A Possible Future by Jason Corley

Chapter Eight

Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura were all sitting in a cafe having a late lunch. Kakashi said "Sakura, aren't you suppose to be practicing with Tsunade?"

"I have to find Sasuke? I have to see him." Sakura replied.

Naruto was eating a bowl of ramen. He ate ramen no matter where he went.

"May I sit?" Asked a voice. They all looked over to see Sasuke standing there.

Sakura cried out Sasuke's name as she lunged at him and hugged him. Sasuke did not return the hug but he also did not push Sakura away. Naruto looked a little sad at this but then his expression changed to that of anger.

Naruto yelled "Sasuke!" as he moved in for a hard punch. Naruto saw that Sasuke still had not looked over had him and knew he was going to finally get a good punch in against Sasuke. Right before Naruto's punch connected Sasuke put his hand up and caught Naruto's punch. Sasuke turned his head to face Naruto.

Sasuke said "You're slow." Naruto withdrew his punch and glared at Sasuke

Naruto said loudly "What were you thinking?"

Sasuke ignored Naruto and also ignored the fact that Sakura was crying on him. Kakashi sat there eating his dinner. Naruto waited for an answer and when he didn't get one he reached out and grabbed Sasuke's collar. Naruto pulled Sasuke away from Sakura and held Sasuke off his feet by the collar. Sasuke stared down at Naruto and grinned. Naruto's pupils started to turn into slits. Naruto drew one hand back and threw his punch at Sasuke's face. Sasuke once again caught Naruto's punch. Naruto stared into Sasuke's eyes and saw that he did not have his Sharingan activated. Kakashi looked as if he had been watching the last exchange but had gone back to eating. Sasuke opened his mouth to speak "May I sit?" Naruto glared at Sasuke who still had hold of his punch even though he was trying to withdraw this hand. Sakura drew back and punched down on Naruto's head. Naruto dropped Sasuke and grabbed his sore head.

Sakura said "Don't be mean to Sasuke."

Naruto looked over to Sakura and said "But..."

Sakura interrupted Naruto "I don't care. Sasuke is back. Lets forget the past. Sasuke, you can sit next to me." Sakura then sat down pulling Sasuke by the arm to sit next to her which next to her was Naruto's seat. Sasuke didn't sit though. He pulled his arm free and sat next to Kakashi. Naruto got up and sat down next to Sakura. Even though Sakura was still crying she looked happy. Naruto decided to forgive Sasuke since he was back. Sasuke ordered his food and a drink while Naruto, Sakura, and even Kakashi all ordered seconds.

After they had started eating Naruto asked "Where's your forehead protector?"

Kakashi looked at Naruto since he had given it to Naruto.

Sasuke looked at Naruto and said "I didn't take it with me."

Naruto said angrily holding up the forehead protector that Sasuke had dropped and had a line through the Konoha leaf "I don't mean this one. I mean the one from when you were with Orochimaru."

Sasuke looked at Naruto like he was in idiot. "The one you hold in your hand is the only one I've ever worn."

Naruto stared at Sasuke.

Sasuke said "I would like it back since I have to have it to be promoted to Chuunin.

Naruto responded with "I'm not giving it back. You have to earn it. Lets step outside."

Sasuke activated his Sharingan and before Naruto could move Sasuke had the forehead protector in his hand. Kakashi quit eating when he saw how fast Sasuke had gotten. Sasuke was about the same speed as himself now. Kakashi watched as Sasuke put the forehead protector on. Naruto stared at his now empty hand. Sakura looked back and forth between Naruto and Sasuke. Sasuke resumed eating. Naruto sat back down and stared at Sasuke.

Shikamaru watched Temari cook dinner. He was actually watching Temari instead of what she was cooking. Shikamaru asked "Do you like to cook?"

Temari looked over he shoulder and asked "Don't you like my cooking?"

Shikamaru sighed then said "I just wanted to know if you like to cook."

Temari said "You didn't answer my question."

Shikamaru responded "You didn't answer mine."

The two stared at each other but Temari's attention was pulled away by the food she was preparing. When she was finished she brought the food to the table and served it.

"Thank you for the food." Shikamaru said before he started eating.

Temari and Shikamaru ate in silence. When they were done Shikamaru said "It was good."

Temari smiled and said "I enjoyed making it." After that the tension in the air was gone.

After they were done eating Kakashi, Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura all walked out of the cafe. Kakashi came up with a bad excuse to leave and left. This left Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura standing outside the cafe alone. Sasuke started to walk off. Sakura called out Sasuke's name. Sasuke turned around and Sakura asked "Where are you going?"

Sasuke replied simply "Home."

Sakura didn't reply right away so Sasuke turned back around and started walking. Naruto watch this whole exchange feeling that Sakura would return back to the way she had been. Naruto said to Sakura "Why don't we go to my apartment." Sakura stiffened at this and stared at Sasuke to watch for a reaction. There was none. He kept walking. Sakura then jogged a few steps to catch up to Sasuke. Naruto followed and said "Hey Sakura. Hey."

Sakura stopped and stammered out "Sa...Sasuke. Can...Can I come with you?" Sasuke stopped walking. Naruto stopped behind Sakura and stared at her. Sakura for her part was blushing a deep red.

Sasuke was silent for a bit then said "Not this time." He then resumed walking.

Sakura's expression fell. Naruto walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder. He whispered her name which caused her to turn around and bury her head into Naruto's chest while she cried. Naruto put his arms around her and hugged her reassuringly.

When Sasuke returned to the new house he was staying in, he went to check on Hinata. She was still sleeping peacefully. He could tell she was going to have a shiner but it didn't look like it was going to be too bad. Sasuke couldn't bring himself to wake her up. He sat down a chair and started reading a scroll. He then heard from the hall the snake laugh "Sss sss sss."

Neji, Lee, and Tenten were sitting around a campfire.

Tenten said "I can't wait till tomorrow."

"Why's that?" Asked Lee.

"Because we get to go home. I'm tired of being on patrol." Tenten replied.

"Why do you sign up for them if you don't like them?" Neji asked.

Tenten propped up her chin in her hands and said "It pays better." Lee and Neji both looked at her.

Lee spoke first "Why do you need the extra money?"

Tenten thought about it then said "The faster I earn money and invest it the sooner I can retire from being a ninja."

Lee asked confused "Then why be a ninja instead of something else?"

Tenten replied "Because being a ninja pays well."

Neji thought about his own reasons. It was because he needed the skills to protect the head family. It was the duty of the branch family to protect the head family. If he wasn't doing this he would be pulling a watch at the Hyuuga manor. Neji preferred to be on missions. The trio fell into silence for the night.

Naruto and Sakura walked into Naruto's apartment together. They sat down on Naruto's bed together. Sakura leaned against Naruto and they sat there. Eventually Sakura asked "Why? Why doesn't Sasuke like me? Am I ugly?"

Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing and said "No. You aren't ugly. You're beautiful."

"Then why? Why doesn't Sasuke like me? Why..." Sakura was interrupted by Naruto kissing her. She wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck and let herself get lost in the kiss.

Shino is walking around the village and is walking by Naruto's apartment when he hears Sakura scream "Naruto you pervert! Let go of me!" followed by the sound of someone being hit very hard. Shino then sees the door fly open and Sakura storming out of Naruto's apartment. Shino doesn't think this is out of the ordinary so he turns around and continues walking. During his walk he also walked by Shikamaru's apartment and heard screaming of a different kind. Shino stared at the door for a minute thinking if this was ok or if he needed to investigate. He then heard a girl cry out Shikamaru's name. Shino looked like he was about to blush and decided the didn't want to find out what was going on, so he continued walking.

Sakura proceeded to Tsunade's office and walked in. Tsunade looked up with an annoyed expression. Tsunade said to Sakura "You better have a good reason for being list late for you lessons."

Sakura looked a little worried and said "I was looking for Sasuke."

Tsunade still looked annoyed and asked "Did you find him?" Sakura nodded her head.

Tsunade said "Good. I hope there are no problems because you, Naruto, and Sasuke will be on the same team for the Chuunin exam this time. And since you wasted my time you will not be allowed to train with me tonight." Sakura didn't not move.

Tsunade waved her hand at Sakura and said "You may leave."

Sakura took a couple steps away when Tsunade said "Of course you may still train in my presence if you wish." Sakura turned around and smiled Tsunade. Sakura ran over to the table she always used and starting training. Tsunade smirked to herself.

The following morning Hinata woke up to see Sasuke sitting in a chair next to her. He had is arm propped up on the arm rest with his head resting on his fist. Hinata smiled because she felt cared for. She decided to stay in bed and just watch Sasuke sleep since it was the first time she got to.

Even though Neji had been the first up Tenten had rush them through breakfast so that they could head back to the village. They had finished there assigned time on patrol and were to report back. As they traveled they passed a couple of travelers but no ninjas and the travelers seemed ok. Neji, Lee, and Tenten were all ready to get back home.

Naruto got up off the floor feeling lousy. He didn't know what had come over him the previous night. After he had kissed Sakura she had slid her tongue into his mouth. He did the same with her and they explored each other's mouth with there tongues. Sakura pulled closer to Naruto and Naruto let one hand slide down from Sakura's waist to her butt. Sakura did protest so Naruto gave a small squeeze which elected a low moan from Sakura. Naruto took this as the green light to be more aggressive. Naruto moved his other hand to Sakura's breast and squeezed. Sakura screamed and called him a pervert. She then beat the living snot out of him. Naruto was now nursing a wound before his fight with the perverted hermit which he was late for. Naruto was not looking forward to the day. He then left in a hurry to meet Jiraiya.

Shikamaru woke up with Temari next to him. He thought it was amazing how things had progressed from them joking around to them having a serious relationship. Shikamaru got out of bed and got dressed. He was putting his footwear on and looked back to see if Temari had stirred. She hadn't. He wasn't that surprised, she had been rather worn out the night before. Shikamaru smiled at the memory. He then left to take watch on the parapet of the village.

As Hinata watched Sasuke sleep she saw his eyes start to move a lot behind his eyelids. Hinata could tell he was dreaming. Hinata then heard Sasuke's breathing increase. His breathing got faster and faster like he was running. Hinata looked a little sad because she could tell he was having a nightmare. Suddenly Sasuke sat strait up. He looked at her then stood up and walked out of the room. Hinata sat up as he was leaving. Hinata swung her feet out of the bed and stood up. She adjusted the kimono without thinking about it. She then walked down the hall to the bathroom. When she was done she walked down the hall looking for Sasuke. She found him in the kitchen cooking. She leaned against the wall half hiding behind it. Sasuke never seemed to divert his attention from the cooking. Hinata crept into the kitchen and started making tea. Hinata walked up next to Sasuke and looked at what he was cooking. Hinata grabbed the knife laying on the counter and started to chop the vegetables while Sasuke cooked eggs. Once Sasuke put the eggs on the two plates Hinata slid the vegetable off into the frying pan. Sasuke then started to stir fry the vegetables. Hinata walked over to the rice cooker placed some on the plates. When Sasuke finished he placed the vegetable on the rice and put the pan to the side. Sasuke grabbed two pairs of chopsticks and the plates. He then walked out of the room. Hinata grabbed the tea kettle and two cups before following Sasuke. Sasuke set the plates down and sat down facing the wall. Hinata placed the cups and the tea kettle on the table before sitting down facing the door. Author's note: it is considered proper for the guest to face the door to the room and for the host to have there back to the door. Sasuke filled Hinata's cup as she did this. Hinata then filled Sasuke's cup. During breakfast Sasuke asked Hinata "Do you feel up to doing a light training today?" Hinata looked up a little surprised.

Hinata said after a moments thought "It...It must feel like a waste of time to train with me."

Sasuke shook his head "You are quite good. If we train that hard every other day till the Chuunin exam you will do well in the one on one fights."

Hinata thought for a moment. Training extensively for a day then taking a break the next day was pretty normal but after a fight like the previous day she should barely be able to move. After a fight like that she should rest for two days. But here she was moving fine and felt like she would be ready the next day. She then asked "Why don't I feel worse from yesterday?"

Sasuke grinned "I learned a few first aid jutsu from Kabuto." Hinata nodded at this answer and they both resumed eating.

Sasuke put his chopsticks down having finished. He noticed that Hinata's tea cup was empty so he refilled it. He then started sipping from his cup. Sasuke put down his cup and asked "Would you like me to teach you some of the basic first aid jutsu today?"

Hinata stopped eating and stared at Sasuke. She placed her bowl down not knowing what to say. As she stared at Sasuke in disbelief he reached his hand out to her. Hinata's eyes followed his hand as it approached her face. Sasuke barely touched her and it was very brief but it felt like lightning. When he took his hand away he had a grain of rice between his fingers. He popped it in his month and drink the last of his tea. Hinata could feel the blush across her face but she concentrated on the tea kettle and filled Sasuke's tea cup. Hinata then picked up her bowl and started eating trying to hide the blush that didn't want to go away.

Later that day Naruto was eating ramen and Iruka walked in. Iruka sat down and said "I hear your old team is together again." Naruto grunted in response. Iruka continued "I doesn't sound like you are too happy about that."

Naruto put his bowl down and said "Things were fine until Sasuke came back."

Iruka looked at Naruto and said "I thought you wanted Sasuke to come back."

Naruto looked annoyed but replied "I did. I just didn't think he really would. I thought I was going to have to drag him back."

Iruka asked "Does it have anything to do with Sakura?"

"He always makes her cry. And she still likes him. Even though he is so mean to her." Naruto said exasperated.

Iruka thought for a second "How do you think Hinata feels. I hear that Sakura told you how she feels about you."

Naruto looked at Iruka and said "You hear a lot of things. I've never been mean to Hinata."

Iruka sighed then said "I didn't say you were being mean to her. I asked how you think she feels."

Naruto looked down at his ramen before saying "I don't know."

Iruka tilted his head up some and asked "How do you feel about her?"

Naruto continued to stare at his ramen "I don't dislike her. But I don't like her and she is...well...she's weird. Besides, I like Sakura."

Iruka sighed then said "I hate to say this but have you thought that maybe Sakura feels about you the same way you feel about Hinata."

Naruto turned to stare at Iruka almost heartbroken.

Iruka put his hands in front of him and said "I said maybe."

Naruto turned his attention back to his food and resumed eating.

Ino and Chouji were walking along and saw Temari walking down the street carrying her fan. Ino decided to follow her and Chouji decided to follow Ino. They watched from behind a wall as Temari climbed the stairs to the parapets. When she got to the top Ino and Chouji saw Shikamaru greet Temari. They saw Temari and Shikamaru embrace each other. The two broke slightly and kissed one another. Ino's temper was starting to show as she watched. Shikamaru and Temari broke there kiss and they talked for a bit.

Chouji took this moment to say to Ino "I thought you didn't like Shikamaru anymore."

Ino turned to Chouji and said very loudly "We broke up because he said I was troublesome."

Chouji looked away and said "But that is how Shikamaru is."

Ino grabbed Chouji by the collar and pulled him face to face with her and she nearly yelled "But he isn't suppose to say that to the girl he his dating."

Chouji looked down and whispered "When are you going to get over him?"

Ino let go of Chouji and turned to watch Shikamaru and Temari. She watched Shikamaru and Temari kiss once more before Temari pulled out her fan and ran for the side.

Shikamaru watched Temari jump onto her fan and ride out over the forest. Shikamaru thought to himself that flying was defiantly a good way to travel. He watched her fly along until he could no longer see her. Which meant he was watching for a long time and that she flew for along way before meeting the trees. Ino and Chouji ran up to Shikamaru. Ino said loudly "How can you stand to be with her. She's a ninja from the country of sand."

Shikamaru didn't look at Ino when he responded "The sand is our ally. And we get along quite well. Better than I did with another person."

Ino looked pissed and yelled "You bastard! I can't believe I slept with you."

Chouji looked at Ino surprised. He and Ino had been dating for almost a year and she had only let him kiss her a few times.

Shikamaru said "Why are you angry. You are the one that broke up with me. And then you started dating my best friend. I should be mad at you but I'm not. I'm don't have any hard feelings towards either of you. I'm actually quite happy."

Ino was furious. She turned around and stormed off. Chouji didn't follow he stayed with Shikamaru. Shikamaru looked at Chouji curious as to why Chouji had stayed instead of following Ino. Chouji back fisted Shikamaru, tossing him backwards and causing him to hit his head on the railing of the parapets. Shikamaru looked up from the ground shocked that Chouji had hit him.

Sakura woke up to her mother yelling. Sakura got out of bed and dressed herself. When she walked downstairs to greet her mother and left without eating. After the previous day she didn't want to talk to her mother. She walked the streets some and came across Ino. Sakura ran after her thinking it would be nice to have a friend to talk to. She didn't know that Ino would need a friend to talk to also.

Author's Notes

I thought I would give a little note about how I view the ninja levels.

Academy Student - learning to become a ninja

Genin - Basic ninja. Does not mean they can't be strong.

Chuunin - an above average Genin skill wise and tactically smarter. I believe a Genin can actually be stronger than a Chuunin though.

Jounin - a very skilled fighter, quite a bit higher in skill than a Chuunin. Above average Chuunin tactically.

ANBU - consists of Chuunins and Jounins. Just a Special Forces unit.

I think a Genin "could" be as skilled at fighting as a Jounin but wouldn't have the tactics needed to be even a Chuunin. I still think a Jounin would win in that case because of fighting smarter. This is how I justify Naruto beating the Chuunin in the first Episode of the anime.