The Pale Moon's Love
A/N: I dedicate this chapter to the Dreadful Flamer: TKD Master. He reviewed the first chapter, and gave me such a fuel to write something to cram in his throat. XD At least is SOME kinda inspiration, right? Lol. I suggest reading his flame. It's quite colorful.
Chapter XII:
PREVIOUSLY:
"So you fled and now they have a scouting party of Hyuuga searching for you?" Itachi asked.
"Well, not me specifically…but an Anbu with a fox mask." Naruto said, and Kiri laughed.
"Well at least you hid your identity fast enough." She said, and Naruto grumbled.
"Regardless…you'll want to send a message to Tsunade, explaining yourself. So that way, at the least, she can cover for you." Itachi said, and Naruto nodded.
"I'll do that when we make our first stop. Let's get going to Suna…I want to spend a little time with Gaara before I have to save his ass from Akatsuki." Naruto joked.
"We'll be the ones saving your ass." Kiri laughed back. "You always get into trouble."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "You only know that from stories." He retorted.
"No. I know it from the fact that for the past three years when we tracked you, you were an idiot and fell into retarded traps." She fired right back, laughing.
After that, they lapsed into silence, and headed to their first task: protect Gaara from Akatsuki.
CONTINUATION:
Hinata lay on her right side in her bed, a few long strands of hair laying over her face. There was no emotion on her face. No sunlight shone through her window. It was grey outside, raining and dull, and it matched her mood. She was depressed, and she had been in her room for a day. Ever since, her lips trembled for a second at the thought, ever since Naruto had left. She had been checked out by the Hyuuga's head medical ninja, who determined she had not been raped. She had almost yelled at the doctor, her father, and Ichi, "As if Naruto would do that to me? He loves me!" But she had bitten her tongue hard. They didn't know it was Naruto.
She heard a knock, and her eyes lazily moved to stare at the door. "Come in." She called. She was under her sheets, only her head showing, and she felt no urge to move.
Neji strode in, wearing his traditional clothing…but it was wet. That meant he had been out around the compound, or out of the compound itself. He closed the door behind him, and looked at her with concern.
"Your father has met with the Hokage for the third time." Neji murmured. Hinata didn't react.
Neji looked off to the side. "The search has been called off, without explanation from the Hokage. She has ordered any hunting to be ceased, and she won't state why. She just states that the Anbu unit in question is classified." He said. Hinata felt the first positive emotion since late last night wash through her.
'Naruto will be safe.' She sighed in her head, closing her eyes for a moment.
"You father is not pleased." Neji said, turning to look at Hinata. "He wants you to tell him who the Anbu is." He said.
Hinata opened her eyes, and felt a new determination fill her. Naruto protected her, taking the blame and danger on himself. She would protect him now. Neji blinked in surprise at the sudden set of her jaw, and narrowing of her eyes. "No. He'd have to brand me with the curse seal and torture me to get anything from me. And even then…I wouldn't say a word." Hinata said firmly.
Neji stood there, silent and astonished. "So it was him." Neji murmured, a faint and almost proud smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Hinata didn't give any hints or acknowledgement that Neji guessed right, and Neji nodded. "Don't worry. I won't say a word." Neji promised. Hinata didn't say a word, still.
Neji sighed. "Hinata…you are still needing to meet with Ichi. He's concerned, frantic even, about your mental and physical and emotional health." Neji reminded her.
Hinata's determination faltered. Ichi was that concerned? "Very well." She whispered. She threw back her covers, and sat up in one fluid motion. She had to at least reassure Ichi she was fine. She owed him that much, just as her friend at the least…but she had to be cautious. If she didn't watch what she said, Ichi might be able to make her accidentally let Naruto's name slip.
She sighed, and Neji left as she went to her closet to get ready. She wondered…where was Naruto?
Naruto knelt, taking the scroll offered to him by the tiny Messenger Toad from Jiraiya and Tsunade. It disappeared with a croak and a puff of smoke, and he stood. The sand under his feet shifted, as he stood in the hot desert with Kiri and Itachi at his sides.
Naruto unfurled the scroll, and instantly set to reading it. He scanned through it, and then with a casual move, disintegrated the scroll with a Rasengan. Kiri giggled.
"I remember that." She said, from behind her mask. Naruto smirked at her, his mask off and on his belt so she could see his playful look.
"What did it say, Naruto-kun?" Itachi asked, his voice muffled by the bird mask.
"Just Tsunade yelling at me." Naruto replied dismissively. "She's ordered the Hyuuga to stop searching, and they've been forced to listen to her. They're not happy. Hiashi's ready to murder, but Tsunade reigned him in." Naruto said.
Itachi shook his head, but remained silent. Naruto cast a casual glance around, and said, "So what are we supposed to do about these?" He said, and Kiri and Itachi glanced around. Sand Anbu surrounded them, faces hidden by the cowls of their robes, swords out.
"I would suggest not fighting them." A familiar male voice drawled.
"You wouldn't survive the first few seconds." A familiar female voice echoed.
Naruto turned, and blinked. Temari and Kankuro, older but definitely still themselves, stood there with their preferred weapons out and ready. They blinked when the saw Naruto, and Naruto waited for the dim-witted Kankuro's light bulb to flash on.
Finally, it happened. "You're that kid!" Kankuro said, and relaxed. He looked surprised.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Temari said, and she holstered her fan. All the other Anbu soundlessly sheathed their blades and stood still, still surrounding the Konoha Anbu.
"We couldn't tell by the insignia on your arm that you were Leaf." Kankuro said apologetically, and his 'Crow' puppet disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Naruto grinned. "Well, I'm head of a special Anbu Unit in Konoha now. But, it's okay you didn't recognize me." He reassured his Suna Allies.
Kankuro laughed. "You've grown up, twerp."
Naruto's grin died, and he glared. "Yeah, but you still play with dolls!" Naruto insulted back.
Kankuro was about to fire off another insult, when Temari elbowed him roughly in the gut. Kankuro doubled over, gasping out a few swear words. She rolled her eyes. "Boys." She sighed.
"Come on…Gaara's been waiting for you. He'll be glad to see you." She said, and turned. Naruto, Kiri, Itachi, and Kankuro fell into place behind Temari as they started to walk towards the giant Canyon Walls that surrounded the Hidden Sand Village. The Suna Anbu disappeared, without any trace.
"So, Naruto…what've you been up to?" Kankuro asked, casting a glance at Naruto. Naruto shrugged.
"Got back from my training trip a little while ago, and I've just been doing the normal ninja stuff. I just got promoted a few days ago to Anbu, straight from Genin." Naruto said.
"Wow…no way." Kankuro laughed, grinning.
Naruto nodded, but didn't say anything else.
They walked in silence, and walked into a narrow entrance path in the side of the canyon…perfect for defense against invasion. Temari, wearing black shorts and a black short-sleeved top, spoke up after their near ten minute silence.
"You've changed." She said, calling back loudly.
Naruto knew she was talking to him, so he called back, "What?"
"You've changed. You're not so loud…you seem serious and maybe even cooler. But you don't seem like you…" Temari said. Naruto's step faltered for a second, but then he continued on.
"Thanks, I suppose." Naruto said offhandedly. He frowned. "Do you guys have any good ramen shops here in Suna?"
Kankuro chuckled. "Ramen on the mind still, so you're not so different as we thought. But…yeah…we've got several good shops."
They exited the narrow passage finally, the bright afternoon sun blinding them for a moment. When Naruto's vision cleared, he gaped at the massive Hidden Village surrounded by canyon walls. Tan buildings, sand streets, everything seemed dull…but the beauty of it despite its macabre color was subtle. The design gave it a semblance of order…of structure and purpose.
"Come on. We're going to go by rooftop now." Temari said, and Naruto nodded. They sprang off the lip of the cliff area, and soared towards the first roof of a house. Temari landed first, then sprang off, and then went Kankuro, Naruto, and then Kiri and Itachi at the same time. They soared over Sunagakure, bouncing from rooftop to rooftop, with the Sand Siblings in the lead…taking them to their brother. A thought struck Naruto as they flew through the air. Gaara, in a way, was Naruto's brother as well. Jinchuriki, demon-hosts, together. 'Brothers…' Naruto thought, with a sense of longing. That would be nice.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage, sighed and stood up from behind his desk. His seemingly never-ending pile of paperwork was down to just a few piles…for now. He set down his pen, and went to one of the many small circular windows that decorated his 'office' walls. He looked out over his village, and sighed softly. He was restless. Extremely so. He didn't even know why, but suddenly the urge to get up and go for a walk had come over him a good five minutes ago.
Then, suddenly, he felt a slight shift in his chakras. Shukaku had awakened. Not in an attempt for dominance, as he had so often in Gaara's younger days, but simply becoming aware and in-sync with his host so they could communicate.
'Gaara…'The Ichibi, one-tailed demon, murmured within his mind, 'Do you feel that?'
Gaara closed his eyes. He did feel something. Some kind of unease, yet excitement, inside of him. Some feeling of…something coming. He opened his eyes slowly, and replied verbally to his demon. "Yes." He said simply.
'Bah…you have no idea what this is?'Shukaku growled. Shukaku was friendlier, more open to talking and more willing to cooperate with Gaara now that he was older and more in control of himself…but he was still a demon prisoner inside of a human host. He could be less-than polite when he so chose to be. 'This feeling, you've felt it before! Think!'
Gaara closed his eyes again, frowning slightly. Yes. He had felt it before. It was more than just apprehension and the feeling of something approaching. It was a hunger…and the feeling washed over him almost as intensely as it had in his younger days. Back when he first met…
"Gaara."
Gaara's eyes flew open at the sound of the voice coming from behind him, at his open office door. He turned slowly, and saw his siblings first. They were smiling softly, and they quickly moved into the office and aside so that the three Shinobi behind them could enter. In strode three leaf Anbu, two of whom wore masks to shield their faces from his eyes. The third let his face be seen, and it was a face Gaara knew well. Unruly and spiky blonde hair, fierce Cerulean blue eyes, three whisker-shaped marks on each cheek…it could be no other.
"Uzumaki…Naruto." Gaara murmured.
'Yes! Do you remember now? The feeling you had when you first met him? This feeling, Gaara, is the feeling you get when you feel the presence of another demon host! Do you remember the hunger you fought to contain? That is the feeling…the craving of a demon's power far surpassing your own. And in that hunger…can you also taste it?'Shukaku murmured, but Gaara knew what it was before Shukaku even said the word. 'Fear.'
Naruto strode forward, a smile on his face. Gaara felt his own lips twitch upward in the smallest of smiles in automatic response to the infectious blonde's grin. Then, it happened. A fierce burn erupted in both Naruto and Gaara's minds, and they both instinctively put their hands at their temples. They grunted in pain and surprise, as a booming voice filled both of their minds.
'It is well you fear me still, Shukaku.' The deep, menacing voice growled. To Naruto, the voice of the Kyuubi was familiar, but to Gaara…it was frightening. Itachi and Kiri were instantly holding Naruto, while Temari and Kankuro went and supported Gaara.
"What's wrong?" Kiri cried, and Temari echoed the question to Gaara. Both Jinchuriki looked up, locking gazes, as the two demons conversed inside their heads.
'Forgive me, Lord Kyuubi….' Shukaku whimpered.
'I had thought that you had forgotten your place when you tried to kill my host, and me by effect, those few years ago.' The Kyuubi boomed. The anger was evident in the voice of the Demon.
'No, lord…I did not! I did not know it was you inside such a fragile mortal! The Chakras the boy leaked were familiar, but not enough to let me know it was you until afterwards!' Shukaku whined.
"What's happening!?" Temari yelled, looking to Naruto for an answer. But, it wasn't Naruto who answered.
Itachi whipped off his mask, revealing his blood-red three-tomoe Sharingan eyes. The tomoe's spun quickly, as Itachi examined both Jinchuriki. His Sharingan could see a fierce gold Chakra color surrounding the Fifth Kazekage, like a blazing fire that licked hungrily at the roof. An angry and blazing red Chakra aura surrounded Naruto, so large it almost filled their side of the room. He quickly surmised what was happening, his mind filling in the gaps quickly.
"I believe that their demons are interacting. They're both Jinchuriki…both hosts to demons. Their usual Chakra colors are gone, replaced by aura's of gold and red. I don't think this will cause harm to them…" Itachi said softly, yet loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room. His glaring eyes examined the two Jinchuriki closely.
'It is of no matter, Shukaku. I am alive now…and you clearly remember your place.' The Kyuubi said, sounding less angry.
'Thank you…lord Kyuubi.' Shukaku sighed, though the fear in his voice was still evident.
'Do not forget who it was that protected you and the Nibi, back before we became prisoners within hosts.' The Kyuubi murmured one last time, before his presence faded from the two Jinchuriki's minds.
'I will not, lord Kyuubi…the Nibi and I will always owe you our lives.' Shukaku replied, before his presence also faded.
Gaara and Naruto straightened, both too shocked for words for a moment. Temari and Kankuro exchanged glances, while Itachi and Kiri casually let go of Naruto and acted as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary.
"Wow." Naruto finally said, and he took a deep breath.
Gaara nodded, and murmured, "I must say…that was unexpected."
Naruto grinned. "Yeah, it was. What a welcome."
Kiri let out a small laugh, the tension going out of her. It appeared that they weren't going to be accused of attacking an allying village's Kage after all. She casually dispelled her Chakra she had slowly built up just in case they would need it. She caught Itachi's subtle eyebrow raise as his Sharingan deactivated, and she knew he had been observing her.
Gaara straightened his Kage robes, and then looked at Itachi. "I've seen you in the Bingo books." He said. "Akatsuki."
Instantly, even faster than anyone could comprehend, Itachi was bound by a sand coffin. Gaara's green eyes were cold, once more eyes Naruto recognized from their younger days.
"Wha???" Naruto yelled, and instantly ran up to Gaara while waving his arms. Itachi grunted in discomfort.
"Uzumaki Naruto…were you not aware of this man being our hunter?" Gaara murmured, glancing at the frantic blonde.
"Yeah! He was! But I turned him!" Naruto yelled, and the Suna ninja blinked in surprise.
Gaara frowned. "Explain."
Naruto sighed in exasperation. "He and Kiri are both Akatsuki!"
Suddenly, Kiri was also bound. "GAH!" Naruto yelled in frustration.
"Damnit, Naruto, get your ass in gear and explain to him what happened!" Kiri bellowed at her leader.
"Uh, uh…" Naruto floundered for words, trying to think of a quick explanation. Finally, he thought of the way to get across to Gaara what he needed to.
He lowered his head, and took several deep breaths. Instantly, the atmosphere in the air became thick, and Naruto raised his eyes once more. His blazing red eyes shocked Gaara and Temari and Kankuro so much they each flinched, though Gaara less than the others. Naruto spread his arms out to the sides, as if he could shield Kiri and Itachi from Gaara.
"I'll protect my friends, Gaara…regardless of what they've tried to done. They weren't evil…so I spared them. Now, I consider them precious to me. They are my precious people. My Nakama." Naruto rasped.
Gaara blinked, and he was visibly surprised. He was still, silent, for a moment…and then he nodded. The sand around Itachi and Kiri slithered away, to a gourd in the corner of the office, and the two former Akatsuki breathed in relief.
"I see, Uzumaki Naruto." Gaara said, and Naruto let the Kyuubi power slip away that he had drawn on. His eyes faded to normal cerulean blue, and the air became less stuffy. Temari and Kankuro's eyes were wide, and Kankuro was shaking slightly.
"Y-you…" Kankuro choked out, before Gaara turned his back and Naruto and strode behind his desk.
"Quit gaping, Kankuro." Gaara said, without emotion, and then he sat in his chair behind his desk.
Naruto cast an apologetic glance back to Kiri and Itachi, and then strode up to Gaara's desk. "They turned to our side, and they're ideal for helping us protect you from the Akatsuki team sent to capture you. Each of the original nine members, like Itachi, now have seven subordinates each…which means we could be assaulted by very skilled opponents. Itachi and Kiri have valuable intel on who's coming for you, how we can best them, and so on and so forth. I trust them…" Naruto said, staring into the Kazekage's eyes.
Gaara nodded. "Then…" He looked at the two former Akatsuki, who were now pledged to Naruto. "That is all I need. I shall trust them with my life as you trust them with yours."
In the beautiful white-painted compound of the Hyuuga, there was an unnatural silence. In the main courtyard, where much had taken place over the past few days, were over a dozen Hyuugas. A few sat on the white marble steps of the open-air-temple, while others stood with rigid backs and stern looks. They examined the source of the only sound in the compound: the shuffling of feet and slapping of hands as two Hyuuga sparred in the clan style of Jyuuken.
Hinata Hyuuga dodged several quick strikes, allowing them to get closer than was safe. Blue Chakra blasted from the Chakra portals in Ichi Hyuuga's hands, dissipating into nothingness as she continued to move. With her Byakugan-enhanced eyes, she could see the beautiful Chakra coursing through her opponent's body. But, she wasn't distracted by it. She slipped gracefully under an overextended thrust, allowing her natural flexibility to twist her body in subtly around the form of his arm and then she melded her form to his chest.
Ichi blinked, blushed, and then froze as Hinata stood with her body pressed against his. Then, realization hit him. He looked down between them, and saw her right palm placed open and casually over his chest...right above his heart. He sighed, and stepped back, flushed with the effort of the exercise and the embarrassment of the way he had been defeated.
Hinata brushed a long strand of Indigo hair out of her face, smiling politely. "That was a very fun spar, Ichi-kun." She said, breathing a bit heavier than normal.
"I was going to say the same, Hina-chan." Ichi said, bowing deeply.
Hinata bowed slightly, ever-aware of protocal, and then she smiled. "Your strikes are much more difficult to predict than Neji-kun's." She praised her…she mind faltered as it stumbled over the word. Fiance. She felt discomfort in the fact she was using the word to describe her bond with Ichi.
Ichi grinned. "Neji's style is very straightforward. Packed with power and visciousness…hoping to overpower those he faces with Advanced moves that we don't usually run against. Mine incorporates traditional and standard moves, easily read into, that change at the last second into a feint. You dealt extremely well with it." Ichi priased, smiling brightly. He continued. "Your style, however, is the most unique I've come across, Hina-chan. I've never met a Hyuuga whose flexibility is such an excellent defense and offense."
Hinata blushed. "Thank you, Ichi-kun." She said, and then she brushed her long hair out of her face again.
Ichi glanced at all the Hyuuga gathered, and then narrowed his eyes mischeviously. "Let's take a walk, Hina-chan." He said, and turned away from the group of Hyuuga and started to walk.
Hinata followed him eagerly, anxious to get out of the eyes of the elders who had come to watch their spar. They walked around several buildings, breaking from the sight of the other Hyuuga. Ichi then slowed his pace considerably, so that he and Hinata walked closely side-by-side.
Hinata could sense he wanted to speak of something important, and she had an idea of what it was. She composed herself as Ichi looked down at the ground, and took a deep breath.
"Hinata…" Ichi said, further proving that it was serious. He never called her by her full name unless it was something important. "You...are probably tired of everyone hounding you." He murmured.
Hinata blushed. She knew what this was about. She wouldn't give anything away. Ever. She composed herself, and prepared to break into Ichi's speech and politely break it off before it got any further. But then Ichi kept going.
"But, I promise you…I won't let that person harm you again! You may be afraid you cannot be defended against an Anbu, especially one with the power-levels that that Anbu had, but I will defend you with my life! Tell me who it was, and I will not seek them out…I will not tell your father or any other Hyuuga. It's between you and I, Hina-chan. I can defend you, and help you defend yourself. Two Hyuuga are stronger than one, especially with what I've seen in you! Please, Hinata…confide in me!" Ichi pleaded. Hinata looked at him, seeing the burning fire in his eyes. He reminded her so much of Naruto then, with his urge to be trusted…urge to protect.
"Ichi-kun…" She murmured, and then she looked away. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. He had been such a good friend to her…how could she deny him? She had to at least tell him something that made him know she still trusted him. She looked at the young man who so passionately wanted to protect her.
"The man will not harm me…nor does he wish to. I am safe. I am not afraid of him…" She said, and then stopped herself. She was close to saying his name…and she couldn't afford to.
Ichi seemed to drink in the words, and she knew he was examining her for seeds of the truth. It all was truth, which he discerned, and he nodded. "Then I am completely unsure of what's going on…but I am thankful you still trust me, Hina-chan." He said, and cautiously reached up and stroked the soft skin of her cheek. She closed her eyes and felt butterflies…not because of Ichi…but because of the fact that it reminded her of when Naruto left that night. He had fled, but not before caressing her cheek.
"I should go, Hina-chan…your father wants a word with me." Ichi murmured, and Hinata opened her eyes, and tried to hide the dissapointment she felt.
"O-okay." She murmured.
"Maybe you should go see your team…?" Ichi suggested, and Hinata smiled.
"Of course. I'm sure that they would appreciate team practice, in light of everything going on." She said, and then she turned and walked away. Ichi had reminded her of something she had needed to do: see just how much Kakashi and Sakura knew.
Naruto, Itachi, and Kiri walked into the Council Room, noticing easily the other hidden presences. 8 others, which they presumed were all Anbu, were cloaking themselves. Naruto and Itachi and Kiri stood behind Gaara as he walked into the room, and then sat at the head of the Council Table.
The others all filed in, all older men and women except one middle-aged man. Naruto noticed Kiri's reaction as they all filed in, the stiffening of her shoulders and the slight change in her posture. Naruto casually stepped up close to Kiri's side, so their shoulders were touching, and murmured to her quietly from behind his mask so no others could hear.
"What's the matter, Kiri?" Naruto whispered.
Itachi drew close to them as well, noticing Kiri's reaction as well. Kiri murmured to both of the males of her squad, "The one young man…I believe I recognize him. I just can't place where…" She murmured, keeping her eyes on her target.
"Itachi…Akatsuki?" Naruto asked.
Itachi casually shrugged. "I am not familiar with every Akatsuki's subordinates…I only concerned myself with Kisame and mine, and then the main members statuses….never the subordinates." He murmured.
Naruto pursed his lips. 'Great. That's all we need. Chances are, this is nothing. Not even an Akatsuki could invade the Sand Council without YEARS of preparation…' He thought. He cast a glance around the room, noting positions of several Anbu.
"Okay…just keep an eye on him. Let me know if you place where you've seen him." Naruto murmured, and then stepped back.
Gaara gestured for him subtly with a raised left hand, and Naruto crouched next to the Kazekage's chair as the Council Members all socialized for a few moments. "Yeah, Gaara?" He murmured.
"What's the matter?" Gaara replied softly, keeping his eyes forward.
"It could be nothing for now. It's just Kiri believing she's seen one of your Councilmen somewhere before. Don't worry." Naruto soothed the Kazekage, and Gaara nodded.
"Allow me to call this meeting to order!" One of the older men yelled, gaining everyone's attention. Everyone nodded, and went to their seats slowly.
Naruto grimaced. 'Great. Now time for all the old-man prattle. Guess all Villages have that in common.'
Hinata walked onto the edge of the Training Field, having tracked Sakura and Kakashi here. They were both having a day off, but after searching for their whereabouts, she'd gathered that Sakura had requested meeting Kakashi at the Training field. Hinata looked towards the center of the clearing of the training ground, seeing the two spar.
She watched as Sakura demolished the ground where Kakashi had been just a second before, and listened. They were talking while sparring, and while she didn't want to eavesdrop…her curiosity got the better of her.
"And then the IDIOT tells me that the whole reason he made that promise to me was because he was sure he loved me and he wanted to see me happy no matter what!" Sakura yelled, obviously angry, and charged at Kakashi yet again.
"Well, I happen to know that's truth." Kakashi said, dodging several punches in quick succession. "I'd always noticed his affection for you. You were always so oblivious to it, courtesty of…"
"DON'T SAY IT!" Sakura roared, almost connecting a punch to Kakashi's chest.
Kakashi wisely kept his mouth shut, and sprang back out of Sakura's range. He fired off a quick fireball, which Sakura dodged.
"I'm just saying, if he had all those feelings for me, which changed when he came back…all those things he did for me…why didn't he stay for Hinata?" Sakura asked, exasperated, as she reached down and grasped a mighty chunk of earth and hurled it at Kakashi. Kakashi dodged the mountain of earth with an acrobatic aerial spin, and then landed cat-footed on the grass.
"Because…I believe that after realizing things couldn't work out for him with you, that he found himself to be lacking in so many areas that he found he wasn't worth it. He has a very low self-image, Sakura. And, just giving up is so much easier than fighting for something near-impossible to gain." Kakashi said, holding up his hands to show he was done.
Sakura sighed. "But that's not the Naruto that I grew up with! The Naruto I grew up with was so pig-headed and determined to do anything that he wanted, no matter how impossible it was, that he made the impossible a reality!"
"Except bringing back Sasuke." Kakashi gently reminded Sakura. "I think that hit him the hardest, made him change the most. Somewhere, down inside of him, is still that same old Naruto. He just needs someone to re-awaken him. That's why I think his missions will be good for him. He needs to find himself again…find that old Naruto we know and love."
Sakura wiped sweat from her brow, and nodded. She sighed deeply, and then raised her head to look at her Sensei. They still hadn't noticed Hinata standing at the edge of the field.
"And what about Hinata? Do you think she's better for him than Kiri? Kiri seems to care for him a lot. I thought Hinata and Naruto were meant to be…but then I saw how Hinata brought that Ichi guy in and shattered Naruto…" She trailed off.
"I don't believe it's my place to say." Kakashi said cryptically.
Sakura laughed. "Whatever."
Kakashi glanced around, and noticed Hinata. Hinata was surprised at how much she had heard…how much had been revealed just by that quick exchange between her teamates. Sakura, however, didn't notice Hinata yet.
"And another thing! That Ichi creep had the nerve to do all that in front of Naruto, right? Well, if I had a romantic bond with a great guy like Naruto, I would have just slapped Ichi had I been Hinata! That girl could really use a backbone of her own!" Sakura yelled.
"Uh…Sakura…" Kakashi said, trying to get the pink-haired Kunoichi's attention. But, Sakura kept on.
"Don't get me wrong, Hinata's gotten a hell of a lot stronger and braver, but when it comes to pursuing what she wants, she just backs down! If it were life and death for her and Naruto, I know she would try to defend and hold on to Naruto…but with this little Ichi thing…it shouldn't even have to be something to think about! It should be common sense to choose Naruto over Ichi! Clan or no clan!" Sakura ranted.
"Uh…Sakura!" Kakashi said again. Sakura carried on still.
"And another thing, is that its essentially Hinata's fault Team Seven is officially not what it used to be! I mean, it's not Team Seven without Naruto! He was the backbone of our team, not me or you or Sasuke…but him! He was our backbone! Now we're just you and me and Hinata…we can do decent but not at the level we could with Naruto!"
"SAKURA." Kakashi said again, clearly desperate to gain her attention.
"I know…I don't even mean these things…I'm just worried about him, Kakashi-sensei…" Sakura sighed, and then turned around. "And I'm worried we'll never be able to bring back…" That's when she noticed Hinata. "Sa…suke…"
Hinata was relieved Sakura had admitted she didn't mean the things she said, but it still hurt in the fact that they had already been said like they had been meant. "Hinata!" Sakura called, and ran over to her.
Hinata slowly walked towards the two remaining members of her team, and met Sakura halfway across the field. Panting, Sakura apologized. "Hinata…I didn't mean any of that…I really didn't. I…I was just trying to get it all out of my system…"
"Hinata." Kakashi said softly, greeting the young heiress.
Hinata found difficulty speaking, but managed a polite adressing for her teammates. "Hello…Sakura…Kakashi-sensei…"
"Hinata…I'm sorry." Sakura murmured, looking into the heiress' eyes.
"D-don't be, Sakura…I know that a lot of what you said…I should have done. I never should have let Ichi come between Naruto and I. I know how special Naruto is…and I know how amazing he is. I've known for most my life…" She whispered, looking off to the side.
"I…just didn't want to let my clan down. I was always sure that Naruto could find someone else…like you, Sakura. But…then he visited me the night he was supposed to leave…" Hinata said, and Kakashi and Sakura both showed surprise.
"He visited you the night he was supposed to leave?" Sakura asked.
Hinata nodded. She blushed as she remembered. "We…kissed." She said, deciding not to describe it more than that, and then winced. "But then Ichi found us…and tried to attack Naruto. But, before that…I could tell he wouldn't give up on me. I could feel it." Without realizing it, her hand came up and gently brushed her lips...remembering what she had felt through their kiss. It had been passion, fire, nothing but pure need between them. Need. Not just want. They had both realized, she was sure, that they needed each other. That they wouldn't give up each other, or give up ON each other.
Kakashi's lone eye curved upwards slightly, showing he was giving her a gentle smile. "I see. So you managed to bring back at least a shadow of himself."
"It was more than a shadow." Hinata said defensively.
Sakura pursed her lips. "He's decided to fight for you? How can he do that? Not with the politics of your clan…"
Hinata pursed her lips. "If…he can get done with his missions faster than he estimates…he and I can look through the laws and archives together…find a way…"
Kakashi's smile became wider. "If there's any hope…I expect both of you to find it. After all…you're just like him in a lot of ways."
Hinata blushed. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."
Sakura hesitantly placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder. "Hinata…I can have Tsunade help look for a way as well. I want you and Naruto to be happy. I want you to be together."
"Th-thank you, Sakura." Hinata murmured, and then looked down at her feet.
They all stood, silent for a few minutes. The only sound was the chirping of the birds in the late afternoon sky, and the wind blowing through the trees. Kakashi sighed, and pulled up his headband. His blazing Sharingan spun for a minute, and his actions gained the attention of the two kunoichi.
"Kakashi…sensei?" Sakura hesitantly asked.
"Seeing as we're all here, let's train." Kakashi said, his seriousness obvious.
"I-I'd like that." Hinata said.
"Maybe we can beat some sense into Naruto…make him come back to team Seven, when he returns." Sakura laughed softly. She tugged on her leather gloves, and winked at Hinata as the heiress slipped into a steady Jyuuken stance.
"That was my plan." Kakashi said, and he pulled out a Kunai.
Hinata's Byakugan activated, and she narrowed her eyes. "We'll show him just how strong we are…and just how determined we can be." She said firmly. Then…she sprang into action.
Naruto was in agony. His brain was melting. His sould was eroding. His entire being was slowly dying! TOO MUCH TALKING! He was tempted to just blow his own head off with a Rasengan. The old men were prattling, going on and on about economics, financing, and even the weather's effects on the village's crops. He was ready to go insane!
He kept fidgeting, and fidgeting, until Itachi stepped close to him subtly and murmured, "I can sense the meeting is coming to a close, Naruto-kun. Just a bit more patience."
Naruto forced himself to be still, grinding his teeth and ignoring Kiri's almost inaudible giggle at his discomfort. "Are you sure I just can't Kagebunshin and knock each of them out? Or maybe you could use your Sharingan and make them all think the meeting is done?" He murured back to Itachi.
This time, Itachi chuckled. "Naruto-kun…no."
Naruto sighed dejectedly, and nodded. "Fine." He muttered, and then Itachi stepped back.
"For our last order of business…we must talk about village security." Gaara said, speaking up and gaining the attention of all gathered.
The youngest council member stood, this being his first and only time to speak during the whole session. "Thank you, Kazekage. I will keep this as brief, yet as informing, as possible." He said.
"I have heightened village security, due to a message I've received from Konoha. It was sent directly from the hands of one of the Legendary Three ninja: Lord Jiraiya the Toad Sage. I've tightened the village gate security considerably, posting ten Anbu Captains on the outside perimeter, and I've shut off all other gates. This is all, of course, in response to the report from Lord Jiraiya regarding the sudden increase in movements from the organization known as Akatsuki." The man said. He wore the traditional Suna tan robes, and his spiky black hair was brushed down over his right eye slightly. His eyes were narrow, his posture stiff, revealing his no-nonsense personality.
Naruto noted Kiri's body movement, as she leaned forward ever so slightly. He noted the balling up of her fists, and the tensing of her body. He stepped forward slightly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Careful." He murmured slightly.
She nodded from behind her dog mask, and stepped back. Naruto removed his hand from her shoulder, and stepped back. He didn't know why she was so tense, but he had a growing sinking feeling in his stomach despite the Head of Security's words. Kiri glanced at Itachi, and made a handsign that Naruto didn't recognize. Naruto looked to Itachi for translation, but Itachi minutely shook his head at Naruto. Then, he made a quick flashing of hand signs, and Kiri relaxed. Naruto assumed that it meant he had called her off. That was, until he felt the tiniest of Chakra spikes from her. That was their pre-agreed signal if they needed to attack. A single Chakra spike, hardly large enough to be detected as an attack buildup by other forces.
That was all the warning he got, as Kiri stepped up to the table and interrupted the Head of Security. "What is your name?" She asked loudly.
Everyone froze in the room, and Gaara looked at her in surprise. Naruto relaxed his muscles, preparing for what was about to happen. Gaara looked to him, and Naruto made a hand motion subtly that said, 'Get down'.
Yuura, obviously perturbed, answered Kiri. "Yuura. Head of Security of the Village of Suna…Yuura."
Kiri whipped off her dog-mask, revealing Kiri with a triumphant grin on her face. "Try Subordinate to Akatsuki member Sasori of the Red Sands, Yuura." Then, she blurred into action.
Naruto and Itachi both jumped into action as well, as Kiri assaulted the Head of Security. She tackled him across the table, making him stumble backwards where she pinned him against the wall with a Kunai to his throat and one of his arms pinned to the wall with her own arm.
All around the room, Suna Anbu sprang from the shadows and converged on Kiri. Naruto counted a grand total of ten, and he assumed they were all seasoned veterans. But where veterans has experience on him…he had power. Nearly unlimited power.
"WIND STYLE: Wind Wall!" Naruto yelled, and with a burst of Chakra, he surrounded Kiri in a protective wall of slicing wind. Several Anbu were thrown backwards, bleeding from deep wounds.
Naruto Shunshinned to four of the remaining seven and with a powerful wind-style jutsu, blasted a condensed ball of wind like a cannonball into the crowd. They blasted apart like bowling pins, slamming into walls so hard they were rendered unconscious immediately. Itachi quickly dispatched his three with lethal Taijutsu strikes, rendering them unconscious even faster than Naruto had dealt with his opponents. Whereas Naruto was sweating, Itachi was perfectly calm and acted like it was just a walk through the park.
The council room was in an uproar, yelling and trying to be heard over each other, and Naruto jogged over to Kiri. "Kiri…you sure he's Akatsuki?" Naruto asked.
"Yes…I remember him. He was always hiding around Sasori, he seemed to be Sasori's favorite." Kiri said, her blue eyes narrowed dangerously as she glared at the Suna Council member.
"That's absurd! I'm the Head of Security of the Village! I am not Akatsuki!" Yuura yelled, furious and straining to free himself from Kiri's hold.
Gaara walked over, standing next to Naruto and Kiri. "Can you prove that he is indeed Akatsuki?" He murmured.
Itachi pulled off his mask, quickly earning everyone's stares. "I can." He said softly. Yuura flinched.
"What is an Akatsuki member doing here?" Yuura demanded, his eyes wide as Itachi slowly walked towards him.
Naruto glared at the Council Member. "He defected." He said, and then that was all they had time for. Itachi's eyes switched to the blood-red three tomoe Sharingan, and he grabbed Yuura's forehead and forced the man's head against the wall. Yuura grunted, trying to free himself, but he couldn't escape Itachi and Kiri's hold. With a sharp gasp, Yuura went rigid, and Itachi moved his face close to Yuura's.
The Sharingan in Itachi's eyes started to spin as he looked deep into Yuura's eyes, and Naruto kept a careful eye on everyone. The Council members all watched with morbid fascination, and several Anbu were stirring. Gaara watched impassively, though Naruto was sure he was just as curious and fascinated as everyone else.
"What are you doing?" Gaara asked Itachi.
"Examining his mind for one of Sasori's specialty Jutsu…and I think I've found it." Itachi murmured softly. He raised his right hand, just the first two fingers, and barked, "Release!"
Yuura spasmed, and thrashed for a minute, and everyone tensed. Then, Yuura tried to break free of Itachi and Kiri. He kicked Itachi in the stomach, catching the Uchiha off guard for a moment. Then and slipped out from Kiri's hold, and away from her Kunai. He tried to run, but quickly found his throat being clasped by Naruto's hand.
Itachi grabbed Yuura's hair from behind, and whipped him around and into one of the walls. Itachi ground his face hard into the wall, and quickly dealt several swift punches into Yuura's side, causing the man to fall to his knees.
"You have been discovered…Yuura." Itachi said, earning a sob from Yuura.
"Why are you doing this, Itachi? I thought you were with us!?" Yuura yelled. Itachi ground his face harder into the wall, and emotionlessly replied.
"No. Not anymore. Not since Naruto-kun." The Uchiha informed Yuura.
Several Anbu were up now, watching the display with alarm. "Kazekage-sama…orders?" One of the Anbu asked, his confusion obvious.
"Take Councilman….no…the Akatsuki Infiltrator Yuura, to headquarters. Do what you must…but we need information on Akatsuki from him." Gaara ordered, his tone harsh and unforgiving. Yuura tried in vain to escape, while the several conscious Anbu grabbed him, and shunshinned away. The last they heard, was Yuura's desperate scream.
"NOOO!"
Naruto sighed, and turned to Gaara. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to ruin your meeting." He apologized, and then he turned and said the same to the council members.
"Council members, if you will excuse us…you will need to promote Yuura's second in command to lieutenant, but have him interviewed and checked for any deception." Gaara said, and then turned and walked out of the Council room, earning several disbelieving stares from the Council.
"Uzumaki Naruto…come with me." Gaara said, and Naruto motioned to Kiri and Itachi to follow as well. He jogged after Gaara, catching up to the Kazekage.
Wordlessly, they all walked along the halls, ascending stairs and passing checkpoints, until they made it to the front doors of the Council Hall. They stepped out into the evening, as the fading sun burned red and started to fall behind the cliffs that surrounded the village. Gaara stopped in the middle of the street, and turned and frowned at Naruto. Naruto stopped, surprised at Gaara's look.
"Why are you not Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto?" Gaara asked suddenly.
Naruto blinked, surprised, and removed his ANBU mask. He blinked several times, before answering Gaara.
"Uh…I'm not quite following, Gaara…I'm just not qualified yet…" Naruto said hesitantly.
Gaara shook his head. "The strongest Shinobi in our village is Hokage. If the Kage is deemed weaker than a subordinate, a challenge is issued, and if the Kage loses then the winner takes the title of Kage. The reason I'm Kage, is because not many can compete with a demon Host. Either way…I know your power. You should be Kage by now. I saw how much power you used on a simple Wind Wall jutsu…and it shows how much power you have. I doubt even your Hokage could hold up in a match against you."
Naruto lowered his head. "Gaara…it's not like your village, over in Konoha. A council has to vote, and there's a lot of politics involved. Either way…I'm not fit to be Hokage…not yet."
Gaara frowned. "What are you running from, Naruto?"
Naruto stiffened, and looked up at Gaara. "I'm not running from anything!" Naruto said loudly.
Gaara's gaze softened. "Even I can see that you are running…trying to gain distance from a pain."
Naruto's jaw clenched. "I'm NOT running. I came to save your ass, Gaara. Then, I'm going to go find the other Jinchuriki. Then I'll go back to Konoha, and I'll take back Hinata! I'm not running from it!" He realized quickly he had said too much, and flushed in embarrassment and looked away. But, he added firmly, "I'm not running away. I will fight, and I will win...believe it."
Gaara walked up to Naruto, until they were separated by maybe a foot. Gaara set his hand on Naruto's shoulder, and Naruto looked at the red-headed Kazekage. "There he is…there's the Naruto I remember. So…you're still in that nearly broken shell somewhere, Naruto…don't lose yourself." Then, Gaara turned and walked away…leaving an open-mouthed Naruto staring after the Kazekage.
Thanks for reading, and I wish all of you a happy new year! I pumped this chappy out as fast as I could and still keep my main goal in mind, so I hope you guys enjoyed it! Remember to review! :)