Author's Note:
Thank you all to everyone who has reviewed this story at one point or another. I'm proud to be able to deliver a new chapter to you. I would also like to recognize Belletrist Word Salad and Lara517. Belletrist Word Salad, I sent you a message to your question, but you will be able to find your answer within this chapter of the Hinata, Sakura, and Ino's response to finding out about Naruto and Kyuubi. As for Lara517, I absolutely loved your idea of Naruto gaining more tails as proof of his ever-growing power. I will be bringing that into this chapter as well. Thanks you guys for the awesome ideas and please keep them coming. I would love to see what everyone would like to see happening in different stages of the story. I will of course make sure to give you credit for your contributions to the story or at least recognize you for any ideas you would like to bring into the mix of for future stories I have planned for you guys. Awesome job you guys.
As for the people who have not reviewed yet but is reading the story, I hope to hear from you too. I know some people like to wait until the end before giving a review, but I can promise that the end is not coming for a while, so if you have something to say or would just like shoot the breeze, don't hesitate to message me. I would love the conversation and an always up for any kind of discussion, even if it's unrelated to this or any of my stories.
Once again, thank you for your ideas and support you guys. I can't do this without you. I love you!
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Chapter 7: Complicated Relations and Emotions
Sasuke's P.O.V.
"In the time that I have spent with Naruto, I can tell that he cares deeply for you. Hell, I would even go as far as to maybe say that he loves you from the passion he expresses whenever you're brought up. But, the reading I'm getting from you is selfish. You only seem to care about yourself and your needs. You abandoned someone who has put his entire life on hold just to bring you back and for what? Nothing, that's what. It's simply pathetic and if I were Naruto, I would move on with my life instead of wasting it on yours. You don't deserve him and you never did,"
"Shut up!" I growl at him, my hold tightening back on my sword. "I've had enough of you and your "observations". You don't know anything about Naruto nor I. You don't know why I did what I did or what Naruto is the way he is. I know more about him than you could ever hope to think about, so you can just shut up about us. However, you are right about one thing: I don't deserve Naruto. I don't deserve his time, his kindness and certainly not his heart. I makes life so easy for anyone who encounters him while I can destroy it in seconds. I regret everything I am doing to him, but it's something that I must do and if I hurt him so that he can move on in the process, then so be it. Being with him was more than I could ever hope to ask for out of both life and a significant other, but it's over now… just like your life. I'm going to kill you and keep running until Naruto can no longer nor wants to find me. But at least there is one thing that I had that you'll never even begin to comprehend and that's what love between two people truly is,"
"You know Naruto, I remember a time where you wanted to be Hokage… is that still your dream?"
"Yes, Sasuke it still is my dream to become Hokage. And sure, I could have been studying to do that instead of getting stronger to bring you back. But someone who can't even save one friend isn't fit to become Hokage, right Sasuke?"
"Go home and don't come after me again,"
It's been at least a week, but those separate conversations keep playing over in my head. Orochimaru, his team, and I managed to relocate to another one of the snake's hideouts. I had a wind to myself once again and only get visits from Orochimaru and Kabuto whenever they need something from me. Everything returned to normal, except one thing.
Seeing Naruto again stirred up old emotions and memories that I thought I buried a long time ago. It frustrates me that no matter what happens, I am still extremely in love with that blond fox. A small part of me feels a bit of excitement to know that he also feels the same way about me while the other part makes me wish that we didn't even start any of this.
I often wonder what my life would be like if I had never fallen for Naruto. But, no matter the outcomes I think of, I can only conclude that I would be even more miserable than I am now. On the other hand, in the same token, you can't miss what you've never experienced.
Without a second thought, I feel myself reaching for the red jewel around my neck. Feeling it makes me calm and recompose myself. Every time I begin to think of Naruto, I can feel my heart pounding out of my chest. It's something I've never can help. I used to be able to push it down enough for me to continue and slightly fool my snake demon of a master. But deep down I could never forget Naruto. I can never forget the happiness he brought to my life. Hell, there was even one point where I almost gave up my revenge in favor of living out the rest of my life by his side. I sometimes wish I could go back to that moment of thought, but I know that as long as both Naruto, Itachi, Orochimaru, the Akatsuki and I are alive and if we are together, neither of us were safe from our enemies' power starvation.
"Maybe if I can find a way to tell Naruto some of this then maybe he would finally leave me alone?" I chuckle to myself as I stare at the jewel around my neck. "But then again, knowing that blond dobe, he would only try harder to convince me that we can deal with everything if we just stick together. He's was always the optimistic one of us,"
Hearing footsteps from down the hall, I hide my necklace and slowly turn around in time to see Orochimaru and Kabuto approaching my doorway.
"What do you two want?" I glare.
Kabuto tries to say something, but the snake stops him by raising his hand.
"Ignore his anger Kabuto. After all, he's still upset by the appearance of his old teammates, especially that blond fox of his,"
"I don't know what you're talking about. Now get to the point of this visit or leave,"
"Ah, but you see, that is the point of my visit. You see Sasuke, I was watching your fight with the Nine-Tails' host and was able to see just how strong the boy has become. His value has tripled and now it's a fight to see who can get him first. The only good thing about this situation is that I have a leverage the Akatsuki doesn't,"
"I'm not following,"I say with one eyebrow raised.
"What Lord Orochimaru is trying to say is that we plan on using you, Sasuke, to lure Naruto into our grasp so that we may harness his power to destroy both the Akatsuki and the Leaf," Kabuto explains.
"There is no doubt that you and I both know that Naruto Uzumaki has grown incredibly strong under the tutelage of my former teammate Master Jiraiya. I also know that you still desire your revenge upon your older brother Itachi. I will give you the tools you need to destroy your brother in exchange for you service to capture that handsome fox of yours,"
Growling low in my throat, I stand up and glare while stomping toward them. "I will not be used in your plot against Naruto. I don't care if you help me or not to destroy my brother, but using me to capture Naruto is strictly out of the question. Find yourself another chew toy for that dobe of a fox,"
"I don't think you understand. This is not up for negotiation. We are telling you what is going to happen. You will be used in a plot against Naruto and you will comply with Lord Orochimaru's plan for you. If you decide not to, then the punishment will be death. You have no options, only follow what we say or face your death,"
"Get out," I growl.
"I know you are upset Sasuke, but that is how this will turn out. Now remember, I can't use your body if you're dead. So why don't you lay down and think about it. Your training will resume tomorrow. For now, rest, you've had a rough week. I will see you at dinner time and when it's time to take your medicine,"
And with that, I watch Orochimaru leave the room. Kabuto turns to follow while I turn and walk towards my bed. As I lay down on my bed, Kabuto speaks.
"You know, I'm getting extremely tired of you disrespecting Lord Orochimaru and me. One day you won't be able to live to do it anymore," I can feel him glaring at my backside, but pay not attention to it.
"You're still here? Go away you annoying pest and close my door on the way out," I shoo with a wave of my hand and without facing him.
"Damn Uchihas, arrogant as always," he says before leaving my room and closing my door.
I start thinking about Orochimaru and Kabuto's plan before forming my own.
"I need to get going. I can't be here much longer, not if it means that I will be used to harm Naruto. But before I go, I will be sure to destroy that damn snake demon and that fucking wolf once and for all. But for now, I shall play along with the old snake's plan,"
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Normal P.O.V.
(Hokage Tower)
A week passed since the fight with Sasuke and Orochimaru. Yamato, Sai and Sakura managed to carry a crated Naruto all the way back to the village, only letting him out when he needed to eat and right before they entered the village. The team decided to report to the confirmation that Tsunade that Sasuke was still under the hold of Orochimaru and that they failed their mission to retrieve him. They felt that it was best to leave the rest of the details out until they could come up with a plan on what to do about Sasuke and the others.
The room is silent as the four of them wait for Tsunade to finish reading their report. Sasuke could feel a bead of sweat trickle down her forehead. She was just worried that Lady Tsunade would see through their ruse and would demand the truth. Yamato and Sai are as calm as ever while Naruto is sitting on the couch in the office, still fuming over the events that unfolded during his encounter with Sasuke. Also in the room are Shizune and Jiraiya. Jiraiya is reading over the report with Tsunade, both whispering to each other. When Tsunade is finally done, she puts the paper down and reaches for her cup of Green Tea.
"Is that all you have to report?" she asks before sipping the tea.
"Yes. I can confirm with absolute certainty that Sasuke Uchiha is being held against his will under the force of Orochimaru. When we arrived and tried to retrieve Uchiha, Orochimaru stepped in and intervened and relocated his entire base as well as Sasuke Uchiha and Kabuto to another location," Yamato says.
"Hmmm. Then this is troubling. I will have to consult with Anko about what could be his ultimate plan for Sasuke. Good job team. You are dismissed, except for you Naruto. Jiraiya and I would like to speak with you," Tsunade announces.
"Whatever you have to say to me can be said in front of them," Naruto says while gesturing with his thumb to his team members.
"Very well than. Jiraiya and I have been talking and have decided it's best for you to stay within the village for at least a week," Tsunade starts.
"What? Why?" Naruto asks as he stands up from the couch.
"Listen kid, we just think it's best for you because ever since you got back you have been away on two important and life impacting missions. You need time to rest and replenish both yourself and your chakra or risk damaging yourself in the long run," Jiraiya finishes.
"But you can't do that! I can handle it. Besides, I can't just sit around. I need to go save Sasuke,"
"Naruto, we know how much you care for Sasuke and this mission, but you're getting too attached and not thinking clearly. Besides, I have more training I would like to go over with you during this time. I just have to do a little bit more research before we can officially begin," Jiraiya announces.
"But~"
"Naruto," Sakura interrupts. "Forgive me for butting in, but they're right. You look exhausted have been putting a lot of stress on your body lately. Maybe taking this time to rest will do good for you to clear your head,"
The room is quiet for a few moments as Naruto ponders over this.
"Fine, have it your way. Jiraiya, come get me when you're ready to train," Naruto says sternly as he puts his hands in his pockets and walks out the door.
On his way out, he passes Ino and Hinata.
"Hey Naruto!" Ino smiles while waving.
"Hi N-n-naruto," Hinata stutters.
The distracted fox says nothing as he passes them on his way out of the Hokage Tower.
Ino huffs at this as she places her free hand on her hip; the other hand is holding a stack of papers. "What's his problem?"
"Maybe he didn't see us?" Hinata questions.
"It's not you guys, he's just had a really rough couple of weeks," Sakura says as she approaches them.
"That's still no reason for him to be so rude," Ino turns her nose up in a huff.
"Give him some time, he's also been dealing with the you-know-what,"
"You mean his inner demon: The Nine-Tails?" Hinata asks.
"Yeah, we had to restrain him on our last mission because he let some of it leak out when we met up with Sasuke,"
"You actually got to see Sasuke-kun?! How is he?!"
Sakura puts her finger up to shush the loud blond pig. "Keep your voice down. I shouldn't even be telling you any of this,"
"Well now you have to now. Come on, spill the beans,"
"Well, he looks even more handsome and mature than the last time we saw him. He's definitely done some training, but managed to keep his slender form. On the other hand, we finally could confirm the truth about him and Orochimaru,"
"Is Sasuke-kun really under that evil man's control?" Hinata questions.
Sakura nods. "It was so bad that him and Naruto ended up fighting. Captain Yamato, Sai and I were going to step in and help but Naruto made us step down. It was terrifying to watch the power that both displayed back there. They are certainly two of the strongest ninjas I've ever seen,"
"That must have been something to see. I'm sorry if you were scared," Hinata apologizes.
"I wasn't scared, more or less, but I was most definitely shocked at the level in which they have gained,"
"Wow, all that power and on top of seeing Sasuke-kun too? Naruto must really be under a lot of stress, especially with being the Nine-Tails' host. Man, I still can't get over that. Now I understand why Naruto is the way he is and why he grew up the way he did. It still pisses me off to know that our parents made us treat him like shit because they were afraid of what the actual demon did and not Naruto. I mean, it wasn't like he asked to be the host of the most powerful demon in the world," Ino sighs.
"I know, but it's good to know that at least no one treats him like that anymore. I just wish he Third Hokage stopped it when Naruto was younger, I mean he had to have known this was going on," Sakura says.
"I'm sure he tried his best. I mean you can't change people's minds who don't want them to change or overnight even," Hinata speaks.
"Yeah, that is true," Sakura agrees.
"Speaking of the Third Hokage, I know we're never supposed to speak bad on our former leaders much less the deceased ones, but have either of you thought that maybe the Third Hokage wasn't that great of a person after all?" Ino suggests.
"How can you say that? The Third was a wonderful Hokage who kept our village stabilized and sacrificed himself to save us from Orochimaru too," Hinata says in a shocked voice.
"Hey, I'm just saying, I couldn't have been the only one who thought the Third Hokage was a little off, right? Sakura?"
"I can't really speak on this. To be honest, I only cared about getting Sasuke to notice me to think about something like that, especially when we weren't supposed to,"
"Fair, well I still think something was off about the guy," Ino insists.
"And even if there were, why would it matter now? The Third is gone anyway," Sakura asks.
"You ever heard of the Domino Effect? Just because a person is dead does not mean that their actions don't affect things later in life," Sakura and Hinata stare at Ino with a light blank expression, causing her to sigh in frustration. "Look, all I'm saying is that I have a bad feeling that something that has to do with the Third Hokage is going to cause a chain reaction that is going to affect us at some point or another. I just hope that I'm wrong,"
It was funny that Ino mentions this… she doesn't know how right she truly is.
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During the girl's conversation and his departure from the tower, Naruto goes on a walk around the village with his hands in his pockets. He walks past the swing set in front pf the academy where he used to sit by himself, and stops. He sees two kids playing on the swing. A little girl is giggling as a slightly taller boy pushes her on the swing. Naruto can't quite make out their relationship, but it didn't matter. His mind started flashing back to the days he spent with Sasuke, slightly depressing himself.
"What's the matter, Kit? Still thinking about the fight you had with your boyfriend?" Kyuubi teases.
"Go away,"
"Oh cheer up, I'm only fucking with you. Come on, tell your father what's the matter with you,"
"It's nothing, just depressed that I couldn't bring Sasuke back is all,"
"Naruto, how many times do I have to keep telling you this: Anything you desire is worth the fight. You couldn't have thought it would have been easy for you to bring Sasuke back just that quickly. You had to have known that he wasn't going to come back without a fight?"
"Yeah, actually I did. I figured that once he saw me that he would remember how happy we were and how much I love him and he'd come running back,"
"No Kit, that was never going to happen on the first try. A situation like this take careful planning and a lot of hard work and training. You should know better than anyone that Sasuke was not going to make it easy for you to sweep him off his feet and bring him home, especially when not only is his mind set on something but he's also under the control of Orochimaru,"
"I guess you're right. So what should I do then?"
"Go to the library. There are plenty of books on chakra control and other techniques that might help you along the way. You might also want to pick up a psychology book or two. Both Sasuke and you are smart people, so both of you can fall victim to different forms of psychology. Why don't you find the category of person Sasuke falls under and learn how to use that,"
"Thanks dad, I think I might just do that,"
Taking his "father's" advice, Naruto heads to the library to do some of his own research.
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After a few hours in the Library, Naruto is now surrounded by mounts of books of different chakra techniques and how to control them too, along with a few psychology books. He is sitting on the floor, surrounded by the books when Sai finds him.
"Naruto?"
"Sai? What are you doing here?"
"I always come here. I like to read and this is a quiet place for quick sketches. What about you? I never thought I would find you in a place like this,"
"Yeah, I usually don't come here. I am just doing some research since I have to relax for the week, might as well read up on different subjects," Naruto replies.
Sai nods his head in understanding before moving to sit in front of Naruto. "You know, you lost your cool back when we met Sasuke,"
"I know. I didn't mean to, but it couldn't be helped. That was the first time I had seen him and… it made me realize how much I actually miss him,"
"And love him,"
"What?"
"Uchiha. You love him no?"
"No. I mean yes. I mean no. I mean; how did you know?" Naruto stammers.
"I do not know much about human interaction, but I do understand human emotions. And, from what I can tell from talking to Sasuke too, he loves you back,"
This makes Naruto drop his book in favor of getting closer to Sai. "How do you know? What did he say?"
"He didn't really say much," Sai lies. "I can just tell by the way he looked at you and the way he tensed when I was talking to him about you. I was able to use those to draw to my factual conclusion,"
"Oh," This makes Naruto lean back onto his hands and sigh. "Well I really appreciate hearing that Sai. Thank you,"
"Naruto, I believe you are the one to teach me how to develop human feelings and normal bonds once again. I need your help; do you mind if I study you?"
"Not at all," Naruto watches as Sai pulls out a small notebook, some ink and a brush. "So what do you want to know?"
"You're relationship with Sasuke, it's complicated no?"
"You could say that. You are probably one of the few people in the village who knows about Sasuke and me, but don't do opening your big mouth. We worked very hard to present the image we created because we weren't ready to come out to the public yet,"
"Why not? If you two love each other, why did it matter who knew?"
"It mattered to Sasuke. For as long as I can remember, Sasuke is a very private person. He's also really stubborn. He doesn't like anyone in his business and if he thinks he can do something to solve a problem, he'll just do it without thinking or asking permission. Probably the main reason for this whole freaking situation. But yes, our relationship has always been complicated. To others, we seemed like nothing more than best friends. But to us, there was so much more. The people who know about our relationship sometimes call me crazy for chasing him, but when you form a strong bond with someone there isn't anything you wouldn't do for them, including chase them to the ends of the Earth,"
Sai writes down the notes on Naruto's little speech before continuing. "Now as for the pretty, blond pig woman,"
"You mean Ino?"
Sai nods. "She is… complicated as well?"
"Ino? Now that is another breed of woman,"
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To Be Continued…
