Crystal: I'm back with another chapter! -smiles widely- I am extremely thankful for all the reviews again (you guys rock!) mainly because you're still reading my precious fic, and the fact that your reviews made me smile through all of the stress and pain during my examination week (which ended just a few days ago and now a new semester will be starting next week - new courses, tee-hee -smiles even wider-).
Anyhow, as always, ChibiNekoSakura thank you being my beta! Now please enjoy and have a happy reading!
Warning: Yaoi and M-Preg, and possible sexual contents as well. You have been warned!
Disclaimer: I can't own everything... that would be insane.
Moments
Chapter Two: I've Always Thought You Were The One…
"He's restless."
Tsunade stared blankly at the ex-Jounin sensei in front of her and nodded slowly. "Sure…" she said with a disbelieving tone in her voice. "But first… would you please elaborate on what you're talking about?" She was a bit surprised to see him without his usually perverted book he always reads.
Kakashi sighed and sat on the chair in front of the current Hokage's desk. "I'm talking about Naruto." Even though he was not assigned with the looking over of his former student, Kakashi felt responsible to see the blond. So every morning, afternoon and night, he would visit Naruto even for just a few minutes. But, as he kept on spending a bit of time with the blond shinobi, he could feel him itching to go and embark on another journey, taking missions again and visiting places.
It was just unfortunate for him, however, when Tsunade had forbade the Kyuubi-vessel to any missions since he had been away too long.
"How can the brat be restless? He's been away for three years! Isn't that enough for him?" she bellowed, showing the signs of over protectiveness she always felt for Naruto.
The pale grey-haired ninja sighed once more and looked straight into Tsunade's eyes. "He keeps on staring at the entrance gates, and every time I see him, he's outside," he reasoned, slightly backing away from the Hokage.
Tsunade made sure to keep her temper in check and breathed slowly. "Maybe he likes the fresh air…? The environment he lives in is not in anyway clean," she retorted.
"I doubt it… but the more peculiar thing is whenever he's outside, I don't see him training. Just sitting down underneath the tree or something…"
The fifth Hokage closed her eyes and probed into her mind a bit. Either Kakashi's brain had been fried due to his extent reading of Icha Icha Paradise or he was telling the truth, Tsunade could not decide. But, what the Jounin was telling her was a bit true. Like yesterday, she called him again to her office and asked the blond vessel if there were any problems regarding the seal, but all he did was trying to persuade her to finally give him a mission, a long-term mission.
She sighed and looked at Kakashi. "What do you propose on how to deal with it then? We can barely get him to initiate the talking, and when he does it's one or two words that usually comes out of his mouth!"
Kakashi's eye curved up, indicating he was smiling under his mask and gave two thumbs up. "Don't worry. Iruka's talking to him right now… being his father figure, Naruto's bound to tell Iruka something… right?" he said, thinking his lover would have a better chance of talking some sense into the young adult.
Tsunade gave a tired nod and leaned back into her chair. She dismissed Kakashi off, who in turn disappeared in a puff of smoke.
The slug Sannin had prided herself into being a smart aleck once… especially when she had a teammate like Jiraiya. She could figure out anything out of anybody… she might not have the strength to learn a lot of jutsu like Orochimaru… or have Jiraiya's… well, something of a good quality, but Tsunade knew she was just more than her monstrous physical strength and unlucky gambling streak.
She looked at the three-panel picture frame on her desk and gave a small smile. On one of the panels was the picture of her former lover, Dan, grinning widely as he stared at the camera. The second panel was of her little brother, Nawaki, doing the same thing but this time he had his thumbs up. The last panel was of Naruto. With his ridiculous, orange jumpsuit, Tsunade could see the cocky grin placed in the middle of the boy's whiskered face. His blue eyes shone childlike innocence, full of mischief and wonder. The metal part of his hitai-ate was gleaming brightly in the sunlight.
It was then she saw the last panel Tsunade realized that she did not want to lose anyone she loves the most, whether be by dying literally or figuratively.
'I will figure something out…'
--
Naruto stared at the brown eyes of his former sensei as he comfortably sat into the couch. Waking up going straight to the washroom was not a good way to wake up in the morning, he realized especially when you are doing something else other than peeing or constipating. It was not also comforting when someone, who you considered to be a parental figure, heard you from the lavatory when they were cooking you a decent breakfast.
He did not know how explain it first of all, heck, he did not want anybody to know! And to the extent of his problems… he hated lying to Iruka. Iruka was the first person to accept him and lying to him would be a poor way of repaying the man.
If only somehow I'd gotten out, I would have beaten the crap out of - Naruto ignored Kyuubi's ranting, saying it would be futile for the both of them if he did manage to come out. He felt a sense of comfort though, at the youkai's way of apologizing. He knew the stupid, old fox would be subtle when asking for forgiveness and he did not mind one bit.
Iruka on the other hand, gave Naruto a worried look. When he had heard Naruto vomiting from the other side, he thought the young man was dying. He knows from experience that Naruto hardly ever gets sick, and his immune system is by far strong. So how could someone as hyperactive - used to, anyway - as Naruto be sick? Watching the blond looking right back at him gave him a small shiver up his spine.
He looked so… calm. As if nothing happened earlier.
"Are you…"
"I'm fine, Iruka-sensei," Naruto interrupted and gave a small, exhausting smile. "I think I ate something wrong last night… don't worry about, okay?" It was not a complete lie, but it was not the whole truth either. And besides… he hated it when Iruka worried about him. To Naruto, he did not deserve being looked over and fussed about.
The brown-haired Chuunin sighed and then nodded in defeat. He then looked over to the kitchen and gave a small twitch in the eye. When he heard the retching sounds he immediately left the kitchen and stormed into the bathroom, trying to soothe Naruto down. He did not even realize the food he was trying to cook was burning by the second. 'Oh well… I suppose eating out will have to do,' he thought but out loud he said, "Well, since breakfast is out of order right now, how about we eat out, hm? How does ramen sound to you?"
Naruto tried not to look disgusted, but nodded at the suggestion slowly. Surprisingly enough, he had gotten rid of his fetish for the unhealthy food. He supposed eating the cup of noodles his whole entire life had something to do with it, but nonetheless he agreed just to satisfy his former sensei.
As they walked out of the run-down apartment, Iruka noticed how Naruto's eyes have become a bit more distant. He did not fail to notice the far away gaze that appeared as well. Just what was he really thinking? The brunet wondered.
When they arrived at the ramen-stand, it was still empty with a person or two sitting down by the counter. The owner of the stand's eyes beamed with delight to see his favourite customers when they had sat down right in front of them. "What'll it be, gentlemen?" he asked while giving them a wide grin.
"The usual as always," Iruka said politely and turned his head to look at his former student.
Naruto gave a deadpanned look towards the other shinobi's way and looked at the owner. "One miso ramen, Ji-chan," he mumbled and gave a bored gaze out into the blue sky. He knew he would have to sit and chat with his former teacher one way or another…
"So, did Jiraiya-sama look after you properly?" Iruka initiated the conversation when silence ensued. He still remembered how Naruto stiffened at the question a few days back and he wanted to know what happened.
The blond gave a sarcastic snort and crossed his arms. "If you mean leaving me for half a year because he was behind in his research 'looking after me properly' then I say, yes he did look after me properly," he muttered.
"You mean he abandoned you?" an indignant shout was heard all around the ramen-stand. The brown-haired Chuunin knew how strong Jiraiya is - considering that he IS one of the Sannin - but to leave the blond alone? Did he forget that a certain organization was after the boy?
"I wouldn't call it abandoning, Iruka-sensei. More like dumping me in some unknown place, giving me enough money to fend for myself, drilling my head to train everyday until he got back was more like it," Naruto tried to soothe the teacher. He did not want to come across with an enraged Iruka so early in the morning.
Iruka tried to breathe calmly and was a bit relieved to see Naruto's eyes give the same familiar brightness as they had their conversation but still… what if something bad happened to him while the Sannin was away? Did Jiraiya even considered the risks of leaving Naruto alone? He would have to talk to the Godaime Hokage about this… surely she would want to know.
Silence became dominant again when the ramen was served. It did not last long however, when Naruto decided to initiate the talk this time. "So, what has been happening here?" he said as he stirred his noodles nonchalantly.
Iruka stopped slurping for a minute and looked up in thought. "Well… Sakura is still under Tsunade-sama's teachings and according to Shizune-san, she's making excellent progress," he paused for a minute and smile when he saw the proud look in the blond's eyes when he heard the pink-haired kunoichi's improvement. "And I also heard that she's seeing one of Gai-sensei's students… I think it was…"
"Rock Lee?" Naruto cut him off, not looking surprised. "Somehow I knew that was coming… good for her."
Iruka nodded in agreement and continued speaking. "Hyuuga Neji and Aburame Shino have joined the ANBU ranks and Inuzuka Kiba has his own genin team to teach." He noticed Naruto stopped playing his food and practically a surprised look was in his whiskered-mark face.
"Dog-freak has little brats to teach? Huh… who would have thought," he murmured, with amusement lacing in with his voice.
His former teacher laughed at the statement. "Well, I think with Hyuuga Hinata's presence he seems more… 'tame'," he replied, drinking the rest of the broth in his bowl. He made a point inside his head how he finished before the blond.
"Hinata-chan and Kiba?" Naruto asked and watched Iruka nod his head. The blond was not as stupid as people thought him to be. He might be dense once in a while, but he noticed how the way Hinata used to blush and stutter around him. He was happy for her… he did not deserve the kind heiress and besides, who would want a demon? "Interesting… how about Shikamaru and the others? How are they?"
"Shikamaru is also now a Jounin and I've seen him hanging out in the Yamanaka flower shop most of the time seeing as Ino works there for the most part… Yes, Naruto don't look so surprised… you somehow knew Shikamaru and Ino would be together one of these days," Iruka laughed again when he saw the blond coughed out his water.
Naruto sulked and crossed his arms. "I thought he liked Temari… especially after the supposed rescue mission…" he trailed off. Seeing the distant look again, Iruka coughed and continued talking.
"Well… actually, it was Temari-san that got those two together. And anyway, Chouji… well, he's also a Jounin and TenTen's also a Jounin instructor like Kiba. Hinata's medic-nin training is almost complete. You have to admit Naruto… your friends certainly have come a long way." 'And you have too…' he thought, looking at his surrogate son with a proud glint in his eyes.
The younger shinobi nodded agreement and took a bit of noodles into his mouth. "Ne… how about you, Iruka-sensei? How are you?" he asked, and looked at the blush forming on his former teacher's cheeks. "I've hearing things about you and Kakashi-sensei… is it true?" The blond had a few suspicions considering the facts were visible right before he left Konoha.
"You can bet on it!" Both looked behind them to see Kakashi standing with his eye curved up into a happy smile. The grey-haired Jounin walked up and put an arm around the blushing Iruka's shoulder. "How are you, Naruto?"
Naruto shrugged indifferently and went back to staring at nothing and stirring his now cold ramen. "Congratulations, Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei. You guys deserved one another," he said while patting the brunet in the arm.
Kakashi scratched his cheek with his finger and looked up thoughtfully. "Maa… I think I'm forgetting something… oh yeah! Hokage-sama wants to talk to you… I think," he said, while taking a seat beside his lover.
"You think?" the blue-eyed blond raised his eyebrow. "And I already saw her yesterday so why would she call me so early in the morning?"
The ex-ANBU shrugged and ordered a small miso ramen when the waitress asked for his order. "You know Tsunade-sama… I think she lives for torture," he replied, while ignoring the indignant snort coming from Iruka's mouth. "Anyway, I hardly count this being morning anymore since there's only an hour left until noon, ne?"
"I suppose so," Naruto sighed and looked at the wasted ramen. "I might as well get ready. It was nice talking to you Iruka-sensei. I'll probably see you later…" He was just about to fish some money out of his pocket until Iruka stopped his arm, seeing him flinch again at the contact.
"Don't worry about this, Naruto. I'll pay for it, ne? Now off you go… Tsunade-sama wouldn't want you to be late." The Kyuubi-vessel nodded slowly and left Ichiraku, going to the opposite direction of the Hokage tower.
Iruka looked at the retreating figure and sighed exasperatingly. He then turned to his lover and watched in amusement as he ate his ramen with the speed of lightning. He could not comprehend to how he and Kakashi got together. They were complete opposites and yet…
"So, did Naruto say anything about his journey?" Kakashi interrupted his thoughts and watched him with his happily curved eye.
The Chuunin blushed deeper and shook his head, while paying the owner his debt. Taking Kakashi's arm, they both left the ramen stand and walked towards the academy where he still had papers to mark - it was Saturday today so school was not in session. He gave a small sigh and leaned his head against the taller man's shoulder.
"No… we mostly talked about what happened here. The only thing he mentioned was Jiraiya-sama usually leaves him by himself to do his research…" he replied with an annoyed tone in his voice. "Can you believe it, Kakashi? I understand that he is now Naruto's main sensei, but still… leaving him by himself! What if he was ambushed by the Akatsuki?"
Kakashi nodded and looked up at the sky. Jiraiya left a bit of that off… "We can't really blame him… maybe he gave Naruto space. After all, being together for three years straight can get annoying since you're talking to the same person all the time."
Iruka shook his head and closed his eyes. A migraine was starting to enter his head. "But still… that is not a good enough reason," he murmured as he opened the school entrance.
--
When Naruto entered the Hokage tower, he gave a grim look. Right in front of him was Sakura with a less than happy look in her eyes. She stomped towards him and pulled the blond by the arm, escorting him to Tsunade's office. Naruto realized how mad she was - considering most of the time he always gets her mad when they were young - and winced slightly.
He knew she was mad because of his refusal earlier to have lunch with the rest of their friends today. The blond knew she meant well, but he was not ready to face them all. Despite the fact that he cherishes his friends a lot, for Naruto it seems weird to see his friends because of the time he had not seen them. He knew he was still a part of the legendary Rookie Nine but it was not the same.
He will never be the same.
"Sakura-chan… please let go of my arm."
"NO!" it seems Inner Sakura had made its presence known, Naruto mused quietly. He looked at the blazing green eyes of his friend. "I will NOT let go until you tell me you're coming with me in the next hour!"
The blond sighed inwardly and looked at Sakura straight in the eye. Both he and the kunoichi knew she was acting childish right now, but Tsunade's student did not care. She will make sure Naruto will participate and come with her to the restaurant later on. After all… why have a party without the celebrant? It would be pointless, for sure.
"Why do you try so hard to make me agree to come with you…?"
Sakura tried to breathe calmly and loosened her grip from Naruto's arm. "Why do I try…? It's because I hate the way you look right now! Ever since you've come back here - to us - you seem far too distant and quiet!" she exclaimed, finally saying what she had been thinking since yesterday.
The pink-haired woman looked directly into the blue eyes of her former teammate. She noticed how his eyes held a small, astonished gaze and became a bit smug. 'At least I've managed to put a little bit of emotion to those eyes of his,' she thought. "I don't like that Naruto. It just doesn't seem like you… but even if you're like that for a while, just at least agree and come… Everybody missed you! Ino called them and they were happy to know you are safe and well…"
Naruto heard Kyuubi laugh inside him and could not help but give a warm smile inwardly. He felt reassured he still had friends… right before he left, he told everyone how he was the vessel for the Kyuubi no Kitsune and left immediately before he could see their reactions. Needless to say he was not hated… and for that he was happy. But… the once happy, cheerful blond three years ago is gone. If Sakura and the others found out his new secret…
Would they still be friends with him?
'I should cherish this moment with the others… after all, once they find out they'll bound to look at me in disgust,' he thought darkly and let his arms cross around his chest. He closed his eyes and gave a faint smile, going steady with his decision. "Hai, Sakura-chan… I'll come with you later," he murmured.
Sakura blinked and grinned widely while giving the shinobi a huge hug - she failed to ignore the flinch Naruto induced - and looked him with sparkling eyes. "Good! Now come on, Tsunade-sama's waiting for you." She grabbed his arm again and continued to drag Naruto to the office.
When they were in front of the door, she gave him a stern look and said, "Don't think you're off the hook yet, mister. I will be waiting for you until you're done talking to Tsunade-sama right here. So don't think of escaping!"
"But what if I left in the windows?"
An unladylike snort was given out. "I don't think you'll be escaping from the windows, Naruto. I know you better than that. Now go in, she's waiting for you."
Naruto gave a small wave towards Sakura's way and entered the room; his eyes peaked in interest when he saw the supposed 'closet-pervert', Ebisu, standing in front of the Tsunade's desk. He turned to look at Tsunade and gave her a questioning look. Was he going to be trained by the Jounin standing in front of him like the last time? He snorted inwardly when he remembered the disastrous events when they started training for the final part of the Chuunin exams.
It was still entertaining however when Jiraiya took over as his mentor.
Tsunade gave him a gentle smile and motioned for him to sit in one of the chairs. The blond complied without any hesitation and patiently waited for Ebisu and the Hokage to finish talking. He noticed the shock look the sun-glassed man gave him when he was sitting quietly and patiently waiting for him to join into the conversation. Did he drastically changed that much?
'Apparently so…' he thought, and focused his eyes towards the three-panel picture frame the blonde Hokage had on her desk. He took it curiously - not noticing the other two people staring at him as he took the frame - and raised an eyebrow when he saw one of himself in the last panel. He never knew the old hag had a picture of him…
"Naruto." He looked up saw Tsunade staring at him with amusement and shook her head. "Now that I have your full attention, you remember Ebisu don't you?" she asked him.
Naruto gave a small nod and smirked at the standing Jounin. "Yeah… I remember him… he's a closet-pervert," he said, watching Ebisu sputter and blush in embarrassment much to the amusement of the Hokage and her heir.
Tsunade shook her head and tried to keep her laughter in check. "Enough, brat. I think Ebisu's going to have a heart attack soon."
"Why am I here?"
The brown-eyed woman was about to respond when an ANBU came in and told her the other people she had been expecting had come. She nodded and motioned the shinobi to let them enter.
"What does the old hag Hokage want anyway?" a voice was heard from outside the office made Naruto widen his eyes. That voice… it sounded so much like…
His.
Tsunade's right eye twitched in annoyance when she heard the question. It was bad enough the blond brat right in front her was calling her old and now another brat was calling her that as well? She gave Naruto a dirty look and managed to refrain herself from bashing Naruto's head hard. It was his fault for influencing the child…
"Naruto-niichan!"
Konohamaru entered the office along with his other friends Moegi and Udon with a huge grin when he saw the familiar blond hair and blue eyes of his role model. He also noticed his Jounin instructor Ebisu there but he paid no mind to him. He walked further into the room and jumped on Naruto and gave him a huge hug. "When did you come back? And how come you never looked for us?"
Naruto gave a shrug and leaned back to his seat, hoping for the younger boy to take his arms off. He gave Tsunade a pointed look, saying to continue on with her explanation.
The Hokage noticed the look and nodded, gesturing for the other three to stand properly right beside their Jounin instructor. "I have called you all here for a very important reason. For the next few weeks or months or maybe - with a slight possibility - years, Ebisu will be going on a mission." She paused for a bit a raised her hand when she saw Moegi was going to protest.
"I'm not done talking yet."
"But, Hokage-sama… who will be our Jounin instructor?"
"And what has this got to do with me, old hag?"
Tsunade glared at all of them for trying to interrupt her and continued on. "I said I'm not done talking yet! Anyway, fortunately I have found a replacement for him…"
Naruto narrowed his eyes and glared at his surrogate sister. "You are out of your mind, Tsunade-baba! Where the hell did you get such a ludicrous idea?" he accused, sitting up from his seat. "Did Ero-sennin have something to do with this?" It irked him even more when the medic-nin shrugged indifferently and smiled innocently. He then turned to the sun glassed-man and said, "You had something to do with too, don't you? Ebisu-hentai!"
Ebisu glared at him from his sunglasses and shook his head. "First, don't call me that and second, it was purely Tsunade-sama's idea!"
Konohamaru and the others however, had no idea what they were talking about. Who was the replacement? The grandson of the former Sandaime looked at the furious look his Naruto-niichan was giving the Godaime Hokage, who was looking smug. His Ebisu-sensei however, was impassive though he could have sworn he had an exasperated look in his face.
"Konohamaru, Moegi, Udon… meet your new Jounin instructor: Uzumaki Naruto-sensei."
--
"What was the meaning of that, Tsunade-baba?" Naruto paced in front of the Hokage's desk as he glared at the voluptuous woman for all its worth. "Didn't you realize that Konohamaru and the others are three years younger than me? And not to mention, I'm only a Chuunin!"
Tsunade, who was sitting down behind the desk, merely stared at her successor and sighed. She was getting a migraine soon; she could feel it. As her eyes followed Naruto while he walked back and forth, she now had an inkling of regret to her decision yet in her mind. 'It's for his own good,' she reassured herself. 'He's been cooped up here like a trapped bird, regardless of him staying for only almost a week. Missions will give him something to do…
'And who knows…? Maybe when he's back to doing missions he will be smiling exuberantly again…' she stared at the still pacing Naruto. Out loud she said, "I've heard from others you've been moping around ever since you came back, brat. You need to go back on missions again. Don't worry about your Chuunin status; I'll deal with that.
"As the for the three year difference, who cares? I know you will do a great job to teaching those three. Besides, you're their self-proclaimed leader, so why not you?"
Narrowing his eyes, Naruto sat back into his seat and crossed his arms defiantly. "Who said I've been moping around? And what of the Elders? They would be furious to see me--"
"Don't you dare say that you're a demon, because you are most definitely not! I will deal with the Elders and believe me… they will listen to me. And as for the former question: People said, and they are of no importance," Tsunade retorted sternly, but her eyes were soft and affectionate. "Naruto… I only want what's best for you… and right now it's best if you return to doing missions again. And besides…"
"And besides what…?" Tsunade heard Naruto mutter softly, and almost gave a sigh of relief when she saw a bit of life into his blue eyes.
"If you keep on acting like a lazy ass, your ass will become fat," she finished flatly, and smirked teasingly at the blond who was back to fuming. "Now, please leave. I believe you still have to eat lunch with your friends?" She waved her hand away to the door and returned back to the paper that was placed on her desk.
Naruto sputtered and felt his eye twitch, but nonetheless he listened to the Hokage and left the office, ignoring the curious stare Sakura was giving him when she saw the young adult walk out.
Still sitting down and staring at the stack of paper right in front of her, Tsunade frowned at the decision she had made a few hours ago. She was not sure why she made this choice but it had been a right one when she thought it up. The voluptuous woman saw how Naruto felt so restless, even if he had just come back from the three-year journey. Something odd is surrounding him as well… she was supposed to check up on the seal during the week he was back, but various excuses were made when the subject was spoken.
It was always, "Stop worrying, Tsunade-baba!" or "The seal is fine… I don't think the fox would just rip out my stomach and give everybody revenge."
She sighed and massaged her temple, in hopes of her migraine - which started throbbing when Naruto left - dying out.
--
Sakura gaped at her former blond teammate and shook her head, as if she was trying to erase a weird dream. "Tsunade-sama wants you to become a Jounin instructor? Why? How? When?" she asked him as they walked down the street to the restaurant they were supposed to meet the rest of their friends. The still had a few more minutes to spare so they were not really rushing.
Naruto shrugged and continued to stare ahead. "She's going senile, if that's what you're asking. The old hag says that I've been moping around too much," he snorted when he remembered the conversation from earlier. "She says I need to go out on missions again, and since Ebisu's going to some random mission I have to take care of his brats."
The green-eyed female looked up thoughtfully. "Isn't that Konohamaru's teacher? So, that means… you'll be teaching him?" A nod was given to her as an answer. "How come you're not jumping for joy then? I remember the both of you creating havoc for a while when you came back with Jiraiya-sama a few years ago."
"It's not that… it's just… I prefer to go on missions alone. And besides, if we go to a mission and somehow meet with the Akatsuki then I'll be putting their lives in danger!" Naruto frowned at the thought.
Sakura gave an unladylike snort and smacked Naruto's arm. "Baka! Would you stop being pessimistic? They're only genins, Naruto. The missions you guys would most likely do are D-rank and for C-rank missions, only escorting a person here or there! It would be impossible for the Akatsuki to jump up and ambush you when you're delivering groceries!"
She knew about the Akatsuki problem for a while - actually every single one in their close-knit group knew about the Kyuubi and the Akatsuki and felt sympathy for her friend. He had been through so much already and with this organization after him is just making it worse. As much as she wants to help, she had no idea where to start.
Staring at Naruto, she felt her spine shiver uncomfortably when she saw the emotionless eyes of her friend. She was glad that he still talks a bit, but the eyes were completely empty, devoid of emotion. She has never seen Naruto like this… not even when Sasuke had left Konoha for good. 'If Sasuke-kun hadn't left… would this still happen to Naruto?' she wondered as her green eyes flickered to the sign dangling over the entrance of the restaurant.
"I see Chouji-kun and Kiba-kun here already…" murmured Sakura, as she took Naruto by the arm and pushed the door open, heading straight to the round table. The two boys noticed them and waved over, with Kiba yelling Naruto's name loudly. The only female so far shook her head and reprimanded Kiba by smacking his head lightly and took a seat right across from them with Naruto sitting on her left side. "Kiba… where's Hinata-chan?"
"My dearest Hinata-chan and TenTen are going to be here in a less than fifteen minutes… something about doing last minute chores at the Hyuuga Estate," Kiba replied and gave a canine grin towards Naruto. "Naruto! Look at you… wow; you look like a girl! What the hell has Jiraiya-sama been feeding you?" In fact, he was more shock than anything when he did not get any loud response but only a glare and crossed arms of his blond friend.
Sakura refrained herself from smacking Kiba again and took a deep breath. "Kiba… shut up. We don't want anyone dying here, ne? And besides, I think Jiraiya-sama forbade him to eat anymore ramen!" she gave a small giggle and stuck her tongue out when Naruto's glare went her way.
"So, how was your journey, Naruto…? Even though it was only three years like the last time, you must have seen a whole lot again," Chouji said, as he impatiently waited for the rest of their friends to arrive.
Naruto shrugged. "It was okay… boring if you ask me," he replied back nonchalantly, but Sakura knew it was more than a simple 'okay'.
A few minutes later, Hinata and TenTen entered the restaurant, followed by the sounds of light bantering from Ino and Shikamaru. The girls gave huge smiles and gave Naruto hugs; in which two were rib breaking and the other was a gentle embrace. Shikamaru noticed how strained Naruto was feeling, especially when he tried to put on a mask of content.
Did he even want to be here in the first place?
"Naruto-kun! Sakura-san! Minna-san! Sorry if I'm late…" Everybody's heads turned and saw Lee walk towards them with his hand scratching the back of his head, apologizing profusely for doing something he didn't commit on purpose. Sakura gave a loving smile and hugged her boyfriend when he sat on her right side, giving a huge grin towards Naruto's way.
"Welcome back, Naruto-kun!"
Naruto only nodded and looked at everyone, frowning when he failed to see Neji and Shino. He turned to Shikamaru, who was sitting beside him and asked quietly, "Where are Neji and Shino?"
The lazy Jounin looked up with a bored look in his eyes and sighed. Just before he was about to answer, Kiba interrupted them and gave a small smirk. "I don't really think Shikamaru should answer that question… if you're looking for Neji, ask her," Akamaru's owner nudged his head towards TenTen, who was talking to animatedly to Hinata.
TenTen noticed how the three men were looking at her and gave them a glance. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" she enquired curiously with her eyebrow arching slightly. "Do I have something on my face?" She saw Naruto shrugged while Kiba started laughing.
"So, TenTen… did you give Neji a goodbye kiss before he and Shino left?" The dog owner made smooching noises and cackled when a small blush appeared on the brunette's face.
"Kiba-kun… you really shouldn't tease TenTen-neesan like that," Hinata chided softly and tried to console her boyfriend when her cousin's girlfriend had somehow punched him in the head when TenTen was sitting two seats away from him.
Naruto gave an odd look and shook his head. He congratulated the weapon summoning kunoichi when Sakura told him it was going to be TenTen and Neji's anniversary next week. He looked at the menu for a bit when a couple of waitresses came to serve them. The blond's eyes then drifted off outside the window and looked at the blue sky. He could see the a few birds flying from building to building and sighed. He wished he were a bird right now… he wanted to get out of Konoha…
He did not even notice the rest of his friends looking at him with concern when they heard the forlorn sigh that escaped his lips.
--
There were times where Naruto does something so stupid it makes Sakura tick and right now he was doing it. Lunch was peaceful for the most part, until both Kiba and Chouji had started fighting over the last tempura. After eating a delicious meal, the restaurant had provided them a bottle of sake - even if daylight was still out and the rest of the shinobi might still have work to be done - and had a small talk.
During the conversation, Sakura noticed Naruto hadn't touched his cup of sake yet. She supposed it was because it was too early for drinking alcohol, but the rest of the guys - aside from her boyfriend - were drinking theirs. Another thing was that whilst they were eating, Naruto hardly ate his teriyaki chicken and had to give the rest to Chouji, who gratefully thanked the blond. The medic nin-in-training knew regardless of Naruto's unhealthy obsession for ramen - which she had hardly seen its presence during the week Naruto returned - her former teammate will eat anything.
She also noticed how he would always look out the window, and his eyes would glaze over. Sakura knew he was not having any conversations with the demon inside him - since she had seen Naruto speak to Kyuubi himself - but just seeing Naruto like that… it made her feel like there was something he wasn't telling her. She was not the only one who noticed it either.
The green-eyed female met the eyes of Ino and Hinata as they too stole a glance from the blond Chuunin. TenTen even had the guts to ask if something was bothering him and all she received, as an answer was a shook of head. Shikamaru looked at him thoughtfully, no doubt letting his strategic mind look for a logical answer and Lee tried to wave his hand at him, but obtained no attention.
When the group of friends walked out of the restaurant and continued on with their work, Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji went with Naruto, mostly likely since the blond's apartment was near the Yamanaka Flower Shop and Ino will have to take charge again since her mother was still not feeling very well - even though her aunt from a nearby village had come to help her so she could go back to doing missions.
Kiba none too gently gave Naruto a noogie - he did not notice the uneasiness in the younger adult's face, saying he will see him later and held Hinata's hand as he walked her down the street and to the Hospital. TenTen gave her farewells, saying she has to meet up with her genin team and left after giving Naruto a pat on the shoulder.
Before commencing to walk, Sakura gave her boyfriend a chase kiss and told him that she will see him back home - she and Lee had been living together for a few months now - and waved when the Taijutsu specialist ran towards the gate to return back to his post.
"Ne, Naruto… I never got to ask but… how was your trip?" Ino asked, feeling the silence was overwhelming her.
Naruto shrugged once again and Sakura had to keep her temper in check since she was getting annoyed on all the shrugging her friend made.
Chouji took out a bag of chips from his Jounin vest and opened it, taking a few pieces out and sticking them into his mouth. "Did you get to eat a lot of new stuff, Naruto?"
"No… not really. Ero-sennin and I usually stay in a village for a month or two - or when the super pervert's super lazy, we stay for half a year," Naruto replied, seeing the familiar shop one of his friends own. "Well, I guess this is it… it was nice seeing everybody again." He nodded with at them as a sign of goodbye and headed straight to his apartment.
Shikamaru turned to Sakura as he opened the door for his girlfriend. "Aren't you going to go after him?" he enquired impatiently. Sakura gave him a glare and stomped off, ready to give Naruto a piece of her mind.
"Che, So troublesome," he muttered and entered the shop, hoping he could have some rest in Ino's room.
--
He did not know why - of all times and in broad daylight no less - he had the sudden urge to visit Konoha. To visit him. He supposed he was disappointed for a small time when he found out the blond had returned to Konoha. He was not finished him yet… no, of course not; far from it actually.
The hooded man who was trying to lurk in the lack of shadow noticed a pink-haired female - names were no of importance to him - walked to the run down apartment building and entered the tattered place, looking as if she was ready to beat the crap out of someone. Fortunately for this man, he knew only one person who lives here… and it was the same blond.
Perched up on the tree beside a window, he saw the blond stood up from the sofa and open the door when a loud pounding was heard. Lowering his chakra - he was surprised the said blond hadn't sensed him yet. He listened into the conversation.
"Okay, what is your problem?" the pink-haired female demanded as she cornered the male back into the sofa, ignoring that he was lying on his stomach, using his arms as a pillow. "All throughout lunch you seem to be spacing out! What the hell is going on?"
"I don't know what your talking about, Sakura-chan," he heard the muffled reply of the blond. The eavesdropping man creased his forehead and listened more to the banter of the younger adult he was pursuing during the three years and the pink-haired woman, who, in his opinion, was threading on thin ice.
He watched as the green-eyed female sighed annoyingly and kneeled right in front of her friend. "Naruto… onegai… please, talk to me! I know something happened during the three years you've spent outside Konoha… and I want to know what it is!" she pleaded.
He watched in morbid fascination when the blond stiffened at the choice of topic and then shrugged. He could see the young woman getting angry by the second. The man was sure she was going to explode.
"WOULD YOU STOP SHRUGGING AND IGNORING THIS! Something is wrong, Naruto. I can feel it! You were not always like this, even when you were secluded in your own home! Just tell me what the problem is!" He heard a shrilly, worried voice from the window.
He could see his blond clenching and unclenching his fists tightly as if he wants to tell something but at the same time he does not want to tell it. He sat up from his seat and looked straight into the green eyes of the woman who shivered visibly when she saw the blond's eyes. His dark eyes watched him stood from his seat and paced right in front of the coffee table.
"You want to know why I've been like this ever since I came back…?"
"For goodness sake, YES!" The woman followed him and stood up.
"…" The hooded figure narrowed his eyes when he did not hear Naruto spoke. But when he did, he wished he had not known at all…
"Sakura-chan… I've done a huge mistake… something I shouldn't have done at all… something that I had no control over…"
He watched the aforementioned woman look at one of her best friends and touched his arm slightly, ignoring the flinch the blue-eyed blond made. "What do you mean? Naruto?"
"I… I'm… pregnant."
Tsuzuku
Next Chapter: In which a few more people find out about the pregnancy and Naruto reluctantly decides to do something about his predicament.
Crystal: So, did everyone like the long chapter? Honestly, I never really thought this chapter would be freakishly long, but my hands just wouldn't stop typing! Anyway, I can't really promise very long chapters like this further more into the story, but expect them every now and then -smiles-
Please don't forget to review (I need something to soothe me down before I find out my test results... -cringes-) and wish me luck you guys! My test results will determine whether or not I pass my two major courses (stupid Provincial Exams... -sighs-).
See you later!