So here it is the penultimate chapter of the wave arc. The next one is very, very long, but should finish wave arc up at last, never realised how annoying this arc actually was lol. Am rather ill at the moment either allergies or a cold, either way not fun. Have started writing another story alongside this one, which has slowed down my writing but I'm going to finish chapter 20 now, so please read and enjoy.
DarkRavie – thank you.
LadyKarma18 – thanks and soon even updated my plan to include this.
alec-potter – thanks sorry this is the last one for a while.
chibichibi98 – with Jiraiya I've got an idea but depending on how I write the next few chapters depends how Naruto and Jiraiya meet. I love the relationship between Naruto and Asuma and even Ko (always liked that Ko saw Naruto as a big brother).
xdevil-childx – cool picture just noticed it (terrible seeing as you review often).
Junky – I'm sorry about that; I'll try to put warnings up when I'm due to update again on my profile.
Lazyman12 - I'm still out on Sakura and Sasuke actually. She's a girl who doesn't see what's in front of her till it's too late. And I do find her slightly annoying at times. I know lots of people hate her so that fine.
Luckyschoolgirl – glad you do.
Lednacek – on Zabuza I know was just quoting from manga thought it was off but wasn't sure and the Naruto and Sakura bit – where? So I know to fix it or explain what I meat either way it is helpful to know thank you.
hmm01meh – I'm glad you find it enjoying to read and aspects which you find interesting.
Tabun – thanks for the smile.
KakaSaku Chan – it always was one sided on Naruto's part lol. Yeah I can see that and it might happen it might not. Sasuke is annoying a few people a believe lol.
TigrezzTail – very angry when he does find out, it's part of a catalyse, in my mind at the moment. Sakura is a very annoying person as a child. She always seems very spoilt and snobbish. Sakura and Sasuke are quite hard to write actually so it's nice that you think I have captured her childish personality.
Haruca-Lin-sama - Hi, it appears people do love it, and most people cried when Cat died. I cried writing it, (had to reread it to see f it made sense). Your grammar mistakes I fine as I can figure out what you mean. Sorry but this is the last update for a while.
Theia Pallas – it's often I read a story twice so was rather shocked that someone would, mind you with the gaps in updates I can understand, slightly lost in my plot at the moment but it should still flow nicely hopefully.
dementia-notAhumanBeing – well I always imagined as Ninja that if they trained constantly you would develop the muscles needed, like in martial arts if you train everyday from a young age you'd show that in your body composition/structure – not sure on the wording.
iFrix – noted and I will try or with definitely start after this arc if I haven't.
bhennen – thanks I plan to finish it just trying to write things down is difficult lately- the starting of writer's block, sigh.
Starstalker – yes a see what you mean will try to bring him out of his shell a bit more in future then.
TehHumanEatingPanda – it will be long, very long (I hate the wave arc), I hoped it was nice at the end gives me a chance to break it up, oh most people hate the two as well, and Kakashi is getting there.
Please enjoy it, lol.
Thank you for the alerts and reviews.
Naruto = flash back
'Naruto' is thoughts/thinking
"Naruto" signing/sign language
"Naruto" speaking.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto just some DVDs and games.
The hokage stiffened suddenly causing everyone in the room to automatically tense. Nami stretched languidly before cantering over to the hokage's lap then leaped onto his shoulders. Nami's claws dug in painfully as the cat settled, curling up to sleep again on his shoulders. The Hokage's eyes had widened suddenly now glared at the cat atop his shoulders. A blue eye cracked open as Nami looked straight into the Hokage's eyes. The Hokage sighed deeply and looked away pulling a scroll towards him to distract himself from that feeling of dread that now crept up his spin. Nami's eye closed a triumphant purr ringing out for those close enough to here.
(Line)
Sitting up in bed, he swung his legs over the edge running a hand across his face he braced himself and slowly placed his feet flat on the floor with a deep breath he pushed up off the bed shifting his weight onto his feet. He didn't fall. That was good, next he had to take a step without falling flat on his face. He breathed out and moved his left foot forward. He stumbled and grabbed the edge of the table sat next to his bed. Shit, stumbled on the first step. Okay try again. He turned supporting himself on the table, pushing off again, only this time his foot took the weight as he took a step away. He followed with his other foot. He smiled; yes well at least he could walk now... kinda. He looked around for his clothes not that he didn't mind standing in a room in just his boxers but clothes would definitely be a good idea if he wanted to leave this room. He spotted his clothes neatly folded on a chair on the other side of the room.
"Great, more walking." He muttered under his breath. His eyes narrowed in determination. One step at a time. He stumbled his way across to the chair, his legs only caving under his weight twice. His lips quirked into a lopsided smile at his accomplishment.
Slowly he fumbled getting into his clothes. The trousers were the trickiest: his hands kept shaking with the exertion of the task. Finally he was dressed well half dressed anyway. He took a deep breath and sat in the chair. He hadn't moved in so long that everything ached. He sighed lifted his arms above his head and pulled his sleeveless top over his head he sighed as his muscles strained with the movement. Turning he looked out the window, his tanned skin shone in the sun he ran a hand down his shoulder tracing the anbu tattoo there. His back tensed suddenly he smirked grabbing the fingerless gloves in front of him. He pulled them on and was placing the armour on when the door opened and two anbu came flying through. He glimpsed the masks as he turned back to the window his sandy hair flashing in the sun. Sparrow and Fox. He straightened the armour and tightened it as the two anbu realised he wasn't in bed.
They had a muted argument, their chakra flaring. He smiled. Amazing how easily these two got wound up, he chuckled.
"I take it we'll have to be on alert now" the sandy haired anbu stated as he grabbed the mask left hanging on the chair and turned placing it on his face. "Well we'll just have to be more careful now" his olive eyes stared out from under the turtle mask.
The two anbu nodded quickly turning as the turtle masked anbu walked past them.
"Best get started then" Hikaru smiled and disappeared in a cloud of smoke the two anbu following close behind him.
(Line)
Sakura stretched and yawned as she sat on the bridge. She huffed in boredom leaning against the railing. All around her were men with various tools hammering nails, bolting bolts, hauling timber. All around her was the sound of men at work.
"You look bored, sat here all by yourself" Tazuna asked as he caught Sakura mid stretch and yawn "where's the other boy and Blondie?"
"They are training"
"Hey Mr. Tazuna can I help" Naruto asked popping up out of nowhere.
"What happened to training?" Tazuna asked surprised to see Naruto there.
"Well I'm superior, so I was asked to protect you" Sakura stated smugly "I don't know what Naruto's doing here though".
"I wanted to help, I like learning new things" Naruto replied openly
This surprised her. Sakura was shaken at the honesty of the comment.'
'Full of surprises this one' Tazuna concluded "isn't your job to protect me?" Tazuna replied placing his load of timber down.
"Hey Tazuna!"
"Hmm oh Giichi, what is it?" Tazuna wiped the sweat from the back of his neck
"Umm I've been thinking long and hard about this but can I stop working on the bridge?" Giichi turned so he was facing away from Tazuna.
"What? This is so sudden! Not you too?" Tazuna squawked in alarm
Sighing the old man, who was introduced as Giichi continued "Tazuna we've been friends for a long time now and I want to help you, but if we continue this Gatou will notice us. And if we get killed what's the point?" he turned to stare at Tazuna "Why don't we just stop? Just stop building the bridge!" he practically begged.
Sakura and Naruto looked at each other in shock
"I can't do that" Tazuna threw over his shoulder. "This is our bridge! This is the bridge we started building together believing it would bring resources into our poor stricken country!"
"But if we lose our lives"
"It's already noon, let's stop for lunch. Oh and Giichi you don't have to come tomorrow." Tazuna walked away.
Sakura walked with Tazuna through the village Naruto trailing behind them his head turning everywhere as he took in the sight of the poor market area. There were people everywhere all jostling trying to get the very limited produce available. A man walked through with a sign saying "will take any job." A child ran through the crowd with a shout of "stop thief" following behind them.
"I'm supposed to bring home food for lunch" Tazuna spoke drearily as though he was affected by the state around. Sakura followed behind him carefully, clutching her shoulder bag across her. They entered a store with boy sat hunched outside. They were greeted by the store attendant as they entered, following Tazuna to the produce, Sakura her bag resting level with her bum suddenly freaked sensing someone behind her, she yelled and used a turning kick to knock the assailant flying, Naruto started laughing as he watched Sakura.
"What's so funny dobe?" She glowered
"He wasn't trying to grope you Sakura, he was trying to steal from you" Naruto said laughing still.
"Shut up Naruto it's not funny" Sakura moaned hitting the blonde in her anger.
Naruto with a soft pop disappeared into smoke 'he was a clone' Sakura realised.
Tazuna and Sakura had purchased the food and were walking home through the milling villagers.
"You really surprised me earlier" Tazuna stated.
"What's going on in this city?" Sakura wondered. She felt a hand at her back again turning she found not another pervert/thief but a small child with its hands placed in a bowl shape begging for food. Feeling bad she dug through her bag and filled the child's hands with sweets she had with her. The child ran off in glee clutching the sweets closely.
"It's been like this since Gatou got here" he spat venomously "all the adults lost hope. That's why we need this bridge, a symbol of courage. We need for people to lose their fear and for them to regain the desire to stand up for themselves. If that bridge... ...if the bridge can be completed the city will return to a time before, and the people will return to how they used to be." Tazuna concluded
Sakura's face fell.
(Line)
Sasuke streaked up the tree as hard and fast as he could out the corner of his eye he watched as Naruto ran up the next tree to knew Naruto was only there to push him but he didn't understand why. It didn't make sense. Was the dobe mocking him.
Sasuke marked the tree and bounced between the two trees slowing his descent and in what he thought was a cool way and landed. He watched as Naruto reached the same mark on his tree and flipped off he turned and smiled at Sasuke before he turned and walked up the tree.
"Why are you doing this dobe?" Sasuke asked his bangs covering his eyes. "I mean you can do this, why are you here? Is it to mock me?" he snapped
"No I just figured that you wanted someone to push against." Naruto dropped from the tree "That and you could use the company, I mean you train by yourself all the time and well I'm part of your team we should be training together" Naruto lowered his head unsure of himself.
Sasuke scowled at him before running up the tree again. Sighing Naruto continued to run up his own tree.
(Line)
Team seven sat around the table with Tazuna and his family, they all watched in open mouthed awe as Sasuke raced through his food at inhuman speed.
"Wow this is super fun we haven't eaten with so many people in a long time" Tazuna proclaimed at the head of the table.
Naruto ate his food slowly and methodically as though he was chewing his way through a problem, he hadn't eaten as much as the others either, it was quite a small amount in comparison which startled Tsunami and Kakashi sensei greatly. Sasuke finished his bowl of food and promptly asked for more before turning a sudden shade of green and vomiting on the floor.
"What's the point of eating so much then just throwing it back up" Sakura yelled.
"I must eat, to become stronger" he wiped his mouth "besides the dobe's not eating anything"
"I am just not a lot" Naruto defended
"You can eat more Naruto if you're hungry" Tsunami pleaded
"A growing boy needs to eat" Kakashi stated
"no it's fine besides if I ate as much as I really needed I'd probably eat you out of house and home, that's why I limit myself this way if I eat a normal serving of food I can always have more later" he shrugged taking the second bowl of food that Tsunami handed him.
"Hey why is there a torn picture on the wall?" Sakura asked hands clasped behind her back "Inari was staring at this during dinner. It seems like someone purposely removed the person from the picture" she glanced back at the table.
It was like a dark cloud had suddenly descended on the members of the Tazuna family, they all looked sad and disappointed. Tsunami, who had returned to the sink, braced herself against it.
"It's my husband."
"The one we called hero of the city."
The sudden sound of a chair scraping the floor caused all heads to turn to Inari as he pushed away from the table his face covered in shadow from his hat. He moved away from the table and towards the door even as his mother cried out to him.
"Inari where are you going?" she turned frantically.
The slam of the door was the only response she got.
"Inari!" she turned glaring angrily at her father "I told you never to talk about that man in front of Inari!" she stormed out the door.
"What's wrong with Inari?" Sakura mellowed
"Inari had a father not related by blood; they were very close like a real father and son. Inari would laugh a lot back then."
"You're not very tactful are you Sakura?" Sasuke spat
"Wh... what?"
"He died recently and it's a raw wound to Inari. Which is why they don't talk about it" Naruto stated
"What would you know about it Naruto?" Sakura snapped
"I've lost mum and dad" Naruto dead-panned.
The room filled with tension thickly then. Kakashi looked at each one of his students carefully appraising them before he moved his attention back to Tazuna.
"But...
...Inari changed since the incident with his father. The word "courage" has been stolen from the people of this island and Inari."
"What incident?" Kakashi asked
Tazuna took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose "before I tell you that, I need to explain more about the man who was called the hero of this country"
"Hero"
"It was about three years ago Inari met that man..."
(Line)
"Pochi!"
Inari was held back by two boys at the end of a pier will a boy with a workers hat obviously the ring leader stood in front of them with a white and black dog tucked under his arm.
"Wrong, this is Shooting Star! He's my dog starting today." The hat clad kid spoke arrogantly
"He's not Shooting Star he's my Pochi! Give him back!" Inari struggled in the two boys arms. "Pochi is my friend. I won't give him to you!"
The hat clad kid recovered from his moment of shock and became angry.
"SHUT UP!" he screamed, then suddenly he smirked and through the dog off the pier into the water below. There was a huge splash and a couple of seconds before Pochi returned to the surface in a panic.
"Pochi!" Inari screamed
"Hehe that's what you get. Besides I'm not interested in that dog anymore." Hat boy spoke confidently. "Hey let go of Inari".
"What are you doing? You're going to kill him."
"Heh! He's your precious dog right? Go save him. Hurry up."
Inari's face fell as even more fear over took him.
"What's wrong look Pochi's gonna die" hat boy practically sung.
Inari stood at the edge of the pier staring out at the water and at the dog that was panicking. 'I can't let him die he's my only friend but... but...' he closed his eyes in resolve 'I'm sorry Pochi but I can't swim.'
Hat boy walked up behind Inari "hey if he's your dog jump in" he kicked Inari in the centre of his back causing Inari to plunge off the pier into the water next to Pochi.
"This is bad Akane if he can't swim" one of Akane's friends started.
Inari rose from the water and started to panic he kicked and clawed wildly "help me!"
Akane grabbed the boy who spoke up he fisted his shirt and pulled him close. "Do you want to go and save the pet?"
Inari started to wonder about death he didn't want to die but he couldn't save himself either. With a small bark Pochi started to dog paddle. Causing alarm to flare up inside Inari he called out to Pochi as he made his way to shore, where Akane and his bully friends were stood. He shook his body flinging most of the water off his body before scampering away.
"Hey Shooting Star is getting away! Chase him!" the boys left racing after the dog.
Inari cried out one last time for his dog before he started to sink below the water, his last thoughts as he sank deeper were only that he was finished and going to die...
There was the sun shining down with a few clouds drifting across the sky. Inari couldn't believe it when he opened his eyes and was greeted by this sight. Slowly he sat up a blanket falling off him as he rose.
"You finally awake kid?" Inari's attention spun to the man crouched down by the fire. He turned smiling "I yelled and taught those bad kids a lesson. Here eat." He offered a cooked fish to Inari.
Inari took a little while to comprehend who this person was. "You saved me?" he questioned
"You sure were getting picked on." Inari took the offered fish and began to eat.
"Hmm I see so even your dog didn't help you? In my country dogs are very loyal animals. But you didn't try to save him either so what can you expect?" Inari ate the fish sullenly. Finally he managed to speak.
"I was so scared I couldn't move" the man looked at him kindly. "I wanted to save him but because I don't have any courage..." he began to cry. The man ruffled Inari's head.
"Yeah any kid your age would be afraid. But just remember this, if you're a man choose a life of no regrets" Inari looked up at him confused. "for something that is precious to you, no matter how tough or sad you must try and try and even if you lose your life protect it with these two arms" he flexed his arm grabbing his right bicep to show his point. Inari stared in wonder. "If you do that, even if you die the proof of a man's life will remain forever. It's a bit corny right?" he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Yeah" Inari smiled
"Hey you finally smiled, here eat some more" he grabbed more fish.
His name was Kaiza he was a travelling fisherman who came here to follow his dreams. After that Inari and Kaiza became very close. It may have been because Inari's real father died before he got to know him, but he and Kaiza were inseparable, like a real father and son. It was only a matter of time before Kaiza became part of the family." Tazuna spoke bringing the room back to the present. Naruto was deeply intrigued; it sounded like Inari's upbringing was very similar to Naruto's. "And Kaiza was also a man the city needed." He drew them back into the story.
A man burst through the door of the house facing Kaiza and Inari with rain thundering down around him.
"Terrible news! Kaiza this rain is overflowing the dams! D Area is going to be flooded!"
"What?" Kaiza exclaimed
"Dad!" Inari called
"Inari bring me a rope" Kaiza commanded.
They made their way through the crowd gathered at the edge of the railing overlooking a torrent of water flowing through a gate.
- This is bad if we have to tie a rope to that gate and pull it closed -
-Are you crazy? How can we tie a rope to it? If you enter those rapids you'll die!-
- But if we don't do something D area will be wiped out-
"I'll do it" Kaiza called
-KAIZA!-
-Don't do it- -you'll die! - -this is too much even for you-
"Dad!"
"Don't worry your dad is invincible" Kaiza's hand rested on Inari's head "because your daddy loves this city where you are from." He reassured Inari kindly.
He leaped over the railing, with the rope tied around him and began swimming towards the gate. As he swam Inari watched and remembered what he said about precious people 'if something is truly precious to you ... even if you lose your life... with these two arms YOU MUST PROTECT IT'
"Dad you can do it!" Inari yelled in encouragement.
-Yes he did it, everyone pull!-
"And then. Kaiza was called a hero by the people of this city. And Inari couldn't have been prouder of his father. But then Gatou came to this city". Tazuna built up.
"And then this incident happened" Kakashi guessed. Tazuna's face dropped again. The genin looked at each other in worry. "What exactly happened?" Kakashi pushed.
Tazuna shook before he spoke again "before everyone in the city Kaiza was put to death by Gatou!"
"What?" Sakura exclaimed the other members looked on in shock. Tazuna then began recounting the story of Kaiza's death.
"This man has been found guilty of conducting terrorist activity against Gatou Corporation. He has been disrupting the peace of this country and as punishment will be put to death!" Gatou pointed to what remained of Kaiza bore upon a cross, Kaiza was bloody and beaten and both his arms had been cut off. "I just hope something like this never happens again" he gloated.
"Dad" Inari called through the metal chain link fence.
"Inari" Kaiza smiled bitter sweetly at Inari.
"Kill him" Gatou called. Zori released his sword from it's sheathe and swung the killing blow.
"DAD!" Inari screamed tears streaming down his face. "You said you'd protect me... the city... with your two arms! You're a liar Dad!"
"From that day Inari changed, as did Tsunami and the whole city" Tazuna drew the story to a close.
Naruto sat in thought now he understood why Inari said those things and was so upset about the picture. He pushed away from his seat at the table.
"What are you doing Naruto?" Sakura asked still recovering from the story.
"If you're thinking about training I'd take the day off seeing as you've been in two places at once. You've probably used too much chakra." Kakashi stated
"Hero's do exist! I'll prove it" He walked determinedly out the door.
(Line)
Tazuna sighed as yet another worker walked away from the bridge, he turned to see Sakura sat at the railing with Naruto watching as the remaining men worked, he walked over to the two and taking his hat off, leant against the railing.
"do you know how to use any of these tools" Tazuna motioned at the various workers around him."
"I'm a quick learner" Naruto smirked jumping up and following Tazuna
"But Naruto we're supposed to be guarding not building" Sakura bemoaned
"It's okay Sakura I trust you not to let anything happen" Naruto smiled placing the hard hat on that Tazuna handed him.
Sakura watched as Tazuna showed Naruto how each tool worked and what it was he wanted done with each tool. He left Naruto to fetch more planks and continued on with his task. He turned around when he heard a soft drilling sound to find that Naruto had created a few clones to work with the abandoned tools from his absent workers. He was impressed with Naruto's work ethic when he threw himself into a job and really got into it. He smiled, at least they might finish the bridge now.
(Line)
Hikaru sat cross legged in a meadow his eyes were closed and his breathing slow he had his palms face up on his thighs, his turtle decorated anbu mask lay discarded next to him in easy reach if anyone should come across him. The wind blew across the meadow causing the grass to dance; as the wind blew across his tanned unmasked face it cooled his slowly heating body. His olive eyes opened and looking down into his hands he found a small pool of water resting in each palm. Smiling he closed his eyes he pushed in concentration causing the pools to ripple, and his hands to glow blue momentarily before the water started to twist up from his hands, he pushed it together creating one body of water twisting its towards the sky from his hands.
"Better than last time you attempted that" the Hokage walked over from the edge of the meadow his pipe smouldering as he walked.
The water collapsed as he was surprised by the Hokage's presence, scowling at the traitorous puddle sitting in his lap he replied.
"It's a lot easier to attempt now, but still takes a lot of concentration I was hoping to be able to at least perfect a little more before Naruto returned" he sighed running his hand though his lengthened blonde hair.
"Do it again" the Hokage commanded settling down into a seated position his back resting against a tree.
(Line)
Naruto lay in a clearing several birds surrounding him, he was in deep thought and relaxed but could easily tense in a second. He knew Zabuza and the fake hunter would be almost healed since their last encounter but he wasn't sure how to proceed against the two of them. He assumed that Kakashi would face off against Zabuza which would leave the fake hunter and Tazuna to think about, Sasuke would obviously want to fight the fake hunter so Sakura would be left guarding Tazuna but should he help fight the fake hunter?
His ears pricked as he heard the approaching footsteps from the feel of the persons chakra it was the fake hunter but what was he doing here? Naruto kept still and waited to see what he would do.
Haku approached the clearing where he knew herbs grew he hoped to gather the last few so that Zabuza would be at full strength soon. He stopped when he spotted a blonde figure lying in the grass surrounded by birds. He dropped his basket suddenly when he realised the boy was the same one who had almost sensed him when Zabuza first encountered the bridge builder. He crept over to him causing the birds to fly away.
Sakura stretched and yawned as she moved towards the table. Settling down as Tsunami brought out some food.
"Naruto didn't come back last night?" Tazuna asked
"He's been weird since he heard your story, he probably just pushed himself too hard what with training and helping you on the bridge" Sakura settled into a seat.
"I hope he's alright, he worries me sometimes"
"Don't worry too much he's a ninja even if he doesn't seem capable he's quite surprising when it comes to it" Kakashi was sat cross legged on the floor.
"It wouldn't surprise me if he was dead, the idiot." Sasuke clasped his hands together.
Inari looked down in worry.
Back in the clearing Naruto waited as the hunter's hand hovered poised above him the basket forgotten.
"You'll catch yourself a cold if you sleep out here" the hunter shook Naruto awake, he looked up into a very feminine face 'but it's definitely the fake hunter' he argued
"Who are you?" he questioned sitting up.
"My name is Haku" the boy replied.
"Did you want some help?" Naruto questioned pointing to the basket. Haku nodded and together they began gathering herbs.
Naruto picked expertly as Haku watched on "so what are you doing out here all alone?" Haku asked pushing his hair behind his ear as it fell past his face.
"Training" Naruto replied chuckling 'he's so girly' he watched as the hair slipped back in front of Haku's face.
"Why are you training?" Haku asked
"So I can become stronger and protect my precious people" Naruto answered
'Precious people' Haku thought back to when he was younger he was dirty and scruffy and chained up in a dinghy room and then the demon of the mist came along.
"When someone has something truly special to them, then they become strong" Haku concluded
"He must be very precious to you." Naruto said causing Haku to look up in shock "that's why you're collecting herbs for Zabuza. It's why you dressed as a hunter" Naruto smiled "he'll be better soon from the herbs you've gathered I'd say a couple of days at least. So next time we meet it'll be in battle."
"Why did you help me if you knew who I was?"
"Because you had a perfectly good chance to kill me and yet you didn't. I don't think you are one who likes to kill, like Zabuza, but you seem like a more caring person than you personify under that mask." Naruto placed his gathered herbs into Haku's basket.
"I won't question why you're with Zabuza but I wish you weren't, it would be a shame to lose you" he smiled.
Haku stood and bowed "you are a very intriguing person..."
"Naruto Uzumaki" Naruto supplied he watched as Haku walked past Sasuke with his basket full of herbs and thoughts flying through his head. Sasuke had probably come to find Naruto to continue the tree walking exercise joy.
"Where is Naruto?" Kakashi questioned as he and Sakura walked through the forest
"Why is it whenever I wake up Naruto is already gone and Sasuke goes off by himself for a walk?" Sakura bemoaned walking next to Kakashi.
"Probably because there are import things to do in the morning" Naruto answered stood on the underside of a tree branch reading a book.
"Like reading books?" Sakura snapped
"There's nothing wrong with reading books" Kakashi muttered
"Besides Kakashi's banned me from helping build the bridge" Naruto looked up from his book briefly.
"Where's Sasuke?" Sakura pouted.
Naruto pointed to the tree next to him to reveal the marks on the tree climbing higher and higher till another branch extended out with Sasuke resting on it. Kakashi eye smiled at the progress of Sasuke and the relationship developing between the two.
(Line)
Inari sat on his window ledge staring at the picture of Kaiza but thinking about Naruto Uzumaki.
"196, 197, 198..."
"I wanted to ask you earlier but why are you still here when I lied to you about this mission?" Tazuna asked sat next to Sakura as they both looked down at Kakashi.
"To abandon your duty is not courageous" Kakashi did a one fingered push up "Below the courageous there is nothing. Those were the words of the previous hokage" he answered to the two sat on his back. "That is the way of shinobi. Shinobi's don't move because of money alone."
'My body is about back to normal' Kakashi flexed his hand.
(Line)
Zabuza held an apple in his hand while sat crossed legged on his bed; he squeezed his fingers together crushing the apple in his grasp.
"You're almost all better" Haku entered the room.
Zabuza dropped the apple remains "we should get going soon Haku."
"Yes" Haku replied.
(Line)
Sasuke stood smugly at the top of his tree balanced easily his arms crossed he turned to look over at Naruto who was also at the top of his own tree.
"Barely a week and you learned to tree walk" Naruto smiled
Smirking Sasuke replied, "time to go back."
They walked through the door to the kitchen area where everyone else was seated around the table.
"Oh you guys are finally back. You guys look super dirty and worn out"
"Finally made it to the top" Naruto commented gesturing towards Sasuke.
"Dobe at least I didn't suddenly fall off my tree"
"You fell off your tree?" Kakashi worried
"Yeah I'm fine just tired, like I lack energy more than anything" Naruto admitted sheepishly rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Starting tomorrow team 7 will all be on the bridge protecting Tazuna" he eye smiled
"Well I'm also worn out from working on the bridge you should see it Naruto; it's almost finished" Tazuna crowed proudly
"You shouldn't push yourselves so hard" Tsunami walked over with the dinner steaming in her hands.
"Naruto?" Tazuna asked suddenly turning to find Naruto fast asleep on the table, head resting on his arms his breathing evening out.
Inari's eyes hardened as he stared at Naruto's sleeping form, he hated the way that they pushed so hard. Didn't they realise that they were wasting their time no matter what they did, they would end up the same as his father. His eyes began to water as he saw the serene smile on Naruto's face. He lowered his head as the tears starting streaming down his face.
Naruto shifted in his sleep, turning he faced Inari; opening his eyes briefly he looked at the tear streaks before closing his eyes again. He really didn't have the energy to handle another outburst from Inari. In fact he didn't have any energy at all, it's not like he'd been doing much, just a couple of clones running round, helping Sasuke train, protecting Tazuna (read books) seeing as Kakashi had stopped him from helping build the bridge, so why was he so tired all of a sudden.
Inari stood suddenly slamming his hands down onto the table with enough repressed rage that Naruto's head was knocked from his position on the table.
"WHY DO YOU GUYS BOTHER TO TRY SO HARD? NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRAIN YOU'RE STILL NO MATCH FOR GATOU'S MEN! NO MATTER WHAT GLORIOUS CLAIMS YOU MAKE OR HOW HARD YOU WORK WHEN FACING THE STRONG, THE WEAK WILL ONLY END UP GETTING KILLED!"
The entire room stopped in shock at the sudden outburst, all except Naruto who shook his head and rubbed his jaw.
"You're wrong" Naruto stated staring Inari down
"You don't know anything about this country yet you're being so nosy. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME! YOU KNOW NOTHING" Inari began screaming
"Neither do you!" Naruto interrupted calmly "you just assume you're the only one who has lost someone precious to you! But out of this team Sakura's the only one who hasn't lost anyone. It hurts so bad, that you can't understand why the world keeps on moving, so angry that you feel they've forgotten! They never forget so you can't spend your life crying!" He built up to a crescendo, his emotions and feelings flashing in his eyes as they changed from sleepy cerulean blue, to a calm cyan, to raging cobalt before simmering to sapphire.
"You have to move forward and acknowledge the pain and push through it otherwise when it really matters you'll let your precious ones down. Precious people are worth dying for, if that means I risk my life for a complete stranger's city because what he is doing is right then so be it! But don't ever assume anything about another person you don't know again!" Naruto growled he moved away from the table he walked out the room with the door clicking into place behind him.
'What amazing expressive eyes he has. Who knew that one so young could feel that way?'
Inari was sat on the pier that ran round the outside of his house; his legs were pulled against his chest with his feet dangling off the end as the waves around them moved calmly.
"Can I join you?" he turned his head to see Kakashi sensei stood there, the moon in its crescent form shone down behind him.
"Naruto didn't mean any harm; it's rare for him to flare up, even in a calm manner like that. Tazuna told us about your dad. Naruto's parents died when he was young, but he had a family not related by blood. His dad died when he was young and his mum a few years back, so he probably knows what you're going through better than anyone." Kakashi explained sat with his feet dangling over the edge of the pier.
"What?" Inari was shocked.
"He had a rougher past than you till they took him in, I've never seen him cry or complain, he knows what it is to be strong, just like your father. Naruto may understand your feelings better than anyone else, he can't help but be concerned about you." Kakashi smiled. "Oh yeah he has a little brother that's probably about the same age as you." He stood up walking away.
Naruto was sat on the roof of the building his eyes had returned to their usually vibrant azure colour as his emotions returned to normal. He looked down at the lone figure left sat on the pier he'd heard every word that Kakashi had said. He probably shouldn't have said what he said but sometimes people needed a push to get past their feelings. He watched as Inari mulled over what he had just learned. Hopefully he would now move in the right direction. Forward.
Inari was still sat on the pier after Kakashi left; he didn't think that the ninja could have understood what he was feeling. But now he knew exactly what he was going through, he'd obviously decided to make a difference though, learning to cope with the pain and come through the other side stronger. He stood up turning round he glanced up to where Naruto had just been sitting and walked back into the house.
This is it folks last chapter for a while. I will write on my profile when I plan to post the next chapter hopefully I will have a few ready too. Sorry for the breaks in updating but please bare with me.
I am trying to get a few chapters done before I post anything now so yeah I'm getting there =D
On chapter 20 yay.
Please review and let me know what you think. Don't forget favourite parts please.
Thank you very much.