Ch 25
I don't own Naruto
Notes: Why am I always missing words, I know I've placed them there…? Anyways, I rechecked this one, I hope I have no mistakes.
They stood in line, picking out slips and reading them out loud as Hayate wrote them on the board until the match up was finally decided.
First Round: Ami vs. Temari
Second Round: Neji Hyuuga vs. Gaara
Third Round: Hinata Hyuuga vs. Shino Aburame
Fourth Round: Shikamaru Nara vs. Kankurou
Winner from the fourth round will challenge Dosu Kinuta
The Hokage soon dismissed them before he and the others disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"They seemed to be in a hurry," Ino appeared thoughtful as the others looked at their opponents.
Gaara smirked at Neji as Neji looked on coolly.
"Be ready for me, Hyuuga," Gaara stated as Neji narrowed his eyes before leaving.
Shikamaru and Kankurou gave each other a look, raising one eyebrow before turning away.
"So we can go now?" Shikamaru asked as Ino answered with an "I guess so."
Shikamaru bade a farewell to the group before leaving with Chouji.
"Shino," Hinata looked at the bug user who glanced at her coolly.
"Train hard Hinata and don't hold back," Shino spoke to her as she nodded in response, she would show Shino how strong she was.
Ami scratched her nose, grinning at Temari who raised a brow with a smirk.
"I guess we're challenging first," Ami stated as Temari nodded.
"Then let's give them a show," Temari said before leaning close to Ami's ear, "and no fair using demonic powers."
Ami's grin widened as Temari moved to her brothers.
Sakura and Kiba soon arrived; each one looked better than before as the group informed them the match ups.
"Hey Sakura," Ami started to ask her, "Do you think they would let us see Sasuke?"
Sakura nodded her head before speaking,"they should, let's head over there now," Ami agreed as a few from the group looked on in interest.
"You're going to see Sasuke?" Tenten asked, "I was going to check up on Lee also, so I guess I'm tagging along."
Shino turned to Kiba, "I have to inform my family," he nodded to them before leaving as Kiba followed, speaking out "later guys,"before he left.
Kankurou tapped both his siblings in the shoulder, whispering to them, "I'm going to check with Baki sensei, Father should arrive soon...I'll make sure we get to see him."
They nodded, Gaara turned to him, "Do you acquire my assistance?"
Kankurou grinned, "Don't worry, leave it to your big brother," he scratched his nose.
Teamari smiled, she knew Kankurou always wanted to say that; Gaara nodded before looking back at the group.
"I'll walk with you guys out but leave once we get out of this place," Kankurou later added on.
"Hey so are you guys coming with us?" Ami asked the sand group as they already decided who was going.
Gaara nodded as they joined the group before heading out the tower, towards the hospital.
...hospital...
Kakashi chatted with the med nin in charge of taking care of Sasuke while the two Anbu guards stood watch.
"How long will he have to stay here?" Kakashi asked as the med nin known as Chouseki pondered for a bit.
"It's amazing really," Chouseki started, "his healing rate is unnatural, already, we estimated that he should be able to walk by tomorrow."
Kakashiwas taken aback in surprise, "His healing rate, how is that?"
"That's what has us stumped," Chouseki looked disappointed, "We all know when a ninja heals from battle it normally takes longer to heal, unless, a ninja had the same injury as before. The body remembers how to treat the wound thus speeding up the healing process, but as far as I know, Sasuke hasn't had a serious injury like this one before, and as far as healings go, this is the fastest the body healed a wound... We just wrote it off as another consequence surrounding the Uchiha massacre."
Kakashi looked thoughtful, "well, there was this one mission, Sasuke had been injured before, badly, you think this helps?"
Chouseki nodded, "yes, I think it would, could you send me a report about the battle later, the type of injuries and how long it took for him to heal?"
Kakashi nodded as he heard a noise down the hall, they both turned to look as a voice echoed through the hallway.
"Kakashi sensei!" Ami and Sakura's voice was heard as they rushed up to him.
"Sakura, Ami," he patted his students heads, "please be quiet, this is a hospital."
"Would it be alright if we see him?" Sakura asked as Kakashi looked at the group, they each stared back him.
'Aren't those two Sand nins?' Kakashi thought, spotting their hiates before he turned to Chouseki who answered.
"You would need to be quiet," Chouseki looked at each of them seriously, "he is asleep right now but I'm sure he would want his friends here." He smiled as Kakashi and Chouseki moved to the sides so the group could pass through the doors.
They headed in as Ami stayed back, looking at Kakashi who smiled underneath his mask, he looked at her, "Yes?"
"Sensei, will you train me?" Ami looked on cutely as Kakashi chuckled.
"For a time, yes I will," Kakashi answered back as Ami smiled.
"I'll help you but I promised I would teach Sasuke a new jutsu once he heals," Kakashi tried to reassure her, "but I'll make sure you're ready for your match…I heard you wanted to learn nature manipulation?"
Ami's grin widened in response as Kakashi nodded, "now I thought you were here to see Sasuke?"
She grinned before running inside.
Gaara stood to the side, he wondered how Sasuke was; all that blood from the outcome, it made past feelings rise up from inside as he felt Shukaku's delight but now he knew better, and he had the person lying in bed to thank.
"Sasuke's gotten really strong," Ino started to speak, looking at Sasuke's calm face as Sakura nodded.
Ami appeared in the room, taking a look at the sleeping form before joining Gaara.
"Hey, I'm glad you came," Ami whispered to Gaara who nodded, "I know how awkward this is."
Gaara responded, "I never had to do this before," he continued to look at the people who crowded around Sasuke, "it seems a lot of people really care for him."
Temari listened in, standing next to Gaara as Ami spoke, "in the village, he has done a lot ever since the academy," She looked at Sasuke's sleeping form sadly, " I know he would be alright if I told you but he was never this kind before."
Gaara and Temari looked at her as Ami continued, "when we were little, he used to act so proud; he always thought he was superior to all the other students."
Temari looked surprised, she couldn't really see it now, "what happened?"
"Well," Ami's voice became sad, "he doesn't really like to talk about it but, one night; he had to witness how his whole family was murdered."
'The massacre,' Temari thought, around the country, many heard about it, the Uchihas were considered one of the deadliest clans, hearing how they were wiped out…the news spread fast.
"What most don't know was that, Sasuke was caught in the attack, he went into an a coma, he was supposed to be dead, he wasn't supposed to survive," Ami noticed how quiet it had gotten in the room as she looked up, the others were listening.
"My father told us about it," Hinata quietly spoke as the group listened, "my father thought the last heir would never wake, he said it was a sad tragedy that befell the clan."
Ami nodded, "but then I met him that day, the day he woke up and something changed, he smiled more, and became more thankful."
"Remember the Academy," Ino giggled as Sakura smiled, "he helped everyone with their problems, he made so many friends."
"And a fan club," Sakura added as Ino agreed, a small blush remembering her own feelings.
"His attitude," Ami took over, "everyone just seemed to love him afterwards."
"I can see what he meant about friends," Tenten spoke out, remembering her meeting with the nin, "he had told me that, it was friends that motivated him as a ninja. It was weird though, the day I met him I didn't know him at all, but then, he seemed to know me, our conversations; he just seemed to know what to say."
Temari observed their faces, a question popped into her mind as she watched all these girls who cared for the boy, "has he ever dated anyone?"
They all looked up in surprise; the sudden question was random as a few blushed in response.
Sakura answered, remembering what Sasuke had said, "He hasn't dated anyone, he used to say that they were too young, that he wanted to wait until he was older or something, but now…" she looked thoughtful, "you think he changed his mind?"
"Oh my gosh," Ami slapped her head, "I can't believe we're talking about this."
Temari just smirked, "I'm just surprised, you know, you would have thought he dated someone…unless," Temari started to grow worried as Ami and Sakura answered before the idea circulated around the room.
"He's not," Sakura and Ami spoke at once; they had this conversation before as the rest of the group looked on confusedly, "Trust us."
Temari smiled again, "and he hasn't taken advantage of any of you?"
"What!" Ami yelled out as the group shushed her, turning back they watched as Sasuke's face twitch.
Sakura shook her head, answering the girl, "we've grown up with him and it's just hard imagining him doing all this, it's just not him."
"But no one's like this, he just sounds too good to be true," Temari wondered if they were leaving anything out but no one spoke back, she just couldn't believe anyone could be like that.
"Well, if it helps," Ami shrugged, "I think secretly, he's perverted…"
Ami soon found herself holding on to her head in pain as several girls conked her head.
"No he's not," Tenten, Ino, and Sakura twitched their eyes as Temari laughed before they remained silent again and Temari looked back at Sasuke, "he's really a good person isn't he?"
She didn't need to hear a response since she knew everyone agreed.
Chouseki soon walked in, staring at how silent the room was, "I'm sorry but Sasuke needs his rest," he gave them a reassuring smile, "tomorrow, you might see him walking around, so you shouldn't worry much." They looked surprised at the news, giving each other a smile before sparing Sasuke one last look when they left.
Kakashi stood by the hall as the group departed, saying their goodbyes.
"I'm going to see my instructor," Sakura told Ami as Kakashi approached.
"Actually, I think I'll go home first before returning," Sakura nodded to them, "I'll see you around."
They waved goodbye before Kakashi addressed Ami.
"So now, meet me at the regular training grounds when you're ready, I just need to collect something." He directed as Ami nodded before leaving.
Kakashi stayed, watching as Ami left before addressing the hidden intruder.
"You can come out," he spoke as a figure appeared around the corner, a Sound hiate on her forehead.
Kakashi stared as she shifted uncomfortably, 'Sasuke really knows how to make friends in the most unlikely places.'He thought amused how most of them had been girls.
"C-can I, is it ok…" Kin tried to ask, no one was supposed to know she was here, plus with the invasion so close, and under the stare of the leaf Jounin and plus the two Anbu guards right now, she felt nervous.
Kakashi smiled down at her before moving to the door, and directing her to follow.
The room was dark as the curtains were closed; Chouseki was currently checking the patient, checking the bandages and Sasuke's blood levels under the lamp light before turning around and widening his eyes in surprise at the nins.
"I'm sorry but," Kakashi scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish, "do you mind if one more person visited?"
Chouseki looked at the girl before turning back to Kakashi; he nodded, "Please leave the lights off, Sasuke had awoken earlier today and he really needs to rest if he wants to heal."
They nodded as Chouseki left, Kakashi directed her towards the boy, "come out when you're finished."
She nodded to the Jounin as he left.
Kin brought up a chair, placing it next to the bed as she sat down, watching Sasuke's chest rise and fall.
"I hate you," she spoke out, waiting for a reaction that never came, she leaned closer, placing her arms on the side of the bed, "I don't even know why I feel bad, I just met you for one day."
She looked at the boy with a sad smile, leaning forward, "I'm glad you can't hear me, but I wanted you to know," she placed her hand on the boy's soft cheek, just feeling his skin, "thank you," she moved back, closing her eyes, "where I came from, a lot of us had no choice but to adapt, to grow stronger," she looked back at the boy, "I'm not used to anyone's kindness, I'm not used to showing emotions." She smiled, "I'm sure you don't want to hear my problems but, tough luck," she quietly laughed to herself, enjoying the moment, "I've never had anyone to talk to, I had no friends, no one who would listen. At least, not until I met you," She leaned back on her chair, staring at the ceiling, "I still remember a few days ago, that day we met; remember that ramen shop you took me to? I loved how we chatted, I loved your stories, it was the best times I had," she looked back down again, "you see, in my village, everyone was scared, everyone looked out for themselves, no one shows kindness like you did, and what I just wanted to say is that…I'm grateful." She felt awful as she stood up and moved to the other side, staring down at his face, "I'm glad I met you, and I'm sorry for what I did, what my team did. I-I didn't know."
She closed her eyes, standing still as her whole body quivered. Her arms lay by her side, her fists clenched as she gritted her teeth; under her eyes, she fought hard not to show it but it was there, she was crying.
She slowly went back to his side, remembering the disappointment in his eyes, in the forest. She knew she had lost his friendship; it had been eating her, she wanted his forgiveness, the only friend she made and she tried to kill him…
"I wish you could hear me," she gasped, breathing in, controlling her-self before closing her eyes, "I'm sorry, I never told anyone before but, I really am sorry… and I like you." She finally said it, what she had been feeling as she stared at his face, her cheeks were red as her eyes continued to shed tears while smiling down at him, "I can honestly say I like you. You're the only boy I've ever had a crush on, and I don't care if I just met you…I already know what kind of person you are" she closed her eyes, crying into the side of his bed, "but I know you'll never hear me, by the time I leave, you won't remember this at all." she clenched her fist, "But I don't care anymore, I need to tell you." She continued to lay her head on the soft bed, "Orochimaru told me, Dosu, and Zaku, that he needs us for his final plan. I don't know what it is but, Sound and Sand are going to invade Konoha, and I don't know what to do…I need help." She continued to close her eyes as tears continued to flow down her cheeks, she waited for a response, any but none came. She continued to bow her head, just enjoying his presence one last time before she would finally leave. Maybe she would have to fight him, maybe not, but she knew she had to fight for her village.
She stood up, smiling sadly at Sasuke before making her way to the door and wiping her eyes, 'The only boy who was kind to me, the only one I have ever liked…he's my enemy, it can never work between us.'
She left, the hallway was empty as she looked around for the Anbu guards who were there earlier before she spotted a figure walking down the halls; it was the Jounin from earlier.
"So you've finished?" he asked as Kin nodded her head.
"Don't worry about the guards, they'll be back," Kakashi reassured her as he spotted her looking around, "we just wanted to give you some space, you know, we could hear your conversation so we left before we heard anything personal."
Kin thanked him but inwardly cursed at how close she came to spilling the secret…and yet, she was saddened.
Kin started to leave as Kakashi watched her go, whatever they talked about; he knew she was sad as he spotted the tear stains on her cheeks. Kakashi just shook his head before disappearing in a puff of smoke; he would have to meet his student soon.
...back in the room...
Sasuke woozily opened his eyes, he could still feel the drugs in his body but he knew he had heard voices earlier.
But the last voice he heard, the words, it had echoed off into his head as he tried to put a name to that voice.
His mind was slowly waking up as his thoughts became sharper and he tried to remember the words that were said.
'Kin?' Sasuke thought before remembering the rest, 'she needs help,' he tried to move as pain surged through him, he wasn't fully healed yet but he tried to speak.
A cough came out as he tried again. It was raspy and croaky but he could speak, he pressed the button near the side as he waited for the med nin to come.
...training fields...
Kakashi met Ami in the fields; he had to pick up something for this training.
"Hello," Kakashi greeted as Ami nodded excitedly.
"Now, let's find out your element shall we," he took out a piece of paper as Ami watched in confusion.
"This paper came from a special tree grown using chakra," he handed it to Ami, "concentrate your chakra into it and we'll see what your main elemental affinity is.
Ami nodded, staring intently at the paper before concentrating her chakra.
...team sand...
"So how was it?" Gaara asked as Kankurou entered their apartment room.
"Father arrives in two days," Kankurou answered as Gaara and Temari listened, "Baki sensei is getting ready to leave tomorrow to meet with Father, to make sure he gets here safely and to inform him that we want a meeting with him."
Gaara nodded as Temari and Kankurou looked at each other.
"So this is what you truly want?" Kankurou asked Gaara.
Gaara thought back to all his experience from arriving, then the forest, then the others, before finally answering.
"Yes, this is what I have decided," Gaara's stance changed as he held his head up high, "I will follow my own path, my own decisions, and I will protect my friends."
No words needed to be said after wards as Temari smiled down at her brother, it felt right, what they were doing, and she would support him until the end.
...scene change...
Tenten walked out of the hospital, she had just visited Lee but he seemed to be in the worst condition, at least, compared to Sasuke.
She continued to walk home before she stopped as a figure appeared in front of her.
"Neji," she spoke normally, she still remembered what the boy had said and sometimes, she just hated his attitude. She was surprised she used to have a crush on the boy.
"Tenten, I acquire your assistance," Neji spoke in that superior voice of his, which sounded a lot like being needed by him was a great thing.
"Not now," she wasn't in the mood, "I still have to return home, personal life, remember."
Neji nodded as Tenten brushed right past him as he spoke, "I will meet you in our team's training grounds by tomorrow morning, be there." He left as Tenten twitched one of her eyes and muttered out, "asshole," before leaving.
...scene change...
"I'm sorry but I cannot help you," The med nin tried to calm the boy Sasuke.
"Listen," Sasuke tried his hardest speaking as it still hurt, "I just need you to find my sensei, that's all, it's important."
"What's so important," The med nin stood staring at him, her arms at her side as Sasuke froze, trying to think of something.
"Listen, maybe when you've healed or when they visit you, you could see him," the med nin started to leave, "but right now, you need to rest." She left as Sasuke cursed his luck.
'Dammit,' he sighed, staring up at the ceiling, 'Kin, please wait for me, can you be safe until I get out of this place?' he spoke silently in his mind before huffing out and pressing the button again, 'maybe I'll get a new med nin.'
The same med nin came to his room again as he cursed, she rose a brow as Sasuke quirked his lips.
"Are you sure you can't just…" Sasuke started again as the med nin twitched one of her eyes.
"Mr. Uchiha," She looked at him sternly, "I can do no such thing until you've gotten better, now rest." She left again as Sasuke had a look of annoyance on his face before his fingers made way to the button again, 'third times the charm…right?'
The nin came in again, her eyes narrowed as she stared at him menacingly…he gulped before speaking.
"Can I have a glass of water?" Sasuke asked as the med nin went to the door and took out his charts.
She read them before speaking back to Sasuke, "you have the correct amount of water in your body, no liquid or food products can enter your throat for today unless we risk more damage," her face calmed, "I'm sorry but you cannot have a glass of water."
It was quiet as Sasuke nodded once again as the med nin asked, "Is there anything else?"
Sasuke looked up calmly, "Well, you can always call my sensei?"
"You're not going to make this easy…are you?" the med nin gave Sasuke a look as he smirked in response.
"No, I am not going to call your sensei unless there is an emergency and a guardian is needed, end of discussion," she started heading out again as Sasuke called out, she stopped.
"Is that the only way?"
She twitched, "Get some rest," she left again as Sasuke sighed in defeat as he thought to himself.
'I never found out what happened to the Kin in my world, I just never knew what kind of person she was,' he sighed again, 'I hope she's ok.'
...team sound...
Kin, Zaku, and Dosu waited in their room as they were given there next orders.
"So we are to wait here for Orochimaru to return?" Zaku asked as Dosu nodded before speaking.
"Orochimaru left today, something about meeting the Kazekage…"
Kin stared outside, distracted as her two teammates continued to speak to each other, she didn't know what to do now. She had told Sasuke everything she felt about him these past few days, but she didn't have the courage to wait for him to wake, it was just hard showing weakness while others watched, she wasn't raised like that.
She sighed back in thought, 'but I did, I just couldn't do it in his face,' she stood up and left to her room while Dosu and Zaku glanced at her as she left, they didn't really care about her, just what they can do at the moment.
...training fields...
"Hmm, that's interesting," Kakashi stared at the paper that fell apart on Ami's hand, "you seem to have an affinity for earth."
Ami looked back excitedly as Kakashi nodded before speaking, "Ami, mastering your element will take time and you only have a month; let's try this," he performed a seal and soon disappeared as Ami looked around in confusion.
She heard rumbling underneath her feet as Kakashi appeared, shooting up from the ground and appearing up in front of her.
"What I did is a basic earth manipulation, I'll teach you the basics before handing you most earth jutsus I know," Ami nodded in approval as Kakashi continued, "you have the final match to prepare for, I will teach you through jutsus so you would get comfortable using your element...wait, do you know the water walking jutsu?"
Ami shook her head as Kakashi slapped his own, "I'm sorry, I thought Sasuke would have known the jutsu and taught it to you guys…anyways, let me teach you it first before we get started. I'll write the jutsus I want you to learn in a scroll while you attempt the exercise…now let's go, I know a perfect spot for you to learn," Kakashi smiled underneath his mask, now he felt as if he was doing his job, he was helping his student. He led the way as Ami followed excitedly, she was going to learn new jutsus and from her sensei, she smiled in thought, 'just watch me Sasuke, I'll be strong enough to match you…you won't have to worry about us anymore.'
They left, Kakashi leading them to a familiar place inside the village.
A month is all they have to prepare; so many things could happen as Kakashi felt he was missing something. He couldn't help but feel that something wasn't right, he thought back to Orochimaru as his mind continued to ponder, 'he just appeared out of nowhere, he wants Sasuke but is that all he came here for…for just one person,' he shook his head, 'something isn't right here.'
He knew something was wrong, it was at the tip of his fingers, but he didn't know what it was. He continued to make his way to the training site in thought, hoping it was just paranoia.