A Possible Future by Jason Corley
Chapter Six
Hinata was speechless when she saw that the person in front of her was Sasuke. He stared at her for a moment but she couldn't look him in the eyes. She diverted her gaze and started fidgeting with her hands. Sasuke walked over to the counter. There he grabbed 2 plates, two pairs of chopsticks, a bowl of rice that had been prepared already, and the main dish which had also been prepared. He set the dishes down on the table. All the while Hinata watched without saying a word. Sasuke then returned to the kitchen part of the room. He grabbed a trivet, two cups, and picked up the tea kettle off the burner. He set the trivet down and put the kettle on top of it. Sasuke placed one of the cups in front of Hinata. He then sat down and poured some tea into her cup. Sasuke poured some of the rice onto his plate then started to scoop some of the vegetables and chicken on top of the rice on his plate. He looked up from what he was doing and looked Hinata in the eyes. Hinata was only able to maintain eye contact for a few seconds. She then picked up the tea kettle and poured some tea into Sasuke's cup. Hinata then followed Sasuke's example of preparing her plate. Hinata bowed slightly to Sasuke and said "Thank you for the meal." They both then started to eat in silence.
As Sakura and Tsunade were leaving the training area of the main office they came across Naruto sleeping in the doorway. Tsunade kept walking leaving Sakura to see to Naruto. Sakura nudged Naruto a little but he didn't seem to want to wake up. She grabbed his shoulder and shook him some. He still refused to wake up. Sakura then shook Naruto quite violently losing her patience. Naruto continued to sleep although now he was stretched out on his back on the floor instead of leaning against the doorway. Sakura sat there thinking to herself how to wake him up. She decided to do what she had read in the romance stories she read. She leaned over Naruto and kissed him. She pulled back from the light kiss she gave him expecting him to start waking up. The smile that was on her face after kissing him faltered and her eye twitched a couple times. She leaned over Naruto again and kiss him more deeply. When she still didn't feel anything in return she decided to try a new kind of kiss they hadn't tried. She pushed her tongue between Naruto's lips. He was denied further entrance because of Naruto's teeth. So she tried to pry them open using her tongue. She succeed in getting the tip of her tongue between Naruto's teeth but she had neglected to pay attention to how she was supporting her weight. She had when she knelt over Naruto put one leg between his and one leg on the other side of his leg. In Sakura's concentration to french kiss Naruto she had inadvertently moved her leg forward some. Sakura's knee came down on top of one of Naruto's testicles. Naruto bit down hard before opening his mouth to scream like a little girl. Sakura fell over backwards holding her mouth because her tongue hurt so much from where Naruto bit down on it. Naruto was curled up in a ball clutching his groin from pain. Sakura was sure she could taste blood. Sakura wanted to pound the ever living snot out of Naruto. But she just couldn't bring herself to since it was her own fault. She then looked on the bright side, at least Naruto was awake.
Sasuke poured another cup of tea for Hinata. Whenever Hinata would look up she would see Sasuke staring at her. It kept unnerving her when she tried to look him in the eyes. His eyes were so dark and cold. But they also had a look in them that showed a thirst for something. Hinata didn't see hatred in Sasuke's eyes. She had seen it in Neji's eyes especially when they fought. After Neji's match with Naruto, Neji lost the look of Hatred and gained a similar look to that of her father. The look that he is better than everyone. And Neji would look at her like she was worthless, just like her father would. Even her sister had that look when looking at Hinata. Sasuke didn't. Naruto had a fire burning in his eyes. A look of shear determination. Lee also had the look of shear determination. When Hinata would look in Kiba's eyes she would see a predatory look that sometimes scared her. While the look of thirst in Sasuke's eyes was unnerving it wasn't scary. Hinata had never seen into Shino's eyes and she didn't like using her Byakugan around him because seeing the bugs inside of Shino freaked her out. When Hinata would look into Sakura's eye she would see a look that showed falseness. It was almost like there was something hidden, a personality you couldn't see. But Sasuke was different from everyone else. He had a resigned look in his eyes. And yet he also had that look, like he was thirsting for something. Hinata couldn't think what it could be though. When Hinata finished her cup of tea Sasuke refilled it. Hinata then noticed that Sasuke's cup was empty and filled his. Hinata wanted to ask Sasuke many questions but she was afraid to. Sasuke watched as Hinata spoke wordless questions. He then answered by saying "I have been back for a few days now. And yes, I was following you. I came across you and I knew that you would lead me to Naruto."
Hinata looked up and came face to face with Sasuke's Sharingan. The red eyes with 3 black marks looked as if they could see everything. Hinata couldn't bring herself to turn from those eyes. They were so captivating. She felt that those eyes might be able to give her the answers she had been looking for. But because they looked as if they could see everything she became more unnerved than she had already been but she just couldn't look away. Sasuke closed his eyes for a second and when he opened them, the Sharingan was gone. Sasuke's eyes were back to the dark, cold, black orbs that thirsted.
Sasuke stood up and retrieved all the dishes save for the cups from the table. He took them over to the counter and set them down. He filled the kettle with water and started brewing more tea. Sasuke then proceeded to clean the dishes. Hinata watched in awe as Sasuke, the boy known for being heartless, washed dishes, something that normally only warm hearted people did before the dishes piled up. Hinata began to think that perhaps she had been right those many years ago when she thought they could be friends. Hinata was beginning to think that Sasuke was nice after all.
Naruto cried "Why did you do that? I didn't do anything."
"That's why." Sakura answered although she had done it by accident.
Naruto had a look of confusion and said "Huh? I don't understand."
"Well I'm not going to explain it to you." Sakura replied.
Naruto just followed along behind Sakura. Most of the lights in the village were out.
Naruto asked Sakura "Do you always train this long?"
Sakura smiled and said "yes."
"You train longer than I do." Naruto replied.
"Do you think so?" Sakura asked amused that Naruto hadn't figured out that she trained later and probably less.
"Hey Sakura." Naruto said which brought Sakura to a stop. She turned around to look at Naruto who said "We're near Shikamaru's apartment. Want to play a joke on him?"
"Naruto, we shouldn't." Sakura said but inside she was screaming 'hell yeah. Now this is more like it.'
Naruto and Sakura snuck up to Shikamaru's door and they were about to pound on it loudly when they heard something coming from inside. They heard what sounded like a muffled cry. Naruto and Sakura looked at each other. They then heard a slightly louder cry which sounded like a girl. Naruto and Sakura looked at each other again and nodded. Naruto kicked at the door and they were both inside the apartment before anyone knew what was going on. Both Naruto and Sakura froze when they saw what Shikamaru and Temari were doing. Naruto and Sakura back peddled as fast as they could out of Shikamaru's apartment closing the door behind them. They both stood stock still with a deep blush on there faces. After a moment longer they heard Temari's cries again. Both Naruto and Sakura took off running when they heard this.
They both came to a stop outside Naruto's apartment breathing heavily. Naruto walked to the door and opened it he then stepped in expecting Sakura to follow him, when she didn't he pocked his head out the door to look at Sakura. Sakura said angrily "You think I am coming in there for us to do that! You have got to be kidding! You're the worst Naruto!" She finished this by throwing a rock that happened to be lying at her feet. Naruto got beamed on the head and when he got up Sakura was storming off.
Naruto cried out "Sakura. It's not like that."
Sakura wasn't hearing any of it and continued to storm away. Naruto closed his door and went to bed.
After Sasuke finished with the dishes he returned to the table with a fresh kettle of tea. He then filled Hinata's cup. When Hinata filled Sasuke's before she lifted her cup to her mouth. As she sipped at it she could see Sasuke's reflection in the tea. She could see him staring at her but she didn't feel unnerved this way. Sasuke eventually spoke by saying "If you want to stay here, you may." Hinata looked up at Sasuke with a slight blush. Sasuke continued by saying "And if my being here bothers you then I can arrange to sleep else where."
Hinata replied by saying timidly "It's your home. I don't mind you being here. But is it really ok for me to stay?"
"It's not my home." Sasuke answered getting up from the table and walking to the door. He put his footwear on and opened the door. A cold draft came in as he left. Hinata felt like she had said something wrong. She watched as the snake slithered up to the table and coiled around Sasuke's cup and proceeded to take it to the kitchen area.
"Did I say something wrong?" Hinata asked the snake.
"Sss sss sss. The masster iss jusst like that. Pleasse dont take offensse." Hissed the snake.
Hinata sat longer waiting for Sasuke to return when the snake said to her "It'ss getting late. Won't you retire?"
Hinata got up and went to the bathroom before heading to the bedroom. As she was walking back from the bathroom she saw the snake carrying her cup and the teakettle to the counter. She was surprised the snake could do so much with out arms or legs. Hinata walked to the bed and slipped under the covers. That night she slept peacefully.
The follow morning it was raining. Kakashi was just standing there getting soaked as he stared at the memorial for ninjas killed in the line of duty. Kakashi ignored the person approaching him because he was not done talking to his friends.
"I knew I would find you here." Sasuke said standing beside Kakashi also looking at the memorial.
Kakashi turned to look at Sasuke with a slight expression of surprise. "You do know that you are considered a traitor don't you." Kakashi asked of his old student.
"Yes." Sasuke replied.
"Then why are you back?" Kakashi asked.
"If I had stayed any longer I wouldn't have been able to achieve my goal." Sasuke answered.
"Is your goal still the same as it was?" Kakashi asked readying himself to fight.
"Yes. I still plan on killing my brother." Sasuke said looking at Kakashi. Kakashi was able to see that Sasuke's Sharingan had the third mark now.
Kakashi stood there thinking for a minute and was brought out of his thoughts when Sasuke spoke "I'd like to participate in the Chuunin Exam."
Kakashi looked at Sasuke and considered what he was saying. They stared at each other for awhile before Kakashi said "I have orders to bring you in, if I found you."
Sasuke smirked then said "Lead the way."
Shikamaru woke up with Temari sleeping on his arm. He knew he had to get his arm free because he had to go to the main office that morning. He settled with watching Temari sleep as he thought of a plan. Shikamaru's mind wondered to how Temari and he seemed to be planning a future together without really planning it. He had never thought seriously about any girl before. He had dated Ino for a time but it just wasn't going to work between them he thought. She was too noisy. He didn't like Sakura for the same reason. But at least Sakura was smarter. Temari was definitely smart enough. Temari wasn't noisy. And Temari definitely looked good. Even though he had told Chouji that guys actually prefer a little more meat on women he had lied so that Chouji would feel better. Shikamaru did actually prefer thinner women. But not to the extent that they starve themselves. Shikamaru noticed from Temari's eating habits that she wasn't the type of girl that could eat anything and not gain weight. Temari appeared to eat in a similar way to him. Eat what you want but not over eat. Shikamaru's thoughts were interrupted as Temari's eyes opened. Shikamaru smiled warmly. Temari smiled back and leaned forward to kiss him. When they broke the kiss Shikamaru said "I have to go." Temari nodded and rolled over. Shikamaru got out of bed and got dressed. While he put his Chuunin jacket on he looked at Temari who had already gone back to sleep. He smiled to himself as he put his footwear on. Shikamaru left as quietly as he could so he wouldn't wake Temari.
Kakashi and Sasuke were shown into Tsunade's office as soon as they arrived. Tsunade looked up sleepily. She stared at both of them annoyed that they had to come so early. Tsunade then started working on the paper work that was on her desk. Kakashi and Sasuke both stood there waiting. Tsunade eventually turned her attention to the two of them and said "It doesn't look like he put up much of a fight. I guess he didn't learn as much from Orochimaru as I though he would have."
Kakashi replied by saying "Sasuke wishes to participate in the Chuunin Exam."
Tsunade looked a little annoyed and asked "For who's county?"
"The Country of Fire." Sasuke answered staring at Tsunade.
"You think we will let you back just like that?" Tsunade asked annoyance in her voice.
"This is my county." Sasuke answered.
"Then how do you explain your leaving to join the Sound?" Tsunade questioned.
Sasuke explained by saying "I never joined the Sound. I merely took some personal time and went after Orochimaru to gain power."
"Wouldn't you call that joining them." Tsunade argued.
"No." Sasuke answered.
"Orochimaru wouldn't train you without some kind of assurance that you were on his side." Tsunade nearly yelled.
"Orochimaru trained me personally to keep an eye on what I learned and on me. He didn't want me escaping. I am his precious heir after all." Sasuke said condescendingly to the 5th hokage.
Tsunade looked pissed. Sasuke grinned.
"Then how did you escape.?" Inquired Tsunade.
"Orochimaru didn't train me all the time. He did have other stuff to do." Sasuke answered.
"He must have had you guarded." Tsunade argued.
"I trained often with Kabuto. After training with both of them getting past the guards was easy." Sasuke explained.
"There must have been more you could have learned from Orochimaru?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes." Sasuke replied.
"Then why leave?" Tsunade pressed.
"Because even I knew that sticking around longer is would be too dangerous." Sasuke said flatly.
Tsunade resumed her paper work. Kakashi watch Sasuke the whole time. He could already tell that Sasuke's control was much better than it was. Orochimaru would be a tough person to be an apprentice to. Kakashi could easily imagine Sasuke having trained all day, everyday, for the last two and a half years with the best that the country of the sound could muster. Kakashi wondered just how strong Sasuke had become.
Tsunade finally spoke by saying "Kakashi. You are to resume Sasuke's training. And if you feel that it is appropriate you may let him join in the Chuunin Exam. I have work I have to attend to."
Kakashi and Sasuke both turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Kakashi asked Sasuke.
Sasuke stopped walking and replied "I've had enough training for the Chuunin Exam. I feel like taking a little break." Sasuke then resumed walking. Kakashi had not expected Sasuke to refuse training. This also negated an opportunity to see how strong Sasuke had gotten.
Hinata woke up feeling rested. She heard the voice of the snake hiss "Sss sss sss. Yess masster." Hinata got out of bed and walked into the main room. She saw both the snake and Sasuke. Hinata bowed to them. The snaked bowed in return but Sasuke remained still. Hinata started to fidget some. She also started eyeing the bathroom. Sasuke said "Breakfast will be served in 15 minutes." He then walked to the kitchen part of the room and started preparing breakfast. Hinata disappeared to the bathroom.
When she returned she asked "Can I help?"
"You're a guest." Sasuke replied like that explained everything. Hinata sat down at the table and waited. Sasuke eventually put there breakfast on the table and they began eating.
"Do you plan on entering the Chuunin Exam this time?" Sasuke asked Hinata. Hinata looked up at Sasuke but then looked back down at her food. Sasuke waited for Hinata to answer.
"I want to. But I don't have anyone to train with. Kiba won't get back in time for us to train. And...My family won't train with me." Hinata explained.
Sasuke put down his chopsticks and asked "Have you finished your breakfast?" Hinata nodded. Sasuke stood up and walked to the door where he put on his footwear. "Follow me." Commanded Sasuke as he opened the door and walked outside. Hinata quickly got up and ran to the door to put on her footwear. She then closed the door before following Sasuke.
"Sss sss sss." Laughed the snake as he cleared the table.
Later that day Naruto and Jiraiya were at Naruto's favorite ramen shop. Naruto was stuffing his face having avoided a sever beating that day. Kakashi walked in and said "Sasuke will be your team member in the Chuunin Exam this time."
Naruto spit out his food and turned around to Kakashi and yelled "Sasuke! Where is he?"
"Hmm...I don't know." Kakashi replied.
Naruto fell to the floor.
"He said he was going to take a little break." Kakashi informed Naruto.
"When did Sasuke get back?" Naruto continued to yell.
"Hmm...I don't know." Kakashi said but before Naruto could react continued "But I only saw him this morning."
"I have to tell Sakura." Naruto said running out of the ramen shop leaving his bowl there.
Sakura woke like usual to her mother yelling. She yelled back saying she was up. When her mother started yelling again she ignored her at first but when she realized it wasn't the same yelling as usual she listened to what was being said. After she figured out someone was outside who wanted to see her. Still groggy from staying up late the previous night she staggered over to the window and opened it. She saw the last person she wanted to see, Naruto. Unfortunately for her Naruto saw more of her than she had intended. Sakura had once again opened her window before getting dressed. Blood shot out of Naruto's nose and he fell over backwards. Sakura was about to throw something but saw that Naruto was passed out and decided not to. She backed into her room and dressed herself before heading downstairs to eat her breakfast. She felt that Naruto could wait having gotten a free peak like that.
Author's Notes
Does anyone know of a home cooked Japanese breakfast? I don't. So just imagine what you want them to have for breakfast.