Thank you again to Mokimo and Soprano-In-Waiting! And of course to all of you readers for sticking through this for so long! The best parts (in my opinion) are coming up shortly so please hang in there!

Chapter 25: Always Cut Short

The teens all chatted lightly while they ate some BBQ. After everyone had their fill, they all went their separate ways. Naruto and Akemi walked together back towards the hospital.

An awkward silence settled over the pair. Akemi could feel Naruto's hand get close to hers a few times, but then the warmth would go away before his skin could make contact. It felt weird, walking this close to him. They had done the same thing on the way to the restaurant, but this time things were different.

They walked up into the hospital and made it to Kakashi's room. The room was empty, save Kakashi, when they entered. "Hey you two."

"How are you feeling, Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto asked.

"I'm not fully recovered yet, but I don't need to be to help you with your training."

"Really Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto asked, excited.

"I'm glad you're doing better, Kakashi-San." Akemi commented.

"It took long enough," Naruto complained.

"Sorry, sorry," Kakashi replied in his normal fashion.

"So when can we start, Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto was eager like always.

"We just have to find Yamato and we can head to the training field." Before he could finish, Naruto had tore out of the room.

Akemi's eyes followed Naruto sadly. She knew she shouldn't expect too much, but it was still saddening to see Naruto run out like that without saying anything to her. She sighed loudly as her body slouched.

Kakashi eyed the girl before him, reading into her actions. "So what's going on between you and Naruto?"

Akemi's back stiffened immediately at his words. Could he read their situation that easily? Could everyone else?

"You two seemed different than earlier." He pointed out. "Did something happen over BBQ?"

'How is he reading into everything perfectly?' "N…Nothing," she stumbled.

Before Kakashi could prod her further, the door was thrown open with Naruto pulling Yamato behind him.

"Kakashi-Taichou," Yamato huffed, he was out of breath from being dragged all the way to the hospital.

"I found Yamato-Taichou, so can we start now?" Naruto asked, still excited.

Kakashi chuckled, "Alright, Naruto, we can go to the training field now."

The three started out of the room, leaving Akemi behind. She understood why she was ignored, but it still hurt. The depressing thoughts were quickly interrupted by Naruto's quick return. "What are you still doing here? You're coming too!" he grabbed her hand firmly and pulled her out of the room.

Akemi watched as Naruto had started his training. The secret technique that Kakashi had come up with was for Naruto to use as many clones as he could. Yamato had to be present to keep the fox's chakra in control. Naruto had been working hard on trying to cut a leaf with just his wind chakra for awhile; Akemi was starting to fall asleep. The sun was almost fully set already; it was getting really late.

Akemi stood up, stretching her limbs out. "Naruto, I think I'm going to head back home."

About half of the Naruto clones raised one of their hands up quickly, indicating that they heard her. They all quickly went back to training.

Akemi went home and made herself some dinner. After cleaning up, she changed and went to bed. She got up early, dressed for the day, and packed a breakfast for four. She grabbed her basket and headed out to the training field where Naruto was sure to still be practicing.

Arriving at the training field gave her a view she didn't expect to see. Kakashi and Yamato were sitting near each other while Naruto was lying on the ground. 'Was he still asleep?' She approached the group to notice he was indeed asleep.

"He's ok, he just passed out." Kakashi pointed out.

"He was training already?" Akemi asked him.

Kakashi nodded his head, "It's just the way he is. You'll have to get used to it."

"Mmmm." Akemi commented, looking back to the sleeping blond. If he was training so hard, he probably didn't want to be bothered by her. "Well, I made breakfast for you all. I thought that you guys would all be hungry."

"Really?" Kakashi asked, looking at her basket.

Akemi put it down, for Kakashi and Yamato to dive into it immediately. She giggled softly as she watched the grown men stuff their faces. They finished eating, leaving plenty of food for when Naruto would regain consciousness.

"Thank you, Akemi." Yamato bowed his head slightly to her.

"Ah, no problem Yamato-San." She felt awkward, "just wanted to help." She sat down by the teachers. She didn't have much time to wait for the sleeping blond, however.

A shinobi appeared out of a puff of smoke. His black bangs covered up almost half of his face. "Akemi, the Hokage has summoned you."

"What?" she asked, quickly standing up.

Yamato and Kakashi gave the shinobi a confused look. "What's going on Izumo?" Kakashi questioned him.

"You and Yamato-Taichou are to keep up Naruto's training. There's been an attack on the Fire Temple."

The shinobi present were all silent for a moment before Izumo disappeared the same way he appeared. Kakashi turned to Akemi, "Be careful. Whoever attacked the Fire Temple must be strong."

"Right." She responded shortly. She looked to the sleeping blond; she wouldn't be able to talk to him. "I better get going." She quickly disappeared in the direction of the Hokage's mansion.