Things Never Change II
Chapter 11 Naruto Temporary Takikage
DISCLAIMER: The characters depicted, setting, and various terminology used in this fan based work are property of Masashi Kishimoto. The views and opinions of this fan based work in no way reflect the views or opinions of Masashi Kishimoto. This fanfiction was written purely for entertainment purposes and the author of this fan based work receives no monetary gain in writing this.
WARNING: Contains content NOT suitable for children under the age of 16, and readers are strongly cautioned. The following contains but is not limited to, light sexual situations, non descriptive rape, inappropriate language, violence, character death, and male on male relationships.
AN: Okay updates will be once a month since I'm sooooo busy with work. I got a new job with many hours so unfortunately I have less time for my stories, but on the up side I can buy groceries now! : ) BTW this chapter doesn't center much around Shikamaru and Naruto, but it's bridging the way for next few chapters which will steadily become more action packed.
The sky cleared letting the sun finally dry up all the rain the land had received these past few weeks, as the two shinobi exited the dense forest. Shikamaru took in the beauty of the giant waterfall cascading down before them and smiled, thinking he could get used to such a peaceful looking place. He glanced over to Naruto who seemed to be relieved to see the waterfall. Shikamaru noticed the faint smile on his face at sight of the waterfall, but he noticed the look of uncertainty in his blue eyes.
Deep down Naruto was feeling very anxious about the bringing an outsider into Taki, but this situation was different. He hoped the villagers would be okay with his decision to bring Shikamaru into the village. He frowned as his thoughts strayed to what might happen if things didn't go so well. Would Shikamaru be put to death? No. Shibuki wouldn't do that, although in times of war it was possible for foreign ninja to be killed or held captive.
Naruto bit his lip while glancing back slowly at Shikamaru and then back at the waterfall. He decided then and there he was being ridiculous, and the worst that would happen would be Shikamaru being forced to leave. He sighed in relief. He was getting worked up over nothing, so he tried to calm his nerves.
Naruto continued to stand still with his lips set in a deep frown not paying attention to his surroundings. Before he could barely react the rustling of the nearby brush and Shikamaru yelling "Kage mane no jutsu!" Naruto whipped around to see Shizuku kunai in hand frozen mid-step, by Shikamaru's jutsu.
"Who are you and why are you following my sempai?" the girl screamed enthusiastically.
"Damn it Shizuku quit calling me that!" Naruto yelled at the girl.
Shikamaru released Shizuku from his shadow bindings, and watched the two with mild curiosity. She referred to Naruto as her 'sempai'? It seemed Naruto really had found bonds in the Waterfall village. He watched the girl who never completely took Shikamaru out of her sights either, still ready to attack if necessary. Shikamaru jumped back as a twig nearby snapped. His head snapped to look back behind himself.
Naruto looked up, and sighed holding up his hand signaling someone behind Shikamaru.
"Sorry Shikamaru, they won't hurt you."
"It's okay you can come out Himatsu!" Naruto called out.
The dark haired boy jumped cautiously down from the tree and landed next to his sister, eyeing Shikamaru nervously, while his sister sent fierce looks directed at Shikamaru.
"Lord Shibuki sent us to look for you, he was worried for your safety."
Naruto nodded in response. "I'm sorry it took so long, the weather held me up."
"He thought that was what happened, but still he sent us to find you once the storm cleared." Himatsu answered Naruto.
"How is Lord Shibuki's condition?" Naruto asked Himatsu.
Shikamaru watched as Naruto's facial expression changed from mild frustration to clear concern at the mention of Shibuki. He could tell by the way Naruto addressed Shibuki that he must be the leader of Takigakure or someone very important. Shikamaru listened intently trying to take in as much information as possible.
"His health is not good." answered Himatsu, but was interrupted by Shizuku . "I tried my hardest, but he just keeps getting worse sempai." the girl sniffled.
Naruto gripped his fist tighter next at his side. Shibuki was one of his precious people now and he would do anything in his power to save him, but what could he do other than deliver him herbs that delay the inevitable. He didn't let this show on his face, but he surely felt it. He hated the way he felt.
It was just too much. He had just learned of several deaths of friends, people he consider dear to him, and now Shibuki's health was getting worse. His gut flipped and flopped at the thought of Shibuki dying. He couldn't let it happen.
"Don't worry I brought some medicine from a far off village which should help him." Naruto said with a smile as he ruffled Shizuku's hair, like Kakashi used to do to him.
Shikamaru watched Naruto's interaction with the two young shinobi, and felt himself smiling at the man Naruto had grown to be. Shikamaru's thoughts were interrupted by Shizuku.
"Who's this guy anyways?" Shizuku asked glaring daggers at Shikamaru.
"He's not an enemy." Naruto confirmed unwilling to give any more information than that at the moment.
"Should we really trust him? He's an outsider after all."
"I guess that means you don't trust me either?" Naruto replied.
"O-of course not sempai! I trust you with my life!" Shizuku exclaimed quickly.
Shikamaru for some reason found he did not like the way the girl addressed Naruto. It made him feel weird.
"Well, that's settled then. Let's talk more after I deliver this to Shibuki-sama." Naruto said holding up a vile of liquid.
Naruto turned to Shikamaru and began to speak. "Since I haven't actually gotten clearance to bring you here, I'll need you to stick close to me until I can speak with Shibuki-sama."
"This is going to end up being troublesome, I can feel it now." Shikamaru replied.
Shikamaru was already aware of the situation he was about to put himself and Naruto into. He knew Naruto really didn't have the authority to bring outsiders into the village, but it was never like Naruto to follow the rules, so it seems that much about him hadn't changed. Still Shikamaru was worried about getting Naruto into serious trouble, but he'd come this far to be with Naruto so he couldn't very well give now.
Shikamaru followed Naruto toward the waterfall in front of them. The entrance had to be close by, and he was right. Naruto led him to a ledge that went behind the waterfall leading into a hidden cavern. Shikamaru looked around the cavern with wide eyes. Naruto turned to see that Shikamaru was still following them.
"I hope you can swim." Naruto grinned nervously.
It was true he'd never seen the lazy ninja swim before, and hoped he could otherwise this could be awkward and potentially problematic.
"Troublesome." he muttered, "Yea, I just don't like it."
They all made it into the village via the secret underwater passage. Shikamaru frowned as his shoes made an unpleasant squelching as he walked, but he followed Naruto closely as he was asked to. The villagers looked on anxiously remembering the last time they saw outsiders.
Shikamaru soon forgot his displeasure of wet clothing and squelchy shoes as he took in the sights of the village. It was the most peaceful place he'd ever seen. The air had a calming effect as did the villages beauty. He felt calm and worry free, much like his special spot in the woods of Konoha. The very spot he shared with Naruto that day….his thoughts were interrupted by frantic shouting.
"Naruto-sama!" a voice called loudly coming from behind them.
Shikamaru's head whipped around so fast you would think he sustain whiplash. "Naruto-sama?" Shikamaru whispered in shock, which Naruto ignored for the time being. He would have plenty of time later to explain things, but right now he had bigger problems. Not to mention the blonde was a little ticked by the honorifics to begin with.
Naruto turned around already aware of who was speaking to him. Tenteki stood before him, eyeing Shikamaru suspiciously, but quickly prioritized the current situation, and realized Shikamaru wasn't an immediate threat to Taki, and could be addressed later. Right now it was more important to get Shibuki well, and besides Tenteki trusted Naruto's judgment.
"Have you gotten the herb?" Tenteki asked with a look of deep worry present over his features.
"Yes, it's right here." Naruto held up the precious vile.
"Then come quickly! Lord Shibuki has begun seizing!"
"Damn it! Shizuku! Let's go!" Naruto yelled turning back to face the kunoichi.
The young kunoichi quickly sprang into action and ran ahead towards Shibuki's office, and Naruto followed behind her. Shikamaru and Himatsu followed them closely as possible. Shikamaru wondered if he should be following still or if he should have waited back there, but he really didn't want to. He really couldn't think of leaving Naruto's side after just having found him, besides Naruto had asked him to stick close to him.
Naruto's lips formed a frown as he ran glancing back only to check to see if Shikamaru was still following behind him, which he was. Shizuku wasted no time a jetted up ahead using chakra to enhance her speed, a trick Naruto had taught her a while back, just as Kakashi had taught him with the tree climbing exercise.
Shikamaru had only been in Takigakure for a few minutes, but he already had tons of questions to ask Naruto, and he hoped to get a chance to ask soon. He knew now was not the time for questions since it seemed the leader of this village was deathly ill.
Shikamaru wondered just what was going on and even felt the pang of guilt in his gut, for having held Naruto up on such an important mission. He realized he never asked why Naruto was out that way when he found him, but now it was obvious they'd crossed paths because of this mission. Naruto was sent to that old healer for medicine. The brunette frowned and hoped Naruto wouldn't be reprimanded for taking so long on his account.
Shikamaru kept running through the village unable to get a proper look at the place due to the urgency of the situation, and before he knew it he was entering an office. The office was empty but there was a door in the rear of the room. He watched as Naruto entered through this door, and he followed.
The door led to Shibuki's living quarters if you could call it that, it was really just a master bedroom off of his office. Shibuki lay in bed looking deathly pale. His seizing had stopped for the time being, but his face was scrunched with pain, and sweat beaded on his forehead.
His attendant stood shaking her head, as there was nothing she could do to ease his suffering. Shizuku ran forward with her hands glowing green already. Naruto tried not to show his worry, but he couldn't help it. The man in the bed looked inches from death. His fists shook at his sides and Shikamaru instantly felt guilty.
"Shibuki-sama!" Shizuku yelled as tears glazed over her eyes.
Shibuki slowly opened his eyes, and even through pain smiled at the young girl, and looked up at Naruto who now stood by the bed. Shikamaru hung back by the doorway as did Himatsu to give some space. He saw how sick the man in the bed was and he knew it wasn't long before he died.
"Shizuku-chan, I'm alright." He replied to her worried scream with a small smile.
"Don't talk I'm going to heal you as best I can." she replied through tears in a determined voice.
"Naruto-sempai, give me the herb." She ordered.
Naruto handed her the vile and let her get to work. He watched as the guilt rose in his chest and his fists clenched even tighter than before. His own nails drew blood on the insides of his hands. He inwardly berated himself for getting side tracked on his most important mission in years. This mission was to keep Shibuki, the man who rescued him, alive and free from pain for as long as possible.
"Naruto-kun, I'm glad you made it back safely." Shibuki spoke softly. "I was worried something had happened when you didn't return on time." He finished with a grunt of pain and his eyes clenched tightly.
"I'm sorry the w-weather held me up." Naruto managed to speak through unshed tears.
Naruto's gut plummeted as he lied to Shibuki, and his chest tightened with each intake of breath. He knew deep down, the rain was something he could've traveled in, but he chose to travel at a slower pace for Shikamaru's sake since his arm was badly infected. Naruto's frown deepened.
"It's okay." He coughed. "I'm just glad nothing happened to you." He replied in wheezing breaths.
Shizuku forced Shibuki to drink the herb after healing the damage to his organs from the waters affects, although she knew it wasn't a permanent fix, but for now until she could find a cure it would work. Shibuki gagged on the foul liquid, but his face seemed to regain some of its color, and he inched slowly from deaths grip. Although, none of this made Naruto feel any better, or less guilty.
Everyone in the room watched as Shibuki shook with pain unable to help or do anything but pray for his recovery. Shizuku's hands trembled as she continued to work over the Kage's body, with tears rolling down her cheeks. Tenteki made his way to the side of the bed next to his student, and had a face that held seriousness. Tenteki placed his hand on Shizuku's shoulder to comfort her. He spoke with his eyes glued to the ground.
"Shibuki-sama, I think it's time to appoint the next Takikage." He spoke solemnly.
Shikamaru watched frozen in place. The events occurring were unimaginable that, he an outsider, was about to witness the appointment of the next Takikage, although regrettably under such circumstances. Shikamaru watched wide eyed as history was about to unfold before himself. His attention was fixed on the pale man and he intently watched.
"What? No way! He's still alive! No." Naruto burst out loudly causing a few people in the room to jump.
Shibuki turned his head to look at Naruto, with a faint smile. He had known when the time came Naruto would act out like this, but Shibuki knew there was no one better for the title of Kage. Shibuki reached his hand out shakily and took hold of one of Naruto's flailing arms, causing the blonde to stop moving all together. Naruto's blue eyes stared straight at Shibuki, with a pleading look and welling tears.
"In this condition I can't protect this village anymore, so I must name the next Takikage."
Shikamaru couldn't understand why Naruto had all of sudden seemed so desperate to keep the next Takikage from being named. It made sense to name the successor already with their leader being so ill. He felt Naruto being too upset without reason. It just didn't make sense for Naruto to be so bothered and it frustrated Shikamaru to watch not knowing much of the situation. All the brunette knew was that Naruto had always been passionate about things he truly believed in, and right now Naruto wasn't ready to let Shibuki give up, even if it was futile.
"Shibuki-sama…don't do it." Naruto said quietly with his eyes locked on the ground.
"Naruto, from today on you're the Takikage." Shibuki declared.
"Please, find someone more worthy of the title."
"There isn't anyone more fit to Takikage than you."
"I can't."
"Naruto-sama, please we need a strong leader during this time of impending war!" Tenteki interrupted.
"I, the current Takikage order you to take the title." Shibuki spoke with a voice laced in authority.
Naruto sighed. Shibuki had just pulled rank leaving the blonde with little choice to argue, but he was going to try to wiggle out this. There was no way he could be Takikage, no matter how much the villagers already looked up to him. However, Tenteki had made a good point. War between Konoha and Suna could cause another Great Shinobi War, dragging Taki into their fight. Naruto sighed knowing Shibuki was in no condition currently to guide the village, and made up his mind.
"I don't want to be the Takikage, but I'll stand in until you're better, as a temporary Takikage, but that's it." Naruto replied grumpily.
During this whole thing Shikamaru was more than confused and shocked. He felt so strange all of sudden learning how far Naruto had advanced. Naruto was named kage? That was always his dream to be Hokage, but now he had a chance at Takikage, and repeated refused and disobeyed a direct order to get out of it. Confused didn't even begin to explain the feeling Shikamaru was having at this moment.
"Okay." Shibuki replied with a smile as his lids drooped and his breathing began to slow.
Shizuku finally got him stable and diminished his pain enough that Shibuki could finally rest. Tenteki ushered everybody out of his room and into the office. Everybody was silent although all had different reasons for their silences. Shikamaru's silence was a mixture of shock and guilt as he continued to remain in the background, just watching and wondering how everything had changed so drastically.
Shizuku noticed Naruto had visible blood spots on the palms of his hands. She tried to heal them but he stopped her, after all the chakra she used to stabilize Shibuki he wasn't going to let her waste it on himself. He grabbed her hand which he could feel trembling, and he frowned. Tears still rolled down her cheeks.
"I'm alright save your chakra. It's just a few scratches is all."
"But sempai, you're bleeding…"
"Never mind that, you need to sit before yo-" his sentence was interrupted.
Shizuku's legs gave out on her and she nearly fell to the floor, but Naruto grabbed her quickly already knowing this would happen. Shikamaru watched as Naruto carried her to the couch that was across from the desk. A strange feeling arose in Shikamaru's gut as he watched Naruto gently place the girl on the couch.
"You've done enough already, just rest." He told her while holding her hand for support.
Shikamaru watched the girl's face redden, and a momentary smile grace her lips even though tears still rolled down her cheeks. Shikamaru felt that strange feeling in his gut again, but it was a feeling he was unfamiliar with, a feeling he'd never felt before. What was it? He felt as though he hated that girl, but that was ridiculous, considering he'd just met her. He didn't like the way she called Naruto 'sempai' or the way she casually touched him. Shikamaru couldn't explain his feelings, although it should have been quite obvious he was jealous.
"How much longer does he have?"Naruto asked Shizuku once she calmed down.
"He's okay for now, but I need to find a way to cure him soon, or… he'll…" she found herself unable to finish that sentence.
"Shibuki-sama's a strong guy, he'll be fine until you find a cure." He replied ruffling her hair.
Shizuku nodded. "Thanks sempai." She replied wearily.
Shizuku tried getting up, but her body was too weak from chakra depletion, and Naruto once again kept her falling. He turned to her brother, and spoke.
"Himatsu help her home and make sure she rests."
Himatsu nodded and began to walk Shizuku out of the office. She lent heavily on her brothers shoulder as she walked. Naruto wished he could have walked her home himself, but right now he was unable. He still hadn't mentioned nor explained why Shikamaru was here, and even then he hadn't any reasonable explanation to give as to why he broke the most important law of this village.
Shikamaru felt eyes on him, and looked to see the man called Tenteki standing near him inspecting him visually. Naruto noticed, and finally decided it was time to explain the situation.
"Tenteki-san, I guess I should explain." Naruto spoke slowly.
"No, my apologies Takikage! I did not mean to make your guest feel unwelcomed. I was merely curious about him." Tenteki answered much more formally than usual.
"I'm just a temp Kage, so there's no need to be so formal."
Tenteki nodded, and waited for Naruto to speak again.
"This is Shikamaru, an old friend of mine, and I've invited him to stay for awhile."
Shikamaru remained silent. He was too shocked and confused by the events that had just transpired and his own feelings towards those events to speak. He bowed respectfully when he was introduced so he wouldn't need to speak.
"If you trust him fully than I will as well."
"Now that's settled, is there anything urgent Shibuki was working on?"
"No, you should go and rest now too Takikage-sama."
"Thank you." Naruto replied too tired to argue over the way he'd been addressed.
Konoha
"Danzou-sama, you requested my presence?"asked a pale man with a short blade.
"Yes." Danzou replied in a frustrated tone. "Uzumaki Naruto is still alive!"
"But I killed him, Hokage-sama."
"The resistance believes him to be alive and even sent their leader after him! Nara Shikamaru has gone to retrieve the kyuubi jinchuuriki most likely in an attempt to over throw me, but I won't allow it!"
"I understand, I will set out immediately and complete my mission."
"You have one last chance to complete this mission, you are to bring me the corpse of that damned jinchuuriki along with the Nara boy alive. I will not tolerate another failure from you!"
"Understood."
"You're dismissed!"
Takigakure
As the two walked Naruto was greeted by almost every villager they passed and all of them referred to him as Naruto-sama, even though he wasn't publically named Takikage yet, which led Shikamaru to realize they'd been calling him that on their own and probably for a while at that. The villagers of Takigakure had a great deal of respect for Naruto unlike those of Konoha.
Naruto smiled and waved to everybody, and it wasn't fake or forced. In a way it made Shikamaru happy, but filled his heart with sorrow at the same time, to see Naruto so respected and loved. There would be no way Naruto would even consider returning to Konoha after living here, and to be honest Shikamaru knew he had no right to ask that of Naruto either. Sometimes Shikamaru wished he'd think about things less, but he seemed incapable of this.
By the time they reached the house Shikamaru presumed was Naruto's the sun was setting and everything seemed to settle down. Naruto hadn't spoken much to Shikamaru on the walk home, and looked exhausted from today's events. Naruto opened the door for Shikamaru and let him in first.
"Sorry, my place is really small." He stated, but didn't seem unhappy with his living space.
Shikamaru looked around the tiny place, but Naruto was right. It didn't feel dreary or dismal inside and the walls exuded warmth from them. Naruto showed him around quickly and then sat in the kitchen with him. Naruto knew he should start explaining a few things but he really would rather not do so.
"Say, Naruto can I ask you something?"
"I guess." Naruto responded knowing he'd rather not be asked about what happened today.
"Why didn't you tell me you were next in line for Takikage?" asked Shikamaru.
Naruto frowned, but answered anyways. "Because, I already refused the position." He replied flatly.
"But back in Konoha you were always going on about how you wanted to be Hokage! Why now would you give up on your dream?" Shikamaru nearly yelled.
"My dream?" Naruto answered hollowly, "My dreams died a long time ago."
Shikamaru sensed the darkness that resided in those words. There was sorrow and pain. Shikamaru wished he hadn't pushed Naruto so much to answer, but he hated this. Naruto was always going on about his future as Hokage, but he gave up. Somehow it caused Shikamaru sorrow to find out Naruto had given up.
"Naruto…." Shikamaru said softly staring at him. "But why?"
"I didn't deserve to be Hokage, and being Takikage is no different. I'm not cut out to be the Kage of any village." responded Naruto with finality in his voice, signaling for Shikamaru to drop the subject.
Shikamaru wondered what exactly the blonde had meant by 'he didn't deserve to be Kage of any village'. It baffled Shikamaru since Naruto seemed to have the respect of the whole village, and was chosen to be Takikage. Shikamaru frowned not knowing what to say. Naruto spoke up breaking the silence and also changed the subject.
"Sorry about all the commotion today."
"It's fine." replied Shikamaru feeling guilty for having held Naruto up from returning.
"I'll talk to Shizuku tomorrow about healing your arm since she can't right now, after healing Shibuki-sama today."
"Thanks." Shikamaru replied looking down at his arm, he had forgotten all about his injury in the commotion.
Shikamaru was fading fast and Naruto wasn't far behind after being drained by the events of the past few days. Naruto took the couch and offered up his bed to Shikamaru to sleep in, and in no time both had fallen asleep.
AN: I want to thank everyone who has reviewed, I really appreciate it! : ) Within a chapter or two we'll get to see some of Naruto's new abilities.
