Edit Notes: April 24, 2005
Well, the most noticeable change in this chapter is the show of care of Sakura for Naruto. I'm trying to develop a certain relationship between them that may very well end up with them more than just friends and teammates.
I know I seemed so have established something between Naruto and Hinata in the later chapters but I think I will change that too as to not clash with the changes I made in this chapter. Not too much of a change, just enough to keep the audience guessing who ultimately Naruto would choose.
But do so understand, I am not leaning this story for a Sakura and Naruto pairing in a much better chance of happening. It's just that I am providing an opening for a Naruto and Sakura pairing since I gave the indication that this is not a solid Naruto/Hinata in the first place from.
Also, this is due to a certain change of views from reading stories in the Naruto category. I have stated that I liked Naruto/Hinata but then, I've read a few Naruto/Sakura and frankly, they are a bit lacking in numbers.
Well, we'll just have to see in the future what will happen.
End of Edit Notes
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and what ever characters it may have. I'm simply writing a fanfiction because I love the anime and the manga. I do own the Original Characters that are in this fic. I also own a PC, a PS2, red Puma bag, a teddy bear….. -rambles on and on-
Author's Notes: Hello all! I was surprised when I got two reviews. Now I'm even more surprised when I got another 5! It's a real ego-boost!
And so, to reply to all the reviews;
Rurikat – Thanks for liking the ideas that I have presented and also for deeming my fic worthy to be added to your favorites. Thank you very much! I will do my best to meet your expectations.
blader-takao – Thank you for liking my story! I will keep it up!
Dragon Man 180 – Well, Gaara will play a major part in the fic, as well as his siblings (mostly Temari -smiles- ) but not just now, maybe in the couple of more chapters. I'm glad you liked the idea of the new village. Don't worry, Naruto will wake up soon… Maybe in this chapter… But I'll leave that for you to find out. -laughs-
nonengel – Thank you for your observations. Do they really portray Sakura that way? I haven't come across with those kinds of fics yet but I think I can understand what you mean.
Sakura has shown pretty much good development along the Anime so I portrayed her the way I saw her. So if you see that I'm going on that jaded view then please do tell. I want my characters to be "in-character" in comparison with the manga and the anime.
Again, thank you for reading my story!
LoveinItStrong – Thanks for reading and I hope to please you more in the future.
And that sums up the reviews. However I feel like I need to stress this again. The fic is now turning away from the manga or the anime. Any new events that will come along may or may not correspond with the anime or manga.
And as a reminder, as for indications of speech: "plain speech" Character Speech "italic speech" thoughts "bold italic speech" are Kyuubi's or other demons, boss summons, or huge monsters "bold text" Jutsu done in battle
Well, with that said, let us get on with the show!
Episode 3: Rearrangements! Team Seven's New Member!
Back in the hospital, we see Tsunade still talking with Hogumo.
"So, Kinjiro is the son of the Sorakage of the Hidden Sky… The Sorakage must be a really trusting person to send even his own son." Tsunade mused while looking at Hogumo.
Hogumo chuckled. "You could say that. Though, he only did it with this village. He seems to be at ease with it. He believes that Konoha and its Hokage could be trusted with his life."
"And what about you? Do you believe that Konoha is worthy?" Tsunade asked with a bit or curiosity and seriousness.
"Ofcourse! I won't be the Sorakage if I don't!" Hogumo replied simply with a warm smile on his face.
This obviously put quite a shock on the face of Tsunade. She never knew it was the Sorakage she was speaking to. His appearance never gave the hint of such position, let alone the way he speaks. He does however radiate a certain warmness that made him easy to talk to. That and a strong sense of power radiating from him.
"Forgive me… I never knew you were…" Tsunade uttered but was soon cut-off by Hogumo.
"No need to apologize. It was me that didn't introduce myself. There is no way you could have known me even if the ANBU of Konoha did scout us out. I am the one who should be sorry for misleading you." With that said, Hogumo bowed apologetically.
Hogumo then chuckled and so did Tsunade breaking off the tension the room had before.
"So do we have a deal then? I mean, are we now officially allies?" Hogumo asked Tsunade with a warm smile on his face.
Tsunade looked at him and smiled. "Well, we haven't signed any papers yet but yeah. We are now allies. Leaf and Sky."
Hogumo's eyes brightened at the remark. It was obvious that he was both happy and excited that they are now allied with what is considered the most powerful village on earth. Slowly he took a few scrolls from a pocket of his pants and handed it to Tsunade. Tsunade examined the scrolls.
"Those are the other information about our village. When it was established, how it was established, and the clans living in the village. Those other scrolls are jutsus created by the village. Which I believe will come in handy for your shinobis" Hogumo uttered.
Now shock once again marks the face of the Hokage. "A-are you sure that it is wise to give use these. These are secrets of your village!"
"Nah! It's fine with me. I've consulted with the council of the sky and they very much feel the same. And besides, I already told you that I trust you and this village with my life." Hogumo said simply with a smile on his face.
Tsunade was taken back by what Hogumo said. Clearly, he is not joking nor playing any pranks. "T-thank you… Though, I cannot do the same and send you jutsus of the Leaf. The council will not permit it."
Hogumo smiled a warm smile on his face. "It doesn't really matter. We don't want anything in return anyway. We are just here to offer our help since we knew of the last incident that Orochimaru pulled off in this village."
Tsunade stood up from her seat and deeply bowed to Hogumo much to his discomfort. "Thank you very much!" Tsunade uttered.
"Now! Now! Come on! It's no big deal! Really!" Hogumo said with his hands waving at Tsunade.
And with that, Hogumo stood up. He then looks at Naruto laying on the bed with curiosity in his eyes. "Mind if I ask how your brother ended up in bed?"
Tsunade moves towards Naruto's side and looks at him. "I sent him on a mission to retrieve his friend. His friend apparently was going to seek Orochimaru for some unknown reason." she said while clenching her fist. "He apparently succeeded in his mission but it almost cost his life."
"I see… Well it's good that he is alive. He's one hell of a ninja for pulling through and he's only 12…" Hogumo uttered.
"Huh? How did you know how old is he?" Tsunade asked with curiosity marking her tone and face.
Hogumo turned towards Tsunade and smiled. "Lucky guess!"
Tsunade sweat dropped from Hogumo's answer.
Lee has now reached his training ground. He was all set to train when a familiar feeling run over him. "You might as well show yourself now Gaara. You have been following me for a while now."
From behind a tree Gaara appeared. "I'm surprised that you found out about me even though I'm not radiating any killing intent at all." Gaara uttered simply.
"It's not really the killing intent that made me sense you. Your enormous chakra is what gave me the idea that it is you." Lee said looking at Gaara with a smile.
Gaara then walked away from the tree and went in front of Lee. "I see… I guess I better train more in hiding my chakra signatures so as not to give away my strength easily."
"So what do you want Gaara-san?" Lee inquired while stretching to warm himself up for his training.
Gaara seem reluctant to tell Lee his reason but soon found himself giving in. "I… Wish to train with you Lee…"
This obviously caught Lee by surprise that he looked at Gaara with his mouth hanging wide open. Gaara noted this and sighed. "Well… I understand if you don't want to…" and with that turns around and started to leave.
"Wait! I didn't say I didn't want to did I? Lee shouted halting Gaara.
Gaara turns around a faces Lee. "So you mean…"
"But understand one thing though. I train seriously." Lee uttered while taking his famous stance.
Gaara smirked and stood there with his arms crossed in front of his chest.
Meanwhile, Sakura and Kinjiro are now back in front of the hospital.
"Thank you for showing me around Sakura-chan! I really had a good time!" Kinjiro uttered with smile on his face.
Sakura smiled back at Kinjiro. "It's no problem!"
Just then, Hogumo and Tsunade walks out of the hospital and saw the two shinobis up front.
"Hey Kinjiro! Done touring your new village?" Hogumo uttered with a chuckle.
Kinjiro turns towards Hogumo and bowed down. "Hai! Hogumo-sensei!"
"You can drop that now, I already told the Hokage." Hogumo said dismissingly.
"Oh! Okay otousan! Leaf is really a nice village! Just like Sky or maybe even better!" Kinjiro uttered with glee much to the surprise of Tsunade and Sakura.
Hogumo on the other hand chuckled. "You think so too huh? The Hokages of Leaf sure know how to run a village! They are the best!" Hogumo uttered agreeing with his son.
Tsunade is taken a back of what Hogumo had said. "Surely you don't mean that Sorakage-sama!"
Hogumo turns towards Tsunade and smiled. "Well, it is the truth though. Sky is nothing compared to Leaf. Well at least not yet… But I doubt we will be."
"Oh come on! You're giving Leaf way too much credit for its own good. You already know how they treated…" Tsunade uttered but soon held back for known reasons.
Flashback:
"So, his name is Uzumaki Naruto, the one who was sealed with the Kyuubi by the fourth to save the village of Konoha?" Hogumo inquired while looking at Naruto's sleeping form.
Tsunade nodded and looks at Naruto. "Yes. He is the one. The fourth sealed the demon in him knowing that the village will recognize him as a hero of the village." Tsunade then clenched her fists. "But then, those people, those very people that should acknowledge him hated him. They didn't understand he is just a mere child who is innocent. They regarded him as though he was the demon. The third Hokage had to issue a decree that the old ones who knew must never speak this to their children as to let the incident die and be forgotten."
Kinjiro nodded in acceptance. His face still marked with the same laid back expression. But unknown to Tsunade, Hogumo's hands were trembling and are now turning white from his grip.
End of Flashback
"Well… People tend to do that when they are afraid or don't understand. But nonetheless, Konoha is still a great village!" Hogumo uttered with a warm smile on his face.
"Sorakage! That would mean he is the most powerful man in the Hidden Village of Sky! And he is Kinjiro's father! Uh-oh! What would happen if he finds out about Lee!" Sakura thought while looking at Kinjiro and Hogumo with concern written all-over her face.
"Otousan, Konoha has great shinobis too! There was this one who was so strong in Taijutsu that he sent me crashing on the ground with a single kick!" Kinjiro uttered with glee.
"Uh-oh! Busted!" Sakura thought while looking on the ground. Tsunade's right eye brow was now twitching. Hogumo on the other hand had interest written all-over his face.
"Really! Wow!" Hogumo uttered obviously in a state of amazement.
Kinjiro nodded. "Uhuh! He was so fast that he almost disappeared into thin air! Though, he seems to be injured for some unknown reasons."
"Injured!" Sakura thought for a moment but then remembered. "Oh yeah! Lee was one of those who came to retrieve Sasuke-kun! So that's why Kinjiro didn't hit Lee on the chest."
Flashback:
In another burst of speed, Lee disappears once again and reappeared this time on Kinjiro's left side delivering a kick to the back of his head. The left side was Kinjiro's blind side since his body is shifted to the right or so he thought.
With a swift movement, Kinjiro parries Lee's kick with his left arm. In a blur, Kinjiro shifted his weight to the left warding off Lee's kick to create a split second opening for a counter attack. Though, Kinjiro's eyes suddenly widened and abruptly stopped for a millisecond which proved to be a crucial mistake. Using Kinjiro's parry, Lee spins in a clockwise motion to send another kick right into Kinjiro's face. The attack connected thus sending Kinjiro crashing on the ground.
End of Flashback
Hogumo then nodded with his right hand on his chin. Tsunade on the other hand has anger marked on her face.
"Might I inquire who attacked you Kinjiro-kun?" Tsunade asked Kinjiro controlling her anger.
"His name is Rock Lee Hokage-sama. He's really good!" Kinjiro replied with a smile on his face.
Tsunade was shocked. "Lee-kun? Why?" Tsunade thought for a moment. "Why would Lee attack you…?"
With that, Kinjiro smiled from almost ear to ear. He looks at Sakura who then realize what he was about to say. "He was jealous of me because I was with Sakura-chan. I can't blame him though, Sakura-chan is really cute! Guys will really fight for her attention!"
Tsunade sweat dropped because of Lee's reason while Sakura on the other hand furiously blushed because of what Kinjiro had said. Hogumo on the other hand laughed at what he heard. "Ha! Ha! Ha! You are right! Sakura-chan is really a beauty!" Hogumo uttered which made Sakura blush even more if it was possible.
Meanwhile, back with Lee and Gaara.
Lee was now breathing hard and was now on all-fours on the ground. His clothes are now all battered up. Gaara on the other hand was still standing on his feet. "Let us call it a day then Lee… You should not push yourself too much. And no, you will not be opening any gates in this training." Gaara said simply.
"Y-yeah… I think I need a break..." Lee uttered while succumbing to fatigue and lay on the ground. Gaara then move closer to Lee.
"You know… You were a lot faster than before." Gaara commented while looking down on Lee.
Lee then smiled. "Thanks Gaara-san. Let's do this again tomorrow."
"If you wish…" Gaara uttered and with that, stood up and prepared to leave. But before he could go, Lee shouted from behind. "Thank you Gaara-san!"
With a smirk on his face, Gaara continued to move along the forest.
Back at the Hospital, Hogumo and Kinjiro was now bidding farewell to Tsunade and Sakura. Hogumo and Kinjiro then walked on towards their hotel.
"That was interesting…" Tsunade uttered while looking at the two.
"Yeah… They are interesting people." Sakura said while also looking at the two walking away.
Tsunade then seem to remember something and faced Sakura. "Sakura-chan, would you be a dear and look for Kakashi? I need to tell him something of importance about Team 7."
Sakura seemed puzzled about this that she stared at Tsunade. Tsunade noticed this and gave her a warm smile. "Don't worry Sakura-chan, I'll tell you about it when you come back with him. I'll wait for you both at Naruto's room."
Sakura nodded in approval and went on her way.
Meanwhile, Naruto found himself in a familiar place. In front of him stands a huge gate with a seal on the middle.
"Oh man not here again!"Naruto said out loud.
"Like I like it when you come here brat!" a voice sneered from behind the gate
"Why you damn fox!" Naruto sneered back while clenching his fist in front of the gate veins swelling on his forehead.
The gate revealed a huge figure of a fox with nine tails. The most feared demon, the Kyuubi.
"You were almost killed in that battle with your friend you brat! I atleast deserve thanks for restoring your body and saving your life!" the demon growled obviously annoyed.
"It was your job to keep me alive for staying in my body! Consider it payment for rent." Naruto replied dismissing the demon's outburst.
"Why you little…!"
"Anyway… How long will I stay in here this time?" Naruto inquired while looking around.
"Not long… You are to wake up right about… Now…"
And with that, the world around Naruto suddenly blurred and light suddenly invaded his eyes. Blinking, Naruto realized that he was in the hospital. His body was wrapped in bondages specially his chest. He could feel his muscles ache and his head sting.
"Damn! Now I wished I didn't wake up! Well, it's better than staying with that damn fox."
Just then, the door of his room opened and revealed a familiar figure of a woman. Naruto noticed her and gave her his famous foxy grin.
"Hey oba-chan!" Naruto uttered with his trademark foxy grin.
This certainly caught Tsunade surprised. She was surprised to see that Naruto is now sitting on his bed almost as if he was not injured.
Tsunade immediately rushed towards Naruto and gave him a hug. Now this time, Naruto was the one that was caught surprised. The sudden event made him so surprised that his muscles had no time to tell his brain that they ache. Naruto felt a warm feeling on his shoulders. Tsunade was now crying on Naruto's shoulders that his shoulders are now wet.
"Hey… Why are you crying oneesan?" Naruto asked.
Tsunade then broke the hug and wiped her tears. "Baka! I was worried about you that's why!"
Naruto looked at Tsunade with surprise. He felt so warm inside that he would burst. "T-Thank you oneesan…" Was all that he could utter while a single tear fell down on his cheek.
Tsunade smiled at Naruto and once again gave him a hug. "Don't you ever do that to me again you hear! You were almost killed in that encounter!"
"I-I'm sorry…" Naruto uttered while hugging Tsunade back.
Tsunade then broke the hug and examined Naruto. "Well… You seem to be fine now. But still, you will need to stay in the hospital for today so I can examine you more."
Just when Naruto was about to protest, the door to his room opened ones again revealing another two familiar figures, a pink haired girl and silver haired man. Naruto gave them both his trademark grin and waved at them. "Oi! Kakashi-sensei! Sakura-chan!"
Sakura immediately noticed Naruto and without second thought, rushed to him to give him a hug. "Naruto-kun! You're finally awake! I'm so worried about you!" Sakura uttered while crying on Naruto's shoulder.
Naruto was clearly shocked at what is happening. He could not prevent the blush that is slowly covering his face. Kakashi and Tsunade noticed this and both just smiled.
"Yo! You're finally awake Naruto-kun! I'm glad." Kakashi uttered while moving closer to Naruto's bed.
Sakura then released Naruto from her hug and looked at his blushing face. "Don't get any ideas Naruto-kun."
And with that, Naruto sighed and his dreams of being with Sakura crumbled from his thoughts. Well he expected it. After all, he did know that Sakura's feelings for Sasuke were really strong. But still, so where his feelings. He then smiled back at Sakura.
"So… Err… Where is Sasuke?" Naruto asked breaking the moment inside the room.
Everyone in the room fell silent as if they were dipped in cold water. Naruto looked around and almost hit himself for asking such a stupid question.
"He's in another part of this hospital recovering Naruto-kun. Though, I'm afraid that he won't be waking up in another couple of days." Tsunade uttered breaking the cold atmosphere of the room.
Naruto just nodded in approval. "What about the others? Are they okay?"
"Well… Neji is also still in this hospital recovering. He really took quite a beating from his opponent. Shikamaru was already out and resting on his house. Choji on the other hand had to stay here to recover. He almost burned all his fat and emptied his chakra from his last battle. Kiba and Akamaru are also out and on their respective home. And last but not least Lee, who is also up and running now."
"What about Gaara and his siblings?" Naruto continued to ask.
"For one thing, they are now officially part of the leaf. The Hidden Village of Sand sent them here as part of the peace treaty. I think they have found a place to stay at one of the apartments near your house Naruto-kun." Tsunade replied.
"Gaara… Isn't he one of those who were responsible for the attack at Leaf? Could we really trust them Hokage-sama?" Sakura questioned while looking at Tsunade.
"Don't worry Sakura-chan! They can be trusted. It was them that helped us in rescuing Sasuke." Naruto answered for Tsunade with a big grin on his face.
"Okay…" Sakura uttered seemingly reluctant to agree.
"So, Hokage-sama, what is it that you wish to discuss with us?" Kakashi asked while taking a chair from the corner of the room. Sakura on the other hand sat next to Naruto on his bed. The closeness of Sakura to Naruto didn't go unnoticed to the blond boy. A feint blush immediately lined his face. Sakura then placed her hand on top of Naruto's and looked at him with a smile her face which clearly caught him off guard that. Naruto grinned back at Sakura with a genuine smile. "Sakura-chan…"
Tsunade then sat on her chair near Naruto's bed and addressed the group. "Well since Sasuke is out of the picture for a while, I was thinking of giving team seven a new member. It may not be permanent but it is needed since I will be sending team seven on missions."
At the mention of the mission, Naruto's eye brightened and was almost going to jump around if only Sakura haven't restricted him from doing so. Seeing Naruto calm down, Tsunade continued. "As I was saying, team seven will have a new member effective today."
"When do I meet the new member of my team?" Kakashi asked a little bit curious.
"Don't worry, he's here right now. Come on in!" Tsunade uttered while looking at the door.
The door slowly opened revealing a black haired boy who wears a black shirt which was topped by a red flack jacket with no indication of ninja rank, a cargo baggy pants and a pair of unconventional foot wear which seems to be composed of rubber and leather. Bandages were also present on the boy's arms covering his hands up to his fore arms. Sakura's eyes widened at the realization of who her new teammate was while Kakashi examined the boy from head to foot. "Hmm… Interesting…"
The boy slowly moved closer to them and bowed his head. "My name is Uehara Kinjiro. I am pleased to be on your team though it may not be permanent. I am looking forward in working with all of you together."
"Polite and intelligent… Something that this team lacked… I wonder how he would fair with Sakura and Naruto…" Kakashi thought as he bowed down to acknowledge the boy.
Naruto on the other hand looked at the boy with a grin on his face. "Oi! Oi! Are you strong Kinjiro? What jutsus do you know?" Naruto was about to continue barraging Kinjiro with questions but was soon stopped by Sakura.
"Stop it Naruto-kun!" Sakura said with a death glare. She would love to hit Naruto but considered that he was still battered and bruised, also, being with the Hokage in the room helped in controlling herself from whacking Naruto.
Naruto on the other hand immediately stopped. He very well knew what would happen to him he continues on. "Sakura-chan is really scary…" he thought to himself. "But still, her hands are really soft…"
Kinjiro on the other hand chuckled. "Well… I don't know if I'm strong enough. But I know jutsus. I could teach you some if you want." Kinjiro uttered with a smile while looking at Naruto.
Naruto looked back at Kinjiro and gave him his famous grin. "You're on!"
End of Episode 3
Author's Notes: Whew! Finally, another episode done. I hoped you liked it!
On the side note, I think you would be wondering why I let Gaara train with Lee. Well for one thing, I read the part of the manga where Gaara fought Kimimaro with Lee. And after that fight, the two had some time to talk about things. But if your curiosity had the better of you, the answer is no. There won't be any YAOI in this fic. (No offense to YAOI writers)
Any how, Gaara seems to be a little talkative now. Well yeah he is, if you read the manga and watched the anime. Gaara does talk if he has something to say that is.
Tell me what you think guys!
Till then, take care you all!