Familiar stranger..

Chapter Two: Enigma

"KAKASHI-SENSEI!"

Kakashi brought his nose of of his perverted book for a moment to look at Sakura and went back to reading. He was hoping that he would have some peace. He did not have anything important to do. He let out a long suffering sigh when he realized that he could not ignore the pink haired girl.

She stomped over to him and huffed in annoyance, "Would you stop reading the book and listen to me!" Kakashi shrugged and said lazily, "I am listening."

The pink haired girl crossed her arms and said, "Sasuke-kun found someone to spar with, he is fighting in at the training ground as we speak." That caught the jounin's interest. A single visible eye narrowed as he said, "So he finally found someone who is worthy of taking Naruto's place. Let's go."

'I should have known!'

Kakashi thought. His covered lips forming into a slight smile as he observed the two boys fight. He was not surprised to find almost all of Sasuke and Naruto's friends present there to observe. None of them had realized the identity of Sasuke's opponent but they were anxious to know who he was. It was a well known fact that Sasuke had given up sparing with everyone but Kakashi deeming them unworthy.

A rare sight to behold indeed. Kakashi watched them with uncharacteristic interest. 'Talk about music in motion.' Kakashi mused as he watched Naruto. Naruto moved like a predator, naturally graceful and raw. Sasuke on the other hand was swift and precise. The jounin could easily see that Naruto had an advantage here, the fox boy was moving with liquid ease as he slipped to the ground to dodge Sasuke's kick to his chest. He rolled on the ground and flipped back a few paces just out of the reach of his rival.

Sasuke's style had changed little, he had just improved upon it. Where as Naruto had changed 180. The fox boy pulled his lips against his teeth in a feral smirk, fangs slightly glinting against the sun. He crouched low mentally anticipating Sasuke's every move. 'He will come to me and flip over my head first..' and that is just what Sasuke did.

'Bring his legs from under me when I attempt to stand to counter him..'

Naruto grinned as he vaulted to the air to avoid the kick and twisted in mid air to slam his foot against Sasuke's cheek. All he found was air as Sasuke lay flat on the back to avoid what he saw coming. In a vulnerable moment Naruto had his back towards his opponent of which Sasuke took advantage and putting his weight on both his palms he kicked Naruto's back hard.

Naruto grunted in pain as he fell forward but soon recovered. Planting to palms firmly on the ground his flipped and landed expertly on his feet.

"Come now Uchiha, is that all you got?"

Sasuke took on the challenge in his voice and jumped to his feet. The moment his feet touched the ground he was off towards Naruto with speed that made him look a mere blur of black. He moved frantically left and and forward trying to distract Naruto. The fox boy waited patiently not making the mistake of underestimating Sasuke. His alert blue eyes watched his rival's movements and suddenly grinned, "There!" He muttered to himself and aimed a powerful punch directly at Sasuke's stomach.

That sent the Uchiha flying to crash against a tree. Naruto swiftly took out two kunai and threw them at Sasuke. One pinned his shirt to the tree and the other his shorts leaving Sasuke standing in a very odd position.

Naruto allowed himself to rejoice at the position for a moment before his own kunai were hurled back at him. He did not dodge, he swiftly caught them with expert fingers. He raised an eyebrow at the glint in Sasuke's eyes and then smirked, "You haven't done this for a while have you Sasuke. Stubborn as always."

There was something animalistic about the way Naruto fought. The fox boy hissed, baring his little fangs.

Others might have thought that this was a simple spar but they were wrong. It was a dance of acquaintance, their moves were unknowingly sensuous. Each blow was a caress. An act as old as time, as old as love was war. It was war between them. Both rejoicing in the rush of steaming blood that flowed through them because of their fight. Loving the way blood and sweat tickled down their glossy bodies. Each attempt to inflict pain, each attempt to win was only a cover to feel that closeness that they had not felt for five years.

Their's was a kind of longing, a kind of lust that lovers would envy. A craving for dominance, a craving for touch anyway possible. And this was the only way they saw fit. It was funny how they could each wound inflicted showed a deeper love. How two such different people, mold and fit together so easily. It was love without risk.

It was as though their minds were linked, some strange telepathy worked between them. Each blow was met with a blow. Beautiful bodies were marred with wounds yet they did not mind. They were making love in their own way, familiarizing themselves with each other once again.

Unrevealed affection, unidentified passion, secret longings were tightly chained inside their hearts. Both were masters of poise, they threw illusions to hide their true selves from others and could not manage to hide from each other.

Yes, they were truly a beautiful sight, if you looked beyond the blood marring silken, if you look beyond the harsh blows and the nasty scowls. One could see the heat in those eyes, one of summer sky the other of the darkest nights glowing in a gleam that no one to understand. Powerful bodies molded around one another in a graceful deadly dance, in their own way they were memorizing each other.

Suddenly, they stopped. Much to everyone's surprise. They just stopped, panting and sweating, bleeding from the multiple wounds that adorned their bodies. Everyone held their breaths not knowing what to expect. The gorgeous blond's face broke into a frankly mocking grin as he said, "You got an equal now,oh mighty Uchiha Sasuke."

"Now let's not get serious. Come on you two, no one is going to win this one." Kakashi said lazily bringing his two former students out of the match they had.

Everybody was huddled together as the stranger spoke to Kakashi. Neiji was observing Sasuke closely. The Uchiha heir had his eyes closed and was leaning against a tree, though strangely his expression was peaceful. Kiba, Ino, Sakura and Hinata had their eyes trained on the pair that were conversing silently at the other end of the field. All other had already left, getting busy with their work.

"You know, he is kinda hot.." Ino murmured. Sakura rolled her eyes and said, "Ino! Are you going to hit on him too?" As she said that Sakura turned to observe the new comer not paying any attention to Ino's response.

There was something wild about this guy, the whole aura around him seemed untamed. Spiky blond hair glistened with a moist sheen under the sun, laying flat against his forehead heavy with sweat. Long tanned arms crossed over his chest as his fingers absently drummed against his biceps as he listened to Kakashi speak. He had a tall lean body, not as tall as Sasuke or Kakashi but one couldn't call him short either. His looked were somewhat effeminate, while other boys could be called hot and handsome this one could only be described as beautiful.

She could see what Ino meant. His features were delicate, and there was unconscious grace in every movement he made. Yet he screamed of power, the air around him tingled with barely suppressed energy. His silvery blue eyes were alert despite the half lidded bored expression he wore. A lazy smile tugged at his lips seemed ever-present, that smile seemed to belong on his lips. And his voice, she had barely heard him speak, but that voice had sent a sensuous tremor down her spine.

Yes, she decided finally. This guy was definitely hot and Konoha ladies now had another man to pin for along with Uchiha Sasuke. But the question was, Who is this guy?

Sakura turned to look at Ino and Hinata. Silent admiration was written on their faces and then she turned to see Neiji and Kiba. The Hyuuga was observing the stranger thoughtfully, a small amount of recognition was their on his visage although she was uncertain. Neiji was after all very difficult to read. Kiba fondled with his dog and said, "Don't you guys think that he looks a lot like Naruto? All he needs is his whiskers."

At that question Sakura's gaze landed on the silent Uchiha. Sasuke had not even opened his eyes to look at Kiba or acknowledge the question.

Ino shrugged and said, "I don't know Kiba. Naruto could never compare to this guy. Just look at him. Nothing is out of place in him, you saw how he moves. His every action is flawless and graceful, and Naruto was clumsy. See his style, all Naruto used to wear was those repulsively orange colored clothes." Sakura saw Sasuke's eyebrow twitch and his lips thin.

Ino just continued, "Plus, Naruto was loud mouthed and could not stand still for a moment. That guy has been listening to Kakashi speak for almost fifteen minutes now and hasn't moved an inch." Hinata smiled and said, "But Ino, what makes you think that Naruto-kun is still like that? He might have changed."

"If he is alive that is.." Neiji interrupted.

Sasuke's head snapped up and he looked at Neiji. He did not like the idea to Neiji thinking so negatively of Naruto "Tell me, what kind of friend are you?" Sasuke asked, his dark eyes glittering in anger. The Hyuuga shrugged and said, "That same kind of friend Naruto was when he left without informing anyone."

Sasuke inwardly winced at that. He knew that reason but was it his place to tell them? He kept silent and turned to look at Naruto, 'I am glad you are back dobe.'

Both Naruto and Kakashi walked towards them. Their sensei had a wicked gleam in his exposed eye, like he was planning something. Naruto seemed to have noticed that too for he met Sasuke's gaze and raised and eyebrow. Sasuke shrugged in response and fixed his gaze on the pervert.

Kakashi looked at everyone but held Sasuke's gaze a little longer and said, "I like you all to meet Kiyoshi. He will be staying here from now on and will work as a ninja. Rest all information about him is classified so I suggest you do not bother asking him." Naruto raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in amusement as he met Sasuke's gaze. Midnight black eyes were also amused although his face was as impassive as ever.

Sasuke did not know the motive behind Kakashi but Naruto looked as surprised as he did. 'Kakashi has a strange sense of humor. How can you give a name like that you Konoha's loudest ninja? Kiyoshi, the quiet one, Naruto?'

Sasuke shook his head in disbelief and saw Naruto looking at Kakashi with suspicious eyes, "You know Kakashi-sensei people do not trust you when you do not trust them. You will make my stay here difficult if you say these kinds of things to potential companions." Kakashi looked at him, Sasuke stared. Naruto's voice had been serious and solemn which was very much unlike the Naruto they used to know.

The blond raised an eyebrow at this reaction. His ears twitched when he heard Kiba whisper to Sakura, "He is definitely not Naruto." The leaf nin had to work hard to suppress a laugh at that. 'Kiba my man! What happened to your nose?'

Somewhat offended that his friends would think so low of him he let his gaze leave them and take in the familiar sight of his home town. He soft sigh escaped his lips. It was always good to be back but he knew soon enough the villagers will start talking and taunting and snubbing him. His eyelids lowered until they were almost closed making his eyes look nearly silver instead of blue. It had been a long time since he had to put on fake smiles and cheery attitude. During the years of his travel he was never shunned or despised. He was treated with respect he deserved.

Then why did he come back to Konoha?

It was because his heart lived here. In this village were he was born and cursed with a demon. He could feel the beginnings of a smirk from on his lips. Kyuubi had rubbed off on him during the past few years. Naruto could imagine his life without the fox sealed inside him now, the old demon provided him with strength when he was at his weakest.

His hand unconsciously went to his stomach at the thought of Kyuubi.

Hiding your identity is a good idea kit. You can have some peace until they finally figure it out.

I guess you are right. Naruto sighed to himself again.

May be I can earn their respect this way.. Sasuke knows so I don't have to be on my guard all the time.

Kit, don't let the Uchiha come too close. You know you cannot live in this beloved village of yours for long.

It's alright Kyuubi, we can trust Sasuke, you know that. Sasuke is my best friend, he has always been.

That makes it all the more difficult for you to leave again, right? Both of you are equally stubborn, you went after him when he took off with that snake and he will come after you. Can't you see, he will watch you like a hawk.

Naruto looked over his shoulder at Sasuke, who was presently occupied with Kakashi trying to figure out why Naruto needed an alias.

Kyuubi, Why did you tell me to come here when you knew that once I saw Sasuke all my feelings towards him would resurface?

I know kit, but staying out of this village makes you more miserable than staying in this village. When I asked you to leave here, you were near breaking point.

The fox container closed his eyes fully, memories flashing through his mind. He remembered the stabbing pain he felt every time he was called a monster, and he could feel how difficult it became to hide himself behind that sunshine smile of his. It was becoming difficult to maintain his sanity and for the sake of himself and the village people he had to leave. Leave so he could gather himself.

He did not know if his decision was a mistake or not. For his travels revealed to him a different world. A world where he was strong and respected. A world were he was not a demon but a warrior to held the demon caged and fought with it every moment of his life to be in control of his own body. He was he savior not the destroyer. All his false cheerfulness shattered, all his hopes became mere fantasies when he saw this.

Reality had hit him hard, he finally understood that he was a demon that they could never forgive. He understood that they were fools that took everything for face value, they did not look into the deeper meaning of things and that pissed Naruto off. He had a right to be happy and to live safe.

Five years away from the village had changed him. He took shit from nobody, if they snubbed him, called him a demon. He will show them demon. They will respect him, whether they liked it or not. He was tired of running. He was fed up of staying away from his home, from his friends who still remembered him, still seemed to miss him.

He will not let anyone fuck up his life. They will just have to learn to live with their new and improved Naruto.

He was gonna make them taste their own medicine.

I will not run any more Kyuubi, I will not give anyone the power to hurt me. No one will be able to touch Uzumaki Naruto.

Alright kit, as long as you are fine with it.

AN: Alright, this is done. Tell me how this is going so far. Was the change in Naruto too much? R&R people.