Ch. 31

As Naruto walked through the village, he decided to take in the sights, sounds and smells surrounding him. The nighttime atmosphere made the city seem more lively with the bright lights and bustling people. He was passing by the barbecue restaurant that the Konoha 11 used to eat at. He hadn't been all that social since the war, so he hadn't been there in a long time. He found himself wondering if they still went there without him. It still looked, smelled, and sounded the same. A beautiful exterior coupled with the sound of busy knives and the awesome smell of fresh grilled food. He decided he'd stop by sometime soon. Ichiraku was one of the few restaurants he still went to so he thought maybe he'd try to branch out a little more. Try some new things. He was sure that whatever restaurants he came across wouldn't be able to beat Ichiraku's, but it would still be fun to try some new things. For tonight, he resolved himself to just make some instant ramen he had at home. He needed to get his gear and his mind ready for tomorrow.

As he continued walking down the dirt road, he found himself wondering exactly what would happen tomorrow. He was finally gonna meet Hikan face to face. He had seen some pictures after his election, but he had never actually seen him in person. Tomorrow was going to be an eventful day for sure. Hopefully everything would go well and he would get some answers. If Hikan was planning something, they needed to know about it. He found himself feeling a little nervous. Hikan wasn't more powerful than him, but somehow he just had this…presence. Maybe it was because of his attack on the village. Maybe it was something else, but whatever it was, it didn't help that everyone looked so serious and concerned as he left the Hokage's office. Their worry was starting to rub off on him…

He stopped walking for a moment, then quickly shook his head and got ahold of himself. He needed to be ready for this meeting tomorrow, not letting the others worry him. Maybe he should've went to meditate with Sasuke…

As he kept thinking about what tomorrow may bring, he saw Ino walking towards him.

After she finally reached where he was, she gave him a small nudge and said, "Naruto! I heard you and Sasuke were awake, but I didn't expect to find one of you wandering the streets."

He gave a small smile as he scratched the back of his head and said, "Yeah, I'm fine now…"

She gave him an inquisitive look from head to toe, then said with a devious smile, "I like the new outifit…" Naruto let out a small chuckle and said, "Thanks."

After a few seconds, Ino raised an eyebrow and said, "So when did she give it to you?"

Naruto wore a small smile and said, "She actually didn't. When I woke up, Kakashi basically made sure I found it. You know he can't stop himself from meddling…"

Ino wore a small smile and said, "Figures. I thought she'd never give it you…"

Naruto gave a small smirk then said, "Technically, she didn't give it to me…" Ino let out a small chuckle and said, "I guess you're right…"

She examined him a little and noticed he was in a better mood than usual. He usually wouldn't hold a conversation for more than two seconds, but now he was holding conversation and he didn't seem like he was uncomfortable. Not only that, he was actually smiling some.

She gave a small smile and said, "So…What's got you in such a good mood…" She wore another devious grin and said, "Is it the new jumpsuit?..."

Naruto rapidly blinked for a second as he processed what she had just asked. He let out a small chuckle and said, "No, it's not the jumpsuit…although I'm sure you'd like that response." Ino glanced at Naruto and gave him a suspicious smirk. She wasn't sure he was telling the truth, but he looked honest enough.

Naruto thought to himself, then said, "Well, you're gonna hear about it eventually…" He motioned for her to come closer so he could whisper into her ear. As she tilted her ear towards him, he said in a hushed voice, "Sasuke got reinstated as an official Leaf shinobi…"

"NANIIIIII?!"

As everyone around them turned to look at them, Naruto said, "SSSSSHHHHH! Jeez! If I knew you'd react like that I might not have told you….."

After a short pause, Ino regained her composure and said, "No way…" Naruto nodded and said, "Yeah, when I tried to wake him up, he met the Sage of Six Paths. None of us knows exactly what happened, but when he came back, he was finally ready to move on from his past. The council already wanted to reinstate him because of what he did two days ago, so everything kinda fell into place."

Ino stood there in shock before saying, "Wow… Didn't see that one coming…"

Naruto paused for a second, then said in a nonchalant voice, "None of us did," then smiled and said, "but I'm not complaining…"

Ino smiled, then said, "So that's why you're in such a good mood..." Naruto gave a small smile and said, "Something like that…"

After a short pause, he looked in the direction of his apartment and said, "Well, I'll see you around…"

Ino thought to herself, then hesitated for a moment. After a few seconds, she decided to just speak her mind. "Actually, I'm meeting up with some of the members of the Konoha 11 at that barbecue place Choji likes…"

After a short pause, she hesitantly said, "I'm sure we could make room for one more…"

Naruto thought about it for a second, then wore a small smile and said, "Sorry, but I gotta try to rest up."

Ino quickly replied, "For what?!" You've been sleeping for most of the day..."

He squinted his eyes, then looked both ways and said, "You have to promise not to scream again…"

Ino looked at him curiously and said, "Fine…"

Naruto whispered into her ear, "I'm meeting Hikan tomorrow…" Surprisingly, Ino didn't let out a shocked scream like he thought she would. She let out a stunned, "What?..."

Naruto paused, then said in a more unsure voice, "I'm meeting Hikan tomorrow morning. We think he's planning something and we're not sure what, so we're gonna use my status as a war hero to get through the diplomatic barrier he has around him. Hopefully I can get some answers…"

Ino said, "Who's going with you?..."

Naruto scratched his head a little then said, "It's a solo mission…"

As Ino's eyes widened, she said, "You're meeting Hikan alone?..."

Naruto shrugged and said, "Yeah. Hopefully he's willing to at least talk to me so I can fish out some information."

Ino shook her head in confusion and asked, "Why would he talk to you?"

Naruto said, "Word is that he's obsessed with me." Naruto raised his hands and said, "Don't ask how we know that, we just do." Ino just let out a small sigh.

Naruto studied her and noticed that she looked pretty concerned. The last thing he wanted was for people to worry about him. He crossed his arms and said in a semi-annoyed voice, "You know you're probably the 5th person to look at me like that today…" Ino knocked herself out of it then said, "Sorry… It's just…he did-" she motioned to the direction of the crater, "that…"

Naruto looked in the general direction of the crater and said in a softer voice, "I know…but that's just proof that he's too dangerous for us to not know what he's planning…"

As much as Ino didn't want to admit it, Naruto was right. She looked at him and saw that he had resolved himself to do this. He had changed in many ways after the war, but he was still the same when he made up his mind to do something. She gave a small smirk and said, "You better rest well…" Naruto smiled and gave a silent nod.

After a few seconds of silence, he smiled and said, "You better get going. You wouldn't wanna be late. Choji might not leave any food for you…" Ino smiled and said, "Don't let him hear you say that…" Naruto smiled and gave a small wave as he walked away.

As Ino headed to the restaurant, she felt glad that Naruto seemed to be in a much better mood than he usually was. It was the closest she'd seen him to his old self since after the war. Sasuke's return had really brought up his mood. He looked like he might be healing a little. Slowly but surely.

Naruto finally reached his apartment. As he unlocked the door and walked inside, he took off his shoes and left them by the door, then collapsed onto the couch. He wasn't feeling tired, but he was wondering what he would do until he went to sleep. It wouldn't take too long to prep his gear and he didn't feel like meditating for such a long time all by himself. Maybe he should've went with Ino to the barbecue grill after all…

He shook his head as he realized there was no point in thinking about it now and just decided that he'd figure out the night as it went by. He stood up and started walking towards his cabinet. Time to make that instant ramen he was thinking about earlier. Right before he grabbed it, he heard a knock on his door. Who could be at his door now. Sasuke couldn't already be done meditating.

He pulled the door open and saw none other than Kakashi. He waved one arm as he greeted Naruto. "Yo."

"Kakashi-sensei. What are you doing here?..."

Kakashi looked into the house and saw that Naruto was the only one home. He looked at Naruto and said, "Tsunade is trying to go all out with this diplomacy thing so she wants me to take you to get a haircut. She said it'll make you look more mature…"

Naruto let both of his eyes droop to show that he was clearly annoyed.

Kakashi smirked, then said, "I'll also take you to Ichiraku's…but only if you agree to get a haircut…"

As much as Naruto wouldn't mind Ichiraku's and some company for the night, his hair was too high a price. He looked at a clock on his counter. 8:12 PM. Time to make up an excuse.

"Sorry, I gotta get some rest, you know I'm meeting Hikan tomorrow."

Kakashi looked at Naruto with a blank stare and said, "Naruto. You've been asleep for over half the day. You need to work off some of that energy or you won't be able to sleep tonight."

Naruto dropped his eyes and said, "And I suppose you want me to work off that energy with you?..."

Kakashi smiled and said, "Who better?"

Naruto wore a blank stare that showed he wasn't budging.

Kakashi gave a slight eye squint then said, "Do you want to know what's going to happen when you try to go to sleep tonight?..."

Naruto sighed and said, "Enlighten me…"

Kakashi lifted one finger and said,

"First you'll try to go to sleep.

Then you'll probably wonder why you can't fall asleep.

Then you'll remember what I said about you already having been asleep for the better half of the day and realize that that's why you can't get to sleep.

Then you'll regret not going out tonight.

Then you'll probably get mad because Sasuke is sleeping fine on the couch while you're stuck wide awake.

Then you're probably gonna lay in your bed thinking about the day ahead of you tomorrow.

Then you'll start thinking about meeting Hikan and all the ways that could go right…or wrong.

Then you're stomach's gonna start growling from not eating enough since you probably were planning on eating some instant ramen before going to bed.

Then-"

Naruto lifted both his hands with a smile and said, "OK. OK. You win Kakashi…" Kakashi smiled then put his finger down and said, "Good choice."

Naruto let out a small sigh then put on his shoes. When he was done, he jogged over to his counter and grabbed a key. He placed it under the mat in front of the door, then turned to Kakashi and said, "A key for if Sasuke comes back before I do." Kakashi nodded, then Naruto closed the door and the two of them started walking down the dirt road.

After they had taken a few steps, Naruto said, "You better not let the barber go crazy…" Kakashi smiled and said, "Of course not..."

Ino arrived at the barbeque grill and saw Choji and Shikamaru sitting at a large table. The other members of the Konoha 11 must not have arrived yet. Her meeting with Naruto had made her a little late so she thought she'd find more people there. Everyone else must've had their own delays.

As Ino sat down she said, "You guys won't believe what Naruto just told me!..."

Shikamaru said, "I heard he was recently released from the hospital and you already ran into him?" Ino replied with a small nod. Shikamaru shrugged then asked, "Is he ok?"

Ino gave a smile and waved her right hand, "He's fine! You know he has that healing factor. But get this, Sasuke's been reinstated as an official shinobi."

Choji almost choked on the rib he was eating while Shikamaru dropped his lazy attitude and sat up in his chair.

Shikamaru paused, then said in a calm voice, "I'm surprised he decided to come back. I was at the council meeting when they decided that he would be offered his position back, but I would've never thought he'd agree so quickly…"

Ino shrugged, then said, "Naruto said something about him meeting the Sage of Six Paths. No one knows exactly what happened, but when he woke up, he was ready to come back."

Shikamaru thought about just what might've happened when Sasuke met the Sage while Choji drank some water to try to force down the rib he was choking on.

After a short pause, Ino realized Shikamaru already knew the council was trying to get Sasuke back and didn't share. She gave him a gentle punch on the shoulder and said, "How could you know they were planning something like that and not tell us?..." Choji chimed in with a, "Yeah, we are teammates you know."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, then said, "It was supposed to be confidential." Ino shook her head and tilted it up to the side. "Naruto doesn't even talk as much as he used to, and he told me…"

Shikamaru snorted then said, "And now two more people know…" Ino squinted and said, "That's only cause I know I can trust you guys…" Shikamaru just gave a small shoulder shrug and returned to his relaxed position.

Ino looked at Shikamaru then wore a proud smile and said, "I bet I know something you don't know…" Shikamaru sighed and said, "Not likely… Unless Naruto was feeling talkative when you ran into him…"

Ino gave a small smile as Shikamaru watched out of the corner of his eye. Shikamaru sighed and said, "What is it?..."

Ino leaned in and said in a hushed voice, "Naruto's meeting Hikan tomorrow morning…"

Choji started choking on another piece of rib while Shikamaru quickly sat up and said, "What?!"

Ino looked serious and said, "Yeah. I was shocked too, but he's going whether we like it or not. For some reason, they think Hikan is planning something. Naruto said he's too dangerous for them not to investigate, so he's going as the war hero to get through Hikan's diplomatic barrier. He's hoping to get some answers."

Shikamaru said, "And why would Hikan feel inclined to talk to Naruto?..."

Ino shrugged and said, "For some reason, they think he's obsessed with Naruto…"

Shikamaru thought to himself and let out a small sigh. Another troublesome situation...

Choji finished his rib and said, "Whoa. He just got back on his feet and he's already heading out tomorrow… Guy's a trooper…"

Shikamaru sighed, then said, "He's Naruto… Let's hope he gets this done."

As he relaxed back into his seat, Ino and Choji nodded in agreement.

A little while after, they saw Sakura walking up to the table. After they exchanged greetings, Ino scooted her chair closer to Sakura and whispered in her ear, "I ran into Naruto. I assume you know everything that's going on…"

Sakura wore a poker face and said, "Depends on what everything is?" Ino gave her a suspicious glance and said, "Sasuke… Hikan…" Sakura smiled and gave a small nod. She was a little surprised Naruto had told Ino so much, but then again he never really cared about keeping secrets...unless they were his.

Ino let out a small sigh, then said, "Tomorrow might be a crazy day."

Sakura looked down and said, "Yeah," then said in a more unsure voice, "but he can take care of himself…"

Ino smiled and said, "You sounded like you were trying to convince yourself of that."

Sakura half-smiled and said, "Maybe…" Ino could feel the solemn mood that was hanging over them so she decided to switch up the conversation to something more lighthearted.

She raised an eyebrow and said in a jovial voice, "When I ran into Naruto, I was surprised to find him wearing your jumpsuit…" As Sakura looked away sheepishly, she let out an exasperated sigh. She just couldn't get away from this jumpsuit.

Ino laughed as she said, "If you didn't want people talking about it, why'd you make it?!"

Sakura dropped her eyes and said, "I'm regretting it more by the second….."

Ino let out a small chuckle and said, "You know you don't mean that…"

Sakura paused then let out a small sigh and said, "Of course not…"

Ino smiled a little and gave an eye squint as she decided to try to fish for information on how Naruto and Sakura were doing.

"So… How are things between you and Naruto?..."

Sakura gave a slight eyeroll. She had successfully dropped one subject only to have another brought up.

Ino crossed her arms and said, "Come on! We never even got to meet up at that tempura restaurant. You owe me!…"

Sakura let out a small sigh. Ino knew exactly what to say to get what she wanted.

Sakura wore the smallest of smiles and said, "Things are better, but it's just not the same… I know it, and I'm pretty sure he does too..."

After a short pause, Ino wore an encouraging half-smile and said, "Keep at it… Things are gonna get better…" Sakura gave a small nod and said in a silent voice, "Hopefully…"

After she said that, the two heard the restaurant door swing open. Kiba, Shino and Neji had just arrived.

As the three reached the table, they exchanged greetings and sat down.

As the night went by, the rest of the members arrived and everyone placed their orders. The atmosphere was lively and jovial. The Konoha 11 hadn't gotten together as a group in what seemed like an eternity. It was definitely a much needed reunion, but as Sakura sat there, she looked around the table and couldn't help noticing that every member of the Konoha 11 was now there. All except one…

Ino noticed the look of sadness on Sakura's face and said, "Thinking about our missing member?..."

Sakura gave a sad smile and said, "You didn't even have to read my mind…"

Ino smiled, then said, "I tried to invite him… He said he had to get some rest because of his meeting with Hikan tomorrow... He just needs time..."

Sakura gave a small smile and said, "Yeah…"

After a while she decided to just enjoy the company she did have. She still had the other members of the Konoha 11. They definitely weren't Naruto Uzumaki, but they were her friends as well, so she resolved to enjoy their company and make the most of the night.

Author's Note

PLEASE feel free to leave reviews on this story. I do enjoy reading reviews and if I see good ideas as to where the story can go, I do listen to them. Reviews are not only very encouraging but they also help me get better. Be sure to drop a follow and a favorite because I will be updating this story consistently. This story will be completed. Believe it!