Gosh! It's a hectic life. So busy that I desperately need a break!
Chapter 10:
Eleven days. They have been going on and on, searching for their missing blonde friend from corner to corner, still, there was nothing. Through their search, the group wouldn't waste any time for unnecessary stops. Just a few hours from the moment the sun comes down until before sunrise was enough for their rest time. At the very least, they have already crossed out Sunagakure from their list. That would be the very last place Naruto would go, knowing that people knows his close relationship with their Kazekage; and that by being there, he would risk breaking the alliance made between two countries. Furthermore, Konoha's ANBU secretly sent out by the council might have even gone there first.
Of course, they did not start searching blindly. Kakashi had suggested to give a round on the Fire Country's borders, from there, his dog-nins might be able to get even the slightest whiff of Naruto's scent. That is, if the blonde wasn't using any barriers to hide him.
Admittedly, searching for a person was not something easy. Every day that would pass means a flicker of hope would die. To them, it was like searching for Sasuke; and the feelings while looking for him was happening all over again, the thrill, the exhaustion, the hopelessness. This time though, they weren't looking for Sasuke, they were looking for their youngest member, who, unlike Sasuke, would listen to them and welcome them with open arms; or at least they hope so. They hope the year that had gone was not long enough for someone like Naruto to change.
Useless hope, they know, because a change was unavoidable, but still they hope that the innocence, the bright eyes, the determination was still there.
Nearly four hours ago, Kakashi's dogs caught that familiar scent, it was the reason why the three of them were feeling giddy. They rushed, running against time, adding extra sprint in their steps not wanting to be caught by the setting sun and be stranded in the middle of the forest. Not when they were so close. They were at the borders of the Land of Fangs, and the more they venture forward, the stronger the scent was.
"Kakashi!" Pakkun, one of Kakashi's ninja dogs, halted with a start. Everyone did so too, concealing their chakra to the minimum and hiding in the shadows because of the obvious alert the dogs were showing. Kakashi has informed his summons about avoiding anyone at all cost if possible, and it was proved to be very useful. During those eleven days and nights they were travelling, not once did they come across anyone, being informed ahead if there were people around. This halt was also one of those stops. "It's Konoha ninjas."
This was the first though, to come across their own. Secretly, stealthily, they followed the group of ANBU squads until they came a good distance away from a cabin. "This isn't good." Pakkun whispered harshly. "Naruto's scent is coming from there."
Everyone was instantly alerted, panicking and wondering what course of action they should do if Naruto was found. Kakashi turned to his charges, "Listen, Naruto has people to protect him, but it is also our duty. However, it's true that we cannot be seen, so we would stand by the shadows and attack from behind if a fight breaks out. Understood?"
As the ANBU went inside the cabin, Pakkun was immediately faced in the most confusing situation. "Naruto's scent just vanished." Though it was not just Naruto's scent, even the one they were looking for so long ago was there, the one with the deepest black hair and coldest cobalt eyes, but along with Naruto, it seems he also disappeared. Pakkun didn't know however, if mentioning about the last living Uchiha besides from the ancient Madara was a good thing.
"What do you mean?" Sakura hissed.
Pakkun looked at her levelly, secretly annoyed by the mightier-than-though attitude the pink haired girl was apparently accumulating. "Exactly as I said. It just vanished."
"What? Are you really a nin-dog?"
"Sakura," Kakashi intervened, having slowly getting irritated by the kunoichi's behaviour since the day in the Hokage's office. In his eyes, it was like Sakura was reverting back to her old, selfish ways. When the girl was young, it was something he could see as mutely cute, but now that she's at the right age, it was downright annoying. "It's true. If you didn't feel Naruto's chakra signature earlier, then it's your fault, but I did; and just like Pakkun said, it looks like he disappeared." And looks like it wasn't just Naruto in there.
The girl looked down and didn't say anymore. After about twenty minutes, they saw the squad leave the house without Naruto in tow. They were also about to leave after ensuring that the squad has already gone far away, but not a second later, Naruto's chakra along with his scent came out of nowhere. And he was still inside the house.
The moment the blonde mysteriously appeared again, Kakashi bolted out into a mad dash, his team members following closely behind. He didn't want to waste another second dallying around, because a second was all it takes for Naruto to possibly disappear again. When he was so close to opening the door, Sakura immediately stepped in.
"Can't be…" She whispered, her breathe seemingly caught in her throat. Her eyes widened considerably, and Kakashi could almost see how her memories of her childhood crush came playing inside her head, rekindling any flames left. It wasn't hard not to know since it was all so painfully obvious in her voice, in her eyes, in her movements. Sai probably saw it all, and Kakashi could only sigh in the boy's expense.
Sakura's gloved hands rudely opened the door with a loud bang, not even announcing their presence. Inside, a group of ten people gathered at the living room, five unknown individuals, three of Sasuke's team, and Naruto and Sasuke themselves. From their reactions, Kakashi could tell how their visit was so undeniably unexpected and he would have believed so if not for Naruto's reactions. Or maybe they really didn't know they were out there, aside from Naruto?
"Hey, there."
"Sasuke-kun…" Was Sakura's intelligent reply, though she wasn't really listening to the blonde; and that one word was enough to elicit a quiet groan from their last Uchiha.
Naruto went over to Kakashi, watching Sakura and Sasuke at the corner of his eyes. "Yo." He whispered. "Uhh, you did come here for me, right?"
Kakashi took another deep sigh. "Yes, actually, we did." But then again, just the sight of Sasuke makes that girl forget what we really came here for.
…
One of the most important skills a ninja must have is to have a keen observation. Through years of training and actual combat, that particular skill has engrained itself so deep that Kakashi uses it even in his normal life, and he was glad with that. After all, it was only through observation that he could get his every day dose of interesting stuff. It was thanks to this that he knew about Sasuke's slip ups, Sakura's inner self, and Naruto's secret life.
That was why he wasn't very shocked when Naruto sat down the Japanese mat, laid the sealed scroll down the low table, and worked his way in opening it – which took him for about three minutes.
He could also tell how Naruto has gotten good controlling his chakra, because even now as Kakashi looks at the blonde, he could almost feel next to nothing compared to his usual amount.
His eyes darted to each and every one occupying the living room. Sakura looked ready to burst out, probably to question both of his boys on what happened to them, but chose to ask away later after the serious stuffs. Sai, well, he still has his blank face that Kakashi didn't know what he was thinking. Though if he would consider Sai and Sakura's budding relationship, he could probably assess that the pale boy was feeling uncertain due to the sudden reappearance of his greatest rival in affection.
Sasuke's team looked ready for a fight, thinking maybe they were there to take Sasuke just like what they have been doing for the last few years. No matter how much Kakashi wants Sasuke back to Konoha though, he would have to wait because of the things happening inside the village. Naruto's team however, gives Kakashi a different kind of feeling. They don't have an exceptional chakra amount, or maybe they were just suppressing it just like Naruto was doing, but he could tell that they would be useful in battle despite two of the members being young.
What amazes Kakashi however, was the fact that Sasuke was reading the scroll along with Naruto, their faces inches apart it was almost disconcerting. Well, he wouldn't say that the two of them being exceptionally close was not predicted because it actually was. He just couldn't find it in him to believe that Sasuke, the walking ice, has got it in him to actually be on terms with his feelings, or in his case, probably inner turmoil, and make a move on the blonde. And Naruto, the blonde didn't make a move to step away from the overly close Sasuke. If he could be totally frank, he would say that Naruto welcomes it.
Maa, it's not like I didn't know about these two. They've been hot with each other since they were young. Even the Sandaime knew. Probably even Tsunade, what with all Naruto's plea of taking Sasuke back.
"Fuck." Sasuke cussed after reading the scroll, murderous aura seeping out from his bones.
Naruto let out an amused chuckle. "Maa, maa. We knew this would happen."
Sasuke glared at the blonde idiot, but seeing theforced carefree attitude he has come to detect perfectly even while he sleeps, he took a deep sigh to calm himself down. "You bloody idiot, you're still the same."
Kakashi noticed the change in him of course, especially the gentle tone and the affectionate pat on Naruto's head. Something the other probably noticed too, but didn't comment. "Uh…" He awkwardly interrupted. "Before I ask what the situation is, can you please tell me what the hell just happened when your scent just suddenly disappeared and reappeared out of nowhere?"
"Oh?" Naruto's eyes twinkled in excitement. "It's just a trick I learned using a seal."
Kakashi knew there was more to it than just being a seal, but there were more pressing matters they needed to know. "So, you want to start explaining?"
"Well, I know Tsunade has already told you about what happened a year ago." Naruto started with a scratch on his cheek. "The council saw me as a threat because of the seal breaking, so they banned me from the village. Actually, they wanted me dead but Tsunade reasoned to them, so the meeting ended with my banishment. But the old hag also didn't want it, especially with the council's term of anyone not communicating with me. Still, we exchanged letters, you know that old hag. She's stubborn for her own good!
"According to the letter though, somehow, the council discovered that Madara has started searching for me so the council secretly dispatched a group of ANBU to search for me and kill me before the enemies get a hold of me."
"Not just that," Sasuke added. "It seems that Danzo is alive. Tsk, even after what I did, he still crawls back from the dead."
"You know, don't you, Kakashi. About the 'order' more than ten years ago." At this point, Kakashi almost saw where this talk was going. "Danzo is alive, someone saved him. Furthermore, the council is shielding that lucky worm, probably because they want him to be the Hokage. You know what it means, right?"
Kakashi gulped. It means, a coup d'etat is on its way…
Naruto leaned back on his hands as he looked at the ceiling. "It doesn't end with the council wanting me dead, though. With Danzo being alive and protected by the council, there's a huge chance that Danzo told them about Sasuke knowing the 'order'. That's why it wasn't just me they were hunting, they also want to strike down Sasuke because once the truth about what happened comes to light, they would be stripped off their power. Sasuke and Danzo is actually the greatest evidence the Hokage could have against the illegal doings of the council."
"What?" Collective of gasps erupted through the air once Naruto revealed the corruption going on in Konoha's government.
"That's not the best part though." Sasuke chimed in. Every whispers and mumbles died out, waiting for more of the news their Hokage has delivered. "Looks like Madara is going to attack Konoha some time soon."
Kakashi was never more thankful for his mask before now, because hearing about a major attack coming to their village just made his usual pale complexion even whiter. So that's why the Hokage doesn't want Naruto back.
…
The dinner has been eventful, what with all of the catching up they did. Since the kitchen was relatively small and just enough for six people, everyone gathered at the spacious living room. Oryu decided to put all of the food on the low table, with no available space for anyone to eat there. All in all, they sat around the table, holding their bowls as they eat. It was not a good manner in a typical house, but they didn't have any choice so no one complained. Besides, everyone in there was a ninja, having experienced a slight discomfort every now and then.
As expected, Sakura wanted to hear from Naruto what happened for the last year; and though Naruto told her whatever she wanted to know, he refrained from telling her his secrets. It's not that bad though since the girl was mostly asking how come Sasuke was also here with him.
Typical Sakura.
However, he couldn't deny the fact that throughout the night, Sai didn't talk so much. Naruto knew about their relationship, so the guy was probably feeling a bit left out when Sakura was talking about Sasuke or to Sasuke with every chance she got – which by the way earned her Karin's animosity.
The house only has six bedrooms, so sharing was unavoidable. The rooming would have gone smoothly, if not for the fact that Sakura tried her might to explain herself to Sasuke why she's rooming with Sai. She didn't say they were going out, and it upsets Naruto to think how much the girl was taking Sai for granted now that Sasuke was there. He also saw the attentive glances Kakashi would send the pale boy, as if gauging what his reactions from her every action would be. Lastly, Sai, well, he did not defend himself at all, nor confronted Sakura to the way she was treating him. He just smiled all night.
Naruto stared at his ceiling.
Too much information for a night's worth. It was all too much. To know that the council was planning to overthrow the current Hokage, to know that Madara wants him, and to know that Madara was planning an attack to Konoha.
He kept telling himself everything has got nothing to do with him. It would be dangerous if he gets in the fray, everything would be thrown out of balance if he ever lifts a finger. Isn't that why he was hiding? To not disrupt the balance of things? No one should know about him, about the truth, about the secrets, about the power. Hiding would be the best thing to do. No matter how much he hates it, no matter how much he wants to be in the front line when it comes to protecting his loved village, he can't go out there. Tsunade was right, as she told him through the letter not to be involved. She's right. But it doesn't mean that he's satisfied, that he's got a peace of mind.
Cold arms enveloped his waist that got him looking at Sasuke. With all the people housing here, the two of them got to share Naruto's room. Sasuke refused to share a room with anyone other than him though, probably because they were comfortable with each other. Sasuke's nimble fingers traced circular patterns against his waist.
It still shocks him how they got to progress into this so naturally in just a matter of hours. It was all too fast for him; or maybe he just thought of it as fast since it was only now that he has come aware of their touches because of Karin when they have been casually touching, leaning against each other, and sometimes hugging for quite some time now. However, even with all of that, they have never held hands before, Sasuke has never threatened to kiss him, never has Sasuke nuzzled his neck.
Everything felt as if they have just advanced to a whole new level. From innocent, casual, friendly touches, to a more intimate one. It was somewhat frightening.
"You're cold." Naruto whispered against Sasuke's chest.
"Well, you're warm."
Comfortable silence stretched for a moment. Only their rhythmic breathing and the sound of their thumping hearts echoed in their ears. Sasuke continued to trace feathery circles against Naruto's waist, while Naruto just focused listening on Sasuke's heart. "You know…" Sasuke whispered. "I'm going to have to go back to Konoha. I have to finish what I started. And I have to stop Madara from getting you."
Naruto clenched his eyes shut. He knew this was coming when the letter came. He knew. Which is why he was having a hard time thinking if hiding really was the right thing to do. No, he cannot question it because hiding really is the right thing to do. But knowing that Sasuke would be going out there, in the front lines, probably ridding of Konoha's dirty council – which is the main concern now, had him itching to go out too. Knowing that Sasuke would stand against Madara however, got him really scared… Scared enough to throw away all of what is right and be with him.
"I know." He whispered back, though with much difficulty. "I know. I'm going with you."
Sasuke released his arms from Naruto's waist to cup the blonde's face. He searched that blue eyes he has come to love, their foreheads touching. "No. You know you can't. I don't want you to."
Naruto shook his head in defiance. He clutched the hand touching his face tightly, not wanting to let go. "No. No. I'm going."
"Naruto, you'll be in danger. Madara wants you, and I'm not planning on giving you to him on a silver platter."
"I have my team with me. They'd protect me enough while you do your business. And I'm fairly strong too, you know that. Please…" Naruto looked into the depths of those onyx eyes. "I'm coming with you."
Hearing Naruto plead to him like that made something in Sasuke's chest swell. Something warm erupted from his chest that continued to spread outwards, to the whole of his body – through his face, his ears, and his eyes. So much warmth all at once had his breath constricted, earning a small, quiet gasp. He closed his eyes and felt, savouring whatever was happening to him because unlike what he grew up to believe, it wasn't threatening at all – it was pleasant, actually.
Taking a deep breath, he scooped the blonde closer against him, tightly embracing Naruto in hopes that he could share whatever it is he was feeling to the blonde.
Knowing Naruto wanted to be with him badly, got his heart wild and left him dizzy, making him realize whatever the hell it was that has been happening to him whenever he sees the blonde in distress, crying, happy, or just whenever he's there – the whatever-what-not-feeling that he was calling a problem and danger. It was all stupid, really. It was so obvious, painfully so, makes him wonder why he didn't understand earlier than this. It has always been there, knocking at the edges of his being, waiting to be realized.
Now, he knows. And he's planning to make the blonde know and understand that, too, with every action, with every second. He would shower him with touches, until the day comes when he knows the blonde would be ready enough to hear those words. After that, he could then go on with his threat of a kiss. Or maybe he could jumble the order a little…
But now, Naruto is not ready yet. Even if the blonde was not saying anything against his advances, even if he doesn't hate his caresses, he knows it probably scares him a little, what with growing up without people to show him affection. If he does what he really wants to do now, the blonde would probably freak out and clam inside his shell. So really, as of now, he'd settle with lots of hugs and holding hands.
Fuck. I'm getting cheesy and it's all the damn Dobe's fault.
Still, Sasuke smiled.
"You're not going to listen to me, are you?" Sasuke asked, willing his attention away from those three little words echoing inside his head with a wretched force, threatening to spill from his mouth.
The raven could feel that silly grin solely Naruto against his chest when the blonde answered, "Nope. When did I ever listen to you?"
It should have angered him, as usual, but all he ever felt, now that the seal in his treasure box full of Narutions (all his Naruto-concerned-emotions) has been lifted, was bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
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