Author's Note:
Guys, finally chapter 7 is here… and a bit revised. chapter 8 soon to follow…promise.
Hope you like it. Please Read and dont forget to Review.
-raijuteinobabylon
Disclaimers:
I hate to say this but I don't own Naruto, to my disappointment.
Previously on Chapter 6: Traveling the Distance
"Naruto… dinner is served." Yuna called outside, when Naruto did not replied Yuna went to see Naruto to find him sleeping on the floor. She smiled.
She kneeled beside Naruto and gently shook his shoulders.
"Naruto… wake up… dinner is ready…"
Naruto opened an eye.
"Alright nee-chan… coming…" he said and smiled at Yuna.
At the dinner table, the two of them laughed and laughed at their stories.
After dinner, Yuna was cleaning the dishes when Naruto asked something to her.
"Nee-chan… do you think I can be as great as your brother?" Naruto asked.
Yuna wiped her hands on the towel.
"I have no doubt about that Naruto… even much greater than him…"
Naruto smiled. "I'm going to bed… Oyasumi nee-chan…"
"Good night too"
Chapter 7
Traveling the Distance: To Rainogure
It was four in the morning and the Chuunins' are all set for their mission.
"Everyone ready?" Shikamaru asked.
"Yes" Came their united response.
"Alright then… Ino and I will go ahead… do the mission's in proper order Ne. Good luck…" he said and walk out of Konoha's gate with Ino.
Naruto and Hinata were about to follow when…
"Matte (wait)" Yuna called.
"Nee-chan? Why? Doushite? (What's the matter?)" Naruto asked.
"Here, have this… take care and be back as soon as possible ne?" she said and handed Naruto a necklace.
Naruto opened it; it was Yuna and Yondaime's picture.
"Thanks nee-chan…"
"Welcome Naruto. Minna, I give my blessing…" Yuna said and the rest nodded.
Yuna waved goodbye to them as each group disappear from her sight. When she was sure that every one was far enough she bowed her head as if thinking, her eyes shadowed. When she looked up her eyes are narrowing in tiny slits of blue.
'Time to face Konoha…'
Yuna walked towards the Konoha elders' council.
She reached the council's door. As if on cue it opened by itself.
Yuna entered and walk inside, she reached a door.
After three knocks, Yuna entered.
Several ninjas' bowed to her.
"Welcome back… Mistress Yuna."
"Shuhan-sama…"
"Uzuhi… or should I call you Uzumaki Yuna… it was nice of you to be back in Konoha… it has been quite a while."
"Hai… Master Homura… Mistress Koharu…"
"What can we do for you now Yuna… you wouldn't be standing in front of us if you don't want anything from us… right?" Homura said.
Yuna smirked. "Still as straight forward as ever… ne? Well, I am here to set things right…"
"What do you mean?" Koharu asked.
Yuna looked straight to their eyes.
"You know what exactly I mean… it's all about my brother's last will."
"I see it's about the Kyuubi boy…"
"Naruto deserves to be respected not to be treated like shit!" she said.
"He was not treated that way Yuna. In fact we did out best to help Naruto especially when he was in the Academy."
"I am not ignorant, you know… I have my ways of investigating…"
The two failed to answer.
"See… you helped Naruto pass the Academy because he was able to prove that he was worthy of passing and because of Iruka's persistence."
"Yuna"
"I understand that you don't want to remember those tragic times of Konoha. Nevertheless, my brother gave up his life and he sacrificed a life of a young boy for this village to be safe. All he was asking is to treat the kid with respect not only for his sacrifice but also as a memory of his service to the village."
"You know what… that is what Sarutobi said when he was defending the kid. We did not know that it matters that much to you and your brother's memory. Yuuki is our fourth Hokage and what he wishes be granted. We are truly sorry Yuna…" Homura said.
"I have only one question… isn't it enough that we gave your name to him as a sign of our deep respect for him?" Koharu asked.
"Koharu-sama… no one in Konoha knew that Yuuki and I are part of the extinct Uzumaki Clan. We changed our names to Uzuhi remember?"
"Hai… I understand."
"Besides, it was only proper for you to give him that name… for he is a true blooded member of the Uzumaki Clan…"
The two Konoha council's eyes widen.
"What are you saying?!" Homura said.
"Naruto is a true blooded Uzumaki… not only because you allowed him to have the name alone… it is because Uzumaki blood run through his entire being…"
"How can that be? Is it because of Yondaime's sacrifice?"
"Part of it… but majority of the reason is because… he is Yondaime's only son…"
Silence
"Did you just say that Kyuubi bearer is Yondaime's son?"
"Hai, I did say that…"
"That's impossible… Yondaime said the child is an orphan…"
"He would be one… his mother died upon giving birth to him… and my brother planned on dying just to save his village… that would leave poor Naruto an orphan… what do you think is the reason why my brother begged the village people that time to treat Naruto with respect and love, because he trusted the people of Konoha." Yuna explained.
"Who is his mother? We don't know anybody getting involved with Yondaime."
"Makoto Naru… the Rainogakure peace delegate if you could remember." She said.
Both elders nodded.
"That is why she fled to Rainogakure and was said to have died because of unknown reason."
Yuna smiled. "It was our idea… Nana's and Mine. We can't inform anyone that Naru gave birth to an illegitimate son and the fact that Yondaime of Leaf is the father… and he died days after Naru died."
"We understand… if only you have shared this information to us long time ago… Naruto must have been treated well by the village people… we could have done something sooner."
Yuna smiled.
"But you know what? I am a little thankful to Konoha people for treating Naruto like that and I would really thank them for doing so… because it gave Naruto the strength, will power, determination and most of all will to live. He would not be this good and loyal to Konoha if he hasn't felt how bad it is to live alone and isolated." Yuna said.
"Just like what he taught the Kazekage of Sunna, as we have heard he taught him the importance of fighting for a cause rather than selfishness. That gave birth to a new man, and he sooner became the Kazekage of Sunna."
"I heard about that from my sources… and if I am not mistaken that man is Gaara of Desert right?"
"Right…"
"Not only within Gaara, had Naruto left a lesson so do with one of Konoha's finest Nin a part of Hyuuga Clan… Neji… he taught him that fate is determined by the human being not by fate it self. I can fully say that my nephew is really Yondaime's son… in action, in looks and in words… too bad you weren't able to see that facts…"
"Now we see Yuna, we understand…"
"That's good… I'm thanking you Master Homura, Mistress Koharu…" Yuna said, the two elder nodded
Yuna kneeled in front of the two older counsels.
"I Uzuhi Yuna… from the vanished clan of Uzumaki pledge my loyalty once again to my country Konoha."
"We accept your pledge of loyalty Yuna… Konoha will properly welcome you back tonight at our Leaf Festival…" Homura said with a smile.
"Thank you master." Yuna said.
"I believe it is time to set things right… the people of Konoha might have been blind for a long time… it's time to wake them up… right?" Koharu said.
"Hai…"
"Well then… we give out blessings Yuna…"
"Thank you…"
With that, Yuna left the Counsel office.
Two hours ahead of the others care of their speed.
When they are sure, they have the right distance to the other groups they began to walk.
"Shika-kun, let's finish this mission as fast we can… ne? I want to make it back to Konoha by the end of the week…" Ino said now walking.
"For the Fireworks Display on the last day of Konoha Festival?" Shikamaru asked.
"Hai… It has been said that if you watched the fireworks it's like you've seen a hundreds of wishing stars…"
"Eh? So what if they looks like shooting stars?"
"Baka! Of course, I can make several wishes! You know what for someone who have 200+ IQ you are so dumb. Not to mention LAZY." Ino said.
"Hey!" Shikamaru said, he was about to retort to Ino's comment when he noticed Ino's eyes, it was sad and longing.
"You would wish for Uchiha's return right?" he said not looking at Ino instead eyeing the road ahead of them.
Ino halt from walking.
"Shika-kun…"
"I understand how you feel Ino… but Sasuke isn't coming back… he left Konoha to pursue his deadly ambition to be powerful and avenge his clan… he wont stop until he was dead."
"I know… it's just that… When Sasuke-kun left, he took her with him… and she is not the same as before… I want her back…"
It is Shikamaru's turn to stop.
"Her? She? Ino I don't get it…" Shika looked at Ino. Ino's head is bowed.
"Sakura… when Sasuke left, she's never the same anymore… she rarely smiles… if so… it was fake… not the usual cheerful smile she has. Her eyes are lonely and sad. That is why I want to wish Sasuke's return so that my best friend would be back too…" Ino said as tears begun to flaw in her eyes.
Shikamaru walked up to her and made Ino look at him, he wiped her tears.
"You know what… I really cant understand you girls… but I think I get your point… even tough you tease and fight with Sakura that often you are still concern with her being… she's still you little Sakura-chan… your best friend." Shikamaru said.
Ino nodded and cried in Shikamaru's chest.
Tears for her best friend.
Tears that emptied Sakura's heart.
Shikamaru hugged Ino. They stayed that way for quite a while, until Ino's tears subsided.
"Ready?" Shikamaru asked.
"Hai"
"Alright… let's go… We have exactly 22 hours to reach Rainogure."
Ino nodded.
…
With Naruto and Hinata.
"Ne Hinata-chan, do you want to take a rest? We've been walking continuously for two hours." Naruto asked.
"A-Alright N-Naruto-k-kun…" Hinata said and pulled out her water pouch, Naruto did the same and drank a small amount of water.
Naruto sat down in a shaded part of a big tree.
"Come on Hinata-chan, sit down it's a lot cooler here…"
Hinata blushed. "O-Ok" she replied with a smile.
Naruto smiled at her too making Hinata blush redder.
Hinata sat beside Naruto. Naruto looked above them and stared at the azure sky.
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked noticing Naruto's blank stare at the sky.
"Huh?"
"What are you thinking?"
"Eh?"
"You're quite spaced out."
"Oh"
"Naruto-kun?"
"Gomen… it was nothing… I was just thinking when our team used to do missions like this… we are all happy and contented with what we do… now… Team 7 is no longer the same… Sasuke's leaving changed it all… that arrogant bastard." Naruto said making his voice sound angry but he could not.
"As much as you want to hate Sasuke-san, you can't because you still care for him and worry about him. I understand you Naruto-kun… you also sympathize with Sakura-san…"
Naruto was silent.
Hinata was about to ask Naruto what is his problem Naruto jumped up and extend his hand to Hinata.
"Arigatoo Hinata-chan… at least you understand how I feel… I do not feel alone anymore… let us go… we still have a long way to go… Oh and by the way, It's great to hear you not stutter… or struggle on what to say… keep that up Hinata-chan!" Naruto said with a wink.
Hinata smiled and accepted Naruto's' hand.
…
"Neji… What's the matter you seems troubled… is there anything wrong?" Ten-Ten asked.
Neji remained silent. Ten-Ten sighed.
'Told you Ten-Ten… it's no use… he's like that ever since…'
'Yeah… As if, I do not damn exist… Argh! I swear! One of these days, I will really beat him to pulp.' Ten-Ten fumed.
A hand grabs Ten-Ten causing her to stop and go back to reality.
"Huh?" Ten-Ten looked at Neji he is staring in front of them.
"What's wrong with you Neji?!"
"It's a trap…" he said blankly.
"What? I can't understand." Ten-ten looked at him confused.
"Naruto and Hinata… they still haven't noticed it… it was a Kokohi no Jutsu."
"Why didn't you say it sooner… let's hurry then…" Ten-Ten said.
"NO… it's not that easy… if someone casts a genjutsu to Naruto and Hinata… then it simply means we're being followed or at least they are… if we're not included but I have this feeling that we're followed too…" Neji said leaning towards Ten-Ten and whispers in a low voice that only Ten-Ten hears.
Ten-Ten blushed. Neji smirked.
"We'll play a charade… alright?" he said.
"What charade?" Ten-Ten whispered back.
"We'll play… couples games… till our back up, dispatched them. Ok?"
"Couple Games? What the hell is that?" Ten-Ten hissed.
Neji nipped her earlobe.
"Lower your voice Ten-Ten… I can sense their presence and they are observing our every move."
"I see… But I can't understand what you are playing at Neji." Ten-Ten swears her heart is beating so damn fast.
"We'll act like married couples…"
Ten-Ten's eyes widen, before she can react violently, Neji kissed her cheeks making her blush in different shades of red, Neji smiles and walk ahead.
"Haiyaku Koi… you don't want to be left behind do you?"
"H-Hai…Of course" Ten-Ten answered and followed Neji.
…
Above a tree, three figures standing, observing
"Sakura-san… Neji and Ten-Ten are being followed while genjutsu was casts on both Naruto and Hinata… what are we going to do?" Shino asked.
"Sakura-san…"
"Alright… Neji's doing the right thing… the charade would not get too many attentions… but it can't stay that way… we have to eliminate them all… let's split. Kiba and Akamaru, dispatch the Nins following Neji and Ten-Ten. Shino use your insects to attack the assailant of Naruto and Hinata, using my genjutsu."
Kiba and Akamaru disappeared. Shino nodded and sent his insects.
After an hour, the insect returned, mission accomplished.
Few more minutes Kiba appeared and smiled.
"Are we going to tell Neji that we've eliminated their observant?" Kiba asked. Sakura smiled.
"Maybe not… it's better for them to act like married couples to avoid suspicious Nins. And besides… they look good together."
"I see…"
He have been traveling for days now.
'Do not fail me Sasuke… you know what the price would be…' Orochimaru's voice ringed in Sasuke's head repeatedly.
'That man is surely the devil himself.'
Sasuke leaned against the tree branch.
It was the month of Cherry Blossoms.
He hated her, yet he can't keep himself from thinking about her.
'Sakura'
How much he wishes to see her even from a distance just to have a glimpse of her face, her eyes, and her smile.
Even though he tried to hide it for so long, he can't deny the FACT that he had grew affection towards his former pink haired teammate.
Even Orochimaru knew that. He closed his eyes.
Flashback
Something's blocking Orochimaru's cursed seal to evolve. And Orochimaru is not pleased at all.
"What's been holding you Sasuke-kun? It can't be your brother, can it be?"
"Argh!" Sasuke whined in pain.
In his mind, he saw Sakura's tear streaked face. His seal refused to be activated.
"Your friends perhaps is keeping you from evolving? maybe the Kyuubi bearer?"
No effect.
"OR the pink haired girl…"
Sasuke immediately looked up, his eyes wide in horror.
"AH… did I hit the bull's eye… Sasuke-kun?"
"Don't even dare… hurt her…" warned in a pained tone.
"Only if you cooperate… but if you would remain that way… I could tear that pink haired blossom of yours…"
Sasuke looked down.
'I'm sorry… Sakura'
Evil chakra surround him. Orochimaru let out a wicked laugh.
End
Sasuke opened his eyes, the cold sunset breeze blew his hair, he brushed it off with his hand, when a Sakura Blossom landed on his hand.
"I wish… I could see you again."
Back in Konoha
Yuna finished preparing herself for the festival, she is wearing a black kimono with dragon embroidered in it. Her hair is in high ponytail. She is staring at the mirror behind the main door.
"Kakashi… I know you are there so… if you would be kind… show yourself… you know I hate… hide and seek games…"
A rustle from behind, near the windows
"I can never spy on you…can I?" Kakashi said sitting in the windowsill.
Yuna smiled and face Kakashi "So, how do I look?"
"Pretty as ever…"
Yuna walks over to Kakashi.
"Since when did you think of me as pretty…? I thought I was annoying and ugly." She said looking outside the window leaning to Kakashi.
Kakashi smirked. "And when did I ever say you are ugly… annoying yes, but never ugly." He said.
Yuna smiled. "Is that what you came here for? To tease me, good thing my beloved nephew isn't here to witness this… or you'll be dead."
"One good thing your brother's death brings to me…" he joked.
"Or he might have cut my gut into pieces…" he added.
"How true… so?"
"I just came here to ask you if, it would be alright with you if I escorted you to the festival."
"Sure no problem… just don't be late… I'll really kill you…"
Kakashi laughed "Yeah… Yeah… I'll pick you up at… around 6."
"You know where to find me ne?"
Kakashi smiled behind his mask. "Hai…"
Kakashi disappeared in a poof. Yuna sighed.
'I wonder how they are holding up… Naruto…'
'Onii-chan…'
After quite a while, Yuna closed the window, head for the main door, and locked it. She went to the place where her brother rests.
"Yuuki-nii-chan… How are you? Have you been watching your young boy? He has grown up to be a very handsome young lad. I know you would be proud of him… Konoha will be proud of him… nii-chan… I am sorry I failed to protect Konoha from Otto's attack… but I swear, that would never happen again… Konoha will not be powerless on their next attack… Konoha will definitely win… I will avenge Sandaime's death I owe him my life… our life way back then… nii-chan… I miss you…"
Author's Note:
People, I'm sorry for not updating sooner, I've been in a lot of pressure this past few months. And writing fics is my only outlet. Promise to update as soon as I can. Thank you for reading. Please don't forget to leave a REVIEW it means a lot to me… it inspires me to right more knowing you liked my fic. Thanks.
