A Possible Future by Jason Corley

Chapter Twenty One

After Naruto and Sakura went off together, Sasuke started walking home. Sasuke thought to himself that he should feel better about having made Chuunin. But he didn't really care. He still felt like he hadn't accomplished anything. Ahead of him he saw Shikamaru and Temari approaching. They didn't seem to have noticed him. They were both so caught up in talking to each other. Sasuke walked right by them. Shikamaru and Temari both turned around but no one they recognized was there. They both wondered what had attracted their attention. Sasuke was slightly annoyed that he was nearly seen. He assumed the technique wasn't working that well because he was still recently in everyone's mind. He liked practicing this move because once he becomes proficient with it he'd be able to walk right up in front of someone and they wouldn't see him. He continued on his way slowly allowing himself more time to think. When he arrived at the Uchiha manor he still had not decided on what he was going to do. He headed to the training area. Once there he started training. Training at his pace instead of Hinata's. He quickly became winded but kept going. He knew the only way to better himself was to push himself. He didn't need someone else to push him. He had been pushing himself onward since he was young. When he was younger Itachi was the one in his family everyone noticed. He was never noticed by anyone other than his brother. He had always been trying to prove himself to everyone for everyone to accept him. But, then his brother killed everyone. What did he have to live for then. But Sasuke wanted to live. He ran to stay alive. He was weak, so he ran. He was still weak. He had to be stronger. What people thought of him wasn't important now. The only thing that was important was to be stronger. The only way he would ever be able to kill his brother was if he was stronger. He had originally left the village to train with Orochimaru to become stronger. Orochimaru didn't train him as much as he had hoped but after all what did it matter if he learned more or not. Orochimaru only wanted his body. Of the ones under Orochimaru's influence, Kabuto was the only one left he couldn't defeat. Sasuke had tried so hard to fight Kabuto because that would have proven to himself that he had become stronger. But he hadn't won. Sasuke leaned up against the training post his legs shaking from exhaustion. He wanted to train till he couldn't move but he knew if he did that he wouldn't make it back to the house so he turned and started walking. Sasuke looked up at the moon staring back down at him. He hadn't realized just how late it had gotten. As Sasuke approached the front door he saw Hinata approaching also. He stopped and waited for her to meet him. When she looked up and noticed him she stopped. She didn't smile. She didn't feel like smiling. Sasuke just stared down at her. She kept averting her eyes. She could never bring herself to maintain eye contact with Sasuke's gaze. Right now she wanted to run away but Sasuke's gaze kept her pinned where she was. Anyone else and she would have run but she just couldn't run away from Sasuke. They stood there silent for a few minutes. When Hinata felt Sasuke's arms pull her close to him, she threw her arms around him like she was afraid he was going to run away. She never wanted Sasuke to leave. When Sasuke held her she felt safe. She felt loved. And it wasn't because he was hugging her. Something in his embrace just made her feel deeply cared for. Even if his eyes and words were cold, his heart was not. And she felt that there were few that knew that. No words were spoken between them. Nothing needed to be said. This was enough for her, and it was enough to bring a smile to her face. Eventually Hinata sniffed and was able to tell that Sasuke had been exercising. Then she thought about it more and could feel in his body that he was exhausted. She said to him "Lets go inside and rest." Sasuke nodded.

Once inside they took off there footwear and Sasuke was attacked by both Raion and Tora. He embraced each of them and then proceeded down the hall to the bathroom to shower. Raion creep after him but was once again stopped. When she turned around to complain to her sister she was surprised to see that it had been Hinata who stopped her. Hinata shook her head and let go of Raion's braid. Raion sat her rump down on the ground right where she was and started pouting. Tora patted her on the head and went to make dinner. Hinata walked to her room to change. When Sasuke came out of the bathroom carrying his clothes, Raion quickly ran up and said "I'll clean those for you master." Sasuke smiled and let Raion take the clothes. He wanted her to be happy. Sasuke walked into the living room and sat down to read a scroll he had lying in there. Hinata came in wearing her silk kimono. She sat down next to Sasuke. She watched intently as Sasuke read the scroll. She moved closer to Sasuke but stopped a few inches away. After a few moments she leaned against Sasuke's arm. When he put it around her she moved closer, right up against him and hugged him. She rested her head against his chest as he read the scroll. She could have but she kept her eyes closed and listened to the steady rhythm of his heart.

Sakura's mother was more than a little surprised that she had brought Naruto over but Sakura didn't care. Sakura and Naruto were both up in her room which caused Sakura's mother to check in on them more than once. Of course they were doing anything. Sakura was reading over a few medical scrolls while Naruto sat at the table with her. Naruto had his head propped up in his hand and had his eyes closed. Eventually Naruto laid his head down on the table. A while later Sakura looked over and Naruto was asleep. She thought to herself 'Poor Naruto. He's exhausted. I can't make him leave when he's this tired.' Sakura got up to go talk to her mother. She returned having gotten permission for him to stay over only if they kept the door to her room open and pulled a blanket up over him so he wouldn't get cold. Then when she was through studying for the night she got into bed with her clothes on and fell asleep.

The following morning Naruto woke up in a not too gentle manner. He was clutching at his groin and looked up at a frustrated Sakura with a hurt puppy expression. Sakura said "I can't wake you up any other way. I would have let you sleep but my parents wont let you stay any longer." Naruto got up and followed Sakura out of the house. Sakura told Naruto she was going to the hospital. Naruto decided he was going to resume training. Just basic training until he felt ready to go at it like he was use to.

Sasuke woke up with Hinata next to him. She had her back to him with his arm draped over her. As he leaned up some, he kissed her on the cheek. She stirred a little and rolled over onto her back. Sasuke bent down and kissed her again. Sasuke felt Hinata return the kiss and after a moment he leaned back and said "Good morning." She smiled at him and said the same. She watched as Sasuke climbed out of bed, then as he pulled on a pair of black pants over his undershorts. She climbed out of bed herself and put the kimono on that was lying on the floor. When she turned around she saw that Sasuke had on a black long sleeve shirt that had the Uchiha clan symbol on the back. She wondered why he was wearing it but didn't give it much thought since she thought he looked good in it. He pulled on his Chuunin jacket and she was pretty sure of the reason. It looked more professional while still having a personal touch to it. She followed Sasuke out into the hall but instead of following him to the living room she walked into her room to change into her uniform. She liked the standard blue with the Chuunin jacket. After the two of them had breakfast with Raion and Tora they proceeded to the main office for there assignments. They looked over the choices and decided to go on patrol together.

"He seems to be getting better." One sand ninja said to another as they watched as Lee once again sparred with Gaara. Spar meaning Gaara stands there while Lee attempts to hit him. While Lee was still not hitting Gaara his attacks were getting closer. Gaara knew that if this kept up he would eventually be hit. The sand just couldn't move fast enough on its own.

As the next month progressed Naruto spent most of his time doing basic training. He would think to himself that he was regressing in skill. He knew he still had the skill but whenever he would do anything he would just feel so exhausted afterwards. His stamina that he was known for was gone. He didn't know what to do other than work at increasing it. Even though he didn't really know how to do that, he assume that just training normally would eventually increase it. When he was resting he would usually drop by the hospital. Sakura now had her own cubical and desk at the hospital which allowed her time to study while she wasn't working. While she studied, Naruto would normally keep her company. Most of the time it looked like Naruto was sleeping or half sleeping. She always thought that Naruto had a lot of stamina and just assumed that he was pushing himself harder than usual because he didn't make Chuunin. While she was the rank of Chuunin she never wore the jacket. Most of the time she was wearing a white apron over her clothes and the jacket was just in the way.

During that month Hinata and Sasuke would change between going on patrol and pulling guard duty. But whatever they were doing Hinata could tell that Sasuke was deep in thought. She never asked what it was though. She was just happy that they were together. She would sometimes let her mind wander to the memories that they shared. While she still had what was called her room she never slept there anymore. She didn't even keep her stuff there. She and Sasuke now shared the same room. They shared the same wardrobe and dresser of draws. While they never got as close physically as they had previously it didn't matter. Sasuke would still hold her like the two of them would be together forever and had all the time in the world. Hinata didn't even mind that they rarely kissed. When they did it was filled with affection for each other. Hinata had become use to Tora and Raion. Getting use to Tora was easier than it was with Raion. She had even gotten use to Raion's peculiar habits of running around naked and mimicking a feline. She would even play along with it. Hinata would hold a string above Raion and watch as she pawed at it. While Raion would still cling to Sasuke and lay across his lap, it didn't bother her anymore because it was normal. Hinata would smile at the memories and look over at Sasuke who had the thought filled expression. The only time she didn't see it on his face was when they slept or while they trained. It amazed her that he was able to train with her and add in extra so that it worked him more. When they would finish training they would return home. Sometimes they would bath together sometimes not. While they never did anything, Hinata still loved those times because he would massage her and then hold her till they were ready to get out of the tub. She never knew the thoughts running through Sasuke's mind. Sasuke thought about how best to get stronger. He didn't particularly like his options.

"Why are we going to the main office? We usually take this day off." Temari asked of Shikamaru.

Shikamaru looked at Temari out of the corner of his eyes and said to her, "I was requested to show up for a meeting with the 5th. Something's up and I thought that I might be able to let you in on it if its important. And if its not then it wont take long and we can stop by somewhere." Temari smiled knowing he thought seemed to be always thinking of her.

When they arrived Temari sat down in the entrance hall to wait while Shikamaru ascended the stairs to attend the meeting he was summoned for. Once he entered he saw several familiar faces. Neji, Tenten, Shino, and Sasuke were all there along with others that Shikamaru knew but not very well. Shikamaru asked "Does anyone know what's going on?"

Neji answered "Only that the hokage requested each of us specifically and not whoever was available." At hearing this Shikamaru nodded.

After a few minutes Tsunade entered the room. She was carrying several large scrolls. She walked to the front of the room and said "I'd like to start by saying that this mission is purely voluntary. We do not have the resources to send a Jounin on this mission but because of the severity I have assemble the most skilled Chuunin." Shikamaru was surprised at being considered one of the most skilled. He knew everyone in here was skilled. Because of the strength required to make Jounin he was pretty sure he would be one of the last ones to make Jounin out of this group. Tsunade continued talking "This mission will most likely take an extended length of time. The path I recommend will lead you through the country of grass into the country of rain and then into the country of stone. I want an accurate account of the forces they have. And if possible anything you can easily acquire from them. But if you get caught then you will be on your own. You will be leaving without any evidence you are from here."

When Tsunade paused Neji got up and said "Then I am unable to do this mission. My eyes alone show I am from here." Tsunade did not stop him as he left but she had actually wanted him to go. With his eyes he would have had the highest chance of success. She looked around the room at everyone there considering what they had been told. Tsunaded then said "If for any reason you don't want to do this. You do not have to do this." Many of the others left without giving a reason leaving Tenten, Shino, Sasuke, and Shikamaru there. Tsunade watched the four of them closely. She saw a tinge of fear in Tenten but a willingness to do it. Tsunade decided to say "If you have any doubt in your ability to do this you should leave." Tenten looked up and saw that the 5th was actually addressing her. She bowed her head in shame and left. Tsunade said "If you have any questions feel free to ask them."

Shino was the first to speak "I'll scout out the country of grass and rain but I'm not going to the country of stone alone."

Tsunade cocked her head and asked "And why is that?"

Shino answered "My clan is known in the country of Stone."

Tsunade understood and said "It's actually the country of Stone we really need to know about, the other two were just an added bonus."

Shikamaru asked "So, why not let Shino go to the country of grass and rain, then send someone to the country of stone?"

Tsunade asked "Are you volunteering for the job?" Shikamaru didn't say anything and glanced over at Sasuke who still looked deep in thought. Tsunade considered the look that Shikamaru was giving Sasuke. It showed that he didn't want to do it but if Sasuke didn't then he would and he was just waiting to see what Sasuke did.

Sasuke asked "Will the person who does this be considered for ANBU if they succeed?"

Tsunade hadn't considered this question. She saw that Shikamaru was trying to figure out why Sasuke asked this. She answered "If the mission is performed successfully I will allow them special training to join ANBU."

Sasuke smirked and said "I'll do it. I'll do all three." Shikamaru sighed in relief upon hearing Sasuke's answer.

Tsunade didn't like the idea of sending Sasuke out to do all three so she said "If Shino wants to let you do all three then I'll allow it but I think he should do the grass and rain while you handle the stone."

Sasuke asked "Will you still allow me to join ANBU if I only scout out the stone?"

Tsunade considered it and nodded. Shino then spoke again, "If Sasuke wants to do all three, he can." Tsunade had not expected this and was worried for a moment.

Sasuke immediately spoke up "I'll do all three."

Tsunade closed her eyes and wasn't happy about the way things had turned out. She didn't really want to let someone who had joined Orochimaru go on a mission this important. The only reason she was going to let him was because of how skilled he was and his Sharingan. "Very well. If you'll come with me I will give you more specific instructions. The two of you are dismissed." Tsunade left with Sasuke right behind her. Shino and Shikamaru walked out after them to go about there own business. Shikamaru descended the stairs and meet Temari in the entrance hall. The two of them headed off to the market square.

Hinata enter and took her footwear off. She was happy to be home from the day's stand of guard duty. She walked into the room she and Sasuke shared to find Sasuke packing. Panic was the first feeling Hinata felt but she pushed it down asked "Why...why are you packing?"

Sasuke responded as he continued to pack "I have a mission."

While Hinata felt a little better she still didn't like the fact that he was leaving. "H...how long will you be gone."

Sasuke was quiet a moment before answering which worried Hinata. "I don't know. It won't be short."

Hinata asked "Why you? Why not someone else?"

Sasuke answered "I volunteered."

"Wh...why?" asked Hinata but Sasuke didn't answer. Hinata couldn't bring herself to ask anything else she just watched as the man she loved packed and prepared to leave. When he finished packing his bag he walked up to Hinata and pulled her close. Hinata hugged him tightly, burying her face against his chest. She knew she couldn't talk him out of this. She also knew she couldn't stop him if she tried. She just didn't want him to go. Sasuke pulled back some and Hinata thought he was leaving but he tilted her chin up and bent over to kiss her. A tear fell down Hinata's face since this was a kiss goodbye. Sasuke broke the kiss and hoisted his pack on his back and walked quickly out the door leaving Hinata standing there. Tears trickled down her face as she stared at the spot Sasuke had been a moment ago.

Sasuke stepped outside the gate of the village and looked back wondering if he would return. He was going to have to avoid Jounins in three countries along with avoiding Orochimaru. Sasuke hadn't told anyone that Orochimaru knew exactly where everyone he bit was. Sasuke knew this was going to be interesting.

"Sss sss sss. Having ssecond thoughtss masster?" Hissed Hebi as he poked his head out of Sasuke's pack.

"I was wondering where you slithered off too." Sasuke said as he turned and started walking into the forest.

"Sss sss sss. With thingss peacceful here I thought it'd be ssafe if I left to enjoy mysself." Hissed Hebi as an answer.

"What do snakes do to enjoy themselves?" Sasuke asked.

"Sss sss sss. Hunt of coursse." Hissed Hebi.

"So, why are you back?" Sasuke asked.

Hebi didn't laugh this time as he hissed "You dessired my sserviccess oncce more."

From behind them they heard "Meoww." Sasuke turned to see a tan cat behind him. He turned back the way he was walking and ignored it. Hebi hissed in his ear "It'ss following uss."

Sakura screamed "What do you mean Sasuke's gone?"

Tsunade in an uninterested tone said "He's gone on a mission. That's all."

Sakura continued to scream "For how long?"

Tsunade answered "That's really up to him."

Sakura couldn't believe this.

Naruto was lying on the ground trying to catch his breath. Naruto thought to himself, 'This is all that stupid Kyuubi's fault. And what did he mean don't come back until I understand. Understand what? What am I suppose to understand?"

Temari and Shikamaru were lying in bed when she said "I'm glad you didn't go. I would have missed you."

Shikamaru answered "You're the reason I waited for Sasuke to volunteer." Temari smiled and hugged Shikamaru closely as she laid her head against him.

When Tora came back from the store she was told by Hinata that Sasuke was gone.

"Have you told Raion yet?" Tora asked.

Hinata shook head "I thought she would be with you."

Tora explained in a somewhat worried tone "Master Sasuke came home and asked us to get some groceries and take care of the place while he was out. I thought it a strange request. When Raion and I walked outside she asked if I could handle the shopping by myself. So I left her here. So if she's not here, then where is she?"

Author's Notes

Yay, cliffhanger with plenty of stuff to build off of. I guess you could call this the turning point of the story. I think I am going to start wrapping it up. When I said plenty of stuff to build off of I meant plenty for the last half. If I hammer out more than 15 more chapters I will be surprised. I'll get out at least 7 more. I don't know. I might have more to write than I think when I start writing with the intent to bring it to a close. 15 sounds like so little when I've only brought this far in 21 chapters. We will see. But don't worry. When I end with this one I will start another story.