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'

Random fic Rec: If you are a fan of Naru/Sasu, and haven't read this fic yet, I recommend "Lace and Strawberries" by Asuka Kureru (It can be found at AdultFanfiction. net). I found it very appealing. So appealing that I even paid homage to it, briefly, in this chapter.

Cyber-"The beginning of the first arc of the story! Hurrah! Now off we go!"

Hush

Chapter 5

Conspiracy Theory

Sakura yawns slightly as she walks down the street, holding the papers loosely in her hands. As she passes a flower shop though, she is stopped by a voice calling out to her.

"Sakura!" Ino rushes out the door, "How are things? Did you guys pass the test?"

Sakura gives her a cool look, "Yes."

Ino grins, "Wonderful! So you're heading out for your first day of missions then? It's so exciting, isn't it?" She frowns, "Even though I got stuck with Shikamaru and Chouji. . ." She elbows Sakura playfully, "So tell me about Sasuke-kun and Naruto! Catch any special moments between them?"

"Sasuke-kun. . ." Sakura sniffs, "Sasuke-kun said that Naruto uses him as a plushie!"

Ino grins, "Ooh. I'd pay to see that." She pauses thoughtfully, "You know, at first I was upset about it but now that it's settled in. . . Sasuke-kun and Naruto go well with each other. Like the sun and the moon or something." Ino squeals with delight, "Really, two cute boys cuddling or holding hands! So sweet!"

"It's not sweet, it's horrible! I've lost Sasuke-kun forever and, and all I did was faint yesterday and Naruto and. . ." Sakura pauses in her rant, "Two cute boys? Naruto isn't. . ."

Ino turns on her, raising an eyebrow, "Haven't you gotten a look at Naruto since we graduated? He's. . . adorable! Not nearly as cute as Sasuke-kun but he's going to grow up to be so hot! Too bad he's Sasuke-kun's. . . Anyway since he got rid of that hideous orange thing and quieted down you can really notice how nice looking he is." She pauses, "Surprising really. I don't remember hearing him speak at all during the explanatory meeting. Sasuke-kun must be rubbing off on him."

"He can't. . ."

"Can't?" Ino looks puzzled, "Who can't what?"

Sakura drags her into a small ally, "Naruto can't speak. I probably shouldn't tell you this; Naruto didn't seem to want anyone to find out."

"What! How?"

"Mizuki-sensei attacked him, cut his throat, and now he can't speak." Sakura bites her lip, "I feel so bad for him. I overheard Sasuke-kun and Iruka-sensei talking about Naruto's childhood day before yesterday. It sounded horrible. . . how Naruto was neglected and abused and how he's so starved for any sort of attention that he'd. . ." Sakura wipes away stray tears, "I know why Sasuke-kun scolded me for complaining about my parents now."

Ino swallows, "I feel like such a horrible person now for treating Naruto so badly all this time."

"Why Ino?" Sakura looks at her closely, "All the adults seem to hate Naruto, my mother, your father, just about everyone's parents really. Mizuki-sensei hated him enough to try and kill him! Sure he is, was, annoying and played pranks but that's just because he was so lonely and wanted attention. There's no reason. . ."

"You're right. I'll ask Asuma-sensei today, maybe he knows." Ino frowns, "It just isn't right."

"Ask what?" The boy leaning against the corner of the building frowns, the puppy in his arms whining.

"Kiba!" Sakura shrieks in surprise. After a moment she asks, "Do your parents hate Naruto?"

Kiba tilts his head, "Hmm. Well, I wouldn't say they hated Naruto but they definitely don't like him, or trust him, at all. I never could figure out why. I'm almost as bad with pranks and stuff as he is and my mother tends to laugh at them more than scold me, unless I do something really dangerous. My sister too." He blinks, "Why you asking?"

"Ino and I were trying to figure out a reason that all the adults hate Naruto. So far we've come up with nothing." Sakura frowns, "It's not right. Naruto isn't bad at all. . . now that I actually look at him. He even gave me his lunch yesterday."

Kiba shrugs, "Heh. I'll ask Kurenai-sensei. Maybe she knows. But I've got to go. I'm going to be late for our team meeting. I was supposed to meet everybody on the steps outside Hokage tower at 7."

Ino gasps, "Damn! I'm going to be late too!"

Sakura cries out in dismay, "Oh no! I was supposed to be at the hospital five minutes ago!"

"Hospital?" Ino and Kiba chorus, wearing identical looks of confusion. A moment later Ino claps her hand over her mouth, "oh!"

Sakura, in response to Kiba's confusion, throws over her shoulder as she takes off, "Mizuki-sensei tried to kill Naruto! But don't tell anybody."
. . .

"Yo. Kurenai-sensei. Sorry I'm late." Kiba waves, "Hinata, Shino." The other two genin nod in response.

Kurenai crosses her arms, "Do you have a reason?"

Kiba nods, "Found out Naruto is in the hospital. . ." After a moment's indecision he asks, "Do you know why everybody hates him? I could never figure it out."

For several minutes there is silence as Kurenai looks away, refusing to make eye contact or speak. Then she glares at Kiba, "Don't be late again. Now, our first mission. . ."

Kiba starts to say something but a hand on his arm and a head shake from Shino quiets him.
. . .

Ino rushes up to Shikamaru and Chouji, wincing as a bearded man steps out of the shadows, "Sorry I'm late, Asuma-sensei. I was talking to Sakura about Naruto being in the hospital. Mizuki-sensei tried to kill him!"

Chouji drops his chips and Shikamaru's eyes widen slightly before he sighs, "How troublesome." Asuma frowns and lights a cigarette.

Looking determined Ino marches up to Asuma, "Asuma-sensei, everyone hates Naruto. Tell me why."

Asuma blows out smoke then stubs the cigarette against the wall, "Alright team. Let's move out."

"Asuma-sensei! You didn't answer my question!" Ino fumes and Shikamaru groans.

Without turning around Asuma murmurs, "You're getting in over your head with this. Don't pursue it."
. . .

Sakura rushes into the hospital room looking slightly harried. She stops dead at the scene before her and blushes. Iruka again occupies the lone chair by the bed and Sasuke sits next to Naruto at the head of the bed, the tight space wedging them close together. Both boys have looks of concentration on their faces as they copy the hand signs Iruka is showing them.

Iruka nods, "That's good. Now try these again, it's Sasuke's name." He goes through a short series of signs. Sasuke repeats them carefully and gets them right but Naruto messes up in the middle and frowns. Iruka shows him the signs again emphasizing the missed sign, "It's Sasuke not Saki."

Sasuke smirks, "You can't even get my name right, dobe."

Naruto gives Sasuke the finger and turns back to the hand signs. A moment later he catches sight of Sakura and waves cheerily before forming a series of signs. /Sakura-chan/

Sakura moves into the room, looking a little puzzled. Iruka explains, "That's your name, Sakura. Or rather it's Sakura-chan. Naruto got it very quickly but he can't seem to manage Sasuke." Iruka stands up, "Anyway I should be leaving for work now so you can have the chair." He waves goodbye and walks out.

Sakura settles in the chair, fidgeting nervously, "So. . . umm. What have you learned so far?"

Sasuke sighs, "Hello, goodbye, yes, no and our names. And chan because Naruto insisted."

Sakura smiles brightly, the smile only a little faked, and asks, "So, can you show me Sasuke-kun?"
. . .

Kakashi sighs and rubs his thumb over the names in the worn stone, "Well Obito, Sensei, I should be going now. My team will be waiting." He chuckles sadly as if in response to a comment, "And don't worry, I'll take care of them. Especially Sasuke and Naruto."
. . .

Sakura, nibbling on some rice, fidgets, "Sasuke-kun. . ." She swallows, "I've been wondering. Why don't you like me? I've tried so hard. Tell me the truth, everything."

Naruto perks up and Sasuke scowls, "You're weak. You have no dedication. You spend time fawning over me that you should be spending training to improve yourself. You're annoying." Naruto glares and elbows Sasuke in the ribs as Sakura's eyes well up with tears. Sasuke, looking annoyed, continues, "But you're my teammate. Get rid of your faults and I will. . . respect you."

Sakura, looking stricken, wipes her eyes, "Alright. I'll do it."

Naruto smiles and scribbles on his pad, -And I'll help any way I can! We'll be the best team ever!-

"Yo." Kakashi strolls in casually, "Morning."

"You're late! It's after noon!" Sakura scowls then pauses, remembering something, "Anyway. I have a question. Everyone, all of the adults, hate Naruto. There must be a reason. Do you know?" Naruto visibly flinches and Sasuke gives him a worried look.

Kakashi remains still, his frown barely disturbing the mask. After several moments he says cheerily, "I'm an adult and I don't hate Naruto."

Sasuke frowns, "Sakura is right. I've been wondering why all of the older ninja in the village hate Naruto too. I think you know."

Kakashi scowls for a split second then shrugs, "Can't say."

"But Sensei!"

"I can't say." Kakashi stresses the can't and then continues as if nothing happened, "Anyway, what have you three learned so far?"
. . .

The Hokage looks over his desk at Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma, "Yes? Is there trouble with your teams?" His question is clearly just a formality by its tone.

Kurenai starts, voice worried, "Today Kiba asked me out of the blue why everyone hated Naruto! It's against the law to even hint at the reason. I had no idea what to say."

"Ino did the same thing." Asuma frowns, "I tried to warn her off but she's a stubborn girl. I'm worried she'll get herself in trouble if she continues on this."

"I'm worried about their reaction if any of the younger ones find out." Kurenai adds.

Kakashi chimes in, "Sakura is also asking, and Sasuke. I don't think either will give up on this."

"What do we do, Hokage-sama?" Kurenai's voice is strained, looking for support.

The Hokage chuckles, "This is actually a good thing. If the children are questioning their elders the cycle of hate may be broken." Taking in the looks from the three assembled jounin he sighs, "As to what to do. . . The law is still in effect. If they discover the truth or Naruto decides to tell them himself all we can do is help them form a true opinion of Naruto's heroism." He looks around the room mildly, "Is there anything else?"
. . .

A faint blush covering her cheeks, Hinata peeks into the hospital room, "N-Naruto-kun?" her voice is quiet, barely a whisper.

Naruto looks up from studying a scroll. He smiles and waves her in. The shy girl advances into the room holding a vase with several miniature sunflowers. She puts them on the small stand beside the bed, blushing at Naruto's bright smile, and fidgets, looking down at the ground. The silence in the room deepens and stretches.

Naruto tilts his head, smile fading. He picks up a scroll from the pile scattered on the bed and studies it for several minutes, repeatedly glancing at Hinata who several times looks like she is about to say something but remains silent. Satisfied with the scroll, Naruto sets it down on the bed and very carefully, and slowly, forms several hand signs. /Thank you, Hi/ Naruto pauses to look at the scroll again/Hinata-chan./ Short sentence complete Naruto rests his hands on the covers, grinning proudly.

Hinata looks at Naruto with shock. She starts to say something but stops just as quickly, fiddling with her fingers and blushing again. Naruto waits for a moment then rolls his eyes, grabbing his notepad. –Sit. Hinata-chan.- Hinata just blinks at him, blush deepening. Naruto frowns, trying to make his expression gentle and not quite pulling it off. –Sit down. Please. Go on.- Finally Hinata sits stiffly in the chair keeping her head down.

The silence stretches out again, Naruto becoming increasingly annoyed. He taps his pencil on the notepad to get Hinata's attention and scribbles out a note. –You're too quiet. Say something, please.-

"Na-Naruto-kun, I. . ." Hinata stalls and fidgets again.

Naruto rubs his head. –Do I scare you? Is that why. . .- He bites his lip nervously.

"N-No! I. . ."

Flashing her with a bright smile, Naruto presents her with another note. –Then say something! I know you can do it!-

Hinata blushes deeply and stutters for a moment before managing to say, "I. . . Umm, that was sign language?"

Naruto grins encouragingly. –Yeah. I'm learning it.- Hinata nods and looks down again, apparently afraid to say something. Naruto fidgets for a minute and begins to write. –You're probably wondering why I'm in here right? So. . . Mizuki-sensei-bastard tried to kill me and he cut my throat. So I can't talk anymore. But it's ok because I'm learning sign language and stuff and I'm still a ninja!- Upon seeing her distraught expression in response to reading his note he quickly scribbles, -Don't cry, Hinata-chan. I'm fine. I even get to start on missions as soon as I get released. And Iruka-sensei says that I'll be able to get a lot better at stealth and stuff now. So what if I can't talk! It's really annoying but I can deal with it and besides I've got other people who can talk for me. Iruka-sensei and Kakashi-sensei and Sakura-chan and Sasuke. . . Though Sasuke doesn't talk much.-

Hinata looks like she wants to say something but blushes and fidgets some more. Naruto patiently sits and waits for her to speak. After several minutes though his patience wares thin and the pencil begins to tap against his thigh. Finally Hinata looks up, still not quite making eye contact, and blushing deep crimson stutters out, "I-I. . . I want to, to talk for you too, N-Naruto-kun!" After she gets the sentence out she deflates a little, looking relieved.

Naruto brightens. –Really? That's great, Hinata-chan!- His expression becomes teasing as he scribbles his next sentence. –But you should talk more for yourself before you talk for me. You're so shy and quiet. Lots of times nobody probably even knows you're there. Speak up a bit. Speak out and stand up for yourself and show everybody what a cool person you are!-

"You really think so?" Hinata's voice is so quiet that Naruto has to lean closer to hear her.

He grins. –Sure! It never hurts to be loud once and a while. It makes people notice you. Be bold Hinata-chan! You can do it! You can even practice on me if you want.-

Hinata blushes and whispers, "I. . . ok."

'Come on. You can be louder than that.' Naruto mouths the words and grasps her hand, gently squeezing. 'Try it. Nice and loud!'

"Ok!" Hinata blushes and looks surprised at the sudden volume of her voice.

Naruto, however grins broadly in victory. 'See? You did it!' He grabs the notepad and scribbles on a clean page before ripping it out and handing it to her. 'Here. Maybe this'll help. I write myself notes all the time to remind me of things.'

Hinata takes the note and reads it, blushing. –Hinata-chan, I know you're strong under all that shyness. Go out and show the world how strong you are! Naruto- Even redder than before Hinata stutters out, "Th-thank you, Naruto-kun."

Naruto squeezes her hand and mock frowns. 'Remember! You can be louder than that!'

"Thank, Thank you, Naruto-kun." Naruto looks quite pleased with her improvement and Hinata manages a small smile through her blush. Her smile falters a moment later as Naruto yawns, followed immediately by a wince and a cough. Biting her lips she whispers, "You must be. . ." She stops and clutching Naruto's note repeats more loudly, "You must be tired. I'll go now." Naruto nods and Hinata walks to the door, clutching the note close, "Bye, Naruto-kun."

Naruto waves happily/Bye! Hinata-chan/ 'See you around!'
. . .
. . .

Cyber-"That's the end of this chapter. Next chapter find out if Sakura, Ino and Kiba can start to solve the mystery surrounding Naruto! I hope to see reviews but until next chapter, ja ne!"

Review responses:

Thanks to: yukiko, Hitomi No Ryu, bookworm51485, SilentInquisition, Erika, Biokinetic, SWoD, Annoyance, vampchic, silverfox, no one nose, Emina, Mar, Temari's Fan, blisblop, Danny, Dairokkan, Cayasha, Turtle Kid, tiggra, Ruby Soul, MysteryLady-Tx, chinadoll27, Lyfe.exe, Princess Kitana, Lostlily, Delinka, ShadowCelest117, Skittles the Sugar Fairy, Tenshikoneko03, kawaiineziumi, Rosemarykiss, Christy, Dragon'sSword, Totaljammer, ginger tears, Satern Mya, bloodofakiller, hotohori's empress

To Yum: Thanks for the review. As to your questions. . . Kakashi didn't know who would be tied to the post and therefore had to have two meals prepared. And giving the meal to Naruto, well, he had his reasons and I'll let you all decide what they are. Remember, neither Sasuke or Sakura is aware that Naruto is incapable of eating right now, only that he is injured. And no, Naruto hasn't been getting food, other than a little water and such. The I.V. provides nutrients.

To thuyhy-thuyhy: Thanks for the review. And no, I am not Chinese. My FF .net screen-name was given to me by a Chinese-Canadian friend (though I have since come to doubt its authenticity) and that is why I use it.