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 27: Preparations
-Streets of Konohagakure-
Naruto eyed Kurotsuchi as she yawned while they walked down the street. She had been tired like this lately ever since she started training with Gai and his team three weeks ago. He was worried that she was over stressing herself, even more so now that they didn't see each other as much as hey used to and Naruto couldn't check on her that often. Yeah, they still saw each other every morning on the way to the training grounds but they usually trained separated as they worked on their own skills and then she always left for the second half of the day to go train with Team Gai. So all in all, they had been so busy with their respective training that they haven't hung out that much.
Also, there was also a certain air of discomfort between them that Naruto could not explain. And 'discomfort' wasn't exactly right either but Naruto could not think of another name for this odd feeling that neither of them could identify nor they acknowledged but they could tell it was there even if they tried to ignore it.
''Are ou okay? You look off'' Inquired Naruto.
''Yeah, yeah. I'm just tired that's all'' Said Kurotsuchi as she massaged her eyelids. ''Gai's training is ridiculous. Three weeks and I'm still not used to the regime he puts me through. I don't know how Tenten puts up with this''
''I know what you mean. Bushy brow-Sensei can be a little too much'' Said Naruto, already expecting the girl to say something like that. Every morning she complained to him about the intense exercises that Gai makes her do the day before, so this was starting to become part of their routine. ''But it'll be worth it in the end. You'll see'' Said Naruto. Team Gai was one of the strongest teams he knew, so he was certain that if someone could make Kurotsucchi stronger it would be them.
''I sure hope so, my body definitely feels the pain'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''What about you, Naruto? How is your training coming along? Did you finish that one-handed Rasengan yet?''
''You bet!'' Declared the blond before extending his palm and a bright ball of Chakra manifested itself on his hand. After he had finished learning the Reppusho Kakashi had told him that before they went to the next step of their training he needed Naruto to completely master the Rasengan and that included learning to make one without clone assistance. ''Kakashi-Sensei was very adamant about me learning to make it one-handed. I told him it was stupid since as long as I could make it it wasn't a big deal but he wouldn't have it. He said that today we will mix it with my Chakra Nature or something like that. He said that it will be hard and needed me to have the Rasengan mastered in its entirety''
''I see. It seems we both have our work cut out for us'' Said Kurotsuchi with a smile.
''It looks that way, but you'll see, I will surpass you before you know it!'' Replied Naruto with a smirk.
''Oh, really? we'll see about that, won't we?'' Said Kurotsuchi, still smiling.
''Excuse me, you two''
At being called, both Naruto and Kurotsuchi turned to look at a couple that had been walking in the opposite direction and had stopped when they crossed paths.
''I'm sorry to bother you youngsters, but I was wondering if you could help a gal out'' Said the woman. She was plain looking, with straight brown hair and brown eyes, dressed casually; she was a civilian by the look of things. Behind her was standing a taller man with dark hair and brown eyes, holding a camera on a wood tripod, he also appeared to be a simple civilian.
Naruto and Kurotsuchi glanced at each other momentarily in confusion before regarding the two adults again.
''What is it, lady? Do you need help?'' Asked Naruto, ever so ready to help people as always.
''You see, I and my partner here are photographers and we need some help with our newest project'' Said the woman at the same time as the man raised his free hand in greeting. ''We need two models for out next pictures but we haven't found other people willing to help us yet! We are running out of time and we really need this photos taken soon, so please will you help us?!'' Pleaded the woman, tears at the corner of her eyes in a dramatic fashion.
Kurotsuchi raised her eyebrow in suspicion. For the last weeks, she and Naruto have been encountering people every day that needed their help for one reason or another. She would not pay any mind to it except that it had been happening almost every day. Just yesterday they helped a couple with designing clothes for grooms and brides; they had made Naruto and Kurotsuchi dress up as if they had been marrying to see if the clothes looked fine. And the other day a man and a woman had wanted them to enter their dancing classes and make her and Naruto dance together but Kurotsuchi had promptly refused much to Naruto's discomfort as he wasn't one to turn people down. The point was that things like these were starting to happen way too frequently to be normal. She would rather not be part of whatever these people wanted just to be safe, but Naruto on the other hand...
''Of course we'll help! We could not leave someone that needed our aid just like that. Right, Kurotsuchi?'' Said Naruto with a warm smile.
Kurotsuchi wanted so badly to tell these strangers to piss off, but the expectant look that Naruto was giving her make her reconsider. She wasn't fond of disappointing Naruto, so she decided to put up with this for his sake. ''Fine, just make it quick, will ya? We are kinda in a hurry'' Said the tomboy with a sigh.
The woman clapped her hands together in joy. ''Wonderful! I knew I could count on two reliable Shinobi like yourselves!''
''So, what do we do?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with impatience.
''Just go and stand over there'' Said the woman, pointing at the wall in front of her before she turned to look at her male companion. ''You know what to do''
The man nodded at her command and proceeded to set the tripod down and peered through the lens, putting a mantle over his head to conceal the daylight.
Once Naruto and Kurotsuchi positioned themselves they turned to the photographers again.
''Right here?'' Asked Naruto.
''Yes, that's perfect'' Said the woman as the man gave the teenagers a thumbs up in response.
''Now what?'' Inquired the pink-eyed girl.
''Oh, that's right, I haven't told you guys what we are supposed to be photographing'' Said the woman with a look of realization. ''We need to capture in a few pictures a couple in love. It's for an art project''
Both Naruto and Kurotsuchi froze up at the word 'couple' as a look of shock appeared on their faces.
''W-Wait a minute! did you say couple?!'' Said Naruto in urgency.
''You got it all wrong. We aren't a couple!'' Said Kurotsuchi just as flustered as the blond.
''You aren't?! But you look so cute together!'' Said the woman. ''Nevermind, that doesn't matter. Even if you aren't you just need to act like one''
Kurotsuchi stared agape at them. Were they expecting them to make out and shit?! No way! Even Naruto looked ready to bail at a moment's notice.
''Y-You know, I don't think we can help you with this one'' Said Naruto sheepishly with a hand on the back of his head.
''Yeah, you got the wrong guys for this. Good luck with your project or whatever'' Said Kurotsuchi just as she and Naruto were starting to leave.
When the woman watched them walking away she got into a panic before rushing at them and throwing herself at the ground, holding both teenager's legs in frantic desperation. ''Please, you have to help me! I really really need to have this done by today!
''Lady, let go!'' Said Naruto as he awkwardly tried to shake off the hysteric woman.
However, Kurotsuchi was a lot less gentle. ''Are you crazy?! Let us go! Have some dignity for fuck's sake!'' Said Kurotsuchi as she tried to free her leg from the woman's grip. This was so embarrassing, some random bystanders were staring at the scene they were making and even the man that had been accompanying the woman was looking totally puzzled without knowing what to do.
''Please, you misunderstand! I just need you to take a couple of pictures of you two together, that's it! I don't need you to do anything!'' Pleaded the woman, which actually made the teenagers stop in their tracks to look at her intently.
''Do you mean that? No weird stuff or anything?'' Asked Kurotsuchi.
''Just stand together and that's it?'' Added Naruto.
The woman nodded fervently. ''That's right! You just need to stand together, that's all I ask!''
Naruto and Kurotsuchi glanced at each other in silent understanding.
''Fine, we'll do it. Just get up already, you are embarrassing everyone'' Said Kurotsuchi.
In an instant, the woman's eyes lit up as she stood up. ''Thank you thank you thank you! You are life savers!''
''Just get on with it so we can go'' Said Kurotsuchi in resignation as she and Naruto walked back to where they were before.
''We just have to stand like this?'' Asked Naruto as he stood a few feet away from Kurotsuchi.
''Affirmative! Just a little bit closer, pretty please!'' Said the woman enthusiastically.
That made the teenager take a step towards each other.
''Just a bit more!'' Requested the woman.
After taking yet another step, Naruto and Kurotsuchi's chests were just centimeters away from each other, to the teenagers' discomfort.
''Perfect! Now stare at the camera and give a big smile, would ya?'' Said the woman as her partner went back to peering through the camera.
Naruto gave them his trademark toothy grin that he was so used to while Kurotsuchi tried in vain to turn her grimace into a smile. Nevertheless, the man and woman seemed satisfied with it and took the picture, a quick flash shooting from the camera to signal as such.
''Are we done?'' Asked Kurotsuchi, eager to go.
''Almost. For the next one, I need you two to hold hands'' Said the woman.
Naruto and Kurotsuchi shrugged, seeing nothing wrong with that.
''Now, look at each other in the eye'' Added the woman. ''And keep smiling''
Kurotsuchi rolled her eyes and did just that, but upon locking eyes with Naruto she could not help but smile for real, especially with the kind and bright smile that he always made being directed at her. Also, their hand-holding actually seemed to make the action feel stronger and more profound for some reason.
Naruto felt very similar to his close friend. Even with her gloved hand, the tender contact of their hands along with the heartfelt smile she was giving him made the boy feel all warm and fuzzy inside his chest.
After another flash from the camera, the strange woman addressed them once more.
''Only one more and you are free to go!'' Said the woman. ''For the next one, I'll need you close in for a kiss''
That last part shocked the teenagers which caused them to break apart with shock and equally crimson blushes on their faces.
''What the...you said that we would do nothing of the sort!'' Accused Kurotsuchi, feeling fooled and indignant.
''Yeah! You said only stand together and stuff!'' Added Naruto.
''Easy, easy there! I did promise that and I mean it!'' Said the woman with her hands up in a pleading manner. ''You don't really have to kiss, you can just stop right before coming in contact with each other! I just need the shot of you closing in, nothing more! You can do that, can't you?''
Kurotsuchi thought about it for a moment. That wasn't so bad. If it was just pretending like they were going to kiss there wasn't anything wrong. Still, the thought of her and Naruto's mouth being so close made her stomach turn with nervousness. But something in her made her curious to see what would happen, to see what Naruto's reaction- And hers for that matter- would be. It was just curiosity, nothing more. Also, they already promised to help this woman out, as weird as she was.
''Fine'' Said Kurotsuchi simply, which earned her a surprised look from Naruto.
''Really?'' Asked the blond. He had been absolutely certain that she would say no.
''We aren't really going to kiss, so why not?'' Said Kurotsuchi, trying to sound sure of herself despite looking to the side with a blush.
''If you say so, I guess it won't hurt'' Said Naruto, not knowing how else to respond.
''I promise it will be quick if it makes you uncomfortable'' Said the woman with a glint in her eye. ''Just get into position and this will be over before you know it''
And with that, both Naruto and Kurotsuchi closed the distance between them once more and held hands, staring at each other without any words spoken.
They looked sheepishly at each other, their gazes straying from time to time to mask their nervousness as a red tint spread on their cheeks.
''So...are you ready or...?'' Asked Naruto, not sure how to phrase the question.
''Just go for it. As I said, it's no big deal'' Said Kurotsuchi, almost in a whisper. Her tone betraying the fake confidence she tried to express.
For some reason, the girl's whisper made the situation seem all the more intimate for Naruto, causing him to gulp. After that, he gave a deep sigh, this was now or never. ''Okay, here I go'' Declared the boy before he slowly inched closer to Kurotsuchi.
Kurotsuchi widened her eyes for a moment when he saw the boy's lips coming closer to her own before she closed her orbs shut as if her body was anticipating itself for a kiss out of instinct.
Naruto was extremely tense. He was finding it hard to keep still when he knew that just a little bit more and he would lock mouths with Kurotsuchi. Even if she was his friend he could admit that the thought of kissing her wasn't an unpleasant one as he considered her a very pretty girl. It took all of his willpower to not just inch forward a little bit and pretend that it had been an accident. In a way, he was thankful that his nerves were also playing a part in keeping him in place.
Even with her eyes closed, Kurotsuchi could sense Naruto's breath on her, but to her disappointment, the boy had indeed stopped just before their lips touched. Her troubled feelings just grew when she realized she had wanted the boy to go all the way much to her puzzlement. She was frozen, still expecting Naruto to go for it despite wondering on the cause of her anticipation. Knowing that Naruto wasn't going to betray her trust and steal a kiss from her, she questioned if she should do it herself. It would be a good way of repaying the boy for all he had done for her, for all the shit she put him through, no, if she really thought about it, it wouldn't even start to compensate for it, but at the very least it would be a nice way to show her appreciation for everything he had done, to put her feelings into an action and hopefully let those same feelings reach him. It could be just a quick but meaningful peck on the lips, she could downplay it later and say it was an accident...
The sound from a camera taking a shot woke the two teenagers from their trance as they both opened their eyes and broke apart from each other. For a moment they forgot they had been posing for a picture. Then, they turned to look at the couple of photographers.
The woman was staring at the man agape and absolutely appalled as the man stopped looking through the camera lens.
''Done'' Said the man simply as the woman, who was still at a loss for words, continued to stare at him in disbelief.
''Then, I guess that's all!'' Said Kurotsuchi, feeling even more embarrassed after realizing what she almost did.
''See ya guys around! Good luck on your art project!'' Said Naruto with a wave before he and Kurotsuchi made a run for it before the crazy woman recovered her senses. After that last photo, they didn't want to keep risk anything more.
''No! Wait!'' The woman called out to them with an extended hand but to no avail, they were gone in an instant leaving her alone with her partner.
The woman dropped her Transformation Jutsu with a puff of smoke, revealing her to be Ino before she turned to look at the man accompanying her with an incredulous expression.
''Sai-Kun! We almost had them!'' Berated Ino. ''Why did you do that?!''
The man also vanished in a puff of smoke and Sai stood in its place. ''I had a clear shot'' Said Sai simply, clueless as ever.
Ino face palmed, it was just like Sai to miss the obvious romantic signals those two were showing. After having worked with him for a few weeks it had been more than enough for her to understand what Sakura had meant when she said that Sai was completely socially inept. She still thought he was hot but he still sometimes could make her lose her mind. ''They almost kissed! The photo was meaningless, jeez!''
''I see'' Said say, now understanding what Ino meant. ''I'm sorry''
''Just forget it. I'll think of something else'' Said Ino in resignation. ''At least let me look at the photos, they ought to be interesting at the very least''
Sai nodded before handing her the pictures just as requested.
Ino took the pictures and her disappointment increased shortly after glancing at them. They were terribly out of focus! You couldn't even make out the faces! Ino would much prefer that Sai stuck to drawing. ''Is this your first time using a camera?''
''Yeah'' Admitted Sai. ''I have not handled a lot of tools outside of ninja training'' Taking photos was a recreational activity, and recreation wasn't something that members of ROOT did much of. Sai was lucky that he had been allowed to draw as a hobby in the first place and that was only because he used his drawing skills for his Jutsu.
''And after all the effort I made to make them allow us to photograph them'' Lamented Ino.
''Speaking of which, did you really have to make such a scene, Ino-San'' Said Sai was he sealed away the camera he had been using moments ago. He would return it later to the store they had rented it at.
''What can I say, I'm quite the actress, don't you think?'' Said Ino with a wink.
''I guess'' Said Sai, deciding against telling her otherwise. After having screwed up this attempt he was trying to avoid any comment that may be taken badly by the Yamanaka. ''But do we really have to do this every day?''
''Well, of course. There's nothing better than having the satisfaction of knowing that you helped someone else find their soulmate!'' Said Ino dramatically. ''Also, this beats working at the flower shop, so there's that''
''About that, I don't think we will be able to do this for much longer'' Said Sai thoughtfully. ''Judging by the weird looks she gives us, Kurotsuchi-San seems to be getting suspicious. I don't think it will be long for her to figure out what we are up to'' He might be bad when it concerned social interactions but he had been trained to spot the reaction of an enemy ninja that might be realizing your tactics and that applied here in Sai's opinion.
''You might have a point'' Said Ino. Sai was right, they could not keep doing this. It was helping develop Naruto and Kurotsuchi's relationship that was for sure, but at this rate they would be discovered sooner or later and at that point they would not be able to help further. They needed to find a way to get both Naruto and Kurotsuchi to spend time together but not in the usual way as they spent a lot of time with each other already, no, they had to find a way to get them into a fun but romantic avenue by themselves, but the question was how the heck was Ino supposed to do that?
As the Yamanaka pondered on their problem, she noticed an older woman at the store across the street putting paper lamps on the rooftop. Also, she also spotted an old man constructing a small stand at the far end of the street while yet another person was putting decorations in another building. That was when Ino widened her eyes as an idea came to her.
''Of course, why didn't I think of it?!'' Said Ino suddenly, startling Sai in the process. ''Sai, you know what day is tomorrow?!''
''October tenth'' Said Sai. '' So?''
''So?! it will be the festival of the Kyuubi's defeat!'' Said Ino. ''That's the perfect setup to hook those two up!''
''And it will also be Naruto-Kun's birthday'' Said Sai, remembering that part from all the research he did on Naruto when he had been assigned to his team.
''Is that so? Then even better!'' Declared Ino.
''But how are we going to make them go?'' Asked Sai. ''Kurotsuchi-San, to be more specific. She doesn't seem like the one for festivities'' Even less if they were talking about Konoha festivities.
''Just leave that part to me'' Said Ino with confidence. ''As for you, Sai-Kun, I have a special task for you...''
-Konoha's training grounds-
After her very uncomfortable encounter with the couple of weirdos that called themselves photographers, Kurotsuchi put all of her focus into her training to help her get rid of those odd thoughts she had had when she and Naruto had been about to kiss. She shook her head at that, no they had not almost kissed! She definitely hadn't been about to kiss Naruto!
She massaged her temple. How fortunate for her that Naruto was at the other side of the training grounds and out of sight or it would be impossible to concentrate. Well, back to her training, she had found something interesting yesterday in her training but didn't have the chance to test it out at the time because she was running late to meet with Team Gai, but now it was the perfect moment to try it.
She made some hand seals as she puffed her chest. ''Yoton: Sekkaigyo no Jutsu!(Lava Release: Quicklime Congealing Technique)'' She spat a blob of quicklime onto the ground and just as she had noted yesterday, smoke came out of the ground as the blob touched it, slowly sinking into it as it corroded the soil. Kurotsuchi looked on in fascination. She had never seen her Jutsu do something like this. Before it just trapped her target and hindered their movements while Kurotsuchi spayed the cement-like substance with water to make it harden and trap her enemy, and the quicklime, apparently, acted just like before but it somehow turned corrosive, which was good for her since it meant that it had offensive properties by itself now instead of being a nuisance until she followed up her attack with something.
She stopped to think for a few minutes trying to figure out why her technique had suddenly changed until she finally came to what was the most likely conclusion: She had been improperly mixing her Chakra Natures before. It seemed to her that she had been undermining her fire affinity slightly, not on purpose of course, and she had used to put more of her earth nature in her Jutsu without her noticing.
Kurotsuchi smiled as she contemplated her improved technique. It looked like Kakashi had been right, training her fire affinity had been a good idea after all. Now, by overcompensating her earth nature she could use the Sekkaigyo as a form of restraining Jutsu if needed, or she could properly mix her natures and use it offensively and still have the option of hardening the quicklime in either case. Not bad at all.
But as she thought on all the new applications of her Jutsu, a new thought entered her head: what if she did it the other way around? What if she overcompensated her Jutsu with her fire affinity instead of the earth one? Would it change into something else, something she could use? That was something she would have to test.
With a new goal in mind, Kurotsuchi closed her eyes and put her hands together making a seal as she focused intensely on feeling her Chakra. Trying to split and mix Chakra Natures wasn't easy, that's why the ability to be able to do it was considered a Kekkei Genkai, and even those with one didn't have it easy in doing it. That was the reason it took her several minutes of just focusing on her Chakra until she was positive she was balancing her Chakra more in favor of fire than earth, and once she knew she had the right mix she didn't waste any time to try her Jutsu again. ''Yoton: Sekkaigyo no Jutsu!(Lava Release: Quicklime Congealing Technique)'' She spat yet another blob of quicklime, but this time she noticed something different in the consistency. Instead, the quicklime looked and felt more like ash but it seemed that part of the technique was still quicklime, which made Kurotsuchi groan in annoyance. It appeared like she had messed up. If she had to guess, the entire thing would have been ash if she had done it right. She still didn't know how ash would be useful in battle but it was worth experimenting over to see all the potential this version of the Jutsu had.
She was excited at the prospect of making her own technique and was determined to keep practicing for the rest of the day, or at least what she had left before she went to train with Gai and his team...
-Unknown Location-
Several shadowy figures stood in a circle inside a cave. Most appeared to be some kind of hologram save for Deidara and his newest companion, Tobi.
The meeting of the Akatsuki had just started a few minutes ago but there were still some matters to discuss.
''Now that the extraction of the Rokubi has been completed we need to decide on our next plan of action'' Said the figure with the purple ripple-pattern eyes.
''Me and Kakuzu aren't far from The Land of Fire, we could go for the Kyuubi right away, Pain-Sama. He and his bitch made a mockery of Jashin-Sama and that can't be forgiven. I'll parade that brat's severed head along with his friend's corpses as punishment!'' Said one of the shadows before turning to look at a figure with green eyes and red sclera. ''What do you say, Kakuzu?''
''I don't usually agree with Hidan, but we'll have to go for the Kyuubi eventually'' Said the shadowy Kakuzu. ''I would rather do it at once and not waste any more time so I can get back to claim bounties''
''But Kakuzu-Senpai, Hidan-Senpai, you must be careful! The Kyuubi and his Konoha ninja friends are strong!'' Said Tobi. ''They even beat up Deidara-Senpai black and blue!''
Deidara snarled and cursed under his breath. He would normally have rebutted Tobi for that comment, but after knowing how the bastard really was he was afraid to get on the idiot's bad side, even if he was ashamed to admit it.
''But we don't suck ass like Deidara!'' Said the other figure. ''So there is nothing to worry about!''
Deidara turned to glare at Hidan. ''One of these days, I swear-''
''Enough, I don't want you starting another argument'' Ordered the shadow of Pain, which immediately ended the dispute before it could even start. ''And I have to agree with Tobi to some extent, going after the Kyuubi so boldly will be difficult. Hidan, Kakuzu, the Kyuubi has already fought the two of you, he already knows about Hidan's immortality and if someone in the Land of Fire spots you Konoha will hear from it and send teams to hunt you down, teams that will be prepared to counter your abilities''
''I say let them come!'' Said Hidan arrogantly. ''One can't counter immortality, they will just be coming to their deaths! Jashin-Sama will sure enjoy their blood''
''You could send me and Itachi-San to capture him. Konoha also knows of our abilities but I'd always liked a good challenge anyway'' Said another hologram with the figure of a large sword over his shoulder. ''Or we could go after the Ichibi. My water Jutsu should be a good counter to his sand''
''We leave the Ichibi for now. We just attempted to capture him not too long ago, Suna will still be on high alert. We should wait for the dust to settle before we make any more attempts on him'' Said Pain. ''Also, you two will probably have your hands full soon enough''
''Hmmm, what do you mean by that, Pain-Sama?'' Inquired Kisame and the comment even captured the attention of Itachi's red-eyed figure.
''I learned of this just recently: Uchiha Sasuke has killed Orochimaru'' Informed Pain.
That comment made the cave go deathly silent and seeing that no one talked Pain continued. ''And not only that, but it appears that he is gathering a group of skilled individuals, he has already recruited Jugo of the Scales and the last member of the Hozuki clan''
''So... Suigetsu, uh?'' Said Kisame. ''It has been a while since I last heard from him. I quite liked the kid, he was a killing machine, almost on par with Zabuza''
''Kisame, Itachi, that's why you have to be alert'' Said Pain. ''They will most likely be looking for you. Uchiha Sasuke and his group must not be underestimated''
''Aren't you proud of your little brother, Itachi-San'' Said Kisame with a toothy grin as he regarded Itachi who had stayed silent and listened attentively all throughout the meeting. ''Killing one of the Sannin and forming his own group of assassins. They grow up so fast, wouldn't you say?''
''In that case, I might be hunting Sasuke myself, un'' Said Deidara. ''I wanted to be the one to kill Orochimaru and the little prick robbed me of the pleasure. Also, Sasori no danna wanted to kill the filthy snake, and as his former partner it falls to me to complete his wishes, un''
''Anyway, back to the matter of the Kyuubi'' Interrupted Kakuzu, impatient to know what his next move was going to be so he could get back to his own interests, the sooner the better. ''If me and Hidan can't go after him and the rest of the teams are busy, are we going to forget about the Kyuubi for the time being, then?''
''I didn't say that. Despite everything, You and Hidan are still the best option to go after him'' Said Pain. It was true, Kisame and Itachi were being hunted by Sasuke and his group and Pain didn't want to risk them facing two groups at once, not to mention that Konoha knew more about Itachi and Kisame's techniques than they did on the zombie duo; Deidara and Tobi were not a good choice either as Konoha also knew of Deidara and Tobi wasn't ready to show himself to the world yet so he would most likely not fight seriously; and as the rulers of Amegakure, Pain and Konan didn't have as much freedom to go everywhere as they pleased. ''You are still going after the Kyuubi, but you'll need to be more tactful in the way you go about it''
''What do you have in mind, Pain-Sama?'' Asked Hidan. He didn't know what their leader meant by 'tactful'.
''I'll think of something. Once I have your instructions I'll send Zetsu to you with your orders'' Said Pain. ''If no one has anything more to say this meeting is over''
Seeing as no one else said anything, that was Pain's signal to end their gathering. ''Very well. Until next time'' Declared the leader and one by one the holograms disappeared until just Deidara and Tobi were left.
''So, Sasuke has killed Orochimaru'' Commented Deidara more to himself than to Tobi. ''I'll show him what happens when you take my prey, un''
''What do you plan to do, Deidara-Senpai?'' Asked Tobi with a tilt of his head.
''Isn't it obvious? I'm going to kill the little shit'' Said Deidara as he summoned one of his clay dragons, getting ready to take off.
''But, Deidara-Senpai! It's too dangerous!'' Said Tobi in worry. ''Orochimaru is dead, that's all it should matter, right? There is no need to take such risks!''
''This is personal, Tobi. I don't expect you to understand'' Said the bomber.
''Deidara''
There was again! The change in Tobi's voice signaled Deidara that the masked man wasn't playing around right now which caused the blond man to go stiff.
''Stay away from Uchiha Sasuke, I mean it'' Said Tobi, glaring at the terrorist through the hole in his mask. There was no positive outcome for Tobi from a showdown between Deidara and Sasuke. He had plans for Sasuke, and he couldn't have the boy die before those plans came to fruition. Alternatively, Tobi didn't save Deidara and risked revealing himself to the world to have the idiot risking his life for nothing. So and in all, the death on any of the two didn't benefit Tobi in the slightest.
''O-kay...'' Said Deidara simply, not feeling like going against Tobi when he got like this. ''So what do we do?''
''We go after Sasuke but observe him from a distance until the time is right'' Informed Tobi.
Deidara didn't know what Tobi's deal was. Observe Sasuke? For what? He wanted to argue against the stupid choice of Tobi but the hard stare that the black-haired man was giving him sent chills down his spine.
''Fine'' Said the bomber with reluctance.
''Awesome! I knew you would understand, Senpai!'' Said Tobi, going back to his carefree persona. ''But first, let's get something to eat, I'm starving! I know of a good place nearby''
Deidara didn't know how could someone go back and forth from a goofball to a serious killer in the blink of an eye, and in a way it made it all the more creepy. So with that said, Deidara didn't have another choice but to follow Tobi to whatever restaurant the masked man had in mind.
-Konoha's Streets-
Kurotsuchi walked aimlessly through the street. She had just finished looking for Team Gai as she didn't find them today at their usual training spot and apparently they had gone out on a mission. So with her usual training session canceled, she didn't have anything else to do. She thought it would be a good idea to go and see how Naruto was doing on his training but she still didn't think that she could face him without remembering the event of the photograph earlier in the day. Something was wrong with her, being close to Naruto was becoming more uncomfortable by the day and these feelings she had scared her as they were alien to her. She wondered if the boy felt the same or it was just her that was the weird one with the problem.
''Yoo-hoo, Kurotsuchi-San!''
The Iwa Kunoichi was taken out of her thoughts and turned around to see Yamanaka Ino approaching her with a wave.
''Hey, Ino-San'' Kurotsuchi greeted the blonde as the Yamanaka stopped just right in front of her.
''Long time no see!'' Said Ino, despite seeing the tomboy almost every day in some Henge form. ''How are you?''
''I'm doing fine, I guess'' Replied Kurotsuchi, she still found hard to interact with Ino as she didn't know the girl that much even with the constant tries of the girl to befriend her. ''And you?''
''Putting up with Shikamaru and his lazy ways, having to chase Asuma-Sensei to get some advice from him, and making sure Choji doesn't gorge himself to death, you know, the usual'' Said Ino.
''I see'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''And what have you been up to?'' Asked Ino
''Just training and stuff. Nothing much to do for me here'' Responded Kurotsuchi.
Ino felt as thought she was talking to Sai with how dry Kurotsuchi was being in her answers so she figured she would go straight to the point. ''You know, Sai-Kun and I were wondering if you and Naruto could accompany us to the festival tomorrow?''
''Festival?'' Asked Kurotsuchi. Ah, that was right, tomorrow was the anniversary of the Kyuubi's defeat, of course Konoha would celebrate something like that.
''That's right'' Said Ino. ''I want to go on a date with Sai-Kun and I feel it would make me less nervous if we went on a double date''
Kurotsuchi widened her eyes at that. A double date?! So that would mean going on a date with Naruto! No there was no way she could agree to that, it was way too embarrassing. She still hadn't sorted the strange feelings that Naruto incited in her, going on a date with him didn't feel like something that would make her confusion disappear and if anything it would make things worse.
''Sorry, I don't think I will be able to help you with that'' Said Kurotsuchi with a faint blush as she turned around to walk away as knowing Ino she would pester her until she agreed. ''It was good seeing you, Ino-San''
Ino already expected that response but she didn't come here without an argument to her case. ''Hey! I'm not doing this just for me, you know?! I also don't want Naruto to spend another birthday alone'' Said Ino and as expected Kurotsuchi stopped in her tracks.
''Birthday, you say?'' Asked Kurotsuchi, glancing back at the Yamanaka. She remembered Naruto mentioning that his birthday was going to be soon, but he never specified a date.
''You didn't know? Tomorrow is his birthday too'' Said Ino. She knew that Kurotsuchi was going to listen if it concerned a special day for Naruto, now she had the tomboy right where she wanted her. ''I heard from Sakura that Naruto usually doesn't celebrate his birthday, he spends it mostly avoiding people, actually''
Kurotsuchi hadn't thought about that. If the villagers were celebrating the defeat of the Kyuubi then the last thing they would want was for Naruto to be present to remind them that the Kyuubi was still around, imprisoned, but still around. Naruto most likely avoided people on his birthday not only to avoid the glares from the people but also to not trouble everyone that just wanted to enjoy the festivities. The thought of Naruto spending isolated what should be a day of joy for him made Kurotsuchi glance at the floor in sadness, it was just too cruel for someone as good-hearted as Naruto to endure that kind of treatment as if he had not endured enough throughout his life.
''I know that you know by now, that Naruto is a very kind person. The kind that likes to see other people happy even more than he would like to be himself'' Said Ino, making Kurotsuchi snap out of her sad thoughts and redirect her attention to her. ''I don't know why people hate Naruto, but I don't think it's fair, is not fair that he doesn't get to enjoy his own birthday. That's why, for once, I want him to have a birthday that he can remember with a smile on his face. Don't you want that too?'' Asked Ino. Even if she was saying all this to convince Kurotsuchi to go to the festival, Ino was still speaking from the heart. Naruto could be annoying, sure, but there was no denying that he had a heart of gold, and he was one of the people that deserved the least those kind of unhappy birthdays.
Kurotsuchi frowned somberly. That was true, Naruto deserved to have some happy memories of his special day. He had done so much for her, and she had been so awful to him in the past, was it too much to ask to help her friend in this? Even if she had to go on a date despite her troubled feelings?
Ino could tell that Kurotsuchi was debating the issue hard in her mind, so she decided to give one more push. ''Look, maybe 'date' was such a strong word for it. You don't have to commit like that if you don't want. Just you two hanging out, as friends, would be enough to make his day. What do you say?''
Ino waited patiently for Kurotsuchi to answer her as it was obvious that her words had reached the hard-headed girl.
Kurotsuchi knew that it would mean a lot to Naruto if she got to enjoy his birthday even if just for once and as her friend she would be doing him a disservice if she didn't look up for his happiness. So, ignoring the nerves in her chest, she made up her mind. ''All right, I'll go''
''Really?! That's wonderful!'' Said Ino, clapping her hands in joy. ''I know that Naruto will appreciate it and I can go with Sai-Kun''
Kurotsuchi nodded, and even after she tried to make her unease go away she could feel herself getting nervous again just by the mere thought of going with Naruto to a festival. Even if she had agreed that it wasn't technically a date it still felt as one.
''I almost forgot, don't forget to wear something pretty!'' Said Ino.
''Something pretty?'' Repeated Kurotsuchi.
''Yeah, you know, like a dress, or a kimono or something'' Said Ino.
''But I don't have anything like that!'' Said Kurotsuchi. Even back in Iwa she barely had things of the sort, here in Konoha she barely even had pajamas.
''Don't worry about a thing. I will lend you one of my prettiest pieces of clothing'' Said Ino. ''I'll go to your place in the afternoon to get you ready for the festival''
''In the afternoon? Why so early? I don't think the festival starts before evening'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''What, to properly groom you of course!'' Said Ino as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Didn't Kurotsuchi ever spend a good few hours putting on makeup, trying on shoes and the like? Ever?! She was going to teach her how to be a lady for once. It was going to be fun. ''And don't tell Naruto. I want it to be a surprise''
''Sure...I guess I can do that'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''All settled then!'' Said Ino as she started going away with a content smile at her victory. ''Don't forget, in the afternoon!''
Kurotsuchi waved dumbly at the retreating form of the Yamanaka. She was going to have to think of some excuse to skip training tomorrow. She was wondering in just what she had gotten herself into...
Author's note:
Next chapter is here! Oh man, this one was another fun one to write! Still a bit on the short side, though. But it couldn't be helped since as I said before, this and the last were going to be a single chapter but I had to break it into two parts so the pacing would not be off.
I have nothing much to say, really.
As always, please review or PM me if you have the time! Until next time!
