Disclaimer: I don't own naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.

Chapter 22: Together We Improve

Naruto, along with Kurotsuchi, Yugao, and Sakura were currently waiting for Kakashi in the lobby of the same hotel near Grass Country that they had stayed previously two days ago. After their failed mission, Kakashi insisted that the team needed a bit of time to regain their full strength, especially when they had not totally recovered from their injuries.

Naruto glanced at Kurotsuchi who was sitting on a couch beside him alongside Sakura and Yugao. the girl looked calm enough as she made small talk with her ANBU guardian but Naruto was sure that she was still upset since she had yet to talk to him, and he would sometimes catch her looking at him with a frown before dodging his gaze and pretend she hadn't been doing anything. He suspected that she was avoiding him and that perplexed him as he didn't know why. His best guess was that she could not see him the same way after the Kyuubi incident, but she had talked to him just fine after that. Maybe she had been trying to make herself get over it but she could not help but resent him deep down? That was a very real possibility, what he had done to her was unforgivable. But if that was the case that was more of a reason to try and speak to her to see how he could make it up to her.

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted when Kakashi approached the group after just finishing talking to the hotel manager.

''Sorry to keep you waiting, guys'' Said the copy ninja, getting the attention of the team as the man held two keys in his hand. ''Got our rooms. I didn't think that the manager would let us stay again after the damage that the hot springs sustained last time. I'm glad I was wrong''

Naruto coughed in his hand, trying to hide his shame at the mention of the hot springs incident.

''Finally, we were starting to consider just going somewhere else'' Said Kurotsuchi, getting up from her seat while Sakura, Naruto, and Yugao mimicked her action.

''Tell me about it'' Sakura agreed with the tomboy.

''Wait a minute, where is Sai?'' Inquired the copy ninja when he didn't see the ROOT member among them.

''He said he wanted to check out the local library and would return later, or something like that'' Explained Yugao.

The copy ninja gave a shrug. ''Well, I'm sure he can catch up with us later. In the meantime, you should all go to your rooms'' Said Kakashi as he handed a key to Naruto and Sakura.

''But aren't you coming, Kakashi-Sensei?'' Wondered Sakura after she noticed how Kakashi didn't include himself.

''I have something to discuss with Yugao, you guys can go ahead'' Explained the Sharingan user. ''The rooms are close to the ones we got last time, so they should be easy to find''

The teenagers looked intently at Kakashi, feeling curious on what the older ninjas were going to talk about. Still, they complied and went away, leaving the two adults alone.

''So why did you need me for, Kakashi-Senpai?'' Asked Yugao, also wondering why the Sharingan user needed to talk to her alone.

''There is something else that I must do'' Said Kakashi. ''I have to leave for most of the day, so I want you to be in charge while I'm gone''

''This I did not expect'' Said Yugao. ''I don't mean to pry, Kakashi-Senpai, but what is it so important that you have to go separated from us and be so secretive about it on top of it?''

Kakashi looked around them, making sure that no one was within earshot, this was supposed to be classified but Yugao had a right to know, at least the gist of it. ''I have to complete a task that Tsunade-Sama gave me. It regards our little problem with Iwa'' Explained Kakashi with seriousness and that made Yugao widen her eyes in comprehension. It made sense, if this had to do with their retaliation on Iwa they could not let Kurotsuchi know about it as they didn't know how she might react. So the only option left was for one of their group to take care of it discreetly, in this case, it was Kakashi since he had been the one entrusted with it.

''I see...''Said Yugao somberly. So it was almost time to get Iwa to answer for their attempt on Naruto's life. She wanted justice for the boy and all, but she also hoped that things didn't get out of hand. The last thing she wanted was another war.

''I'm sorry, Yugao-San. I know that you already have your hands full keeping watch on Kurotsuchi, but this needs to be done'' Said Kakashi. ''Besides, I doubt that she will give you trouble. She is a good girl''

Yugao took a deep breath, accepting that responsibility. ''Very well, I'll look over the team in your absence. Just try to not take too long''

''I should be back before the day is over'' Replied Kakashi, already turning to leave as he didn't want to waste any time. ''See you soon, Yugao-San''

''Good luck, Kakashi-Senpai'' Finished Yugao.

Kakashi gave her one last look before he exited the hotel and went on his way. He didn't expect to take long, he just had to take the special Kunai that the Hokage had given to him and place it around Kannabi Outpost, and the place wasn't far from there. However, getting so close to the area where he lost Obito in the last war was sure to bring back painful memories, he was a ninja and he had to leave aside such thoughts while on a mission but that didn't mean that he was looking forward to it.

After Yugao saw Kakashi take off, she let out another sigh before she went to find her room and see what the girls were up to.

Naruto was laying on the floor, resting his head on a small pillow and staring at the ceiling of his room, bored out of his mind. Without Sai and Kakashi with him, there was no one to talk to considering that the girl's room was kept separate. Without nothing to do, he found himself reflecting back to his encounter with Sasuke.

The blond still had trouble accepting the fact that Sasuke had attacked Team Seven so uncaringly which once had been like a second family to him. He had been ready to kill them if they got in his way. Sasuke had always been cold and distant, but he had never been him like that, not to that degree. He acted even worse than when he fought Naruto in the valley of the end.

At least in their battle three years ago he had almost managed to reach Sasuke's feelings, but in the end, the Uchiha swallowed his reservations and fought Naruto with a heavy heart. But this time Sasuke barely even reacted when he saw his old team, like they didn't matter.

''What happened to you, Sasuke?'' Thought Naruto with melancholy. Could he catch up to Sasuke before it was too late? He frowned when another thought came to his head: What if Sasuke ended up killing him? The idea was morbid, but Naruto couldn't deny that the possibility was there. Sasuke had not held back at all against them, and he had been about to use the same bizarre form of the cursed seal that he used to fight the one-tailed Chakra cloak until Orochimaru stopped him. Even Kurotsuchi had almost taken a Chidori-infused sword to the chest if Naruto hadn't taken the blow for her.

That was another thing, now what he was thinking about Kurotsuchi he went back to visualizing the horrible burn marks on her neck. He had put her at risk, she had come into very real danger in several occasions throughout their entire mission and he had been unable to protect her. Heck, he had been one of the dangers she had faced. Naruto felt impotent at being so weak that he could not protect his precious people. He had a long way to catch up to Sasuke, in fact, he was starting to believe that Sai had been right about Kurotsuchi being stronger than him, if he didn't take the Kyuubi into account she could probably beat him no problem. Which wasn't surprising, she was an amazing girl in his opinion; she was strong, she was talented, she was accomplished in her Shinobi career, she had the potential to become Tsuchikage, she came from a good family, she was pretty, and most importantly, she was a great friend.

Naruto frowned, realizing how different Kurotsuchi and he were. He was still a Genin, was a dead last, he had no talent whatsoever, and was a nobody, just a random orphan. How could they be friends? He wasn't in her league, not even close. It was no wonder that she didn't want to talk to him anymore, not after betraying her trust when he almost killed her, and especially when she had been trying to help him, of course she would not want to see him after that.

Naruto rubbed his face, wondering why things had to be so complicated. Still, he resolved that staying here and doing nothing aside from feeling sorry was not going to fix anything, so he decided to go look for Kurotsuchi and have a talk with her, it wasn't like he had better things to do, and he owed her at least that much.

Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi and the rest were in the girl's room, and the tomboy was currently sitting on the floor of their small square room, wincing uncomfortably at Sakura's touch as the medic wrapped a new set of bandages around her neck yet again.

''How is the healing process going?'' Asked Yugao, sitting next to the two teenagers as she watched Sakura work on the burns.

''She is looking much better'' Said Sakura, adding an extra layer of cloth to the wound. ''Thankfully the Kyuubi's Chakra has almost faded from the injury, it seems. I won't be able to heal it completely until it is, though. So you will have to endure it for another day or so, Kurotsuchi-San'' The fox's Chakra was insane. It had been almost a day since Kurotsuchi got hurt, and there were still remnants of the aura lingering around.

''Are you sure it won't scar?'' Inquired Kurotsuchi, worried that she might have a permanent mark marring her skin for the rest of her life.

''As long as you let me finish the treatment when the Chakra is completely gone you should be fine, don't worry'' Reassured Sakura as she finished giving the last touch to the bandages. ''All done!''

Kurotsuchi brought a hand to her neck and rubbed it gently, inspecting the pinkette's handiwork, and as expected, she had done a fine job.

''Thanks for the help'' Said Kurotsuchi, giving the medic a smile of gratitude.

''Don't mention it'' Replied Sakura, waving off the compliment in modesty. ''Seeing that my job here is done, I think that I'm going to take a dip at the hot springs'' Declared the medic as she stood up and stretched her arms. ''Last time we were here I was too tired to enjoy the bath as well as I should'' She also didn't mention it, but she needed to relax and get her mind to stop tormenting her about Sasuke and their inability to make him return.

''Just make sure that Naruto is not there too. You don't want him attempting to take a peek'' Joked Yugao as she saw Sakura get a clean towel from one of the drawers.

''Don't remind me. I can't believe the idiot tried that'' Said Sakura with a grimace before she turned to Kurotsuchi. ''I still don't know why you didn't hurt him more than you did''

''I guess I was feeling merciful'' Said Kurotsuchi with a smile getting into the joke, but at being reminded of the blond she was quick to drop her good humor and stared at the ground with a scowl.

''That you are. If it had been me he would not have left the hospital for a month'' Said Sakura as she opened the sliding door. ''Anyway, I'll be back later. Bye!''

''Enjoy your bath'' Said Yugao with a wave of her hand.

''Yeah, you do that'' Said Kurotsuchi plainly.

Once Sakura was gone, Yugao regarded Kurotsuchi. She had noticed for a while that the girl was behaving kind of off, and she intended to know what happened.

''Is there something bothering you?'' Asked Yugao with concern.

''What do you mean?'' Responded Kurotsuchi, playing dumb.

''You have been acting weird ever since we came back from the mission. Care to explain?'' Said the ANBU.

''It's nothing'' Answered Kurotsuchi, but the dull way in which she said so didn't convince the older woman.

''It's about Naruto, isn't it?'' Asked Yugao, and when she saw the girl's frown deepen at the mention of the boy she knew that she had guessed correctly. ''Of course it is. It is always about Naruto with you'' Thought the ANBU with a deadpan expression. ''You don't have to tell me if you don't want, but know that I want to help if I can''

''It's not that I don't want to discuss it'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''Is just that...''

The girl was interrupted when they heard a sudden knock on the door to their room. Yugao got up from her place on the floor and approached the sliding door and opened it to find a nervous Naruto on the other side.

''Naruto?'' Said Yugao in surprise, she had not been expecting his visit. Kurotsuchi looked towards them when she heard Yugao mention the boy's name.

''Hi'' Greeted Naruto with a bit of reservation. ''Is Kurotsuchi in the room?''

''Yes she is'' Said Yugao. ''Do you want to talk to her?''

''Yeah, about that, I wanted to see if I could talk to her in private'' Responded Naruto sheepishly with a hand on his neck.

''Naruto, you know that I have to stay by her side at all time, right?'' Yugao reminded the blond.

''I know that, but I will be with her. Also, we are not in Konoha, no one will know that you left her alone for a few minutes'' Said Naruto with both hands put together in a supplicating manner. ''Please!''

Yugao sighed in exasperation. She knew that Naruto was obstinate and would not leave her alone until she complied. But the boy did have a point, her fellow ANBU weren't around to see her turn her back to the girl for a moment. Kakashi trusted the Iwa girl and Yugao herself didn't think Kurotsuchi would try anything, and she would be with Naruto on top of it. Still, she wanted to make sure that Kurotsuchi wanted to be left alone with Naruto in the first place, so she turned her head towards Kurotsuchi to see what she thought of it.

The tomboy, who was already on her feet, had heard everything and she did not have a problem at all, it wasn't like she was actively running away from Naruto either. So she proceeded to nod at Yugao in agreement, confirming that she was fine with the notion.

Once Yugao had the girl's approval she turned to look at Naruto again who was still anxiously waiting for an answer.

''Fine, you can see her by yourself, but I will be outside in case either of you needs me'' Said Yugao.

''Thank you so much, Yugao-San!'' Exclaimed Naruto happily.

''Don't stress over it, is no big deal'' Said Yugao as she stepped aside to let Naruto in. ''Go ahead, kid''

Naruto nodded before stepping into the room as Yugao left the two teenagers alone to sort their issues out.

After the two were left isolated, they stood awkwardly for a few seconds as Naruto fidgeted and Kurotsuchi stared at the floor.

''Hey there, Kurotsuchi'' Greeted Naruto as he slowly approached her.

''Hi, Naruto'' Said Kurotsuchi, still not meeting his eyes with hers.

''I just wanted to speak to you since we haven't talked in awhile, so I just wanted to...you know, catch up and stuff...'' Said Naruto with uncertainty, but he realized he was beating around the bush and decided to go straight to the point. ''I know you have been avoiding me''

Kurotsuchi lowered her gaze even further as a look of guilt-tainted her features when she heard Naruto mention that.

Naruto noticed the change in Kurotsuchi's expression and he knew he had hit the nail on the head. ''She does have been avoiding me'' Though the blond in sadness. She really was mad at him.

''In that case, I needed to say that I wanted to make it up to you'' Said Naruto. ''I know you are angry at me and you are in your right to be, so just let me-''

''I'm not angry with you, Naruto'' Declared Kurotsuchi, but she was still not looking at him.

''You aren't?'' Inquired Naruto, perplexed by the girl's statement. If she wasn't angry why was she acting like this?

''I'm not. That's not the reason why I have been avoiding you'' Said Kurotsuchi as she started pacing around the room. ''I'm annoyed at something else, but I knew that you would ask me what is bothering me, and first I wanted to find the right words to tell you''

''Tell me what? You know that whatever it is that is worrying you I can help you with that. Before, we already agreed that we would solve these kinds of things together, right?'' Said Naruto.

Kurotsuchi stopped walking around to finally look at the blond, she gave a deep sigh, preparing herself for the topic she was going to touch, as she knew it was a very sensible one among Team Seven. She had been avoiding Naruto to try and find a way to tell him this in a more tactful manner, but fine, if he wanted to talk about it now she would say it as it is. ''You have to stop chasing after the Uchiha'' Said the girl with a straight face.

''What?! That's what has you all worked up about?'' Asked Naruto in disbelief.

''Of course it has me worked up!'' Said the tomboy. ''If anything, you guys should be too!''

''Sasuke is a part of our team, a friend, and comrade. We can't give up trying to save him just because we failed one time!'' Insisted the blond.

Kurotsuchi groaned in exasperation. This is exactly the kind of reaction she had been fearing. ''Naruto, listen to me. I know he was your friend, I get that you two were close. But that was in the past, he is no longer the same person you knew, he doesn't consider any of you his comrades''

''I can make him change his mind! With everyone's help, we can convince Sasuke that we do care about him and that coming back to us is worth it'' Said Naruto.

''Naruto, he was ready to fight us to the death. Orochimaru of all people had to make him stand down for fucks sake!'' Kurotsuchi tried to reason with him.

''Yeah, he did that just to take him away again!'' Responded Naruto with just as much fervor. ''He is going to be used as Orochimaru's next body in just a few months!''

''Good!'' Kurotsuchi shot back. ''If he wants to be butt buddies with Orochimaru, let him! Those two deserve each other. If he ends up as that freak's spare suit then all the better! That's what he gets for what he did to you!''

''I can't let Sasuke down'' Said the blond, his resolution unwavering. ''Neither can I let down Sakura-Chan and Kakashi-Sensei. We promised we would bring him back together and that's what we are going to do''

Kurotsuchi put her hands on Naruto's shoulders, gripping them tightly and looked him directly in his eyes in an attempt to emphasize her argument. ''You just put yourself at risk with that! You can't keep doing that for a guy like Sasuke!''

''It is my role as his friend to make him straighten his path'' Said Naruto, still not convinced. ''I know it will be hard, but is not impossible''

''You are not listening to reason'' Kurotsuchi continued. ''He didn't care if you died by his hand. That's not the kind of guy that deserves the effort you put into saving him''

''Despite all that, I can't just abandon him. He might want to break our bonds but I won't let him'' Insisted Naruto before he was slightly shaken by Kurotsuchi.

''You are going to die, you moron!'' Kurotsuchi shouted at him almost in desperation and with tears in her pink eyes.

Seeing her reaction left Naruto stunned as he looked startled and agape at the girl in front of him.

''This obsession you have with him is going to kill you'' Kurotsuchi kept her rant going, trying to keep her voice from cracking. She softened her hold on his shoulders she looked at him with moist eyes and a worried look, pleading him, no, begging him to listen to her. ''I don't want to see you lose your life for someone that doesn't deserve it. I don't want to see you die, period. I can't bear the thought of you going to your doom with me not being able to do anything to stop it. So please, don't do that to me''

Naruto stared speechless at the crying girl in front of him. He now realized that she had been distant not because she was angry at him, but because she was worried for his safety and felt powerless to do anything.

''Not only is chasing after Sasuke killing you but is affecting your mind too. You could lose yourself'' The girl continued. ''When Orochimaru appeared it only took you a moment of seeing Sasuke's captor to make you lose your mind. I don't want to see that ever again'' Kurotsuchi broke eye contact with the blond as she unconsciously brought a hand to her neck, remembering the terrible encounter with a Kyuubified Naruto.

The blond frowned with guilt when he saw the girl reach for her wounded neck. it appeared that the event left a big impact on her just like he feared it had.

''I didn't mean to do that'' Said Naruto suddenly, getting back Kurotsuchi's attention. ''Those wounds...I didn't mean for anything of that to happen. I realized later that I was the one that hurt you''

Kurotsuchi stared at him in shock, she didn't know that Naruto had figured that out.

However, Naruto continued. ''All my life I've heard people say that I'm a monster, that I should be locked away and all that. And I didn't believe that until now, maybe I should be put away so I can't do something like this to you or anyone else again''

As soon as he finished saying that, Kurotsuchi let go off him and slapped him across the face, earning the girl a stunned look from the blond.

''Don't say that! I know that you are not the Kyuubi and so do you! So don't give me that crap!'' Said the enraged tomboy. ''You losing control doesn't mean that you are a monster, it means that you are letting the loss of Sasuke get to you too much! That's what I mean when I say that you are losing your mind over him!''

Naruto didn't know what to say to that. Was he really obsessing with Sasuke to the point when he was losing himself? Could he end up hurting more of his precious people in the future if he stayed this way? Sasuke had been ready to kill him, and Naruto accepted that. He would risk his life to help his friends in need, but Sasuke had also been trying to kill Team Seven, Yugao, and even Kurotsuchi in cold blood. Naruto could not deny that thinking about Sasuke killing any of them made him feel resentment towards the Uchiha. They had got lucky in the last mission. Naruto had felt too weak to fight properly after using the Kyuubi's Chakra, Kurotsuchi had been wounded and barely able to make hand seals for her Jutsu, things could have gone much worse all things considered. The blond pictured Kurotsuchi dead at Sasuke's feet as the Uchiha just sneered uncaringly at the girl's corpse; in that scenario, Naruto didn't know if he could forgive his former comrade. Was it prudent to keep chasing Sasuke if any of Naruto's friends were at the risk of dying to save the Uchiha? And the raven-haired boy might not even come back with them in the end.

Kurotsuchi realized that Naruto was deep in thought, no doubt pondering about what she just said. So she just decided to wait patiently to see what the blond concluded.

''I understand'' Naruto finally muttered, which made Kurotsuchi perk up, expecting the boy to elaborate. ''I get what you are saying and I can see that I was wrong. So, I'm going to consider doing some changes''

''Some changes?'' Asked Kurotsuchi. What did Naruto mean? Was he going to keep going after the bastard or not?

''I'm going to get stronger. Strong enough to defend my precious people of all the threats we will face in the future'' Declared Naruto. ''The Akatsuki, Orochimaru, and maybe even Sasuke. I need to be able to defeat all of them before I can even think of getting Sasuke back. After I get strong, then and only then will I go after Sasuke, only when I know that I won't put any of you at risk if I can beat him before he can even think about it'' Finished Naruto with hot determination in his blue eyes.

Kurotsuchi felt relieved, at least somewhat, at hearing that Naruto was going to take a break from chasing the Uchiha prick. Getting the time to improve his abilities and increase his strength was something that Kurotsuchi could get behind.

''I know I have a long way to go'' Naruto continued as he looked at his palm and clenched it into a fist. ''And whenever I push myself too hard I carry the risk of losing control to the stupid fox. But I'll find a way''

Kurotsuchi once again put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, urging the boy to look her in the eye. ''I know you can do it. You want to become Hokage right? Well, I want to become Tsuchikage too. Let's help each other, we can train together and get stronger faster as a result. If you are worried about the Kyuubi just remember what happened before and use it to drive you to not let it happen again''

Naruto gazed at Kurotsuchi with a look of gratitude. Helping each other sounded like a great idea. Nevertheless, he could not shake the fear that his lack of control over the Kyuubi instilled in him, but Kurotsuchi had a point: He could use this experience to strengthen his will against the fox's influence, so with that in mind he gently took Kurotsuchi's bandaged hand which was still on his shoulder.

Kurotsuchi looked curiously at the blond's odd action but didn't stop him, wondering what he was going to do.

Naruto looked down at the girl's palm as he held it delicately in his own. He wanted to remember these wounds, he wanted to burn in his brain the image of the pain he had caused Kurotsuchi. If he ever felt like he was going to lose control of the fox in the future he would remember these injuries to help him fight back it's influence. Naruto closed his eyes as he made a silent vow, a vow to never let what happened to his friend happen again. ''I promise the fox won't beat me again'' Said Naruto firmly.

Kurotsuchi smiled warmly at the blond at hearing his promise and she used her free hand to clasp Naruto's own between the one he had already been holding, ignoring the stinging sensation of her injuries as she did so. ''Then, let's get stronger. Together'' Said the girl tenderly.

''Right!'' Said Naruto as he shot the girl a heartfelt smile.

After both teenagers reached an agreement they stood still silently enjoying their closeness before they heard a knock on the door which broke the focus they had on each other and turned their attention to it.

after that, the door slid open to reveal Yugao peeking through it.

''Am I interrupting something? Because Sai is back and he wants to talk to you'' Informed the ANBU.

Naruto and Kurotsuchi glanced at each other in confusion. Sai wanted to talk to them? That was new, the guy barely said anything at all and when he did he usually only did it to annoy them. Despite that, they still felt interested in knowing what he wanted.

''Sure, let him in'' Said Naruto, turning to Yugao.

The older woman nodded and she looked outside the door to make a gesture with her head, letting the boy know he could enter.

Seconds later, Sai entered the room, excusing himself as he did so, and Yugao entered right behind him just in case he tried anything.

Once the ROOT member and Yugao stood in front of Naruto and Kurotsuchi, the pale boy started to fidget nervously.

''Yes?'' Inquired Kurotsuchi, urging the boy to tell them what he wanted.

''Sorry to bother you. I didn't mean to intrude, I didn't know you were busy'' Said Sai politely.

''We weren't, not anymore'' Remarked Naruto, still just as confused as his friend. ''So...ummm...''

''What do you want?'' Kurotsuchi completed the blond's question. ''Are you here to bother and insult us again or what?''

Sai scratched his cheek in embarrassment at the accusation since he could not blame them for thinking that. ''I'm sorry for that. I wanted to apologize for my previous actions towards you both. I know I have offended you and I wanted to start over if you don't mind''

Naruto didn't know what was going on or what prompted this change on Sai. After all, the odd boy had already offered his help to bring Sasuke back in the future which had already been weird in the first place. All in all, Naruto didn't have a problem with giving the guy a chance, especially if he was asking nicely. Kurotsuchi on the other hand...

''I don't buy for a second that you want to make amends, not after how much of an asshole you were'' Said the girl as she crossed her arms over her chest. ''So excuse me if I'm not jumping at the chance to 'start over' with you''

''I guess this is a little unexpected. However, I can explain'' Said Sai sheepishly. ''In our last mission I had a secret assignment given to me in ROOT, I was to dispose of Uchiha Sasuke by whatever means necessary''

''What?! Why would you do that?!'' Naruto demanded to know. Just when ha had been starting to like Sai he says something like that.

Yugao frowned dangerously at the pale boy for doing something so underhanded and sneaky that could compromise the purpose of the mission, and depending on the severity it could mean treason if the Hokage deemed it as such.

Kurotsuchi on her part got even more annoyed, not because Sai had tried to kill Sasuke, but because the useless prick didn't pull it off. She certainly would not miss the Uchiha, to say the least.

''I know how it sounds but that was the real mission given to me. Despite that, by the time we found Sasuke I had already decided that I wouldn't go through with it'' Explained Sai.

''Why should we believe that you backed down from your mission?'' Asked the incredulous Yugao.

''I have no way of proving that but is the truth'' Insisted the pale boy.

''What reason could you possibly have to make you abandon your task then?'' Asked Kurotsuchi.

''The other day Naruto tried to explain bonds to me. At that time they didn't make sense, no that's not right, I didn't want to think they made sense. I have been trained for most of my life to see bonds as unnecessary, as something that only holds you back from your true purpose. So, I didn't want to think that what I have believed all this time to be false. And then I saw what you did'' Said Sai as he turned to Kurotsuchi.

''Me?'' Asked the girl, confused. ''What did I do?''

''When Naruto lost control I saw how you risked your life for him. I never thought it was possible for a Shinobi to care about another ninja that is supposed to be an enemy. It was then that I realized that bonds are a stronger force than I gave them credit for. They are something that I can't understand in its entirety but they are obviously very powerful'' Explained Sai. ''Instead of keeping denying and burying my emotions like I have been doing for a long time now, I decided that I want to understand bonds, I want to experience them for myself, I want to feel them. That's why I wanted to ask for your forgiveness,and why I want to start over if you would let me'' Finished the boy with a bow showing sincere politeness.

The rest of the room's occupants didn't know what to say about this. Sai had been pretty sketchy and annoying since they knew him, what stopped him from trying to fool them?

Having made up his mind, Naruto grinned at Sai. ''This might seem weird but something tells me that you are being honest. If you really want to be cool with us just stop being an ass and I'll have no problem having you around'' Naruto believed in second chances. If Sai really made an effort to stop being so weird and rude he deserved the benefit of the doubt.

Yugao shrugged at the boy's request. As long as he behaved himself in the future she wasn't going to be up in his case, and ultimately he was asking Naruto and Kurotsuchi so it was up to them to decide.

Kurotsuchi stared in doubt a bit more at the ROOT member but she still decided to voice her opinion. ''Don't think I will forget so easily the way you acted towards me, faggot. However, if you play nice long enough I might just forgive you. I said might, don't forget that part''

Sai could agree to those terms. Even if Kurotsuchi wasn't entirely convinced as long as they stayed civil to each other that was good enough for Sai. ''Also, I wanted to ask you for permission to stay with Team Seven for a while longer. I wanted to see if you guys were fine with it before I made my request to Hokage-Sama'' Said the pale boy with a hand behind his head, feeling anxious for their answer.

''I just told you I would give you a chance, so of course you can stay, Dattebayo!'' Replied the blond amicably. '' The more the merrier, right?''

''I'm not part of Team Seven'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''If you want to stay, be my guest, is not like I can decide that''

Sai smiled at them with a look full of gratitude, glad that they could accept him in their group. ''I don't want to get ahead of myself but I hope that we can make good friends in the future. I don't have any friends and I would like you to be mine''

Kurotsuchi didn't fancy the idea. She didn't particularly like the guy, one thing was agreeing to tolerate him but becoming his friend? No thanks.

But Naruto wasn't as cold as his stone-headed friend and was quick to Incite Sai. If the only thing the antisocial guy wanted was a friend, the Jinchuuriki didn't have the heart to tell him off, especially when he understood perfectly how it felt to long for friends and no one was willing to be yours.

''Ah so you just wanted a friend? Don't worry we can be your friends! Can't we, Kurotsuchi?'' Inquired the blond as he glanced to the tomboy.

''We?'' Repeated the Iwa Kunoichi. She never said she was okay with it.

But Sai didn't wait to hear any more , he was ecstatic to start his new friendships. ''I thank you deeply, this means a lot to me'' the boy beamed at them. ''I have been reading some books lately on how to better interact with people, I really want to make an effort in my relationships from now on. And I read that friends usually call each other nicknames to get more familiar with each other and tighten their personal connection. So I was wondering if it was fine to try my hand in giving you nicknames?''

Kurotsuchi raised her eyebrow at the unusual request. This guy really was socially retarded.

Yugao had similar opinions to the tomboy. She knew that ROOT was very adamant in killing off all the feelings and relationships of their members, but this was on another level. How was it even possible to be this socially underdeveloped?

''Sai, you can't give people nicknames just like that'' Said Naruto. ''That's something that happens Naturally''

''But I read in a book that is very common'' Said Sai. ''Like calling people by their characteristics. I could call you 'dickless' for example''

Naruto's mouth fell open as his eye twitched in irritation. ''Hey, what's with that stupid nickname?!''

Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi put her hand over her mouth, trying to muffle her laughter. And even Yugao could not help but give a small snicker.

Naruto would rather have the earth swallow him whole than having both girls laughing at something like that. ''Sai...'' Muttered Naruto in a threatening manner.

''What?'' Asked Sai with a lost look in his eyes. '' Is that a bad nickname? 'butch' here seems to like it'' Said the pale boy as he pointed at Kurotsuchi.

Naruto and Yugao paled when they noticed that the Iwa Kunoichi stopped laughing abruptly, and they looked at her and saw the girl reflecting bloody murder in her eyes. In an instant, Naruto was quick to restrain both of Kurotsuchi's arms with his own as the girl attempted to break free and maul the ROOT ninja.

''Who are you calling 'butch' you fucking faggot?! Wait until I get my hands on you!'' Yelled the tomboy as she attempted to break Naruto's hold.

''Kurotsuchi, remember what Tsunade-Baachan said about attacking Konoha ninja!'' Said Naruto in desperation.

''I'm sure she won't mind one little fucker less in her ranks!'' Insisted the girl, trying to reach for Sai, who was currently watching the interaction in confusion.

While Naruto kept Kurotsuchi under control, Yugao turned to Sai, displeasure showing in her features. ''I think you better go until she has calmed down''

''Did I screw up already?'' Asked Sai innocently and the look in Yugao's face told him all he needed to know. Then, Sai promptly turned and left the room to avoid making things worse. It seemed that having friends was harder than it looked.

''These damn kids'' Thought Yugao as she massaged her temple, ignoring Kurotsuchi's angry yells as she wished that Kakashi came back soon.

Author's notes:

Another chapter in less than a week, I feel proud of that. I had meant to take a small break but I wanted to write the Naruto and Kurotsuchi argument over Sasuke while it was still fresh in my head, so I'm glad I did.

This time, I have two things that I need to address:

First, a lot of people thought that Naruto and Kurotsuchi seemed too weak in the last battle against Sasuke. I just wanted to point out that it was because Naruto was still terribly exhausted after using the Kyuubi's Chakra and Kurotsuchi was hurt, so they were not fighting at full power. I'm sorry if I did not convey that detail properly in the last chapter but that's what happened.

Also, Sasuke himself is very strong, even at the start of Shippuden. We always tend to forget that he was already plenty powerful when Sasuke just showed up because he got ridiculously OP later in the series. But the powers he got throughout Shippuden were more Doujutsu. His speed, his Kenjutsu, and his physical strength were pretty much the same through most of Shippuden(Except during the last arc when he got Hagoromo's Chakra, that booster everything).

And the second and last thing I wanted to address is something that...Is kind of embarrassing I'm not going to lie. I was wondering how you guys felt about lemons(Oh boy).

It might seem ridiculous to tip toe around the issue especially if some of you guys might be already used to reading lemons in other stories, but here is the thing: Never in a million years did I think I would be considering writing them. They are one of those things that can break a fic, be it because some people are heavily displeased by them or because a badly written lemon kills a story. However, I know that, if handled properly, a lemon can make for a more realistic development in a romantic relationship since if you keep the characterization on point it can serve to make the characters connect on a whole different level. Still, I'm not sure if I should add them, and if I do they won't be too over the top, they would be more like limes of you will.

Since is something that I have been debating heavily I wanted to ask you guys for your opinion on the matter and you guys might help me make up my mind on the matter.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: This doesn't mean that I will be jumping into the limes straight away. IF the limes do end up happening we are still several chapters away from them, but I figured that now is the time to decide if I leave them out entirely or what, while we are still early. And please, if you have something to say regarding the lemon topic send me what you think by PM, I don't like when comments sections become a voting poll.

Well, with that long ass author's note out of the way I just wanted to finish by saying what I always do:

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! And please review or PM me if you want :)