WARNING: there are a buttload of pairings or just touchy feely moments in this chapter…If it threatens you to discontinue reading please bear with me and you will be fine. I promise there will be some action in the next chapter to make up for the boring drama this chap had to get out of the way first. Um, I mean seriously, this is Karin's chapter and time to be head player. I reward you in the end by going back to our dear hopeless main character and my favorite format: TORTURE! LOL There will be no rests! (laughs evilly-MWA HA HA!)
Also, I have a rating warning too. Just to be safe I went ahead and upped my Rating from T to M. Even so, I'm probably ONLY going to hint at certain things but never go into full detail. You know, bed stuff, and um, yeah. There will also be particular four-letter words more often. Not to mention you have those ratings people concerned with underage drinking…But I promise that is IT so don't expect me to go much further than that. Let's see, sex-covered, language-covered. Oh yeah. Gore. The last few chapters might have a bit but no more than the Uchiha clan's back-story in the second chapter…well, maybe more. Violence-definitely!
Anyways enjoy this…this very odd and mixed fruits basket of a chapter.
Oh-the stupid word program on another computer DE -italicized everything so I hope nothing like thoughts or talking ever gets confusing in all it's simple format. I was too lazy and rushed on time here at my wifi joint to go back and italicize sall of Taka's inner thoughts all over again. I mean-fudge-this thing is over 10.000 words long and I have work tonight. Blah blah blah enjoy.
A GAME OF SHOGI/ TO START A WAR
The following morning couldn't have been worse. To add on to the embarrassing and downright disgraceful and pathetic failure of the night before Nagato decided to check in of all times, which couldn't have been less desired by the true Akatsuki head. The Uchiha sighed as he triggered his chakra, pressing two fingers to the front of his mask hiding where his lips were, and listened to the second in command's inquiries. Even from where the Rinnegan user was, it was obvious that his organization had since moved which he had not been notified properly of in advancement as normal procedures dictated. Honestly, he had every right to question that but it still made Obito seethe with annoyance. His impatience flickering like the fickle light bulbs hanging on the bleak walls surrounding him in the new hideout.
The current hideout was their most secure one, as well as modern, suited with its own generator that ran enough electricity to light up multiple wings and underground layers contained within where as the previous one had only been lit by candlelight and special lanterns. Unlike before, it also has a more earthy location, instead of being settled on a deep cliff, it was nestled safely between both the Waterfall, and the Country of Earth. Protected by the land's rocky mountains and strong barriers. Completely safe from the outside world and ideal for smaller operations. It's only con: it was also their most small hideout compared to the others.
The Gedo barely fit in this hideout with its monstrous height and outstretched chained hands. With its natural and twisted look, the eyesore looked even more ancient in comparison to the sleek build of the gritty metal interior of the new hideout, but the steel and iron lining made it all the more perfect for prisoners. It, the sinister grey, the flickering dimness, the occasional tangle of chains, created a fitting dark feng shui, Obito mused. Grimy, stark, cold. A fucking prison.
There were multiple underground levels all built with maximum security in mind, the most bottom level built with cells lining the base, which, for the most part, had not been used in years. There were a few prisoners remaining, though, and even more corpse remains outnumbering them with their wrists hanging limply above their rotting skulls by chains. Disturbing really, a little too much so. Obito had one of the Zetsu dusting the place and disposing of them as he waited in his new steel laboratory that was-thanks to Taka-very much empty.
"Madara…You are at the west hideout?" Pain's usual monotone voice came off as more somber than usual as it resonated in the Uchiha's head through their hazy link. Nagato through Pain was always able to communicate with Akatsuki members this way, no matter how far away, but distance tended to distort the sound a bit and judging by the faint noise in the background he was still in the Rain village.
"Yes, we had to move," Obito said simply. His teeth gritted when the man asked why? It wasn't that he was afraid to admit the truth-just the opposite, he wanted Naruto to be at fault and Nagato to know it. He just didn't know how Nagato would react to his "precious" host being lost and the fact Obito was to blame for bringing Sasuke into their organization only for the youngling to destroy everything they had worked so hard for. That hideout wasn't their only one of course but it was their biggest and greatest when it came to resources. Now all those resources were gone. And even if they had not been burned up by Sasuke's Amaterasu the previous night then they had been stolen beforehand by his team. Depending on how the ancient Uzumaki responded to this mess the Akatsuki could easily split for it.
"I'm sorry to say but we've had some problems on our end…And judging by the time it's taking you I would say you have too…How bad is it? You have always cherished your suffering little village…"
There was a sigh on his end. Whether because they both knew he was partially avoiding the question or because Nagato didn't want to answer Obito's question either was beyond him. Unlike Obito, Nagato was still very attached to his home and origins. Dangerously so. "It's bad," Pain's voice finally said, and even though he spoke through Yahiko's corpse Obito could hear Nagato's voice resonating in it clearly like a drip in a cave. It was a tiny part of something so much bigger, that slow, pained, tone that was so unmistakably broke on the inside as it echoed past the throat of his fallen best friend. "And when I return I want to personally talk to the Jinchuuriki…" Oh, shit. Go figure. "Where is he now?"
There was no getting around it. Obito leaned back against the wall, resting himself against it as he spoke, the words coming out slow. "As I mentioned we've had some problems on our end. It first began after you and Taka left. The host, so overwhelmed by the solitude, decided to try to free himself and the world from the Kyuubi problem…"
There was a long pause. Then finally, "What are you saying?"
Oh please, he knew damn well where he was taking this. Nagato himself had expressed worry of this scenario. And as far as the Uzumaki was concerned this was how it had happened.
"I'm saying he couldn't bear the thought of the Akatsuki getting their hands on the last tailed beast so…he attempted suicide."
The pause this time was even longer, and tangible. He could practically see the disbelief on the corpse's face, his mouth drawing into a firm line and ripple-like eyes narrowing, full of doubt. Their link hissed. They both knew Naruto would do anything to protect his village but the suicide scenario was difficult to swallow completely when recalling his dream of becoming Hokage. And his growing relationship with Taka.
"I expect a verbal confession straight from his mouth when I get back."
"And you will have it," Obito said assuredly. Naruto swore to take the fall and Obito expected him to, even after running away. That had been their so-called deal. "We nearly lost him for good but fortunately the Taka was able to bring him back. Though…that's where the real trouble began. Suigetsu, distressed over the Jinchuuriki, pulled a coup and the rest followed, taking him with them."
He wasn't exactly ready to put complete blame on Sasuke. Yet.
He was still figuring out what to do with the last young Uchiha. So far, he was thinking that perhaps at this point it was best to let the Avenger carry on his seed and eyes (something Obito could not do) before killing him off. Then again Obito blamed Naruto's influence for the whole mess. Surely after a few days of playing fugitive Sasuke would come to his senses and see his errors-that Naruto was not even worth the trouble with his flawed beliefs and weaknesses. He would have no choice but to allow for Naruto's re-capture. But he himself would not be allowed to come back.
Ever.
True he was an important piece to Obito's little game but he had crossed a line there was no truly coming back from. Bar none.
"Because his attempt of life my chakra became extremely low and I was unprepared. They struck when I least expected it. The entire hideout was destroyed. Absolutely everything in it except the Gedo-though that took some damage as well."
"I don't understand…Are you saying…."
"The host is gone. But I will see to it he is brought back personally, so you don't need to bother again-tend to your village. The host is my problem. I already have a few Zetsu on their trail. They've been heading south…" He took the other man's silence as deep thought, so he continued. "I swear Naruto will be re-captured and brought to his own personal cell so this will not happen again."
"Fine," Pain said. "But I expect him to remain in condition to walk. Other than that…do whatever is necessary to keep him in the Akatsuki's hold…"
So even Pain had no second thoughts about complete incarceration. Fine. With. Him. Obito sneered as the link died. He had no doubts of Naruto's return and he certainly had no doubts that his methods at full, uncensored by Pain, would keep him theirs. And the first thing he was going to do was crush that infernal voice box of his. It was long past time the boy stopped talking.
_-xXx-_
Turn 19: AFTERSHOCK-Gravity of Love
Kachishoogiwaoni no gotoshi
A won game is like a devil
_-xXx-_
The waiting was terrible, each painful second only further increasing the heaviness inside his chest. Suigetsu shuddered and once again checked Karin's pulse when a pained moan came from under the blankets covering her. The young woman quivered from his touch and again he felt his chest hurt. He couldn't explain it exactly either. It was a hot sensation that left him breathless and for a moment he was afraid there was something legit wrong with him health-wise.
Maybe the fish he ate that Sasuke had gathered that morning had been poisoned by the Akatsuki in attempt to make catching Naruto easier, like they just dumped some kind of poison in the nearest river in hopes that the Taka would go to it, knowing that it was the only water source for miles and miles-wait. Naruto seemed fine and he had eaten it for breakfast, too. Sasuke had made extra sure to check the water's purity before Naruto was even within a mile radius to it. So that scenario was out of the picture….Hmm, he couldn't think of any other reason right now-and really all he could focus on was Karin and Naruto. He didn't have room in his noggin for the Akatsuki anymore. That ship, he prayed, had sailed. Over. Gone
Suigetsu glanced up at the blond who, like him, had not left Karin's side while they rested in an empty cave. Fortunately the Taka had discovered the dark stone passages while trekking through the unending forest only a few hours ago. Against Sasuke's wishes to continue on Suigetsu and Naruto both fought with him for Karin's sake and now here they were. Juugo was outside communicating with the animals about the area and possible people within, while Sasuke was scouting ahead to see if it was safe yet, leaving Suigetsu alone to watch over Karin and guard Naruto.
The light of the fire a few feet away danced on his features, highlighting the different mars contrasting against his usual appearance. The occasional strands of hair matted together with red, the clear streaks down his dirty face that he had failed to wash off completely in said river during their rush, and most of all, Suigetsu could see his eyes, dark and heavy, so tired, but fixed intently on Karin. His lips pressed together tightly with worry.
She coughed and he quickly removed his jacket so he could place the dainty fabric on her, as if the blankets were not enough. Surely he knew it wouldn't do her any good…But then again, he was so wrought with worry, it didn't matter. Suigetsu's eyes dimmed as he eyed the bandages wrapped around Naruto's now-exposed wrist. The light of the fire flickered on his arm, dancing across the linen, too jovially. Movement had caused his wounds to open up during their morning run and bleed against the white wrappings, dyeing them a dark crimson. But Naruto had not even complained once about it. If anything Suigetsu occasionally caught him only staring at it with a dazed expression on his face that was sickeningly too much like his state from dawn. That…dead zombie state that made Suigetsu uncomfortable. It was these moments Suigetsu had to distract him, urge him to keep moving faster.
He still couldn't believe the damage done to that wrist…and how it had been self-inflicted. It must have taken a lot of strength to fight the shackle off via force. It had taken both Sasuke and Suigetsu together an entire hour just to pick the other one off with needles, but Naruto had removed the first in what he said had been half a minute…and for that girl, too. Why? Deep down a voice said if it came to him and Karin he would have done the same, but then he pushed the confusing thought aside. He would never-she was a stuck-up bitch.
"Na…"
Both boys jumped at the sound of her voice. Suigetsu gasped. "Karin?" Were the poison's effects finally dying down? After examining her with his Sharingan earlier Sasuke said Kabuto had only used a paralyzing substance. One that would wear off on its own with time.
She blinked a few times in the dim light, like a shuttering camera, taking in her new surroundings and putting the images to her mind. It only took a few moments like this for her brain to deduce all that was happening or had and connect the dots. She smiled softly. She knew they were away from the Akatsuki. Their mission had miraculously succeeded.
She was about to try to speak again but could only throw up to the side, her body trembling and racking as the vile left her system. Recovering once it was all out she laid back against her makeshift bed and uttered "sorry, the poison should be all gone now…" Frowning, Suigetsu activated his jutsu and hosed the nasty discharge down until there was nothing left and once done he caught Karin staring at Naruto.
"Nar…Naruto?" She tried to sit up but Naruto stopped her.
"Shh, it's alright, sis," he whispered gently and for a moment Suigetsu felt…he didn't know what but the tone Naruto used, the way he looked at her, and the way she looked back…it didn't settle well in his gut. Part of him realized that perhaps it was because he was the one who wanted to be in that position. But she was a bitch and he the joker. This was irrational and stupid and what the hell-
He grabbed her by her shoulders and held her in a strong embrace. He could feel her cold sweaty skin shaking under him. It felt…hot strangely, not in a sexy way, of course, but a temperature way, which was strange when it seemed like his cool touch froze everything he had ever tried reaching for. "Wha-" she started but couldn't finish as he continued to hug her, and strangely enough, she didn't make the effort to push him away. The moment, caught in each other's arms, seemed to go on forever, a long blissful moment, and everything but she and he disappeared in the ecstatic warmth. He only registered the outside world again when Naruto, smiling grimly, joined in on her other side, converting it into a small group hug.
And oddly, Suigetsu didn't mind. This was just a special thing-never to happen again. Karin was alive. They all were, and everything was gonna be all right somehow.
"Glad you're okay, Karin," Naruto whispered, trembling slightly himself. "Thank you, sis." His arms tightened around her. "So much."
His voice had held nothing but gratitude to the highest degree and Suigetsu instantly felt extremely stupid for his thoughts and feelings that had momentarily seethed underneath his skin, his brief resentment of the way the blond had stuck so close to Karin. She had saved him and he had every right to bear gratitude towards her.
Karin, recovering from the surprise of two young men suddenly hugging her, weakly pushed them away. "Ugh, back up. I can't breathe."
"Oh, sorry, sis," Naruto said, blushing.
"Yeah, wouldn't want your germs, anyways," Suigetsu goaded, smirking. He just couldn't help it. It slid out his mouth like water from a faucet. It just moved on its own, naturally, and uncontrollable. He had never been one to hold his tongue.
She rolled her eyes, the motion coming out slowly in her weakened state but she did it anyways. Refusing to let the poison be victor of her emotions or body as her chakra continued to purge the last remnants from her system.
"Immature as always," came Sasuke's censuring voice. The sound of his footsteps entering the cave further broke their moment off as his sandal's bottoms tapped against the stone-hard ground. A little too hard, Suigetsu thought. His face looked slightly sour, as if he had just witnessed something he didn't like, but he quickly hid it behind the usual impassive mask he liked to wear. It was a face Suigetsu was familiar with, he had learned that just because he didn't look upset it didn't mean he wasn't and that sometimes that plain expression was more dangerous than a real one because he could strike out at any moment and you would never know or suspect it.
And ever since dawn, Suigetsu felt his mask was covering something…something dark and dangerous, perhaps secrete anger or sadness that was lurking under his pale features. Something that overrode the joy to be had over their successful mission.
"Well, about time you got back-look! She's awake!" Naruto exclaimed only for Sasuke to completely ignore him and approach her directly. Naruto's brow knotted and he crossed his arms. Suigetsu thought he heard him hiss typical under his breath.
Naturally, after recovering from his shock, he and Sasuke had snapped back and forth at each other between bouts of running and fighting off Zetsu occasionally but unlike before there wasn't a deep under layer of nastiness between them that felt like it was building up for an explosion. Suigetsu had, at first, been baffled by it, the strange feeling between them now that he suspected might be forgiveness or fear. Or both. Something had happened last night but he knew better than to ask.
"Karin," the Uchiha said, kneeling beside her. "Can you…" He didn't need to continue.
She nodded her head, her face growing crimson at his closeness, enough so that it made Suigetsu want to vomit. "Yeah…I'm fine now." She smiled, but it came off as weak. "It's all gone."
He nodded, handing her her glasses. She hesitantly put them on after a moment. "Good. I need to speak with you…"
Suigetsu bit his tongue in attempt to fight the acid in his throat back. Sasuke's definition of a "talk" with Karin involved his teeth and her skin. Like Naruto, he was growing resentful of it even more. It wasn't like when Naruto had bitten her-that had been an absolute emergency and at first Naruto had even reclined because he was thinking of her feelings over his own, even when he had been dying at the time. Sasuke on the other hand only cared about…
He heard her giggle, her smile was so bright as she took Sasuke's hand and he helped her stand up. She wobbled at first and he caught her when she (purposely) fell, resulting in a shaky gasp and girlish squeal. Her flashing glasses failed to hide how her red eyes were so fixed on his exposed chest, his neck, the strength of his arms…She was marveling in his touch, her eyes trapped by his hold and enjoying it so much that it hurt. Suigetsu turned his back, unable to keep watching, or bear the heaviness in his chest. Something had to be wrong with him. That's it. Nothing some pain killers won't fix, he thought sulkily. Just something bad I ate…
Naruto's eyes darted between the Taka members, awkwardly, and he, too, got ready to leave, a sour expression on his face. He didn't make it two steps before they both heard Sasuke whisper something into Karin's ear and she nodded.
"Naruto," she said. She drew the 'o' out too long. She sounded pissed and saddened at the same time. Both Naruto and Suigetsu turned toward her and Sasuke, wondering what was about to happen. Maybe Sasuke discovered something outside. Maybe an awaiting ambush or something that he needed to watch out for.
"Your wrist," Sasuke spoke, pointing at the blond's bloody bandages.
Suigetsu's face turned scarlet. So he wanted the "talk" to be with Naruto.
Naruto stuttered multiple responses and 'no's for a moment and was about to try to walk off again but the raven was fast. He snatched him by his right arm, yanking him back towards them. In the rush he nearly tripped on a loose rock but Sasuke's harsh grip on his limb kept him up.
"Let her look at it," the Uchiha growled in an impatient voice. He wasn't ignorant of Naruto's feelings toward Karin's healing methods. "Now."
"No way! It's doing fine healing on its own!" Naruto argued back, attempting to stand his ground. By now, even he realized everything he stood for was nothing but shaky beliefs in the world of villains and danger but, still, it was the only thing he could do anymore ,even though even that, and his strength, had shattered in a forced paradigm shift he refused to fully accept, even as a new Taka member.
"Please, Naruto," Karin said. "Just let me look at it…"
"No, Karin! Suigetsu already helped me clean it and Juugo worked hard to re-wrap it. It's fine."
"We won't be able to keep up and fight off the Akatsuki with your wrist like that!" The Uchiha snapped back. "Or did you forget we're not out of the woods yet?"
"Listen, dick, I said no and I mean it!"
The resulting argument and fight between them lasted a lot shorter than Suigetsu expected and ended with Naruto sitting cross-legged on the ground cradling his arm; his lips pressed tightly together as Karin kneeled beside him and started to undo the bandages. Sasuke meanwhile walked off, muttering "Idiot" and other derogatory names under his breath as he left the cave and gave them space. Suigetsu suspected he left the cave because he didn't want to hear Naruto's mouth as he continued to grumble about his rival, too.
"Stupid. Dumbass."
Karin had similar words for Naruto when she saw the full extent of his torn wrist and crushed thumb. Suigetsu had already seen the disgusting state of his skin, how his flesh had been shaved down, exposing shredded muscles and the tiny bones of his radio and intercarpal joints nearly up to his knuckles, and the pitiful state of his broken thumb, earlier but seeing them again he was still met with nausea and, sinisterly enough, fascination. It was the kind of gory look that came when one scraped a blunt knife against flesh, hacking away at it crudely. Sharper blades are safer for that reason, the swordsman mused. They require less pressure and force. The dull edges of the cuff had only made it worse for him and his unyielding determination.
"How could you, Naruto?" she exclaimed, voice breaking. She wacked him in the head. "There's too much damage-I mean you tore down to your friggen bones!"
"So?" he muttered. "It'll still heal."
"Not like this!" She exclaimed smacking him again. "You're gonna have to bite, it's the only way!"
Naruto shook his head stubbornly. "Nah-huh. I won't do that to you again. One Naruto bite-mark scar on you is enough. I won't give you another."
She sighed frustratingly. "Naruto, you're being ridiculous. I don't care. I may be a woman but kunoichi or not-I'm still a ninja. And if you had rights to do this to yourself then surely another little bite on me will be no different. It's for the greater good."
His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Greater good? That justifies it? It…justifies bloody everything!" His voice was full of venom. The Black-eyed kind. Uh-oh…
"Hey Naruto," Suigetsu quickly cut in, remembering not only Kisame's warning but Sasuke's about Naruto's emotional state right now. "You better listen to her before she gets mad. I mean I hate it too but…It's only this one last time, and we both know you'll be careful doing it to not hurt her any more than necessary."
"And really," Karin added, grateful for Suigetsu's helpful input, "it doesn't hurt. On the contrary it feels kinda good. Your chakra, not your teeth, I mean." She smiled dismally. "You have amazing chakra kid. It's…so light. It might help my system feel better after all that nasty poison from Kabuto"
Naruto looked down and sighed. "So…you want me to?"
"Yeah."
"And Suigetsu. You're…fine?"
He nodded, his throat feeling tight. "Just…be quick about it, okay?"
They both ignored Karin's following comment. ("Since when did what he feels about it matter?")
Naruto sighed. "Okay then. Fine, sis. Let's get this over with."
Suigetsu had to turn away as he took her scarred arm into his hands and he left the two alone, unwilling to watch. Bastard never hurt himself so severely again. He had no doubt Naruto felt the same way, too.
Naruto took a deep breath as he rolled her purple sleeves up and studied her arm. "I'm sorry, sis…I just wanted to protect her and…"
"I know," she said softly. "But it's all over now. All of it…so smile, please. It's not healthy to frown."
True that. He closed his eyes and took her arm in his mouth, his teeth pressing ever so gently against her skin, not yet pricking it. Only half a moment later he started shaking, his fingers around her arm loosening until they fell to the ground limply with his arms. He couldn't do it. Wouldn't. With a frustrated hiss, she whacked the top of his head, forcing his teeth harder against her arm.
"Come on, idiot," she snapped, edgily. "We don't have all day!"
Even with his mouth full he started laughing and she couldn't help joining in. She barely even registered the pain of those intense needles that always screamed let go! when he finally broke skin. All she felt was joy and such amazingly intense and bright power rush through their link of flesh and teeth. Immersed in his glow she directed all of hers towards only where he needed it the most. She needed to conserve the rest for Sasuke. Naruto and all his bruises would just have to keep his other mild injuries or heal them himself. She didn't want to drag it out, as amazing as the connection was anyways. So…amazing, and beautiful, she thought.
They were still laughing when it was over. She whipped a tear from her eye and checked his wrist again. "See?" she said, studying the fresh skin that was pale against the rest of his dirty tanned skin tone. "All better."
"Yeah," he said slowly, examining his hand. "I guess."
She cocked her head to the side, and crossed her arms. "Now that's taken care of, you wanna tell me what happened with you last night? How that happened? And about the thing I had you-"
"Listen Karin," he interrupted, backing away. "What happened at the Akatsuki's stays at the Akatsuki's. I don't want to talk about it, okay? And I promise I'll give it to him today. It's just not the right moment."
"Okay, okay," she said defensively. "No need to -"
Before she was even finished he was gone and she was completely alone in the cave. Okay, she thought. That was odd.
_-xXx-_
She found him trying to skip stones across the river. Fighting the urge to laugh/face palm/roll her eyes she pulled him to the side towards a huge boulder that was overlooking the body of water. She motioned for him to sit down next to her. Naruto bit his lip, debating whether to comply.
"Come on," she said. "I have something to give you."
That seemed to do the trick. Curious, he sat down and eyed the bag she was holding. She smiled at him in return. "I hear you boys have had some trouble with Zetsu while I was out."
"Yeah?"
"So…It's more of a reason for you to upgrade."
Naruto tilted his head to the side, going "huh?" dumbly.
"Well," Karin continued, "Sasuke has his special sword, Suigetsu his oversized one-and I mean geez, the loser can't even carry the thing-and Juugo and I don't need anything. So…" She grinned as she pulled the compacted bow from the bag. It was the nice sturdy kind that could fold down to make traveling around with it easier. "Since you bit yesterday I've been able to analyze your chakra and add special components to this."
His eyes widened in childish giddiness when she handed him the unique weapon. Shocked, happy, overwhelmed…and kind of sad? She couldn't place it and she didn't endeavor to try any further. "You know how Sasuke can channel his Chidori through his blade? Well since you're a wind style user I altered this so you'll be able to channel wind nature through it. If you do your arrows will be thousands of times faster than normal ones, and will be impossible to miss or dodge. Not to mention it will help with your short range problem."
He gasped, his grin growing large. "Oh my gosh!" he cried. "It's so cool I can't believe it, ya know!"
She nodded. Now here comes the real purpose and downside. "Why don't you practice with conducting your charka into it now? Not only will it help get some practice in but it'll help you with your chakra. Remember, you told me you were having trouble controlling it last night?"
The smile dropped and he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Gosh, sis," he said. "I'm…not exactly feeling well right now…I don't…think I can-I mean, I'm super grateful you did this for me and you're trying to help out…but I don't…feel good enough. I think I have a chakra flu."
For the love of all that is holy-"There's no such thing as a chakra flu!"
"Whatever! You get my point."
She sighed. "Come on, Naruto. I was just inside you. I know…you don't have a flu, at least. What's really-and I mean really- going on here with you?"
His eyes stayed fixed on his new weapon. "I…" He slid his finger across the shiny surface, his fingers tracing briefly the kanji forged on the edges. After another failed attempt at speaking he closed his eyes and shook his head, unwilling to continue for the longest time. It was only after she placed her hand on his shoulder coaxingly that he continued again. "Sis, can I talk to you about something? It's kind of personal…You're the only one…I mean, you're people smart and you're a medic." After a moment he reluctantly added so quietly she barely heard it, "and a girl."
I'm not exactly a physiatrist, she thought to herself, which you probably need one after this whole…mess. "I'll try," she did say to him, though, out loud.
He bit his lip and hesitated. Sensing his reluctance she rolled her eyes. "Naruto, if you're going to recover fully you need to work on the inside-not just the outside. And to do that you have to be able to confide to someone. And if not Juugo, then me. Do you understand? We're a team now, remember?"
He nodded, and set his bow down carefully on the boulder, but his eyes still didn't leave it. She couldn't deduce why but he seemed to be looking at it with longing…like he hadn't fully obtained it and wanted to so bad. "Okay…Um. Because of everything that's happened…I feel kinda screwed up right now-like forget I'll never be able to sleep naturally again let alone ever keep both eyes closed, and that guy-we're so much alike that it makes me want to throw up and scream- it's… It's…about last night…And Hinata. I…I…did something very bad."
Oh, so this was about the girl.
"I mean…unforgivable."
"What?" Her eyes widened in both surprise and a bit in horror. Horror at his expression and tone. Something was very very wrong here.
He pressed his thumb to his bottom lip, resting it there as if in deep thought or he was savoring something he had felt there. Karin felt she knew where this was going now. She could see an expression in his eyes that she herself made so many times in the course of her one-sided infatuation. It was a mix of guilt and...
"I…I've never had a girl confess to me before…I mean, she legit…I still can't believe it, no one's…ever loved me before and I freaked out. On top of it I had to get her away from me so she would be safe, like that thought only grew stronger after we…we…. I mean the Akatsuki's never going to give up on me." His eyes filled with fire at the mention of the Akatsuki, momentarily pausing his strife over the love he was only newly aware of. "And I wanted her safe…so I…" The fire died as he spoke again, like water had washed it away and left it nothing but a smoky mess of muddled grey. His voice broke when he spoke again and Karin was left speechless.
"I broke…I broke her heart to pieces. I mean…it crushed her and…I would…I would do anything to undo the damage, but I can't…I-I can't save everyone! I try and try and I don't know what's wrong with the world but…the world, the entire thing, it's just so fucked up."
Really, Karin thought, it's not just the world that's wrong here. You've got to accept the fact you can't always be the hero.
"And I…I did something else too…Just so I could have that one last night with her. And I'm so sorry, I love the bow-I mean it's the coolest thing ever, but-"
Tired of his lament she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into her, resting her chin on top his messy array of dirtied hair. He seemed surprised at first of the hug but didn't push away from it. Under normal circumstances she would never resort to this but he needed all the human contact he could get after the previous night and ordeals he had faced. And strangely enough, she wasn't exactly a touchy feely person-neither was he-but the connection between them glowed pleasantly in the warm contact and he let himself sag against her.
"The weight of the pain and the world is not yours to bear," she whispered, feeling him tremble against her.
"I have to though," he said against her shirt and, much to her horror and empathy, getting it wet slightly with salty tears and what she prayed to the gods was not snot. Whenever he cried his nose ran like a damn faucet. "Because I'm the only one who can…and, oh another thing…" His trembling halted, as his thoughts shifted and he fought back the tears. He seemed really embarrassed and desperate to change the topic of the conversation. "I think I'm going crazy."
She rolled her eyes. "What's it this time?" In her book Naruto had crossed that line long ago with his natural stupidity.
"I…Last night, I heard more voices-except they were new. Um, a few of them seemed kind of familiar but…"
Sounds of footsteps approaching immediately drove them apart. Naruto pushed her away, his face crimson as he wiped his eyes and Karin's pale in the shade of the trees around them. Sasuke's eyes did not miss the colors on either of their faces and it seemed to have annoyed him for some reason. Uncomfortable in the Uchiha's penetrating gaze Naruto yanked the bow and casket of arrows up and tried leaning against a tree coolly. Putting up a front.
"Tch, now you're better we need to have a talk then move on out, Naruto. But first I need Karin for a moment."
Naruto groaned knowing very well why Sasuke wanted a private moment with Karin, now. And why they needed to talk afterward.
"Really?" He said waving his hand, still trying to revert back into his usual care-free mischievous self that didn't cry against and about girls. "Fool, ya fool!" Before the words were barely all out of his mouth Sasuke's head snapped towards his direction so fast he was surprised he didn't get whiplash and Karin's jaw dropped. They were staring at him as if he was a ghost or something, eyes wide in shock and mouths slightly agape.
Out of nowhere the Uchiha was rushing towards Naruto, and grabbing him by the collar of his T-shirt. "What did you just say?!" He demanded.
Naruto yanked himself free from the Uchiha's grasp. "Listen, this grabbing me all the time's gonna stop," he snapped. "I ain't a freaking prisoner anymore. I'm done with that crap."
"Tell me what you just said!" the Uchiha ordered again.
Naruto, not understanding what the big deal was, hissed. "I said, really? You're obviously just gonna bite her. Fool."
"No-you said it a certain way!"
Now Naruto was really confused. He called Sasuke nasty names like bastard all the time and he never responded. He never even cared-but the moment he pulls something new he's gonna throw a hissy fit?
"I said," he stated, enunciating each word slowly, "Fool. Ya. Fool."
Karin glanced at Sasuke slowly then back to Naruto. "Sasuke? Do you think…?"
He didn't bother answering her.
"Naruto, I need you to answer honestly…where did you hear those words together like that…When?"
He blushed. "Um."
How do you say 'in my head last night' without sounding even more crazy?
_-xXx-_
After sending the more than still confused Naruto away answerless-the Hachibi's capture was too sore a subject for both and Sasuke didn't want to encourage him to learn about the rapper's strange speak patterns- Sasuke turned his full attention to Karin. They were finally alone. Juugo and Suigetsu would have Naruto help them gather more food before they left, and Naruto would get to try out his new weapon. Last Sasuke checked he had never really tried archery out before. He needed the practice; he couldn't keep relying on short range attacks when they were constantly being chased.
Sasuke wasn't going to pick up his slack, either. Hopefully, anyway-he couldn't be too sure the way Naruto was trying his new bow out… having the string thwack at his unprotected arm every time he took a shot…Already his arm was covered in fresh bruises. Fucking idiot.
Sighing he led Karin to a more secluded area of the woods where the boys wouldn't be in range of them and nodded to her. The young woman gulped nervously and started fidgeting with her glasses. "Um," she said. "About last night… "
"What's done is done," he said, quickly. His voice became soft and her insides felt like jelly in his gaze. "I wish to not speak of it, Karin."
She nodded. "Yeah…but you sa-"
You saved last night…
"Please."
Biting her lip she nodded again, apologetically. "Um…you needed my chakra?"
He gazed at her carefully before his hand traveled to her face, tilting it up by her chin so he could study her more closely in a shaft of sunlight that came through the leaves above. Trying to find any remaining traces of the poison's weakening effects, maybe. "Are you really well enough after the poison and healing Naruto?"
Was he really asking?! This was Sasuke here! Blood rushing to her face violently, she said 'yes'. The sound came off as more of a squeak though, like a dog barking to a treat that's dangling in front of its face. Oh Kami, she was so pathetic.
"Very well," he mumbled. His voice…she couldn't believe she was just noticing it but there was a current underneath it of…sadness? Tiredness? Something was there that made him seem so full of melancholy. How had she not noticed it? It suddenly put his strange behavior towards Suigetsu and Naruto in the cave into clarity.
He was internally vexed. Caught in things he refused to open up and share to her as she had gotten Naruto to. The contrast between the boys couldn't have been greater. He refused to let people in while Naruto was more willing. Kind of. And when it came to each other they both shelled up like a clam.
"No questions asked," he repeated slowly.
"Okay, Sasuke."
Taking a slow breath to settle her nerves her fingers trailed to the zipper centered at the tip of her shirt's neck line and just as slowly she slid the small metal piece down. Baring her flawed skin before her idol. His hand stopped her's before it went down to her breasts.
"Karin," he warned. "We both know I'm incapable of…"
Of caring.
"I know," she whispered. But part of her could still hope. Could still crave touch. He let go of her hand only for the pale appendage to travel up her arm and to her neck, teasing her, his tracing fingers euphoric in power. His lips pressed against her neck briefly, hot against her scarred skin and she exhaled slowly as his lips continued to travel to her shoulder, warming her to her core, the heat radiating off him and into the very marrow of her bones, his dark bangs rubbing against her own hair. Her body felt like it was on fire from his touch, so much so she could weep.
"Ready?" he asked. Again, she was amazed by how gentle he was being this time around. Was it because he knew she was weakened still from the poison…or, she thought, becoming frantic, did seeing her in such a pitiful state make him realize how pitiful and ungodly she was in comparison to one like him? He was a whole other level of humanity, one she could only goggle at in dreams.
Such an intensity, she thought, strength and power. Unholy beauty and perfection. And it was touching her. Giving her purpose. Something that only she alone could do: connecting in such a strange way that overwhelmed her in chakra-filled ecstasy. What did the fear of what he was capable matter when he…
He had saved her from Kabuto. That she was sure of. Right when she nearly lost consciousness from a white snake's fangs she saw a figure rush to her in a flash of silver….Her savior swooped her up in their arms and…Though she hadn't made out his face she was sure such strong arms could only be her beloved's and there was no reason to fear him anymore.
Teeth bit down and she winced briefly from the force of his jaw. As her chakra seeped into his network heading naturally to what was hurting him she relished in his in return, and feeling it flare inside her powerfully she moaned loudly. Something was off about it though. Usually the orgasmic-like sharing of chakra inside them was so intense it left her squealing out loud but this time it was weaker.
The night before must have really drained him but he had hid it so well from everyone. Yet another reason he made her feel special. She was the only person who could get inside him and know what he was truly feeling….
And judging by the fact her chakra continued to go through his body he was feeling a lot of pain in multiple places. Unlike Naruto she wasn't so sure what exactly needed the most healing at first so she let her chakra move completely on its own. Most of it headed towards his eyes and she felt like crying. Naruto had yet to realize the full capacity of what Sasuke had given up using the Amaterasu so much last night to help them escape and Sasuke refused to admit it. Maybe he thought it would make him seem weak and as leader of Taka that wasn't an option…
More chakra traveled to his ribs which she just now realized were broken in various places. Damn him for not telling her and putting up such a strong front! She closed her eyes, focusing deeply on conducting her chakra in such a way that she could heal them better. Directing it through the bone and reattaching them where they had cracked and split.
Simultaneously, she could feel even more of her chakra travel toward other places as well. His face and back. His bruises and cuts from being slugged so many times by the elder Uchiha, they vanished from sight until his face was perfect again-not that his perfection even faltered with the bruises, if anything he looked hotter-and finally…
Her face literally caught on fire, she felt, when a morsel of her healing chakra headed right down there.
His…
"Um-um S-s-sa-sas-e-s-sa-sas-sa-s-sasuke?!" She stuttered. With a grunt he pushed her away, a slight pink tint on his face. "I apologize; I didn't pull away soon enough."
"Wh-wha-what hap-happened?!"
"No questions, remember," he hissed, his voice slightly flustered in a way she had never heard him speak in her life. He was embarrassed, she realized strangely awestricken and giddy in childish wonder. Sasuke was embarrassed! It was such a humanizing emotion and so unlike him!
Her mind automatically went to the night before and connected the dot. It all made so much sense now-that ridiculous laughing of Naruto's!
"HE FREAKING KICKED YOU THERE DIDN'T HE!?" she screeched. Sasuke covered her mouth as her voice seemed to travel through the trees in an excruciating echo of embarrassment. "Karin, shut up!" he snapped.
Suddenly, she couldn't explain it but she started laughing. "He's such an idiot! Oh my gawd, it's not funny!" Yet she was laughing! "And it's totally serious! Man, he could have seriously damaged something! Oh my gawd-please tell me he didn't! It's okay I'm a medic! I need to examine it to be sure!"
Oh the divine opportunity! She couldn't be more joyous!
After a moment of a blizzard raging behind the black of his eyes Sasuke pressed his hand to his forehead and sighed. "If you're asking if I'm still…functional I am….We can talk about that later tonight in privacy..If you're ready to consider my proposal, that is."
Unable to contain herself she fell back, fainting as blood ran down her nose.
_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_
The strange game-like piece danced across Kabuto's fingers as he spun it around his pale scaly digits. "So," he drawled to Obito. He cocked his head to the side, smiling in a sick mischievous manner. "How about I show you my little trick and have one of my soldier puppets bring your host back to you…"
Obito's eyes narrowed as he took the Snake's lackey's form in. He was standing against the entrance to the stairway leading to the dungeon, the snake coming from his cloak coiled onto the rail, possibly to help balance him seeing as it was so large.
"Tempting," he replied. "But I'm going to give Sasuke a few days."
"You're putting a lot of faith into that little wretch," Kabuto said snidely. "Never did Orochimaru good."
"Orochimaru wasn't of his kin," the Uchiha countered. "Sasuke can fight against a man such as he but he can't keep running from his blood…or the curse within it. It is his fate. I only wish to push him along his way."
"You're too forgiving, Obito."
Obito tilted his head to the side. "Maybe so but by the time my mission is done trifle feelings such as grudges and resentment won't matter. It will all be purged anyways"
"So you shed your earthly skin for the higher road?"
"In a way."
Kabuto smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "Very well. I'll demonstrate my game later…although I'll need some prisoners alive."
"There are still some in the dungeon below that the guards have watched over-possible Akatsuki recruits. But they're useless now-the Akatsuki won't be taking in anymore members or spies. Use them." Obito should have been disturbed by how quickly he gave lives away like items for sale but again, he reminded himself life itself did not matter in this hell. Only the end results that would come with his Infinite Tsukuyomi.
The end of his journey would soon be here, and nothing mattered but Her smiling face….
_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_
They must have journeyed further for an hour after their awkward meal together (Suigetsu pissed off, Juugo solemn, etc.) until they reached the next small town that Juugo had assured them was safe. Where this small said town was exactly Naruto didn't know. Sasuke refused to tell Naruto anything when it came to where they were and in what land. He considered it too dangerous a risk, like he would be caught and give everything away.
The measures Sasuke was taking were absolutely ridiculous –they weren't even allowed to say any of their real name's out loud (thus Sasuke was stuck with the infernal name of "brother" or "bastard" depending on Naruto's mood)-but to some degree the rest of Taka could understand it. Especially around different towns. There were mild degrees of Akatsuki spies and influence practically everywhere and more than once they had nearly been caught off guard and ambushed by Akatsuki imps.
This town though, Sasuke wasn't taking any chances. He had sent Juugo (Mamoru sitting on his shoulder-Karin thought it best that Naruto didn't have a Sharingan eye constantly staring at him for the next few days) to chat with the different animals and pets (you would be surprised what pets picked up on when their dark owners thought no one was around…) and had kept Naruto at a small shop they already knew was safe in the meanwhile with the task of further equipping himself in whatever he saw fit with the money Taka had allowed him to take. Last Sasuke checked he was drooling over more specially designed arrows and kunai. Suigetsu was supposed to stay with him while Sasuke and Karin went in their own direction for the purpose of checking the rest of town out with her sensory jutsu and his Sharingan.
He had yet to reveal to the rest of the team of his incoming blindness. His pride wouldn't allow it.
He sighed in frustration. This…wasn't working so far. They had ran into too many Zetsu clones-just how many were there!?- and though the fights were short and successful the fact Naruto did not use any of his jutsu during them made Sasuke extremely annoyed, if not suspicious. Sure Naruto was enjoying his freedom with weapons-he had rigged himself to the teeth with every kind of weapon imaginable, and loving the hell out of his bow-but it seemed he was avoiding using chakra completely which was odd for a shinobi who had such vast amounts…Not to mention Sasuke could have sworn Naruto would instantly try out combining the weapon with his trademark jutsu since he loved mimicking everything Sasuke did…
Upon asking Karin what the hell was wrong with him she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and began a long-winded explanation on the nature of chakra. "See," she'd said. "It might be because of anxiety. Consider what chakra is…its energy from both the body and spirit. It was only after Tsunami he failed to harness his chakra."
"So you're saying he's still upset?"
"More than he'll admit, at least. Both his body and spirit's hit an all time low that's caused his chakra system and control to be fluctuating. His body probably just can't handle it right now on top of recovery. So until both his body and mind recuperates he'll…"
"Be useless," Sasuke finished groaning.
"Yup," Suigetsu chided in suddenly, cutting between them, not hearing the 'Tsunami' part. Karin was still the only person within the small group who knew what Sasuke had done that night. "You fucked him goo-" He didn't get time to finish before Karin had sent him into his watery form with a well-aimed kick. A few passerbies in the crowded street stared, but that was it. Solidifying, he chuckled, his laugh airy and high pitched through the sharp tooth protruding from his lip.
"Oh, grow up, Shrimp!" She screeched shrilly.
The swordsman cupped the back of head with his hands and winked. "Just offering my input and help, babe."
"Hmph. In that case, Suigetsu, I leave it to you to help him recover," Sasuke said snidely. "We'll all need to start training him in a couple of days and I expect him fully functioning by then."
"And tonight?"
Sasuke sighed boredly. "Hot-spring. There's one past this town on our way. We all could use it."
Karin squealed with delight and Suigetsu rolled his eyes, knowing full and well she would sneak in the men's side as per usual. His lips curled in a beam when he remembered the newest member of Taka and pondered how he would respond to her naked state trying to put the moves on the equally bare Sasuke. Oh, the awkward fun.
His thoughts were interrupted when Karin suddenly stopped and placed her fingers to her forehead in a pained manner. "Red, what's wrong?" He exclaimed, hands reaching for her only for her to flick her wrist at them. He recoiled back. Ouch. Could she be even harder?
"I'm fine!" she snapped. So much for their closeness in the cave. Now her god was here she was back to her stupid self.
"Karin?" The Uchiha said in a questioning tone.
"It's…"-oh sure she answered him- "It's just my sensory's still messed up…I'm sorry Sasuke, it's been haywire since Kabuto…."
"It's probably just your small brain trying to readjust to being in a small crowded space again-I'm sure it's fine-"
"Hey!" Sasuke snapped. "You're supposed to be keeping an eye on Naruto! Not goading her on."
"I'm not his keeper," Suigetsu stated, winking. "He's a big boy."
"You idiot!" Screamed Karin. "There's no telling what trouble the idiot's getting himself into!"
Suigetsu made a noise, disinterested. "Actually I left because I'm sick and tired of getting dirty looks from people."
"What do you mean?" She asked, lowering her hand from her head, but the pain on her face was still there.
"I mean, he looks like he's been…beat, ya know. Like a friggen dog and the bags under his eyes ain't helping. So we're strolling together and people automatically start making assumptions and it pisses me off. I mean, they look at me like I'm the freaking assaulter, and I'm not the one who made him black and blue. Well, a few times when we sparred or fought Zetsu but that doesn't count."
Actually the real reason he left Naruto was so he could be with Karin, but like she would care anyways.
She moaned in annoyance. "Really Suigetsu? That's a stupid reason to leave him. He needs watched."
Her words couldn't have been more right…and dire.
The three never did reach him in time.
_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_
The hooded-cloak he was wearing just didn't suit his style, Naruto thought. He was always one to dress freely without a care of the attraction bright clothes brought him. In fact that was all he had ever wanted and was used to. But now he, like the rest of the Taka, had been made to wear dark cloaks to help hide their identities. Thinking about it he realized a cloak only made him more suspicious. Come on, it was the middle of day and he was creeping around in a hood-what was more suspicious than that? Besides, unlike the rest of the Taka, he didn't have his face plastered around on wanted posters.
Yeah, their mistake with the Hachibi really hadn't given them a good reputation…
Grinning he flicked the hood off and continued on his merry way. Staying in the same set spot never suited him well either. Besides, he overhead Sasuke tell the rest of Taka to meet back at the Outfitters a few hours before dusk. He had plenty of time to waste until then…
It was his first time venturing on his own in a long time and it felt good. It distracted him from the confusing gunk in his system and reassured him that the rest of the world wasn't as fucked up as the Akatsuki and Taka were. Or the entire world of Shinobi and the man who was so much like him and….
The streets were crowded, and bustling with activity. Merchants were caught in shouting matches for possible customers' attention. One nearly knocked Naruto down in his insistence. "Please sir!" the bearded man shouted. "Look at my wares! Surely you have a young lady!" Before Naruto could fumble for an answer inside his blushing head another tugged on his sleeve. "BOOKS! We got the best stuff!"
He nearly stopped up when he saw the wooden crate full of an all too familiar book series…He reluctantly grabbed some. "I'll take these," he said, handing the man cash and eying the bright cover to the series his godfather wrote, and his sensei used to read all the time…He was officially old enough anyways. Well almost. Whether the man realized this or not, he didn't care. He happily took the teen's money and gave him the mature material rated for adults. Probably does it all the time, Naruto thought, stuffing the volumes in his pack before further exploring the streets. The more I see of this place the more I realize it ain't no Konoha. Seems…shady.
Walking, the noise of the market street faded as he entered some housing districts. He marveled at the architecture. After spending so long in the same gloomy scenery and repetitive landscape it did him wonders to see the formations of construction, carefully designed and built to suit the ever-changing slopes of the land. Roads ran up and down and children were happily playing on them, unaware of the teen watching them with a bit of jealous in his eyes.
The homey streets soon cycled around into streets of activity again. It was marked mostly by different businesses, and restaurants. Motels and inns lined the road and Naruto marveled at their uniqueness. Somehow, he found himself so immersed by them that the fact that this town was bigger than he had expected and he was becoming quite lost didn't cross his mind. Much. When he saw the exact same maid-themed motel after walking around for half an hour it started to dawn on him he should try to pay attention to where he was actually going rather than just walking around aimlessly.
But then again, it was a new place to explore…Why worry about such boring details?
Stomach starting to growl, he tightened the grip on his bag of books and other goodies, and after double checking for his bow that was compacted down and resting on his belt strap under his cloak, he continued on. Ready to dive in and hopefully find a ramen shop….He couldn't even begin to describe how bad he needed some now. Oh noodles of awesomeness where are you?
He was so caught up in his surroundings, his eyes darting around desperately for any ramen shop, that he didn't even notice the man in front of him. He walked straight into him. The bags that he had been carrying tumbled all over the ground, spilling their contents.
"Ugh," he moaned, rubbing his nose and backing away. "Watch where you're going, ya idiot! I'm walking here!"
Eyes narrowing he looked up to meet the eyes of the asshole who couldn't walk for nothing only to be stuck with the biggest punch of déjà vu and horror. His knees gave out and he fell on his rear, his eyes still locked on the towering figure before him who seemed equally surprised. The sun glared down from behind his giant back highlighting his shape; his short spiky hair, his huge build, and his even huger blade.
"Ki-Ki-" Naruto stuttered, still frozen by fear and unable to regain himself.
"Well, I'll be damned," the figure spoke, his fierce eyes studying Naruto's face. "What're you doing here? Kami, you're such trouble! I told him we needed to remove a limb or two!"
He grabbed Naruto by the collar and lifted him with only a single arm, his amused smirk revealing two rows of sharp teeth that stank of fish. He glanced down at the disarray of books and kunai scattered around. "Heh, my bad, boy. You won't be needing them anyways."
Kisame!
_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_
TO BE CONTINUED
NEXT TIME: (AKA on the agenda for the next or how many turns it takes to get there) Sasuke finally learns the truth of Naruto's sacrifice…And his chakra problems…But it's too late and the price has already been paid. In addition a challenge seals their fates, the swordsman and the berserker…A love blossoms, before it must bade farewell and a lust-filled desire breeds, and divides the quarreling duo.
_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_
HAH! Like the ending? :3 I bet (if you were even paying attention) that when I said "NEXT TIME: DAWN-Born to Die/ Kisame finds himself a little beastie and a fight ensues to protect the host at all costs…" at the end of 24 you thought I meant Killer Bee. Neener neener neener ^.^
I just couldn't resist re-using the end of Turn 7! It ended the exact same way! XD Except this time the stakes and circumstances are much more dramatic! I've been planning this scene for quite some time now and hope to have fun with it soon!
LOL and the referencing of the ball scene is OVER! I just thought it would be fun to play with Karin.
And as for the whole bow thing...i like archery, ya know. Anyone else know what I'm talking about when I say you get hit with the string sometimes if you don't do it right?
One last thing! Because next time's 20 I want to respond to a lot of my reviews like I did for 10 so if you want some feedback be sure to leave reviews! I always enjoy reading them when they come in my gmail. Thanks!
As for pairings…I can see why the last few chapters really seem like SasuNaru (Hey I ain't the only one-how about all of Kishimoto's stunts!? To quote Bernadette from Big Bang Theory "Heterosexual my ass!") And I only can say this in my defense: they're like bros here. Sasuke's gonna eff Karin, and Naruto will get closer to Hinata at a certain point. They still bros though. Ya know, bros before ho's. (Not that Hinata is one-cos she totally ain't!). But if you wanna take it that way okay. If not, okay too. Perfect, actually. Whatever you dig. (On a personal note, even though I don't believe in same sex relationships every gay guy I've encountered has always been so amazingly nice and I respect that! (love them actually) Sasuke, on the other hand, ain't so nice :3) Man why am I babbling about this? XD I guess it was the last few manga updates…Not the most recent one but the one before…It's not helping…(I mean did they have to use the word "LOVE"!? FRIENDSHIP! FRIENDSHIP! FRIENDSHIP!) and I'm starting to see why SasuNaru's so popular….