Guard My Heart
Warnings: SasuNaru fan fiction. Self-edited (Unbeta'ed). OOC-ness. OCs. Rated M for violence and some citrus.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything/anyone from Naruto,
A/N: Thanks for the reviews. This chapter consists of confrontation with guns, murder and some other action stuff which are solely based on my imagination and knowledge. They may appear to be deficient of the real thing but that's as far as my mind can go. I'm too lazy for research because once I start leaning on the information provided by the net, I have to make sure that I do that all the way to ensure consistency and I just can't commit to that. I expect there'll be lots of errors here and questions. I know you'll have some connotations that everyone might have acted stupidly at some point. I'm expecting that. Read at your own risk.
Chapter 14
"Is that the President?"
Sai glanced at his secretary. Clenching his jaws, he nodded to confirm the man's query.
"And am I to understand that he's currently at that Uchiha's place?"
The artist felt stupid. He shouldn't have made the call while the man was around. He spoke in a fierce voice, "Don't you dare lay a hand on Naruto. Stop this nonsense at once."
Aidou chuckled humourlessly as he threw the folder he was holding on the VP's neat desk, dropping all the act. "Nonsense? You didn't think this was all nonsense when you agreed to my plans, didn't you Sai?"
Sai clenched the pen he's holding. The emotion he didn't show off on his face was reflected at how tight he was gripping the object. "I have to admit my decision was clouded with wrongly emotions, Tanaka-san."
The secretary smirked. "You can't back out now. You're deep into this whole ride and washing your hands off won't do you any good."
The pale guy was suddenly surged by guilt and grief. "What are you planning?"
"Now that you mention it, one of my men informed me that there are some flies hanging around my house. Maybe I should have them killed right away? I hate insects." He sneered at the dread that starts forming on his superior's face. "Or I can tease them a little. The possibilities are endless. But before I enjoy thinking of that, I need to make a few calls. If you'll excuse me."
Sai can only stare at the broad back of the man. He wanted to call Naruto and tell him that he's in danger but that seems to be stupid. Naruto knows of that fact already. How can he tell him that his secretary is the person behind all the attempts on his life and on top of that how will he explain that he knows of that crucial fact? It will be a dead giveaway of his participation. Still torn to what he should do, he didn't notice that Aidou has finished with his calls.
"It seems I have to call it a day. My presence is much required somewhere more important. This is the day we've been waiting for. Or are you still with me on this?" There was an undeniable threat beneath the cold voice.
Sai didn't answer which made the older man narrowed his eyes in displeasure. He placed his hands on the desk as he addressed the executive sitting on the leather. "If you dare try to sabotage my plans Sai, you'll find yourself in a grave predicament, one that you'll have a hard time escaping. It'll be worse than death."
Aidou held the raven's eyes before he backed off. "If you want to know where I'm heading, I'm about to collect most crucial piece. That'll give you an idea." He smirked and collected his coat before leaving the raven alone in his office.
Sai pursed his lips and decided he can do something that might help. He went to the pink-haired in a hurry. He found her tapping in the keyboard.
"Sakura."
The woman looked up to the sound of the voice. "Yes, Mr. Baikan? Can I help you?"
"I need you to call the Chairman for me. Now."
Sakura's face showed surprise but she remained composed. "What will be the reason for that Sir?"
Sai impatiently waved a hand. "Their son is in danger! Tell them to go into Uchiha-san's place as soon as they can or it'll be too late!"
The secretary straightened her back and spoke in a clipped voice. "I understand that the President is in a serious situation but I can't take your word just like that. Mr. Namikaze is prohibited to go outside of their mansion. It's in my discretion to assume if I find your information valid or not."
The executive clenched his jaws and was about to retaliate when the woman plunged on, "But of course Sir I don't take the President's safety for granted. I'm suggesting that you take this matter to the Chairman himself or his security. I believe they will want to hear firsthand whatever it is that regards their son."
"You're right. I'm leaving the office. No word about this, you understand? But if you can get a hold of Mr. Namikaze, tell him I'm going over there to talk of something important."
The secretary nodded and Sai hurriedly take off. Time is essential. He may be too late.
...
The time passed by and at exactly nineteen minutes after Sasuke called Neji, they heard the rumbling noises of seemingly two cars outside of Sasuke's house. The raven moved to his windows, his hand on his gun as he peeked cautiously at the small crack behind the curtains to verify the identities of the newcomers. His eyes zeroed at the most familiar brunette and he slid his gun back to the holster. Motioning to Naruto that everything was fine, he proceed to the door at the same time that the doorbell rang. Opening the wooden flap revealed Neji and four guards behind him. Sasuke was quick to signal them inside.
"Weren't you followed?" Was the first inquiry that Sasuke has for Neji.
The pale-eyed man nodded briskly. "We made sure that the trip was discreet. Mr. Namikaze and his wife requested the immediate return of Naruto."
Sasuke nodded. "Of course. Kakashi might have informed them already. I'm needed elsewhere. To prevent rousing suspicions, I'll go first. Wait for another ten to fifteen minutes and scan the vicinity before you take off as well."
"Understood."
The raven then turned to the blond. "Naruto, I'll be going. Neji and the other four will escort you back home." When the tan guy meekly looks at him, Sasuke's lips tightened. He lifted a hand to caress a whiskered cheek in a soothing manner. "Everything will be fine. Before this day ends, no one's ever going to bother you again."
Naruto slightly inclined his head to the warm palm before he shot an uneasy glaze at Neji and the guards. To his utter relief, the five men were perceptive enough to steer clear of what Naruto and Sasuke were doing.
"Be careful, teme." Naruto whispered.
The black orbs glinted and before the blond can do anything else, he felt the soft, warm lips of his lover moving against his. He answered the kiss with as much passion. A cough was needed to tear their locked lips apart. Naruto threw Neji a look and grinned.
"I have to go."
Naruto saw the determined look at Sasuke and knew that the raven wanted nothing else than to finish off the mission at hand. He left his own place and the remaining people inside heard the noise of his car speeding off. Neji walked towards his charge.
"Naruto, we'll have to wait for a few minutes and then we'll be going as well. I will station the guards outside for the mean time."
The blond nodded. "You're the boss Neji."
The minutes passed by and when it was almost time to go, Neji's phone rang. He immediately took the device from his pocket and stilled for a moment after reading who the caller is.
"Hyuuga."
"Neji, Sakamoto here. You are to stay there for the time being. We have a situation here at the main house and it's not yet safe for Naruto-sama to come waltzing back here. Don't leave Uchicha-san's place until I say you're clear. Is that understood?"
The brunette wanted to inquire about what's happening when he felt someone's eyes on him and saw the blond looking. "Yes, Sakamoto-san. Are Minato-sama and Kushina-sama safe?"
"Yes but we are still making sure that we have everything under control. Two heavily equipped vehicles were seen coming in the mansion's direction and immediately began firing. No casualties but some of our men are injured."
"Did you apprehend who were in those cars and their motive?"
"Yes but we have yet to interrogate them. Kakashi isn't here that's why I'm taking charge. As soon as we know the field's clear, we're coming to get you. For now, stay there and be alert. We're thinking this is related to the man we're looking for and that this attack is just a distraction. It's messy and poorly planned at all. I have to cut this off. We're leaving it to you, Neji."
"Yes. I'll expect your call soon." Neji replied. He heard a confirmation and the line went dead. As soon as he pocketed his phone, Naruto was on his feet, apprehension filling his face.
"Neji, what was that call? Are Mum and Dad okay? What happened back there?"
The brunette gave him a nod. "Yes. They are fine. I'm afraid we're confine here for the mean time. There has been some disturbance at the mansion but everyone's alright. Sakamoto-san is sorting things over there. As soon as he gives us a call, then we'll know if it's safe to go."
Naruto sluggishly retire on the couch. Seems like things has started to get out of control.
...
On his way, Sai tried to call Naruto. The phone rang, once, twice and on the third ring, he heard the familiar voice. He sighed in relief.
"Hey Sai. You just called a while ago. Can't wait to present your idea?"
The raven detected the hint of teasing from the blond's voice. He almost smirked. "Partly. I wanted to know if you're still at Uchiha-san's place?"
"Yeah. We should have been on our way back but Neji received a call and told me we have to stay here for a while."
Sai's heartbeat quickened. "Did he tell you why?"
The raven waited for a few seconds before the other one on the line spoke. "I wasn't told the details but it seems something happened in our house."
Sasi stilled. So Aidou has already made his first move. "Can you please give your phone to your guard?"
The blond must have sensed his agitation. He quickly handed the phone to someone else and Sai was again greeted by a different voice.
"This is Hyuuga Neji. May I know who's on the line?"
"Hyuuga-san. This is Sai Baikan. VP at the Namikaze Corporation. I believe we have been acquainted before."
"Yes, Mr. Baikan. May I know of the reason why you wanted to talk to me?"
"This may sound absurd, but I want you to get out of that place now. Bring Naruto to somewhere else safe. I assume you do have a couple of hide outs or base elsewhere. It is a must to leave that place as soon as you can."
Sai said all this in a surprisingly calm voice. A heavy silence punctuated the atmosphere. When the guard spoke, his tone was sharp. "You are an outside party Mr. Baikan. What brings you to say such? Is there something you needed to tell us about? Your statement is enough to rouse suspicion."
The raven disregarded the questions thrown at him but cut to the essentials. "I'm now heading to Naruto's house to repeat what I just have said to his parents. Someone is going to get there and abduct Naruto. The man behind all of the attempts on his life. You must trust me on this because I know who he is."
"Do you really? Why must you think I'll trust you?"
Silence again.
"Because Naruto is my half-brother."
Sai knew that the revelation will come as a big shock to the guard but he needed to prove his genuineness at this point. Even that surprise may come as something illogical.
"This conversation is going nowhere. We don't have any knowledge of Naruto having a half-sibling. I have my order to stay here. My apologies but I have to end this call."
"I'm telling the truth! You have to get out of there! NOW!"
The pale guy received no more response until he registered that the call ended. He cursed and slapped on the wheel as he increased his speed. He needed to talk to Minato Namikaze, fast. Damn his pride and abhorrence for the man. Naruto is much more important and time is crucial. He needed to act before it's too late.
...
Sasuke arrived at the location that Kakashi sent to his phone while he was driving. Several men clad in dark suits were already swarming in the vicinity. He parked his car behind one of the vehicles that their guards use. He immediately spotted Kakashi standing outside of the modest house, talking to one of his men. They were lucky that the place was in a good distance from the neighbouring places that's why there were no spectators around yet. He was beside the silver-haired man in an instant.
"Kakashi, what's happening?"
The older man turned to him with a grave expression. "I was waiting for you. I have some bad news."
Sasuke's heart almost froze. Did they miss the man? Or was it a false alarm?
"Ryuzaki Tanaka did live in this residence but he's not here nor was he here for the past days. One of my teams raided the house and it seems the place hasn't been used recently. There was no evidence left. We're still checking for some finger prints we have collected and maybe run some more investigation under the name. For now, we are still waiting for results before we can make our next move." Kakashi offered as he took in the expression of the younger guard.
The Uchiha cursed. The man plays too well and was giving them a hard time.
"Then where is this shit Tanaka, Kakashi? How can we trace this man? He may be using aliases as well and is on the run already? He may be hiding and bidding his time to attack us!"
Kakashi frowned. "I know how grave our situation is Sasuke but we're doing our best. Who's with Naruto?"
"Neji's with him. They're probably on their way home now."
The head of security nodded. "That's good then. We better get ba—"
Whatever Kakashi was saying was disrupted by a call. He flipped the device to his ear right away. Sasuke was looking at the older man's face since it hardened as soon as he took the call.
"Very well. You did a good job. Secure the perimeter as well as the perpetrators. We're going back there as soon as we can." Kakashi hummed at his phone. "Is Naruto already there?"
The question made Sasuke more alert. Given the time, the blond should be there soon. "Alright. I'll be the one to call Neji. Make sure the security's tight and let no one approach the mansion until I'm back."
Kakashi finished the call and looked at Sasuke. "There seems to be an attack at the mansion. Sakamoto informed me that two vehicles rained bullets at the front. A few guards were injured but nothing life-threatening. Minato and Kushina are fine. And yes, they got the bad guys." The man said at the foreboding question of the raven.
"It seems that Sakamoto told Neji to stay behind at your place until they made sure everything's under control. You better call Neji and tell him to move and bring Naruto back or would you rather get him yourself?" Kakashi gave him a wink which earned him a glower from the Uchiha. But before the raven can retort, one of Kakashi's intelligence approached them.
The silver-haired gave him a nod and the man started to speak. "We have run the finger prints and it was under the identity of a man named Ryuzaki Tanaka. The information that Saga has given proved to be authentic."
Kakashi and Sasuke exchange a look. The informant proceeded. "We have his photo here. I have sent his profile in the main house as well as on the base."
The raven interjected. "Give me the visual."
As soon as Sasuke saw the man in the picture, he felt his heart dropped. It was none other than Sai's secretary!
"Kakashi... This man works in the Namikaze Corporation! And he's been around Naruto all this time! Fuck! We need to get Naruto now! If this man finds out he's out there, Naruto will be in danger. I need to call Neji now!"
Sasuke didn't bother for Kakashi's reply as fumbled on his cell phone and dialled the brunette's number. He was gripping the device hard and was praying to heavens that Naruto is fine. But he can only hope at this point.
...
Neji was still stunned with the phone call. He returned the device to the blond who quizzically glanced at him. He made some quick thinking. What to do in his situation? Can he really trust the man's words? With what happened at the mansion it wasn't impossible that someone is yet again set to get Naruto but he was told to stay. Also, what's with the executive saying he's the blond's half-brother? Never did Neji heard Minato taking another wife nor Kushina having another husband. He has to leave that aside. Family problems are not within his scope of duty. For now he has to decide what the best move to do is. It may be prudent to change locations just to be on the safe side. The executive was right. Their security team has another three more bases and they can always crash into one when the situation calls for it. For now, he needed to make the higher ups aware of his decision, more importantly what the raven man said. But before he can even feel the smoothness of his cell phone, he heard cars coming in their direction. He was certain that it's not a single vehicle. He went to check outside and saw the three guards already alert, their guns visible.
Neji narrowed his eyes at the incoming automobiles, trying to assert whether they were from their own team or simply some unidentified cars. He immediately took hold his of his gun and went back inside. He saw Naruto pacing back and forth of the room. When the blond saw him, he was immediately bombarded with questions.
"Neji, when are we going back? I wanted to make sure Dad and Mum are okay."
The brunette approached his blond charge. "Your parents are fine but we're not going back at the mansion for now. Your friend Sai told me that we need to get out of here. We have to hide in our base until Sasuke or Kakashi-san gets us."
The blond gaped. "What? Sai? But how can he—?"
"I'm not really sure Naruto. But my instincts are telling me that we should believe him. Some cars are approaching this direction. I don't know whether they're sent from the main house or from the bad guys. I want you to hide and never to come out whatever happens, whatever you hear. Do you understand me?"
It was then that Naruto felt afraid. "Neji, you can't be serious! If you think it's bad, then let's get some help first!"
The noise of the cars is becoming more pronounced. Neji was hunching they're almost just twenty meters away. "Naruto! Listen to me. You don't understand. We don't have time to fight over this. I want you to hide yourself."
"No! If you think I'll hide like some coward while you face the bastards, then you don't know me at all! I'm not going anywhere without you." The tan guy defiantly said, his eyes were burning with determination.
Neji thought it'll come to this. But he never hated Naruto's stubbornness until now. He was prepared for another good lecture when his phone rang. It was Sasuke. As soon as he answered the call, the voice floated on the background right away. It was quick and sharp.
"Neji, I want you to get out of there now. Bring Naruto in the second base. I'll meet you there."
The brunette held a hand to stop the blond from asking. He opened his mouth to give his reply when gunshots echoed. He noticed that the tan guy stiffened, wide-eyed.
"Neji! Are those gunshots?! What the fuck is happening there?! Get Naruto out of there!
"Sorry Sasuke. It seems it's too late for that."
The brunette slipped the phone on his pocket without ending the call. He can still hear the voice of Sasuke even though it's muffled by the fabric. Naruto looked at him with fear. Gunshots were still filling the air.
"Naruto, hide now."
Neji didn't use any authority in his voice. It was simple, even and Naruto can't help but feel the shiver ran on his back. He swallowed thickly and nodded.
"Neji, please stay safe."
It was rare for the Hyuuga to show emotions but Naruto has never seen Neji more handsome than that moment when his face calmly broke into a reassuring smile.
"I'll try to Naruto. Now go."
Naruto scampered and went to the first place he can think of: Sasuke's room. He dashed to the raven's private place inside the house and locked the door. He was still holding the knob tight on his hand trying to calm his nerves. He almost jumped when his phone ring. He immediately answered.
"Naruto! Are you alright? I'm on my way there."
Hearing the raven's voice brought his frantic mind to ease a little. "Sasuke! I'm fine but Neji! I don't know what's happening! There are cars outside and then suddenly we heard guns firing."
"Don't go out whatever happens. I'm coming to get you. Go to my room." Sasuke ordered him.
"I'm already on your room. Neji told me to hide."
"Then do you see the single painting hanging on the wall. Remove it and you'll see a safe."
The blond went over the artistic piece. It was relatively small and shows of the sunset. He took off the painting and saw the safe.
"The code is 121026. Open it and get the gun inside. I want you to use it when necessary."
Naruto's blood turned cold. Sasuke wanted him to hold a gun and use it? He entered the code and it revealed the gun silently sitting there beneath an uncovered box. The blond gulped. He can still hear some gunshots outside.
"I don't know how to use a gun Sasuke."
"It doesn't matter. If you need to fire, don't hesitate to pull the trigger."
The tan guy held the thing in his shaking hands. He heaved a deep sigh. If he needed to protect himself, the he'll have to use the foreign thing. It felt cold and heavy in his hands. It wasn't his first time he held one but the purpose it will be serving is entirely different and Naruto can't help start fearing the object this early.
...
Sasuke cursed again. He was already blazing like a fire on his way back to his house. Kakashi has assembled a team to go with him that includes the silver-haired man himself. After verifying that things are fine back at the main house and leaving a few men to continue working on more on Tanaka's whereabouts, the security mostly followed the raven to assist him. They developed a plan of retrieving the blond in a few minutes. Even those minutes seems to stretch for hours as Sasuke's mind was on Naruto's situation.
It was certain that the blond and his guards are on a comprising state, even dangerous from the gun shots that he heard. It can only mean that Tanaka has already taken information of where Naruto is even though that doesn't seem plausible at the moment. No one knew that the blond was with him other than those back at the mansion. It maybe that Tanaka has been scouting all the possible places that has relation to Naruto but even if that's the case, he cannot simply assumed that the President was on Sasuke's place at that specific date and time unless he has someone track Sasuke whenever he went out. He cursed at that possibility.
The raven knew that Kakashi sent an order to the Namikaze Corporation of apprehending Ryuzaki as soon as they figured it out but they were too late. The man has been on the move. The head of the security commanded for Tanaka's superior Sai to be taken in as well but even that man has been reported to flee from the building. He ordered a mass hunt for both men.
Sasuke gripped the wheel tighter. He will take more or less fifteen minutes to arrive at where the blond is and he fears that he may be too late. He tried calling Neji but he wasn't able to reach him. After he has given instruction to Naruto to retrieve his most treasured possession, he ended the call. He wanted to keep hearing Naruto just to ensure that the blond is fine but the tan guy told him that he had to focus himself on driving. Sasuke was regretting taking Naruto. He shouldn't really succumb to his pleas. The bad guys were just waiting for that single opportunity to strike and they grabbed it perfectly. But regretting things won't do any good. He has to deal with the situation. If anything is to happen to Naruto he'll make sure to get the bastards even if that's the last thing he'll do.
...
The gunshots were blaring like loud music to Naruto's ear. He can hear them through the thick walls, across the hallway and inside his head like something carved from a movie clip. He would have feel better if he chose to not end the call with Sasuke. At least hearing his voice can help him to clear his mind a little. Now he had to deal with it himself. He had to stop his mouth from quivering and his body from trembling. His hands were white from gripping the gun. He was praying that the likelihood to use the heavy object will not come. Then all of a sudden, everything stops and eerie silence engulfed him. The only sound he's hearing now was the thumping of his heart, loud and fast. He stood still beside the closed door, his hands clutching the gun tighter. He don't know what he's waiting for but he's knows he'll have to expose himself soon. And not barely a second after the thought formed on his mind, he heard a voice.
"Little Namikaze, I know you're here. I'm not fond of playing hide and seek so I suggest you come out now."
There was something familiar with the voice; Naruto thought he heard that raspy, thick voice somewhere. Dismissing that detail, he remembered Neji's words and Sasuke's. He will not show himself and suddenly his eyes widened with his trail of thoughts.
Neji! What happened to his friend?! Is he somehow injured or taken by those bastards?
Naruto didn't want to permit the worst case to form on his mind. No, he will not think of that. Neji is fine. Maybe he's hid—
"This will make you come out. I have your guard here. If you don't want me busting his head off, you know what to do. I'm not a patient man. If you don't leave your hole, I'll kill him and find you. Now I'm giving you an option and you have to make a decision before I lose my temper."
This time, beads of sweat were forming on his temple. A life is on the line if he chose not to reveal himself.
What's taking Sasuke so long?!
But time is running, it's chasing him on a goddamn rocket. He gripped the metal knob; already resolve to take his chances. The lesser of the two evil, he tells himself. Bur before he can wrench the door open, Neji's voice floated.
"Naruto! Don't come out whatever this asshole say! Go and find a way to get out of here! Save your—"
But his words were cut off and Naruto heard a grunt followed. The blond had to literally bite his tongue to prevent him from calling to his friend. He was glad he's fine but that's only for a moment, he knew.
"If you're not going to show yourself in another ten seconds, Mister Selfless here will die and then I'll come to you. I'm counting Naruto."
Naruto knew there's no joking there. He gulped and opened the door. He walked through the short corridor, towards the living room and found himself looking at Neji forced to kneel, hands tied behind his back, a man in suit gripping his hair tightly while blood was seeping from a wound on the brunette's temple. On his left shoulder, something wet was seeping, Naruto knew it was blood. However it wasn't the state of Neji that startled him most, it was because he was faced with most familiar of faces: Sai's secretary.
"Aidou-san?"
The man grinned at him. "It's Ryuzaki Tanaka, Mr. President. Aidou was just an identity I assumed while I carry out my plans."
Naruto was dumbstruck. How can Aidou be the one who wants him dead?
"What are you— why— I don't…"
He can't simply form the words. He can't string the questions. Why? This man who has been around him in the office all those time, his killer? Then the letter must have been sent by him.
"Don't push yourself. I can attend to your questions later. For now, you need to come with me."
With that Naruto came to his senses and points the gun on Aidou. The man didn't flinch at the sight. He simply looked amused.
"I doubt you can fire that thing."
Bright blue eyes were blazing as his hold on the gun tightened. "Try me Aidou or whoever the hell you are."
Tanaka spread his arms, as if welcoming the threat. His right hand was holding to a gun as well. He smirked, challenging the blond in front of him. "With all due respect Mr. President, indulge me."
Naruto saw blood and he fired.
...
Sasuke knew he's too late when he came back to his place. The surroundings were silent and the bloody bodies of his comrades sprawled on his front yard were enough proof that he didn't get there on time. He slid off his car, a gun on his hand and dashed to the fallen warriors. The three guards received multiple shots, all of them were dead. He saw another two bodies but he can't identify those. He assumed they were from the bad side. He heard the scurrying of feet from the team that followed him and Kakashi shouting orders for the medics. Sasuke clenched his jaws and went inside. Another body was on the threshold. He checked the man's pulse and he shut his eyes off. Another one from their squad.
He proceeded on his haven. Things were out of order. It looks like some storm has raged in and left his place in chaos. He can see droplets of blood and his eyes zeroed on the figure lying beside the couch. He immediately recognized the long mane of hair.
"Neji!"
He put his gun back on the holster and carefully cupped the back of the guard's head. He felt the man stirred. The brunette opened his bleary eyes and tried to focus on the figure hovering on his face.
"Neji, can you hear me?"
"Sas.. Sasu..ke.. Na—"
"It's alright. Don't speak anymore. The medics are coming. Save your energy."
The raven saw the brunette winced when he tried to move. Sasuke heard footsteps and then there were the medical team surrounding him. He let one of them take Neji from his hands. He then saw Kakashi approaching. Without acknowledging each other, the older man began talking.
"I received a call from Sakamoto. Mr. Baikan is in the mansion right now. Apparently, he called Neji a while back and told him to get out of here as soon as they can. It seems he knows Tanaka is coming here to get Naruto."
The raven tore his gaze off from the stretcher that carried Neji. His eyes were burning as he looked at the silver-haired man. "That damn fucker! I'll fucking kill him to pieces!"
"Now wait Sasuke, we don't know if he's into this yet. We'll be interrogating him later. If he knows anything about Tanaka's real identity then he might provide us information on where… Naruto might be."
Kakashi noticed how Sasuke's demeanour changed from murder to guilt. The younger man blinked rapidly. He failed, yet again. He let Naruto be taken away. Who knows what will happen to his dobe.
"You need to collect yourself Sasuke. This man wanted something else. If he's just here to kill off Naruto he should have done it without all this fuss. Let's stick to that hope that we can make negotiation with the man if it comes to that."
When the Uchiha still didn't say a thing, Kakashi squeezed his shoulder. "Naruto will be expecting you to rescue him, Sasuke. You're the only one he's relying at this moment. Don't fail him."
The words of Kakashi slowly sink in Sasuke. Yes, it wasn't the time for taking blame. He has a bigger job to accomplish, perhaps the most important mission of his life. He needed to save his love. He needed to save Naruto.
Author's special corner for SnK: I thought I would have updated faster but I was caught up with a new series. With Naruto ending, that leaves me with just The Breaker: New Waves as my weekly shounen dose. I don't read OP or Bleach because they didn't appeal me. So I ventured to Shingeki no Kyojin and damn if I wasn't hooked. Addicted more like it. It's just riveting. I was not too eager to read it when I heard it's being adapted in anime. My initial thought was it's too gruesome for my state even though I only based that opinion from a friend's judgment of the series. The reason why I read it is because of that flood of fanfic featuring LeviXEren. I have seen so many doujinshis as well. So I thought I have to read the manga first if I want to know what's with the LeviXEren relationship. And it's history from there. Fan fictions pushed me to read something incredibly good. SnK is not like anything I've read before. You'll find yourself being taken by the characters and the story itself. There are some of them that caught my interest and I already have a few favourites. I really like Jean (He's some sort of valiant to me and a bit of tsundere, haha.), Sasha (She's just hilarious but still one of the bravest), Mikasa (I rarely find female characters as compelling but she's really good and not annoying in the slightest.), Levi because he's such a bad-ass Corporal and of course Eren. I don't pick the main character as a favourite, I tend to shift to the side characters but Eren is surprisingly fascinating. I love how he's a bit on the crazy side and the way he thinks. I can go on and on about this but seeing that I'm still on Volume 4 might not be too convincing. LOL. And I'm still on Naruto fandom! Sorry for that obvious building up of SnK.
On to the chapter: I was contemplating on killing Neji since he died in the manga but I thought why would I kill him again here? I'm actually still bitter with the fact that he's the only one who died. Why did he have to die? It just doesn't make sense to me. So, your thoughts on the chapter and perhaps some guess/requests on what will happen on the next one?