A/N: Yeah, I have no comments. Shocking isn't it? Oh, and thank my beta-reader Rikku Madara Uchiha! Guys this like filler chapter. The next chapter is going be another filler chapter. Sorry I had to space it out guys! Oh, and check out my new poll for The Bracelet! Remember to vote! VOTE!!
"Sasuke-kun! Sasuke-kun! Sasuke-kun, please!" Sakura called after her retreating teammate's back. It was futile though, and she understood that. The dark-haired boy was in turmoil right now. She doubted anyone but Naruto could reach him.
Her name is Haruno Sakura. She was at the top of her academy class back in her academy days. She had the most brains and booksmarts, able to complete the Chuunin exam's writing portion without cheating. Because of her perfect chakra control, she became the prodigal student of the famed Slug Sannin Sanji Tsunade-hime. From said woman, she acquired the skills to be a highly accomplished medic-nin with fearsome strength. With these abilities, she and Chiyo-baa-sama took on the S-rank criminal, Sasori, and won. To top that all off, Sakura was already a jounin at the young age of seventeen, turning eighteen, and she was teammates with the soon-to-be legedary Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke.
Unfortunately for her, even with all these different capabilities, she still could not help the ones most precious to her, aside from Lee. Her teammates. Hell, she was a medic-nin for pity's sake! Medic-nin's were suppose to be the back up, the support, the fricken help! And yet now, with Sasuke heart-broken and Naruto on a rampage, she was left standing in the dust and clueless. Completely and utterly clueless. Sighing, Sakura leaned against the charred wall and slowly slid down to the floor. Then again, really, what could she do? Unless Naruto agrees to take back everything he has said, then this problem will never be fixed. And because of his goddamn nindo, the "I never go back on my word" macho thing he has going for him, the chances of getting this problem fixed was at an absolute zero possibility.
'Is it always going to be like this? Will I always be standing on the sidelines while Naruto and Sasuke are in pain?'
"Sakura!"
The sharp voice of her usually goofy sensei cut through her thoughts. She rolled her eyes, not even bothering to look up.
"What do you want Kakashi?"
"Sakura! This man needs your medical expertise, the least you could do is look up!"
Kakashi was getting a touch impatient, which really wasn't doing much to help his already sour mood. He, at the moment, felt confused for one thing and he didn't like feeling confused. Last thing he had remembered was walking towards the Memorial Stone to go visit Obito again. He did this every morning, hence the reason he was always late. Everything after that was just blank.
He couldn't bring to memory any other significant events besides seeing a large green and orange blur. That and someone obscenely yelling things about passionate youth and love. It must've been Gai. In any case, the next thing he knew was that he was standing in a hospital room. Of course, being an experienced shinobi, the first thing he did was observe his surroundings. First off, there was a pool of blood beneath his feet. It was staining his sandals, which irritated him because blood was hard to wash off.
Second, there was a Kumo ninja lying in front of him. Was he dead? How did he get into Konoha? Or perhaps more importantly, how'd he get wounded? He hoped it wasn't because of him. Hurting another without having any recollections of it was very disconcerting. He fervently wished he wasn't going insane. Still, it wasn't as if it wasn't inevitable. Being a ninja all your life can cause lapses of sanity now and again.
Thirdly, he noticed his former student looking miserable as she sat in front of the wall. She was clearly upset about something. But what?
After finishing his observations, he decided to take action. Despite the probability of the Kumo nin having permission to enter Konoha, it was still suspicious for the man to be lying on the ground, bleeding or possibly even dead. There must've been a reason as to why he was in such a predicament. What could it have been? Chance are he must've provoked someone. That means he obviously has a motive, or perhaps he felt wraithfully towards someone in Konoha. Either way, the man was shady character and clearly needed to be interrogated. Since shinobi had to be alive to be sent to Ibiki, he needed to be healed.
Well, they were in a hospital. Getting some medical attention couldn't be too hard. But, alas, he was proven wrong when Sakura, in all her "cheery" disposition, could not even bother to take him seriously. The situation was becoming more urgent, he thinks he's going insane, and he hasn't visited Obito yet. So, Kakashi believes that he definitely has every right to be in a sour mood. Which is exactly why he threw a kunai at Sakura to get her damned attention.
The young woman gave a shriek of surprise and sent a nasty glare in Kakashi's immediate direction. Kakashi responded with a glare of his own.
"You didn't have to do that."
"My apologies, but, Sakura, we are ninja first and foremost. Therefore I would like for you to acknowledge that even though we are currently off a mission, when a superior urgently asks for your attention, you give it to him."
"Hai, Kakashi-sensei." Sakura replied, calling the masked-nin sensei out of habit. Realizing her mistake, a slight pink dusted her face.
"Good. Now, I believe that this man need your help. Ibiki has been complaining about a decrease of victims. Oh, and I want a full explanation after this whole ordeal is taken care of. Alright?"
"Got it!" Sakura replied, as she scrambled over to the wounded man. Placing her hands on top of the Kumo jounin's wound, her hands immediately glowed green as she set to work.
"I'll go get some help." And without further ado, Kakashi 'poofed' away. Sakura made mental note to ask him about teaching her that move. In all her years, she had never really learned that move. As strange as that may seem. . . Closing her eyes, she focused on the man's wound. She felt content that at least she was doing something useful to someone. And once she explains everything to Kakashi, maybe he could help. Or not. But anywho, that little stunt Kakashi pulled scared the shit out of her. She gets it though. The man was probably just another one to be added to the growing list of confused and hurt people. That doesn't mean, however, that she wasn't grateful to have some peace and calm around her.
SLAM!
She spoke way too soon. The familiar footsteps echoed in the room as Sakura saw a faint tinge of orange at the corner of her eye. Was it Naruto?
"Naruto? Is that you?"
"Oh, yeah. Hey, Sakura-chan, have you seen my pants?" The sounds of drawers opening could be heard as Naruto off-handedly responded.
"You left them again didn't you?"
Shuffling. "…..No!" He said with a slight pause.
"Naruto! How could you forget your pants? Twice!"
"I just can okay! Now, tell me where they are!"
"I refuse to tell you until you and I are able to talk more about this gay/straight situation."
"What is there to talk about? I'm straight, I'm planning to ask Hinata out soon. "
Sakura sighed, unconsciously pushing more chakra into the Kumo jounin. The man groaned.
"Look, I didn't want to tell you this but Hinata is already dating Kiba."
"Oh..." More drawers being opened. Damn, how many drawers were in that hospital room? "Well, I'll just find somebody else is all. No big."
"Naruto, I understand that you were hurt and upset when you shouted those things, but, do you honestly mean them?"
The blond paused in his search. "Are you implying that I'm not straight?"
"No, well yes, but...!"
"Sakura-chan I'm not gay or bi! Don't get me wrong, I'm not a homophobe but I like boobs okay? Nothing will change that."
'Even if Sasuke confessed his undying love for you?' "Naruto..."
"Aha! Found my pants!" The faint rustle of clothes was heard as Naruto put on the garment. "I can see that you're busy Sakura-chan. Why don't we hang out later? Get some training done, maybe?"
Footsteps were heard, a door was opening. Sakura panicked. She couldn't let the boy leave! Not yet. They haven't properly worked things out! Damn! Where was Kakashi with the help? Must he be late in everything he does?
"Wait! Naruto!"
But Naruto was already closing the door, Sakura's call never reaching his ears. Jogging down the hallway, Naruto opted to use the stairs, not wanting to wait around for the elevator. Soon, he reached the lobby where he hurriedly said good-bye to Shizune. She occupied by a patient though and didn't notice him. That was okay, Shizune was head nurse.
What wasn't okay was the male patient looking at him all funny-like. Naruto thought he was drooling. Worst part was the guy was like forty something. That quickened his pace as he hurried out the hospital. He wanted to go home and rest in his own bed now. Today was just one of those days, after all.
He was careful not to use the main streets this time around. He learned his lesson after that gang fight. It brought back some memories as he trudged through a trash filled alley. It reminded him of the olden day when he was still being hated by everyone. The loathing has gone down a notch or two, but not too far. At least they didn't openly glare at him.
Kicking an innocent pebble, Naruto's thought drifted back in the days where he would avoid the main roads just like he was doing now. Back then, he just wanted to be away from the suffocating anger that targeted him, the underlying death threats that whispered behind the cool glares given to him. Back than, he just wanted to get away from it all.
Naruto was so lost in his thoughts, he had forgotten to pay attention to where he was going. This, of course, lead him to accidentally bumping into someone. He was just lucky it wasn't a wall or a rabid dog.
"Dickless?"
Or maybe it really just wasn't his day after all. Naruto couldn't help but groan. The last thing he wanted was to hear more of those god awful pick-up lines.
"Look Sai! I know you want to say that my eyes are pretty, or my butt is cute, but right now, I just want you to fuck off okay? I'd rather not hear anymore horrible pick-up lines."
Sai only smiled that irritating smile of his. "How about some good pick-up lines then?"
"Huh?"
"Like...Do you believe in the hereafter? Well, then, I guess you know I'm here after. Or oh, how about...Are you lost ma'am? Cause heaven's a long way from here. No? Then what about-!"
"No Sai! Just shut up! Where did you get that shit anyways?"
"Oh from the book I just read. The title was Pick-Up lines for the Desperate."
"You read way too much, Sai." Naruto snarled, pushing the pale boy aside. "And for your information, it's sir not ma'am."
That irritating smile was wiped off of Sai's face now. There looked to be some genuine concern in his eyes but of course, Naruto didn't see that. He was too busy stomping and being angry.
"You look...Angry. You are alright?"
Naruto paused in mid-step. "I won't blow up at you for asking such a stupid question since I know you're emotionally retarded but yes, I am angry."
"Then maybe we could… um… discuss why you are angry. A book told me that talking about your anger helps you relieve yourself of it."
"Really Sai. Reading that much can't be healthy for you." Naruto sighed. "Look, if I tell you why I'm so angry, will you get off of my back?"
"But I'm not even on your back."
"No, I meant if I tell you, will you leave me alone?"
"Yes."
"Then I 'spose there's not going to be any harm if I tell you. As long as you don't grope me or anything."
"I won't. Unless you want me to."
"Riiiight. Well, I don't so there. Anyways, I'm angry because of this bracelet!" Naruto stated, lifting his wrist to show the offensive piece of jewelry. "It has this stupid curse that makes men, of all the fucking genders, fall in love with me. They tell me, like, all these crappy pick up lines and ask me on dates. Most if not all, have the nerve to touch me! Inappropriately, that is."
"And all this, erm, affection is making you feel uncomfortable? Why? I thought you liked having bonds."
"Not this kind! Sai, I'm a guy and guys aren't suppose to like other guys."
"There is something wrong with liking someone of the same sex?"
"YES!"
"But...Why? Books tell me that it is perfectly human to feel affection or, um, love for another human being. Aren't men, despite being the same gender, classified under the 'another human being' category? What makes the relationship between two men off-limits?"
"Because it's not normal! It oversteps normal social boundaries!"
"Your point being? Forgive me if I offend you in anyway but, Naruto-kun, from my understanding, you being who you are, have already overstepped the boundries of society's normalcy terms. I think you are so far beyond the boundary, I truly think there is no need for concern if you step a little further away."
"Y'know what? One of the things I'll do when I become Hokage is to ban you from the all reading establishments."
"Aren't I correct, though?"
Naruto stared Sai straight in the eyes. "It's not that easy. I'm already hated enough as it is. I don't want to give the villagers anymore reason to hate me more."
"But you have these strong bonds between you and your friends, right? I'm pretty sure people like Sakura-san wouldn't cut off your friendship for a such a petty, insignificant thing."
"How are you so sure?"
"She told me so herself."
"I would like to agree with you, Sai. With everything you have said, but..." At this Naruto started walking away. "There are still my emotions to take into account and I really don't feel comfortable with my situation."
"I see..." Sai replied, falling into step behind the enigmatic blonde.
"I mean, it feels so wrong when they touch me, or kiss me, or tell me such embarrassing things." Naruto paused. Turning around, he faced Sai. "Actually, throughout this whole conversation, you haven't done one thing like that.Why would that be, Sai?"
Sai smiled, this one was a true smile. "It's probably because if the bracelet makes people like you Naruto-kun, then it won't have any affect on me because I've already liked you from the very start."
A/N: Hoped you like this new chapter. God it was hard to write this. I suffered immense writer's block. Please review.
Rikku Madara Uchiha: Hello, I would just like to ask two things: alert me if I spelled ANYTHING wrong or used bad grammar and TWO: Please review.