He reached Tsunade and nodded to her. The Hokage nodded back and signaled for the start of the ceremony. Everyone got in place and stood facing Tsunade, with Naruto beside her. Sakura could only look at Naruto, who was now looking out over Konoha. The villagers became quiet as they listened to their Hokage speak. Everyone was astounded to learn the truth about Itachi. They felt sad to learn about his death and Jiraiya's just a few days ago. Everyone learned that the funeral would be tomorrow at dawn and that the village would be shut down so everyone could attend. They applauded at the end of Tsunade's speech, but became quiet when Naruto stepped up to speak.
Naruto spoke of how he learned about Itachi and the battle that fateful day. Everyone listened intently to the blonde's tale. They learned that Itachi and Jiraiya fought valiantly and died a warrior's death. The villagers also learned that Naruto had been chased for a good 8 years of his life and that he was constantly in danger and could die at any moment. They felt bad for Naruto with all the pain and loss he has endured. The villagers saw the demon boy in a new light. From that moment on the people in Konoha would respect Naruto and view him as a hero just like the 4th wanted over 20 years ago.
Naruto finished his speech and everyone clapped. He gave them a wave and stepped back. Tsunade dismissed the entire village and everyone on the balcony. Sakura wanted to speak with Naruto and walked towards the blonde. However, Chunin, Jounin, and ANBU got in her way as they headed towards the door and Naruto was obstructed from her view. Sakura fought her way through the crowd and ran at Naruto, his back turned, who vanished in a flash of yellow.
"Naruto! Wait!" yelled Sakura as Naruto vanished.
However, Naruto didn't hear her, though Sakura believes he did and just ignored her. Either way Naruto wouldn't have responded to Sakura. The pink haired kunoichi fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. Tsunade noticed this and walked over to her former apprentice.
Putting a hand on Sakura's shoulder she said, "Sakura come on. I know you're hurt, but we'll discuss it in my office. Come on, let's go now."
"I-I j-just want to say I'm sorry and ask him for another chance," sobbed Sakura.
"I know, I know, but we can talk about this in my office where it's more comfortable," said Tsunade gently.
"I guess."
Tsunade helped Sakura get up and led her to her office. Once there Tsunade shut and locked the door. She motioned for Sakura to take a seat, while she sat at her desk. Crossing her hands, Tsunade put her chin on them and waited for Sakura, tears running down her face, to speak.
"Tsunade-sama, I want to talk to Naruto and tell him I'm sorry, but he-he didn't even give me a chance to. You saw it...he walked right by me and-and never looked at me. Please help me get Naruto back!" a hysteric Sakura begged.
"Sigh...Sakura we have already been through this. I told you 4 years ago that there's nothing I can do. You wanted to go find him and I couldn't let you, but now he's here. You need to make sure your in a situation where he has to talk to you. I'm sorry, but there is no other way to fix your relationship with Naruto. You caused this to happen. I know what I'm saying is harsh, but it's your fault it happened this way. I'm not sure he'll ever talk to you again, let alone getting his forgiveness."
"I know it's my-my fault, but not all of it was me. Sasuke planned our breakup so he-he could escape. Why can't you help me get him back? Please just help me, shisho!" cried Sakura.
Tsunade looked at the young woman in pity. If it was a stupid reason that made Naruto be like this to Sakura, she would intervene and help, but what Sakura had done was huge. She might be able to help a little, but she could also make the situation totally unresolvable, not that it isn't hard now.
"You're the one who responded to Sasuke's advances. You gave into to him! You crushed Naruto! Why can't you just get over him? He has obviously moved on. Go find another man you can be happy with. Stop behaving this way. It's not good for your health, Sakura."
"I know that, but I-I-I can't help it. I refuse to see any other man, but Naruto! Can you just help me," sobbed Sakura, eyes red and watery.
"Uhhh...fine. I'll help you Sakura. I'll talk to Naruto later, but I make no promises that I get Naruto to talk to you alright?" asked a weary Tsunade.
"Arigatou shisho," said Sakura as she stood to leave.
Tsunade watched Sakura leave, with tears still silently going down her face. She let out another sigh and hoped that everything would work out. Tsunade knows how stubborn and hard headed Naruto can be. If he doesn't want to acknowledge Sakura then he won't. She might have a better chance of winning all her bets for the rest of her life than getting Naruto to talk to someone he most likely despises with every fiber of his being.
Naruto had gone home after the ceremony. Tomorrow would be the funeral and he needed to get ready for it. After eating a late lunch, that consisted of a bento (what do you know, for once no ramen), Naruto walked out of his house to go buy a suit. After purchasing and complaining about the price of the suit, Naruto stopped by the Yamanaka Flower Shop to get some seeds for a garden in his backyard. When Naruto went in he found Ino working the register.
"Good afternoon, Ino," greeted Naruto.
"Oh! Naruto! I didn't know you would be out right now after the ceremony, much less come here. What do you want?" asked a hopeful Ino and slightly blushing Ino. Hopeful that he would ask her out.
"Nothing much, just some flower, fruit, and vegetable seeds for a garden I'm planning in my backyard," replied Naruto. He had noticed the blush on the blonde's face and smiled a little knowing that he caused it and the other ones at the ceremony too.
"You have a backyard? How? You live in a small apartment," said Ino placing both her elbows on the desk.
"Nope, not anymore. I have my own house now. It's pretty roomy and I just finished renovating it, but it still needs decorating," said Naruto.
"I see. So is that all you want?" asked Ino, putting her chin on her hands.
"Yup! After this I have to get a couple other things," answered a grinning Naruto.
Naruto paid for the seeds and left to shop around for the other objects he needed and wanted. Ino watched as Naruto left.
"Damn! Naruto looks so good now. I'm pretty sure he noticed the blush I had while we talked. Maybe I should ask him out. Wait, what would Sakura think? She'd kill me the second she finds out. But she had her chance with him and blew it. Naruto's fair game."
After a couple of hours and running into Shikamaru, Chouji, Neji, and Tenten, Naruto finished his shopping. He had bought some vases, pictures, frames, and groceries. Closing the door to his house Naruto laid his new belongings on the kitchen counter and sighed. He had a pretty rough time shopping with all the looks and whispers he heard from all the girls who saw him. When Naruto ran into Tenten on the way home they ended up talking for a bit before Naruto realized that it was getting pretty late. He had noticed a tint of pink on the kunoichi's face as they conversed.
"Jeez what is this? Is every girl going to blush when I talk or get near them? It's been like this ever since that town in Bird Country, although I wouldn't mind going out with Ino or Tenten. Maybe I should ask one of them? They probably wouldn't hesitate to say yes with the way they looked at me. Hmmm..."
The next day Naruto woke up at exactly 6, yawning to the ringing of his alarm. He had decorated his house last night and felt good about his work. Looking out the window Naruto saw that storm clouds were moving in. Naruto quickly made his bed, brushed his teeth, took a shower, ate breakfast, and got dressed for the funeral.
Naruto arrived at the funeral, the base of the Hokage Mountain, in a yellow flash. Naruto saw that Tsunade and Shizune were already there.
"Naruto, after this funeral is over I need you to come to my office. We have something important to discuss," said Tsunade.
"Understood, Baa-chan."
Naruto unsealed the bodies of Jiraiya and Uchiha Itachi. He burned them with a ho jutsu and placed them in the coffins that were on top of a stage. Then he waited as everyone else from the village started arriving. Sakura arrived a little while after Naruto. She saw him and wanted to go speak to him, but it was too crowded so she decided to do it later.
Rain began to fall as the funeral started. All the ninja and citizens of Konoha stood side by side in front of the stage with those closest to Jiraiya and Itachi at the front. One by one and column by column each person went up to the two coffins to pay their respects and place flowers in the caskets. Two hours later the funeral was over. Tsunade had some ANBU take the coffins away and bury them in their respective family graves. She then motioned for Naruto to follow her. Sakura saw this and followed behind a good distance.
Naruto and Tsunade reached the Hokage Tower. In her office, Tsunade motioned for Naruto to sit down as she locked the door and sat in her seat. Sakura stood at the door and pressed her right ear to the door frame to listen to the conversation.
"Naruto, I want to talk to you about something very important and I want you to promise that you won't get angry. I promise that I won't get angry or physical."
As soon as Tsunade said that Naruto knew then what they were going to talk about. He was needless to say not happy about this at all. To top it off he could feel the person they were about to discuss right outside the door. However, this was a perfect opportunity to talk to her without really talking to her. If Naruto talked loud enough then Sakura would easily hear everything he said and understand that he doesn't want anything to do with her.
"Alright Baa-chan. I can see where this conversation is headed. I promise I won't get angry too much," replied Naruto.
"Good. Now I want to know why you are acting like you don't know Sakura."
Naruto gave a sigh and closed his eyes for a moment. He slowly opened them, looked at Tsunade and spoke in a voice full of resolve, devoid of any emotion, but hate, malice, and anger.
"You know the reason Baa-chan. It's because of what she did to me 4 years ago."
Tsunade sighed. She had expected that answer, but wanted more answers.
"That was a long time ago. Sakura has gotten over Sasuke. She now cares about you and you're the only person she wants to be with. You should give her another chance," said Tsunade.
"Hah! Like she deserves another chance. She doesn't even deserve to say she's sorry to me. Hell, she doesn't deserve to be talked about," Naruto said.
Sakura's heart fell after hearing Naruto's remarks. She knows what she did was horrible, but she just wants another chance. She'd do anything for another chance.
"Naruto, just give her another chance. For me?" asked Tsunade.
"No! Stop asking me that. Did that bitch put you up to this? Huh? Is that why we're talking about this now?!" said Naruto, trying to keep his anger from boiling.
"If you must know no, Sakura did not tell me to do this. I told her that I would do this. It was my decision, not her request. Now if you won't give Sakura another chance will you at least be on more friendly terms with her?" asked Tsunade.
"Nope. Sorry, Baa-chan, but I can't do that. Now if this discussion is over I'm going home," said Naruto, getting up.
"Wait Naruto. We're not done here yet. You're not leaving until you promise me that you'll at least be on speaking terms with Sakura," Tsunade said.
Naruto sat back down in his chair. "No, sorry, but I can't promise that. Actually I don't promise that because I don't want to be on any kind of terms with that woman," spat Naruto.
Now Tsunade knew she had promised not to get angry, but the young man sitting in front of her was just too damn stubborn. Her veins on her forehead were about to pop.
"Naruto I order you to be on speaking terms with Sakura. If you don't follow my order I'll take away your title of Gama Sennin," yelled Tsunade angrily.
"I thought you said you weren't going to get angry Baa-chan," said Naruto darkly.
"You're being too stubborn," replied Tsunade.
"No I'm not. You're the stubborn one. You keep on telling me to forgive Sakura and since I won't you're ordering me to speak to her. Just because you're Hokage and have a higher rank than me doesn't mean I'm going to listen," shouted Naruto who was getting mad.
"You will listen to me Naruto! I care about you and Sakura and I want you two to be happy," yelled Tsunade.
"I don't care that you're Hokage. Hell I wouldn't care if you're Kami. I'm not following your order to be on speaking terms with that whore. You obviously care about that bitch more than me if you're telling me to do these things," Naruto yelled back.
Tsunade slammed her fists on to her desk. Naruto's refusal to do this was not unexpected, but his resolve was not. "Naruto if you don't say you'll listen to me in the next minute I'm sending you back to the Academy," shouted Tsunade.
"Fine send me back. I don't care! I'll just leave the freaking village and never come back! Maybe I'll join Iwagakure! How about that?" screamed Naruto, his face red from anger.
"You wouldn't dare! If you do that I'll send every available ANBU I have after you. I'll put you on the missing-nin list with the highest criminal rating and a kill on sight order! I'll come after you myself!" yelled Tsunade.
"I dare," replied Naruto.
That got Tsunade to shut up. The tone of Naruto's voice told her that he wasn't kidding and that he was deadly serious. Tsunade however, as Hokage could not let such a skilled and powerful shinobi, especially one she views as a son, to join an enemy of Konoha.
"Fine, you may go. I won't force you to do anything," said Tsunade, as she hung her head in defeat.
Naruto stood up from his seat and looked at his Baa-chan for a few moments.
"Arigatou Baa-chan. We will never talk about this subject again. Tell your apprentice when she comes in that's that. I don't want her in my life anymore. Good day," said Naruto, before in vanished in a yellow light.
Outside Sakura was on her knees crying her heart out. She knows that no matter what Naruto won't forgive her. When she heard Naruto say good day, Sakura slowly struggled to her feet and went into her master's office.
"Shisho why? Why won't Naruto forgive me?" sobbed Sakura.
