Chapter 4
A chance to prove changes
It's been a week since Naruto had returned. All the villagers were happy that their blond Jinchuriki had returned, he had turned out to be the real hero he is now.
The Konoha 12 were pleased to see Naruto back along with their sensies.
However they were also a bit disappointed in Naruto, after hearing from Sakura what he had said to her disappointed them since they saw how much she had changed. Shikamaru, Kiba, Akamaru, Shino, Choji, Lee and Neji didn't want anything to do with this after Sakura told them not to. Tenten and Hinata followed Sakura's words but was concerned for her. Ino wanted to beat the living day lights out of Naruto but was stopped by her best friend Sakura saying that she probably deserves it for mistreating and ignoring him for years.
Gai, Asuma and Kurenai heard of the news aswell from Kakashi, they were disappointed aswell but wasn't as much as their students were, they knew what happened in the past and now hearing the results of Kakashi's and Sakura's mistake.
Tsunadae and Shizune were both upset, Sakura changed for the better and Naruto refused to give her the chance to show it. They were goanna talk to Naruto but was stopped by Jiraya who told them Naruto needs to see this for himself and that it is his decision. As usual with Tsunadae's stubbornness to took Jiraya hours to get the Slug Sannin to understand.
Shikamaru tried talking Naruto into giving Sakura a chance to show that she had changed but he refused. Neji, Choji, Lee and Kiba with Akamaru tried to help Shikamaru aswell into talking to Naruto but failed aswell.
Shino knew this would happen for a long time and never tried to talk to Naruto about it, he knew that Naruto would never listen to reason so why bother.
Hinata and Tenten tried helping aswell but the same result came by that they had failed to talk to Naruto into giving Sakura a chance.
Ino instead tried to comfort her friend seeing how she was heartbroken by Naruto's words.
For the past week Naruto had been in Konoha Sakura was silent, she didn't talk to anyone, not even Tsunadae he Sensei.
Naruto noticed but didn't care. Why would he care for Sakura's feelings? That's what he did with her and what did he receive? Punches, kicks and screaming from her so why not let Sakura feel her pain just like Naruto had in the past.
Naruto still hadn't heard any news about his once called brother, Sasuke Uchiha, he didn't care just like Sasuke didn't care about anyone, Naruto doesn't care if Sasuke is suffering, he's always been treated well in the village in the past but never cared for the people who helped him, why would Naruto care for that stuck up Uchiha bastard?
The villagers didn't care either. Turns out that Sasuke cared only about revenge which sickened the citizens, they always believed on their Uchiha's, Sasuke was a disgrace. He always cared for himself and revenge they didn't want him back at all, he was a dangerous man.
The Shinobi had the same thoughts as Naruto, why care for the man who's been treated like a Hokage who tried to join up with the man who had killed The Third Hokage and tried to destroy the village just for revenge. This sickened them more than the villagers as one of Konohas prized Shinobi turned out to be a traitor, just like the man who betrayed Konoha.
The council changed their minds about Sasuke as they too saw what he was. Well most of them except for the Elders who still wanted the "Noble Uchiha" for his Sharingan. They blamed Naruto for his sentence but the rest of the council didn't. They blamed the Uchihas because of their selfish needs in the past for being the clan that had found Konoha.
Guess the massacre was the result of their aggression.
A lot of thing changed for Naruto and there were so much that he wanted to see and know, except for Sakura and Kakashi of course, he couldn't care less of Sasuke.
The Jounin exams are coming out next week which the sand helped to prepare. They said that it would be an apology and peace with the sand for the invasion that was caused in the Chunin exams two and a half years ago.
(Location, Namikaze house)
Naruto got up from bed and changed to his clothes, he was very happy that he was home and had so much to see what had happened over the past two and a half years.
Looking at a mirror, Naruto smiled and looked at himself seeing that he's no longer Konoha's knuckled headed ninja but a kind hearted one. He was no longer the demon they said he was, he was the hero of the village and everyone liked him.
"A lot has changed, today I'm meeting Iruka-Sensei, he always believed in me. Not like Hatake." Naruto thought to himself then left the house
(Location, Academy)
It was Sunday so the school was closed, but Naruto went to the playground to sit in his old swing, where he used to sit and watch all the kids play leaving a lonely Naruto behind.
He sat on his swing, looking at the academy with a smile, remembering what he was like back then compared to now, he was known as one of the strongest ninjas in the village, not the weakest.
As he was staring at the school a figure with spiky hair and a scar on his nose, with tanned skin came behind Naruto. His name was Iruka, Naruto's formal academy Sensei.
"Hey, I thought you graduated from the academy?" Iruka Asked with a smile on his face
Naruto turned around to be surprised that his academy teacher is here on a Sunday.
"IRUKA-SENSEI!" Naruto called in surprise with a smile of happiness on his face
Iruka chuckled a bit when Naruto called him Sensei, "I'm not your Sensei anymore Naruto, remember? You passed three years ago remember?" Iruka Asked
"Yeah I know, but It's just a good name for you now and I thought I just come by and see how this place is doing." Naruto Replied in a happy tone, shooting up from the swing with a smile on his face
"I see no one got rid of my swing. Brings lots of memories it does." Naruto said
"So it does. Remember that you were just a little kid, now you're a teenager and have become a fine ninja today." Iruka complemented
"Thanks Iruka-Sensei." Naruto thanked
"Not a problem. Let me treat you to some Ramen." Iruka said
"No. I'll treat you this time." Naruto smiled
"Okay, mind if I bring Anko along?" Iruka Asked
"Who's Anko?" Naruto Asked
"Naruto don't you remember? It's the proctor from the Chunin Exams for the Second test in the forest of death." Iruka reminded
Naruto took a small time off remembering who this Anko girl was, he remember she had brown eyes, a grey brownish jacket with a fish net under it to resemble a shirt, and a grey brownish skirt, had purple hair and had a bit of pale skin and a type of attitude that would resemble a military captains.
After a bit of time of thinking he remembered it was that Jounin girl who threw a Kunai close to Naruto's left cheek and licked it.
"I REMEMBER HER! SHE WAS THE JOUNIN FROM THE CHUNIN EXAMS THAT SWIPED A KUNAI ON MY CHEEK AND LICKED ME!" Naruto Shouted in shock
Iruka chuckled a bit again, "So you do remember her. Yeah, she can be a bit aggressive sometimes but she's a beautiful and gentle girl once you get to know her." Iruka explained
"Wait, Iruka-Sensei, are you two?" Naruto Asked, wondering if they could be dating or something like that
"You're right Naruto, we are dating." Iruka Answered
"WHAT!" Naruto Exclaimed
"We'll talk at Ichiraku's okay." Iruka Suggested
"Okay." Naruto replied with a smile
(Location, Ichiraku's ramen shop)
Naruto and Iruka walked towards Ichiraku's, seeing Anko sitting on one of the stools.
She saw Iruka and waved giving him a smile.
"HEY, IRUKA-KUN!" Anko Greeted
"Hi Anko-Chan." Iruka greeted
Anko changed her view towards the person next to Iruka, she instantly noticed it was Naruto judging from the whisker like marks and the cerulean blue eyes with the blond spiky hair. Also the village talks a lot about him and the many stories they had heard from travellers about him.
"Let me guess. Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. Your student right?" Anko Asked
"Well former student and yes it is Naruto." Iruka replied
"Nice to meet you umm, Anko." Naruto Greeted shaking Anko's hand
"Nice to meet you too maggot." Anko replied
"You know, I'm older now so you don't have to call me that." Naruto said with a frown on his face
Anko just smiled in amusement "Yeah but I'm a Jounin, you're just a Chunin." Anko Replied
"Not for long, soon I'm going to be Jounin just like you once the exams are up." Naruto talked back with a smile
They all sat on the stool waiting for their meal to come.
"So Naruto, how have you been?" Iruka Asked the blond Jinchuriki
"Fine, I went to a lot of villages and a lot of places where I have met a lot of people. I also got a souvenir for my journey." Naruto Replied with a smile
"So I see." Iruka said, looking at the sword on Naruto's back
"Yeah, I also hear that this village had missed me while I was gone." Naruto said
"True, a lot of people had missed you. Team's 8, 10 and Gai had missed you a lot including Sakura and Kakashi." Iruka Explained
Naruto flinched slightly when Iruka said the names Kakashi and Sakura.
"Didn't think those two missed me. I thought they missed their Uchiha prodigy?" Naruto guessed with a cold tone
Both Anko and Iruka noticed how cold Naruto's tone was towards the grey haired one eyed Jounin and the pink Kuniochi. They heard of what Naruto had said to Sakura from her. Iruka was disappointed in Naruto for saying that when he has no idea of how much Sakura had changed over the past two and a half years. Anko didn't know much about team 7 other than being in the second test of the Chunin exams.
"What do you mean Naruto?" Iruka Asked, concerned for his former student and son figure
"What I mean is that Hatake and Haruno kicked me out of Team 7 just because I had hurt their precious Uchiha." Naruto replied coldly
"Hatake and Haruno, usually you call them Kakashi-Sensei and Sakura-Chan. What happened to that saying?" Iruka Asked, still in concern
"What happened that my so called Sensei decided to teach and train the Uchiha who I called a brother who also shoved a hand full of lightening through my chest who was still supported by a pink haired Kuniochi who couldn't care less weather I was hurt or not." Naruto Replied
"I understand Sasuke Naruto but Kakashi and Sakura? Don't you think that's just going a bit too far?" Iruka Asked
"No not really. I think those two deserve it after defending the Uchiha against me for bringing him back with a few broken bones. Also they supported the Uchiha ever since we got back from the wave mission." Naruto Explained
"But you were a team Naruto? I heard that you successfully completed the mission." Iruka stated
"It was successful, but we were just lucky that we survived. Haruno mostly cared about the Uchiha who was pinned down by the needles and stayed with him the most and treated him while I took most of the damage and I was the one who was bleeding the most. Although now I see it I can tell that if I died she wouldn't care, she would just be happy that the Baka is dead and she was finally alone with her Uchiha." Naruto Explained Coldly
Rather to say that Iruka was disappointed in Naruto still, he had heard of the mission, but he was upset with Sakura who was only tending to the Uchiha than Naruto, at least tend to your other teammates than just one.
He remembered when Naruto was brought to the village Naruto still had a few injuries from his battle with Haku. He had to force the doctors to treat him.
"After that scenario came the Chunin exams which Hatake decided to teach the Uchiha than me. Even though it was for his good because he was against Gaara, I was against Neji yet he gave me Ebisu who at that time hated me still for having the demon within me. I was lucky that Pervy-Sage came to help train me, otherwise I would've lost to Neji and never had saved Haruno or this village from Gaara the opponent that the Uchiha couldn't defeat." Naruto continued
"Even after all that had happened over the past year I still couldn't get training from Hatake because he was on missions, but he made the Uchiha leader of the race mission we were at. He became the substitute leader for the team because Hatake said that he defeated Gaara, even though the Uchiha told the truth hew was still the leader. I of course objected but over thrown by Hatake and the Uchiha with the support of Haruno." Naruto explained
"During our mission we fell off the boat, Haruno was drowning so I saved her and tried to give her CPR, but I was punched in the face before I could by her and never thanked for saving her life from drowning." Naruto finished
Iruka heard of the race mission, he was upset about what he had heard from the reports that Naruto was punched trying to save the Kuniochi's life, all because she wanted the Uchiha to save her not Naruto.
"I heard. But that was in the past Naruto and Sakura changed for the better. I've went on a few missions with her and she's completely different from what she is now than in the past." Iruka objected
"Still it's too late Iruka-Sensei. I have made up my mind, she never cared for me at all in the past so why now, so I could bring the Uchiha back to her by asking Granny to drop the charges on him." Naruto Replied
"Naruto, haven't you heard of what had happened to Sasuke, he went to prison and the entire village doesn't want him back." Iruka objected again
"Still I don't trust Haruno or Hatake. Hatake ignored the warning Anko gave him and Haruno listened to the Uchiha like his life depended on it." Naruto reminded
Anko heard of this and remembered what she had told Kakashi back at the Chunin exams about Sasuke's curse mark. Kakashi ignored the warning and sealed the power of the curse mark, however it wasn't strong enough to keep it sealed permanently once Sasuke used it against Naruto at the Valley Of The End.
Anko was mad at Kakashi for ignoring her, but what made her furious is that he was going to punish Naruto for bringing him back injured. But no one was angrier at Kakashi than Iruka at that time, Iruka trusted Kakashi to take care of his former students, once Iruka found out about what Kakashi told Naruto he lost at him.
(FLASH BACK, TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO, A DAY LATER AFTER THE HOSPITAL INCIDENT WITH NARUTO)
Iruka was walking down the streets of Konoha to get to the Hokage's tower, where he will give Kakashi such a shouting.
He had heard of what Kakashi said to Naruto for bringing Sasuke injured. Iruka knows Naruto can be a bit rough at times and maybe a bit aggressive, but he'll never ever hurt a friend for no reason what so ever. Iruka was not only mad at Kakashi but Sasuke and Sakura aswell.
(LOCATION, HOKAGE'S TOWER)
Iruka made it all the way to the tower.
Storming in he was searching for Kakashi. Couldn't find the masked nin Iruka decided to check somewhere else, Naruto had told him that usually he and Kakashi meets at the bridge so that's where Iruka was walking to next.
(LOCATION, BRIDGE)
Iruka was still looking for Kakashi but had no luck he searched all over the area around the bridge but still couldn't find him. He then tried looking for Kakashi at the one place he usually hangs around, and that place would be the memorial stone.
(LOCATION, MEMORIAL STONE)
Iruka had found Kakashi, staring at the memorial stone at the specific names "Obito Uchiha" and "Minato Namikaze".
"Sensei, Obito, I'm sorry, I had failed you." Kakashi apologized in his thoughts
Iruka saw Kakashi and stormed towards him. Kakashi saw this and was curious why Iruka was so angry.
"Anything wrong Iruka?" Kakashi Asked in his calm tone
Iruka immediately tackled Kakashi towards a tree. Kakashi didn't resist or struggle since he knew the reason why Iruka was doing this to him.
"Anything wrong. ANYTHING WRONG!" Iruka Shouted in rage, "I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S WRONG KAKASHI YOU!" Iruka Continued, "I TRUSTED YOU TO TAKE CARE OF MY STUDENTS! YET INSTEAD YOU THROW THEM AWAY LIKE TRASH!" Iruka Shouted
Kakashi just looked at Iruka with his lazy eye, outside looks like he doesn't care but the inside he is ashamed of himself, "That's not true Iruka." Kakashi objected, "I was just trying to teach Naruto a lesson about injuring his teammates." Kakashi Explained
"SHUT UP! I HEARD OF THE MISSION NARUTO WAS SENT IN! YOU SCOLDED HIM FOR BRINGING THAT UCHIHA BACK TO THE VILLAGE!" Iruka Explained
"I also heard that you said that you're kicking him out of the team for what he had done to the Uchiha." Iruka Explained, lowering his voice
Kakashi was shocked that Iruka didn't state one of his former students as his name, instead as his clan name.
"Don't you mean, Sasuke Iruka?" Kakashi Asked, in his calm tone
"No, Uchiha had disgraced the name of Shinobi title and betrayed the village. He also betrayed Naruto who he had once considered the Uchiha as a brother. He betrayed his brotherly hood." Iruka Explained
"I trusted you to take care of Naruto and the others. Yet you decided to teach the Uchiha and kick Naruto out of the team." Iruka Stated
"Iruka, I know you're mad, and I am sorry that I kicked Naruto out of the team but there is no team any more, If you heard I am no longer a Jounin. Tsunadae said that it was my punishment to return to ANBU and that Team 7 was to be disbanded." Kakashi explained
"In fact I think it's for the better that team 7 is disbanded." Kakashi said, Iruka's expression changed to confusion, "I have disgraced the name of Jounin…., I also disgraced my clans name just like my dad did. Only difference is that he did it to save his comrades lives, but I betrayed my comrades." Kakashi explained, "I betrayed Naruto and Sakura, I wasn't a good sensei to them…, What I saw in Sasuke was me, he wanted to bring greatness to the Uchiha clan again just like I wanted to with the Hatake clan, I saw him leaving his friends and comrades out of his life just like I did when I was his age." Kakashi continued, leaving Iruka speechless
"I trained Sasuke because he needed to beat Gaara. However he only needed the speed and Jutsu's to defeat him, I had to only teach Sasuke Taijutsu and another Jutsus which was the Chidori. I taught him the Chidori so he'll defend his comrades, yet instead all I saw was Naruto one of Sasuke's comrades injured due to the Chidori…., The very Chidori I taught Sasuke was used against Naruto. Therefore I have failed Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto all at the same time." Kakashi continued, Iruka's grip smoothening, letting go of Kakashi
Kakashi walked back towards the stone and stared at it again.
"I am not worthy of the rank Jounin, I had disgraced the clan name just as my dad did. All because I was worried for my team." Kakashi added, "You see Iruka, after the Tea country mission my team was assigned to, Sasuke and Naruto had a sparring match on the hospital roof. I saw the entire battled with my own eye. As soon as Naruto and Sasuke were using the Chidori and Rasengan, Sakura ran towards the clash in hopes of stopping it. I came just in time to stop it, It sort of reminded me of me and Obito when we were in our sparring match. What I saw in Sasuke was pride and too much of it, when Orochimaru made a deal with Sasuke he went for it, I tried to talk him into giving up revenge but he wouldn't listen to me." Kakashi continued
"When I heard about Sasuke's departure,, I instantly followed the boy, in the end I saw Naruto and Sasuke laying on the ground covered in injuries. After taking Naruto and Sasuke in to the hospital I waited until I would hear the reports on their injuries, until I heard of Sasuke's first. As I saw his injuries I was mad and furious that I took that on Naruto, but now I realise that I was not mad at Naruto…, I was mad at myself, I took the blame on Naruto and I was wrong." Kakashi finished
Iruka's rage was now gone, he was feeling sorry for Kakashi that now he knows the truth about the reason why he scolded Naruto and kicked him out of the team.
"So that's why you were mad at Naruto. You blamed him for your mishaps and kicked him out of the team because of that?" Iruka Asked
"Exactly, at the moment Iruka I'm trying to find him and hopefully he'll forgive me for what I have done." Kakashi hoped
(FLASH BACK END, TIME PRESENT)
After that day Iruka's anger against Kakashi faded away like nothing had happened. Even though he'd forgiven Kakashi, Kakashi wouldn't forgive himself for what he had said to Naruto.
Every day the Jounins would usually help their old friend to forgive himself, however it didn't work out, he still was mad at himself even today for what he had said to Naruto. And he wasn't the only one, Sakura was aswell as her former Sensei was mad at herself since she felt like she was the one who scolded him the most. She still remembers the time before Naruto left she had made him promise her that he'll bring Sasuke back, She felt terrible ever since then, including after she realised Sasuke was a power hungry bastard who would never care for anyone but his revenge and himself.
"That'd may be true Naruto, but you can't blame them forever?" Iruka Objected
"Can't I? He thought that because we were Gennin that stage he knew more than us. That's why he handled the curse mark issue on his own, because of pride. I know what happened, I looked through Konoha's history when I heard of his father "The White Fang" who risked his life to save his comrades. Just like me he was scolded by the Shinobi for saving their lives and failing the mission, in the end he gave up his life one day. I know now that Hatake was doing it to prove to Konoha that the Hatakes are still a great clan." Naruto Explained
"However…, that's still not an excuse for sticking up for that traitor." Naruto finished
"Yes, but Naruto. Blaming Kakashi and Sakura won't do any good, they lived with that guilt for the past two and a half years." Iruka objected
"I don't care." Naruto replied
"So anyway let's just wait for our meal alright Iruka-Sensei." Naruto said with a smile
"Alright." Iruka agreed with a smile, however in the inside, Iruka was disappointed in Naruto for keeping a grudge against Kakashi and Sakura
"Naruto….., you have changed. Unfortunately some changes in you are disappointing." Iruka thought, starring at his former student in disappointment
(Time skip, after Ichiraku's ramen shop)
After Naruto, Anko and Iruka had their meals, they all said goodbye and started to walk away. Anko was holding on to Iruka's right arm.
"Even though you may not agree Iruka-Kun I still think Naruto may be right but that It's been two and a half years since that day so why keep a grudge against him?" Anko Asked
"I don't know Anko-Chan. I don't know. Naruto been beaten, disrespected and insulted by the village for years and yet he forgiven them. But seems like he can't forgive Kakashi and Sakura." Iruka replied
(Back with Naruto)
Naruto was walking towards his home the Namikaze house. Once there he heard a few knocks on the door.
"*knock* *knock*!" Naruto walked towards the door to see his former sensei Kakashi
"What do you want?" Naruto Asked in a angry tone
"I just came here to see how my former students doing. May I come in and have a little chat with you Uzumaki-San?" Kakashi Asked in his calm voice
"Even though you're no longer my Sensei I'll let you in. I just want to know how your punishment in being in ANBU was dropped." Naruto replied and lets Kakashi in his house
Kakashi and Naruto walked towards the living room which was a huge interior, with expensive looking wallpaper and had wooden tiling on, there were two couches facing each other, at the center of those two was a glass coffee table.
Kakashi and Naruto sat down on one of the sofas facing each other.
"So….., you wanted to talk to me? Isn't that right Hatake?" Naruto Asked in a small angry tone
"Yes that's correct Uzumaki-San." Kakashi replied, "I wanted to talk to you about how I and you are doing over the past two and a half years." Kakashi Explained
Naruto still had his angry frown on Kakashi, "I've been doing well, since my training trip began. I have done lots of missions and been to lots of places around the nations. Including getting a few souvenirs from those places." Naruto explained, putting his sword next to the sofa
"So I see." Kakashi said quietly, looking at Naruto's sword, "I guess a lot has happened to you over the past. I am proud Naruto." Kakashi complemented, changing his view towards Naruto
"That's strange. I thought you were mad that your grade A student didn't get this sort of treatment like I have been getting." Naruto replied coldly
"Naruto…..,. I know why you're mad at me, and I deserve it." Kakashi said sadly, looking down to the ground
"Can't say you don't, since you neglected me and Haruno for that Uchiha, teaching him the very Jutsu that put a hole in my chest." Naruto explained
"Exactly Naruto…., I don't deserve forgiveness, I have failed you and Sakura and Sasuke. As your Sensei that time I was given a job to protect and teach you all equally in the team." Kakashi Explained
"Equally huh…., well that didn't happen since me and Haruno only knew at that time how to climb a tree with your feet while you teach the Uchiha a C-class assassination Jutsu that could've killed If I didn't know a A-class unfinished Jutsu that managed to protect myself and defeat the Uchiha." Naruto reminded
Kakashi changed his view towards Naruto, "I know Naruto. All I taught you was to use your feet to climb a tree while Sasuke was taught the Chidori. For that I have failed you all and my Sensei." Kakashi said in sadness
"I see that you're still upset that I wasn't a god Sensei for you?" Kakashi guessed
"That's not true Hatake. What upsets me that you and Haruno stood up for that Uchiha when he tried to leave and betray the village against me. I heard that you'd try and drop the charges against him and punish me for his injuries." Naruto reminded
"I know that Naruto….., but the truth is that day I was mad at myself. I was angry with myself and I took it on you. It was wrong for me to take my anger on you for that incident, I should've did more than talk to Sasuke." Kakashi admitted again
"So….., you were mad and you took it on me for you failing the team? Am I right?" Naruto Asked
"You're right Naruto. I took my anger on you for me failing the team. But in the past I have suffered aswell, my pride sent one of my teammates to an early grave and my rage killed the other. I have been caught up for those memories that I didn't want that to happen again, but because I was caught up with all of those memories, trying not to make that same mistake I had been too cautious that I led to the disaster of team 7." Kakashi explained
"So you were caught up with the memories you had of failing your other teammates that you were too cautious and that you led the disbanding of team 7…., Isn't that right?" Naruto Asked
"You're right Naruto." Kakashi said
"Now let's get to the next subject." Naruto informed, "How and why are you on the rank of Jounin? I remember Haruno explaining that you were punished by being reassigned back to the ANBU as I heard?" Naruto Asked
"Well Naruto. I was in the ANBU…., but my performance in ANBU led to the re-promotion of the rank Jounin. Seems like I'm out of the punishment…, Even though I managed to get back to Jounin rank I'm still upset that I was given the rank that I had failed in." Kakashi explained
"You should be. You failed to be a Jounin, you failed to be our Sensei and you failed my trust. You should've stayed in the ANBU, that was probably the best rank you could've been since the ANBU have to keep quiet most of the time." Naruto Replied
This comment pained Kakashi in the heart like he had a heart attack. Although Kakashi knew he deserved it for sticking up for that traitor.
"I know Naruto…., but to make up for my failure and disgrace I had to accept the rank of Jounin to aid the leaf. You know that the leaf still hasn't fully recovered since the sand and sound attack two and a half years ago." Kakashi reminded
"I know Hatake, I know." Naruto agreed, "But still you deserve the guilt and disappointment you have been receiving for standing up for that traitor." Naruto stated
"I know." Kakashi Agreed, looked up towards Naruto
"So now we got that out of the way. I have some news and explaining to do about Sakura Naruto." Kakashi informed
Naruto turned his face away from Kakashi and ignored the subject about Sakura.
"Her…..,. I don't want to know a thing about Haruno Hatake. She was the worst ever, she always wanted her Uchiha never me." Naruto spat
"Naruto. I know your upset but Sakura has changed for the better. If you saw how strong she was and how caring to others she was you would realise how much she had changed. She no longer cares for Sasuke, she in fact with the rest of the village hates Sasuke for betraying and joining Orochimaru." Kakashi objected
"You don't know her much Hatake. In fact you never knew me and Haruno at all, all you ever cared about was your Uchiha." Naruto replied angrily
"Naruto. I did know you and Sakura, you two were my students and I know you were the prankster and number one knuckle head and a brave ninja that time. Sakura was a smart and skilful ninja at the time aswell. If I never showed you that I knew you then I am very sorry." Kakashi apologised
"Remember last week Hatake, I'll never forgive you. You and Haruno had your last chance at the hospital and you wasted that chance for Uchiha." Naruto reminded coldly
"I know." Kakashi agreed once more with a hint of sadness
"So Naruto. What are your plans now?" Kakashi Asked, looking back at Naruto
"My plans are to enter the Jounin exams and enter the rank Jounin. I'll finally be on the same rank as you Hatake." Naruto explained
"And what else?" Kakashi Asked
"Then after that I'll throw a party here. With my real friends invited for the congratulations and return to Konoha." Naruto finished
"Okay. Well I have to go. Bye Naruto." With that said Kakashi left the house, leaving Naruto sitting all by himself
(Location, Haruno house)
Sakura was back in her room after a long day in the hospital. A long quiet day. Sakura hasn't said a word all day at the hospital. Her Sensei Tsunadae was quite worried for her apprentice, Ino was worried for her friend so Tsunadae sent Ino on a small mission to comfort Sakura to make sure she's okay.
"*Knock* *Knock*"
"I'LL GET IT!" Mrs Haruno yelled
Mrs Haruno opens the door to see her daughter's former rival and now best friend standing in front of the door.
"Hi Ino." Mrs Haruno greeted
"Hey Mrs Haruno." Ino greeted, "Is Sakura here?" Ino Asked
"Yeah she's here. She hasn't said a word since she met her teammate last week. I wanted to have small talk with him but she told me not to get involved. She's been talking to me but only a bit, she doesn't say much now." Mrs Haruno Answered
"I know. I came here as a mission and a duty as a friend from lady Tsunadae to comfort her and check if she's feeling alright." Ino Explained
"Make sure she's safe Ino. I'm awfully worried for her." Mrs Haruno begged, Ino nodded and walked up stairs to Sakura's room
"*Knock* *Knock*" Ino knocked on Sakura's door
"Hello. Sakura It's me Ino." Ino called
Still no answer. Ino tried one more time.
"Sakura please open the door." Ino begged
Ino had enough, so it was time for action.
"Alright I warned you." Ino charged through the door, but made sure that she didn't damage it
BOOM!
Ino charged through the door.
She saw Sakura on her bed, looking towards the ground. Sakura looked at Ino quickly then turned her head back to the ground.
"Hey…, Sakura, are you feeling okay?" Ino Asked with concern
"….." Sakura didn't answer
"I know that you're upset but you have to let it go Sakura. Remember Naruto just came back so you still have a chance." Ino informed
Sakura finally gave in and started to speak, "I know Ino…., But Naruto hates me now. Kinda sound like someone who used to hate him all the time. I guess It's what I deserve for always rejecting and hurting him all the time." Sakura spoke out
Ino had a worried expression on her face, "Sakura. I know how you feel at the moments, you feel sad and depressed but remember that all your friends were with you and this village saw your performance at the Chunin exams. Naruto hasn't seen you in action yet remember." Ino reminded
Sakura's expression changed to a small happy smile, "I remember Ino." Sakura said happily
"And don't forget that the Jounin exams are coming up. Remember that you didn't want to sign up because you wanted to show Naruto what you're made of." Ino reminded one more time
Ever since Sakura passed the Chunin exams a year ago, she didn't want Tsunadae to sign her up because she would rather wait for Naruto to see her in the exams to prove that she had changed in case if he had ever doubted her.
"I remember Ino. And you're right, I have a chance to prove that I have changed, I heard Naruto-Kun is going to sign up for the Jounin exams. In that case I'll join, I have to prove Naruto that I'm not that Uchiha fan girl anymore." Sakura Said happily
Ino smiled, happy that her best friend is okay again.
"Good for you Sakura." Ino complemented
"Hey Sakura. Doesn't Naruto know about what had happened to Sasuke?" Ino Asked
"No he doesn't know. Naruto refuses to listen to what had happened to me, Kakashi-Sensei and Sasuke." Sakura Answered
"I don't think it will be long until he learns what had happened to him. Anyway I'm off now, good b ye and goodnight Sakura." Ino waved and smiled, leaving the Haruno's house
"Just you wait Naruto-Kun. I'm going to show you that the old Sakura who only cared for Sasuke is gone and that the new one is here." Sakura thought happily then got change then went to bed
Done!
Sorry for the long wait but had started another story aswell. My plan for is to do one Chapter of this story and then one chapter of the other. This will last until one of these stories will end.
I know, kind of a small boring chapter but I just wanted to add a bit of AnkIru and let Naruto talk a bit more with Kakashi. I felt like his talk with the last chapter was a bit too short.
Anyway, Read and Review and I'm really happy that I have a lot of favs and a lot of follows and reviews.
This chapter fixes the small issue I had from one of the reviews by NarutoKushina that said that Kakashi somehow blames Naruto. In this chapter Kakashi blames Naruto out of his own disappointment with himself by accident.
Thanks dudes
