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 28: Festival And Realization
Naruto walked through the marketplace with Sai at his side. He had his hands behind his head casually, this was the first time Sai had asked him to hang out and he didn't have a problem with it. Naruto knew how hard Sai was working to make friends, and if the pale young man was trying to be friendly, Naruto didn't have any problem with complying. Sai was much better nowadays than how he had been when they met him, so the blond could say that he didn't mind accompanying him and give him a chance. At least the ROOT member had been a good friend until now.
''Hey, Sai, what did you say we were looking for again?'' Asked Naruto. Sai had just told him he wanted to buy something and wanted him to come along but had yet to explain what that something was.
''Clothes for the festival tonight'' Said Sai, seeing no point in keeping that piece of info hidden.
''The festival? What do you mean by that?'' Asked Naruto.
''Ino-San wants you to come with us to the festival and instructed me to make sure we get some proper clothes'' Explained Sai.
''Wait a minute'' Said Naruto, stopping both him and Sai in their tracks and causing the pale boy to stare at him curiously. ''Is that what this is about?''
''Yeah. Is there a problem?'' Inquired Sai.
''The thing is that I don't like the festival that much, honestly'' Said Naruto as he scratched his cheek. ''I don't think I should go''
''Ino-San insists. She wants to celebrate your birthday by going together as friends'' Explained Sai calmly.
Now Naruto felt even worse about declining. It was a very nice gesture from his friends, it was something that no one had done for him before actually. He knew that his friends had good intentions but he avoided the festival for a reason. He already knew that most people in the village didn't like him, and even less so during the festival where they celebrated the fox's defeat, so Naruto had decided long ago that he would do everyone and himself a favor by not assisting, that way the people didn't have to worry about uncomfortably pretending he wasn't there and Naruto didn't have to spend the night knowing that everyone would rather he disappeared. Naruto could always get the villagers attention another day with a prank or something, so laying low for a single night wasn't a big deal.
''I'm really sorry, truly. I'll just tell Ino myself that I -Oww!'' Groaned Naruto in pain when Sai interrupted him with a slap on the back of his head. ''What the hell?! Sai, you asshole! Why did you do that?!''
''Ino-San told me to hit you if you refused to come'' Explained Sai.
''If she wants me to go so badly she can come tell me herself'' Said Naruto.
''She is busy at the moment'' Said Sai. ''Also, Ino-San wanted me to warn you that if despite everything I've said you still don't end up going, she is going to come looking for you, beat your butt, and drag you to the festival kicking and screaming if she has to''
Naruto looked at Sai in disbelief. What the heck! What was Ino's problem?! Naruto would never understand women, now he knew what Shikamaru meant when he said girls were troublesome. ''All right, all right, I'll buy some clothes but I don't promise anything'' Said Naruto. If it really mattered so much to Ino and Sai that he came with them then fine, he would make the effort.
Sai nodded in approval, glad that Naruto complied. And with that, both teenagers went into a clothing shop in the same street they had been in.
The shop was rather large, at least in Naruto's opinion as he didn't shop much around these places. On the roof were two rows of several hanging lights that kept the place well illuminated, mannequins displaying several attires were in the middle of the store while around them plenty of clothes hung from the railings on the walls that were divided by gender and categories like formal wear and casual wear. Naruto saw the counter at the very end of the store, however, when the clerk turned to them to welcome them into the shop she went stoic and turned to the side when she spotted Naruto as one of the clients.
Naruto frowned in annoyance, that's why he didn't like shopping that much when even the owners weren't happy to see him. At the very least it was better now than when he had been a child. As a kid, most store owners flat out didn't sell him stuff, now they just ignored him but at least they did let him buy.
Deciding to not pay the rude clerk any mind for now, Naruto made his way further into the store alongside Sai. The smell of new clothes saturated the air as the pair walked aimlessly searching for anything to buy.
Naruto didn't know how formal his clothing was supposed to be as it was his first time going, but he supposed that going formal would be the safer bet, so he and Sai stopped just in front of the Kimono section.
''See anything you would like, Naruto-Kun?'' Asked Sai, trying to strike a conversation and hopefully get an idea himself on what to get.
''I dunno, let's see...'' Said Naruto as he scanned the row of Kimonos until a certain one caught his eye, an orange kimono! Just perfect! He grabbed the sleeve as he examined it. ''I think this is a good-Oww!'' Once again, he was interrupted by a hit from Sai before he turned to glare at the ROOT member in a threating manner. ''Sai...''
''I was told to do that if you were to choose something orange to wear'' Explained Sai.
''I guessed as much, but you are not Ino. Hit me again and I'll kick your ass'' Warned Naruto. He wouldn't hit a girl- unless it was an enemy Kunoichi attacking him, of course- so if Sai thought he could keep slapping him on the back of the neck he had another thing coming. ''And what about you, do you know what you are going to buy yet?''
Naruto watched Sai stopped to think for a moment before the pale boy turned to him with a serious look. ''No idea''
Well, Sai wasn't going to be much help, was he? Naruto sighed, he hated shopping for clothes. He would just rather grab something plain and comfortable and leave it at that, but knowing Ino she would most likely clobber them if they arrived wearing something she didn't approve of. It looked like this would take a while...
-Kurotsuchi's Apartment-
Kurotsuchi paced back and forth in her small living room. She had skipped training today, she doubted that Kakashi and the rest would think too much of it, she could always make an excuse later. But it had been necessary, otherwise she would not have had the time to meet with Ino around this hour, and speaking of which the Yamanaka should be about to arrive to help her get ready for the festival and her not-date with Naruto. Just thinking about it made Kurotsuchi a bundle of nerves, this still felt like a date no matter how they chose to label it. But she had to remember that she was doing this for Naruto and besides, she was going to be spending time with her best friend in a holiday so it ought to be a pleasant experience, at least she hoped so.
A knock on the door made the Iwa girl stop walking and quickly made her way to open it, revealing a cheery Ino on the other side.
''Hello!'' Greeted Ino. ''Are you ready to start your makeover, Kurotsuchi-San?''
''As ready as I can be, I suppose'' Responded the pink-eyed girl. ''Come in''
''With your permission'' Said Ino as she stepped into the small apartment. ''I have never been to your place before. It feels cozy, I like it''
''Thanks'' Said Kurotsuchi, despite knowing that Ino said that to be polite. Being the heiress to the Yamanaka clan she must be accustomed to much better living standards that would make her own apartment feel pathetic in comparison, Kurotsuchi should know, she missed her own accommodations back in Iwa sometimes but it wasn't so bad once you got used to it.
''And it's so close to Naruto's place too. That must be quite the plus for you'' Said Ino with a sly look.
''What do you mean by that?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with a frown.
''Nothing, nothing'' Said Ino with a dismissive wave of her hand. ''Now, what do you say if we start getting ready for the festival?''
''Sure, that's why you are here for'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''Then, take a seat wherever you'd like, please'' Said Ino.
Kurotsuchi shrugged before she went to the couch in the living room and promptly sat down.
After that, Ino reached into her pouch and pulled out some makeup accessories, like eyeliner, lipstick, and eyeshadow. ''I brought some clothes for you to try them out, but first I'll help you with the makeup!''
''I don't think that's necessary. I can do that myself'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''Come on, this is what girl friends do for each other. I came all the way here, at least let me help you with that'' Said Ino.
Kurotsuchi sighed. If it was so important to Ino to help her with her makeup, then, by all means, she could have the pleasure. ''Okay, you win. Just don't go overboard''
''Don't stress over it, I know what I'm doing'' Reassured the Yamanaka before approaching the tomboy and leaning towards her with her powder in hand.
Kurotsuchi blinked a few times when she felt Ino applying powder to her cheek. She wasn't used to anyone doing her makeup for her, heck, she didn't use makeup most of the time.
''You should put on makeup more often. You have the looks to be turning heads: smooth skin, long eyelashes, exotic eye color. A lot of girls would envy you'' Commented Ino. For a tomboy that didn't care about feminity, Kurotsuchi did have the features to be quite the looker if she just put more effort into her appearance.
''I'm a Shinobi. Looking pretty is not a necessity to the achievement of my goals'' Said Kurotsuchi as she crossed her arms stubbornly. She never had much interest in 'girly' stuff, that just wasn't how she was. Yeah, she did wear more fancy stuff for special occasions, sometimes, but that was it.
''We are not just Shinobi, we are Kunoichi'' Said Ino, as she continued to apply more makeup. ''Sometimes we have to use our looks to get advantage in a fight or missions, and that's fine, it's an advantage we have, we should embrace it''
Kurotsuchi rolled her eyes. It wasn't the first time someone said that to her. ''I want to be known for my skill and progress, not for how well I distract men with my cleavage''
''Still, you can't deny that it feels nice when someone else acknowledges how good you look'' Said Ino, but when she didn't get any reaction from Kurotsuchi, she added something else. ''For example, I bet that Naruto is going to be pleasantly surprised when he sees you tonight''
For a split second, Kurotsuchi widened her eyes at that before she tried her best to appear uncaring at the notion. ''Good for him. I'm doing this so he can enjoy his birthday, so he better be glad to see me''
Ino knew that Kurotsuchi was trying to put on a front of indifference but she knew better. ''For my part, I think it will be funny to see his reaction. I bet he will be left speechless''
Ino could see Kurotsuchi frown in thought but didn't comment on it. Thinking that she was not going to get a further response, Ino went back to her task until, to her surprise, Kurotsuchi talked again.
''Do you really think he will like how I look?'' Kurotsuchi asked timidly, glancing to the side to hide her blush.
Ino smiled knowingly. It appeared that Kurotsuchi was even more nervous than she had thought. That was a good sign, it meant she really cared. ''I know he will. Trust me''
This time, Kurotsuchi allowed a smile to grace her face. The idea of Naruto finding her attractive was a pleasant one. If only because it would be amusing to see his reaction, yeah, that was it, there definitely wasn't another motive.
-Konoha's Streets-
Naruto marveled at how lively the village looked right now. The sun had just set, signaling the start of the festival. The street was illuminated with numerous paper lamps hanging from every rooftop, all the vendors that usually only opened in the day had made an exception and brought stands of every kind of snacks one could think of like cotton candy, ice cream, dango, daifuku, onigiri, and too many more for Naruto to count. The streets were filled to the brim with people of all ages and walk of life, from parents to children, from the young to the elderly, civilians and Shinobi. It was almost as if all the people in the village had decided to attend.
Naruto had seen the village this busy before but never in this light. watching all of Konoha's inhabitants cheering, laughing and all around having a good time warmed him on the inside. They may ignore him and glared at him, even now as he passed them by more than a few people didn't miss shooting him dirty looks once they got over their surprise at seeing Naruto in there. But no matter what, Naruto still liked to see his people happy, even if they hated him, they were still his people, his village, and as future Hokage wanted to protect them and see them filled with joy. Of course the glares directed at him bothered him, but he would not give up until they accepted him even if he had to put up with their hatred for who knew how long.
He and Sai passed yet another food stand, and Naruto couldn't help his mouth from watering at the delicious smell. He didn't want to eat yet and risk getting his new clothes dirty so soon after just buying them. He had settled for buying a black Kimono with a black Hakama. If he wasn't allowed to wear orange, then he would settle for the color one could not go wrong when dressing formally. As for Sai, he was wearing a gray Kimono but was also wearing a black Hakama.
''Sai, where is Ino? Do you know where are we supposed to meet her?'' Asked Naruto, he was already starting to feel self-conscious of all the shocked and resentful eyes following his every move and the person that had practically forced him to come had yet to show up.
''Around here. We are on time, so they should not take long to arrive'' Said Sai as he and Naruto stopped beside a restaurant.
''They? What do you mean, 'they'?'' Inquired Naruto with a puzzled look. Was someone else coming? ''I thought only Ino was coming''
Instead of an answer, Sai shot him genuine smile, a devious one, which unsettled Naruto. It wasn't every day that Sai smiled for real, and it was the first time he had seen him smile like that, it worried the blond.
However, Naruto didn't have another chance to keep questioning Sai, as a familiar voice called to them.
''Good to see you guys made it in time''
Naruto and Sai turned around to see Ino standing in front of them, she was wearing a purple Kimono with flower designs, red lipstick, and a white sash around her waist tied like a ribbon. Both boys could admit she looked good, Sai especially was blushing at the sight of the Yamanaka. Despite working with her extensively for these past few weeks, Sai had never seen her looking so pretty.
''About time. You are late, Ino'' Complained Naruto. After forcing him to come she could at least have the decency to not make them wait.
''You could practice more patience, Naruto'' Said Ino. ''A lady takes a long time to get ready for a night out, so be more considerate. We came as fast as we could''
''And speaking of which, what do you mean by 'we'? You didn't come alone?'' Asked Naruto in confusion.
''Obviously. Can't you see who is right there?'' Said Ino as she pointed behind her with her thumb.
''There's no one there'' Replied Naruto with squinted eyes.
At Naruto's comment, Ino turned around to see that effectively Naruto was right, no one was behind her. ''Excuse for a moment'' Said Ino before she entered the restaurant that they had been standing outside, going out of sight of the two males.
''What are you doing?!...They are waiting for us...Don't be silly, you look amazing...'' Naruto and Sai could barely make out Ino's loud voice coming from inside the restaurant, but due to the noise of the crowd they couldn't hear the person she was talking to.
''Here we are, guys! Sorry for the delay'' Said Ino as she came back out, dragging another girl by the arm.
The girl shot Ino a glare once the Yamanaka let go of her arm, but her features softened as she became embarrassed when she realized that Naruto was staring agape at her.
Naruto was speechless, he could not take his eyes away from the newcomer. That had to be the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. She was wearing a red Kimono that hugged her body tightly, showing her slim figure. Her short straight raven hair was shiny and combed behind her ears, showing her green earrings. She had pink lipstick and a slight pink tint on her pale cheeks. She had eyeshadow that made her gaze look all the more alluring as it accentuated her bright pink eyes...Wait, pink eyes?!
''Ku-Kurotsuchi?'' Said Naruto, almost at a loss for words. He had never seen Kurotsuchi looking so...feminine.
''Of course. Who else would it be?'' Said Kurotsuchi, trying to mask her own unease with fake confidence.
''I-I didn't expect to see you'' Said Naruto, still not believing his eyes.
''I wanted to surprise you. I'm glad to see that it worked'' Said Kurotsuchi with a smirk. ''It's your birthday after all''
''That's right! You are supposed to have fun in your birthday'' Said Ino. ''We couldn't just let you miss out on the festival''
''That's what friends are for'' Added Sai, with another genuine smile.
''Guys...'' Said Naruto, holding back the tears threatening to come out. This had to be one of the nicest things anyone had done for him.
''Anyway, Sai-Kun and I will be going on ahead, we'll meet up with you guys later!'' Said Ino as she grabbed Sai by the arm and dragged him along.
''Aren't we going to go all together?!'' Asked Naruto, and even Kurotsuchi looked trouble at that. They were going to leave them alone?!
''We promise it won't be long, I just want to show Sai-Kun something!'' Ino shouted back, trying to reassure her friends. She was quick to go, pulling Sai along before either Naruto or Kurotsuchi complained.
Both Naruto and Kurotsuchi stood motionless as they watched Ino and Sai sprint out of sight.
Naruto didn't understand what was going on. It was weird that Ino claimed to gather everyone together to celebrate his birthday only to bail on them. Girls were definitely weird. At least he had Kurotsuchi with him, which was more than enough for Naruto, especially when she looked so gorgeous, but on the other hand, it made things awkward as he could not look at her without his mind going crazy.
Kurotsuchi couldn't believe this, Ino left her alone! She promised it was a group gathering! Now she was left alone with Naruto which made her not-date feel like an actual date.
''So, do you want to go take a look around the place?'' Naruto asked tentatively, trying to play it cool.
''S-Sure'' Said Kurotsuchi.
And with that, they too started walking around the festival as they passed by numerous stands of food, games, and souvenirs.
The walk was rather uncomfortable, as both of them were way too nervous to talk, causing an awkward silence between them. Also, the harsh stares of the villagers were making Naruto feel even worse by the minute. He just wished that just for once they would stop, at least while Kurotsuchi was present. Luckily, they didn't seem to recognize her, not when she was dressed like that and wasn't wearing her uniform, but it still had to be unpleasant for her to see everyone glaring at them because of Naruto.
''Hey''
Naruto was pulled out of his mental struggle to look at Kurotsuchi.
''Don't pay them any mind'' Said the girl, already suspecting what was worrying Naruto, she could see it on his face. ''Don't let them ruin your night. Right now you are here with me, that's all that matters'' Said Kurotsuchi before grabbing his arm with her own and giving him a smile, her cheeks reddened slightly.
Naruto stared at her in surprise. He returned her smile with a grateful one. She was right, he would not let them spoil this moment. He was here with his best friend in the world and that was all he could ask for.
Kurotsuchi had surprised even herself at her sudden burst of confidence. When she had seen Naruto getting depressed she felt a strong urge to cheer him up despite her bravery faltering previously.
A moment later, Kurotsuchi stumbled and Naruto barely managed to catch her before she fell. This is why she hated wearing Geta!
''Are you okay!?'' Asked Naruto in worry. He had not expected her to lose her balance, she was usually so graceful in her movements.
''Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just not used to wearing these things, it's like using mini stilts or some shit like that'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''I don't know why I let Ino put me in these clothes, I must look ridiculous''
''You don't look ridiculous, that's absurd!'' Said Naruto. ''I think you look very beautiful''
Kurotsuchi widened her eyes at Naruto's bold statement, and her cheeks went crimson once more. ''Y-You really think so? You aren't saying that just to make me feel better, are you?''
''Of course not, I'm serious'' Said Naruto, scratching the back of his head nervously as he blushed himself. ''You always look pretty''
Naruto's admission worsened Kurotsuchi's blush. She avoided meeting his gaze, knowing that Naruto thought of her as attractive made her giddy. ''Th-Thanks. You look great too. I'm surprised you didn't get an orange Kimono, actually'' Said Kurotsuchi, hoping that a silly joke would relax her a bit.
''Thanks. Ino and Sai didn't let me get an orange one, so I wasn't sure if this color suited me'' Said Naruto as he examined one of his sleeves.
''Well, next time just get the orange one'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''Really?'' Asked Naruto. No one he knew shared his love for the color, most people said he looked silly in his orange jacket, in fact.
Kurotsuchi nodded. ''You are fine just the way you are, Naruto. If you want to wear neon orange, then by all means, do it if that's what you want to do''
''That's a relief'' Said Naruto. ''Sai said that Ino stressed that I should never ever wear something as ridiculous as an orange Kimono, but if Kuro-Chan likes it then It's all right by me''
''Wait, you Said 'Kuro-Chan'?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with confusion. Naruto had never called her anything like that.
Naruto seemed to panic when he realized what he had just called her. ''I-I'm sorry, I said it without thinking it! I promise to not call you that again if you don't want''
Actually, it wasn't the first time someone had called her that. Her father and some guys that had thought they were funny had done so in the past. She didn't even let her dad call her 'Kuro-Chan' so it went without saying that those guys got a beating. But she didn't mind when Naruto did it, not him. They had gone through so much and grown so close, it felt right when he said it. ''I don't mind'' She finally said.
''Do you mean it?'' Asked Naruto, unsure if she was kidding.
''I do. I don't care. B-But only when we are by ourselves! I don't want people thinking weird stuff about us'' She added quickly.
Naruto's surprise rapidly vanished and he smiled at her. ''Got it. Kuro-Chan''
Kurotsuchi grinned timidly at the blond. It was silly, really. It was just a stupid nickname, but having Naruto be the only one that could call her that felt as something private, something profound that only they two shared, and she loved it.
They both smiled warmly at each other for several seconds before Naruto cleared his throat.
''You want to get something to eat? Some Ice cream maybe?'' Suggested Naruto.
Kurotsuchi nodded, accepting his invitation. ''I'd love that''
Meanwhile, Sai and Ino looked around a corner from the distance, watching as the two lovebirds approached an Ice cream stand.
''This is going well. I think'' Said Sai.
''Just 'Well'? It's going amazingly!'' Exclaimed Ino. ''I knew this was a good idea'' They hadn't done anything yet and those two were hitting it off pretty good.
''We better move further, Ino-San, or we are going to lose them'' Said Sai.
''Actually, I don't think they need our help that much this time'' Said Ino.
''You think?'' Asked Sai.
''They also need to nurture their relationship naturally. It will make it more organic and stronger'' Said Ino. Also, she wanted to enjoy herself too for a change and she wasn't going to let a date with Sai be all about work. ''What do you Say if we also have fun, Sai-Kun?'' Suggested Ino with a wink.
Sai stared at her as he blinked slowly, not knowing how to respond to that. ''I guess...'' He didn't have the chance to say anything more before Ino latched onto his arm.
''Let's get going then! I'll show you how to have fun at all costs'' Said Ino as she dragged a clueless Sai towards a set of stands.
Back with Naruto and Kurotsuchi, after getting their Ice cream they had gone to one of the many bridges in Konoha and were currently watching the night sky in a relaxing silence as it looked all the most beautiful with the moon's reflection on the water's surface as they continued to eat their icy treats.
''You know, it seems we always end up watching the sky together'' Commented Kurotsuchi. ''Not that I'm complaining''
''I know, right'' Said Naruto in amusement. It just felt Natural to do these things with Kurotsuchi, it relaxed him, and apparently, it relaxed her too. ''I just didn't know what else to do while we finished our ice cream''
Kurotsuchi nodded in understanding, she could accept that. Suddenly, she smirked deviously as she thought of something. ''speaking of which, do you want a taste of mine? This flavor is really good'' Suggested the girl.
''Umm, okay'' Said Naruto, not seeing any problem with it.
She extended her ice cream to Naruto for him to taste, but when he got close to it, she smeared his nose and part of his cheek with the ice cream.
''Hey!'' Complained Naruto as he took a step back.
''Sorry'' Said Kurotsuchi as she giggled. ''I could not resist. I can't go for long periods of time without messing with you. It's like a need at this point''
''Very funny'' Said Naruto, clearly not amused. Yeah, she was good ol' Kurotsuchi, all right. Even if she looked absolutely stunning right now there was no doubt she was still her. ''I think it got into my nose''
''Don't exaggerate'' Said Kurotsuchi with a roll of her eyes.
''I'm serious, I might have inhaled some'' Said Naruto as he tried to clean himself.
Kurotsuchi sighed, she thought Naruto was being overdramatic. ''Fine, come here. Let me help you out'' Said Kurotsuchi as she pulled out a napkin.
Naruto complied and closed the distance between them before Kurotsuchi started rubbing off the melted ice cream from his nose, making it difficult for him to breath.
''Almost done, so stop squirming!'' Said Kurotsuchi as she finished with the nose and went for the cheek as she leaned in to clean properly.
''I'll do it myself, you are way too rough!'' Said Naruto.
''You just can't take a little bit of discomfort'' Said the girl, not stopping with her self-imposed task.
Naruto decided to stop her, so he put his hand over the one she had over his cheek, stopping the motion. ''I told you it's...fine...'' When the girl stopped and he could focus on her again, he noticed that their faces were close, and her hand on his cheek made this seem even more intimate, leaving him at a loss for words.
Kurotsuchi seemed to notice too, as she stared at him in surprise at the turn of events. She gazed deeply into his blue eyes, enthralled at how nice his eyes looked and how she hadn't noticed before.
For his part, Naruto shifted from looking into her eyes to her rosy lips. He didn't know what, but he had a need to do something as he focused on the pink lipstick she was wearing, and feeling her hand on his cheek made the sensation even stronger. Instinctively he started leaning towards her, unsure of what he was doing, but it felt like the right thing to do.
Kurotsuchi noticed the action, and despite feeling a million butterflies as she watched Naruto's face nearing hers, she closed her eyes, full of anticipation for what was coming.
''Nee-San, isn't that Naruto?!''
At the sound of the voice, both teenagers opened their eyes instantly and stepped back to create some distance. They didn't have time to ponder on what they had been about to do when a group of people approached them.
Naruto and Kurotsuchi saw two girls and one boy coming towards them. One of the girls was Hinata, who was wearing a lavender colored Kimono. The other girl was someone Kurotsuchi had never seen before and even Naruto wasn't very familiar with her. It was a smaller girl with pale eyes just like Hinata, and had shoulder-length straight brown hair and was wearing a yellow Kimono. And finally, they could see Neji accompanying them, he was wearing his normal attire.
''Hinata, and Neji too?'' Asked Naruto, trying to get out of his mind what he had almost done. But to be frank, he couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated at this sudden intrusion, even if he hated feeling that way. Kurotsuchi probably thought he was a creep now.
''Hello, Naruto-Kun'' Said Hinata timidly.
Kurotsuchi had never felt a stronger need to tell someone to fuck off than to these Hyugas present right now. At least Hinata didn't seem to suspect anything, even if she was acting shyly that was her default emotion when near Naruto, other than that she looked completely normal. The younger girl, on the other hand, was looking at both her and Naruto with a suspicious look, and Neji was looking completely baffled which could be a problem. If Kurotsuchi had to guess, Neji had at least seen more than he should, judging by his reaction.
''Hi...'' Said Neji, still in shock. When he had heard Hanabi yell, he had activated his Byakugan by instinct just for a moment, and that had been enough to catch a glimpse of what Naruto had been doing with the Iwa foreigner. He could not believe his eyes, he wanted to convince himself he had been just imagining things but he knew that it was wishful thinking. Now the closeness of those two made sense. But still, that didn't prove that the girl wasn't dangerous, she could be trying to lure Naruto to make him feel safer and easier to manipulate and betray.
''What are you guys doing here?'' Asked Naruto.
''My sister, Hanabi, wanted me to take her to the festival and Neji-Niisan offered to come with us to make sure we were alright'' Explained Hinata.
''I had never met your sister before!'' Said Naruto before addressing Hanabi. ''Hi there, Hanabi, I'm Uzumaki Naruto, nice to meet you!''
''Thanks, but I already know who you are, Naruto-San. Hinata-Nee talks a lot about you'' Said Hanabi slyly much to Hinata's horror.
''Hanabi-Chan!'' Said Hinata with mortification.
Hanabi just smirked, if her sister wasn't going to be forward with Naruto, she would give her a little push. That was until she remembered Kurotsuchi as she laid eyes on her. ''And who are you?'' Asked Hanabi, rather rudely. she didn't know the girl but if she was trying to steal Naruto away from Hinata then Hanabi decided she didn't like her.
''Hanabi-Chan, that's no way of talking to someone!'' Said Hinata, even more embarrassed at her little sister's attitude problem.
Kurotsuchi frowned at the brat for her disrespectful tone. ''None of your-''
''She is my friend Kurotsuchi'' Interrupted Naruto, trying to avoid a conflict between the girls.
Hanabi seemed to not care about that so she just brushed off the introduction. ''Anyway, I was wondering if you, Naruto-San, would help me and Hinata-Nee with something'' Said the girl.
Both Hinata and Naruto looked at Hanabi with puzzled expressions.
''Uh? Okay...'' Said Naruto, not knowing how to respond. But as soon as he said that, Hanabi grabbed him and Hinata by the arm and dragged them along with her.
''H-Hey, wait! where are we going?!'' Asked Naruto as he was forcefully separated from Kurotsuchi.
''What are you doing, Hanabi-chan?!'' Said Hinata, deeply ashamed for the bold action of her sister, and in involving Naruto no less!
''Just follow me, I'll tell you later!'' Said Hanabi. This was the perfect time to get her sister and Naruto alone and away from that other girl.
Kurotsuchi looked offended at being left alone because of the brat. She wasn't really angry at Naruto as she knew he didn't want to go, no, she was angry at the little brat that thought she could do as she pleased. She was about to give chase and give Hanabi a piece of her mind when Neji addressed her, stopping her in her tracks.
''You didn't come to our training session today'' Said Neji with a frown and crossed arms.
''I was busy, and still am'' Said Kurotsuchi, trying to end her conversation with the Hyuga prick as soon as possible to go look for Naruto. ''Also, yesterday you guys left me hanging too and you don't see me bitching about it. So don't make it a big deal when it doesn't have to be, Hyuga''
''Hmmp, I would have expected you to have better manners considering you are the one who requested training with us, but I guess I expected too much from the likes of you'' Said Neji. ''I'm actually surprised you managed to come to the festival looking decent, but I guess it's true what they say: You can put lipstick on a pig and it will still-''
''Finish that sentence and I'm going to fuck you up'' threatened the girl.
''I didn't know you were allowed to raise a fist against a Konoha ninja'' Neji shot back.
''I'm not. But who is to say that in our next training session I don't request a spar with you and I 'accidentally' end up overdoing it and breaking an arm or two from you'' Said Kurotsuchi.
Neji sneered at that. Like she had a chance to best him in Taijutsu.
''Now fuck off, I'm not in the mood to deal with you'' Said Kurotsuchi, preparing to leave.
''I don't know what you are trying with Naruto, but you should know that you won't get away with it'' Said Neji, getting Kurotsuchi's attention again.
''What?!'' Said the girl.
''I don't know if you are trying to manipulate him for your own gain, Iwa, but Naruto won't fall so easily for your tricks, and neither will I or the rest of his friends let you'' Said Neji.
Kurotsuchi greeted her teeth. Neji didn't know what her relationship with Naruto was and she didn't want to hear the moron talking out of his ass about things he didn't know about. ''Don't speak about things you don't understand, Hyuga''
''What is it that I don't understand? For all I know you are trying to allure him to make him do as you wish'' Said Neji.
''Shut the fuck up! You know nothing about us! He is my friend, I'm not trying to fool anyone'' Yelled Kurotsuchi. She was trying to contain herself or she would end up assaulting Neji right there.
''Like I'd believe someone like you'' Said Neji.
''I couldn't give less of a shit if you believe me or not!'' Said Kurotsuchi before turning and rushing off, because if she stayed there another minute she would murder Neji and in turn get herself killed.
She walked rapidly and furiously through the crowd of people, looking for Naruto. When she finally found him he was still with Hinata and Hanabi trying to make an excuse to leave that apparently Hanabi wasn't listening to.
When Naruto saw Kurotsuchi he didn't even get a chance to mutter a word before she snatched his arm and stormed off, leaving a very confused Hinata and angry Hanabi behind.
''Kurotsuchi, what's wrong?'' Asked Naruto, barely keeping up with her pace.
Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi couldn't hear anything of what Naruto was saying, her mind was clouded with rage still. How dare Neji say she didn't really care about Naruto!? Damn Hyugas! First, they interrupted her kiss and then they had the audacity to say that her feelings weren't genuine, that she was trying to manipulate Naruto, That her love for him was a farce... Kurotsuchi's sprint came to a sudden halt and her breathing was caught in her throat. Love?! did she just admit to herself she loved Naruto?! She had been lamenting that she couldn't kiss Naruto, she had yearned for his lips, to feel him close in a way no one else had ever been with her. She had admitted that just now!
Naruto was getting worried. Kurotsuchi had just come in the blink of an eye to take him away, apparently furious and out of her mind, and dragged him halfway across the village only to suddenly stop and stare at the ground in silence.
''Kurotsuchi, What is it?!'' Asked the blond, but she didn't even seem to hear him, it was as if she were in a trance. He shook her to get a reaction out of her, but as soon as she laid eyes on him she panicked for a moment before she sprinted away. ''Kurotsuchi!'' He tried to go after her, but she slipped through the people around them and he quickly lost her. He frantically looked around him trying to find any sign of his best friend but he soon realized he had been left alone among a multitude of strangers.
Kurotsuchi ran and ran until she was short on breath, barely acknowledging anything around her. She didn't know for how long she had been sprinting, she only knew that her feet hurt and that she found herself in a part of the village she didn't know. She finally stopped to look around her, trying to get her bearings, and when she spotted an empty bench she made her way to it and sat down, putting her head in her hands before muffing a sob.
It was time to stop lying to herself. Deep down she knew since long ago, but she had been too afraid to admit it to herself, and too content to enjoy time with the object of her affections to care to act. It was time to admit it: She was in love with Naruto.
She knew that this relationship could never be, that was what hurt so much. Even if by chance Naruto returned her feelings, their villages would never approve of them being together, and the worst part was that she had allowed her feelings to reach this point. She was lost, her mind was clouded as she desperately tried to think this through but the turmoil she was in made it impossible. She just had to go and screw all up, didn't she? Of all the people she had to fall in love with it had to be the only one she could never have. But how could she have avoided it? Naruto was one of the most amazing people she knew; he was selfless, kind, compassionate, he had managed to make his kindness his greatest weapon, he was her best friend, and the boy most worthy of her love she had ever met. That's why it hurt, because she knew she was going to have to put a wall between them, she was going to have to kill off their relationship as she knew she would never be able to be happy with him. If she allowed this to continue further it would be worse in the long run, she had to start now.
A single tear rolled down her cheek as she lifted her head to look at the night sky above her, as if asking the stars for an answer, for another way that could make it possible for her to be happy. But even if she was forced to end things with Naruto before they could start, she would always be grateful to him, for the wonderful times they shared, and for the ones she wished she could continue to share. ''I'm sorry, Naruto. This is for the best, even if it doesn't feel that way''
Author's note:
Here it is! First of all, I know I'm going to piss a lot of people off for interrupting yet another kiss, but that was something I had to do. I'm ready for the flames, bring it!
Now, on a more serious note, I really really really didn't want to leave this chapter in a cliffhanger(sorta) and I had planned on uploading it once I had the next one ready so to not make the wait that much unbearable, but sadly I had to do it right now since next week is exam week so I wouldn't have the time to work on the next chapter. So I either uploaded this right now or I would not upload anything for another couple of weeks. So I decided to upload now.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, I'm tired as all hell it's 5 in the morning right now where I live and I'm still up, I must be a fool considering I have to be up at 7.
As always, please review or PM me if you have the chance and I'll see you guys later!
