Okay all. Chapter eleven is here. I hope you all like it. Thanks to everyone who reviewed and all of you who added me to your faves and alert list.
To my Anonymous reviewer, Megan Pierce. Thanks for your congratulations, I actually love all the things I'm doing at University, so it's well worth the trouble I took to get here. Also, my Mum threatens to throw me out of the window all the time. You just have to give parents that soppy look that says "You know you love me really." And they get over it. As for your little brother, when mine annoys me I just poke him in the forehead and tell him to be quiet. He hates that. (nods) I'm glad you found chapter nine moving and that you loved chapter ten. I'm also glad you love this fic loads, because it means I must be doing something right with it. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
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Lost.
Chapter Eleven – A Bond Is Formed.
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Itachi made a habit now of making sure Sasuke ate, trying to help Naruto regain the memories he'd lost, and attempting to make conversation with Kakashi. Kakashi was a hard man to please however, so Itachi knew he had his work cut out for him. Why was Itachi trying so hard to get along with Kakashi? The simple answer is that Itachi knew Kakashi had become a father figure to the three young Ninja of the household and Itachi wanted to do his best by Sasuke. He had just returned to the house after a mission, to see Sakura walking towards the door, looking dejectedly at the grocery bag she was carrying. Itachi noticed that the bag was rather crumpled, and that Sakura seemed to look a little rough around the edges. He decided to find out what was wrong. "Sakura?" Itachi called out to the girl. She jumped in fright, and then sighed in relief, when she realised it was Itachi.
"Hi Itachi." Sakura said cheerfully enough.
"Why do you look like someone roughed you up?" Itachi asked bluntly. Sakura looked down at the bag again.
"The villagers don't really like me. They see me as Naruto's friend, and they hate me. They wouldn't challenge Sasuke. They're far too scared for that. They're also scared of Kakashi, Naruto and you, so that just leaves me to pick on, I guess." Sakura replied. Itachi sighed as he took Sakura's battered grocery bag.
"Why don't you fight back Sakura? You're very capable of it. I've seen you in action." Itachi asked.
"Because if I did, then I might seriously hurt someone. None of them can really defend themselves. I know it would serve them right. I know I should fight back, but Naruto was never like that. I don't know what stops me, apart from the fact that I'm scared I'll really hurt someone." Sakura replied. A tone of sadness seeped into her voice. The pair had walked in to the house and towards the kitchen. Sakura took the grocery bag and started putting things away.
"Sakura if you don't stand up for yourself then they'll get worse. I was an Anbu when Naruto was a child and it wasn't pretty. Some Anbu even turned their backs when the cruelty was going on. I never could. I suppose that's a part of my nature. Naruto, however, has no idea I was ever there. He might have known me as Anbu-Raven. That's about it. Even if he had his full memories." Itachi stated calmly.
"So how come you're telling me this?" Sakura asked. She had stopped putting things away at that moment.
"Because I want you to understand that you shouldn't allow yourself to be picked on. You're far stronger than that. Naruto was a child and had no choices. You have the choice. You are the apprentice of Tsunade-Sama, the Godaime Hokage. That is a position that the villagers should respect. Act like her apprentice." Itachi replied. Sakura nodded and smiled.
"Thanks Itachi. You're right. I guess it's just finding the right way to say something. Saying it to myself makes no difference. Hearing it from someone else is a bigger boost." Sakura said cheerfully. Itachi nodded and left Sakura to her task.
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Four months later, Sakura was carrying a large bag of groceries. It was Naruto's birthday today. A lot had happened in the half-a-year since Naruto had returned. Sakura had stood up for herself. The villagers had left her alone mostly. Today however, Sakura felt as though she were being watched. With the festival that usually carried on today, Sakura tried to ignore the feeling. After all, she knew that people were going to glare at her more. She was friends with Naruto. The festival was supposed to celebrate the defeat of the Kyubi by the Fourth Hokage. But Sakura knew the Kyubi was still alive, contained within Naruto. She knew the villagers weren't happy with that information. The old rookie group had decided to throw Naruto a birthday party. Sasuke had made the suggestion. Naruto was being kept busy by Tsunade whilst the group prepared for the party. Sakura had gone to get the food. For some reason, Sakura had started being the big sister that went to do the groceries and liked to tidy up. She didn't know quite when she had taken that role, but she was happy in it. She had two large bags in her arms. She could just about see over them, when someone barged into her. It took all her skill to make sure Naruto's birthday cake didn't get destroyed. She glared up at the person who'd knocked in to her only to find Seido Haruno glaring back. "Excuse me Haruno-San." Sakura hissed as she went to walk around but felt an almost bruising grip on her arm.
"Where do you think you're going Sakura? You should apologise to your elders when you bump into them." Seido hissed back at her.
"You bumped in to me Haruno-San. I didn't ask for an apology and I won't apologise for something I didn't do." Sakura replied.
"You should apologise for that damn demon brat! Today is our festival, to celebrate it dying! But he's still alive! You should apologise! Any child raised by me should've slit that little bastard's throat in his sleep! But not you huh? You're pathetic!" Seido yelled at Sakura hatefully. Sakura bit down on her lip, trying desperately not to let his words get to her.
"What's going on here?" Sakura and Seido turned to see Itachi standing there.
"This is none of your business Uchiha." Seido Haruno snarled angrily.
"It's my business when you attack someone close to me. I won't allow you to hurt Sakura." Itachi stated coldly. He grabbed hold of Seido's hand, that still gripped Sakura's arm, and gripped hard. Within moments, Sakura heard a snap and a yell of pain. She saw Seido glare hatefully at Itachi. "If you so much as look at Sakura in the wrong way I'll hunt you down Seido Haruno." Itachi stated.
"What are you talking about boy?" Seido questioned hatefully.
"I saw you watching her today Haruno. Sakura doesn't need to be spied on. Just remember I'm watching over her safety." Itachi replied. He led Sakura away from the scene, taking one of the large bags from her.
"Thanks Itachi." Sakura said softly.
"Just remember, we're a family now. Sasuke accepts you all unconditionally and so do I." Itachi replied kindly. Sakura grinned happily as they walked back to the Uchiha estate.
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Kakashi was walking down the street when he saw the altercation take place. He smiled to himself when he saw Itachi step in. "I know Sakura would prefer I didn't jump in to save her every time there's trouble. But if Itachi hadn't shown up I would've ripped that bastard's head off." Kakashi thought to himself. He then opened up his Icha Icha book and started to read again.
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Naruto was sat with Tsunade and Jiraiya under a tree in Team Seven's favourite training ground. His two elders, who were precious to him, were bickering amongst themselves. Naruto smiled at the pair as he lay back on the grass and stared at the sky. "Tsunade Baa-Chan? Ero-Sennin?" Naruto asked softly. The pair looked at him.
"I remember pretty much everything from before. I think I'm still missing some things." Naruto told them softly.
"What makes you say that kid?" Jiraiya asked.
"I don't have a clue who my parents were. I mean I know they were already gone when I was a baby, but someone would've told me. Wouldn't they?" Naruto asked. Tsunade sighed. She'd known it would come to this eventually.
"Naruto, no one told you about your parents before. They were worried about your safety." Tsunade said gently. Naruto stared at Tsunade from the spot where he was laying. Tsunade then proceeded to tell him about his parents. She hoped he would forgive her for keeping such a secret from him. When she was done she waited for Naruto to say something. The boy just nodded.
"It's okay Baa-Chan. I know why you didn't tell me when you found out. It's still a little hard to believe though." Naruto stated cheerfully. Tsunade felt relief swell up inside her at this comment. Jiraiya gave a goofy grin and pointed to his wrist sneakily. Tsunade nodded.
"Okay Naruto, let's get going." Tsunade said cheerfully. Naruto nodded and the trio got up and started walking.
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Back at the Uchiha house, Sasuke, Itachi, Kakashi, Gai, Neji, Lee, Ten Ten, Asuma, Ino, Temari, Chouji, Kurenai, Hinata, Kiba and Shino, were all running around trying to make sure everything was perfect. For some odd reason, Iruka and Gaara were helping Sakura in the kitchen, and Shikamaru had flopped onto the couch, claiming that everything was too 'troublesome' and napping periodically. Sai appeared at the sitting room window. "They're on their way here. I just saw them at the front gate." Sai stated. The group started hurrying about madly. Sasuke was walking along the ceiling with Kiba, using chakra to check the decorations. Itachi had gone into the kitchen to tell Sakura, Iruka and Gaara what was happening. Shikamaru had gotten up from the couch. Ino, Ten Ten, Temari and Hinata were checking the arrangement of the food and obviously the birthday presents. Shino, Lee, Neji and Kankuro finished up with attaching balloons everywhere and got down from where ever they'd climbed up to. Everyone closed the curtains and Sakura made everyone go into the hallway or the kitchen, so that everyone was out of sight. That included Sai. Now they all waited with baited breath for Naruto to arrive.
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Naruto opened the door and walked in, followed by Tsunade and Jiraiya. "Why is this place so dark?" Naruto asked aloud. "Hey guys I'm home!" Naruto called out. All at once, the lights flicked on, and Naruto jumped in shock at the gathering.
"Happy birthday Naruto!" Everyone yelled out cheerfully. Naruto's eyes went wide. He looked at Tsunade and Jiraiya, who were grinning behind him.
"Did you two know about this?" Naruto asked sardonically. Tsunade shrugged and Jiraiya just grinned. Naruto couldn't help grinning back and running around to hug everyone in sight.
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A few hours later, Naruto had had a lot of fun. He couldn't remember any birthday being like this. That was a great feat seeing as he'd only just recovered most of his memories. He'd really liked the gifts he'd received. Not just because they appealed to him, but because his friends had done their best to find something he'd like. That was when Sai came up to him. Naruto knew that he hadn't known Sai before. But there was something very melancholy about the pale, Sasuke lookalike that made Naruto want to find out more. Sai looked blank as he did on most occasions. Naruto was wondering whether or not to try and speak to the emotionless boy, when Sai spoke to him instead. "I've never celebrated a birthday before. I don't even know when my birthday happens to be. It's interesting. What does it signify to blow out candles on a cake?" Sai asked. Naruto gave a soft smile.
"It's supposed to be that the cake has as many candles as how many years you've been alive. If you blow out all the candles in one blow then you can make a wish. It's tradition." Naruto stated. Sai blinked.
"It's illogical. If you think about it logically no one gets what they wish for and by the time you get to a certain age you wouldn't be able to blow out all the candles." Sai replied.
"If you find it so strange, what made you want to come here today?" Naruto asked. Curiosity always seemed to get the better of the blond.
"Because Sakura and Sasuke, in all the time I've been on their team, have never really accepted me. They have some feelings for you. What those feelings are I can't tell. I don't know too much about feelings. I was curious as to who you are Naruto-Kun. I wanted to know why you seem to inspire Sasuke and Sakura, and why they seem to care for you so desperately." Sai replied.
"Did you find the answers you were looking for?" Naruto asked.
"No not really. I think I need to study you more before I make an analogy." Sai answered. Then he walked off, leaving Naruto to his own thoughts. Little did Naruto know that he was being watched. There was a sudden knock at the door, and Naruto went to answer it. He was surprised to see Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon outside.
"Happy Birthday Naruto-Nii!" The three young Genin stated happily. Naruto grinned, and moved aside to let them in. Konohamaru didn't move however. Naruto looked at the boy curiously, as Udon and Moegi went into the house.
"What's wrong Konohamaru?" Naruto asked gently. He was surprised when he felt Konohamaru hug him tightly.
"We missed you Naruto-Nii. I never got the chance to tell you really. I thought you might not come back. I already lost Grandpa. I guess I thought I lost you too. But… I wanted… I wanted to say that I don't want you to go again. I never had any brothers, and you're the closest I've ever had to a brother. You taught me important stuff Naruto-Nii. So…" Konohamaru trailed off. He blushed bright red with embarrassment. Naruto knew the boy was having a hard time getting out what he wanted to say. Naruto grinned and hugged the boy back and ruffled the Genin's brown hair.
"It's okay Konohamaru. I'm not planning on going anywhere soon." Naruto replied. Konohamaru grinned widely. They were both about to go inside, when Naruto felt a flare of chakra. It was ever so slight but Naruto recognised it straight away. "You go on in Konohamaru and I'll be there in a few minutes okay?" Naruto said softly. Konohamaru nodded and went inside. Naruto waited patiently and not a moment later Konan was in front of him. Naruto smiled and hugged the older female tightly. "Konan Nee-Chan. It's so good to see you. Did you get in to any trouble with Leader-Sama?" Naruto asked. He remembered Zetsu's death all too clearly. Konan shook her head gently.
"No I didn't. Everything is fine Naruto-Kun. Itachi told me it's your birthday today." Konan stated softly. Naruto nodded.
"It's so weird. I've never celebrated a birthday like this. Usually the villagers glared down on me and I was alone. It's so weird to think that the usual festival is going on, and everyone is still here." Naruto replied softly.
"It shows that they're your friends Naruto. You don't want to lose any of them." Konan replied. She went into her pocket and gave Naruto a small box. Naruto blinked curiously at it, and opened it gently. Inside was a bracelet with blue and orange glass beads. Naruto recognised it straight away.
"Konan Nee-Chan, you told me this belonged to your baby brother. That he was killed with your parents in Ame during the war. You were the only survivor. I can't take this away from you." Naruto said softly.
"I'm giving it to you Naruto. You're not taking it away. Besides, I think it's been lonely without a wrist to hang from. I lost one brother, but I gained another. Please take it. I know you'll look after it." Konan replied kindly. Naruto nodded and hugged Konan tightly. She hugged him back. Once the pair separated, Konan gave the blond a gentle smile. "I have to go. I'm supposed to be on a mission. But I'll be back Naruto-Kun. Take care of yourself." Konan said. Naruto nodded.
"I'll see you soon Nee-Chan. I hope." Naruto replied. Konan nodded. She hugged Naruto one last time. Then she was gone. Naruto looked at the bracelet and put it around his wrist. "I'll make sure I look after it." Naruto thought to himself, as he went back into the house.
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Pein watched the moment from his own hiding spot. "Maybe I'm going about things the wrong way. Konan loves that child. Can I really take him away from her? I know what she's lost better than anyone. Can I really take away someone that she cares for so deeply?" Pein thought to himself. Then he disappeared, leaving no trace that he'd ever been there.