INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to Seven Sins. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
A special thanks to those who reviewed my previous chapter: azure blue espeon; Edgar3t; mr grimjaw; blackmoon124; Inuyonas; Mr grimjaw; 76suzume; MyHikari; xXNaruto-NamikazeXx; BigPac09 & RegicideByRadio.
RESPONCES
azure blue espeon - I was thinking about doing it but in the end I decided to avoid it as I felt it wouldn't fall in line with this version of Guy.
Edgar3t - Thank you very much for your support. It makes me feel great that there are those who so enjoy my writing.
mr grimjaw - Thank you!
blackmoon124 - Lee tends to fight with reckless abandon. He doesn't really hold back. I do have plans for Neji (though I doubt it'll be what you expect) however he won't be introduced for a long time. Sorry.
Inuyonas - As a Sin and experienced fighter Sasuke would have easily defeated Tenten and she could sense it which is why she was trying to finish off Sakura quickly. The mystery of who (or what) Naruto is will be revealed in time. Don't worry. As for Sakura in RtN I just recently watched (and enjoyed) the movie. For the record she said, "I wish Sasuke was here. He'd understand me." She didn't say she wished Sasuke was here instead of Naruto. But I share your frustration when it comes to the canon manga.
mr grimjaw - Sakura does not have super human strength yet in this story. Remember, until recently she was a waitress. The sills she'd learned so far was just for self defense. She isn't trained (yet) to defeat someone like Tenten.
76suzume - Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thank you for the review.
MyHikari - Not at all. I appreciate it when those who read my work give constructive critiques. How else can I improve. Lol! Indeed Sasuke is a buttface. Lol! Thanks for the review.
xXNaruto-NamikazeXx - Yeah I know people wanted to see Naruto do something impressive. But I had to wait. You'll see why. As far as his kenjutsu ability I think you'll enjoy it as I elaborate more on his ability. You also have some interesting theories regarding Naruto's identity. I won't tell the truth though. Lol!
BigPac09 - The time isn't right for Sakura to know the awesomeness that is Naruto. Lol! Whether he won or not will be revealed in time.
RegicideByRadio - Wow! Now this is a review! Lol! Where do I start? Well i'm glad you are a reader of both my Chronicles Series and this. I trust you're reading my new Chronicles works right? Lol!
Well I will say that this story is influenced by several sources but I'd like to think it's original. As for the character personalities, though I made an effort to change them a bit I still want them, at their core to be recognizable to the reader. I think so far the biggest change I've done is with Hinata. She's far more mature than in the canon, but she still retains her stoic nature and heart.
Your theory of who Naruto is, is an interesting one. I can see how he could make for a good Pride or Envy. Only time will tell which he is (that is, if he even is a Sin at all.)
Glad you liked Lee and company. The next few chapters will highlight them even more and I think you'll love what I do with them. I know many reader would like to see this version of Sakura be a bit more mature and be a better fighter. But the truth is Sakura has lived a relatively sheltered life. She isn't a trained warrior and has limited experience in love. In short, this Sakura still has a lot of growing up to do. I hope at the end you enjoy reading her journey as much as know I'll enjoy writing it.
Thank you for reading and I hope you continue to enjoy my story.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Happy Mothers day to all the ladies out there! Here is my Mothers' Day chapter of Seven Sins! Please remember to leave a little review for me when done. It is after all, the only currency we get around here. Lol!
Seven Sins
Chapter Ten
Naruto stood in front of the hearth as the fire crackled, illuminating the large dilapidated warehouse that his new acquaintances called home. It had been almost five hours since the man called Guy and his two protégés had led them to this place that was several blocks from where he and Rock Lee had fought. There was no doubt in Naruto's mind that this was Rock Lee's destination before Naruto had intercepted him.
The warehouse was a large, dilapidated, red-bricked building. One wall had partially fallen and cobwebs adorned the windows and rafters. The inside was littered with trash and empty boxes that further highlighted that this place had long since been abandoned. Naruto gripped Sakura's unconscious body firmly in his arms as Lee cheerfully led them through the maze of trash until they arrived near a darkened corner. He then pressed one of the bricks on the wall which caused the wall to slide to the left revealing a darkened pathway heading under ground.
"Follow me." Guy said as they descended down the narrow stairwell into a large cavernous hall with several hallways branching off. Naruto was surprised that such a thing existed. The main room was sparsely furnished with large, worn tables with chairs that were obviously thrown out and partially restored. In the center of the room was a very large table with maps and kunai laid out and several scrolls sat on the floor just underneath.
All along the walls there were open crates filled with empty wallets, gold coins jewelry and other little treasures. No doubt the spoils of their thievery. Naruto thought as he looked around. Tenten told Naruto who continued to hold Sakura in his arms, to follow her down a hallway that led to a back room where she could tend to her wounds. Naruto paused as he was initially hesitant to follow but Tenten mocked him saying he was foolish to follow them here if only to not trust them now.
Realizing the truth in her words and knowing Sakura needed to be attended to immediately, Naruto followed Tenten to an adjoining room where there were three cots. Per TenTen's instructions, Naruto gently laid Sakura on a cot and stood over her as Tenten began to tend to her. "You should leave the room." Tenten told him. Naruto refused. Tenten sighed and replied. "In order to take care of her wounds I'll have to remove her clothing. I don't think she'll be very happy with you if she found out you saw her naked." Realizing she was right, Naruto begrudgingly left the room as Tenten went to work. Now Naruto found him standing in front of the roaring fire, his heart a torrent of emotions.
"Hey, Naruto is it?" Guy asked as he sat at the table. He and Sasuke sat around the table. They each held a bowl of rice and ate greedily. "Why don't you come sit with us?" Guy motioned to a bowl of rice that sat on the table. "I know it isn't much but you must be hungry."
"I'd rather you tell me just who the hell people are!" Naruto yelled.
"Don't be so fucking dense Naruto!" Sasuke yelled. "Don't tell me you don't recognize this man that stands before you?"
Naruto stared at Guy for a moment and then shook his head. "Never saw him before."
"Tsk! Don't be so damned disrespectful!" Sasuke yelled. "You can't tell me you don't recognize Kishimoto Guy." Naruto looked at the man for a moment. The name was somewhat familiar to him but he couldn't place it. "Shit." Sasuke replied. "Don't you have radios back on the farm? This is Kishimoto Guy! Also known as "Might" Guy. He's an all time champion of the King of Dragon Fist Tournaments!"
"Oh! Uhh…" Naruto replied.
"Geez! Where the fuck are you from?" Sasuke replied as he slapped his own forehead. "The King of Dragon Fist is the Tournament happens twice a year. It's where the world's greatest martial artists from around the world come to test their skills for the hopes of becoming champion." Sasuke jumped out of his seat and pointed at Guy. "You're that Kishimoto Guy, right?! The one who dominated the Tournament for nearly a decade? Who garnered the nickname "The Mighty" or "Might" for short, right? The same "Might" Guy who was one of only seven fighters in the almost one hundred years of the sport to be named "World's Strongest"? Am I right?"
Guy sighed heavily and sat back in his chair. "That…was a long time ago kid."
Naruto remembered the words Lee has spoken to him: "Uzumaki-kun, let us fight with honor and use the fullest power of youth. My name is Rock Lee. Please remember it, for one day I will be known as the worlds strongest."
So that's what Lee was talking about. Naruto thought. "Hmm," Naruto said as he walked over. "So you were part of the King of Dragon Fist huh? Sorry but I never really followed the sport. I was usually too busy working."
"It's no big deal kid." Guy said as he took a drink of water.
"No big deal?!" Sasuke yelled in disbelief. He then looked to Naruto. "This bastard was the most dominating fighter of a generation! No one could touch him. No one. Then one day, you just disappeared." Looking back to Guy, Sasuke asked, "I mean, what the hell happened?"
With a large smile Guy responded. "I found something more important than the tournament."
"More important than the..?!" Sasuke asked in disbelief. "More important than all that money, fame and the sexy ladies?! What the hell could be more important then that?!"
"A cause." Guy replied. "To be honest, I grew tired of the tournament. Fighting for yourself is no reason to fight. One day I was travelling from village to village, doing some promotional work for the Tournament and my eyes were opened to the plight of these people. That day I realized that if it was my destiny to fight, then it should at least be for more than something than fame and money. There are better reasons to live. I'm sure you would know what I mean, right Naruto?"
"What?" Naruto asked.
"I saw your run-in with my Lee." Guy responded. "That was quite impressive."
"Oh! That?! That was nothing!" Naruto yelled nervously. "I just used a few techniques that my grandfather taught me."
"Oh really. And just who is this man who taught you?" Guy asked.
"He's…just a farmer." Naruto replied.
Guy nodded as he took a moment to properly assess the young man before him. "Well, it would seem that he taught you well. I get the sense that you prefer to avoid fighting and only do so for the most important of reasons. That's an admirable trait to have in someone so young." Guy then looked at Naruto's bandaged left hand. "Respect for life is something you should hold on to." Naruto suddenly jerked his hand back and placed it on his lap under the table. "Because once you lose it, it's gone forever." Guy continued.
"Thank you for the kind words." Naruto said. "But you won't need to concern yourself with me. Once Sakura is able, she and I will be returning home. And I'm sure Sasuke will want to get going soon in order to find the people he came here to find."
"You're a real idiot you know that?" Sasuke replied with a grin. "Don't you get it? These guys are obviously the contacts I came here to meet."
"The contacts?" Naruto replied as he looked around. "Wait, these guys are the ones you're going to do a job with? This…is ANBU?"
Before anyone could answer Tenten came into the room. "Whew!" She yelled as she wiped her forehead. "Well, that's that."
"I-Is she okay?" Naruto asked excitedly as he jumped to his feet. .
"Ask her yourself." Tenten replied. As she said that Sakura limped into in room. She moaned as Tenten helped her to a nearby seat.
"Sakura-chan! Are you alright!?" Naruto yelled as he ran to her and knelt in front of her.
"Yeah, yeah." Sakura replied as she gingerly sat back in the chair. "I'm in pain, but it's manageable."
"Are you kidding?" Tenten replied. "Your healing ability is really an amazing thing. I know a little bit about medical ninjutsu but I have to say your ability is on another level. I can't believe you were able to get back on her feet so quickly."
Sakura paused as she looked at the smiling girl who, only just recently, seemed fully willing to kill her. "Th-Thanks I guess." She replied cautiously.
"Are you saying you didn't do this TenTen?" Guy asked.
"Wish I could take the credit, but the truth is she woke up on her own about forty minutes ago and actually started healing herself." TenTen replied. "It's the most remarkable fucking thing I've ever seen. This weird chakra started coming from her hands. It was fucking incredible!"
"Healing herself you say?" Guy said curiously as he walked up to Sakura. "And where would you learn that kind of ability?"
"Her mother." Sasuke replied which garnered a stare from Guy.
"Never mind that." Naruto interrupted. "Sakura-chan, you should rest." Naruto put his hand on her lap reassuringly.
Sakura put her hand on his. "No, it's…alright. I just need time to heal myself."
"Perhaps, you'd like to eat." Guy said as he reached over to the table and grabbed a bowl of rice and showed it to her. "You're blonde friend here insisted he wasn't hungry but perhaps you…" Before he could finish his sentence, Sakura grabbed the bowl and feverishly began to eat. "I see." Guy said as he watched her. "This technique of yours requires quite a bit of energy doesn't it?"
Sakura stopped and watched the man cautiously for a moment before she nodded and dived back into her bowl. "I hate to be rude." She said between bites. "But would you be able to give me any more?"
"Of course!" Guy replied with a smile. "It's the least I could do considering my Tenten here is the reason for your condition." Guy nodded to Tenten and she immediately went to prepare another bowl of rice.
A moment passed before she stopped eating and looked about the room. "Wait a minute. Where are we? And who are you?"
Guy laughed. "I was wondering when you'd ask me that." Guy suddenly posed while puffing up his chect. With a thumbs up and wide, toothy smile so bright Sakura could swear she heard it "ping", Guy responded. "Well, I am the World Famous Sublime Green Beast of Prey, Might Guy!"
What the hell's with this weird old man? Sakura wondered as she grimaced at his pose.
"And she…" Guy continued. "…whom you met, is my disciple Wufei Tenten. Rock Lee, who is resting, is also my disciple. You are currently in our home. After your fight we brought you and your two friends here for treatment."
It was then Sakura looked to Naruto and noticed his bruised face and hands, his torn and dirty clothes. "Naruto, are you..? Who did you..?"
Naruto laughed as he scratched the back of his head. "I kind of accidentally ran into Lee as I was trying to catch up to you guys. I tried to stop him but he kinda beat me up pretty good before Guy here broke up the fight."
Everyone was silent as they looked at Naruto and back to Sakura. "Damn! Why were you so reckless?!" Sakura scolded. "Ever since Sasuke-kun arrived you've been acting like some sort of warrior wannabe. You should have looked for us when you found Lee instead of trying to act like a tough guy."
"I should say the same to you!" Naruto yelled. "What the hell were you thinking taking on a trained fighter on your own for!?"
Sakura paused and blushed as she remembered that she was in no position to scold Naruto for being reckless. "Yeah…well…I didn't know she was a trained fighter at the time and besides I had Sasuke-kun with me!"
"A lot of good that did you!" Naruto yelled.
"What are you talking about?" Sakura asked as she looked to Sasuke who calmly continued to eat his rice. "Sasuke-kun saved me! He obviously was the one to stop her before she finished me off."
"Hmm, how do you know that's what happened?" Tenten asked with a smirk on her face. Sakura opened her mouth as if she were about to respond and then was silent as she tried to remember what happened as she was losing consciousness. She could remember Sasuke standing in the doorway, a smirk on his face. He…did try to save me. Didn't he?
"It doesn't matter what happened." Naruto answered, breaking the silence. "What's important is that you're okay."
"Which begs the question, why are we here?" Sakura asked as she began to eat again. "Why would the people who tried to kill us, take us in?"
"Well, apparently, these are the people who Sasuke came to meet." Naruto said.
Sakura stopped eating and looked at the smiling faces of Tenten and Guy. "What? This…this is..?" Sakura looked around her dingy surroundings. "This can't be."
"What's wrong?" Guy asked.
"Well, I don't know…but I thought the headquarters of ANBU would be a little more…impressive."
"Yes, speaking of which, why do you keep calling us ANBU?" Guy asked.
"What are you talking about?" Sakura asked. "You guys are part of the renegade group of freedom fighters aren't you?"
"Who told you that?!" Guy asked.
Everyone looked to Sasuke who ate the last of his rice and pushed the bowl away. He burped and wiped his mouth. He then looked to the puzzled faces and a smile appeared on his face. "Yeah…about that. I kinda lied."
"Lied?" Naruto asked in bewilderment. .
"Yeah, I do that a lot." Sasuke replied. "These guys aren't ANBU and neither am I. In fact, in all my travels I've never met anyone from ANBU. I'm pretty convinced they're just a stupid myth."
"You…lied?" Naruto asked again.
"But…But why…you told my mother…" Sakura stuttered.
Sasuke laughed. "Actually she just assumed I was. Hey look, I needed a place to stay. And sometimes old people will fall for the whole "freedom fighter" angle, okay. That usually goes over better than telling people I'm a mercenary for higher. I used the situation to my advantage. So sue me."
"You asshole!" Naruto yelled as he leapt to his feet and grabbed Sasuke up by the collar. "Is that all you can say!? You dragged us all the way here with you! Sakura-chan got hurt and we were attacked by bounty hunters all because she believed in you and that's all you can say?!"
"Pretty much." Sasuke said with a wide grin and shrug.
Naruto trembled as he held Sasuke. Every cell in his body screamed for him to attack.
"Naruto…put him down." Sakura said as she touched his shoulder. She had gotten to her feet and walked over to them. Tears streamed down her cheek as she held her head down to keep others from seeing her eyes. "It's not his fault. It's mine. I was the idiot who followed him out here like a fool dreaming about romance and adventure. This is my fault not his. So just…let him go."
"Sakura-chan…" Naruto said as he let Sasuke go. "Don't…don't cry. Please just…stop. We'll, head home right away and forget any of this even happened. I won't say a word to anyone."
"Hey, hey." Sasuke said as he waved. "Let's not be so hasty. I may have lied about ANBU but that doesn't mean you can't help. I'm actually here for a good cause. Well…the money they're going to pay me, and a good cause."
"This guy is right." Tenten replied. "He's a scumbag. But he's also right. He's here to help us with an important mission."
"Mission?" Naruto yelled. "What mission? From what I can tell you're all just a bunch of thieves! You can't call stealing a mission!"
"You can when you're planning to steal from the Empire." Guy replied which caused Naruto and Sakura to look at each other. "It's true. Look at this." Guy quickly cleared the table of all of the empty bowls and weapons until only the map underneath remained. He then pointed to an area of the map that was circled in red. "Three years ago a decree was handed down that stated that fifty percent of the food the farmers and fishermen are able to gather must be "donated" to the Empire to feed their overstuffed soldiers for the "war effort" against the Land of Stone. The people of this village are already over taxed as it is. They can barely scrape enough together to feed themselves and now we must give half of the dust we can cobble together to give to the Empire?! At this rate this village will be starved into oblivion."
"Look here." Guy said as he pointed at the map. "This silo is where the Empire keeps all of the grain, beat, bread and vegetables they take from us. We plan to steal it back and return it to the people."
"That's where Sasuke comes in." Tenten added. "See this silo happens to be inside the army compound. We have a plan to break in but we need more than just the three of us."
"So, I passed word out through my underground contacts and Sasuke here, answered the call." Guy said. "But we didn't expect Sasuke to come to town with friends."
Sasuke chuckled. "Neither did I."
"So we decided we needed to test your ability." Guy continued. "I had my disciples rob you and see how long it would take you to realize you were robbed and how you would react. I didn't expect you to catch them and I didn't plan on fights breaking out. Speaking of which, Tenten you should apologize to the lady."
"The fuck I will!" Tenten responded angrilly. "It's not like she didn't want to fight! Why the hell should I be the only one to..?!"
"Tenten!" Guy responded sternly. "A warrior above all else, should fight with honor. And?"
Tenten folded her armed and grimaced. "And have the strength to keep moving forward, the wisdom to understand their short-comings and…"
"And?" Guy asked.
Tenten sighed heavily. "And the humility to admit their mistakes." Tenten turned to Sakura and bowed. "I should apologize for my actions. I kinda get carried away when I'm fighting. I shouldn't have taken it so seriously. My actions were shameful. Please accept my apology."
Sakura nodded in acceptance. "It's fine. To be honest I got a little carried away myself. I'm sorry as well."
"Good." Guy said with a smile. "The young shouldn't spend their times with petty disputes. Now, about the mission."
"I still don't see what this has to do with us." Naruto interrupted.
"I saw how you two handled yourselves." Guy answered. "Your skills are raw but I think you could be of great help and make things easier."
"No way!" Naruto protested. "Bringing Sasuke here is one thing. And even that was a mistake now that we know the truth. But now you want us to help you steal?!"
"Can you call it stealing if you're just taking back what someone unfairly took from you?" Sasuke asked. "Besides, we'll be getting paid nicely for our efforts. Twenty thousand ryo each!"
"Each!?" Guy yelled. "Not a chance! We offered you twenty thousand Sasuke. You're the one who brought them here without our permission. If they want to be paid, then they can just split what we're paying you."
"Fuck that! You guys are working for free!" Sasuke yelled to Sakura and Naruto. "Charity should be it's own reward for you anyway!"
"It's not about the money." Naruto replied.
"I agree. It shouldn't be about the money for you." Sasuke said with his arms folded.
"We're not going to help you steal." Naruto continued.
"I'll do it." Sakura suddenly said. "And you don't have to pay me a thing."
"Now that's an idea I can support." Sasuke said with a smile.
"Wh-What?" Naruto asked as he was clearly stunned. "Sakura are you..? He lied to us! And you still want to help him?!"
"It's not about Sasuke-kun!" Sakura replied. "Naruto, I came here to fight against the Empire. Maybe ANBU doesn't exist but it doesn't change why I came. If this is something that can help the people of this village…"
"Sakura, we can't even be sure that they're not lying." Naruto replied. "Sasuke's already proven that we can't trust him."
"Maybe not. Maybe you're right." Sakura said as she glared at Sasuke. "But I believe what Guy is saying."
"What makes you so sure?" Naruto asked.
Sakura looked at Sasuke and said. "Faith." Sasuke seemed unnerved what she said as his eyes widened and he looked away. Sakura then looked to Naruto who was clearly upset as he clenched his fists. He turned his back to her as he tried to calm himself. "Look Naruto, I'm not asking you to stay…"
"Don't say stupid shit Sakura-chan." Naruto replied, cutting her off. He took a deep breath and relaxed. "If you're staying then I'll stay by your side." Sakura smiled.
"Alright!" Guy yelled as he pumped his fist excitedly. "I love the energy of youth! It really fires me up! Everyone get some rest tonight, tomorrow we begin planning and reconnaissance."
-Sometime Later-
"So here we go." Tenten said as she showed Sakura to her room. The room was small, barely big enough to hold the old twin sized bed that sat inside, but it was clean despite there being the slight smell of dust. Sakura couldn't help but think how the room was no bigger than her closet at home. But she said nothing, not wanting to insult anyone.
"Thank you Tenten." Sakura replied courteously as she sat down. Tenten placed the white sheet and two pillows she was holding on the bed and merely stood staring at her. "Is there…anything else I can help you with?"
"I…umm…just wanted to apologize again for my behavior." Tenten replied. "Guy-sensei instructed us to test your ability, but I took things too far. It's not often we come across a worthy foe."
"Worthy?" Sakura asked. "C'mon. You don't need to lie. Even I could tell you were playing around with me most of the time."
"Maybe I was at first." Tenten answered. "But you really started getting under my skin when I couldn't hit you properly. You could be a real tough fighter if you practiced harder. Anyway, I truly am sorry."
"It's okay, really." Sakura replied. "I've already healed most of my wounds and the aches and pains I feel will go away in time. To be honest, that was partly my fault as well. I was trying to…prove myself…and I may have gone too far."
"Prove yourself? To whom? That Sasuke character?" Tenten asked. Sakura blushed slightly and nodded. "Hmm," Tenten said as she rubbed her chin. "How does your boyfriend think about that?"
"Boyfriend?" Sakura asked.
"The blonde kid. What's his name? Naruto, right?" Tenten asked. "I'm sure he wouldn't be happy about that kind of shit."
Sakura turned beet red as she waved both her hands. "Ah! No! No! N-Naruto isn't my boyfriend! He's…he's just a friend! A friend!"
"Really?" Tenten asked with a look of confusion. "The way you two acted it looked like you two were lovers. You kind of act like how Lee and I do. You both seemed very tender with one another, so I just thought…"
"Nope, he and I are just childhood friends." Sakura replied.
Tenten laughed. "Well, its good you cleared that up. I had prepared this room for the both of you."
"What?!" Sakura yelled in disbelief. She wasn't sure but she knew she was probably so red that she lit up the room.
"Yep, that's why I brought in two pillows." Tenten said as she pointed at the extra pillow. "I guess I'm going to need that back and go set up another room." Sakura quickly handed Tenten the pillow. "Anyway, have a good night's rest. If you need anything Lee and I are in the room just down the hall."
"You…and Lee?" Sakura asked. "You two..?"
"Sleep together?" Tenten said with a giggle. "Yeah. We are lovers after all."
"Lovers?!" Sakura asked. "But…you guys look to be around my age!"
"In our lives, time is too short to worry about things like age." Tenten said as she waved Sakura off. "My Lee is a sweet, caring guy. That's all that matters to me. Anyway, see you in the morning."
-Meanwhile-
"You really should get some sleep." Lee said as he entered the main room. Naruto was sitting in a chair that he'd pulled up to the fireplace. He was lost in thought as he held the empty bowl of rice he'd finished sometime ago.
Naruto gave a small smile. "I will eventually. I just have a bunch of stuff on my mind. I want to thank you all for your hospitality. I know it must be difficult for you."
"Why would you say that?" Lee asked.
Naruto looked around and, convinced that no one could hear he spoke in a low voice. "Well, considering our fight, I thought…"
"That I would hold a grudge against you for my loss?" Lee said with a smirk. "Not at all. I already told you when we were fighting that you're now my friend. I appreciate the challenge you gave me as well as helping to show me where I need to improve. And I look forward for the day you and I may fight again."
Naruto chuckled and shook his head. "So strange."
"What?" Lee asked.
"My grandfather made a point to teach me that fighting should never be taken lightly because of the potential to kill." Naruto replied. "I think that's why he would never allow me to listen to King of Dragon Fist Tournaments on the radio. He found the idea of fighting for sport or the entertainment others to be reprehensible. But here is your sensei, a good man who himself was a tournament fighter and you, his disciple, who seems to enjoy fighting."
"Because fighting is freedom." Lee responded. "You learn much about a person when you fight. You learn much about yourself as well. There is something pure in fighting someone in one on one competition. Purity is hard to find in the world."
"Tch! Maybe." Naruto said as he looked at the roaring fire.
"May I ask a question?" Lee asked.
"Sure thing." Naruto replied.
"Why do you insist on keeping this side of yourself a secret from Sakura-chan?" Lee asked. "I did as you asked and lied about our fight. When she asked, I told her that I defeated you fairly easy. But you and I know that wasn't the case. Why hide your strength?"
Naruto sighed and stared into the fire. "Because I…I never asked for it." For a brief moment there was silence between them. "Do you know what it's like to be different? To feel like an outcast no matter what you say or do? All I want…all I've ever wanted…is to just be normal. To have friends. To live my life without feeling like I have to wear a mask. I can't do that if people knew the truth about me. Something happened between Sakua and I a long tme ago that I can never let happen again."
"But it's part of who you are." Lee said.
"No!" Naruto snapped. "This has nothing to do with who I am!" Naruto looked back at the roaring flames. "And it never will."
Sasuke stood hidden in the shadows in the hallway as he listened intently to the conversation. Satisfied with what he heard, he walked away.
"Personally I think you're making a mistake." Lee said.
"Oh really?" Naruto replied.
"My sensei says that for one to become the strongest they can be, they must first be at peace with themselves. You can never become a great warrior if you refuse to be true to yourself."
"I'm no warrior Lee. I'm just a farmer."
"Are you?" Lee asked.
Naruto took a deep breath as he looked into the roaring flames. "Speaking of which, Sasuke said something about your sensei. That he'd just disappeared…" When Naruto turned he found that he was alone in the room. He sighed and sat back in the chair.
Lee walked down the hallway. His body ached from the earlier battle. Especially the wound on the back of his neck that he hid by pulling up the collar on his shirt. He wanted to stay and speak with Naruto more, but his body was shutting down on him. Despite the several hours of rest he'd had the second they returned, he was still in bad shape. He needed rest. He walked into his room where he saw Tenten already sitting on the bed. "Is everything set?"
"Yeah." Tenten replied as Lee sat next to her. "Hey did you know that those two aren't together?"
"Really?" Lee responded. "I would have thought…"
"I know." Tenten said with a smile. "I set up another room for him. Anyway, are you going to tell me what really happened between you and that Naruto?"
"What are you talking about?" Lee asked. "Like I told you, the fight between us was pretty quick. I defeated him and he convinced me to stop."
"Really?" Tenten said as she yanked on Lee's collar, exposing the deep bruise on the back of his neck. "And what did he use to convince you? A bat?"
"Close." Lee said as he seemed lost in thought temporarily.
Tenten sighed. She knew Lee well enough that for whatever reason he was refusing to talk about his fight he was too stubborn to be convinced otherwise. She quickly reached under her bed and pulled out a box full of medicines and wraps. "Take off your shirt." Lee did so in silence and Tenten gasped as she saw several more deep bruises on his chest, back and arms as well as deep cut across the front of his chest. She hadn't seen Lee in such shape even after a hardcore sparring session with Guy-sensei. What made matters worse was that she recalled that Naruto didn't appear to have a scratch on him outside of a few small bruises.
Lee could sense Tentens' hesitation and looked back. He took her hand in his to reassure her. She took another deep breath and quickly got to work, putting medicine on his wounds. For a long time the two remained silent. Tenten knew that if she tried to console him now that would only wound his pride further. Time passed before the one question that burned in her mind had to be asked. "Was he really that strong?"
A moment passed before Lee finally chose to speak. The last few moments of their battle played over and over in his mind. As well as the look on Naruto's face in that final exchange. The feral look in Naruto's eye's burned in Lee's mind. It was glare he knew would haunt him for a long time to come. Lee's lips trembled as he forced himself to say the only answer that could come to mind. "Frightening."
To Be Continued…