Bound by Misery Chapter 4: Farewell, Perhaps Forever, a naruto fanfic

Woot! I am getting a lot more from this story than I expected! Obviously, someone out there enjoys it. But that can't be possible. Everybody, you might want to post this on your fav's list, because you'll definitely want to know this story is going to be a long term work. Oh yeah. I'm stoked baby!

And this chapter is very long. You'll like it. I gaurantee it.

With reluctance to let her go, Naruto had to take Sakura to her home so her parents wouldn't worry so much. He would've liked nothing more than to have her stay another night with him, but he knew it would be asking way too much.

"Sorry Naruto," said Sakura from her doorway before he could even ask. "I can't come over to your apartment tonight, but I'll come by tomorrow morning."

"I know Sakura-chan," answered Naruto with a blush and holding his hand behind his head. "I'll let you go. Bye Sakura." Naruto started to turn and walk away with a smile on his face. This day started great, went into the shitter, and then recovered quite nicely. He couldn't possibly feel any more elated, any higher.

Sakura grabbed his hand before he could turn fully and tugged him towards her, whirling him to face her. In an instant, her lips locked with his. She had instigated their first kiss. Naruto's mind exploded with so much. It felt good. That was about all he could think of. She tasted good, very good. Wow.

Sakura pulled away after several prolonged seconds as they both came up for air. She smiled shyly, starting to blush. Was she ashamed of what she had done, perhaps afraid Naruto didn't like it? He stood, completely speechless and shocked, his mouth hung slightly open.

She apparently thought that she had offended him. "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I didn't mean to-

Naruto leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, lacing a hand around the back of her neck and through her strands of hair. Sakura was more than happy to oblige and returned his kiss, closing her eyes. They drank in each others' taste and feelings until Naruto knew, with regret, that he would have to be leaving.

What if Sakura's mother or father just waltzed by. He'd be dead. Absolutely no doubt about it. He pulled away, breaking their closeness and grinning. Sakura slowly opened her eyes. They were misted over with the drunkenness of their passionate kiss. "Sorry, Sakura-chan," he whispered. "But I must be going. Your parents would kill me if they saw us… And it's late."

"I know," whispered Sakura with a smile. "I'll definitely be seeing you tomorrow though." She began to close her door as Naruto replied in a low whisper.

"Count on it."

Naruto skipped, yes, he skipped, on his way home that late evening. Most people stared, but he couldn't have cared in the least. It was all he could do to not just scream his joy into the clouds as he skipped to his apartment.

Of course, he almost didn't recognize his apartment when he arrived, because it was so clean, but then he remembered tidying the place earlier that day. Naruto went to bed without a care in the world that night. Hell, Itachi himself could've entered his room and killed him, and he would've died the happiest man on Earth.

Fortunately for Naruto, no members of Akatsuki attacked that night.

Ehhh, I'm hungry. I could really go for some ramen right now, come to think of it. It smells so good. Naruto inhaled deeply as an image of a box of ramen noodles hovered in front of him. Finally, Naruto was having good dreams.

Come to me, oh Ramen of the Gods. Naruto reached up from his bed, groping at the air. I want you for my dinner. You taste so good. Yay for Ramen!

"Naruto!" replied the box of Ramen. Naruto stopped groping. He'd had some strange variants of Ramen before, but none that talked. No, Ramen didn't talk. "Naruto!" said the voice again. This Ramen was obviously feminine, as it sounded like a sweet girl he knew with pink hair and green eyes.

"You sound like Sakura, Ramen," said Naruto to the box of Ramen in his dreams. "Do you taste as good as Sakura, Ramen?" Naruto grinned stupidly. "Nope. Sakura tastes so good, better than Ramen."

Naruto tasted something very familiar, something wet and sweet. 'It does taste like Sakura,' he thought. 'Wait a second. Since when does Ramen taste this good? Nah, that's impossible.'

Naruto opened his eyes slowly and saw Sakura's face over his own as she withdrew from the kiss. (In case you're dull, Sakura kissed him while he was dreaming about the Ramen)

"Sakura," he said with a smile. Sakura was smiling just as widely, pleased with herself evidently. "How did you-Why-What?" He was stumbling over his words pretty bad.

"What am I doing here?" she asked for him. "I wanted to see you, and I got tired of waiting, so I came along. I thought of you all night, you know."

Sakura carefully crawled off of Naruto and allowed him to slip out of bed. "How'd you get in?" he asked.

"Your window was open," said Sakura matter-of-factly, pointing to the ajar window. "I am a shinobi as well, so getting in wasn't a problem. With your snoring, it was easy to be stealthy."

Naruto laughed. "No, I couldn't have been snoring… Was I?"

"Maybe," teased Sakura. "I don't know."

"No way," said Naruto. "I do NOT snore."

"Guess you'll never know, will you?" said Sakura with a laugh. Naruto sighed as he stood and stretched. "So, I was here for part of your dream. Tell me, Naruto, which tastes better? Ramen, or Me? Because I'm pretty sure I heard you say I taste better."

Naruto blushed terribly, more red than he had ever turned in his life. He let out an audible gasp. Sakura grinned. "You didn't hear that," said Naruto.

"Oh yeah, I did," said Sakura. "So you think I taste better than Ramen? Well, that's a relief. I don't want any competition out there."

"Sakura, stop teasing me," pouted the blonde. "That's mean." Sakura laughed.

"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. It was just so funny. It was adorable to see you stirring there, talking to Ramen in your sleep." She walked over to the kitchen. "I'll make it up to you and fix some more of that bacon and eggs, if you'll allow it."

"Yes please," said Naruto, smiling that signature, million dollar smile he always gave. Sakura giggled as she heated the food in the skillet. One breakfast later, the morning was almost over, as Naruto had substantially slept in. The two of them took a walk through the streets of Konoha together, hand in hand.

Their walk, of course, picked up the eyes of many passers-by and bystanders, but they didn't care. Sakura knew what many of them thought of the blonde, how they thought he was dangerous. Now she understood everything. It made her so angry at everyone for their cruelty. She couldn't believe she used to be one of them. She was still so upset over it.

Naruto didn't seem to care about the attention though. He walked along happily as ever in a march of defiance against the public's rudeness, his head up and his eyes beaming with delight. Sakura noticed his care free attitude and smiled inwardly. He was so cute. She didn't know how she hadn't noticed it all this time.

"What do you want to do today, Sakura?" asked Naruto.

"I hadn't really thought of that, to tell you the truth," said Sakura. "Is there anything you had in mind? I'm up for anything."

"Well, you treated me to a wonderful breakfast for the past couple of days, so why don't I treat you the best I can offer," said Naruto. "Do you like Ramen?"

"Eh, Naruto, we just ate minutes ago," said Sakura. "You're not still hungry are you? I'm stuffed to tell you the truth."

"Oh," said Naruto, temporarily derailed. "Well then, why don't just walk around for a while? Maybe we'll think of something as we go."

"Anywhere in particular?" asked Sakura.

"Nope," said Naruto. "I just like to walk aimlessly. Is that okay with you?"

"I'd be delighted, Naruto-kun," said Sakura. "Aimlessly it is!"

The couple just wandered without purpose along the market district streets, passing the street venders and shops on the sides of the road. They looked in the many windows with interest at what was for sale everywhere. There were souvenir shops, trinket shops, candy stores, weapon shops, et cetera.

Without any money, they couldn't buy anything of course, but it was still fun to just spend a few hours doing nothing and dreaming of what they'd do with all the various items on the shelves. They had a great time just being together. Neither of them wanted this to end-ever.

The week soon passed, and it wasn't until the last day that Naruto considered his options for his continuing career. He wasn't going to quit being a ninja. That was for sure. He didn't give up, and he never would, so long as he lived. But he still had a hard decision to make. He had no idea what Sakura was planning though. He wondered if Sasuke's death had affected her so much that she would quit. He sincerely hoped it wouldn't go that far.

They stood side by side in her office in front of her desk. As was usual, she looked dead tired and lacking enthusiasm. She was always stressed and over worked it seemed. "So, you two, what have you decided?" she asked, looking up from her seat.

"I'm not quitting," said Naruto. "I'm going to remain a ninja."

"Glad to hear it," said Tsunade with a smile. "How about you, Sakura? What is your decision?"

"I too would like to continue my career as a ninja," she said sternly. "I would like to remain Naruto's team member and retake the Chounin examination the next time it is offered."

"Good," said Tsunade. "You are both very brave. You will make great shinobis some day. Hell, you're great shinobis already. I mean to say you're both going to be greater than ever." She smiled sweetly.

"Well, take another few day off," said Tsunade, "until I can find out exactly what to do with you two. You're dismissed." Sakura left as Naruto told her he'd catch up later. She questioned him what for, but he only shook his head and beckoned for her to leave.

"You want something again, Naruto?" asked Tsunade.

"I wish to leave," said Naruto.

"Well, I just dismissed you, Baka," she replied. "What's holding you."

"That's not the kind of leaving I meant," added Naruto. He stood quietly as Tsunade examined him sternly and carefully. "I wish to leave Konoha."

"Naruto, what are you talking about?" she asked. "You can't just leave. There are dangerous people that are hunting you."

"Exactly," said Naruto. "If Akatsuki comes to Konoha, there will be hell to pay. You know they'll attack and that many will die. You know how strong they are. Itachi alone could destroy this place, I fear."

"Naruto," she said quietly, standing up. "What will leaving accomplish?"

"He'll be training," said Jiraiya as he entered through the door. He smiled jovially, like he always did. "Good to see you again, Tsunade-sama."

"Tsunade-sama," said Naruto. "Please, I'm leaving because I don't want anyone to be hurt because of me. I've seen it already, and I don't want it to happen again."

"Naruto, Sasuke's death isn't you fault," said the Hokage.

"I'd rather not talk about that," said Naruto quickly. "Please, ma'am. I have to go. You know it's the best choice. You have to make the right decision as Hokage of Konoha. It's your duty to keep this village safe."

"He's right," said Jiraiya. "Naruto is right. Akatsuki will come for him again, and if they come to the village, a whole lot of innocent people will die. If he's with me, we can hide better and I can protect him while training him."

"How long will you be gone for?" asked Tsunade.

"I don't know," said Naruto. "Months, years, possibly forever. As long as it takes. I can't risk having people hurt if I can help it."

"Permission granted," said the Hokage painfully. She walked over to Naruto and hugged him. "Be careful, Naruto. Don't do anything stupid and get yourself killed. I want to see you again someday-alive."

"I will try my best," said Naruto. "That's all I can promise."

"Then I know were destined to meet again," said Tsunade with a smile. "If you're going to be doing your best, then I have no doubt in my mind that's enough to keep you alive."

"When would you like to leave, kid?" said Jiraiya. "I'm ready when you are."

"Tomorrow," said Naruto. "We'll get some rest tonight and leave noon tomorrow. Sound good enough?"

"Perfect," said Jiraiya. "I'll meet you by the exit gates at noon. See you tomorrow. Bye Tsunade."

"Bye, Jiraiya."

Naruto faced his Hokage again. "I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama."

"Don't apologize, Naruto," she said with a weak smile. "I know you're just trying to protect us. You shouldn't be the one to have to bear this responsibility. You're too young for this."

"But it's the hand I was dealt," said Naruto sagely. "I have to do something about it."

"Very wisely said," said Tsunade. "You're right. You can't affect the past. Just try and protect your future. I don't want to hear news of your death from a traveler. If you die, I'll spit on your grave. Do you hear me?"

"Alright, ma'am," he said with a weak laugh. "I promise, I won't screw up. I'll do my best."

Naruto walked slowly out of the building and into the streets. Sakura had been leaning up against the wall when he came out without a word. She ran up to his side and laced her arm through one of his and smiled up at him.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk with the Hokage about?" she asked with a great smile. Her smile immediately died when he saw the pained, depressed look that played across his features. "Naruto-kun, what's wrong? What did you talk about?"

"Sakura, I need to talk with you alone, preferably sitting down," said Naruto.

"Umm, okay," replied the girl. She led him over to bench on the side of the road that they found on the way back to his place. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, casting long shadows of themselves on the ground.

"Sakura," he said, taking her hand into his. "I… I'm going to be leaving… Konoha."

"When?" she asked.

"Tomorrow," he answered. She gasped. "I'm going out with Jiraiya to train and hide from the Akatsuki."

"For how long?" asked Sakura sadly. "When will you be coming back?"

"I just don't know, Sakura," said Naruto. "I'm sorry I can't say, but it may be a very, very long time… I may never return to Konoha." Sakura brought her free hand to cover her mouth as her eyes welled with tears.

"I'm so sorry, Sakura," said Naruto. "I just thought about this the past few days, and realized it's the best choice for me."

"How can you figure?" asked Sakura. "You can't just leave me like this? What have I got left if down," said Naruto.

"Sakura," he said, taking her hand into his. "I… I'm going to be leaving… Konoha."

"When?" she asked.

"Tomorrow," he answered. She gasped. "I'm going out with Jiraiya to train and hide from the Akatsuki."

"For how long?" asked Sakura sadly. "When will you be coming back?"

"I'm so sorry, Sakura," said Naruto. "I just thought about this the past few days, and realized it's the best choice for me."

"How can you figure?" asked Sakura. "You can't just leave me like this? What have I got left if you go too? I'll have no one."

"Sakura, I have to," said Naruto painfully. "If Akatsuki comes looking for me, you know what will happen to this place. Lots of people will die. I don't want anyone hurt because of me or a stupid demon inside me, especially you, Sakura."

"But-

"It's already been decided, and Tsunade approved it," cut in Naruto. "Please, don't try to talk me out of it, because I fear it might work, and I'll make the wrong decision."

"I don't want you to go, Naruto," sobbed Sakura. She threw herself into his arms and started to cry.

"It's okay, Sakura," he said, rubbing her back. "I'll be fine, and you'll be fine. You know this is the right thing to do. Don't you?"

"I know," said Sakura, recovering from her sobbing. "Y-You're right. I don't like it, but I know it's what you have to do."

"Thanks, Sakura," whispered Naruto. "Thanks for being everything I needed this past week. You've… been the best."

"You're welcome," laughed Sakura.

"There's the laughter I expect," said Naruto lightly. "It kills me to see you cry, Sakura. So don't cry. When you feel like crying, think of something to cheer you up. Think only happy thoughts, Sakura. Don't cry. Laugh. Do it for me. Okay?"

"Okay, Naruto-kun," replied Sakura, snuggling into his chest tightly. "I'll smile for you. But you better come back, or I'll find you and kick your ass."

It pained Naruto to have to take her home afterwards and leave her so depressed, but it was already dark, and he didn't want her parents worried for her. He dropped her off at her house and left for his own. He was wiped out from all the emotional stress of the later part of the day, so he didn't delay in getting t bed. Looking out his open window at the city of Konoha below, the city he knew he would miss, he fell asleep.

But he woke up when something entered through that window later that night. Naruto came out of his slumber what he figured wasn't long after he fell asleep and saw Sakura recovering from her entry into his apartment.

She walked towards his bed. "Sakura, what are you-

She pressed a finger to his lips and quietly pulled back his blankets, crawling under them and pulling them up again and curling up next to Naruto and laying her head on his chest. She didn't say anything. She just snuggled up close to him and draped her arms around him. Naruto, of course, was completely baffled, and he looked down to see the girl already starting to fall asleep. Silently shrugging it off, he wrapped his arm around her and moved to better accommodate her so she could sleep comfortably. They both fell asleep quickly, feeling as secure as ever in each others' arms.

Naruto, more than anything, would be missing this while he was gone.

The next morning, Naruto woke up with Sakura's head still on his chest. She was very warm, and Naruto was so reluctant to wake her and make her move. He didn't ever want her to leave him, but he would have to get her to move. Her chest was slowly rising and falling with her delayed breathing. He decided to just watch her quietly from his position and drink in how much he was going to miss her. He'd miss her pink hair, her emerald-green eyes, her smiles, her laughter, her red dress, her polar attitude shifts, everything. There wasn't a thing about Haruno Sakura that he wouldn't miss.

"Sakura," he whispered into her ear. "Sakura, it's time to wake up." She stirred in her position and rolled over on top of Naruto. He turned red, but he focused on the matter on hand. He had to wake her up, no matter how much he enjoyed having her on top of him like this.

"Sakura," he said more forcefully. He kissed her forehead, and her eyes opened. "Come on little Sakura, wakey-wakey time."

She blinked hard a few times before realizing her precarious position, and she blushed. "Good morning Sakura," said Naruto. "Have a nice sleep?"

"Yeah," said Sakura, rolling off of him. She wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, never wanting to let go. Naruto didn't want her to let go either. He knew better though. He was going to leave, and no one could stop him.

He pushed himself up and got out of bed, leaving Sakura to sit and watch him. He checked his watch. He would be leaving in a couple hours. "Sakura," he said. "Could… you make me one last breakfast?" Sakura's eyes turned to sadness, but she gave him her best smile possible and nodded.

Sakura left after breakfast, promising she'd be at the gate to see him off when he left. Naruto was a little upset for her to have left so early, but he figured she needed to tell her parents what she had done again last night, so he didn't argue or question. She left, and Naruto went over to the sink to do his own dishes, laughing at the absurdity of him doing basic cleaning.

All because of a girl… All because of Haruno Sakura.

He walked to the exit gates of Konoha with a small pack over his shoulders, packed with basic living necessities and some ninja weapons and tools. He shifted it uneasily as the gate came into view.

What also came into view troubled him only slightly. There were people there, lots of people at that. They saw him coming down the path and waved for him to come along. He hastened his pace until he arrived, panting for air.

He looked up at all of the people waiting for him. It was everyone, all of his friends. Lee, Neji, Tenten, Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba and his dog: Akamaru, Hinata, and Shino. Also there was Konohamaru, Tsunade, Iruka, Kakashi-sensei, and Sakura. Jiraia was standing behind them all, waiting at the gate.

"What the- What are you guys doing here?" asked Naruto.

"Isn't it obvious?" asked Shikamaru. "You really can be dull sometimes."

"We're here to see you off, Dummy," said Ino.

"We didn't want you gone without saying goodbye first," said Kiba. "What kind of friends would we be?"

"Friends?" asked Naruto. Emotion began to overcome him.

"Yeah, man," said Lee. "We're your pals, right? It would be terrible to have let you leave without properly sending you off."

"You guys shouldn't have," said Naruto with a smile.

"But they wanted to," said Sakura with a bright smile. "I told them you were leaving, and I barely had to even suggest gathering to say goodbye. They jumped at the chance to come, Naruto-kun."

"Thanks guys," said Naruto, blushing.

"Don't mention it, little guy," said Iruka from the back. "We'd never let you away like that." He walked up to Naruto and hugged him warmly. "Don't tell anyone, but you've always been my favorite student."

Kakashi walked up next and extended his hand. "Sorry, no hugs from me. Good luck Naruto." Naruto shook his hand with a triumphant smile. "You can come through anything you face. I'm sure you'll do great."

Tsunade walked up and hugged him also, tears starting to come to her eyes. "Come on, you're the Hokage," said Naruto. "You can't be crying like this in front of everyone. No frowns… only smiles."

"I know," she said. "You're right. Goodbye Naruto."

"You will be coming back," said Shikamaru from the side. Naruto faced him and nodded.

"I'll try my best," he said. "Maybe not."

"Oh yes he will," said Neji. "This twerp could never leave us alone. Now is no different. He'll be back." He gave Naruto a smile, something very uncharacteristic of him. Naruto returned the smile at his insult.

"When you return," said Rock Lee, "I'll be expecting a fight to see how strong you've become."

"That's fine, Lee," said Naruto unenthusiastically. Sakura walked up to him and hugged him with tears coming out of her eyes.

"Sakura," said Naruto, trying his best not to start crying as well.

"I know you have to go, Naruto-kun," she said. "I won't dare try to stop you. Just… be careful, okay? Please, come back safe for me."

Naruto didn't reply. He perked her head up with his hand under her chin. "I said no sad faces," he said with his cheery smile. "Didn't I ask only for smiles and happiness?" Sakura nodded and laughed a little. "That's better. If it ever hurts, just think of something that will make you happy, okay? That's how it's always helped me."

"Okay, Naruto-kun," she replied. "When I'm sad, I'll think of you." Naruto hugged Sakura as tight as he could without crushing her, and he left go to turn and face Jiraiya.

"You ready?" he asked the boy.

"You bet, old man," said Naruto defiantly. "Let's go." He followed his new sensei out of town and into the forest. They group all watched as he disappeared into the deep jungles. Naruto was one, and no one knew when, if ever, he would be returning.

Sakura waited at the exit long after everyone had left. She stood there alone for over an hour.

Not a single tear escaped her eyes. She didn't cry or sob, or even frown.

No, she was smiling her most genuine smile as she looked into the woods.

"When I'm sad, Naruto-kun… I'll think of you."

Okay everyone, you can let it out now. "Awwwwwwwww." Better? Good. I won't say much more, other than that this is not the end of this story. Oh no, there's more to come. I like this chapter a lot more than any other thing I've ever typed I think.