Konnichi wa MINNA!
A/N: Ah! After 2 weeks, I've finally got this chapter done. Man, I'm tired. I want to go to sleep but I want to finish this chapter so I can post it tomorrow, 5/27. I don't want to lose all my readers for making them, you guys, wait too long. Well here it is, finally. Please read and review.
Warnings: Shounen-ai. This fic does not follow the series, but you may find some parts from the series in here.
Replies to all my wonderful reviewers: (gomen, if you don't like to read the replies, you can just skip to the story )
jinky-kurapica: Thanks for reading my fic and I hope enjoy this chapter.
Ookima: I hope you will be able to like this fic. Please review if you read this chapter.
Kuroi Kitsune 13: Hello! Sori I haven't sent you any emails lately. I've been lazy. Hope you like this chapter and please email me soon.
ghostninja85: I'm glad you like this fic, but what you do mean that I messed up the canon? Well, anyways, I hope you'll like this chapter.
dupeyd0: Haha. I'll take it that you like the story? smiles Well, here's the nest part and I hope you'll like it too.
insanechildfanfic: Hey. Is that all you could say? Not that I'm complaining or anything, it's just that I just want you to say something different once in a while. That's all. Hope you like this chapter too.
Thank you so much for all your wonderful reviews. Please review this chapter too.
Disclaimer: NOT MINE! )
This chapter: Kei tells Kakashi who killed Kabe. It's Naruto and Sakura versus Sasuke, who will win? Yet again, Naruto finds Sasuke at his favorite spot. Something happens and now their "relationship" is changed, for better or for worst?
The Fated Red Ribbon
Chapter 5
Doozo!
"Kei..."Kakashi whispered as Kei cried into his chest. "How did he die?"
Kei broke from kakashi's embrace and dried her tears.
"He was killed by Orochimaru," Kei said, clenching her fist at her sides.
"Orochimaru? But how?" Kakashi asked fists also clenched at his sides.
Kei shifted and said, "Do you remember the mission Kabe and I went on 9 years ago?" Kakashi nodded. "After the first week of traveling, we came to a stop in a forest and camped for the night. We stumbled across some hunter nins and we fought against them. We found out that Orochimaru was near, and he was plotting to erase Konoha off of the planet. Kabe and I went to investigate. On the third day of investigation, Orochimaru finally showed himself. We confronted him, and fought against him. Kabe and I did our combos jutsus and we thought we were winning, but we were wrong. He took us by surprise when he somehow made his image younger. He looked the age of 17; as young as we were. We continued to fight against him, but we couldn't do anything to him. As hard as we tried, he remained unscratched. We got tired out and we waited for his attack. When he did attack, we were blown away. It took him only two jutsu to completely knock us out."
Kei clenched her fists harder making her knuckles white and painful. "Though we were knocked out, we were still conscious. He went for Kabe first." Tears began to fall from her eyes again and she tried to fight them back.
"Orochimaru killed Kabe in front of my eyes." Kei couldn't hold back the tears anymore so she let them all out. Tears that for almost nine years have never fell from her face.
"In one quick slash and Kabe was dead. I was overwhelmed with the sense of lost that I fainted. Orochimaru had spared me, though I don't know his reasons for doing so, but I swear I will make him regret ever letting me go." Kei gritted her teeth. "Before I passed out, all I did was lay there. I didn't do anything. It was all my fault. If I had done something, anything, Kabe would be alive today," Kei cried out. Kakashi enveloped Kei in his arms and comforted her.
"Kei, it's not your fault. You couldn't do anything to stop it. It is Orochimaru's fault, not yours." Kakashi hugged her tighter.
"I had spent almost 9 years looking for Orochimaru; 4 years practicing my jutsus. I wanted to get revenge on him. I wanted to avenge Kabe. I wanted to kill Orochimaru for taking the one person I loved. I wanted to kill him so badly. So badly, that I had abandoned my village for 9 years. I don't belong here." Kei said ashamed.
"But I had to go back. I missed everyone. I missed you Kakashi." Kei looked at Kakashi and asked, "How are you doing? Tell me what had happened to this village in the time that I was not here." Kei loosened from the embrace and stood before Kakashi.
"Everything is as what it was. Just that the youth of our village is incredible," Kakashi smiled proudly. "I missed you so much Kei. I miss the days before the Chuunin exam. I was so happy. We were so happy. But I'm even gladder that you've made it back to Konoha, where you belong." Kakashi embraced Kei again in a tight hug.
"I'm glad to be back." Kei grinned.
"Oh, Kei, Why didn't you find Orochimaru for 9 years? Was he running from you? Though I doubt he would run, not until he is utterly defeated.
"I went all over, searching for him. I search the insides and outsides of Hidden Mist but at the time it would seem that he was away. So I went and continued to search for him. I recently heard that he was here in Konoha, so I came back. I will find him for sure," Kei said with determination.
"Once you do, I will help you avenge Kabe," Kakashi said eyes filled with determination.
"Yes, I'm going to need your help. No one can defeat Orochimaru alone." Kei's eyes darkened.
"So Kei, how long have you been back?" Kakashi asked eyes smiled at her.
"It's a month now. Kakashi...."
"Hm?"
"Is Naruto a Chuunin or a Jounin now?"
Kakashi smiled, eyes curving up, expressions softened under his mask. "Naruto is a Chuunin now."
"Aa." Kei smiled widely.
"Kei, you seen him lately haven't you?" Kei nodded. "Have you told him about his past?"
"No, I haven't. I don't think I want to. I think it's better if he doesn't find out." Kei gave a forlorn sign.
"Kei, he has the right to know. I think it would be best if he knows about his past, about is father, about his aunt. He has been suffering because he has been all alone all his life. He needs support from any family he has." Kakashi brought his hand on Kei shoulder and gave her a sincere smile.
"Hai, I know Kakashi. I know, but I'm not sure if he will want to recognize me as his family. I abandoned him for so long. I want to take care of him, but I don't know if he wants me to take care of him. I...I..." Kei brought her gaze to the ground.
"Kei, it's not your fault. You know it's not. Now, I am sure that he will want to know that he still has family on this earth."
"Aa. I'll...tell him...but when I'm ready. Until then Kakashi, don't tell him anything." Kei looked at Kakashi.
"Hai! I won't reveal a thing." Kakashi smiled through his mask, eyes curving up.
"Oh, by the way, my name is now, Ai Kei, Kakashi."
"Ai? Hmm...I see..." Kakashi brought his hand to his chin as a gesture of thinking really hard.
Kei smiled. "In front of Kabe's grave, I changed my name to Ai Kei. I want to live as his wife even if I never did get the chance to live it with him."
Kakashi nodded in understanding. He walked closer to Kei and hugged her tightly. Kei returned the embrace and closed her eyes.
"Kakashi, what happened to sensei? I went back to check the other night, but couldn't find her."
"Kei, Tsunade-sensei went missing about a few years after you and Kabe left on your mission." Kei's eyes went wide.
"She's missing?"
"Well, not exactly. It looks like she doesn't want to be found." Kakashi smiled as he pictured his sensei in his mind.
"Aa." Kei laughed. She hadn't laughed in such a long time. It felt good to laugh after such hardship. "That is so like sensei. No one can find her if she doesn't want to be found."
"Yeah. It sure does bring back memories," Kakashi said.
"Yeah, it sure does." Kei broke from Kakashi and stared in the direction of her house. "Kakashi, why don't you come over my place and have dinner with me," Kei said and began to grab Kakashi's hand, dragging him away. Kakashi didn't say anything but let himself be dragged away. He gave a smile that showed true happiness. He missed his friend so much and he was very glad that she was back.
On the way to her house, Kei turned to Kakashi and asked, "Ne, Kakashi..."
"Doushita?" Kakashi hung his head on his shoulder and looked at Kei.
"Can you tell me what Sasuke is like?"
Kakashi looked at Kei in confusion. "Sasuke? Do you know him?"
Kei shook her head. "Ie, Naruto was talking about him. He seem to hate Sasuke very much."
"Aa. Yes he does. Naruto and Sasuke are like cat and mouse, fire and water. They don't get along at all, only on missions and when attacked by enemies."
Kakashi continued explaining to Kei what Sasuke was like as they walked through the forest. Kei smiled every time Kakashi spoke of Sasuke and Naruto in the same sentence.
next morning
Naruto walked to the training cite to meet his teammates. As usual, he was the last of the three to show up; though Kakashi was later than him, as usual. As Naruto approached his teammates, he saw that Sakura was wide awake and was gazing at Sasuke. Naruto turned to look at Sasuke. His fist unconsciously clenched at his sides. His muscles tensed, his teeth grinded together, his heart somehow quicken its pace, making him barely able to take in a little amount of air.
Sakura looked up and saw Naruto approaching. She waved to him, but stopped as she saw his expression. He seemed very tense. As he stood in front of her, she asked, slightly concerned, "Naruto, you okay?"
Naruto snapped out of his reverie when he heard Sakura's voice. He let out a relief sign and relaxed himself. He didn't know why he always acted that way when he sees Sasuke. 'Maybe it was because of that night...NO!' Naruto shook his head as the thought passed through his mind.
"Ohayou Sakura-chan! I'm fine Sakura-chan, thank you." He gave her a bright smile.
"Aa," Sakura mouthed out. She smiled after a second of confusion.
Naruto turned his gaze back to Sasuke again and glared. His mouth began to go dry; his palm became sweaty, a burning sensation rushing through his body, spreading warmth where ever it went. Naruto tore his gaze violently away from Sasuke and shook his head hard.
Sasuke, by this time had noticed Naruto, was looking at him with bored interest. A sudden poof of smoke broke his gaze and he redirected his line of vision to the person that appeared out of the cloud of smoke.
Kakashi stood in front of his students, smiling like a buffoon. "Ohayou!" Kakashi greeted.
Naruto's and Sakura's head snapped at Kakashi. "Osoi!" they yelled in unison.
Kakashi laughed at his student's familiar reaction. "Gomen gomen. A littled kid was messing around and I had to put him in place," Kakashi said and smiled mischievously.
"Usotsuki!" Naruto and Sakura yelled again, but they faces lit up with a smile. Their sensei's regular late-show was like a ritual. It happened so often, they didn't really mind. They, somewhere in the deepest parts of their mind, were expecting his regular late-show.
"Alright minna, I have to be somewhere soon. Today will be a regular training session. Sakura and Naruto, you two will team up to fight against Sasuke. I will be back at the end of the day, but by noon, you can do whatever you want. Oh and Sasuke, don't be too harsh." Kakashi looked at Naruto as he said this. His intentions were only to push Naruto a little, not degrading him.
Sasuke smirked and nodded. "Aa, that I can do."
Naruto gritted his teeth together. He wanted to burst out yelling to Kakashi that he was not weak and that he could take Sasuke on without Sakura's help. He thought better of the situation and remained silent. He clenched his fist at his sides
Kakashi's eyes widened as he saw Naruto's lack of response. He smiled and thought 'he's finally an adult'. "Alright guys, I'll be going now. Have fun while I'm gone," Kakashi smirked and brought his hands together, "Ja." With that he disappeared into a poof of smoke.
As soon as Kakashi disappeared, Naruto turned to Sasuke and glared. 'Stupid Sasuke. Stupid stupid stupid'. His hands, still in a fist at his sides, began to hurt as he clenched harder. The pain was too much after a few minutes so he relaxed his fists.
Naruto turned away from Sasuke and looked at Sakura. "Let's go Sakura-chan. Let's beat this bastard." Naruto snickered.
"Aa," Sakura said slowly.
Naruto walked to the clearing nearby and turned around. Sasuke had stopped a distance away and Sakura was next to him. "Come on, Sakura-chan," Naruto said and motioned her to come over. Sakura gave Sasuke one last glance before heading over to Naruto.
"Sakura-chan, I have a plan..." Naruto whispered into her ear and smirked as he told her.
Sakura's eyes widened. 'When did he become...so smart?' Sakura pondered. As Naruto finished with telling her his plan Sakura nodded. She smiled. She was glad that she had finally made Naruto her friend. Though he was loud and annoying, he was a very kind and trustworthy person.
"Alright, I leave everything to you," Naruto said to Sakura. Sakura nodded. She stepped away from Naruto and approached Sasuke. She braced herself. She stopped 15 feet away in front of Sasuke.
Sasuke smirked. He had fought with Sakura a few times, and he had won every single fight he fought with her. Thinking that she was the same old girly and annoying Sakura, Sasuke snorted.
Sakura's fist clenched as she saw Sasuke snorted. Every single time that she had fought with Sasuke and had lost, he would always look down at her. She had hoped that he wouldn't, but she can't stop it. The only way, was to prove to him that she is far more than just a hysterical fangirl; but to be a true ninja.
With eyes filled with determination, Sakura brought her hands together. With a quick motion, Sakura completed the seals to the first jutsu that she learned. Five copies of herself appeared and raced toward Sasuke. Sakura camouflaged herself with her copies.
Sasuke smirked. 'A mere Bushin no jutsu won't work on me'. He ran toward the approaching Sakura's and prepared to knock them all skyhigh. He let punches fly and blocked what he thought was weak punches. His punches connected and a copy of Sakura vanished. Sasuke went through three more Sakura and all three had vanished, one after another. The last of the clone vanished and Sasuke looked around for the real Sakura. As Sasuke searched, he noticed that Naruto was no where to be found.
Sasuke felt a present behind him and turned around preparing for whatever may come. As soon as he fully turned around, there was no one there. The noise of oncoming shurikens brought his senses to life. He jumped and dodged the shurikens. A punch came from behind and knocked Sasuke forward.
Sasuke's eyes widened with shock. How could he have fallen for that? He cursed at himself and sprung to his feet. Shurikens came again and he jumped out of the way. Yet again, another punch knocked him forward. He sprung to his feet in anger. For the third time, shurikens flew straight at him and he dodged out of the way. He spun around expecting another punch from behind. But none came.
Sasuke tensed and suddenly felt arms locking his. He tried to move but was stuck on the person holding him. He spun his head around and saw a smirking Naruto.
"Got cha," Naruto said triumphantly. Sakura came back onto the clearing, jumping from the nearest tree; a bright smile on her face.
"What are you going to do now, huh Sasuke? Weren't you going to go easy on us?" Naruto mocked. Sasuke gritted his teeth. He felt pathetic, how could he have been beaten by Naruto and Sakura? He felt Naruto release his arms. He spun around and glared at Naruto. Naruto just smirked.
Naruto turned to Sakura and gave her a thumb up. Sakura grinned. Naruto walked toward Sakura. "Great job Sakura."
"You too Naruto." Sakura looked at Sasuke and her smile shifted slightly but returned to normal.
"It's already noon, already. Time sure does fly by." Naruto walked toward the forest.
"Where do you think you're going?" Sasuke's voice stopped Naruto in his tracks. Naruto turned around, slightly confused. "I'm going to get some lunch of course. Want to come?" Naruto smiled.
Sasuke gritted his teeth and turned away. Fists clenched at his sides, he headed home. "Um, Sasuke-kun..." Sakura started but stopped as Sasuke kept on walking.
"Daijobu Sakura-chan, he'll come around. It takes him a while to acknowledge people." Naruto smiled. "Aa." Sakura returned his smile.
"Well, gotta go. Ja Sakura-chan." Naruto waved and headed into the forest.
Naruto headed toward Kei's house. It had become a habit for him to come to Kei for a meal. It wasn't because he was poor or had no food, but because he felt really happy when he spends time with Kei. Naruto smiled as he thought of Kei.
"Yawn," Naruto yawned as he walked through the forest toward his favorite spot. After a day of hard training by himself, he headed toward a place he knew he could find some relaxing time.
The moon was out, showing its true majestic glow. Naruto smiled. A soft flute song was heard and Naruto looked toward where he heard it. The song was soul-searching. It made Naruto wonder who could play such a lovely and heartfelt sound. Naruto walked toward the origin of the playing flute.
After a few minutes of walking, Naruto came to a place he found was familiar. He noticed that it was his spot. He walked closer. He approached the tree near the pond. He saw a person standing on a branch, a flute to his lips. Naruto walked cautiously, being careful not to draw attention to himself. He stopped under the tree and looked up. His eyes widened in surprise and his mouth hung open. He gaped at the person before him.
Standing on the branch, playing his heart out was no other than Sasuke. The unspoken message imprinted itself in the magical rhythm of the song. His eyes were closed and he was so absorbed in playing that he did not notice Naruto at all. Naruto stood underneath the tree, gaping up at Sasuke. The moonlight played on his pale features, making him look beautiful beyond belief.
Naruto's heart beat against his chest, trying to escape from its chamber. His mouth went dry, his breathing quickened. He felt like he was going to pass out. Whenever he was around Sasuke, his body would react in ways that it would not to any other. As he continued to gaze at Sasuke, listening to him playing his flute, he wanted to embrace him, knowing all too well the unspoken message that screamed at the night air. He wanted to reassure him that he was not alone, but that he had someone else who felt the same way, him. A sudden realization hit him hard, he had feelings toward Sasuke. Not just any normal feeling like friendship or sympathy, but...love. Naruto was falling. Utterly falling, falling flat-on-his-face in love with Sasuke.
Naruto gasped at the realization. As soon as the sound was out, the flute abruptly stopped its playing. Sasuke opened his eyes and quickly turned toward the origin of the noise. His eyes widened in shock. What was Naruto doing out here, at this time of night? Sasuke looked down at Naruto searching for anything that would show itself on his face. For a second, some strange emotion emerged itself in Naruto's eyes that Sasuke could not identify what it was; but as soon as it came, it went.
Sasuke jumped to the ground and gazed at Naruto. "What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked tone a little harsh.
"I...I...What are you doing here?!" Naruto snapped back. "This is MY spot!"
Sasuke raised his eyebrow. "Your spot? Look around, idiot. Does this place have your name on it?"
Naruto clenched his fists and willed himself not to reply. "Whatever," a simple reply escaped Naruto's mouth.
Sasuke was taken aback by the answer. Naruto had just admitted his defeat. This is twice that it had happened. The world must be falling on him. Sasuke shook his head and stared at Naruto. "You still haven't answered my question yet. What are you doing here?"
Naruto shifted a bit before deciding to just answer and get rid of Sasuke so he could enjoy the moon. "I've come here to relax. This is where I usually go."
Sasuke opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it quickly.
"Now that I told you, you have to tell me. What are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked away from Naruto and tried to avoid the question but being Naruto, he wouldn't be shrugged off that easily. Naruto walked till he was in front of Sasuke. "Sasuke, you're not playing fair. I answered, now you have to answer."
Sasuke was getting irritated. Naruto was back to being his old self, his annoying self. Naruto, sensing Sasuke's irritation, shrugged. After a moment of deep thought, Naruto brought out his hand toward Sasuke. Sasuke looked at the hand in front of him, and looked up at Naruto. He raised an eyebrow.
"Forget it Sasuke, if you don't want to tell me, I won't make you. I was thinking. Both of us had started off really bad, let's start over." Naruto motioned Sasuke to shake his hand. After a moment of hesitation, Sasuke held out his hand and shook Naruto's. If being friends with Naruto could get him to not be annoying, Sasuke was willing to try it.
Naruto smiled brightly, a slight touch of pink showing itself on his cheek. "Glad you understand Sasuke."
Sasuke just shrugged indifferently, though with a rare smile on his face.
"Ne Sasuke," Naruto asked. "What?" Sasuke said trying not to sound harsh.
"You don't have many friends do you?"
"Gee, thanks for stating the obvious. Besides, I have no need for friends," Sasuke said and started walking toward the lake.
Naruto followed Sasuke and sat himself in front of the lake, his back to the tree. "You should have a least a few to spend time with. They help you express yourself." Naruto suddenly became serious. Sasuke looked at Naruto for a long moment before bringing his gaze to the lake in front of him.
Naruto laughed. "I don't know why I know that, seeing as I don't have any more friends than you do," Naruto said and shifted his gaze to the lake; his smile almost gone. A moment later, Naruto looked at Sasuke and said, "I have a really cool friend that I want you to meet. I 'm sure you'll like her."
Sasuke looked at Naruto with tired interest. Naruto continued, "After training tomorrow, I'll introduce you to her." Sasuke shrugged indifferently. "Great." Naruto smiled.
They sat in silent, gazing at the glowing lake before them. The silent was peaceful, nothing strange showing itself. Naruto was the first broke the silence. "You're not alone Sasuke." Naruto said before standing up and started to walk off. "It's late, I'll see you tomorrow. Oyasumi Sasuke." Naruto walked off into the darkness of the forest leaving a confused and surprised Sasuke.
'Naruto...' Sasuke thought.
TBC
A/N: Douda? How was it? Bad? Or Good? Tell me what you think. Finally done with this chapter, thank the heavens. Sori I took so long to update. I promise that the next chapter will be out soon. I have a question: What does a slash fic mean? Sori, but I'm still new to the fanfic world so I'm not at all familiar with all the terms. Please tell me the answer in your reviews or it would be better if you emailed me, Thanks. if you have any question or any suggest as to how this fic should turn out, you can email me. That's all, till next time, Ja.
Ojochan over and out!
A/N: Ah! After 2 weeks, I've finally got this chapter done. Man, I'm tired. I want to go to sleep but I want to finish this chapter so I can post it tomorrow, 5/27. I don't want to lose all my readers for making them, you guys, wait too long. Well here it is, finally. Please read and review.
Warnings: Shounen-ai. This fic does not follow the series, but you may find some parts from the series in here.
Replies to all my wonderful reviewers: (gomen, if you don't like to read the replies, you can just skip to the story )
jinky-kurapica: Thanks for reading my fic and I hope enjoy this chapter.
Ookima: I hope you will be able to like this fic. Please review if you read this chapter.
Kuroi Kitsune 13: Hello! Sori I haven't sent you any emails lately. I've been lazy. Hope you like this chapter and please email me soon.
ghostninja85: I'm glad you like this fic, but what you do mean that I messed up the canon? Well, anyways, I hope you'll like this chapter.
dupeyd0: Haha. I'll take it that you like the story? smiles Well, here's the nest part and I hope you'll like it too.
insanechildfanfic: Hey. Is that all you could say? Not that I'm complaining or anything, it's just that I just want you to say something different once in a while. That's all. Hope you like this chapter too.
Thank you so much for all your wonderful reviews. Please review this chapter too.
Disclaimer: NOT MINE! )
This chapter: Kei tells Kakashi who killed Kabe. It's Naruto and Sakura versus Sasuke, who will win? Yet again, Naruto finds Sasuke at his favorite spot. Something happens and now their "relationship" is changed, for better or for worst?
The Fated Red Ribbon
Chapter 5
Doozo!
"Kei..."Kakashi whispered as Kei cried into his chest. "How did he die?"
Kei broke from kakashi's embrace and dried her tears.
"He was killed by Orochimaru," Kei said, clenching her fist at her sides.
"Orochimaru? But how?" Kakashi asked fists also clenched at his sides.
Kei shifted and said, "Do you remember the mission Kabe and I went on 9 years ago?" Kakashi nodded. "After the first week of traveling, we came to a stop in a forest and camped for the night. We stumbled across some hunter nins and we fought against them. We found out that Orochimaru was near, and he was plotting to erase Konoha off of the planet. Kabe and I went to investigate. On the third day of investigation, Orochimaru finally showed himself. We confronted him, and fought against him. Kabe and I did our combos jutsus and we thought we were winning, but we were wrong. He took us by surprise when he somehow made his image younger. He looked the age of 17; as young as we were. We continued to fight against him, but we couldn't do anything to him. As hard as we tried, he remained unscratched. We got tired out and we waited for his attack. When he did attack, we were blown away. It took him only two jutsu to completely knock us out."
Kei clenched her fists harder making her knuckles white and painful. "Though we were knocked out, we were still conscious. He went for Kabe first." Tears began to fall from her eyes again and she tried to fight them back.
"Orochimaru killed Kabe in front of my eyes." Kei couldn't hold back the tears anymore so she let them all out. Tears that for almost nine years have never fell from her face.
"In one quick slash and Kabe was dead. I was overwhelmed with the sense of lost that I fainted. Orochimaru had spared me, though I don't know his reasons for doing so, but I swear I will make him regret ever letting me go." Kei gritted her teeth. "Before I passed out, all I did was lay there. I didn't do anything. It was all my fault. If I had done something, anything, Kabe would be alive today," Kei cried out. Kakashi enveloped Kei in his arms and comforted her.
"Kei, it's not your fault. You couldn't do anything to stop it. It is Orochimaru's fault, not yours." Kakashi hugged her tighter.
"I had spent almost 9 years looking for Orochimaru; 4 years practicing my jutsus. I wanted to get revenge on him. I wanted to avenge Kabe. I wanted to kill Orochimaru for taking the one person I loved. I wanted to kill him so badly. So badly, that I had abandoned my village for 9 years. I don't belong here." Kei said ashamed.
"But I had to go back. I missed everyone. I missed you Kakashi." Kei looked at Kakashi and asked, "How are you doing? Tell me what had happened to this village in the time that I was not here." Kei loosened from the embrace and stood before Kakashi.
"Everything is as what it was. Just that the youth of our village is incredible," Kakashi smiled proudly. "I missed you so much Kei. I miss the days before the Chuunin exam. I was so happy. We were so happy. But I'm even gladder that you've made it back to Konoha, where you belong." Kakashi embraced Kei again in a tight hug.
"I'm glad to be back." Kei grinned.
"Oh, Kei, Why didn't you find Orochimaru for 9 years? Was he running from you? Though I doubt he would run, not until he is utterly defeated.
"I went all over, searching for him. I search the insides and outsides of Hidden Mist but at the time it would seem that he was away. So I went and continued to search for him. I recently heard that he was here in Konoha, so I came back. I will find him for sure," Kei said with determination.
"Once you do, I will help you avenge Kabe," Kakashi said eyes filled with determination.
"Yes, I'm going to need your help. No one can defeat Orochimaru alone." Kei's eyes darkened.
"So Kei, how long have you been back?" Kakashi asked eyes smiled at her.
"It's a month now. Kakashi...."
"Hm?"
"Is Naruto a Chuunin or a Jounin now?"
Kakashi smiled, eyes curving up, expressions softened under his mask. "Naruto is a Chuunin now."
"Aa." Kei smiled widely.
"Kei, you seen him lately haven't you?" Kei nodded. "Have you told him about his past?"
"No, I haven't. I don't think I want to. I think it's better if he doesn't find out." Kei gave a forlorn sign.
"Kei, he has the right to know. I think it would be best if he knows about his past, about is father, about his aunt. He has been suffering because he has been all alone all his life. He needs support from any family he has." Kakashi brought his hand on Kei shoulder and gave her a sincere smile.
"Hai, I know Kakashi. I know, but I'm not sure if he will want to recognize me as his family. I abandoned him for so long. I want to take care of him, but I don't know if he wants me to take care of him. I...I..." Kei brought her gaze to the ground.
"Kei, it's not your fault. You know it's not. Now, I am sure that he will want to know that he still has family on this earth."
"Aa. I'll...tell him...but when I'm ready. Until then Kakashi, don't tell him anything." Kei looked at Kakashi.
"Hai! I won't reveal a thing." Kakashi smiled through his mask, eyes curving up.
"Oh, by the way, my name is now, Ai Kei, Kakashi."
"Ai? Hmm...I see..." Kakashi brought his hand to his chin as a gesture of thinking really hard.
Kei smiled. "In front of Kabe's grave, I changed my name to Ai Kei. I want to live as his wife even if I never did get the chance to live it with him."
Kakashi nodded in understanding. He walked closer to Kei and hugged her tightly. Kei returned the embrace and closed her eyes.
"Kakashi, what happened to sensei? I went back to check the other night, but couldn't find her."
"Kei, Tsunade-sensei went missing about a few years after you and Kabe left on your mission." Kei's eyes went wide.
"She's missing?"
"Well, not exactly. It looks like she doesn't want to be found." Kakashi smiled as he pictured his sensei in his mind.
"Aa." Kei laughed. She hadn't laughed in such a long time. It felt good to laugh after such hardship. "That is so like sensei. No one can find her if she doesn't want to be found."
"Yeah. It sure does bring back memories," Kakashi said.
"Yeah, it sure does." Kei broke from Kakashi and stared in the direction of her house. "Kakashi, why don't you come over my place and have dinner with me," Kei said and began to grab Kakashi's hand, dragging him away. Kakashi didn't say anything but let himself be dragged away. He gave a smile that showed true happiness. He missed his friend so much and he was very glad that she was back.
On the way to her house, Kei turned to Kakashi and asked, "Ne, Kakashi..."
"Doushita?" Kakashi hung his head on his shoulder and looked at Kei.
"Can you tell me what Sasuke is like?"
Kakashi looked at Kei in confusion. "Sasuke? Do you know him?"
Kei shook her head. "Ie, Naruto was talking about him. He seem to hate Sasuke very much."
"Aa. Yes he does. Naruto and Sasuke are like cat and mouse, fire and water. They don't get along at all, only on missions and when attacked by enemies."
Kakashi continued explaining to Kei what Sasuke was like as they walked through the forest. Kei smiled every time Kakashi spoke of Sasuke and Naruto in the same sentence.
next morning
Naruto walked to the training cite to meet his teammates. As usual, he was the last of the three to show up; though Kakashi was later than him, as usual. As Naruto approached his teammates, he saw that Sakura was wide awake and was gazing at Sasuke. Naruto turned to look at Sasuke. His fist unconsciously clenched at his sides. His muscles tensed, his teeth grinded together, his heart somehow quicken its pace, making him barely able to take in a little amount of air.
Sakura looked up and saw Naruto approaching. She waved to him, but stopped as she saw his expression. He seemed very tense. As he stood in front of her, she asked, slightly concerned, "Naruto, you okay?"
Naruto snapped out of his reverie when he heard Sakura's voice. He let out a relief sign and relaxed himself. He didn't know why he always acted that way when he sees Sasuke. 'Maybe it was because of that night...NO!' Naruto shook his head as the thought passed through his mind.
"Ohayou Sakura-chan! I'm fine Sakura-chan, thank you." He gave her a bright smile.
"Aa," Sakura mouthed out. She smiled after a second of confusion.
Naruto turned his gaze back to Sasuke again and glared. His mouth began to go dry; his palm became sweaty, a burning sensation rushing through his body, spreading warmth where ever it went. Naruto tore his gaze violently away from Sasuke and shook his head hard.
Sasuke, by this time had noticed Naruto, was looking at him with bored interest. A sudden poof of smoke broke his gaze and he redirected his line of vision to the person that appeared out of the cloud of smoke.
Kakashi stood in front of his students, smiling like a buffoon. "Ohayou!" Kakashi greeted.
Naruto's and Sakura's head snapped at Kakashi. "Osoi!" they yelled in unison.
Kakashi laughed at his student's familiar reaction. "Gomen gomen. A littled kid was messing around and I had to put him in place," Kakashi said and smiled mischievously.
"Usotsuki!" Naruto and Sakura yelled again, but they faces lit up with a smile. Their sensei's regular late-show was like a ritual. It happened so often, they didn't really mind. They, somewhere in the deepest parts of their mind, were expecting his regular late-show.
"Alright minna, I have to be somewhere soon. Today will be a regular training session. Sakura and Naruto, you two will team up to fight against Sasuke. I will be back at the end of the day, but by noon, you can do whatever you want. Oh and Sasuke, don't be too harsh." Kakashi looked at Naruto as he said this. His intentions were only to push Naruto a little, not degrading him.
Sasuke smirked and nodded. "Aa, that I can do."
Naruto gritted his teeth together. He wanted to burst out yelling to Kakashi that he was not weak and that he could take Sasuke on without Sakura's help. He thought better of the situation and remained silent. He clenched his fist at his sides
Kakashi's eyes widened as he saw Naruto's lack of response. He smiled and thought 'he's finally an adult'. "Alright guys, I'll be going now. Have fun while I'm gone," Kakashi smirked and brought his hands together, "Ja." With that he disappeared into a poof of smoke.
As soon as Kakashi disappeared, Naruto turned to Sasuke and glared. 'Stupid Sasuke. Stupid stupid stupid'. His hands, still in a fist at his sides, began to hurt as he clenched harder. The pain was too much after a few minutes so he relaxed his fists.
Naruto turned away from Sasuke and looked at Sakura. "Let's go Sakura-chan. Let's beat this bastard." Naruto snickered.
"Aa," Sakura said slowly.
Naruto walked to the clearing nearby and turned around. Sasuke had stopped a distance away and Sakura was next to him. "Come on, Sakura-chan," Naruto said and motioned her to come over. Sakura gave Sasuke one last glance before heading over to Naruto.
"Sakura-chan, I have a plan..." Naruto whispered into her ear and smirked as he told her.
Sakura's eyes widened. 'When did he become...so smart?' Sakura pondered. As Naruto finished with telling her his plan Sakura nodded. She smiled. She was glad that she had finally made Naruto her friend. Though he was loud and annoying, he was a very kind and trustworthy person.
"Alright, I leave everything to you," Naruto said to Sakura. Sakura nodded. She stepped away from Naruto and approached Sasuke. She braced herself. She stopped 15 feet away in front of Sasuke.
Sasuke smirked. He had fought with Sakura a few times, and he had won every single fight he fought with her. Thinking that she was the same old girly and annoying Sakura, Sasuke snorted.
Sakura's fist clenched as she saw Sasuke snorted. Every single time that she had fought with Sasuke and had lost, he would always look down at her. She had hoped that he wouldn't, but she can't stop it. The only way, was to prove to him that she is far more than just a hysterical fangirl; but to be a true ninja.
With eyes filled with determination, Sakura brought her hands together. With a quick motion, Sakura completed the seals to the first jutsu that she learned. Five copies of herself appeared and raced toward Sasuke. Sakura camouflaged herself with her copies.
Sasuke smirked. 'A mere Bushin no jutsu won't work on me'. He ran toward the approaching Sakura's and prepared to knock them all skyhigh. He let punches fly and blocked what he thought was weak punches. His punches connected and a copy of Sakura vanished. Sasuke went through three more Sakura and all three had vanished, one after another. The last of the clone vanished and Sasuke looked around for the real Sakura. As Sasuke searched, he noticed that Naruto was no where to be found.
Sasuke felt a present behind him and turned around preparing for whatever may come. As soon as he fully turned around, there was no one there. The noise of oncoming shurikens brought his senses to life. He jumped and dodged the shurikens. A punch came from behind and knocked Sasuke forward.
Sasuke's eyes widened with shock. How could he have fallen for that? He cursed at himself and sprung to his feet. Shurikens came again and he jumped out of the way. Yet again, another punch knocked him forward. He sprung to his feet in anger. For the third time, shurikens flew straight at him and he dodged out of the way. He spun around expecting another punch from behind. But none came.
Sasuke tensed and suddenly felt arms locking his. He tried to move but was stuck on the person holding him. He spun his head around and saw a smirking Naruto.
"Got cha," Naruto said triumphantly. Sakura came back onto the clearing, jumping from the nearest tree; a bright smile on her face.
"What are you going to do now, huh Sasuke? Weren't you going to go easy on us?" Naruto mocked. Sasuke gritted his teeth. He felt pathetic, how could he have been beaten by Naruto and Sakura? He felt Naruto release his arms. He spun around and glared at Naruto. Naruto just smirked.
Naruto turned to Sakura and gave her a thumb up. Sakura grinned. Naruto walked toward Sakura. "Great job Sakura."
"You too Naruto." Sakura looked at Sasuke and her smile shifted slightly but returned to normal.
"It's already noon, already. Time sure does fly by." Naruto walked toward the forest.
"Where do you think you're going?" Sasuke's voice stopped Naruto in his tracks. Naruto turned around, slightly confused. "I'm going to get some lunch of course. Want to come?" Naruto smiled.
Sasuke gritted his teeth and turned away. Fists clenched at his sides, he headed home. "Um, Sasuke-kun..." Sakura started but stopped as Sasuke kept on walking.
"Daijobu Sakura-chan, he'll come around. It takes him a while to acknowledge people." Naruto smiled. "Aa." Sakura returned his smile.
"Well, gotta go. Ja Sakura-chan." Naruto waved and headed into the forest.
Naruto headed toward Kei's house. It had become a habit for him to come to Kei for a meal. It wasn't because he was poor or had no food, but because he felt really happy when he spends time with Kei. Naruto smiled as he thought of Kei.
"Yawn," Naruto yawned as he walked through the forest toward his favorite spot. After a day of hard training by himself, he headed toward a place he knew he could find some relaxing time.
The moon was out, showing its true majestic glow. Naruto smiled. A soft flute song was heard and Naruto looked toward where he heard it. The song was soul-searching. It made Naruto wonder who could play such a lovely and heartfelt sound. Naruto walked toward the origin of the playing flute.
After a few minutes of walking, Naruto came to a place he found was familiar. He noticed that it was his spot. He walked closer. He approached the tree near the pond. He saw a person standing on a branch, a flute to his lips. Naruto walked cautiously, being careful not to draw attention to himself. He stopped under the tree and looked up. His eyes widened in surprise and his mouth hung open. He gaped at the person before him.
Standing on the branch, playing his heart out was no other than Sasuke. The unspoken message imprinted itself in the magical rhythm of the song. His eyes were closed and he was so absorbed in playing that he did not notice Naruto at all. Naruto stood underneath the tree, gaping up at Sasuke. The moonlight played on his pale features, making him look beautiful beyond belief.
Naruto's heart beat against his chest, trying to escape from its chamber. His mouth went dry, his breathing quickened. He felt like he was going to pass out. Whenever he was around Sasuke, his body would react in ways that it would not to any other. As he continued to gaze at Sasuke, listening to him playing his flute, he wanted to embrace him, knowing all too well the unspoken message that screamed at the night air. He wanted to reassure him that he was not alone, but that he had someone else who felt the same way, him. A sudden realization hit him hard, he had feelings toward Sasuke. Not just any normal feeling like friendship or sympathy, but...love. Naruto was falling. Utterly falling, falling flat-on-his-face in love with Sasuke.
Naruto gasped at the realization. As soon as the sound was out, the flute abruptly stopped its playing. Sasuke opened his eyes and quickly turned toward the origin of the noise. His eyes widened in shock. What was Naruto doing out here, at this time of night? Sasuke looked down at Naruto searching for anything that would show itself on his face. For a second, some strange emotion emerged itself in Naruto's eyes that Sasuke could not identify what it was; but as soon as it came, it went.
Sasuke jumped to the ground and gazed at Naruto. "What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked tone a little harsh.
"I...I...What are you doing here?!" Naruto snapped back. "This is MY spot!"
Sasuke raised his eyebrow. "Your spot? Look around, idiot. Does this place have your name on it?"
Naruto clenched his fists and willed himself not to reply. "Whatever," a simple reply escaped Naruto's mouth.
Sasuke was taken aback by the answer. Naruto had just admitted his defeat. This is twice that it had happened. The world must be falling on him. Sasuke shook his head and stared at Naruto. "You still haven't answered my question yet. What are you doing here?"
Naruto shifted a bit before deciding to just answer and get rid of Sasuke so he could enjoy the moon. "I've come here to relax. This is where I usually go."
Sasuke opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it quickly.
"Now that I told you, you have to tell me. What are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked away from Naruto and tried to avoid the question but being Naruto, he wouldn't be shrugged off that easily. Naruto walked till he was in front of Sasuke. "Sasuke, you're not playing fair. I answered, now you have to answer."
Sasuke was getting irritated. Naruto was back to being his old self, his annoying self. Naruto, sensing Sasuke's irritation, shrugged. After a moment of deep thought, Naruto brought out his hand toward Sasuke. Sasuke looked at the hand in front of him, and looked up at Naruto. He raised an eyebrow.
"Forget it Sasuke, if you don't want to tell me, I won't make you. I was thinking. Both of us had started off really bad, let's start over." Naruto motioned Sasuke to shake his hand. After a moment of hesitation, Sasuke held out his hand and shook Naruto's. If being friends with Naruto could get him to not be annoying, Sasuke was willing to try it.
Naruto smiled brightly, a slight touch of pink showing itself on his cheek. "Glad you understand Sasuke."
Sasuke just shrugged indifferently, though with a rare smile on his face.
"Ne Sasuke," Naruto asked. "What?" Sasuke said trying not to sound harsh.
"You don't have many friends do you?"
"Gee, thanks for stating the obvious. Besides, I have no need for friends," Sasuke said and started walking toward the lake.
Naruto followed Sasuke and sat himself in front of the lake, his back to the tree. "You should have a least a few to spend time with. They help you express yourself." Naruto suddenly became serious. Sasuke looked at Naruto for a long moment before bringing his gaze to the lake in front of him.
Naruto laughed. "I don't know why I know that, seeing as I don't have any more friends than you do," Naruto said and shifted his gaze to the lake; his smile almost gone. A moment later, Naruto looked at Sasuke and said, "I have a really cool friend that I want you to meet. I 'm sure you'll like her."
Sasuke looked at Naruto with tired interest. Naruto continued, "After training tomorrow, I'll introduce you to her." Sasuke shrugged indifferently. "Great." Naruto smiled.
They sat in silent, gazing at the glowing lake before them. The silent was peaceful, nothing strange showing itself. Naruto was the first broke the silence. "You're not alone Sasuke." Naruto said before standing up and started to walk off. "It's late, I'll see you tomorrow. Oyasumi Sasuke." Naruto walked off into the darkness of the forest leaving a confused and surprised Sasuke.
'Naruto...' Sasuke thought.
TBC
A/N: Douda? How was it? Bad? Or Good? Tell me what you think. Finally done with this chapter, thank the heavens. Sori I took so long to update. I promise that the next chapter will be out soon. I have a question: What does a slash fic mean? Sori, but I'm still new to the fanfic world so I'm not at all familiar with all the terms. Please tell me the answer in your reviews or it would be better if you emailed me, Thanks. if you have any question or any suggest as to how this fic should turn out, you can email me. That's all, till next time, Ja.
Ojochan over and out!