Disclaimer: Naruto doesn't belong to me. Probably wouldn't be nearly as popular if it was anyway…

Summery: AU. Mizuki escapes confinement and his revenge on Naruto has disastrous consequences. What will happen when the loudest ninja in Konoha suddenly isn't anymore?

Warnings: Gore(especially prologue), violence, possible future Shounen-ai and/or Shoujo-ai. And het…

-written "speech"-

/sign language or other forms of code/

'mouthed words'

Cyber-"The story is finally getting on a roll. We've already hit chapter 4! So without further ado, here it is!"

Hush

Chapter 4

A New Approach

When Sasuke half carries Naruto into the hospital room, helped by Sakura, Iruka is immediately at their side fussing over Naruto, "What happened?"

Sasuke rolls his eyes, "Apparently he overdid it." Without Iruka having to ask he shifts Naruto and helps the teacher slide the unconscious boy into the bed.

When the blond is tucked in and the nurse Iruka called to help slips out the door after replacing the I.V. Iruka turns to the two young ninja, "Thank you two for helping Naruto. I'm sure he'd thank you himself if he was awake." Sakura nods stiffly and walks out but Sasuke stays, looking unsure. Iruka tilts his head at the scowling boy, "Yes, Sasuke?"

"Naruto is hiding something. What is it?"

Frowning, Iruka sits, "What do you know?"

Having no where else to sit Sasuke hoists himself up to sit on the bed, flinching when Naruto curls around his back, "That Mizuki is a traitor and cut Naruto's throat. That Naruto can't speak or eat because of the pain." After a pause he adds, "And that Naruto should be on medical leave. But why would Mizuki, even as a traitor, single out Naruto for attack?" Naruto snuggles more firmly against Sasuke and the black-haired boy scowls, "And why the hell does he seem to think I'm some sort of plushie?"

Iruka laughs, "I can definitely answer that. You know that Naruto was orphaned shortly after he was born right?" When Sasuke nods Iruka continues, "Unlike most orphans his caretakers didn't show him any affection, they only indulged him the minimum of contact for his survival, nothing more. He was ignored, or worse, verbally and emotionally abused. Those who were caught were punished but it didn't stop the others. I think you have an idea where I'm going with this by now." Iruka looks up at Sasuke for confirmation.

Sasuke hesitates, mood dark, and then grits out, "You're saying that I was lucky that I had a loving family before. . ."

"Perhaps. They say that you can't miss something you've never had but. . ." Iruka scowls, "I don't believe that counts for affection. Nowhere in his past does he remember anyone being truly kind to him, I asked. In short Naruto is starved for attention and affection, of any sort, even negative. And he clings as tightly as possible to anyone who satisfies his need. Apparently you, in his rather skewed definition, showed him some sort of kindness."

"Wonderful." The sarcasm drips from Sasuke's tone. He squirms in Naruto's loose embrace.

Iruka's eyes glitter with humor, "Don't worry. I'm sure he won't do it when he's fully awake and healed. He's a little too proud for that."

Sasuke lets out a put upon sigh, "He had better not." After a pause he frowns, "And you dodged my first question."

Hand straying to tug at his ponytail Iruka blushes, "I suppose it was too much to hope that you'd let me get away with it." Becoming stern he continues, "I can't tell you much, I only know because I was involved in the incident. But Mizuki apparently intended to defect to another village and attempted to use Naruto as a decoy so he could make his escape."

"He took advantage of Naruto wanting attention?"

"Yes. I think Naruto is more upset about that than anything else." With a small, proud smile Iruka continues, "But Naruto was able to stop him, pretty much on his own, and Mizuki was captured. And last night he escaped and decided to take revenge on Naruto."

"But if Mizuki was a traitor shouldn't he have been executed?" Sasuke frowns, "Traitors are too much of a risk to be allowed to live for any extended period of time. My father said that the procedure. . ." Sasuke trails off.

"I don't know but there must have been a reason." Iruka pauses to look Sasuke over critically, "But why the sudden interest in Naruto?"

Sasuke shrugs, attempting to look nonchalant, "We will be forced to work together on missions. If our team is to be effective I need to know his weaknesses and strengths." The rest of his comment isn't intended for Iruka to hear but Iruka catches it, "I'd rather work alone. Others are just going to hold me back."

"Naruto has a lot more to him than you think, Sasuke. Don't discount him so quickly, he's full of surprises." Iruka pauses contemplatively, "You may find that Naruto does the exact opposite of holding you back." Leaning forward Iruka whispers, "I'll tell you a secret. Naruto has a real talent for learning jutsu when he applies himself, even difficult ones. He just needs a reason to apply himself."

Sasuke looks doubtful but nods, "I'll keep that in mind." With that he wriggles out of Naruto's hold and leaves quietly.

Naruto, frowning in his sleep, reaches out and searches for Sasuke. When he encounters nothing his eyes slowly open and he yawns, barely wincing, 'Iruka-sensei? How'd I end up here?' He rolls into the warm spot left by Sasuke with a contented look on his face, 'Were you on the bed?'

Iruka blinks, "I'm not that good at reading lips, could you repeat that?"

Looking much more awake Naruto sits up and pulls out the notepad. –How'd I get here and who was on the bed?-

"Ah. Your teammates brought you. And Sasuke just left." Iruka chuckles at Naruto's mortified expression then lets out a little sound of remembrance, "Oh! Hokage-sama wanted me to give these to you. Sign-language, codes and some jutsu you might find useful." He hands over the scrolls and books.

With a look of childlike glee on his features Naruto looks through the scrolls, Iruka watching with mixed amusement and pride. After a few minutes Naruto frowns. -These are all stealth and concealment jutsu. . .-

Iruka tsks, "You never pay attention in class. It's important to play up your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. Now that. . ." Iruka coughs, "you know. You always failed stealth exercises because of your tendency to be loud. Now that you have lost your voice you can capitalize on that and become much better at stealth. It is a cornerstone to being an effective ninja. Hokage-sama picked these jutsu out specifically for you. Because you mastered Kage Bunshin you have the chakra to master these." He pauses, "Though, it will be more difficult than Kage Bunshin given your record with some of the genjutsu we've studied."

Naruto scribbles again. –But why would I want to master stealth? I've always done just fine with what I know.-

Iruka laughs, "But with stealth jutsu in combination with your other jutsu just imagine what you could do. For example take this jutsu, Chameleon no jutsu. Use Kage Bunshin and create several clones. Send one out as a decoy and have the others use this jutsu to hide and sneak up on your opponent. See?"

Naruto nods. –I get it. I'll learn them all!- Iruka chuckles at Naruto's intensity but Naruto is already scribbling a note. –Iruka-sensei? We're going to have to go through a test, Survival training, and I need to pass it! I promised Sakura-chan and Sasuke that I wouldn't fail. But. . . I'm really bad at tests.-

For a moment Iruka is wistful and then he sighs, "I remember Survival training from my own days as a genin. But I'm afraid I can't help you. Each jounin sensei has their own way of testing their students and I don't know the way you will be tested."

–There must be something!-

"I can tell you this. In order to be a genin you should have knowledge of all the basics of ninjitsu. Taijutsu, genjutsu and ninjutsu. Detecting and setting up traps. And, of course, stealth." Iruka ruffles Naruto's hair comfortingly, "Don't worry. You won't be expected to know a lot of complicated jutsu, just be able to recognize them and use the ones taught in academy in real life situations. Most genjutsu and ninjutsu are beyond genin level anyway. And your taijutsu is at genin level. Your stealth and trap detection abilities however. . ." Naruto cringes but Iruka continues, "Different sensei put emphasis on different skills. And there is one thing common to all tests that you must figure out for yourself." Seeing Naruto's expression Iruka puts on a smile, "Don't worry! You've all just graduated. You won't be expected to be perfect or measure up to your sensei."

Naruto frowns again. –Are you sure? Our sensei is. . . weird.-

"Relax! If you get all nervous before the test you won't pass." Iruka glances at the clock, "But for now you should rest. You need to heal up before you even think about tests and missions."

Naruto nods and burrows under the covers, grudgingly accepting a pat and kiss on the head. Iruka smiles and slips out the door, "Night, Naruto. I'll visit again tomorrow."
. . .

In the moonlight Naruto stands up off the floor shakily and goes through a complicated set of hand seals, mouthing, 'Chameleon no jutsu!' For a moment his body shimmers and seems to fade into the background but it quickly re-appears. Looking frustrated and exhausted he forms the seals again. This time he stays concealed for several minutes and he shimmers into view wearing a faded smile, 'Think. . . I. . . did. . . it.' With that he tumbles to the floor again, this time jerking the I.V. out and dislodging a small paper with various symbols inscribed on it. Moment's later the head medic and a flustered nurse rush into the room.

When he sees Naruto's state the medic sighs, "Ninja. Too stubborn for their own good."

The nurse picks up the unconscious boy, missing one blue eye slide open a fraction, and settles him in the bed, "Well, at least we know the alarm works properly."
. . .

In the dim light of very early morning Naruto stumbles into the training grounds, waving a hello to Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke looks Naruto over quickly, a faint flicker of worry in his eyes, "If we fail because of you. . ." He lets the threat trail off with a badly hidden yawn. Naruto smiles weakly and Sakura merely yawns in response. Greetings over they settle in to wait.
. . .

As the sun rises towards its zenith the three genin still remain, waiting. Sakura slumps over her pack pointedly refusing to look at the two boys. Sasuke sits calmly on the ground but his expression is one of faint annoyance and boredom mixed in with exhaustion. Naruto on the other hand is curled up contentedly next to Sasuke, sound asleep. Sasuke looking up at the sky, frowns and glances down at Naruto, struggling to stop another yawn. With a small annoyed mutter about insomnia he lays down, resting his head on Naruto's side, "Why not. . ." When the blond squirms a little Sasuke snorts, "If you get to use me as a plushie I get to use you as a pillow." Sakura blushes and frowns, sending a scathing glare at Naruto. Sasuke, looking annoyed at her, half snarls, "Would you quite acting like that? If you want you can use Naruto as a pillow too. I'm sure he won't mind."

Sakura blushes and covers up a yawn, "But Sasuke-kun. . ." When Sasuke glares she subsides and with a shrug snuggles up next to them, settling an arm around Sasuke's waist with a little giggle. Sasuke growls briefly but doesn't object otherwise. Naruto curls around his teammates but doesn't wake.
. . .

Kakashi arrives at the training grounds near noon, walking up to the sleeping trio silently. They lie in a pile, nestled together like a litter of puppies. Behind the mask his mouth curves into a smile and he murmurs to himself, "Heh. Cute. But allowing themselves to be caught unawares like that—" He jerks to the side to dodge the kunai thrown by a just woken Naruto, whose eyes are wide with remembered fear. From his position curled up against Naruto's stomach Sasuke glares at Kakashi from beneath his bangs.

Sakura extracts herself from the tangle and jumps to her feet, face red with embarrassment, "You're late!" Naruto scrambles to his feet beside her but Sasuke slowly stands looking as if nothing is out of the ordinary.

Kakashi raises a hand, "Yo, morning. I'm sorry but a black cat crossed my path and. . ." he trails off seeing the un-amused faces staring back at him. "Well then." Pulling out an alarm he sets it on a log, "Alarm set for noon. When I say 'ready, start.' the test begins." There is a jingle of bells and Kakashi remarks amiably, "The object is to get one of these bells from me before the time expires. Anyone who fails will be tied to the logs and have to watch the rest of us eat lunch." After a pause he continues, "They also fail to complete the mission and get sent back to the academy."

Sakura, looking worried, speaks up, "But sensei, there are only two bells."

"That way one will definitely fail. It may only be one of you or it may be all three." Kakashi attaches the bells to his waist, "By the way, you are free to use shuriken and any techniques you believe will be to your advantage. None of you will get a bell if you don't come at me with killing intent." When none of the three make a comment he shrugs, "Very well. Ready, start!"

In a flash all three disappear. Kakashi looks around, stance relaxed, "Good. Everyone is hidden nicely—" With a slightly disappointed tone entering his voice he turns to face the figure perched on a small rise, "Naruto. . . Your tactics are a little strange. . ."

Face hard and determined Naruto glares down at Kakashi for a moment. He mouths, 'Now. A fair fight!' before rushing Kakashi, fist pulled back.

Kakashi sighs, "First lesson. Taijutsu." Countering his statement he reaches for his weapon pouch. Naruto skids and leaps to the side before coming at Kakashi again, hardly pausing when the weapon reveals itself as a book. Kakashi blocks Naruto's first punch without trying and eyes narrowing in frustration Naruto tries again, and again. Each move is blocked and his attacks become wilder, more off balance.

Suddenly there is nothing in the direction of his punch and Kakashi's voice comes from behind him, "You let your enemy get behind you too often."

Out of the bushes to the left Sakura's voice cries, "Run, Naruto! You'll be killed!" Naruto doesn't move from his position but his mouth twists into a smirk as Kakashi announces his technique.

Naruto flies up into the air and Kakashi smirks through the mask. A moment later his smirk turns to confusion as Naruto disappears from midair with a pop and a cloud of smoke. Before Kakashi can move he is forcibly restrained by an invisible object wrapping around him. His eye widens as he notices the shimmering at the edges of his restraint, "Chameleon no jutsu? How—?" Sensing something Kakashi jerks to the side and kicks out.

Naruto shimmers into view, fingers just brushing a bell, and then puffs into smoke as he flies back from the force of the kick. A second later another Naruto, swaying noticeably, also shimmers into view, this time proudly holding up one of the bells, jingling merrily from his fingers. But before he can bask in triumph the bell becomes a twig and Kakashi a log. Frowning he collapses to his knees and the nearly invisible Narutos holding the log puff out of existence.
. . .

Sasuke, crouched on a branch, frowns as he observes the scene, "Those weren't normal bunshin. . . and that other jutsu!" Pulling out several kunai and shuriken he mutters, "But Kakashi-sensei. . . So this is a jounin."
. . .

Kakashi frowns through the mask as he checks the trip wires and ropes from his vantage point in another tree, "That Naruto. Managing two extremely difficult jutsu as badly injured as he is. . ." His frown deepens when Naruto collapses to his side. "I should have insisted on waiting."

Down on the ground Naruto lifts his head to look blurrily up at Kakashi. Weakly he tries to get to his feet but only makes it to his knees before curling up and coughing. Kakashi takes a step forward, "Naruto. . ."

The five Narutos suddenly springing up around Kakashi grin tiredly and mouth, 'Yes?' before springing into the attack, joined by the Naruto on the ground.

Kakashi takes a hurried step back, defending himself against the attack and sending two clones into smoke puffs, "A ruse. . ." He dispatches another clone then exclaims in surprise at a sudden jerk.

Another Naruto, shimmering into sight, mouths, 'No. A trap.' as he sails by, holding a bell clutched in his hand. The impact with the ground a moment later causes Naruto to jerk with pain and the bell, dislodged by the jolt, rolls across the ground. The remaining clones leap for it but Kakashi is faster, grabbing it as he comes out from a quick roll and coming to his feet, stance completely relaxed.

Affixing the bell to his waist again Kakashi shakes his head, "Traps are useless if you can't follow through on the advantage they give you. Just planning out the trap isn't enough. But I suppose your performance is to be expected from the worst student in your class." With a jerk Kakashi turns, "Wha—?" Before he can even finish the sentence he is impaled by several kunai and shuriken. Naruto attempts to shout but ends up on his knees, coughing up blood. A second later there is another pop and Kakashi is replaced by a log.
. . .

Iruka knocks on the office door, "Hokage-sama! Naruto escaped again! I went to check on him during my break but—!"

The Hokage sighs, "I know. Kakashi informed me that he would be holding the Survival training for his team today rather than waiting. Apparently Naruto insisted."

"But Hokage-sama!"

The old man rests his chin on his hands, "I know, Iruka. But Naruto needs to learn his limits. If he learns them now he is less likely to get himself killed by disregarding them later. Besides, I'm sure Kakashi will take Naruto's injuries into account if necessary."

Iruka, mollified, nods, "Well then. . ." He fidgets for a moment, "About this Kakashi. . ."

"You've heard the rumors about him then?" The Hokage hands Iruka a book, "They're true. Kakashi's pass/fail records."

Glancing through the book Iruka's eyes widen, "He's really failed everyone!"

The Hokage sighs, "Even I don't know if those three are ready to face being ninja, especially Sasuke and now Naruto. And Kakashi has always made the correct decision in the past. Failing may be difficult for them but the alternative could be much, much worse."
. . .

Sasuke dashes through the dappled shadows, face grim, "Damn. I fell for his trap. He let me see his guard apparently down in order to find my location. Does he have no weak points?" He skids to a stop when he hears a feminine scream, "He must have gotten Sakura as well."
. . .

Naruto gets to his feat shakily, holding his hand to his head. 'Dizzy. Need to sit down for a sec.' With wobbly steps he makes his way towards the base of the nearby tree, clearly intending to rest in its shade. When he makes it to the base of the tree, however, there is a twang and he is hoisted up into the air by his ankles.
. . .

Scowling Sasuke approaches Kakashi, "You won't have such an easy time with me as the others."

Unconcerned Kakashi retorts, "Say that after you've gotten a bell." With ease he dodges the flurry of shuriken but his eye widens as Sasuke smirks and throws a single kunai. The sprung trap forces him to dodge towards Sasuke, in perfect range for Sasuke's next attack.

Sasuke throws a punch, followed immediately by a kick. Kakashi manages to block both but has difficulty with the second kick that flips Sasuke upside down. His hands occupied he almost looses a bell to Sasuke's reaching fingers. After he shoves Sasuke away he grudgingly admits, "Your skills are much better than Sakura's and more refined than Naruto's but that still won't change anything." Instead of replying Sasuke goes through a sequence of seals and Kakashi clearly looks surprised, "No genin should have enough chakra for that jutsu!"

"Katon: Goukyaku no jutsu!" The place Kakashi is standing becomes enveloped in a massive fireball and Sasuke smirks lightly as he lets the flames fade. When the smoke clears though, Sasuke looks around in worry, "Where! Above? Left?" With a startled sound Sasuke is pulled down by Kakashi ending up buried in the ground up to his chin.

Kakashi smirks and pats Sasuke on the head, "Stay there for a bit and think." Humming cheerily he walks off.
. . .

Naruto opens his eyes slowly, blinking twice at Sasuke's blurry face. Sasuke rolls his eyes, "Took you long enough to wake up, usaratonkachi. I can't believe you fell for such an obvious trap." Sasuke backs away allowing Naruto to sit up.

'What. . .' Naruto looks around, finally noticing Sakura tied to the post. 'Sakura-chan!' He winces and grabs at his throat.

Sasuke rolls his eyes, "When are you going to remember that you shouldn't try to speak right now?"

Looking around Naruto mouths. 'How? Why?' He nods in Sakura's direction.

Kakashi, coming out from behind, comments idly, "Sakura failed to even touch one of the bells. Therefore she is the one tied to the post as both you and Sasuke at least managed that." He hands bento boxes to the boys, "But good news; none of you will have to go back to the academy." He waits for a moment, taking in the excitement on their faces and continues, "You should all quit being ninja! You all missed the point of this test completely."

Sakura, looking longingly at the food, snaps, "Well. What is it then?"

"Why do you think you were put in a three man team?" When the three look at him blankly he continues, "Teamwork. And you three were pathetic. You, Naruto, worked completely on your own not even thinking about the others. You, Sakura, were clearly more concerned with Sasuke, whom who didn't even know where he was, than Naruto who you could have helped. Sasuke, you also acted alone assuming that the others weren't worth working with, even though you saw how well Naruto did. Had you three worked together you could have gotten a bell or two."

"But sensei! There were only two bells! You were pitting us against one another! How do you expect us to work together when one of us would have to give up a chance at becoming a genin!" Sakura struggles angrily against the ropes.

"That's the point." Kakashi sighs, "This test prioritizes working together for the good of the group in spite of personal sacrifice. Ninja work in teams and acting without teamwork endangers not only the mission but your teammates as well." Kakashi turns and walks towards a black stone monument tracing his fingers over a name carved into the stone, "Your teammates should be your most important friends, close as family. You have to take care of them." The statement is almost spoken to himself and there is a long silence before Naruto tugs at Kakashi's sleeve.

Looking curious Naruto mouths, 'What is this?'

"A cenotaph. The names of heroes are carved here, those killed in the line of duty. My friends are on this stone." Looking down at Naruto Kakashi straightens, "I've decided to give you three another chance. After lunch you can try for the bells again but the task will be much more difficult." He walks off, "Oh, and don't give Sakura anything to eat. After her pathetic performance she doesn't deserve it. Break the rules and you will fail." With that he disappears.

Sasuke sighs and starts eating, "We need to come up with a plan."

Naruto nods, staring at his own untouched food. Moments later both boys look up as Sakura's stomach rumbles. After a moment of contemplation Naruto stands up and lifts some rice to her lips. Sakura glances around worriedly, "Naruto! Sensei said. . . If he sees. . ."

Naruto smiles brightly. 'I'm taking care of my teammate. That's what this test is about right?'

Sakura stares hard at Naruto's lips, attempting to figure out what he's saying, "But you'll fail."

'As long as you're ok. . . I'll just become a ninja a little late, that's all.'

Sasuke, watching the exchange closely, chimes in, "Naruto is right. If you don't eat you'll be weakened and that will jeopardize the team. Besides I don't sense him around anywhere. We should be ok if we hurry."

Sakura takes the offered bite and frowns when Naruto holds up another, "But Naruto, what about you? You should eat too." Naruto just shakes his head and smiles.

She is about to take another bite when Kakashi appears out of nowhere looking furious. "You three! You broke the rules! Prepare for punishment!"

Naruto turns and starts to yell but collapses to the ground grabbing his throat. Sasuke is at his side steadying him instantly, glaring at Kakashi, "We're a three man team right?"

Sakura pipes up, "Yeah! We three are one!"

"'We three are one,' huh?" Kakashi steps forward and suddenly leans down, clearly smiling through the mask, "You pass!"

All three look up in confusion and Sakura speaks up, "Huh? Why?"

"Ninja who break the rules are called scum but those who don't take care of their friends are worse than scum." Kakashi grins, "You three are the first. All the others just listened to what I said and didn't think for themselves. You pass!" He pauses to wait for the mini-celebration to die down, "However. . ."

Sasuke turns a very faint worried look on Kakashi, "What?"

"Because of Naruto's injuries we won't be able to complete any missions." Kakashi continues quickly, addressing Naruto, "And don't complain to me. The Hokage assigns missions and he has refused to assign us any until you have been given a clean bill of health from the hospital." Kakashi pulls out a stack of paper, "But. . . I have prepared some training we can all do while we wait." He hands the papers out to Sasuke and Sakura.

Sakura blinks, looking over Sasuke's shoulder as he leafs through the papers, "Sign-language? Codes? What is this for?"

Naruto looks away, hand touching his throat, and Kakashi speaks, sounding concerned, "Naruto's vocal chords were irreparably damaged. So in order to communicate effectively you three will need to learn new methods." Sakura looks shocked, tears gathering in her eyes and Sasuke frowns, tentatively reaching out to squeeze Naruto's shoulder in a supportive gesture but he stops half way and pulls back, scowling. Kakashi smiles at the three, "So, we'll meet tomorrow in Naruto's hospital room at 7 A.M. to work on things. Let's go."

Naruto smiles at Sasuke and together they untie Sakura before following. Sakura gives Naruto a very quick, sisterly hug and attempts to give Sasuke a longer one but he shrugs her off. Then they both scramble to catch Naruto as he collapses.
. . .
. . .

Cyber-"There. End of chapter four. Next chapter starts the first big arc! But for now, leave me some reviews. Ja ne!"

Review responses:

Thanks to: Hitomi No Ryu, vampchic, YJ, silverfox, moonprincess90, Kyuubi-kun, quiche, blisblop, tiggra, wolvesm0on, Princess Kitana, OOF, Ndigo, D-sama, GorunNova, Aznkendoboy124, Crimson Skies, Kyuzo, Dairokkan, MysteryLady-Tx, chinadoll27, BigAznDaddy99, Cayasha, Shinadagami

To Shadow117: Thank you for the review. As for Sakura, I quite like her but I have no intention of glorifying her and reducing her faults. And unfortunately, which you said yourself, she would have acted similarly to the way I wrote her at the beginning of the series. Of course, not being the creator of Naruto I can't get her exactly perfect. . . I might have overdone it just a bit but I honestly don't think by much. But fans of Sakura shouldn't worry too much. She'll get her epiphany!haircut soon enough.

To Yum: Thanks for the review, and the thing about commas. Hopefully my comma use will improve as a result. As for Naruto's reaction. . . Well he would have acted more violently if he hadn't tried to shout and ended up in extreme pain (though he wouldn't have attempted to take off the mask). And Sakura was too busy moping about Sasuke to notice the masks being the same. After all Naruto only has the mask pulled up to his chin so the similarity isn't readily seen.

To Jennifer: Thanks for the wonderful review! Fan art? Really? I'd love to see some fan art for this. Glad you like the story enough to contemplate some.

To Ruby Soul: Thank you for the review. And Sasuke. . . In hindsight the petting (and the pillow) probably was a bit much, though it does become important that it is one of the things that help cements the idea of Sasuke and Naruto being in a relationship in Sakura's mind. Sasuke should become more withdrawn and true to canon in upcoming chapters. The shock of having someone nearly dying (in his mind at least) on him and the reluctant feeling of duty to help out an injured comrade should fade as Naruto heals.