Crystal: Yatta, I'm back! -gives a huge grin- I would make this author's note short for this chapter because I know that ALL of you are dying to read the chapter. I'm not going to put any excuses whatsoever right now because I know that I'm late in updating... -the huge grin turns into a sheepish one- Anyway...
THANK YOU to all of my reviewers and readers who have taken their time to slowly scroll down and read the fic and also kindly leaving comments/encouragements! I would also like to thank: StarsOfYaoi (for helping me capture my angsty-side by recommending a whole bunch of things) and ChibiNekoSakura (for helping me beta this fic)! I owe you guys a whole bunch of stuff! -huggles everybody-
And one more thing before you guys start reading: one of the sections at the near-end of the chapter has certain paragraphs that are specially italicize. That means that these paragraphs are happening AT THE SAME TIME as the non-italicize paragraphs take place! It sounds kind of confusing (with the way I'm explaining it -laughs nervously-), but it'll probably make more sense if you read it. If not, then just send me a review/email/comment at my LJ and I could try and explain it to you better -smiles cheerfully- Enjoy!
Warnings: Yaoi, Language and M-Preg; not to mention sexual contents as well. You have been warned!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. However, I do have plushies and keychains... does that count? -has a confused/hopeful look-
Moments
Chapter Five: Once Again
When Sasuke returned to Otogakure, he never expected for Orochimaru or Kabuto to be waiting for him. In fact, even though he was a renowned shinobi in the Village of Sound - not to mention, Orochimaru's golden boy - the Snake Sannin and his devoted follower would not wait for him even if an important news has reached their ears. So when he entered the main chambers, he could not help but be a little curious as to why they were waiting for him impatiently.
"Ah… Sasuke-kun, welcome back," Orochimaru hissed while he opened his arms as if he was going to hug the younger shinobi. "I trust that you had a nice trip away from home?"
Sasuke did not reply and just stared back at the pale-face of his mentor. After stopping for gathering information about his blond former teammate from other villages, he had stayed away from Otogakure to train himself in the wilderness; somehow, even if he trained twenty-four seven inside of borders of Sound Village, he was still not satisfied. At least with training in a different environment, the feeling would be unpredictable, like how one would really actually feel when they were in a battle.
He noticed that Orochimaru seemed pleased at something, but he was not sure what it was. Recently, there was nothing anybody did to make the Sannin satisfied. The past few weeks as Sasuke remembered were full of painful screams because of those incompetent idiots that Kabuto had recruited had somehow crossed Orochimaru's path the wrong way.
His blank gaze then turned towards Kabuto and saw that he had an interested look on his face. Sasuke knew that troubles were brewing in different directions, and soon a war will take place. And during those past weeks, Sasuke was confident enough to say that Kabuto had been wearing a stressed look ever since.
"One of my spies had told me something important, Sasuke-kun," Orochimaru said, while gesturing him to sit in one of the vacant chairs. "Please come have a seat, Kabuto can order one of the servants to make you some tea."
As if on cue, Kabuto bowed at his master and left the room when the older shinobi had implied that he wanted to speak with Sasuke alone. The dark-eyed young man stiffly sat on the seat he was offered at and crossed his arms.
Six years… he had been here in Otogakure for that vast amount of time. The Uchiha knew that Orochimaru has been impatient, wanting to take over his body as soon as possible. He has had a lot of chances, but Sasuke somehow managed to stir him away from the subject. He was sure - or at least he thought it was - that the conversation they were going to have was not about his body or anything relating to his Sharingan.
Perhaps he found out that Sasuke left to look for information about his former blond teammate? Not likely, in Sasuke's opinion. Orochimaru might be a genius like him, but there was no way he could have figure out that the reason he left hastily was because he found something that concerned his former teammate. In fact, the Uchiha knew the only thing that was running through his so-called mentor's head was to quickly take over his body.
"It seems to me that Konohagakure's Uzumaki Naruto has returned from another one of his three year excursion with Jiraiya," with these words, Sasuke invisibly tensed as he cursed himself from not being discreet. Fortunately enough, the golden-eyed man hadn't noticed him and kept on speaking. "Only to leave again weeks later but this time with a bunch of brats instead of that moron Jiraiya…" Orochimaru trailed off as he heard a faint knock from outside the room. "You can come in, Kabuto, I'm sure Sasuke-kun is parched from his trip."
Hearing that he was granted permission, Kabuto entered the room with a servant following behind him, carrying a tray of tea with dango as a snack. The servant kneeled down on the tatami mat and poured three cups of tea, giving one of each to Sasuke, Orochimaru and Kabuto. Giving a small bow, the said servant left the room donned with silence.
Sipping his tea slowly, Sasuke kept his gaze on the table surface, knowing that he was being watched by the two shinobi. Thankfully, the deities were in his favour because they were persuaded by his 'nonchalant' attitude when he heard the news Orochimaru bestowed upon him. Inside though he was brimming with uninvited curiosity (which rarely - up to the point of being nonexistent - happens), why would the Snake Sannin suddenly be interested with the blond dobe? He remembered how the older shinobi had gritted his teeth with pure hatred towards the blue-eyed male because of his influence with the Uchiha. Surely there was no way Orochimaru would have a change of heart towards his former teammate?
"Suffice it to say, it was even more interesting to hear how much that little blond midget has grown," Orochimaru continued, making sure that his voice was soaking with sarcasm. "He seemed to be fond of wearing black… a huge colour change since he was disgustingly obsessed with the colour orange."
"Hn…" Sasuke finally looked up and stared at his mentor. With no doubt about it, there was something Orochimaru was keeping from him that was about Naruto. His golden eyes glinted as if whatever happened to the blond, it would affect him entirely in ways he could never imagine.
From the corner of his eye, Sasuke noticed - and was faintly surprised - that Kabuto was only listening intently at his master's one-sided conversation. Usually, Kabuto would speak his opinion every now and then, often butting in every time Sasuke and Orochimaru were talking (or lack of thereof).
Orochimaru tipped his cup and took a one last drink before licking his lips and gave an ill-humoured smile. Placing the cup back on the tray, he exchanged glances with the glass-eyed medic-nin (which the Uchiha did not fail to ignore) and stared back at his prized student. "What was more interesting, Sasuke-kun… was that while my spy was gathering this information for me… he also told me something or at least someone was also spying on Naruto-kun right before he left…"
He raised his eyebrow at the information - after all, if he continued to act like this did not concern him, they would get suspicious - and silently urged the long-haired Sannin to continue, suddenly feeling a something at the pit of his stomach. He had a hunch on who was spying on the dunce, and he could feel his blood boiling underneath his skin, the darkness and shadows clouding his mind… he knew only one person who could make him feel this way…
"It seems like Uchiha Itachi has taken a different interest towards our 'favourite' blond… aside from him being a Jinchuuriki of course…" The fact that Sasuke knew the blond was the vessel of the Kyuubi no Youko did not faze the Sharingan user at all (since Orochimaru had 'accidentally' let it slipped during one of their training sessions a few years back) but the fact that Orochimaru was implying - of all things - that his elder brother was attracted to the usuratonkachi actually made his mask slip for a second.
Despite the obvious implications that the pale-faced leader made, Sasuke was sure the so-called spy of his was delusional. After all, no matter how much he hated Itachi, he was the only one who knew him. The Mangekyou Sharingan user was an emotionless bastard and not even physical attraction could deter him. Perhaps the shark-faced partner of his was around as well?
But the way Orochimaru made it sound… to Sasuke if felt like Itachi was alone when he was staring at Naruto; Hoshigaki Kisame was not in the vicinity and it seemed like Itachi had ditched his partner in favour of checking up on the blue-eyed male.
"I quite assure you, Sasuke-kun… my spy was not delirious when he saw this bit of data…" Orochimaru gave him a leering smile and poured another cup of tea for himself. "I was even surprised that your elder brother had not felt my spy's chakra…"
The dark-haired prodigy cussed inwardly when the golden-eyed man said this. He drank his tea again until he took a deep breath and gave his mentor a blank gaze. "Orochimaru-sama… I fail to see what your point is…" he finally said after a few minutes on contemplating. On the inside, Sasuke was on the verge of destroying something; something was not quite right… he knew that Itachi had something to do with the way Naruto had changed, but the equation was still not solved. The way the blond was now dressing… the disturbance in his chakra fluctuations… if there was something going on between those two… he knew there would be hell to pay.
"Orochimaru-sama's point, Sasuke-kun, is that… he has a mission for you," Kabuto finally spoke, as his eyes carefully looked at Sasuke's blank expression. "I will provide the details for you right now, in fact." He took out a scroll and unwound it, as he peered through the contents.
"With this mission, Sasuke-kun, make sure you do a thorough job," Orochimaru said as he stood up from where he was sitting. He walked through the shelf that was located in the back and pulled out a book, which opened a secret passage. "I have no doubt in your skills, so I know you will finish it as quick as possible."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly at the retreating figure of the elder shinobi and turned his attention towards the glass-eyed man. Kabuto cleared his throat quietly and commenced on telling the Uchiha his mission. "Seeing as Uzumaki Naruto has left Konoha once again, the Akatsuki would be hot on his trails again to steal the Kyuubi from him. Your job is to find Naruto-kun before that blasted organization does and make sure that no one, not even his brats would know that you've abducted him."
Kabuto knew that his master's apprentice was surprised, if not shocked, that he was ordered to search for the blond even if his expression did not reveal it. "At first, Orochimaru-sama had wanted for you to… eradicate Naruto-kun at first, but we found something that's unnaturally exceptional about him that will help our leader with something…" he trailed off, feeling secretive all of a sudden.
The Uchiha frowned slightly at the mention of Orochimaru wanting him to kill his once best friend. The Sannin knew the reason Sasuke didn't kill Naruto was because he refused the have the Mangekyou Sharingan like his elder brother wanted and did not pursue him with the subject no longer. He motioned the grey-haired man to continue and listened intently when Kabuto started to speak again.
"So instead of assassinating him, Orochimaru-sama wants you to bring him back here to Otogakure for… future purposes," he finished as he rolled up the scroll and tying a black string around it. "Do you accept your mission, Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke's frown deepened as he heard that Orochimaru wanted the blond. What were the pale-faced Sannin's intensions if he accepted this mission and succeeded? Would Naruto be used as an experiment like so many others that Orochimaru has used? Somehow, the thought of seeing the blond in a huge test tube with many wires plugged in him churned the always-stoic man's stomach in an unknown feeling.
But then he realized… if he did accept this mission, not only he would get a chance to see the dobe - and compare how much he has changed - but he could talk to him as well, hearing Naruto's side of the story to see if what he had heard from his supposed mentor was true…
And as he accepted the mission and the scroll, he thought if it was worth it to talk to the blue-eyed blond when in the end, he would have to drag him back to Oto no Kuni for whatever reason Orochimaru might want from him. Though, as that train of thought passed by him, another came across through it: would Sasuke even obey Orochimaru's orders and willingly give the blond to the Sannin? After all, he had gained all the knowledge that he needed to learn from the Snake Sannin… and in truth if he did go against his wishes, Sasuke had nothing to lose…
Meanwhile, Kabuto watched the prodigy close the door and headed towards the shelf where his master had disappeared. He pulled out the same book, and entered the cold passage, walking down the path that was engraved in his mind. He stopped walking when he stood right in front of the door, and opened it to see Orochimaru sitting behind his desk with a satisfied look in his face.
"I presumed that he accepted it?" he asked even though he did not have to by the way Kabuto entered his office with a discreet triumphant look in his eyes.
Kabuto nodded and took a seat in front of the desk. He gave a slightly confused gaze at the still-satisfied look his master had. "Although, Orochimaru-sama, I must say… are you positive that it would be wise for Sasuke-kun to see the blond brat once again? Who knows what could happen…"
Giving a sly smirk, Orochimaru stood up from his seat and walked towards the window, looking at his country. He knew about the fragile yet strong relationship both his and Jiraiya's charges have and possibly out of every single people the Uchiha has met, Naruto was the only person who would Sasuke listen to willingly. The golden-eyed man also knew that he was taking a huge risk of sending his apprentice to see the meddling brat, after all, Kabuto was right. Who knows what could happen? There was always a chance of the blond putting some sense into Sasuke's mind to leave under his rule, but it was a risk he was willing to take.
This time, Naruto's influence on the Uchiha could very well play into his plan…
"Do you doubt my motives, Kabuto?" Orochimaru watched the grey-haired man shake his head from the reflection of the window glass. "Everything would fall into place soon… you can make sure of it."
--
"Why did you let him?"
Naruto turned around to see the Godaime Kazekage standing behind him, with his arms crossed over and watching him with impassive eyes. Raising an eyebrow, he shrugged at the question and returned to gazing at the night sky, looking at the stars quietly.
He and his team had been staying in Sunagakure for two months now, under the supervision of the Sand Siblings. Surprisingly, for a pregnant person, Naruto rarely showed any attitudes of being moody although the cravings for odd food and morning sickness appeared. He was also showing now, a small bulge had replaced his abs which he unconsciously caresses when he was deep in thought.
Since they have been staying in Suna for two (almost three) months, Kyuubi had stopped concealing the baby's chakra (courtesy of Temari since she could not check the baby properly). When the bulge was shown, both Moegi and Konohamaru kept on placing their ears on Naruto's stomach to see if they could hear the baby from the inside, whilst Udon accompanying the blond's exercises every morning.
Much to Naruto's chagrin, Temari had forced him to give his students into the hands of Kankuro who now took care of the three genins' training regime. According to the Sand kunoichi, the training could in fact lead him to using his chakra, so just to make sure, she had told him to do menial tasks for the time being (like help Gaara with his paperwork and whatnot).
"I'm guessing you already knew, seeing as you've asked me that question," Naruto replied softly as he heard Gaara stand beside him by the balcony. He suspected that ever since Kyuubi had dropped the 'concealment', Gaara - and perhaps Temari - knew whom the other father was to the life that was growing inside him. The blond was not easily surprised, considering that it would only be a matter of time when the red-haired Kazekage would find out.
Even without the Shukaku inhabiting his friend, Naruto was sure that Gaara had inherited the demon's powers.
Gaara did not reply and only looked at the blond, who was still staring up in the sky. His question still lingered in the air and he didn't have to repeat it once more to him. He knew that Naruto was restless as well. Ever since Temari told the blond that Kankuro would be taking over in his students' training, the blue-eyed shinobi had done nothing but stay in Kazekage's office and while Gaara had no problems with his company, the green-eyed young man was a little unnerved with a quiet Naruto. He was used to Naruto chattering about basically whatever that comes into his mind and as much as Gaara loved the silence… he hated it when it was related to Naruto.
"You're not going to leave until I tell you, are you?"
"Hn."
Naruto sighed in little exasperation and finally looked into the green eyes of the once-Jinchuuriki. To tell the truth, he did not know how to answer the question, seeing as he did not know why did he let him take advantage of him in the first place. He knew it was not because he was lonely - in fact, far from it. He had friends who loved him and cared for him and he treated them as the family he never had, also with all the crazy things going on, he never had time looking for his significant other; it wasn't important.
Just as he was about to reply, Kankuro came out of the balcony, panting harshly as if he had a run a marathon. He looked at his brother and guest with a solemn look in his eyes. "Bad news: I've heard reports from Konoha… they're searching for Uzumaki," he said as he led them back inside the tower.
Naruto didn't seem surprised at the news. He knew the Old Hag would find out sooner or later about his predicament; it was not like he thought of Sakura as a blabbermouth, she just wanted to help. Nevertheless, he was a bit saddened at the thought of Sakura telling Tsunade that he was pregnant. He wanted to tell it himself, but he just didn't know how to handle it when the blonde Hokage took it in a negative way.
Frankly, his pregnancy was a proof of fraternization, willing or not.
When both Gaara and Naruto entered the Kazekage's office, Temari was sitting in one of the armchairs with a look of concern and disgruntlement on her face while Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi were sitting on a small sofa with looks of discomfort adorning their faces. Gaara took a seat behind the desk and gave his elder sister an inquired gaze.
Temari sighed and crossed her arms. "They've found out, Naruto… that's the only way they're searching for you and your students," she said as she stared at the blond male. "My guess is that Haruno - "
"I KNEW IT!" Konohamaru suddenly stood up and started pacing back and forth. "That stupid woman with a big forehead! She just couldn't keep her mouth shut - " he was cut off when a kunai whizzed pass by him out of nowhere and gulped. He turned around and saw Naruto looking at him with irritation clearly being said in his eyes. The genin mumbled out an apology and sat back down to his seat, letting Temari continue what she had to say.
The Sand kunoichi nodded at him gratefully and continued, "As I was saying, it seems that Haruno has told the Godaime Hokage about your pregnancy. I don't know if it was intentional or accidental, but she somehow told her. Luckily for you, I don't think it has been leaked out into the villagers' ears…" She stood up and copied Konohamaru and started pacing when Kankuro entered the room once again with a scroll in his hand. "It seems that their search has been going on for two months now, as surprising as that; but now they've turned their heads towards Sunagakure, asking if we had seen you.
"Thankfully, since Tsunade-sama has given you permission to leave for nine months, she can't instate you and your students as a missing-nin, however… with your current position, there would be consequences when you come back. Even with the Godaime at your side, the elders of Konoha would not take it lightly with you being pregnant," the blonde female finished, as she knelt in front of Naruto, clutching his hands and staring deeply into his eyes.
Admittedly, during the many weeks the Kyuubi-vessel had stayed with her and her siblings, Temari had grown soft towards Naruto and treated him like her own brother. She knew that their response would have to be delivered quickly, or else Tsunade would be suspicious. While still clutching unto Naruto's hands, she turned her gaze toward Gaara who had been quiet throughout the conversation.
"Well, Otouto? What should we do?" she asked him.
Gaara sighed and closed his eyes while leaning back towards his chair. He decided that there was no way they would hand over Naruto to Tsunade - after all, if the Konoha elders have learned about the blond's pregnancy, there would be so many commotions that would take place, may it be positive or not. But aside through it all, if Naruto was sent back, the Godaime Hokage could give him a much more thorough check up than what his sister gave (not that he doubted Temari's skills).
He turned to Kankuro and saw the scroll the Kabuki-faced man was holding. "Kankuro… what does that scroll say?" he inquired while watching his brother fumbled at the item, trying to open it.
"Wait, why do you have a scroll?" Temari stood up from her place and walked towards her brother, seeing the Leaf insignia of Konohagakure.
"They sent it just two hours ago by a bird courier," Kankuro grunted as he unrolled the scroll and read the contents, his eyes narrowing at every word he saw. "It says here… the team that was dispatched is coming in two or three days… to talk to you, Gaara." He looked up to see everyone - aside from Gaara and Naruto - with a tensed expression in their faces. "That's not all… the team they've sent out… we're going to have a problem."
"What do you mean, Kankuro?" Naruto finally spoke up and he rose from his seat and taking the scroll from him. Looking at the paper, a cold feeling dropped down his stomach. Usually, in scroll that the blond was holding didn't hold any information regarding to the team the Hokage had dispatched but seeing as Sunagakure was allied with the Fire Country, the Old Hag deemed it appropriate to write down the each of the names that were sent for the mission to retrieve him.
Giving a sardonic smile, the blue-eyed vessel gave the scroll to Gaara and watched the redhead as he skimmed through the scroll and noticing the green-eyes light up with interest. "Tsunade-baachan's dead serious in bringing me back… can you believe it? Hyuuga Neji, Nara Shikamaru, Hatake Kakashi, Aburame Shino, Haruno Sakura, Rock Lee and Jiraiya are a part of the team…" he trailed off as he hopped up carefully on the desk, ignoring Temari's disapproved mutter. "You don't have to do this for me, Gaara…"
"But I want to," the green-eyed Kazekage said as he opened a drawer and took out another scroll. Clearing the desk and handing the other unravelled scroll to Naruto, Gaara unrolled the one in his hand and placed it on the surface of the desk. Instead of writing on the paper, it was a map of the whole Wind Country. He motioned for his siblings and Naruto's students to come closer and asked, "Temari-neesan, do you remember the house further deep into our country?"
Temari closed her eyes and frowned thoughtfully, "You mean… the one where Uncle used to take us when we were little?" she asked softly, as she opened her eyes and stared at her younger brother also noticing that Kankuro became deep in thought all of a sudden. Her siblings and she have not spoken about their Uncle and the rest of their deceased family members for a very long time, so it was a delicate subject for them.
Seeing Gaara nod his head stiffly, the Sand kunoichi smiled and nodded her head at his question. "Do you mind if you escorted Uzumaki Naruto and his students in that house?" he asked, and leaned back towards his seat. "Kankuro and I will handle Hyuuga and the others… however, you will have to leave the break of dawn tomorrow…"
"What about the reason of my absence?"
Kankuro snorted and crossed his arms. "Baka," he smirked, ignoring the glare she sent him. "You have a genin team, remember? They know you're a Jounin instructor… but they have no idea who your students are. All Gaara and I have to say is that you're away on a mission with them or something, granted that they don't come barging in here like they own the place and ask where you ran off to…"
Gaara nodded in agreement; it would be bad if his sister's students came in all of a sudden (which most of the time they do for reasons unknown) even if there were guards present outside the doors or not. 'No matter…' he thought. 'I'm just going to have to make sure that I inform them then…'
"Don't worry, Temari-neesan, I will take care of informing your students in the morning. It's better if you start packing now and get some rest, you will have a long journey ahead of you," the Kazekage replied as he rose from his chair and walked around his desk. He offered a tiny smile towards Naruto and his students, who were gaping in awe that the red-haired Sand Nin they saw years ago, would actually give a small smile even if it were almost nonexistent.
The Sand kunoichi smiled at her brother's behaviour and hugged her siblings good night, ushering Naruto's students from the office and helping them pack in their rooms. Kankuro ruffled the blond's hair and clamped his hand on Gaara's shoulder, offering a nod of good luck towards the blue-eyed shinobi. A few minutes after Kankuro's departure, Naruto faced Gaara with a genuine smile on his mouth, which surprised both himself and Kyuubi. It had been a while since the smile has appeared.
"Gaara… thank you," he said sincerely, whilst wrapping his arms around the redhead's shoulders and giving him a tight hug. "You really didn't have to do this for us and yet you did… you do realize that…"
"It could turn into a war? Hardly," Gaara muttered as he reluctantly returned the hug he was given. "This situation of yours could not possibly impose as a turning point into a small war between the Konoha and Suna. Tsunade-sama may be the Legendary Sucker but she is not stupid enough to enforce a war just because we've been keeping you here all this time.
"She'd understand why you have come here and why Temari-neesan, Kankuro and I have decided to help you," he finished as he let go of the blond.
Naruto pulled away a mere few seconds later and offered Gaara another smile. "Nevertheless… thank you, Gaara. For everything." With that, he bid good night to the Kazekage and left the office in favour of returning to his room and starting to pack his stuff.
The once-Jinchuuriki stayed for a couple of minutes after Naruto left, just contemplating on what was going to happen in a few days after his elder sister had left with Uzumaki Naruto and his students. He sighed exasperatedly and left the room, turning off the lights as he slowly closed the door.
--
They have been searching for two months. Every country and every village (with the exception of Otogakure - after all, Naruto would never think twice of passing through their borders with a team of genin) has been searched without giving away too much information. Normally if wouldn't take a long time to search for someone, but at the only kunoichi's insistence that they look thoroughly.
Also, after they've been to a village, the Godaime wanted a debriefing from every single person. In fact, if she wasn't the Hokage, Tsunade might have joined the team instead and searched every nook and cranny of the Ninja Nations herself.
"The sun's setting soon," Sakura heard somebody from behind and slowed down a little bit. It was surprising for her that she was quite ahead than the rest of her team when usually she flagged behind in every mission she had been. She just wanted to find the blond as soon as possible; ever since they had started their search, she could not help but feel that something was going to happen, and usually those feelings were near accurate.
From the corner of her eye, she could see Neji catching up with her with a troubled look on his face, no doubt worrying about Naruto. His head turned to face her and nodded slightly, indicating for her to stop. After taking a long drink from her water bottle and catching her breath, Sakura stood up straight and sat next to Shikamaru who had taken the liberty to lie down on the grass.
Watching with her green eyes, she saw Jiraiya and Kakashi talking in whispers off to the side whilst Neji and Shino left to get firewood and water for their camp. She smiled softly when her gaze caught Lee stretching and waved her hand, asking him to sit beside her.
"How are you feeling, Sakura-san?" Lee asked her while he took his water bottle out and offered it to her. The smile widened a centimetre and Sakura uncapped the water while giving it back to her boyfriend, making him drink the water instead.
Giving a chaste kiss on his cheek, she stood up again and walked towards the two older shinobi and gave them a questioning look, crossing her arms over her chest. "Jiraiya-sama… you mentioned that you and Naruto went to the Sand Village before coming back to Konoha… why didn't we search there first?" she asked, staring at the Sannin as he rubbed his temple and sighed.
Before they left from Konoha, Sakura was not entirely surprised that Neji and the others (excluding Lee) were a bit cross with her for not telling them what Naruto had told her. It was a serious matter after all, and she knew that all of Rookie Nine - and not to mention Gai's former students - would have helped the blue-eyed blond in some way. She was thankful - grateful even more so - that they had forgiven her (and Lee) for keeping the secret from them right before departing. They realized how it was not her secret to tell, and how it was hard for her to not say anything, even if it was killing her inside.
"Knowing Naruto… he already asked for help from the Kazekage. Tsunade, the weird old hag that she is - don't tell her I said that - wanted the brat to stay there for a while…" he frowned while restraining himself from ranting how ridiculous his former teammate was acting. "She said that if we went there first, Naruto's first impulse is to leave Sunagakure and go to somewhere else…
"What I was seriously annoyed by is that how daft can she really be! The brat's matured… he hardly ever acts without thinking and I don't think he would have left Suna anyway without thinking about his students' welfare…" he finished grumbling and saw Neji and Shino walking back with sticks for the fire as well as two pails of water.
Sakura stifled a sigh - she had been doing that a lot lately - and walked back to Lee and Shikamaru, both who were now setting up their camp for the night. Fetching the pot from one of the bags they carried, she hanged it over the fire whilst pouring half a pail of water into the object. She heard her former sensei say something about checking the perimeter and started to lie out traps around the campsite.
Nudging Shikamaru quietly, she ordered him to cut the meat they had bought from the last village they visited and started to cut up the vegetables her self. Looking up she saw Neji sitting down and looked at the fire with his face fixed into a look of consideration, as if he was trying to understand something. Thanking Shikamaru when he gave her the cut up meat, Sakura poured it into the pot along with the vegetables and asked Lee to stir for her.
Wiping her hands with a used towel, she sat down beside Neji and stared at the fire with her green eyes. "A penny for your thoughts, Neji-san?" she asked as she watched Kakashi walking back towards them and started to bother Shikamaru who sauntered to his sleeping bag and lied down on it.
Right before they left in search for Naruto, Sakura received a confession from the white-eyed shinobi's girlfriend that she had seen Naruto and his students leave the gate and how the Kyuubi-vessel had made her promise not to tell the pink-haired female anything. Baffling enough for her, the green-eyed medic-nin just smiled and hugged TenTen, knowing how guilty the brunette felt for letting Naruto leave in such a condition.
Neji shrugged and continued to stare at the crinkling flames, fascinated at how the said flames danced wildly. "It was odd… I've seen Naruto before we left, but I didn't feel anything peculiar around him. My guess it was because…?" he trailed off his question and Sakura agreed quietly when she noticed the underlying meaning of his question. She watched the Hyuuga prodigy shake his head in exasperation and amusement and could not help but smile at that. Naruto would always be Naruto…
--
Itachi jumped quickly from tree to tree as he rushed by through the forest. He was alone right now, leaving Kisame back at the Akatsuki Hideout with Deidara and the others. He was sure that nobody had seen him leave the cave, but with the information they just heard from one of their spies, sooner or later the rest of them would find out that he left without saying anything.
He stopped at a riverbank and looked at his surroundings. He could see the sun rising up from the horizon - he had left just before the crack of dawn - and ignored the chilled breeze that passed by him. Narrowing his eyes at nothing in particular, he remembered the supposed news he heard the day before yesterday…
According to the spy, the vessel of the Kyuubi no Youko had once again left the Leaf Village for reasons unknown (although Itachi knew the real reason why he left) but he was not alone: three others - and they were genin, no less - to prep up for the Chuunin Exams. The Mangekyou Sharingan master knew it was a load of bullshit, considering the fact that the blond's condition was much more important than a petty exam.
He also realized that searching for the said blond alone was considered suicidal since according to the spy, Konoha's best shinobi were sent to go looking for Naruto, but he did not care. It would have been wise if he brought Kisame along to his little trip and he would have… but he never told the shark-faced man his intentions once they find Uzumaki and despite the fact he had been partners with Kisame for more than a few years, he was still having troubles trusting the other missing-nin.
Shaking himself from an unusual, once-in-a-blue-moon stupor, Itachi gathered chakra to his feet and walked towards the water stream, entering the borders of Grass and Rain countries. He doubted Uzumaki would send his students this far from Konohagakure. 'Still… it wouldn't hurt to search…' he mused, staring at his surroundings blankly before commencing on running again.
Sooner or later the prey must come out… and Itachi was sure to be there when that opportunity arises.
--
Something was not quite right.
Sakura frowned as she and the others entered the front gates of Sunagakure. She didn't really expect for Kankuro to be waiting for them at the gates, as if it was the most natural thing to do. He had his back leaning against the post with his arms crossed and a half-grin was etched on his face. The pink-haired female knew that the Godaime sent Gaara and his siblings a scroll indicating that they were headed to Sand Village but she thought that Temari would most likely be the person who would wait for them, not the puppeteer.
Tsunade's apprentice shared glances with Shikamaru who also thought of the same thing.
Kankuro walked away from the post and walked towards them, the grin still placed on his lips. Even though he could only see the surprised looks from Sakura and Shikamaru, he knew that the others were startled to see him waiting for them at the entrance gates. Giving a small nod, he motioned for them to follow him, hoping that they wouldn't notice how tense he was. And that was only an understatement.
Inside he was burning with anxiety, threatening to overwhelm him if things got too out of hand. He seriously now wished that Temari had switched places with him when he asked her before they left the village.
-- Flashback --
"For the last time, Kankuro, NO!" Temari glared at her brother as she continued folding her clothes and placing them on the duffel bag she was going to bring.
Just an hour after she had helped Naruto's students pack their belongings, Kankuro entered her room with a nervous look on his face, which surprised the kunoichi a bit. Kankuro always showed arrogance in his expressions and even if he was edgy he never showed it. She only raised her eyebrow in question and continued to rummage in her closet. But when she heard his question, the blonde quickly understood where his anxiousness was coming from.
'He does have the right to be nervous,' she thought as she zipped her bag and placing it right beside her fan. They were playing a dangerous game, but she can't give Naruto back just like that. Who knows what could happen to him despite the fact that Konoha would be a safer place for him to stay in?
"Kankuro," Temari started as she gave him an acquiescent look. "I'm pretty sure that if you went with Naruto, you won't be able to help him take care of himself. Who knows how long we're going be able to stay there? So just suck it up and help Gaara distract them, ne?"
But no matter how much she tried to reassure her sibling, Temari wasn't so sure whom she was trying to encourage, Kankuro or herself.
-- End Flashback --
"A-Ano, Kankuro-san…? I was wondering where Temari-san is…" Kankuro was shook out of his stupor at the sound of Sakura trailing off, saying her thoughts aloud as the Kabuki-faced man lead them to the Kazekage Tower. He grunted quietly as he climbed up the steps slowly, not really answering the question.
He nodded at the two ANBU that were waiting in front of the main office while they opened the door and saw Gaara who was paying attention to his paperwork with his head down and eyes closed as he shuffled some papers. The puppeteer knew Gaara had felt their visitors even before they stepped foot into the village.
Taking a huge deep breath, Kankuro stepped forward and slightly bowed at his brother. "Kazekage-sama," he said, as he kept his head low. Now it was not the time to be casual.
He just hoped that everything would go smoothly as planned. 'Whatever the hell the plan is.'
--
"Ne, Temari-san, are we there yet?" Moegi asked from behind as she walked side by side with Naruto. Temari was ahead of them with Udon and Konohamaru right by her side, one of them carrying their sempai's bag.
The blonde kunoichi shook her head at the question and inclined her eyes to see if the other two were catching up to them. They were nearly there, which made Temari almost sigh in relief, but she was nervous for her brothers' sakes. By now Tsunade's 'search team' had already arrived Sunagakure and asking for Naruto's whereabouts. She knew Gaara would be fine, but what about Kankuro? Would he be able to handle the pressure that would come bombarding towards him?
Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt Naruto suddenly stopping and tensing. She cursed inwardly and abruptly turned around, seeing Naruto kneeling down and clutching his swelled abdomen tightly.
Moegi had a look of fear on her face and tried to support the blond. She looked up to see Temari putting a hand on her sempai's forehead and feeling his chakra fluctuations. For protection, Naruto had asked the Kyuubi once again to conceal the chakra of his child so the blonde kunoichi only felt the blond male's chakra, along with the strong - but faint - chakra of the nine-tailed fox demon.
'That's odd…' she thought as Temari ordered Konohamaru to get a water bottle from one of the pouches of Naruto's bag that she packed. 'I may not be a great Medic-nin like Tsunade, hell I'm not even a damn Medic-nin, but it seems nothing's wrong with his chakra…' Her frown deepened as she continued to watch Naruto drink the liquids she gave him.
Naruto was in the middle of his second trimester, and so far he was fairing well; better than Temari expected. He had been doing his regular exercises, always made sure that his meals were eaten (even though he didn't feel like eating most of the time) and he had been getting a well deserve rest. Seeing him just collapsing out of nowhere was uncalled for, especially in the middle of nowhere.
He had been going from village to village now and there were still no signs from Naruto, Sasuke realized as he frustratingly ran through the desserts of the Wind Country, ignoring the harsh sunlight and the lack of breeze around him. He went through three countries now - including the Fire Country - and so far he had not found the blond dobe and his students anywhere.
Sasuke figured that just because Naruto took his students out the village doesn't mean he would take them out of the country, but apparently he was wrong. He was surprised though; with the Akatsuki and his blasted brother around hunting for the Jinchuuriki, the Uchiha prodigy assumed that Naruto would not risk his students into meeting the organization if they somehow meet in a village.
He slowed down slightly when he felt faint chakra signatures to the east. He frowned at the information, knowing that no one could possibly be in the middle of nowhere underneath the afternoon sunlight and just staying there like a few sitting ducks.
But, as he felt the faint source, he knew that he could familiarize one of the signatures… Sasuke quickly changed his course and started running towards the east. He had a hunch, and usually… these hunches of his were right.
Kyuubi… what's going on? Naruto asked the demon as he continued to clutch the bulge that was situated in the middle of his body. It was weird, even though he should have a feeling of pain inside of him; he was feeling something entirely different.
He continued to drink the water that Temari had given him and waited impatiently for the fox's response.
My guess is that your child was feeling something that neither you nor I could feel it. Hell, I don't even think your comrades could sense it. Naruto heard Kyuubi reply as he felt the tense reaction the fox was having.
Now that he mentioned it… he turned to his left and stood up, ignoring the surprised and concerned looks he received from his companions and started walking. It seems that the Kyuubi was right and his unborn child felt something that not even he and/or the others could sense it. Not only he could sense it now, but also he knew, he definitely knew who the owner of the chakra was.
It had been too long… too damn long. The blond was sure he would take this chance; so sure that he did not even realize that he was five months pregnant but luckily someone did comprehend his situation.
Naruto… are you sure about this?
Yes… I'm sure…
Kyuubi frowned at his vessel. Surely he was thinking this thoroughly. If not… not only Naruto was endanger, but the child as well. BRAT! He roared, as he restlessly fluttered his tails inside the restricted cage. Think about this, even for just a minute!
But all he Naruto could do was pay no heed towards Kyuubi's words of advice and continued walking.
Sasuke was close, as he continued to run. He was a few miles away from the distinguished chakra signature that he hadn't felt in a very long time. He knew he could boost his chakra to make his speed a little faster, but there were other shinobi there and he was sure he had to be in top shape if there was a sudden battle that was to happen.
'Almost there…' he thought.
Naruto didn't even realize he started jogging until he heard Temari scream at him in disapproval. The feeling was getting stronger, and he was positive that now even Temari and his students could feel the chakra.
'Almost there…' he thought as he ran a little faster.
By now the Uchiha could see figures from far away. He knew there weren't illusions.
When Naruto saw an outline from the distance, the blue-eyed vessel was sure he wasn't hallucinating.
--
Underneath the scorching hot sun, there were two figures standing right across from each other. There was no one else to see them meet - except for one of the figure's companions who were shocked at the scene they were seeing, but the two disregarded their attention.
All they could see was the sight of each other.
One of the figures had a sunny, yellow blond hair and deep blue eyes. He had whisker marks on both sides of his tanned cheeks and despite the fact that he was wearing dark clothing and had an unusual bulge by his abdomen, the prodigy knew there was only one person who would give him a look with pure innocence in his eyes.
The other figure had a dark, ebony hair and mesmerizing dark eyes. He had a pale skin, and despite the fact that he had not changed all that much, the dunce knew there was only one person who could piss him off with a blank, yet intense look in his eyes.
'Naruto…'
'Sasuke…'
The reason there isn't a day
When I remember you
Is because I haven't forgotten you for a moment
-- Hanabi ; Hamasaki Ayumi
Tsuzuku
Next Chapter: N/A
Crystal: Okay, so how many people figured that the two people were Sasuke and Naruto? -goes on her tippy-toes to count the raises of hands- And as for the lyrics... umm, I couldn't help myself... -laughs and puts her hands behind her head- It was an exact fit though, ne?
Anyway, as for the 'Not Available' sign on the 'Next Chapter' section... my reason for this is that I'm not going to be updating until the start of November. Why? Well, first of all, all my thoughts and notes (yes, I have notes...) for this fic are all jumbled up (thanks to my loitering plot bunnies) and so I need to regroup a bit. I don't know whether I should put up another Interlude after this one or continue the Sasuke/Naruto confrontation. Also, I would like to be a few chapters ahead so that all I need to do is to send the chapter(s) to my beta and post.
Aside from that, I hope everybody understands! The reason I'm doing this is because I love this fic too much to be all screwed up and I'm kind of a perfectionist so... -shrugs and smiles sheepishly-
Can you all do me an itsy-bitsy favour though? Can you guys help me make it to the two-hundred review count, starting right now? -unleashes the puppy dog eyes- After all, who knows? Maybe with your reviews I could reorganize my thoughts (and notes) faster... -winks and laughs-
Until the next update!