Chapter One
A sigh.
That's how we are going to start this story.
A sigh escaped the lips of a fourteen year old Naruto Uzumaki as he sat on his bed…contemplating. His icy blue eyes gazing at the framed picture of his team on his dresser.
He then looked towards the envelope on his bed, one that had a golden stamp to keep it sealed. The thin line his mouth was set in turned downward into a frown as he gazed at the envelope.
He shook his head and stood up. He was currently in black shorts only, his perfectly sculpted bare chest out for anyone that would be in his room to see. Traveling to his closet which was only a few steps away, he opened it to reveal four orange and blue tracksuits.
Grabbing one, he slipped it one begrudgingly before he grabbed his bag. It was filled with a few scrolls. One for jutsu he stole from the library, another for weapons, and the last which kept his entire savings.
Naruto walked over to the dresser and looked at the picture and the headband that sat beside it. His frown gone, Naruto set the picture down and stood there for a few moments. Spinning on his heel, he walked out his completely bare room, before leaving his apartment, though he didn't bother locking the door.
Besides the jumpsuits…there was nothing worth stealing. He continued to walk down the stairs, ignoring the noises from the owls. As he continued walking, he stuffed his hands in his pockets, still in thought.
As he walked down the street of the village he passed the closed Ichiraku ramen. He didn't spare it a second glance. He kept walking in silence, his eyes focused but his mind wandering.
He however did stop when he saw something that he didn't think he would see…it was his teammate, Sakura. She was sitting on the bench, seemingly in thought. Furrowing his brow, he looked at her and wondered why she was sitting here in the middle of the night.
Whatever, wasn't any of his business. He didn't bother trying to find another route or sneak past her…there was no point. He kept walking but stopped once more when she called his name, confusion laced in her voice.
"What are you doing here?" she asked and he gave her a short glance.
"I could ask you the same thing Sakura," he returned, causing her to frown as the lack of suffix and the cold tone in his voice. She gazed at him as she answered.
"I was actually waiting for Sasuke-kun…" Sakura said quietly. Naruto raised a brow before he gave a small shake of his head. "W-why are you out here Naruto? It's late…" Sakura told him, before noticing that something was off. She gazed over him as he kept walking.
"I'm going out, see ya, Sakura," he muttered. As he walked past her Sakura's eyes widened. She realized what was wrong! Naruto had a backpack…but no headband! He couldn't possible be going on a solo mission then…where was he going?!
"Naruto!" Sakura yelled at him quietly. The blond didn't stop and this only irritated her! "Naruto! Where are you going!?"
That's when he stopped. He was silent as she continued to berate him, but he wasn't paying attention to her. As she was in mid-sentence he interrupted her by answering the question that made him stop, "I'm going home."
Sakura blinked as she looked at him confused. "H-home? What are you talking about? This is your home!" Naruto shook his head as he looked on to the distance.
"No Sakura…this isn't home…this isn't my home. This is your home, Sasuke's home, Kakashi's home…but this is not my home. My home is elsewhere…" Naruto then gave her a blank eyed stare. "And I'm going…"
"Naruto! Come on, stop playing around!" Sakura huffed but when Naruto didn't stop walking she started running after him. "Naruto! Please stop! Please, this isn't funny anymore!"
"It wasn't meant to be a joke," he said quietly, but he didn't stop. However he was stopped once he felt himself hugged from behind, Sakura crying into his back.
"Naruto, please stay…please. This is your home, it's always been your home. You have friends…you have a house…you have people who care about you…Just please don't go…" Sakura pleaded.
"You were always the first one to cry, eh Sakura…" Naruto whispered before he looked towards the starless sky. "Even the stars…don't shine here," he shook his head.
Sakura remained quiet and Naruto released a breath before he spoke. "Why is this such a big deal? I don't want to stay and you don't want me here…" Naruto stated and she shook her head.
"I do! I do want you here! I don't want you to leave! We're friends remember? We are part of a team…you, me, Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke-kun!" Sakura stated and Naruto frowned.
"Get a replacement," Naruto muttered as he took a step forward but was surprised when Sakura's grip grew stronger and he couldn't move again. "Sakura…let go…"
"No! I don't care what you say Naruto! I won't let you go! You belong here! With me! With us!" Sakura stated and Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I'm sorry! If that's what you want to hear, I'm sorry! I'm sorry for all the yelling, scolding, hitting, bullying…I'm sorry for all of it!" Sakura cried out, tears falling from her eyes.
Naruto closed his eyes as she continued. "I don't hate you! I care about you! So much that I'm not willing to let you leave here! You're more than my friend…you're my family! Please…don't leave us!"
Naruto slowly opened his eyes and he turned around, which to Sakura was surprising since she had a vice grip on him. She stared into his eyes that were so…emotionless? She felt nothing in those eyes…no…she was wrong.
These eyes in front of her…were always what they were. Flashes of the blond in front of her filled her mind…his smile…never reached his eyes. The anger he felt…never reached his eyes. The sheer determination he sported on occasion…never reached his eyes. It was as if…this boy in front of her was simply…a husk…hollow.
"You still can't say it…" he shook his head, a deep frown marring his lips. "I bet if I was Sasuke…this conversation would be a whole lot different,"
"W-what are you talking about? No it wouldn't! I would be saying the same thing to him as I am to you!" she denied with a glare but Naruto stared back at...making her feel naked…vulnerable…weak.
"Why haven't you told me you're coming with me Sakura? Why haven't you suggested we can make a home together? Or that you love me?" he questioned and Sakura's eyes widened at this. His eyes narrowed and a light smirk came upon his lips. "Is it because I'm not Sasuke?"
"T-that's not true! I do love you Naruto!" she stated and he stared at her with a blank expression. "Don't give me that look! I do love you!"
"You lie," he whispered before shaking his head. "I don't have time for this, you're holding me up…" He muttered and to her surprise he broke away from her grip and began walking off again.
"Naruto! Come back! Please!" Sakura begged. "If you don't come back…I'll scream!" Sakura warned and before he very eyes, Naruto was right in front of her again, gazing down at her with those icy eyes.
"You would scream for me?" he asked with a raised brow and she blinked before giving a small nod. A smirk played on his lips, and he brushed back a lock of hair. "Well…you can scream all you want Sakura…nothing is going to stop me from going home…"
Sakura glared into his eyes as he removed his hand. "As I said earlier…see ya, Sakura," he then began to turn to walk off…and this time he was not going to stop, he wasted enough time.
But before he could even turn around fully, he was spun around and before he knew a pair of lips crashed into his own. His eyes were a bit wide in surprise as he saw that Sakura was indeed kissing him.
Though the kiss was rough, her lips weren't. They were soft, delicate, tasteful. Though he simply wanted to pull away…he allowed himself to sink into the kiss. Closing his eyes, he pulled her in closer and changed the dynamic of the kiss.
He licked her bottom lip, earning a gasp of surprise from her. This allowed him to dip his tongue into her mouth and taste her tongue. His arms wrapped around her waist while she sunk into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying the feeling of his tongue hugging hers.
This kiss…was better than she expected. She never thought in a million years, that she would actually kiss Naruto Uzumaki. Every time she imagined kissing Sasuke…and that he would give her this feeling of euphoria…that upon touching his lips with her own…she would be given bliss.
But no…it wasn't Sasuke…at least so far. But it was Naruto…here she was in the middle of the street, dead of night, making out with Naruto Uzumaki. His hands sitting right above her ass while her arms were wrapped around his neck, her fingers tangled into his golden locks.
As the kiss became longer, and seemingly more passionate. A feeling of actual lust started to swell up in her body. She was actually soaking her panties right about now, and her nipples were hardening. She never got this way when thinking about or even masturbating to Sasuke.
To stop the aching she began to grind against him, and as her tongue delve deeper into his mouth…thoughts of the blond began to surface. Was…was he really the one she loved? Because now that she thought about it…he was always there…even with those eyes of his…he was still there.
When she was rejected by Sasuke…he was there waiting for her with that goofy smile. Though while she was annoyed…it would cheer her up when he asked her out…because it meant that at least someone found her attractive. That she was beautiful in someone's eyes.
When Sasuke or even Kakashi commented negatively towards her about her skills…Naruto was there to pull her up. Telling her that in time she would get stronger, she would be better and be one of the greatest kunoichi's.
When her parents got into a big argument, and she didn't want to stay. She left the house to simply get away…but she had nowhere to go. Ino was out of the village and she had a feeling Sasuke wouldn't take her. But Naruto…he offered his company…he made the pain go away. He made her smile and laugh…he was there.
He always had been…and it wasn't until now that he was leaving and she was kissing him that…she realized how much she took him for granted. Since he always had been there for her…she had assumed he would always be there.
A moan escaped her throat as Naruto sucked on her tongue, his hands now groping her ass…not that she cared. She wanted him…so much, any thoughts she had on Sasuke being her first…well, everything was replaced with Naruto.
It was funny how a simple kiss could turn into something so heated. And it was because of that kiss…she had realized her true feelings for him. She wanted to be with him…she wanted to hold and kiss him everyday from this point…fight for him, protect him…fight with him. She wanted to make love to him, and he to her. She wanted to give birth to his children…be his wife. She wanted to grow old and in love with him, she wanted to die with him.
She wanted him to stay.
Sakura…was so caught up in her thoughts of him…that she didn't even realize when the kiss was over. She didn't realize when his hands left her and she was no longer in his embrace. She didn't realize when he whispered into her ear, the kiss on her cheek, the kiss to her lips.
She didn't realize…when he started walking away.
When he left.
Naruto gave a sigh as he had successfully exited the gates and was headed towards the barrier that was the Konoha barrier.
His thoughts were currently on the pink headed girl he just left. Why did he allow himself to soak into the pleasure that she had given him? Why had he returned the kiss so deeply? So passionately?
Did he care for her? He did…at some point in time. After all, he fought so hard to save her from Gaara. And he was so head over heels for her before then…but…was it fake? Was he pretending? Did his mask get in the way?
Because at this point…he didn't know if he cared for her or not. He wasn't even sure when he did stop. Yes he returned her kiss and said those words but…did that mean he cared for her?
If he cared, he would have brought her along…right? It was only right to have the one you care for with you…right? After all he was going home. But…for some reason he was having a hard time believing this.
But he did know one thing…it felt so right to have her in his arms. To have her wrapped around him, returning his kiss with so much feeling and vigor. It felt good to kiss her and hold her. He wondered if…if she had actually returned his feelings earlier…would things be different?
Would he be on this road right now?
Would she be walking beside him, holding his hand?
Or would they be in his bed, snuggled up together naked under the sheets?
He couldn't help but wonder….he couldn't help but ask…he couldn't help but hope.
But…it no longer mattered. And as much as he was confused as to why he was not willing yet willing to say it…she no longer mattered.
Sasuke didn't matter, Kakashi didn't matter, Tsunade, Jiraiya, his class…Konoha…none of them mattered. What mattered was himself…himself and his home.
Home.
The thought of it made him give a light chuckle. While he was raised in Konoha and lived there for a certain amount of years. It wasn't his home…it wasn't where he felt comfortable, safe…he didn't belong there.
Home wasn't just a place where one slept, or a place of residence…it was where one felt they belonged…comfortable. It was where they were thought of…that was home…at least that what home was to him.
In Konoha…he didn't have a home despite having a home. No one thought of him, and if they did it was only for a moment. No one was willing to go the distance for him…to make sure he was happy.
Only two people came to mind…Tsunade and Iruka…but even then…it felt strained…and he didn't like being a bother to people. And it was because of that, he wasn't comfortable.
But…Konoha didn't matter. He had a home…he always did. And he couldn't wait when he arrived, hell a smile was already plastered on his face. Though it dropped to a frown when he felt something off. Stopping in his tracks, he raised a brow before sighing. "Come out…I know you are here,"
He didn't have to wait long at all…because before him were four people in dark Anbu uniform, but he noticed how the masks that were supposed to be animal masks…were completely blank, save for eye holes.
"So…what does Ne, want with me?" Naruto wondered, his expression blank. The one who apparently was leader stepped up and Naruto's focus was on him.
"Uzumaki Naruto, you do not have permission to leave Konoha village. Return and this will be overlooked," The Ne member stated. Naruto gazed at him a bored frown on his lips.
"I don't believe I need permission from Danzo of all people to leave. He is not the Hokage, nor is he my leader. So if you don't mind moving out of my way…" Naruto waited but none so much as budged. "Very well then, guess you want to do this the hard way,"
Taking a step forward he ignored the readying of attack. "Gomen for waking you…but, Itsuryuu(Spill)…Chihime(Blood Princess),"
Foolishly, the Ne members chose that time to strike. And because of that…they all lost their lives, gashes appearing upon their torsos, their blood spewing from their bodies before limbs were severed.
As Naruto walked away, the blood of his enemies spilled on the forest ground…soaking into the soil.
"What do you mean he resigned?!"
Tsunade sighed as she sat at her desk, an open letter in her hand. She then looked up to Sakura who was in front of her desk, a scowl on her face. The girl looked like she had been up all night crying.
She had noticeable bags under her red puffy eyes, and she had tear streaks on her cheeks. Not to mention her hair looked a bit frazzled too. Tsunade nodded her head with a frown, "Exactly what I mean. He resigned, a fully signed resignation letter was on my desk when I woke up…"
"But…that means…"
"Civilian or not…" Tsunade sighed as she set the letter down. "Naruto is still not permitted to leave the village. With his condition, the council won't let him leave," she informed.
Sakura looked on with hope, "So…does that mean he has to come back?" She asked, and Tsunade could hear the plea in her tone. She herself had to raise a brow at the girls behavior…why was she so hooked on Naruto coming back or not?
From what she understood, it was the Uchiha that she was insane about. What happened between the blond gaki and the gaki in front of her? It was so strange. But before she could even answer her, the door bust open, revealing Izumo and Kotetsu.
"Lady Hokage! Sasuke Uchiha had been spotted leaving the village!" Izumo informed causing Tsunade to sigh and Sakura to look shocked by this.
"Are you fucking serious?" Tsunade grumbled, pinching the bridge of her nose. After sighing she spoke. "Alright…I need you to gather two teams of five…" Tsunade ordered.
Sakura blanked out Tsunade's orders to the two Chunin as her thoughts were currently on both her teammates. They had left…without her. How could she let this happen? Why would she let this happen?!
The whole reason she caught Naruto in the first place was because she was waiting for Sasuke…as she had a feeling he would leave. But after finally snapping out of her blissful thoughts, she broke down once she realized Naruto was gone.
It took her a good few hours to stop crying, and another to get a grip and talk to Tsunade. Now Sasuke had left? When did he slip past her? Was she too busy caught in her funk that she didn't see him stroll by?
God damn it! How could she be so useless? So weak?! WHY?! If she had power, if she had the strength…she could have maybe stopped them…at least one of them. Hold them down till help arrived?
Why didn't she scream to stop Naruto?
Why didn't she see Sasuke?
Why was she so damn weak?!
"Sakura are you alright?" Tsunade asked as she turned her attention back on the girl once the two Chunin left. The girl was currently sobbing, holding herself as she did so.
Gazing at her, she could see the anger, frustration and hopelessness in the girls eyes. Was she angry at herself or at her teammates? But…upon looking closer, Tsunade saw it…and she couldn't help but feel for the girl.
Standing up, Tsunade walked over to the girl and pulled her into a hug. And it seemed that Sakura needed it because immediately she wrapped her arms around her and began balling her eyes out.
Tsunade rubbed the girl's hair, allowing her to get out her sobs of frustration and sadness. She could connect with this girl…as she had gone through the same thing when she was a genin.
What Sakura was feeling…was weakness. She was feeling weak, useless, hopeless. In Sakura's eyes…she saw her two teammates in front of her, side by side…protecting her. She was close yet so far from them. But now…they were walking…they were walking away from her and she was helplessly running, her arms out, screaming their names.
But they didn't acknowledge her…they didn't even acknowledge each other…because then they started to get farther away from each other, still walking while she still ran. The gaps in their power was so far…it was heart breaking.
Tsunade felt this way once too, with her own teammates. Its one of the main reasons she became so strong…so she didn't have to run behind them…but walk beside them. Sakura had a desire to get stronger.
Not long after, Sakura's balling turned to quiet sobs before she fell completely silent. When she was done, she pulled away from Tsunade and wiped her eyes.
"I-I'm sorry H-hokage-sama," Sakura apologized with a sniff. Tsunade shook her head with a soft smile.
"No…it's okay. Listen Sakura…I understand what you are going through…a little all too well," Tsunade sighed and Sakura looked somewhat surprised. "I would like to talk to you later…but first, why don't you go home, take a nice long shower, get some sleep, eat some food and then come back…okay?"
Sakura was quiet before she gave a nod, "Yes, Hokage-sama," Sakura whispered. Giving a light tired bow, Sakura left the room, her eyes hollow. Once the girl left Tsunade sighed as she walked back to her desk and sat down.
She then pulled out a bottle of sake and poured herself some. "Damn, Gaki…just like to cause trouble don't ya?" she muttered to herself, her eyes planted on the letter of resignation.
"What made you leave though?" she wondered in a whisper before she downed the glass. She then allowed whoever knocked on her door entry. With a blank expression she allowed those she requested to fill the room.
Once they were all situated Tsunade spoke. "Alright people, here is the deal…" she started, their attention given to her. "Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke have left the village,"
This earned surprised looks. "Sasuke has assumed role of missing nin…while Naruto is simply not permitted to leave. When I assign teams, your job is to either retrieve Sasuke Uchiha or Naruto Uzumaki before they reach the border…because by then, they are out of our reach,"
Nods were given. "Good…the teams are," she paused as she looked them over before speaking.
"Shikamaru Nara, you are leader. Your squad is Neji Hyuuga, Chouji Akimichi, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame," this earned a sigh from the Chunin. "You are to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha,"
She then turned to the other person. "Anko Mitarashi…you are to take Hinata Hyuuga, and TenTen Hirugashi," she told the woman who nodded. "You are to retrieve Naruto Uzumaki,"
Tsunade then sighed. "Unfortunately we are low on jounin. So I apologize that there isn't more to work with. But when they are available I will send them towards you as backup," Tsunade informed and they nodded. "Dismissed, good luck,"
The two left and Tsunade sighed, turning in her chair.
"Fucking Gaki,"
"Fucking Danzo,"
Naruto gave a sigh as he just killed the tenth Ne operative that was after him. He looked up and scowled when he saw that the sun had risen.
He had been dealing with these Ne members since the first batch. And from the looks of it, it seemed as if they were trying to capture him so they could take him to Danzo…not to Tsunade.
Which didn't surprise him. He looked east as he heard and explosion and frowned. Turning, he hopped to a tree and hopped towards another when a set of kunai hit the branch he was trying to get on.
Turning with a mutter he looked to see that the one who threw those kunai was Tenten. "So I'm guessing you're here to bring me back?"
"Yup…so would you just be good and come back?" Tenten asked but Naruto snorted and he jetted off. "O-oi! Get back here Naruto!" Tenten barked as she gave chase.
Naruto glanced back to see she was chasing after him. He then looked to his sides to see that he was being tailed by two more people. Humming Naruto readied himself.
"Sorry…but I have no intention on going back just yet," he muttered before clapping his hands.
"What the hell?!" Anko blinked as the wind suddenly began to shift, now focused on Naruto. "Oi! Attack now! Hurry!"
"Right!" Hinata and Tenten nodded as they moved in to attack Naruto. However Naruto smirked.
"Futon: Chōbakuhatsuha!"
But it was too late, the three were blasted away along with their surroundings. A large dome of wind that continued to spread destroying everything within and in it's path. Trees were uprooted, torn and shredded. The grass below disappeared as a crater was formed, hell the girls clothes nearly were blown off to leave them completely naked…but lucky for them that didn't happen.
Anko was the only one who remained conscious, though barely she looked around to see that Tenten was under some rubble and Hinata was hanging of a tree branch that was safe from the attack.
Checking over herself, she winced at feeling her sprained ankle. But beside her trench coat being torn in places…she was fine. She then saw Naruto take off and grunted.
"That was some attack,"
Naruto panted slightly as he continued to run through the forest.
That attack took a bit out of him, which wasn't very surprising since it was his first time putting in action. He was actually surprised he hadn't been hurt in the process. It made note to work on that technique at a later date.
As he ran through the forest he was surprised to see Temari Subaku standing beside a tired Shikamaru. Both facing against a demonic looking red headed girl. He saw Temari smirk as a white weasel on a sickle attacked the girl.
The attack was strong, as he heard the girl on the receiving in scream from it. Naruto frowned as he made a move. Before the girl could slam into a tree and be crushed to death by other flying trees, he grabbed her mid air, holding her bridal style.
He glanced back to see if he was seen, and was glad he wasn't. The wind attack was so powerful that even Temari and Shikamaru had to close their eyes for a moment. So he sped from tree to tree to tree before he stopped far enough away from the two.
He looked at the girl in his arms to see she was tired, her dark skin crawling up to her neck. Her hazel brown eyes gazed at his tiredly, a light blush on her cheeks. "The fuck you looking at…shithead?"
Naruto chuckled at her language and he set her down. "You should be safe here…even though I doubt you would want too…I'm sorry I can't take you with me," Naruto shrugged and she gave him a tired glare.
"Yeah…whatever," she muttered. Naruto nodded as he began to walk off so he could jump to a tree. "O-oi!"
"Yes?" he asked turning to her. He could see the blush on her cheeks still and the slightly embarrassed look.
"W-what's your name…"
"Naruto….Naruto Uzumaki…you?"
"T-tayuya," she replied. "Thanks…shithead,"
"No problem…maybe we'll see each other again, under better circumstances…later, Tayuya," Naruto gave a mock salute before he jumped away. The girl looked after him, a frown on her lips.
"Yeah…maybe,"
Naruto continued on with traveling and smirked when he saw the exit of the forest. Giving one last jump he broke through and landed on stone. Smiling as he stood straight he frowned when he saw someone familiar in front of him.
"Sasuke?"
The person paused in their steps before turning to face him. Naruto raised a brow as he saw the mark across half of his face, along with the change of eye.
"So…you came to stop me too?" Sasuke asked with a raised brow. Naruto gave a snort.
"Nope," Naruto shook his head causing Sasuke too look confused. "I'm leaving too, I'm just surprised you're here is all…"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, gazing at the blond. He noticed the back pack and the missing headband, which confirmed he was telling the truth. Though he wondered why, but it wasn't his business. "I'm going to Orochimaru…" was his answer to the blond.
"Hmm, good luck with that," Naruto shrugged as he began walking off. "Maybe we'll cross paths again one day,"
Sasuke now couldn't help the look of surprise and confusion come across his face. "Oi! Fight me!" Sasuke growled and Naruto sighed.
"Look Sasuke…I don't have time for this and neither do you. I've been stopped enough, I'm not going to fight you…not now anyways," Naruto grumbled and Sasuke glared. "You're going to Orochimaru? Then get strong…because I plan on getting strong too,"
Sasuke smirked as he gazed at Naruto, his curse mark receding. "And then…when we are both ready…we'll meet here…and we'll settle this…" Naruto declared and Sasuke nodded. The two walked up to each other.
"I look forward to it then," Sasuke smirked and Naruto nodded his head.
"As do I…don't let him molest you," Naruto warned with a somewhat serious tone. Sasuke snorted with a roll of his eyes. "No, I'm serious, he's known to do that,"
"Orochimaru?"
"Kabuto," Naruto warned and Sasuke blinked surprised. "Also…when you kill him…don't kill Kabuto…he's mine. Another thing," Naruto frowned as he gazed at Sasuke with a serious glare.
The glare actually made Sasuke wary of Naruto, but the tone was even more chilling. "There are three people that associate with Orochimaru I want you to leave alone…" Naruto told him and Sasuke raised a brow. "I won't tell you who…but you will know when you meet them,"
Naruto then held out his closed fist. Sasuke gazed at it before he nodded. "Alright…I'll do it. As long as you leave Itachi to me…I know he is after you…and I want to kill him…"
"Yeah sure," Naruto nodded. Sasuke nodded with a smirk before he bumped fists with him. Naruto returned the smirk, ice blue orbs gazing into obsidian orbs.
"Till we meet again then,"
Sakura stood in her shower, allowing the water to run down her body, her eyes blank though her mind focused on her team.
While she had her hopes…she had to face reality that there was a high chance…neither of them would return. Sasuke would reach Orochimaru and Naruto would go "home".
Her team would most likely be disbanded…and it would be just her and Kakashi. That is…if Kakashi didn't feel so much guilt of letting down his two students. Because if that happened…then it would be just her.
A frown marred her lips, flashes of her two teammates in front of her appearing in her mind. It made her angry…not at them…but at herself. It's been months since they became a team…and while they improved leaps and bounds…she has been the same…she's been the same since before graduation.
Her other classmates have gotten stronger…even Ino. But she herself…was still stuck in the same place. Kakashi always praised Sasuke and Naruto, how they were getting stronger. But he could not say the same for her…and she wouldn't either.
Even if she was healthy enough to go bring back one of them…what good would she do? She was of no help during the Wave mission…she was barely of any help during the second exam. She didn't even get past the preliminaries! And then she was nearly killed by Gaara…and now she couldn't stop her two friends from leaving.
It was sad…she was pitiful.
She became a shinobi…to be with Sasuke. Not for herself…but for Sasuke. And he had left without giving her a first thought. She still lived with her parents…still depending on them. Naruto and Sasuke had been depending on themselves since they were children.
There were some things she didn't understand that they did. Things she should have known, she didn't. Too busy worried about make up and staying thin…all to impress Sasuke. And once again…he left without giving her a first thought.
Where the hell did she even want to go in life? Where did she want to take her shinobi career? Nowhere…because she just wanted to "soothe the pain in Sasuke's heart". Childish.
Turning off the shower, Sakura stepped out and dried off before looking at herself in the mirror. With a frown, she undid her towel, and stared at herself. No she didn't stare…she gave herself a look. A very good studying look.
And honestly…she didn't like what she was seeing. Her breasts were too small, almost A-cup…her arms were too skinny and bony. she could see her rib cage and her hip bones. She wasn't just skinny…she was malnourished. Almost bordering on anorexic.
As she continued to stand there she realized something…before this…whenever she looked at the mirror…she saw what she wanted to see. She saw a girl who was drop dead gorgeous that was ignored by her crush, and she didn't know why.
Staring at herself now though…she now knew why.
It was an ugly sight.
Yet…somehow…someway…Naruto found her attractive. But…was it true? Touching her lips, she remembered the pleasure she felt from kissing him. The fire that was lit upon kissing him…the desire she had for him.
Her eyes suddenly widened in remembrance. Her ears could hear the whisper of his voice…the words he spoke to her. She couldn't hear them at first, too busy in her thoughts but now…she could hear them clearly.
"When you decide to be honest with yourself…you'll find me…Sakura-chan,"
Sakura blinked as she felt something wet run down her cheek, and knew it was a tear. But…it would be the last tear she would shed till she found him. And those, would be tears of happiness.
Gazing into the mirror…she now knew the truth…she knew that what she thought her image was a just a few hours ago…was a fantasy. But that didn't mean…she couldn't make it into a reality…it didn't mean she couldn't make it even better.
No more tears…no more sorrow…no more regrets. From this point she would get stronger, she would work to become beautiful…she would work hard to bring back both of her teammates.
That was a promise.
Naruto had a calm relaxed expression on his face as he walked through a forest. He had successfully crossed the border, which meant he was safe until Konoha ninja found him. And when they did, he would fight them off…he had no intentions of going to Konoha for another ten years or so…though he hoped it would be that long…he had a feeling it wouldn't.
But…he didn't have to worry about that right now. All he had to worry about was finally being content…being happy. With those thoughts in mind, a small smile made it's way on Naruto's lips.
His pace picked up a bit as he continued to walk, excitement and anxiety starting to set in. The smile soon turned into a grin just as the walk broke out into a run. He was an orange blur as he ran through the forest, the animals a bit confused as he past by them.
After a few minutes of running, Naruto saw the exit of the forest, the sun's light blocking the view of the other side. He is pace increased and with a giant foxy grin, he flew past the exit and into the suns light.
With a light thud, he paused and picked his head up, the volume of his grin turning down a bit as he gazed upon the sight before him. In the back of his mind…he expected see destruction and death…but much to his happiness that was not the case.
In front of him he gazed upon the old fashioned house which was modeled for homes during the warring clan era. It was actually Naruto's first time seeing such a thing in person and he could only gaze at it's elegance.
On the porch humming a light tune while sweeping was a woman elegantly dressed and one of the most beautiful women he has ever laid eyes on. The person before him was a beautiful lilac-haired, violet-eyed woman with flawless skin, wearing a miko shrine maiden's outfit that strongly hinted at the captivating, womanly form underneath while maintaining an appearance of chaste purity.
She stood at 5'3 with a slender yet shapely form though he couldn't see much due to the ensemble which consisted of a white kimono top, a loose purple ankle-length kimono skirt and a pair of tabi sandals with white socks. Her long, hime-style lilac hair was partially held up in a white ribbon atop her head toward the back, while the rest just flowed freely down her back.
"M-miya…" Naruto called softly and a bit shyly. The woman paused in her sweeping and looked towards him, her eyes going wide. One of her hands went up to her mouth to cover her shocked expression.
After a few moments of gazing at him and containing her shock, she set the broom down and slowly walked towards him. Her eyes studied him, and he could see the pure joy in them. Removing her hand from her mouth, her fingers then trailed on his whiskers, making him shiver lightly in delight.
"Naruto-kun…" Miya whispered softly before a large bright smile came upon her lips. "Naruto-kun!" she cried out pulling him into a hug which he returned. The two held each other for a long time before pulling away, Miya blushing lightly upon gazing into his eyes. "Welcome home,"
Naruto grinned with a nod, happy to hear that. However he and Miya turned towards the door of the house when a elegant refined voice spoke up,
"Yes…welcome home Naruto-chan…"
