My Way of the Ninja
Chapter 3
Title - The Desert Town
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in Naruto.
Kakashi looked at Naruto, saying "Yes Gaara is the leader of the Sand Village. He's changed over the years, Naruto. Mostly because of you, but this is something he would want to tell you. So let's get going."
Naruto thought for a minute, "Kakashi, if we weren't with you, how fast could you make it to the Village of Sand? By yourself mind you." asked Naruto
"I would say two and half days. Why do you want to know?" asked Kakashi
"Well the report said that Kankuro was poisoned, right? Secondly, and some of the other Sand Ninja were injured. Finally add in the fact that Kazekage has been kidnaped. This leaves the village open to attack by the Sound Ninja Village. If Sound finds out, the Sand will be in big trouble. Am I right?" asked Naruto
"That could be true." said Kakashi "I hadn't thought of that..."
"Naruto, did just use your brain...?" said Sakura in a teasing manner
"Right now that is not the point. What I'm trying to say is, that I can make it to the Sand Village by tonight. If I run at my full speed anyway." said Naruto
"Naruto that's impossible, no one can run that fast. Not even Lee could do it." said Sakura
"So, Naruto when did you learn your father's technique? I ask only because only Yellow Flash could run that fast." said Kakashi
"Anyway, the objective was to secure the area, and the fastest way to do that is to get to the village of Sand, before anyone else does. My point is that, I can make it there by tonight and take Sakura with me to heal the wounded. While Sakura helps with the wounded, I can help secure the village. Once you arrive, we can go to get the Kazekage back. Also this would give us time to get an update on the situation there." said Naruto. "What do you think?"
Sakura walked up to him and asked, "Who are you, and what have you done with Naruto?"
"Wow Naruto, you have changed?" said Kakashi
"Well I have grown up. The only thing is, to do all this Kakashi, since I am still just a Genin, I would need your permission." said Naruto.
Kakashi closed his eye for a minute. He was thinking about Naruto's plan. He made sense in a lot of ways. Also this would get the Sand Village more prepared in case someone did try to attack. "Alright, I agree." said Kakashi
"Wow, Naruto you have a good idea for a change." said Sakura.
"To think you actually sound smart Naruto."
"Thanks, well I am the most unpredictable ninja in the world, right? Anyway, Sakura hold this would you?" said Naruto as he threw his sword over to Sakura. He fixed his backpack so it was hanging on the front of his body. Then he formed the seal of the tiger. Concentrating for a minute, he said "Release!" All of sudden chakra energy that was visably gathered around both Naruto's wrists and ankles, shattered and disappeared.
Naruto stretched his body, saying "Man, it's good to have those things off again. Sakura hop on my back, let's go." said Naruto as he kneeled down for her to get on.
"What the hell was that? Also why do have to get on your back?" asked Sakura as she blushed at bit.
"First answer, family secret. Two, the only way for me to get us both there in time, is for me to carry you." said Naruto
"NO WAY!" screamed Sakura, as she stomped her foot into the ground, causing a crack in the earth.
"Look, we can go about this one of two ways. One is you get on my back and I run as fast as I can to the Sand Village, or if you'd prefer, I carry you in my arms." said Naruto
Sakura bit her lip, both ways were embarrassing
"Hey Naruto, maybe you should just pick her up and carry her there. People will start thinking you're going out or something." said Kakashi
"Fine, jeeze you two are jerks." said Sakura as she climbed onto Naruto's back and got settled. 'Man he has been working out, I mean these muscles are so toned. He feels so comfortable...AHAHAH WHAT THE HELL AM I SAYING?' Thought INNER SAKURA.
Naruto stood up and looked at Kakashi and "See ya.."
The next thing that happened amazed Kakashi. Naruto disappeared, with amazing speed. The thing that amazed him the most was there was no sound, no teltale marks on the ground. Nothing indicated that the boy was running.
"That was amazing, Naruto. You are truly the son of Yellow Flash." Kakashi thought.
Meanwhile Naruto and Sakura...
Sakura was amazed as well. She couldn't figure out how fast they were going. In fact she didn't even know that Naruto could do this at all. 'This is so cool! Hey, what is that around my waist.' thought Sakura as she looked down and saw Naruto's tail wrapped around her waist. "Naruto, why is your tail around my waist?" said Sakura
"Just to make sure you don't fall off. Anyway hold on tight." said Naruto as he continued to run, as some crazy speed.
Sakura held her ear against Naruto's back, and listened to his heart beat. He felt so warm and comfortable, she didn't want to move at all. The quiet rhythm of his heartbeat soon lulled her to sleep before she could catch herself nodding off.
Suddenly, Sakura felt someone nudging her. She didn't want to get up right now. Then someone started to tickle her, and that was it. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" screamed Sakura as she punched someone right in the face with all of her strength. She looked around and saw Temari with a look of shock standing in the doorway. "So we made it in time, umm...where is Naruto. Temari pointed to the wall to her right and there hanging through the wall was Naruto's limp body. "Naruto?" 'How did he end in up in the wall?' thought Sakura. "OH MY GOD!" She exclaimed as she realized she was how he ended up in the wall.
"Naruto, I am so sorry." she apologized, making sure the poor guy was okay. She made a mental note to herself that a slap from her was now a punch to everyone else.
A hand came up and she heard Naruto's voice, "I'm...otay. Jus a litle pai..."
"Damn Sakura, remind me never to wake you up. I don't want to feel that." said Temari with a smile. "Anyway, can you take a look at Kankuro, because no one knows what kinda of poison he was injected with." said Temari with eyes that were pleading.
"Where's the patient?" said Sakura as she stood up, her mind focused on the mission at hand once more.. "Naruto, aren't you coming?"
"Yeah, just give me a minute." said Naruto as he pulled himself up to a standing position, rubbing his head.
They reached the medical room, where Kankuro was resting, as well as someone who had been poisoned could rest.. Sakura could easily tell just by looking at his face that the poison was very strong. Standing in the room was Baki, an old lady, and old man, some other doctors. The old lady was talking to Baki "I've never seen a poison like this. I don't have anyway to cure him. I am sorry." said the old lady
Sakura ran in, "I will examine the patient. Please stand back." said Sakura as she ran to Kankuro's side to begin the emanation. "Can you tell any details about what happened?" said Sakura to the Med Nin's. "No, all we know was that he was attacked by someone." said One of the Med Nin's. Also that he was poi..."
The Medical Ninja was cut off by the screaming voice "DEMON!"
She turned around to see the old lady launch herself into the air, about to attack Naruto. Naruto didn't even flinch as he caught her kick and threw her back to where she was. She landed and went into a defensive position, along with the old man. Baki stood where he was, but was shaking in fear. Naruto looked at the old lady and man. "What the hell is your problem?" said Naruto
"You are a demon. Leave or we will kill you." said the old man
"Demons are not allowed to be here. They bring trouble and danger."
Naruto looked at them, he then looked at Baki, who was still shaking, and sighed.
"Very well. I will leave the room, however I will be going with Temari to begin preparations. If you're going to have a problem with me, then I suggest you get it out now." said Naruto "But know this, I am not leaving until I bring Gaara back. I don't care what you think of me, but get in my way and you'll be laying in that same bed over there." said Naruto as he walked out of the room.
"Sakura, who was that?" asked Baki.
"Uzumaki Naruto, he has changed over the years, but he's still Naruto." said Sakura as she looked at Baki with a slight smile. She went back to working on Kankuro, she needed to work fast so that the poison could not spread further. After finishing with Kankuro, she went to work on one of the ninja that were hurt during the attack.
When Sakura finally went to her room, she was exhausted. 'I at least got a few patients up and running again, and was able to find a cure for the poison. But Kankuro will be in bed for a couple days. Speaking of beds, where is mine?.'
She opened her door to only find Naruto sitting by the windowsill,. seeming to be deep in his own thoughts. She just looked at him and noticed that in the moonlight, he still looked pretty hot.
'Wait a minute this is my room, what the hell is he doing here?' thought Sakura.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing? I mean, you were in the medical area for a while. Sorry I couldn't stay with you, but I didn't want to cause any more problems. Besides, I bet everyone is doing a lot better now because of you." said Naruto as he continued to look at the moon. "Come on, get some rest. I will see you tomorrow." said Naruto.
"Okay, Naruto. Are you okay, I mean what that old bitch said back there must of hurt." she said as she took a couple steps towards him
"I mean, I could lie and say no. But you would know I lied. Besides I can't lie to you Sakura-chan. You've gone through enough already, and I don't want to cause you any more pain. Lie down, I'll play you a song I made up." said Naruto as he pulled out the flute his father made for him.
He started to play, it had a nice melody to it. Sakura clutched the necklace that he gave her the other day. The melody took over her thoughts, she started to remember the old times of Team Seven. The good days. Soon she was crying, weeping because those days were over. Sasuke left her, even after she said that she loved him. Then Naruto came back hurt, injured from trying to get back Sasuke. Her tears were falling freely.
"Naruto, I...I...am sorry." said Sakura. Naruto stopped playing, and looked at her, with his own eyes, which had also begun to tear up.
"Why would you say something like that Sakura? You don't have to apologize for anything. You have done nothing wrong, if anything, I should apologize. I never told you anything about my past, or about myself. I would make you angry for stupid reasons just to get your attention. Then I couldn't bring Sasuke back to you. I should apologize for all the things I did wrong in the past. I was a foolish child, now I am a demon..." said Naruto until he was cut off by slap to the face.
"You idiot, how many times do I have to tell you that you are not a monster? You, are Uzumaki Naruto, and you don't need to apologize for anything that you've done. You are a person that cares too much, if anything. You take on too many burdens. If anything, I'm to blame because I shouldn't have put the burden of Sasuke on your shoulders. I don't want to you to push your dream to the side for anyone, not even me. You have a power that most people wished they had. You can bring out a person's true feelings, no matter how far into the darkness they are. So what? You may be a demon, but you are still Naruto. You are a man that's done so much for the people you know, that I don't even think you realize that you have." said Sakura with tears falling freely, she wrapped her arms around herself. "I treated you unfairly, all those years ago. I never once considered your feelings, during any of our time together on team seven. I thought you were just an idiot, that we were powerful because Sasuke was on the team. When you left, I thought that I would never see you again. I had nightmares of you being killed by Sasuke because of me. I still have them because Naruto, you were the only person that said that I wasn't a burden. So, Naruto can you ever forgive me for all the pain I have caused you?" finished Sakura as she turned away from him.
"Sakura-chan..." said Naruto as he hopped down.
He stood behind her, see her shoulders move up and down shakingly, knowing she was crying.
"I bet it's been hard the past few years on you. I know you couldn't talk to anyone about these emotions you've been holding inside you. I'm positive that it hurt put those feelings aside, so you could look strong." Naruto put his arms around her in a hug, "I am here Sakura, if you want to talk about it, we can. I will never leave you again. I will be there whenever you need me. So tell me about everything you have been feeling these two years." said Naruto with a sincere voice.
Soon, Sakura released herself from his embrace and was sitting on the bed. He pulled a chair over and he sat down.
"Well when Sasuke left, I told him things that I never told anyone before..." started Sakura.
The conversation continued through the night, with Sakura and Naruto sharing the feelings they put away for over two years.
Sakura awoke the next morning before Naruto, but what surprised her the most was she was laying on Naruto. At first she was shocked, but then she recalled the night before. The conversation they shared. The feelings that were told. She got up and decided to bring Naruto back some breakfast. As she left the room, she ran into Temari.
"Hey Sakura, so how did you sleep last night, especially with Naruto in your room. Hmmm...?" asked Temari with silly grin.
"Oh we slept fine, ...What a minute, how do you know about that?" asked a now blushing Sakura
"Well I was on guard duty last night. I walked past your room a couple of times and notice the light next door turned off. Then I looked in Naruto's room and saw he wasn't there. Then I checked on you and lo' and behold I saw you lying on Naruto. Must of been some night, I didn't think you had it in you." said Temari
Sakura was as red as a beet. She looked at the floor. "It wasn't like that, we just talked and he laid down and I fell asleep too. Nothing happened. Anyway, care to join me for breakfast?" said Sakura, trying to change the subject.
"Sure, but I want details." said Temari
Naruto woke about an hour later. He sat up and remembered the previous night. Her scent was all over him. It was driving his senses crazy. He looked around the room, and saw some fruit with some milk on the table. He walked over to it, and saw a note.
Good Morning Naruto
Anyway I'm sorry, but I had to go down the medical wing to check on a couple things. So I brought you some breakfast. See you later.
PS Thanks for last night
Sakura
'So did you finally, tell her.' asked Kyuubi
'I told you before, that I can't do that to her. She loves someone else. He was my best friend. I promised to bring him back. So why do you want me to tell that 'secret'. I can't, she has too many burdens as it is.' spoke Naruto
'Kid as I said before to you: Never live your life with regrets. You might lose something one day. She is the most important thing to you, trust me I know. The point is that you have to be selfish sometimes. You can't always live your life for others. You have done enough already. Don't you want a little happiness?' said Kyuubi
'You know why, so don't try to feed me that. I can't give her everything she wants.' spoke Naruto as he cut off the link. He didn't want to hear Kyuubi's philosophy on life. "I better go check out the defenses this village has right now. After I check the woods, I will go see Sakura-chan."
Naruto went around the city looking for any weaknesses. Instead, what he found made him angry. This town was completely on the defensive. They had plenty of ninja protecting the town, and yet it looked like no one was going after Gaara. Naruto went back to the main Hokage tower in the Sand Village. On the way, he saw Gaara's Jounin Instructor, Baki. Naruto jumped down from the top of the building to land behind him.
"Baki, I want some answers, here and now. Why in the hell are you not going after your Kazekage? You have more then enough man power. Is because of what Gaara is, a demon container?" said Naruto
"Well there are two reasons. One is the council believes that going after Kazekage at this time is impossible. Second is that the older generation of the council fear him. Lastly there are those that think that this was an easy way to get rid of him." said Baki "Naruto I know that..." Baki didn't have a chance to say anything, as he was forcibly turned around and punched square in the face.
"YOU BASTARD, HOW DARE YOU SPEAK ABOUT GAARA LIKE THAT! IT WAS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MADE HIM THE WAY HE WAS, AND NOW YOU TURN YOUR BACKS ON HIM!" screamed Naruto "I'M GOING TO TALK THAT COUN..."
"No, Naruto you misunderstand. This was Gaara's plan, in case this did happen. Right now without a Kazekage, we are vulnerable to an attack. Gaara protected this village during the fight. The thing is, if he didn't have to protect the village, he would of won that fight. Gaara has changed over the years. He says he does this the things he does, to become like you. He protects the villagers, even when the older generation fears him. However all the ninja of the Sand know Gaara is a great leader. If anything Naruto, he would want us to protect our village, our people." said Baki "I am sorry to tell you this."
Naruto was shaking in anger. These people, would just throw away a great warrior to protect their own asses.. He glared at Baki. Sure, he understood Gaara and the village's reasoning, but that didn't mean he had to like it. "If you need me, I well be at the hospital." said Naruto as he jumped onto a nearby roof top.
He made his way over to the Hospital, to check on Sakura. He stopped on one of the roofs, sensing something with both his nose and his heightened kitsune senses.
"Come on out, old lady." said Naruto.
"So you finally noticed me, young demon." said the same old lady from yesterday.
"No, I knew you were following me, but I didn't care." said Naruto as he turned around. "What do you want?"
"I want to know why a demon is interested in helping others. You can call me old lady. Why are you so interested in saving the Kazekage? Is it because he's a Jinchuuriki like yourself?"asked the Old Lady.
"Shut up you old hag, don't ever treat him like he's a weapon that can be thrown away. I will rip your head off if you do. The reason I am here is to bring Gaara back. I will save him, because he and I are the same. Except he was always alone. I had people who cared for me. He didn't; this village even tried to kill him. A few years ago, he and I did battle, and showed I showed him a higher path then death. I showed him that true power comes protecting the one you care about. Now he's Kazekage of the Sand Village. He should be treated with respect, yet this village does nothing to go save him. You people make me sick. If you want to fight, fine. But I will not stop, until I save Gaara. I will save him this time, you old hag." said Naruto
'Never in my whole life, have I met someone with this many ideals. He takes things on his shoulders without care for the weight of them. Yet, he seems to believe that changes everything. I know my grandson is one of the Atasuki, and I will lend my strength to this one. Just this one last time.' thought the Old Lady.
"You know, you have spirit kid. I will help you search for Kazekage Gaara-sama. I believe you have something, that I want to look closely at. Anyway, let's get down the hospital now. I bet your girlfriend is pretty lonely" said the Old Lady as she walked past Naruto.
"Wait she isn't my girlfriend. If you say that kinda stuff about her, she'll kill me!" said Naruto as took after the old lady.
Sakura was doing a check on Kankuro. She went to the hospital room, and looked at his chart.
'By the way things look, he should be able to be out in couple of days. I didn't except anything less.' thought Sakura.
'Cause I am the BEST!' thought Inner Sakura
Sakura put the chart back in the container outside his door. Then she reached back and gave the door a gentle knock. She waited for a minute. The she heard his voice say "Come in."
"Kankuro, according the information I read on your condition, you should be out of here in a couple of days." said Sakura
"Thanks, but still any news about Gaara?" asked Kankuro
"Sorry, your scouts didn't report anything yet. But once Kakashi gets here, my team will head out. Kakashi is good at pursuit, even when there is no scent." said Sakura
"I just wish...I could of done more for him." said Kankuro sadly.
"Kankuro...it's okay." said Sakura
"I know, but still...he's my brother. Damn it." said Kankuro
"Don't worry we'll track those two down that took your brother." said Sakura
"No, track Gaara instead. Since there were two of them, they could have split up and met at another location. Just some advice, but I need to rest. So I can get better, get out of here and get my brother back." said Kankuro.
"Sure, I'll stop by to check on you later on." said Sakura "Later."
"SAKURA-CHAN!" screamed Naruto
Sakura was walking down the hallway, when she heard a loud voice. "NARUTO, NO SCREAMING IN THE HOSPITAL!" screamed Sakura, as she hit him on the head.
"Sorry, but I wanted to see you. How is everything going here?" asked Naruto
"Good, actually. Kankuro should be up and running again in a couple of days. Also he gave me some advice, to track Gaara instead of his captors. He's still upset that he let them get away." said Sakura
"Well, we can't be much help here right now. When Kakashi comes..."
"Kononha Ninjas, Hatake Kakashi just crossed the Sand Village's borders, he should be here in a couple of hours." said an Anbu member of the Sand Village.
"Umm...thanks...when did you get here? asked Sakura.
Kakashi finally arrived that night. Naruto briefed him on the situation. Sakura told Kakashi about the wounded that she healed. They also told Kakashi about the Atasuki member that attacked the Sand Village and the one that attacked Kankuro.
"However the village has not made plans nor an attempt to save Gaara. In other words we are the ones who are supposed to save Gaara." said Naruto
"Any hints on where to start?" asked Kakashi
"Kankuro said to check around where he fought the other Atasuki member. He said don't look for an Atasuki member's scent, but instead for Gaara's. 'Cause Gaara is our target." said Sakura
"Fine, we leave in the morning. Do we have support in this from the village?" asked Kakashi.
"Temari has to stay under orders from the council, but Kankuro and an old lady want to help us.
Kankuro wants to come but he's still too injured to make the trip to bring his brother back, as for the Old Lady, I don't understand her reasons." said Naruto
"Naruto, show some respect. Her name is Chiyo-baa, she is one of the council members of the Sand Village. Jeez..I am starting to wonder, if you have changed at all." said Sakura
"But Sakura-chan, she told me to call her old lady." protested Naruto.
"No excuses." said Sakura as she smacked him on the head.
"Anyway, we leave in couple of hours. I need some rest after all." said Kakashi "Later."
Back in Konoha...
Tsunade was drinking her sake, when all of sudden the bottle broke.
'Bad Omen.' she thought for a moment. "Shizune, go find Team Gai. Order them to follow Kakashi's team and give them assistance." said Tsunade.
Naruto went walking around the Sand Village, accompanied by Temari. Since they were allies it was okay, however they were not allowed to go everywhere in the Sand VillageTemari looked at Naruto, amazed by how much he had changed. He was still the same, but with maturity.
"So Naruto, how have you been over the years? I mean you have been gone a long time." said Temari as she continued to walk beside him
"Well, it's been good. I have been training these past two years. I have learned a lot about myself, and my capabilities. Then add in the height, I've grown at least a foot and half. Next the hair which I admit is pretty nice. Finally all the hard work, so now my body is at its peak. Yeah, I have changed. But so have you Temari. I heard you are dating Shikamaru now. I remember your battle in the Chunin exam, he had you beat. Then you saved him. It's funny." said Naruto
"You know Naruto, you haven't changed at all. Well at least your personality anyway. You are still as obnoxious as ever. Yet you grew up and found a different view of the world. Probably a better one at that. My brother has changed since he met you. He strived to find out how you are both the same and yet so different. He decided that protecting the ones he cares about is better then just killing to prove his existence. I know that you think the Sand Ninja don't care about Gaara, but that's a lie. They love him. He protects this village so much. The reason they don't go after Gaara, is because they want to protect what he created. I know it's selfish..." said Temari.
"Don't worry, I understand. At first I thought you guys still wanted to get rid of Gaara, but I understand now. I know Gaara still feels alone though, and I will save him this time. That much I can promise." said Naruto "By any chance there isn't a ramen place around here is there? I'm STARVING!"
'Still the same old Naruto. Thank you' whispered Temari. "Yeah around the corner, my treat." said Temari.
The next day came and all four ninja met at the gate of Sand Village. When they all arrived, they were off. They arrived at the last place Gaara was spotted. Kakashi did a couple of seals and the Dog pack appeared. Following Kakashi's instructions, they were off.
"So Old Lady, why did you come and don't tell it's because of me. I hate it when people lie." said Naruto
"Naruto show some respect." said Sakura as she punched him in the back of the head.
"Well let's just say, I've got business to take care of while on this mission." said Chiyo-baa
"Fine, that'll do." said Naruto as he rubbed his head.
All of a sudden, the group heard a howl from one of the dogs.
"They found the scent let's go." said Kakashi. "They seem to be in the River Country. We should be able to get there pretty quickly. I have a feeling this will not be easy." said Kakashi.
Elsewhere...
"We have enemies approaching the hideout. Seems to be One Sand Ninja and Three Leaf Ninja. One of the Leaf's is Copy Ninja Kakashi, the other two I don't know. They will be here pretty soon, if I were to guess by this afternoon." said one member of Atasuki.
"Fine, we just need to slow them down. Itachi and Kisame, go have some fun. Before you go give 30 of your Chakra to finish this technique of pulling Shukaku of the Sand out of his container." said someone.
"Fine, not like we need that much to defeat those small fry's anyway." said Kisame
"Agreed" said Itachi.
The gang had just reached the River Country a half an hour ago. Soon they reached a road. Kakashi had a feeling this was not going to be easy. Something was wrong. Naruto felt the same thing. He could smell it in the air too. Sakura was wondering when the enemy would appear. Chiyoo-baa was thinking that they were going to be ambushed soon.
Soon they reached a location in the woods. "We should reach the location of Gaara within an half hour." Paku explained. "We just need to..the enemy is here."
There stood members of the Atasuki that Kakashi and Naruto knew quite well.
"It's been a long time, Kakashi." said Itachi.
Next Chapter
A LOT OF FIGHTS
Thank you for the reviews. I am sorry about the grammar, but I'm working in South Korea as an English teacher and having trouble with this word processor at work because it's all in Korean. I apologize for it. I'm still learning to read Korean. Anyway I hope you like this chapter. Once again thanks for the reviews. If you want know anything else regrading the story let me know. You can email me at