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 29: Invitation

-Hokage's Office-

The only sound that could be heard inside Tsunade's office right now was the rustling of sheets of paper and the Hokage Seal slamming into them one after another. This had been a particularly busy day and the female Sannin barely had any time to stop and rest.

Tsunade's eyes shuffled from one document to the next one as soon as he signed it and sealed it, just stopping a moment to sigh in frustration and massage her temple. She dreaded these days, she always had paperwork to do but once in a while it got ridiculous. Still, she kept her complaints to herself. If she had time to be complaining she had the time to be working on the documents and as soon as she finished the better.

There was a knock on the door. The Hokage simply gave permission to pass, not even bothering to look away from her task.

''Tsunade-Sama'' Said Shizune as she came into the office. ''I know you are busy but a letter just arrived''

''Tell me something new. I've had letters arriving all the damn day by now'' Said Tsunade as she slammed the Hokage's seal on yet another sheet of paper. ''Just put it in the pile''

''You might want to take a look at it as soon a possible, Tsunade-Sama'' Said Shizune as she pulled out the letter from the sleeve of her Kimono. ''It's kind of special''

At her apprentice's advice, Tsunade stopped what she was doing to look at the raven-haired medic. ''Special how?''

''I think you better see for yourself'' Said Shizune as she approached her master and handed her said letter.

As soon as Tsunade saw the letter she recognized it immediately and widened her eyes in wonder. She was familiar with the seal on the envelope and she knew for a fact that it wasn't the kind of document one saw too often. So, she quickly opened the letter and read the contents, her brow furrowing further as she did. ''Well, this is interesting...''

-Konoha's training grounds-

''Ready when you are, Naruto'' Said Kakashi with Yamato at his side. They were standing several feet away from Naruto, waiting for the boy to start their exercise once more.

However, Naruto continued to stare at the distance, obviously spacing out.

''Naruto'' Yamato called out to the blond, but still got no response.

Instead of calling out to Naruto again, Kakashi picked up a small pebble from the ground and hurled it at the blond, hitting him in the head.

''Hey!'' complained Naruto when the rock hit him before glaring at his teacher as he rubbed his head.

''You weren't paying attention'' Said Kakashi calmly.

''You could have just talked to me'' Said Naruto.

''We did'' Responded Kakashi.

''Really?'' Said Naruto, ashamed that he hadn't noticed. ''I'm sorry, I was thinking about something else'' Added the boy. He had been thinking about Kurotsuchi lately, or rather how she had been avoiding him once again. Ever since the time they went to the festival a month ago she had made herself scarce. She didn't invite him to eat breakfast in the morning like she used to do, they barely talked nowadays as she always found an excuse to cut their conversation short, and she didn't even come to train with him saying that she had to focus more on Team Gai's training. At first, he hadn't thought much about it, he had guessed that she really was busy with something else, but now it was obvious that she didn't want to see him. Naruto had been beating himself over it, he didn't know what he had even done to make the girl not want to see him. Did he offend her in any way? He didn't remember doing anything to warrant the treatment she was giving him, it was making him lose his mind. He did not want to lose his best friend, he had already lost one, he didn't want to experience the same thing a second time. But he didn't even had the chance to talk to Kurotsuchi about it and ask her what was wrong and hopefully settle this together, no, she didn't even give him the chance. That's why he found it hard to focus on his training these days, but he needed to keep himself together, right now he had to train so ge had to try and worry about his personal issues later.

''Nevermind that'' Said Kakashi, returning Naruto's mind to the topic at hand. ''Just get on with the training. you know what to do''

Naruto nodded obediently as he made a clone and then proceeded to make a Rasengan in his right hand. After that, the clone put his hands over the sphere of Chakra, adding wind Chakra to it and making the Jutsu morph because of it. The Rasengan started spinning even more violently as blades of wind started forming themselves around the ball of energy, resembling a huge Shuriken. The Jutsu was so strong that the wind it produced rustled the branches of the few trees that were around as a screech caused by the violent wind resonated through the training grounds.

''Futon: Rasenshuriken!(Wind Release: Spiralling Shuriken)'' declared Naruto as he held the improved Rasengan with an extended hand, being careful with how he handled the thing.

No matter how many times Kakashi and Yamato saw the Jutsu, they could not help but be amazed every time they did. A couple of weeks ago, Naruto had finally managed to create the Jutsu consistently as at first it only used to work fifty percent of the time. However, they soon realized that the technique was way too dangerous for close combat as it clearly seemed to hurt Naruto when he used it. So, Kakashi had decided that if Naruto wanted to use his newest and most powerful Jutsu he would have to learn how to use it as a proyectile. They had spent a few days already trying to get Naruto to use it properly but they still had yet to succeed. Most of the time Naruto could not even throw it, and they few times he did he did it by accident and the Rasengan ended up going off course and obliterated parts of the training grounds, which was the reason why the place looked half desertic by now as a huge chunk of the trees and foliage had been disintegrated due to the sheer power of the attack.

''Go ahead, Naruto. Se if you can actually throw it properly this time'' Said Kakashi.

Naruto did just that, as soon as his clone dispelled to give him more space, Naruto did a throwing motion with his arm, using all his strength in his swing, but to his dismay, the Rasenshuriken was still firmly stuck on his hand. He gave a frustrated groan as he repeated the process again to no avail. He thrust his arm back and forth to see if something happened. That was until he accidentally did a backward motion with his arm and the Rasenshuriken unexpectedly detached from his arm, shooting it in an arc behind Naruto.

Kakashi and Yamato panicked when they saw the spinning blades of wind coming towards them and they threw themselves to the side, avoiding the attack as it collided with some trees at the distance. The enhanced Rasengan exploded in a giant vortex of wind and Chakra, grinding a large chunk of the forest into nothing as the winds it produced made it feel as if a hurricane was raging in the training grounds. After a few seconds the winds died down, leaving no trace of the trees caught in the blast, leaving just a huge circular patch of land where they had been.

Kakashi and Yamato contemplated yet another level of damage done to the training ground before they turned to stare at Naruto with a look that made it clear they weren't amused.

''hee hee, sorry I didn't mean to throw it at you, guys'' Said Naruto sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head.

''That's quite the Jutsu you got there, kid. Impressive''

Everyone turned to look at the person that just arrived and they found Jiraiya smirking at them.

''Ero-Sennin!'' Said Naruto enthusiastically. He hadn't seen the old pervert in some time. He ran up to Jiraiya, glad to see his old teacher. ''Where have you been?! It's been forever since I last saw you!''

''I'm sorry, kid. I have been busy myself'' Explained Jiraiya. ''I need to keep an eye on my spy network. You know how it is. But I'm happy to see that you have not been slacking off. That technique you just used was something else''

''I've gotten a lot stronger! I bet I could beat you now, Ero-Sennin!'' Declared Naruto.

''Keep dreaming kid. You are still a hundred years too young to defeat me'' Said Jiraiya.

''It's an honor to have you here, Jiraiya-Sama'' Said Yamato politely as he approached the man along with Kakashi.

''Hello to you too, umm...Tenzo, right?'' Said Jiraiya when he recognized the wood user.

''Actually, I'm going by the name of Yamato now. But yes, that's me'' Said Yamato.

''It is indeed good to see you again, Jiraiya-Sama'' Said Kakashi amicably. ''At what do we owe your visit?''

''I came here to say hi and to tell Naruto that Tsunade is calling for him'' Said the toad Sannin, getting a bit more serious now.

''Tsunade-Baachan is looking for me?'' Inquired Naruto. ''What for?''

''Tsunade wants to tell you herself as it's important. So, needless to say, she wants to see you right away'' Said Jiraiya.

Naruto sighed, resigning himself to it. He would rather not stop his training but he knew he should not keep her waiting or she would get cranky. ''Fine'' Said the boy before turning to Kakashi and Yamato. ''I guess I'll see you guys later''

''Sure. We can continue at a later time'' Said Kakashi in understanding.

Naruto hoped that whatever his baachan wanted really was important...

-Hokage Tower-

Tsunade was still battling with the large amount of paperwork that didn't seem to end. On top of that, she was expecting Naruto to come soon as it had been a while since she sent Jiraiya to retrieve him.

''I'm here, Tsunade-Baachan!'' Said Naruto as he entered the office loudly, opening the door so abruptly that it caused a gust of wind to knock down some of the stacks of paperwork on Tsunade's desk. ''Did you want to see me?'' Said the blond as Jiraiya entered the office just after him.

''I did'' Said Tsunade, trying to contain her rage at the mess Naruto had made.

''So, what did you need me for?'' Asked the anxious Naruto.

Tsunade opened a drawer on her desk and pulled out a sheet of paper and held it in front of naruto. ''This arrived this morning. Do you know what it is?''

Naruto squinted his eyes, trying to see what was so special about that paper. ''No clue''

''That's a letter from the Fire Temple, kid'' Said Jiraiya. ''It's very rare to receive something from them''

''The Fire Temple? what's that?'' Asked Naruto, not knowing what the big deal was or why that place was apparently so important.

''The Fire Temple is, as the name suggests, a temple not far from here that serves as a place of training for ninja monks loyal to the fire Daimyo'' Explained Tsunade.

''Chiriku, a former member of the twelve guardian ninja is a member of the temple. Also, Asuma knew him quite well I've heard'' Added Jiraiya. ''As you can guess, the monks in there are heavily respected and they are strong too''

''They sound amazing and all, but what does this have to do with me?'' Inquired Naruto.

''Naruto, they have requested to see you'' Said Tsunade, much to Naruto's surprise. ''They want to evaluate you and if they are satisfied with what they see they will train you to be one of the twelve guardian ninja''

Naruto went wide eyed at the information. ''What?! Why me?'' Asked the boy.

''As a Jinchuuriki your potential is limitless. Obviously they think you would be a good choice to protect the Daimyo'' Said Jiraiya. ''Also, since you are my disciple and Kakashi's student they must feel like you are a prodigy or something like that''

''Then, in that case I'm all up for it! Those guys sound pretty strong and important, it would not be such a bad idea to be part of them'' Said Naruto. Finally, someone was acknowledging his skills as a formidable Shinobi! And they were important to boot!

''Don't rush into making a desition just yet'' Warned Tsunade. ''If you accept their offer, supposing they also think you are good enough for the position, you could be away for a long time''

Naruto calmed down a bit after knowing that. ''For how long?''

''At least for a couple of years'' Said Jiraiya. ''It will more likely be more''

''What?! That long?! But I just returned from my three-year trip a few months ago!'' Exclaimed Naruto.

''That's why I'm telling you to not jump to make a choice so soon'' Said Tsunade.

''In that case, I don't want it. I don't want to be gone for that long again'' Said Naruto as he crossed his arms stubbornly.

''Kid, do you know how rare is to get an invitation to be párt of the twelve guardian ninja?'' Said Jiraiya. ''A lot of our Shinobi would dream of getting the job and the vast majority of them will never even come close to be considered''

''But I really don't want to be away for years'' Said Naruto.

''Even if you don't want, you should still go to the Fire Temple and hear them out. Getting a request from them is an honor, it would be very impolite to not see them in person at the very least'' Said Tsunade. ''After they explain everything to you, then you can make your choice''

Naruto thought about the issue in silence. While being in an important and privileged position sounded tempting, being away for years wasn't appealing in the least. Still, he could understand that this was a once in a lifetime offer and hearing the offer from the guys themselves could be a good idea. ''So I just need to go? No compromises yet?'' Asked Naruto.

''That's right'' Said Tsunade. ''You can decline afterward if you want. It's entirely your choice''

Naruto thought that it didn't sound that bad then. What did he have to lose? If he was just going to hear them out it was fine by him. ''Okay, I'll go to this Fire Temple''

Tsunade smiled, glad that Naruto was minding his manners. It would reflect very badly on him if he turned them down without a second thought. ''It's settled. Be at the village gates in two hours. I'll arrange a team to escort you there. Since the Fire temple is just a few hours from here you should be back by tomorrow''

''I understand'' Said Naruto who was now much more relaxed after knowing that he would practically just go and talk to then and be back before he knew it. ''Can I go now?''

''Yes, you are dismissed'' Said Tsunade, groaning in irritation at remembering the piles of paperwork she still had to finish.

''Hey kid'' Said Jiraiya before Naruto could exit the office.

''What is it, Ero-Sennin?'' Asked Naruto.

''What do you say if I treat you to some ramen?'' Suggested the man with a warm smile.

''Really?!'' Said the eager blond.

''You bet! It's been a while since I got to spend time with my favorite brat, so I thought we could catch up over a bowl of ramen'' Said Jiraiya.

Naruto smiled at his old master. That sounded like a great idea.

-Ichiraku Ramen-

It only took Naruto and Jiraiya a few minutes to arrive at Naruto's favorite restaurant, and they were currently sitting at the counter of the ramen stand, waiting for their respective orders.

''There you go!'' Said Teuchi as he placed the bowls in front of Naruto and Jiraiya.

''Thanks, old man!'' Said Naruto with content as she grabbed his chopsticks, ready to dig in.

''Thank you, Teuchi-San'' Said Jiraiya, mirroring his student's actions.

''It's my pleasure!'' Said the ramen chef. ''Now, if you excuse me, I'll be in the kitchen. Call me if you need anything'' Said Teuchi as he went back into the kitchen.

''Will do!'' Said Naruto before he put a bunch of noodles into his mouth.

''So, a member of the twelve guardian ninja, huh?'' Said Jiraiya. ''That's some achievement even if they are just considering you. Nice going, Naruto''

''But I'm not taking the job. So much for the achievement'' Said Naruto as he took another bite of his meal.

''I dunno kid, I think you should take it'' Said Jiraiya.

''What?'' Said Naruto. ''No way! I'm not leaving my friends and my home for that long''

''This is a good opportunity for you'' Insisted the Sannin. ''This is your chance to make a name for yourself, to show the world how far you've come''

''But-''

''You want to be Hokage, don't you?'' Jiraiya interrupted Naruto before the blond nodded at his question. ''Being one of the twelve guardian ninja will speak volumes in the future. It will definitely be good for your career. More people would consider you as a good candidate for the Hokage position if you had such reputation''

That actually got naruto thinking. Would that really help him become Hokage? If that was the case then this whole twelve guardian thing had some merit. But it was still such a hard choice, it most definitely would not be pleasant for Naruto to abandon his home for so long. ''What about Kurotsuchi?'' Said Naruto. ''I take care of her. How could I do it if I wasn't here?''

''You can send her money'' Said Jiraiya simply. ''A guardian ninja works directly under the Daimyo, so they are paid handsomely. Money would be no issue. But you must realize the opportunity present right in front of you. This is a good time to make a name for yourself, you would be regarded as 'Naruto, of the twelve guardian ninja' instead of just the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki''

Jiraiya could see that Naruto was heavily considering the offer, if the way his brow furrowed in concentration was any indication.

''At the very least think hard about it, okay?'' Said Jiraiya.

Naruto nodded somberly, agreeing to at least consider it.

''Hey, and speaking of which'' Said Jiraiya, deciding to change the topic. ''How are things going with your Iwa friend?''

To Jiraiya's surprise, Naruto's expression got even more depressed.

''Not very good at the moment'' Said Naruto.

''And why is that? I've heard that you two got along pretty well'' Said Jiraiya, genuinely puzzled. He still didn't completely trust the girl, but judging from what he heard people say, they really seemed like good friends.

''I-I don't know, Ero-Sennin'' Said Naruto somberly. ''She barely talks to me lately. Also, she always finds an excuse to avoid me. I don't even know what I did to her this time!''

''It does sound complicated'' Said Jiraiya. ''But girls are complicated, I know plenty about that. Whatever it is that has her bothered it should pass in time''

''Could be. But still I'm tired of this fighting between us'' Said Naruto. ''it seems like every so often we end up fighting, and for stupid reasons too, I'm tired of it. I just want to know what can I do to stop all this''

''Naruto, you also have to consider the position you two are in'' Said Jiraiya. ''If you think about it, just being friends is a miracle in itself. A Konoha and Iwa Shinobi as buddies is not something you ever see, so is natural that problems are going to present themselves. Actually, you are lucky that you only get angry at each other for small periods of time, to be honest''

''I had never thought about that'' Admitted Naruto.

''She has to come around eventually'' Added Jiraiya. ''If you want proof just tell her about your mission to the Fire Temple. I guarantee that if she is your friend that will get a reaction out of her once she knows you could be gone for years''

Naruto smiled gratefully at his teacher. Sometimes, the Ero-Sennin knew how to cheer him up. ''Thank you, Ero-Sennin''

Jiraiya returned his smile with one of his own, glad to be of help to his apprentice and godson. ''Anytime, kid'' It was nice to spend some time with Naruto. He was about to go on a mission to spy on the Akatsuki's leader in Amegakure. He just recently learned of the man's identity and needed to keep an eye on him. So getting to have a meal with his apprentice was a nice way of preparing himself mentally for the dangerous mission ahead.

-Konoha's Training Grounds-

''That's a very interesting Jutsu, Kurotsuchi-San'' Said Tenten as she observed the Iwa Kunoichi manipulate a patch of ash as it slithered across the earth.

''I think I'm getting the hang of it'' Said Kurotsuchi as she did quick motions with her hands, making the puddle of ash move at her will. Ever since she discovered that she could produce ash with her Kekkei Genkai if she used more fire Chakra, she had been experimenting with it and found she could manipulate the ash however she saw fit. It was very useful indeed, she hoped that she could eventually use it to restrain specific targets.

''It reminds me of how Gaara-San uses his sand'' Said Lee, who in his curiosity had stopped his own training to come watch Kurotsuchi's unusual Jutsu.

''I'm still thinking of ways to use it, but I do have a few ideas'' Said Kurotsuchi, smiling in satisfaction at the attention she was getting. She had never been modest when it came to showing off her skill.

''Hey guys!''

At the familiar voice, Kurotsuchi's smile disappeared and was replaced with a face of mortification as she tried to find a quick excuse to make herself scarce, but she wasn't fast enough as Naruto arrived at the clearing shortly after.

''Hello, Naruto-Kun'' Said Lee amicably as he saluted Naruto. ''Good to see you!''

''Hi Naruto'' Said Tenten cordially.

''Nice to see you, Naruto'' Said Neji, who had stopped sparring with Gai and came to greet the blond along with his Sensei.

''Glad to see you around here, young Naruto!'' Said Gai as energetic as ever. ''What brings you here on this fine day? Have you come to test your flames of youth, perhaps?'' That was practically Gai's way of asking if he had come to train with them.

''Hello guys'' Greeted Naruto. ''Actually, I came here to see Kurotsuchi''

''I see'' Said Gai before he and his student turned to look at Kurotsuchi expectantly. ''We can take a break if you want, young Kurotsuchi. So you can talk to Naruto, it really is no problem''

Kurotsuchi grabbed one of his forearms nervously as she stared uncomfortably at the ground. ''I would rather keep training if you don't mind'' Said the Iwa girl, to the confusion of everyone.

''Are you sure? Naruto-Kun came all the way here to see you. Just take a break and talk to him'' Insisted Gai, finding it strange the way the girl was acting with Naruto.

Lee and Tenten also stared oddly at Kurotsuchi, wondering what was wrong with her suddenly. Neji for his part glared at the Iwa Kunoichi. She had no right to act like a bitch to Naruto, no, especially to Naruto.

''This is important'' Said Naruto to Kurotsuchi. ''I promise it won't take long''

''Fine, but make it quick'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''I'm in the middle of something right now''

Naruto still wasn't satisfied that she apparently was still reluctant to talk to him, he could tell. But she was agreeing to speak to him, so that was something he supposed.

Then, Naruto turned to Gai and his team. ''Gai-Sensei, guys, do you think I can have a moment with Kurotsuchi?'' Said Naruto.

Gai and his team could understand the need for privacy, it seemed like these two had more things to settle than they had thought. ''All right. We will be close by. Just come find us when you are done, Kurotsuchi-San'' Said Gai.

After that, Team Gai left. Lee and Tenten shot Naruto and Kurotsuchi a concerned look as they went with their team until they left the blond and the tomboy alone.

For a moment, both teenagers just stood before the other without muttering a single word.

''So, how have you been?'' Asked Naruto, trying to break the ice. it had been a while since he had had the chance to talk to her calmly as they used to do.

''I'm fine, thank you'' Responded the girl.

''Is your training coming along nicely?'' Asked Naruto, trying to find any way to get the girl to talk to him in the same carefree way they usually did.

''Wasn't something important you had to tell me?'' Said Kurotsuchi, making it obvious that she wanted him to go straight to the point instead of having a casual talk.

Naruto looked both hurt and disappointed that she was making a point to cut their interaction short. But if she insisted he would tell her the reason he came to her in the first place.''I received an invitation to join the twelve guardian ninja'' Said Naruto plainly.

Kurotsuchi contained her amazement. The twelve guardian ninja was a position of high honor in The Land of Fire. It was amazing that Naruto was being considered to join the group. It made her feel proud for Naruto, for how far he had come, but she couldn't let her true emotions show. ''So?''

Naruto was disappointed that Kurotsuchi had nothing else to say. Not even bothering to give him a simple 'congratulations'. ''If I become a member I would be away from the village for years. I wanted to know what you thought of that. Also, I don't know, I was thinking that you could even come with me. It's just a simple trip to talk to talk to the guys at the Fire Temple, I'm sure that I could get you to come if you wanted'' Suggested Naruto. Maybe what they needed was to go to another mission together and they could solve whatever issue they had while doing their task.

This time, Kurotsuchi could not help but widen her eyes in shock. Naruto would be gone for years?! She didn't want him to leave her for such a ridiculous amount of time, she didn't want the boy she loved leaving her side. But she knew that this could only be a good thing for both of them. Naruto's reputation would increase, making it easier for him to reach his dream of Hokage, and if they were apart for such a huge amount of time they weren't risking starting a forbidden relationship. So as soon as her surprise arrived, it left her just as fast.

'''Acompany you? Sorry, maybe some other time. The mission sounds easy enough, I don't think you need my help'' Said Kurotsuchi, despite wishing they could go on another adventure like in the past, but accompanying him would just make things worse, what she wanted was to keep herself apart from Naruto. That's why, with much difficulty she muttered her next words. ''If you want to stay with them, stay. That's your choice not mine''

Naruto looked at her with an expression full of surprise. She didn't care? She was completely fine with him leaving for who knows how long? ''You really don't care if I leave, then?'' Asked Naruto, his voice barely a whisper.

Instead of answering him, Kurotsuchi just continued to stare into the distance in silence, as if waiting for him to be done and over with.

''Why are you doing this?'' Asked Naruto at last. His somber tone of voice letting the girl now the sadness he felt. ''I know you are acting indifferent on purpose'' He didn't know why she did it, but he was certain that she was deliberately acting like she didn't care, just like she had been doing for the past weeks

''Doing what? I don't know what you are talking about'' Said Kurotsuchi feigning confusion.

''Don't give me that! You know damn well what I mean!'' Exclaimed Naruto, unintentionally raising his tone of voice, but he had lost his patience as the impotence he felt at having a friend drifting away from him without being able to do anything was getting the best of him. ''Even my friends just now noticed how weird you are acting! If they can tell something's wrong, you bet I can too. I'm not as stupid as you think I am!''

Kurotsuchi bit her tongue. She resisted the urge to tell him that she didn't think of him like that, not at all. She knew that he was in the right to be angry, but she had no choice, she had to keep avoiding him and play dumb. ''Well, maybe you are because there is nothing wrong. You are just blowing things out of proportion. What? I can't have time to myself without you throwing a hissy fit?'' Said Kurotsuchi, hating herself for how she had to act towards the boy she liked.

''Bullshit! There's more to just 'wanting time for yourself' and you know it!'' Said Naruto angrily. ''At least let me know why you don't want to see me. I'll leave you alone if that's what you want, but at the very least have the decency to let me know the reason''

Kurotsuchi just crossed her arms and looked to the side, feigning disinterest on what Naruto was saying. ''You came here to tell me something, right? Well, you did, so now go and let me be'' Said the girl, ignoring what Naruto said before. She knew she was being overly harsh, but she had to put distance between them, as much as it hurt her inside to do so.

Naruto stared at her incredulously. How could she be this uncaring after all they had done together? ''Okay, I get it. I won't bother you ever again!'' Naruto yelled at her before he sprinted away, not wanting Kurotsuchi to see his pained face, he didn't want to give her the satisfaction of knowing how much she hurt him.

After Naruto left the training ground in a hurry, Tenten ran back to Kurotsuchi. She had been coming back when she heard Naruto yell only to see the blond leave in a hurry. ''Kurotsuchi-San, what happened?! Why did Naruto leave like that?'' Asked Tented as she approached the Iwa Kunoichi. ''Kurotsuchi-San?'' Repeated Tenten as she saw the girl staring at the ground, a shadow covering her face as her fists trembled.

''I'm sorry...'' Muttered Kurotsuchi, so low that Tented barely heard her.

''What's wrong, Kurotsuchi-San? Tell me what happened'' Inquired Tenten again but the tomboy wasn't paying her any mind.

''I'm sorry, I don't think I can train today anymore'' Said Kurotsuchi, finally addressing Tenten again. Then, the Iwa Kunoichi turned around and starting walking away.

''What! Why?!'' Tenten called out to the girl.

''I'm not feeling too well right now. I'll be seeing you later'' Responded the girl in a dejected tone of voice as she left the vicinity.

Kurotsuchi continued to walk with no particular destination in mind. She just wanted to find something to distract her mind, she didn't want to keep thinking about the disappointed and depressed face of Naruto as he stared at her. It hurt, it hurt so much having to act indifferent to him. She wished with all her might that things could be different, that they didn't have the stigma of their village's enmity looming over them, but that was a fantasy, that's not how things were. So she was left to being forced to push Naruto away from her, the same boy that had helped her time and again, the same boy that took care of her, her best friend, and the one she loved. She might have never see him again for all she knew. But this was for the best, as much as it killed her on the inside, this is how things had to be.

-Gates of Konoha-

Izumo and Kotetsu were impatiently waiting for Naruto to arrive. They had been assigned by the Hokage to escort the boy to the Fire Temple and Naruto was late.

''I wonder how long is he going to take? And I thought that watching the gates was boring'' Complained Kotetsu.

''I'm sure something must have come up. Even Naruto has to know this is important'' Sait Izumo.

''I don't know man. If you ask me, I think that Kakashi's tardiness is rubbing off on him'' Said Kotetsu.

Before Izumo could say anything, they spotted the familiar orange figure of Naruto approaching them.

''See? He is here at last'' Said Izumo.

''Finally. I was just about to go look for him'' Said Kotetsu.

They waited a little bit until Naruto joined them before letting him know they were his team.

''Hey Naruto! How are you?'' Greeted Kotetsu. ''I hope you are ready for the trip''

''We have been assigned by Tsunade-Sama to take you safely to the Fire Temple and then back to the village'' Said Izumo.

However, Naruto just passed both of them without saying anything or even looking at them, an action which deeply puzzled the two Chunin.

''O-kay?'' Said Kotetsu, before he closed the distance with Izumo to whisper in his ear. ''Hey, is he alright?''

''How am I supposed to know? If I had to guess I'd say he isn't'' Responded Izumo.

''Well, he is already leaving, so we better hurry and tell him where to go'' Said Kotetsu, noting that the blond was already exiting the village without them. After that, both men went after the Jinchuuriki, curious to know what was up.

Naruto, for his part, didn't pay any mind to anything around him as he walked. His conversation with Kurotsuchi left him deeply troubled. How could she say those things to him? Did she really not care about him anymore? Did she ever care in the first place? He hadn't felt this depressed ever since Sasuke left the village. Kurotsuchi was his best friend. If he was honest with himself, he couldn't think of anyone that he cared for as much as he did for Kurotsuchi. That admission confused him, he didn't know why he felt that close to her, but that didn't appear to matter anymore, not when she didn't want anything to do with him.

With that in mind, maybe this invitation from the twelve guardian ninja wasn't so bad. Maybe some time away would do wonders for him, maybe that was what he needed to settle his troubled feelings. Now, going away for years -especially if it was going to make him stronger- didn't sound like such a bad idea.

Author's notes:

Surprise surprise! I bet you didn't expect me to update so fast, didn't ya? To be honest, neither did I.

I just had a free day with nothing to do and thought t would be a good idea to start working on the next chapter and for some reason, this one just came to me naturally, I didn't have much trouble writing this one whatsoever, Don't ask why because I dunno either.

The only bad thing is that this one was short. Again. sorry about that, but I really didn't have anything else to say for this part of the story.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and as always please Review or PM me if you get the chance. See you next time! I hope I don't take too long.

Update: Hello again. I just wanted to let you guys now that I have edited some scenes in this chapter that I wasn't too happy with, and after some great constructive criticism I have realized what that something was: I wasn't entirely satisfied with the way I portrayed Kurotsuchi originally, as I think I made her reaction way too overdramatic and I fixed some of it. I don't know if I did a good job in fixing the issues but at the very least I hope it doesn't look like a bad soap opera as much now.