Rosuto Rakuen (Lost Paradise)
XI. Close Calls
By: Datenshi no Uzumaki (aka Kat Lee V)
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'If Sasuke has a bloodline thing… then maybe… it's useful in this battle… I need to try everything I can. It just can't end right here.' The boy stood up shakily, and lifted his left arm. The Mark of Senmin appeared on his arm, with Sasuke's mark at the center. Taking a bit of the crimson substance on himself, he smeared it across Sasuke's mark. Then something lifted from the boy's chest. "Sharingan!"
Sasuke's eyes widened, and suddenly turned crimson red, with two commas within. He looked back is surprise at his Senmin. 'He did it… he activated the Uchiha's advance bloodline.' The boy smirked. 'I guess things have turned up a notch then.'
Haku watched in fascination. 'I see… he has a kekkei genkai as well. They certainly are very interesting.' He had to smile behind his mask.
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Naruto grinned widely. 'I did it… it's a bit incomplete, but it will do.' It was amazing for Naruto, and he finally got a feel on how this kekkei genkai worked. It's like he could see clearly, and somehow also see through Sasuke's eyes. He wondered if this happened to his brother and sister as well.
Haku was impressed with the Senmin-Shugorei pair. The boy then felt a bit envious on them; they have found their perfect match, like how he wasn't able to do.
Sasuke smirked. 'Naruto, I have a plan.' The blonde blinked his eyes, and nodded. Then the boy took over, trying to run past the mirrors. Haku saw this, and went after the blonde. Naruto turned around, and smirked. "Fire Element: Grand Fireball!"
Haku's eyes widened in surprise. He punched away Naruto, sending him back to the center and he went to retreat back into the mirrors, but his leg did get caught in the attack. He glanced down at his injured ankle. 'They saw my movements, and injured me. How could they see through my speed? It could be that eyes that Shugorei has.'
Throwing more needles, Sasuke efficiently blocked all of the Senbon from hitting critical point on himself and his partner. Naruto stands up, and was back to back with his Shugorei. 'Do you want me to try it again?'
Sasuke nodded. 'We were able to hit him, but he's still fast. But you could tell, he's getting tired.' The blonde nodded, and took a deep breath. The raven-haired boy's eyes dropped a little. 'Even Naruto is loosing his chakra… I don't think we could last that long.' He saw the blonde heavily panting.
"Round two!" The blonde then ran. Haku growled, and threw needles at him. Sasuke appeared, and blocked them. The masked boy grew frustrated, and came out, throwing more needles. "Fire element: Grand Fireball!" Haku's hand got caught in the fire. Angered, the boy landed on the ground, and ran towards Sasuke. The Uchiha saw him, and blocked all the attacks the boy threw at him.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Naruto nearly getting through the ice dome. "No more playing games." Haku kicked the Uchiha on the head, sending him away in a short distance. "No one is going to get in my way of fulfilling the ambitions of my precious person!" He threw a hoard of needles at the blonde.
There were these sickening sounds he heard from behind him. The blonde froze, his heart rate beating quickly. There was a sinking feeling in his stomach, and he didn't like it. He turned around and saw Sasuke standing behind him, with his back facing him. In a distance, he could see Haku slumped over. Naruto gasped. "Sasuke you did it!"
His heart skipped a beat, and that dreading feeling was over coming him. He reflexively clutched a hand to the pendant that was hiding under his shirt. "Sa…suke?" He whispered, seeing as the raven-haired boy didn't move.
"Dobe…" His voice was hoarse, and in pain. He then coughed roughly, with blood coming out. The blonde's eyes widened in great fear. Then Sasuke fell back, Naruto cried out his name, and caught him. Naruto looked down with tears falling from his eyes. Sasuke looked up and chuckled. "Don't make that face… it doesn't suit you." His voice was barely a whisper.
Naruto shook his head, trying to get the image of the weakened state his Shugorei was at. 'This can't be happening…' There were trails of blood coming from the corners of his mouth, and his eyes were dulling. 'No… not again!'
"Baka! You can't die! You can't leave me alone!" The blonde shouted; eyes tightly closed. His small boy was trembling hard.
Sasuke grunted. "You'll never be alone, dobe. You still have one more Shugorei to find."
"No! I don't want another one to replace you!" He shouted stubbornly. Sasuke smiled softly. The blonde pulled the older boy closer, tightly holding on to him. He gritted his teeth hard, trying desperately not to cry.
The raven-haired boy touched the boy's face, his vision blurring. 'Looks like I'll be joining you soon, mother, father.' "Promise me you'll find him for me… my brother… Itachi…" His voice very soft, and he was loosing breath.
His hand was slipping away, and Naruto quickly grabbed on to it. "Baka! We're both supposed to find him together, teme!" He yelled, Sasuke still slightly conscious. "I won't let you die!"
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A spark. A tiny flame was lighted in the black void.
"Tell me what is it your heart desires."
"I want…"
"I want the power to be strong…"
"I want to do anything to make the people I love and care about happy… I want everybody to be happy…"
"I want to fulfill their dreams… I want to fulfill the dreams of my precious people…"
"I want to protect them…"
"…Fight for them…"
"For Gaara… Sakura…"
"…Sasuke…"
Then the fire blazed ragingly, slowly spreading largely.
"You are already strong in many ways. You just have to find that great strength in your heart, and not be afraid to use it."
A strange seal appeared, and it glowed brightly red.
"You may not know it, but you are a very gifted child. Your name is special, as you are."
"Don't be afraid."
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He felt it. Something was burning within him, but he was not afraid. Slowly, Naruto opened his eyes, revealing deep red pools. He was radiating dangerously with a red aura. It was frightening, and yet comforting. He let it all come out, not afraid. 'It's a power that I could use… it's my power to protect.' The blonde lifted his head, and stared down at the unconscious form of the Uchiha. 'Sasuke…'
Haku sank back into the icy mirrors. 'That chakra…' It was blazing, and surrounding the two. 'What is that? The boy has changed completely… it's almost… frightening…?'
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Gaara was tired, and he knew that his Shugorei and Zabuza were also. He panted lightly, and narrowed his eyes. The fog was thick, but the man was a fool, underestimating the Byakugan. He was tricky, and was able to slip by, but they were careful and alert. The man disappeared again.
"Sakura! The bridge builder!"
The pink haired girl grew alert at her brother's call. She drew back her sleeve quickly, and bit her thumb. She then smeared the blood on the mark of the Hyuuga. "Byakugan!"
Hinata's eyes immediately changed. She gasped as she saw the man running up to them, with his giant sword. "Hinata, Reflection Attack!"
When the man's sword hit the invisible shield, it bounced back the man's sword, throwing it away at a distance. Sakura and Hinata inwardly sighed in relief simultaneously. The man then found himself slightly surrounded. He growled. Gaara and his Shugorei stood behind him, not allowing him to retrieve his sword.
Then thin strings were thrown at him, tying him down invisibly. The man then threw his head back, and laughed out loudly. "You think this is the end? You kids couldn't possibly defeat me."
"And that comrade of yours, will never be able to win against Haku. He is at the level beyond my own." He laughed.
Sakura growled. "No, you're wrong! They will win, because be trust in them, and they will never give up!" The girl yelled back.
Suddenly they felt a pulse of strange power emitting at the supposed direction when Naruto and Sasuke were at. The mist covered it densely. The Shugorei shuddered at the demonic aura that was pointed at that direction. Sakura had a sinking feeling in her stomach. 'It's that same aura like last time… no, Naruto!' She went to take a step towards her baby brother, but Gaara stopped her.
"Don't interfere." Sakura looked at her twin incredulously. "You need to put more faith on Naruto, Sakura." Gaara said in his low tone. He glanced briefly at where their brother was. 'Everything will turn out fine…' But he had a tiny bit of doubt bubbling in his chest.
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"Sasuke."
Sasuke rose from the ground, with the red aura helping him to his feet. Naruto slowly stood up, slightly behind him. Haku watched in shock, as the needles that were embedded on them all came out, dropping lifelessly to the ground. The wounds on both their bodies were healing.
Naruto glared fiercely at the mask boy. "I won't forgive you for hurting him. And I won't forgive you from preventing me from helping my brother ad sister." The blonde growled, his eyes no longer the bright blue colors. The strong aura swirled around them, shockingly cracking the ice prison.
The blonde bit his thumb, and smeared blood on his Senmin mark. "Sharingan."
Sasuke's eyes opened to reveal the crimson colored eyes. Watching carefully, Haku saw how a second comma appeared on one of his eyes, evening them out on both eyes. 'This boy…'
"Sasuke."
Then the raven-haired boy disappeared, and appeared in front of the mirror where he was. He pulled back his hand and punched at the mirror. It broke into millions of pieces, shocking Haku, who escaped into another mirror. Before he could react, Sasuke appeared again, and punched the icy mirror. 'He's speed has surpassed mine! And his strength had increased greatly.' He glanced at the blonde, who didn't take his red eyes off from him.
'That boy…' Haku looked up, and dodged the hit from Sasuke. He saw the dullness in the eyes of the younger boy. 'That hit was to temporarily disable him, making him 'dead' for a few hours… So, is that boy controlling his body with that strange Chakra?'
Then Sasuke roared out, releasing a great amount of chakra, destroying most of the ice mirrors. The force slight threw Haku back, but it never affected the blond. The mirror above his smashed into billions of shards, and from it, came Haku crashing down at the young Raven-haired boy, with a knife in his hand.
The Uchiha jumped away, and punched Haku directly at his masked face. The strong impact threw him against the ice mirror, causing it the shatter with force. Soon the rest of the icy prison shattered, falling to the ground around the Senmin and Shugorei.
'They did it…' Haku stood up, his mask breaking apart. 'They fairly won this fight…' He watched the blonde, and saw the boy's eyes flicker from red to blue and back, tears brimming in his eyes. 'He truly is powerful… with a strong heart…' Then the mask completely fell to the ground. He watched as the Shugorei came running up to him, his hand drawn back.
Naruto's eyes widened, changing back to blue. 'That boy from the forest.' "No! Sasuke!" Inches away from hitting Haku, the boy froze. Naruto came running towards them. The Uchiha's eyes changed back into dull obsidian orbs. The blonde gasped as Sasuke crumpled to the ground. Naruto quickly went up to him and cradled the older boy's head in his arms. 'Sasuke…'
"Why…?" The blonde blinked his eyes and looked up at Haku. "Why don't you finish me off? I failed my mission… it's no use for me to live anymore. I'm weak… I'm not longer needed."
The blonde shook his head, tightening his hold on to his Guardian. "That's not true!"
The older boy looks at the blonde. "But I nearly killed your friend… will not avenge him?"
Naruto bows his head. "Seeking revenge has no meaning to in the end… there is no satisfaction to it, and it will only lead to more pain. All I could do is fight, to protect. And you said it your self, you are strong, when you have some one to protect. I can see it… you're protecting that man… because… he's you're precious person… isn't he?" Haku continued to watch the boy.
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The mist was lessening, and Zabuza couldn't move, his body drained of energy. That special attack that the boy with the white eyes did, blocked all access to his chakra. They were grinning, seeing that victory was at their side. The man sneered weakly. 'This can't be the end.'
"Give it up. Be glad that we spared your life. This battle is over." Said Gaara in his deep tone. Sakura was standing beside her brother, watching the man desperately get up.
'That strong aura is gone.' Sakura blinked her eyes at Hinata's voice. She glanced at the area where Naruto was. The mist was slowly clearing. 'Naruto…'
There was a grunt at the side, and the teens all turned their heads to see a small old man, holding a cane, with a large group of men behind him. "Some tool you are. Can't even get rid of a bunch of kids. You're weak, Zabuza." The half masked man glared.
Tazuna sneered. "Gatoh…" He hissed. The girls glanced at the bridge builder.
"Tazuna…" The man chuckled. "You haven't won yet. I still have more men than those puny kids." The teens glared, hating being called puny, when they were obviously taller than that old man. Gatoh turned to his men. "Get rid of Zabuza, he is no longer needed." He ordered. Then multiple weapons were thrown at the man's weak body. The teens and Tazuna watched in shock.
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Naruto's breath was uneven, breathing shakily. His eyes were wide, thinking back on those echoing words. "So… will you kill me…?" The blonde slowly lifted his head, staring at him.
"No…" Tears were threatening to fall. He shook his head. "I can't…" He whispered.
Haku's expression softened. "I didn't want to taint your innocence either… but there is no other way. You're a soldier… you should have known that from the very beginning when you've became a Senmin." Naruto pulled Sasuke closer, his body shaking. Haku blinked his eyes, standing up straight suddenly. He slightly turned his head, eyes narrowing.
Naruto looked up curiously at the boy. "What…?"
"It looks like you won't kill me after all." Haku said softly. He turned his head to the boy, and smiled gently. "I'm sorry for everything… but grant my request. Grow strong, and never let go of those who are dear to you. I know you'll be the one that will end these wars…" Then the boy disappeared, leaving a confused Naruto.
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Blood has splattered everywhere, and eyes grew in shock and disbelief at the sight. "Zabuza-san…" whispered a voice, weakly.
The man, with his face half covered with bandages looked up in shock. Then standing above him was the once masked boy. He used his own body as a shield, taking all the thrown sharp projectiles. "I fulfilled… my duty…" Then the boy crumpled and fell to the ground dead. 'Haku…'
"That Karyuudo… he used his own body to shield those attacks… And now… He's dead…" Whispered Hinata, and hand over her mouth in shock. Gatoh laughed mockingly. Sakura glared. 'That man… betrayed them… he was just using them.'
"Haku…" Zabuza got up, staring at the lifeless face of the boy. Many flashes of the past came flooding into his head. He clenched his hand into a fist, growling dangerously low.
Hinata gasped. "He's able to move, even if Neji-niisan disabled him to even use chakra, to near death." She whispered in awe.
The man pulled out a knife from Haku's body, and glared menacingly at Gatoh. The old little man became wary, and backed away. "You can't run away now, Gatoh!" He called out, and ran at the large group.
The teen watched in slight horror, as Zabuza slashed his way through, killing most of the men, and making his was towards Gatoh. When he did reach him, he instantly killed him. The men were all angered and went to attack him back. Even with all the weapons stuck on to his bloodied figure, Zabuza kept fighting, killing off all the men. When they were all down, the man limply dragged himself back to where Haku was, and fell beside him. The girls closed their eyes, and turned their heads away, and emotion bubbling within them. The boys bowed their heads.
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"Mizu-sama… what is the true purpose of a Senmin? Why is it they need Shugorei?"
A woman, dressed in elegant robes of different shades of blue, looked down at the blonde boy who was on his knees and head bowed. Mizu, as what she asked him to call her, had long dark blue hair that grew out past the floor, and would trail behind her, and with a pair of deep Aquamarine eyes. She wore an elegant headdress, with many jewels that sparkled softly. She stood as a true Goddess, with that divine aura about her. The Goddess's expression softened.
The scenery was indeed gorgeous, and fitting for the water goddess. There were Sakura trees about, around the large and beautiful lake the woman stood upon. The boy was kneeling on a stone that was on the lake. There were many petals that dance around, and would graze upon the crystal waters.
"Child… why is it you are so sad? I was told that a beautiful child like your self was often bright and cheerful." Her voice was deep, but soft and graceful.
Naruto bowed over, his small body slightly shaking. "I'm not… I'm a monster… who uses people for my own selfish desires."
The Goddess's brows furrowed. She shook her head, causing light jingles of the jewels in her headdress. "No you are not, child. You are Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto… you are special. No monster is as kind as you are, with the biggest heart that I've ever seen."
The boy looked up at the Goddess with tearful eyes, causing the Goddess to feel her heart break. "I am! I… I used Sasuke… and I hurt him! I… I don't want to be a Senmin anymore, if I would hurt Sasuke!" He cried out.
Mizu closed her aquamarine eyes, and knelt down upon the lake. She pulled the boy into her arms, and embraced him tightly. Naruto blushed lightly, and felt his eyes closing at the warmth. "Child… you are not hurting him. He allows you to command him, because he trusts you. True Senmin and Shugorei strengthen their bonds through trust. If there is no trust, then that is when you are using them. You are not forcing to do things out of his will… he allows you, because he trusts in you… he believes in you, and puts his entire faith and confidence in you. And you must do the same towards him, that he could be what you hope for him to be."
She then starts to rock the boy in his arms. "The sole purpose of a Senmin has been lost many years ago… no one has really grasped their true purpose in this world. The powers that they have has been abused, with selfish and hateful intent… But you, child, you can reach that true purpose, and it isn't really to only find Rakuen…"
The boy slightly pulled back, and looked up at the Goddess. Mizu smiled gently at the boy, and reached a hand up to wipe away the unshed tears in his bright blue eyes. "…One can only find true paradise, if they believe in themselves and have faith in their loved ones." She whispered. The boy blinked his eyes, and Mizu chuckled at him. "It seems you are finally able to accept that gift within you."
"My gift?" Naruto questioned. He furrowed his brows. "You, Sora-sama, Yuki-sama, and Luna-sama all have said the same thing… What is that gift?"
She smiled. "A Biju, just like your brother and sister. But also something else…"
"Huh?" He tilted his head.
"Another time child." She replied. The woman then placed a hand on the boy's forehead. "I've given you the power of water. Use it wisely, which I have no doubt that you would. Your next journey is to venture back to Konohagakure, in the Fire Country."
Naruto blinked up at her. "Back there? Why?"
Mizu smiled. "There are still so many things you need to learn. You need to unveil the truth behind your name, Namikaze and Uzumaki… and find out about the truth… and that Biju you have." She said softly. "Don't be in so much of a rush to find Rakuen. Take you time, and gain a lot of experience."
The woman then poked him on the nose. "And learn to forget about that incident eight years ago." Naruto's eyes widened. "It's all in the past, and they have forgiven you, so now you have to forgive yourself. Once you do, then, you'll be able to be free, and you could be your self. You'll be able to reach further than what anyone would expect. You'll be able to be great in their world."
The blonde could only stare at her with surprised. Mizu chuckled, and pressed her forehead against his. "And stop trying to keep to your self. Your friends, you brother and sister are worried about… especially Uchiha Sasuke…" She closed her eyes, and Naruto followed. "I'll tell you a secret… the ultimate power one could obtain… is through…" He felt himself drifting back to the Sacred Chambers of the temple. "…Love…"
Sky blue eyes opened wide, and found that he underwater. A hand dove into the waters, and reach out towards him. Naruto extended out his arm and grabbed it. He then was pulled up to the surface. The blonde was gasping, exhaustion hugging his small body. He was then pulled into strong and warm arms. Naruto let himself be carried way from the chambers.
He weakly looked up, and saw Sasuke looking down at him with concern. 'Love…' The blonde felt his cheeks warmed up. "Sasuke…" Then his eyes closed, as he drifted off to sleep.
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"Looks like we're back in Konoha again." The pink haired girl smiled, looking up at the large tower at the center. The group of teens was all standing at the gate, looking up at the busy city.
"Yosh!" Cheered out Lee, throwing his hands up into the air. "Konoha, home sweet home!" Neji snorted, and muttered something. The green wearing teen turned his head, and glared at his partner, which he refuses to acknowledge as such.
Hinata placed a finger on her chin. "I wonder why the gods want us to come back here." She said in her soft tone, already lost her stuttering after getting use to her friends.
Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, but we're here." She replied. She walked through the gates into the busy city. Lee ran up to her, asking her out. The pink haired girl tried to ignore him, blushing at his antics. She couldn't help but be flattered in him taking a liking on her.
Hinata smiled. "Maybe, Sakura-san, Gaara-sama and Naruto-kun could stay over at the mansion." She then turned to the last two that stood behind. "Unless… Naruto-kun is going to stay with Sasuke-san?"
The blonde blinked his eyes, and then blushed brightly. He opened his mouth to speak. "No, he'll come stay us." Replied Gaara in his deep tone. He stared at the Uchiha with narrowed teal eyes. Sasuke felt his eye twitch, and he grunted, crossing his arms, and turning his head away. Neji smirked in amusement. 'Uchiha… scared?'
Naruto pouted lightly. "You wouldn't mind if I hang around with him? He is my Shugorei, and I'll sleep over at the Hyuuga mansion anyways, because Iruka-san doesn't have room." Gaara looked at his baby brother, and then glared at the smirk on the Uchiha's face.
"Fine… but be there by-"
"Niisan-nnnnnn!" The blonde whined.
The three Shugorei watched as Gaara sighed in defeat. He turned around and started to walk away with his arms crossed. He waved a hand, and just continued walking without turning around. Naruto beamed widely. Hinata giggled, and the Hyuuga twins trailed behind the red head.
When they were alone, Naruto stiffened, and his cheeks were burning. Sasuke turned his head, a brow raised. "You wanted to do something?" He asked carefully.
It had taken weeks to finally complete the bridge. When it was finished, they named in proudly after Naruto's name, which surprised them. But right after the Uchiha has woken up, he couldn't help but feel bothered, as his little blonde would avoid him. Yes, that's right, his. But he would never tell anyone that, especially not the boy's siblings. But then, he was able to hear the boy speak loudly again in his head, and he found the reason why.
Haku said something to him, about Shugorei being only tools. Naruto took in those words, and let it get to him, thinking that he was using Sasuke. The Uchiha kept trying to talk to him, but his older brother would appear conveniently when he tried to approach the blonde directly. No way was he going to mess with that red head Uzumaki.
He knew what went on, on that bridge, when he felt that he was dying. He almost did, but Naruto stubbornly held on to him, and prevented him from doing so, which he was happy of… Then he felt that power again, but it was different. It wasn't cold, but warm and comforting. This power he accepted, because he felt that with it, he's able to fight against whatever stood in their way. He was willingly fighting for Naruto, because he gave him a second chance. He allowed that power to take over him, if only to help him… he'd do anything for Naruto. And he trusted it, because it came from Naruto.
He wanted to tell the blonde, but he couldn't. Why couldn't Naruto see that he could never hate him?
After the bridge was complete, the Senmin-Shugorei group traveled around the Water Country into three temples. The last temple they went to was the temple of the Water Goddess, the big one within Kirigakure. When Naruto woke up, the boy completely changed than from what he used to be, days ago, before they got into the temple. He instantly latched on to Sasuke, and kept telling him he was sorry. They finally were able to talk, thanks to Sakura pushing away their older brother from the scene. Then after that, the boy became awkward again… and he wasn't sure why.
The two ended up on deciding to head to Iruka's home, and have a nice dinner with him. They knew the man would terribly miss them. They were walking silently together, enjoying the darkening afternoon. "Are you happy that you are home, Sasuke?" The blonde asked quietly, a bit shy. Sasuke raised a brow, curious of the blonde's behavior.
"I guess…" He replied.
The blonde blinked his eyes, and looked up at him. "You guess?"
The Uchiha shrugged. "Don't really have a home. My home was destroyed years ago, by that person who murdered my whole family, save for my brother."
Naruto furrowed his brows. "Isn't the place you're staying at in Iruka's house considered a home to you too?"
"I guess…" He replied again. Naruto frowned. "I've never thought of considering Iruka and Kakashi as family." He said. His head slightly bowed down. "Ever since that incident eight years ago, I closed off, not wanting to be close to anyone. I was alone then, but it didn't matter to me, because I thought then that if I were to open up and accept people into my life, I'd lose them… like how I lost my family… even my brother left me." He said softly.
Naruto bowed his head. "Then I guess you and I are the same." Sasuke blinked his eyes, and stared at the blonde. "Eight years ago… my parents died as well. I was the last one who ever saw them, before they… were killed… " He whispered. "Gaara-niisan closed himself off complete to the world, but not really towards us. Sakura became like a rebel child, being difficult to handle… And as for me… I'd mask my feelings, and would try to act cheerful and happy… when I'm really not…" He closed his eyes. "And I still blame my self for their deaths…"
"Naruto…" Sasuke didn't care if anyone was looking, but he pulled the boy into a tight embrace. He never knew of Naruto's past, and always thought that he could have lived a happy life. He was wrong… Sasuke pulled him closer.
"But it's okay… When I'm around Sasuke, I'm truly happy." The boy whispered. He looked up and smiled. "I can forget about my past… and I'm not really alone anymore." Suddenly his heart skipped a beat. He felt him self being pulled closer to the older and taller boy. His heart was then racing. His body was burning. They were inches away, and his eyes were slowly closing. He could feel Sasuke's warm breath upon his lips, and it tingled.
"SASUKE-KUN!"
The two snapped open their eyes, and jumped apart. They both had identical bright red faces. Naruto nearly had a heart attack from that voice, but Sasuke was scowling. They turned their heads, and the Uchiha was suddenly attacked by a blur of yellow and purple. "Sasuke-kun!" Squealed a girly voice. Sasuke blinked his eyes, and looked down. Then he put up his cold mask on. He glared at the offending object latched on to his arm. Naruto tilted his head and blinked his eyes.
"Sasuke-kun, you're here!" Chirped the blonde female, and she pulled her head back from nuzzling it against the boy's arm.
"Ah! Ino-san!" gasped Naruto.
The blonde blinked her eyes, and turned her head at the small blonde. "Oh! Naruto-kun, you're here too! What are you doing here?"
The boy smiled. "Well, we were told to come back here after visiting the temple in the Water Country."
"We?" questioned Ino.
The Uchiha pulled his arm away, and walked over to the blonde boy's side, obviously not happy. "Yes, we. He's my Senmin."
Ino jumped back in great shock, and pointed at the small boy. "What!? This Chibi!?" Naruto scowled, crossing his arms, not liking to be called small. Sasuke wasn't also happy by her too loud remark, and her rude presence. Ino looked at each boy with shock, and then slumped down. 'I couldn't be Sasuke's Senmin either way, being stuck with a lazy bum and a garbage disposal.'
"So, Sasuke-kun, will you and Naruto-kun be participating in the tournament this year?" the blonde asked.
Naruto blinked his eyes, tilting his head slightly. "Tournament?" Sasuke was about to explain, but a distant call caught their attention.
"Naru-chan! Sasuke-kun!"
They turned their heads to see Sakura and Hinata coming up to them. The pink haired girl waved happily to them. Ino frowned at the unknown pink haired girl who she felt as a threat. "What have you two been up to?" The pink haired girl nudged Sasuke's side, and looking at them slyly. The Uchiha turned his head away, frowning while trying to hide his blush. The blonde boy was stiff, his face brightly red. Sakura giggled.
"Hey, who are you?" The blonde girl questioned, frowning.
Sakura blinked her teal eyes, and turned to look at the girl. She scowled. 'A girly-girl.' She frowned in disgust. She snorted, and sneered. "You're asking me, when you don't even introduce yourself first?" Hinata and Sasuke had to stare at the sudden change of attitude from the pink haired girl. Naruto sweat dropped.
"Um… Sakura-neechan, this is Ino-san. She is a Senmin. I bumped into her a long time ago, when we were in Konoha." The blonde introduced kindly. "And, Ino-san, this is my older sister, Sakura."
The two glared hard at each other. "I see… you're after my Sasuke-kun, aren't you?"
Sakura felt her eye twitch. "Yours?" She scoffed. "Listen her, Ino-pig." She emphasized, poking a finger on the girl's chest. "If anything, Sasuke doesn't belong to you, or anyone." She then smirked. "Why he belongs to Na-" Sasuke slapped a hand on to the pink haired girl's mouth, glaring at the girl. Sakura's eyes showed that she was grinning widely. Hinata giggled lightly.
Ino burst in anger. "Pig!? Listen, big forehead, you're so going to get it!" She flicked Sakura squarely on her forehead. That's when Sakura saw red, on the name, and the flick. Naruto and Sasuke had to hold her back, and were having a difficult time in doing so.
"Um… maybe you should go now…" Hinata said shyly, and blushing because of her mistress's behavior. Ino humphed, and turned her head away. She then walked away, with Sakura screaming on top of her lungs of many colorful words. They all winced, and felt really embarrassed of the girl.
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"Yes, there is a tournament that occurs every year, but it is held in a specific hidden village at a set order. Last year it was held in Iwagakure." Said Neji, and he pour tea for their guest. The three Senmin sat in a private room within the Hyuuga household. Sasuke was at Iruka's house, and Lee was at his house. The Senmin were able to meet the other family members in the Hyuuga Compound, especially the twin's baby sister and father.
Hinata smiled at them. "There are five main countries, that are very powerful and influential. And they all represent five of the main elements, earth, fire, wind, water, and thunder. These countries are each ruled by a Kage. Our Kage is called the Hokage." Sakura nodded in understanding.
"What goes on in the tournament?" Naruto questioned.
"Actually, it's more of an exam, to see if you're worthy of accelerating to the next level." The younger Uzumakis blinked their eyes. Neji closed his eyes. "Every soldier is marked by their level of skills. In your case, you are called Kakedashi, the lowest level of a soldier, and that is how you started out. We are also classified in the same rank as our Senmin. The next level you'd reach will be Hamusha; this is the same level as Iruka-sensei. Then there is Seibyou, an elite soldier. This level is like Hatake-san. But within every level, there are class ranges, like the typical D-A classes. S-class is only if you reach beyond an A-class Seibyou. The highest and most toughest position would be Kage."
The younger Uzumakis nodded, taking in the information. "So, this tournament is an exam to hopefully advance to Hamusha level?" The Hyuuga twins nodded.
"There are people who watch as you battle. They are looking for some individual key points on a soldier's skills. Pretty much, you have to impress them." Hinata pointed out. "That is what father told us." She smiled.
Neji looked up at them. "If you are to participate in this tournament, you should register tomorrow, at the Hokage Tower." He informed. The Senmin informed.
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Naruto pouted, and had his arms crossed, grumbling. "They didn't have to leave me behind, just because I overslept. We were supposed to register together!" Sasuke glanced at the blonde, and chuckled. The petite boy blinked his eyes, and blushed, turning his head away.
They went into the Hokage Tower, and made their way through the massive building, towards the Hokage's office. With one knock, the blonde and raven-haired boy came into the office. "Um, excuse us, but we wanted to know if we could-" The blonde widened his eyes, and pointed a finger out with shock.
"Tsunade-Obasan!?"
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((Whew! That was long as well. I'm beat. Did this all in one day, can you believe it? I just started college, and I know I'm in for one hell of a long ride. Hopefully I'll be able to update often.
Anyways, there was a lot of jumping going on again. Yeah, I know, sorry, but realized that how I do things, to make an effect? Don't know, but it does leave you hanging a bit if it was important, but not all of them where… ah! I'm jabbering!
So there was your almost kiss from Sasuke and Naruto! Darn Ino for ruining it! Wait, I wrote that… Curses me! I think Naruto is realizing that he has feelings for him, like love! Yay! But when will they finally admit it? It took me nearly 30 chapters in my other fic, hahaha… But I promise you it won't take that long! I swear! SasuNaru forever! XD
Gah! Another cliffhanger! I'm sorry, but I had to end it somewhere. But, oh my gosh, what is Tsunade doing in this world? What are Naruto and his siblings suppose to find out in Konoha? What will happen in the Tournament/Exam? Will Sasuke and Naruto ever kiss without interruption? But it's so fun to poke fun, and Sakura would have to agree with me. What more surprises are in store? Guess you'll have to find out next chapter. I know I'm evil at time, but I try hard not to be, I swear!
Please give me your pairing ideas. I'm still open for more ideas. Also please give a nice review. I need some to continue on! Thanks again for those who reviewed last chapter! Yay!))
EDIT (2013): Little Revision and corrections here and there
