A New Path

by Ookima

Naruto used to be able to stand it all, the cold stares and being called demon, until the one person he trusted most, betrayed him. With only hate in his heart, Naruto makes a decision that will forever change his life and those around him. Gaara x Naruto

16. Gone

I'M BACK!!! OOKIMA IS BACK FOR WRITTEN ALTHOUGH SHE STILL HAS HER REALLY BUSY SCHEDULE!!!

Check it out! I changed a few things, mostly how the story is edited, as well as the presentation of my author notes. Hopefully this makes it better!

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IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE

I finished this chapter like 2 weeks ago, but I was waiting for it to be beta-read, but unfortunately, due to her really busy life, she told me to post it as it is for the moment, and when she has more time it will be revised much to you dear reviewers satisfaction.

Note that A New Path is slowly being revised to make it into a beautiful masterpiece, thanks to my beloved Beta-Reader Okibi! So you might want to re-read the whole story or chapters that have been revised so far!

You can check my profile to see which have been revised so far and those to come.

A big thanks to Okibi! And I hope your arm heals soon! (She broke her arm a few days ago ... But she still managed to correct all my stupid mistakes and all. She's really great!)

Last note, I'm very sorry for the lack of updates, but money doesn't grow in trees, and I have a large college debt to pay off, meaning I need to work. But I'll update whenever I can so please forgive me and continue to support me please!!!

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A New Path

Chapter 16 : Gone

Synopsis : Sparks fly between Naruto and the Leaf shinobis, while the sand-nin and the kitsune take their plan into action.

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Pairings : Gaara x Naruto.

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Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto but wish I did. Because if I did, I'd be rich and happier.

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WARNING : Contains shonen-ai, in other words boy loves boy, don't like then don't read.

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JUTSU LIST

- Sabaku SouSou - ( Desert Graveyard ) Sand enwrapping the enemy is pushed inward, through the use of Chakra(controlling the air and sand). The inward movement crushes anything trapped inside.

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu - Shadow Clone Skill : A forbidden jutsu, that creates clones - which are not just plain illusions (like the normal bunshin no jutsu). Each clone is an exact replica of Naruto, capable of attacking. A direct hit causes the clone to disappear.

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JAPANESE WORDS

None that you already know!

- Iie = No -

- Hai = Yes -

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"Speech" When characters are speaking

'Thoughts' When characters are thinking

Change of PLACES will be in bold letters

----Example---- This means a change of area within the same place, location.

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Previously

Naruto faced the Leaf shinobis, but harsh words were exchanged between himself and former teammates, Hatake Kakashi, Haruno Sakura and most of all, Uchiha Sasuke. After a rough first encounter, the Leaf shinobis met up with Kazekage, while Temari and Kankuro left with their sensei for some training. Meanwhile, Gaara gave Naruto two choices, and the blond boy made his choice. Naruto decided to leave the Sand Village, in order to escape to escape from the Leak shinobis, and his former home, Konoha.

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A New Path Chapter 16 : Gone

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KONOHA VILLAGE

---- The Academy's Grounds ----

After the meeting with Asuma and Kurenai, Tsunade decided it would be best for her to simply walk in the empty streets of Konoha. As the time passed, she worried more and more for Naruto, while she still needed to deal with two strong threats to Konoha.

Lost within those many thoughts, she wasn't even aware to where her feet were bringing her, until she a certain noise caught her attention. A familiar shinobi stepped out of the Academy, dressed in a Chuunin uniform. Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise as she finally recognized the shinobi.

"Iruka ..." She softly spoke his name. She approached the Chuunin carefully before coming to a complete stop.

"Tsunade-sama ..." The shinobi was quite surprised to see the Hokage this early in the morning, especially near the academy. "What brings you here?" He asked with a forced smile.

Tsunade noticed the heavy bags beneath Iruka's eyes. From the looks of it, the Chuunin hadn't slept for a few days and this worried her.

"Iruka. When is the last time you actually slept?" The Hokage asked, noticing the bags under this one's eyes.

"I could ask you the same question." Iruka shot back. The shinobi lifted his head so that his eyes would meet those of the female Sennin. "After all, it isn't like you to stroll around town. Especially this early in the morning." He harshly explained.

Since he barely had any sleep in the past few days, he didn't have any patience at all, especially to deal with the Villagers. Then again, Tsunade wasn't one of those Villagers that hated his former student for harboring the demon fox.

"You're not the only one that cares for the boy." Tsunade reminded him. She was a bit annoyed at how hostile the Chuunin was, but in the back of her mind, she understood his reasons more than anyone.

"Please forgive my rude comment ..." Iruka mumbled as he let his back rest against the cement wall of the Academy. "Since Naruto's ... disappearance, I can't help but worry about him." He confessed with such a sad voice. Iruka lowered his head, as though he had been defeated

Tsunade's eyes softened upon the sight. Besides the Third Hokage, Iruka was the only other positive thing in Naruto's life. The Chuunin took care of the boy as though he was his own little brother, and never once judged him or even thought of him as the demon that killed his parents 13 years ago.

The current Hokage was indeed relieved to see someone actually worried about the blond boy besides herself and a few others, instead of gloating how their Village was finally free of the demon.

"Any news ... about the search?" Iruka asked with a calm voice, but his body showed the opposite. His arms were crossed against his chest and his breathing was rapid. He was nervous of the answer he would receive.

"They found him." Tsunade answered with a smile.

Iruka raised his head, eyes widened in surprise. He never expected to hear anything good, but this time he was relieved to hear such news and now he wanted all the details.

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SAND VILLAGE

---- Second Floor, Gaara's Bedroom ----

Only 15 minutes had passed since their conversation, but Naruto was already exhausted from the many emotions he had to deal with. The boy had fallen asleep on the sand-nin's lap and arms, while this one remained in his sitting position.

Gaara made no attempts to even move the boy, well aware that this was a stressing day for him. To his own surprise, his fingers gently ran through those golden locks. His eyes never once left that baby sleeping face, that peacefully rested on his lap.

That was, until he felt this one moving a little.

When Naruto began to wake up, the first thing that came through his mind, was how warm he felt, before he remembered how he and Gaara were talking about the best solution for him.

He slowly pulled away from the warmth and sat up properly on his knees. The first thing he did was wipe his eyes so that his vision would be much clearer.

Blue eyes met light green ones.

"How long was I out..?" He asked a bit worried.

"15 minutes." Gaara replied with his usual tone of voice.

The blond winced a bit, as he preferred it when the sand-nin's used a much more softer tone of voice. Then again, he was talking about Gaara! But it was still worth those small kisses and affection they exchanged from time to time.

"Do you know when we should ..." Even though Naruto wasn't the brightest shinobi in his Village, he just wanted to be sure of how things would go down.

"The sand storm is dying." Gaara spoke, which left a puzzled Naruto in front of him. Here the blond shinobi was talking about their plan, and he simply ignored him, talking about the sand storm!?

"Gaara what the..!?" Naruto wanted nothing more than to argue with the sand-nin for not listening to him, until this one gave him a good reason, that at least made some sense to him. "And how the hell do you know that!?" The blond continued to interrogate this one.

"I've lived here and observed the sand long enough to know when one is calming down." Gaara explained, while Naruto simply stared at him, eyes wide open and confused. "With the sand storm dying, we can execute the plan starting tonight if you still wish it." He clarified.

"Oh ..." Naruto finally understood everything he didn't only seconds ago. Was he really that stupid? Nah, he was just too tired that's all. At least that what he told himself.

"Just do your part and don't screw up. I will handle the rest." Gaara reminded the boy, to snap him out of his own thoughts.

"You're starting to sound like that bastard Sasuke ..." Naruto commented, but quickly regretted saying those words, since he noticed the sand-nin before him, twitch at such a comment.

If there was one thing Gaara hated more than his own father, it was being compared to that Uchiha bastard who was the main source for his kitsune's pain. But then he saw that Naruto regretted his own words, he simply shrugged the comment off, since it proved to be the best thing to do at the moment.

"So what do we do now?" A strong male voice came from the first floor.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Naruto's body tensed, while Gaara simply stared at the door. They both knew that the Leaf shinobis had returned from their meeting with the Kazekage.

"I really don't feel like seeing those bastards again. Especially Team 7." Naruto specified and stood up. To only think of his former teammates, brought out all the hate and anger he felt towards them.

Forgetting where he was, Naruto was lost within his own hatred for the Leaf shinobis, to even realize that the sand-nin that slowly approached him.

Gaara had noticed how the boy suddenly spaced out, and decided to try and make him come back to reality, in a good way. Then again, he wasn't the best human to act all nice and caring for others too.

So Gaara did the only thing he knew he was good at, or so Naruto told him ...

He grabbed Naruto by the wrists, and pushed his lips against the other boy.

"Nmw ..." Naruto mumbled what he could. The moment he was pushed back, he came back to reality, to only see and feel a pair of lips upon his own.

Pure instinct took over, as he quickly wrapped his arms around the sand-nin's neck and pulled him even closer. But too bad, Gaara had other things in mind at the moment.

The sand-nin pulled away before Naruto could imprison him any further, as he stared into those deep blue eyes. He released his hold on the boy as he broke their kiss, much to Naruto's disappointment.

"Why did you ..?" Naruto wanted to know why he was suddenly and even more why he stopped!

"The Leaf are right under us." He clearly stated. "Besides if it were to go any further, I can't have you being loud with them being present, or else they might start to suspect something ..." Gaara actually smirked. Which half creep out Naruto, since this was a side that Gaara never showed anyone, except maybe him.

"What do you mean 'loud'?" Naruto, oblivious to the hidden meaning behind the sand-nin's words.

Gaara couldn't help but lightly smile at how Naruto was truly innocent in so many ways. Then again, that is what attracts him to the boy. His innocence and the way he understood his own pain at being the container of a powerful demon.

"Gaara?" Naruto gave him a questioned look. He slowly stepped closer to the boy

"We should go." Gaara bluntly said, as he regained his 'normal' facial expression. Naruto eyed him closely, before he kinda understood that he shouldn't ask any questions.

"Do we really have to?" Naruto whined. He really didn't want to see them. But he knew that it was also inevitable if they were going to start with their plan.

"It isn't too late to refuse. After all, I haven't informed my siblings yet of your decision." Gaara knew how Naruto hesitated more than ever of his decision.

The next thing Gaara saw, surprised him. Naruto was smiling at him.

"Iie." He answered. "Because if tonight we succeed, I'll be free from Konoha once and for all." He added. Just the thought of it, made him even happier. The only actual thing and person he would miss, would be ramen and his former sensei, Umino Iruka.

"As you wish." Gaara said, before he walked towards the door.

The moment he opened the door, they could easily hear the voices from the first floor. The sand-nin had no problem with going downstairs. What worried him the most, was if Naruto could play his part without being discovered.

---- First Floor, Living Room ----

In the mean time, one by one, the Leaf shinobis entered the house and went straight for the living room, to further discuss their main mission. Unfortunately, there weren't enough chairs for the number of shinobis present.

The two Jounins and Sennin simply leaned against the nearest wall, while, Sakura, Shikamaru and Kiba sat down in the available chairs. Neji, Sasuke and Shino were so alike, that they simply stayed up on their feet, arms crossed, never showing their true face.

"How much longer do we have to stay?" Kiba growled. Akamaru jumped on his companion's lap, as though trying to calm him down.

"The sandstorm should soon come to its end." Kakashi replied in his boring tone, trying his best to ignore his eternal rival beside him.

The room went into an uncomfortable silence, when they heard footsteps coming down the stairs from the floor above them.

"You could have stayed away longer." Naruto commented, glaring at his former perverted sensei, Kakashi.

Him and Gaara finally reached the living room, and both knew that the rest was all up to Naruto. Now all they needed was an opportunity to take advantage of, to help their plan.

"Now now, you shouldn't treat your comrades like that Naruto-kun." Kakashi spoke his student's name playfully, hoping to get him to smile.

"Comrades? Comrades trust each other. They don't try to kill each other." The blond spat out, glaring at Uchiha Sasuke.

Everyone in the room knew that that comment was personally directed at Sasuke for the incident that took place on the hospital roof. Unfortunately, Sasuke didn't like this comment too much and needed to reply.

He uncrossed his arms and took a few steps closer to Naruto, never losing eye contact with the blond. He came to a stop, when he noticed how Gaara stood right next to the dobe, ready to interfere if needed.

"That was your own fault." Sasuke shot back.

Naruto expected a much better come back, but felt disappointed. For once, he wanted Sasuke to react or else his brain wouldn't think of another way to make all hell break lose and continue with their plan.

It then hit him. He was explained how the younger generation weren't aware of him being the container of the nine tails demon fox. It couldn't hurt after all for them to know. He no longer had anything to lose, and for all he knew, he wouldn't return to Konoha any time soon.

Surely to simply mention the fox would get those damn adults the attention he needed. Besides, even if he did tell them, most likely Kakashi or Jiraiya would stop him from spilling out the whole truth about it. Either way, he would win.

"Everything's always my fault! Why don't you pin more stuff on me! Like how it's my fault Itachi went crazy and killed your entire family and clan! Or how I'm responsible for the curse existing for those that belong to the Branch family in the Hyuga Clan. Hell why not pin down on me all those people I killed!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs to his rival.

Everyone was surprised by the sudden hate. They were too use to a hyperactive and a happy but yet stupid Naruto. But then it hit them. Why did he just mentioned people he killed? To their knowledge Naruto couldn't even kill a fly even if he wanted to.

'Killed? What the hell is that dobe talking about?' Sasuke wondered. At the mention of his clan, he was furious, but kept his emotion in check and decided to listen for a change.

'What is that brat talking about..? Could it be?' Jiraiya realized that soon Naruto wouldn't even comprehend that he was about to spit out the big secret about the Kyubi being alive.

Shikamaru took responsibility, stepping closer to Naruto. He really considered him to be a friend, even though he was troublesome most of the time, he still made some things logical without even realizing it.

Shikamaru knew the longer they placed Naruto under pressure, the more they would actually push him away. The newly promoted Chuunin placed a hand on the blond's shoulder, in hopes to calm him down, but never expected what was to come.

Naruto jerked back and slapped his hand in a brutal way.

"Hell the Villagers already blame me for all their loved ones I killed years ago because of the Kwe ..." The boy was about to speak a forbidden name, but a hand covered his mouth, preventing him from doing so.

All were surprised by both Naruto's outburst, as well as the Sennin's sudden action. Jiraiya managed to grab Naruto in time, before this one could reveal any more information about the Kyubi, much to the Jounins relief.

Naruto struggled within the Sennin's arms, while Gaara simply glared at the older man, ready to interfere, if Naruto gave him the order to.

"Calm down brat!" Jiraiya ordered the boy, before this one finally obeyed.

Although Naruto couldn't speak, thanks to the hand that still covered his mouth, but his eyes showed how he felt. Restricted in his movements, he simply glared at the Leaf shinobis so coldly, that some of them, didn't dare to look within his eyes.

The Sennin lowered his head, and whispered something into the boy's ear, which seemed to make him calmer, before he finally released the boy. All eyes now focused on Jiraiya and the blond, many had questions they wanted answered.

"Kakashi. Gai. How about you take care of them, while me and Naruto have a little talk." Jiraiya informed the Jounins before he gave a certain look at his one and only student, before something, more like someone stood between the two.

"Gaara." Naruto spoke out, a bit surprised at how, now of all times, he decided to interfere.

"This concerns me and my student. So step aside." Jiraiya said, but it was more like an order.

"Where ever he goes, I must go as well." The sand-nin remind him, locking eyes with the Sennin.

"Now you listen to me and ..." The Sennin couldn't even finish his sentence before his entire body filled with one emotion. Anger.

The moment he began to speak, it seemed that Gaara didn't even care to listen to him. Something caught the sand-nin's attention, and was far more intriguing than to listen to an old man ranting about his privileges over his only student that's still among the living.

"He can be so creepy ..." Sakura commented in such a low tone, to the boy that sat next to her. Which happened to be Kiba and Akamaru.

"I don't know which one is worse ... Him, or Kazekake ..." Kiba murmured back. Akamaru had his own opinion, but what made Gaara scarier than any shinobi was his intent to kill and his chakra. For the white dog, it was obvious who was most creepier and dangerous ...

"Are you even listening to me!?" Jiraiya began to lose his temper. This boy could just as be irritating as Naruto. The only difference between them was one was loud, or at least use to be, and now he was stuck with the complete opposite, a quiet one that rarely spoke.

Even though he raised his voice, Gaara didn't pay any attention to it at all. Jiraiya swore that he would soon murder the boy if this continued, that was until his eyes locked back with Gaara's.

"I'll be back in half an hour at most." Gaara bluntly stated.

"Wha..." The Sennin was now more confused than ever. How could a genin do that to him? Much less have no respect at all for his elders!

"I must speak with my sensei and my siblings. I leave Naruto within your care until I return." Gaara informed the Sennin, that wanted nothing more than to strangle the genin for his confusing attitude. One minute he refused and now he was handing in Naruto on a silver platter. "Until I return he will stay in your room and under your surveillance alone. Clear?" Gaara wanted to be sure that he didn't leave Naruto in the hands of an idiot.

"Fine brat. Just leave already." It kept every bit of patience he had to control his temper before the sand-nin.

Gaara stepped aside, satisfied that he played a little part, in aiding his kitsune with the next step of their plan, although, for better appearance, only the blond knew when the next step would occur.

The mood in the living room brighten up a little, the moment Gaara stepped aside. The Leaf surely didn't want anything bad to happen, especially when they knew and had previously experienced Gaara's odd behavior, and how this one, was truly unpredictable.

Before Gaara left, his eyes wandered towards Naruto, deep blue eyes filled with anger and determination at the task at hand.

In one swift movement, wind and a small portion of sand swirled around the sand-nin before this one completely vanished before all those present in the room.

"About damn time he left." Kiba hissed, as Akamaru finally came out from under his master's gray jacket.

The Jounins exchanged worried looks between them and the Sennin, aware that Neji and Sasuke would most likely pry into the matter and want the whole story of why suddenly their friend went crazy, blaming himself for many things.

"Train them or something." Jiraiya hissed, still angry with what happened. He then turned his attention back on Naruto. "You're coming with me now." He spoke out, but it was more an order.

At first, Naruto glared at the Sennin before he decided he would rather deal with him, then all the others, including his formal rival. Jiraiya left the room, while Naruto trailed not so far behind, following the Sennin, and preparing himself mentally for what was to come out of this 'serious talk'.

With them gone, the genins now all turned their attention towards the two remaining Jounins. Perhaps they could clarify what the hell just happened!

"Mind explaining what the dobe meant?" Sasuke asked, turning around to face his sensei.

"Gai-sensei?" Neji stepped next to Sasuke, wanting an answer as well.

Gai wasn't sure how he should explain this, or even what he should reveal. Much

to his inner disapproval, he looked over to his eternal rival, in hopes he had an idea how to cover up this incident.

"Naruto-kun hasn't been feeling too well lately." The Jounin began his explanation in a playful tone.

"What did he mean by all those he killed?" Shikamaru asked, making his presence known. "To my knowledge, he never killed any animals nor humans." He added.

"It's true." Kakashi replied, carefully observing the new Chuunin.

He had to be careful around him. Asuma had warned him how Shikamaru's IQ was above most Jounin level. He had to find a way so that all would simply drop the subject, at least for now. Surprisingly enough, he found the answer right in front of him. Uchiha Sasuke.

"He was referring to his past." He began, hoping this would work, although he knew a certain Sharingan user, wouldn't like at all to be used as an example. "He simply blames himself for what happen years ago. And I for one shouldn't tell you his past." He tried hard to hide his game.

"Kakashi-sensei, if he really killed ..." Sakura voiced her opinion again. But that left the opening Kakashi was seeking for.

"Tell us Sasuke-kun? When Itachi killed off the Uchiha clan, did you blame yourself?" Kakashi knew he was playing with fire the moment he mentioned Itachi's name.

Kakashi locked eyes with his student, his hatred for his brother could be felt by the entire room. The young one simply clenched his fists, to the point where his knuckles turned white.

"Sasuke-kun ..." Sakura wanted to comfort her beloved, but with his state of mind, it was better to leave the boy alone.

Everyone stared back at Kakashi and Sasuke, worried of how the young prodigy would react. Last time the name Itachi was mentioned, Sasuke ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks or so.

"Like I care about his past." Sasuke spat out before he walked out of the room, but made sure to give a death glare at his sensei on his way out.

When Sasuke walked out, it didn't take long for a certain pink haired girl to follow him, while Shikamaru eye suspiciously the two Jounins.

"You still haven't answered my question." Neji reminded his own sensei.

"Neji, for now we can't answer. After all our mission is to bring Naruto back. Besides, it's Naruto's decision to tell you or not about it." Kakashi answered for his rival, seeing how this one still didn't have a clue how to answer.

'There hiding something ...' Shikamaru thought. It didn't take a genius to see how they avoided the questions. Only for now, he would let it go, but he was sure to look into it more when the right time came.

Shino made nothing of it. After all the only reason he was even present was thanks to his male and female bugs. As for Kiba and Akamaru, they were only happy that everything was over and now were heading for the kitchen for a bite to eat.

"That was uncalled for." Gai finally spoke his mind, once the room was empty.

"I know. But we can't tell them the truth about Naruto either." Kakashi made sure to remind his rival of the consequences there would be., before he left the room as well.

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KONOHA VILLAGE

---- In The Forest, In The Trees ----

As soon as Asuma and Kurenai left Tsunade's office that morning, with their new mission, they didn't even bother to bring a bag of clothing. All they brought along with them, were weapons and scrolls in case they would encounter the two man team sent by the Akatsuki.

"Things couldn't possibly become any worse ..." Asuma let out as he trailed only a meter behind the other Jounin.

"Stop thinking like that baka! It was never confirmed that the Akatsuki knew about Naruto's current situation as well as Konoha's." Kurenai hissed as she leaped to the next branch ahead of her.

"Still ... The way Tsunade-sama spoke ..." Asuma knew something was wrong, as he jumped to the same branch as his companion.

"I know. As the Hokage she has many things to worry about. But the fact that Naruto's implicated ... She tries her best to not show her worries for him." Kurenai added before they continued deeper into the forest.

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SAND VILLAGE

---- The Streets ----

Although Kankuro and Temari left the training grounds earlier, that sure didn't stop Gaara of the Sand to find them. The two siblings hadn't even noticed they were being followed by their own little brother, until they noticed how the Villagers quickly ran back into their houses and left the street completely empty.

Both siblings stopped in the middle of the street, as they carefully looked around to only notice how the windows and doors were being shut and locked. It wasn't until they looked in front of them, that they understood why the street was deserted.

"Gaara." Temari softly spoke her little brother's name.

Gaara stood only 5 meters in front of his siblings, his gourd attached to his back, his arms crossed over his chest as he blankly stared at them.

"Where's the brat?" Kankuro asked, seeing that his little brother was alone.

"Playing his part." Gaara informed them, never moving form his position.

"Playing his part?" Kankuro raised an eyebrow, confused by those words. Then again, Gaara didn't make any sense most of the time.

"Does that mean he ..?" She was about to ask, until her little brother answered it before she could even finish.

"Hai. Uzukami Naruto made his decision." Gaara answered.

"Which was it?" Kankuro was impatient today. The fact that when he would come home, he would have to live another night, sharing their house with those Leaf shinobis, made him want to throw up.

"Option 2." Gaara smirked. Just to think of it, made him feel something that was still unfamiliar to him. Whatever it was, it was just as good as what he felt when he killed.

Upon seeing their little brother smirk, they were both surprised and shocked. Never before had Gaara smiled without any reason. The only times he smiled and smirked were when he went berserk or just killed something.

"This means more trouble for us ..." Kankuro mumbled, not pleased with the decision.

"When does everything start?" Temari was more than happy for Gaara. After all, it was all thanks to that blond shinobi that Gaara was more 'human'.

"We wait when Naruto makes his move. Only then will we play our parts." Gaara informed them.

"And when is that suppose to happen?" Kankuro asked.

"You'll see." Gaara answered.

Although Gaara was their little brother, they sometimes wondered how that was even possible, since they had trouble simply understanding the boy and his behavior.

But for the moment, they had other things to worry about. With the plan already in motion, now they simply had to wait to play out their parts correctly, without being suspected by the Leaf shinobis.

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KONOHA VILLAGE

---- The Academy's Grounds ----

"Where is he?" The Chuunin lost no time and was quite direct about it. This was

Naruto that Tsunade spoke of. The small boy he considered like a little brother, and finally he would know where this one ran off to.

"Hidden Sand Village." Tsunade replied in a firm tone. She didn't even leave time for Iruka to say anything, as she continued on with the current situation there. "By the time the dispatched team found him, he was within the custody of the Sand." She took a moment to breath, well aware of the next question that would be asked.

"They didn't injure him ..." The Chuunin didn't even have time to finish when the Sennin literally cut him off.

"Iie. The boy is without a scratch." Tsunade reassured him.

"When will he be back?" He dared to ask.

"Hidden Sand Village is currently in the middle of a powerful sand storm. So the team had no other option but to remain a few extra days in the Village. As for

Naruto, by their laws, has a sand-nin with him at all times to ensure that this one doesn't escape." She explained as best as she could, with not much emotions in her voice. She was Hokage after all, she couldn't let her feelings surface, when she knew she worried for the blond as well.

"By who?" Iruka quickly asked. Although he portrayed anger, inside he was worried sick for his former student, but then again, another part of him understood all too well why he acted the way he did.

"Gaara of the Sand." Tsunade answered.

"Isn't he ..." He didn't even want to pronounce the name.

"Hai. Shukaku." Tsunade confirmed the Chuunin's thoughts.

Once Tsunade confirmed it, Iruka couldn't help but remember how Naruto came to him the night the Third Hokage was buried. The boy spent the night over at his place, talking about how him and Gaara were so much alike, due to their demons.

Perhaps there was a reason why Naruto went to the Sand. The boy always felt alone, despite the few visits and free time Iruka gave to him. Iruka was lost within his own little thoughts, wondering if he should be happy that the boy would be coming home, or worried, that Naruto left with a good reason. For Iruka, Konoha was a very nice place, but for Naruto, it was like constantly living in hell.

"Iruka?" Tsunade spoke his name with worry. The Chuunin suddenly spaced out, and she was worried that he wasn't eating properly and lacked of sleep.

"Gomen, I was just thinking about him ..." He admitted. Tsunade raised an eyebrow, curious to what he possibly could think for his facial expression to change so quickly.

"Care to share?" Tsunade asked. She wanted to know, but wouldn't pry unless the Chuunin would tell her himself.

"You've seen how the Villagers treat Naruto, after all the efforts he gave to simply be recognized by them. Is it that bad that he left?" Iruka asked with a sad voice.

"Iruka ..." Tsunade was shocked by his words. As though the Chuunin didn't give a damn at all about the boy, but when she thought about it more, she understood the meaning behind his words.

"I mean, I really love the boy, but I can also understand why he left. A part of me wants him to come back, but the other part ..." He trailed off and lowered his head, ashamed to simply think of it.

"That wants him to be free, so he can find a place where he's accepted as Uzumaki Naruto and not the Kyubi." She finished for him and softly smiled.

"Hai ..." He confirmed. "Is it wrong for me to wish that?" Unsure if he felt the right thing.

"Iie. As much as I want him back here, when I'm not thinking like a Hokage, I only wish for him to be happy." She reassured him.

Tsunade lifted his chin and forced him to look into her eyes, so that he would see she was sincere and cared for the boy.

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SAND VILLAGE

---- First Floor, Kitchen -----

Gaara and his two siblings reached the house within 15 minutes, and already they felt that something was wrong. They headed for the kitchen, where they met up with only half the group from Konoha.

"Where are the others?" Gaara asked, seeing how Kakashi, Sasuke and Neji were missing.

"They went training. Sasuke needed to vent off some anger." Kiba added before he gave some food to Akamaru.

'So it seems that Naruto played his part perfectly.' The sand user thought.

"And Naruto?" Temari asked, seeing no sign of the blond nor the white haired man.

Before Kiba could actually answer, they heard a loud scream coming from the floor above them.

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" Naruto's voice could easily be heard all the way down to the kitchen.

All the genins stared at each other, before they decided it may be best to go upstairs and see what was happening.

---- Second Floor, Hallway ----

Naruto stood in the middle of the hall, his back turned to where he originally rushed out of, as well as the legendary Sennin that stood in the doorframe.

By the time both Leaf and Sand shinobis appeared on the scene, a very heated conversation, or more like yelling, took place.

"Naruto! Konoha's your home." Jiraiya reminded the boy.

"Home? Home!? Konoha isn't my home! A home is where you actually care about others, not hate them!" Naruto shot back, trying to control his anger.

"Do you really think we would be here right now if we didn't care!?" Jiraiya had just enough of how the brat always saw everything negatively.

That sentence alone hit a nerve within the blond. All he wanted to do was shout more, but hearing ero-sennin say it to him, made him think back. The few thoughts, or hopes he had pushed in the back of his mind, truly thinking no one cared, never once he thought someone would actually say them out loud to them. Now in front of him, his new sensei spoke them loud enough, for his doubts to resurface.

"If we didn't care, we wouldn't be in this forsaken Village, enduring an hour with that crazy old fool named Kazekage because we don't care! Boy, I admit that those Villagers are stupid for treating you the way they did but among them, you still have friends." Jiraiya let the words sink into that little blond head, hoping it truly affected him.

The house filled itself with silence, while the genins didn't dare to move an inch from their place. This was the first time they saw the legendary Sennin loose his calm so easily and yell at his student in such a way.

'They ... They wouldn't have come if they didn't care right?' Naruto debated the subject within himself, before he noticed the presences of the others.

Kiba, Shikamaru, Sakura stared at Naruto with eyes the boy really didn't like. While Shino and Gai, stayed aside, not wanting to make matters worse, but it was too late.

"Have you thought about that Chuunin? Iruka something?" Jiraiya reached out more, seeing how the boy started to realize things.

"Iruka-sensei ..." Naruto corrected the Sennin. His voice filled with pain and sadness.

"He misses you the most. So how about we go back home. Just like things were. You going back to your old self and ..." Jiraiya thought he won and finally convinced the blond, but the next thing that came out of Naruto's mouth, shocked him.

"My old self? Do you really think I always smile because I'm happy? My old self is nothing but a façade I placed because I couldn't deal with the attitude, the insults and the hate of those damn Villagers! So in truth I don't know who I am! I don't know who Uzumaki Naruto really is or how I should really act!" Naruto shouted, his voice truly pained by simply saying those words, but that alone spoke the truth.

"Naruto ..." Kiba, Sakura and Shikamaru were stunned by his words, never had they imagined that Naruto suffered like this.

"Naruto-kun ..." Gai and Shino spoke out, even they were surprised at how lost the boy seemed.

Before any more words took place, Naruto made an attempt to go hide himself in Gaara's room. He opened the door and prepared to go inside when a hand grabbed his shoulder. By pure instinct, Naruto quickly turned around, ready to shout.

"Just leave me the hell alone!" He shouted, before he came face to face, with no other than Gaara.

"Uzumaki ..." Gaara spoke out the name softly, for only Naruto to hear.

"I just want to be left alone!" Naruto didn't care anymore who was in his face. To him they were all the same.

Before anyone could say or make another move, Naruto slammed the door right in Gaara's face, and made sure to lock it.

The others were still too stunned to even react, while Temari and Kankuro were more worried about their little brother loosing control after what happened. In these kinds of situation, Gaara usually simply broke down anything in his path and made sure that the person suffered greatly for treating him in such a way. But all they saw, was Gaara glaring deadly at the door, before this one crossed his arms, closed his eyes for a short moment, to calm himself.

"Gaara?" Temari took a chance and approached him, worried of what could happen.

"Kankuro. Temari. Take the Leaf downstairs." Gaara ordered before he leaned against the wall of his outer bedroom, where Naruto currently locked himself in.

"What about you?" Kankuro stepped forward, seeing that things weren't as bad as they looked.

"I'm still his keeper. Until he comes out, I'll remain here." Gaara reminded the group.

Temari stepped back, and gave a warning look to the Sennin, while Kankuro took charge of the genins. Although none of them wanted to leave, Jiraiya knew that the damage was done and it was best to leave the boy alone. Especially after the reaction he got out of talking to him.

"Come, we'll go over our mission." Gai was aware that Jiraiya was in no condition to deal with any of it and decided to take charge, until things get better.

Gai led the way, while the sand siblings made sure everyone followed, so no one would stay behind, and make things worse.

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KONOHA VILLAGE

---- The Academy's Grounds ----

"But as a Hokage, I have no other choice but to follow the laws and apply them, no matter who it is." Tsunade spoke with sadness.

"I. I Understand." Iruka stammered a bit.

"Anyhow, the boy should be brought in within the next 2 days." Tsunade made sure Iruka knew everything.

"If he doesn't find a way to escape from their grip ..." Iruka commented loud enough for her to hear.

"He's coming home Iruka." Tsunade could see that the Chuunin began to think negatively.

"Many underestimate his true skills ..." Iruka began, his facial expression and the tone of his voice change dramatically.

"Iruka. I know the boy has great potential, but I doubt he could get away from 1 legendary Sennin, 2 Jounins, as well as 1 Chuunin which his IQ is greater than the average shinobi, as well as 2 number 1 rookies at the Academy. I doubt that ..." Tsunade wanted to continue but was rudely interrupted.

Iruka knew Naruto better than anyone. After all, he watched over the boy since he was a small child, while the others only knew him for a few months. Iruka stepped closer to the Hokage and looked directly within her eyes.

"Naruto rarely showed his true potential to anyone." Iruka began with a serious tone of voice. "If he doesn't want to come back home ... He'll find a way to make it happened, he always does. I can only hope he'll find the happiness that he couldn't find here." He smiled before he walked pass the Hokage.

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SAND VILLAGE

---- Gaara's House, Outside Gaara's Bedroom ----

A very long hour passed before the bedroom door finally opened. Naruto finally stepped out, and the first thing that caught his eye was the figure that sat on the floor.

"Gaara?" The blond spoke out the name, surprised to see that the sand-nin stayed there and hadn't budged.

Gaara didn't even look up to the blond. He merely gave a nod and stood up on his own two feet, his back turned to the other boy.

"About earlier ... I'm sorry .... It's just that ..." Naruto tried to explain, but in vain.

"Just get down to the kitchen." Gaara coldly ordered him. Obviously he was still angry having the door slammed in his face.

"Hai ..." Naruto whispered, visibly hurt by how the sand-nin treated him.

Gaara took point as he walked down the stairs, while Naruto followed him from behind, head lowered in shame.

But there was one thing that both Gaara and Naruto weren't aware of, and that was the distinct presence of 2 Leaf Shinobis who saw and heard everything.

---- First Floor, Kitchen ----

Kakashi, Sasuke and Neji finally returned from some intensive training to keep their minds clear from the earlier event with Naruto. Since it was time for diner, the meal was prepared and ready to eat, all that missed were two genins to join the table.

"Is he ever coming out?" Kiba whined. He was hungry, and now he had to wait because of a certain blond that didn't know how to control his emotions.

His prayers were answered when Naruto stepped within the kitchen, followed by what seemed to be a very unpleased sand-nin.

"Took you long enough dobe." Sasuke smirked, still hoping to get a reaction out of him, despite their earlier confrontation.

Naruto kept quiet. He didn't even spare a glance at his former rival, or the other Leaf shinobis. He walked closer to the table, ignoring everyone, while Gaara remained near the door, observing the boy, as though something was wrong.

"Naruto about earlier ..." Jiraiya wanted to apologize, since he really didn't know how the boy felt.

But this one remained silent. The rest of the group that weren't present earlier, were informed of how things went, and knew that the boy was near a mental breakdown if this continued.

Before anyone could speak to the blond, this one was suddenly pushed to the nearest wall by sand. All jumped out of their seat, not understanding what was going on, while Kankuro and Temari thought that Gaara finally snapped.

"Gaara!" Kankuro and Temari yelled out their little brother's name.

The sand slowly wrapped itself around Naruto's body, only leaving his head free of movements and sand. Gaara slowly walked towards the boy, while he simply ignored those around him.

The Jounins were mostly occupied, ordering their students not to move and inch, while Jiraiya tried to approach Gaara. The sand-nin held his open hand up, while Naruto made no attempts to struggle at all.

"Release him!" Jiraiya ordered, ready to take action if needed.

Gaara ignored the old man and stepped closer to his victim. Gaara gently ran his fingers across the boy's face, before he took a step back. The little spark of life that could be seen in Gaara's eyes, quickly vanished to be replaced by the pure intention to kill.

"You're not Naruto." Gaara hissed before he raised his hand again, preparing for his deadly jutsu.

"What..?" Jiraiya was frozen. How could this not be Naruto. He was right there in front of them. Unless ...

"Sabaku SouSou" Gaara closed his hand, but he could hear the yelling and shouting beside him, as the boy known as Uzumaki Naruto was crushed by the sand.

"Kya!!!" Sakura screamed, shutting her eyes, not wanting to see the scene.

"Don't!!!" Others shouted.

What seemed to be an eternity, Jiraiya broke the silence, the first who dared to look upon the scene. He expected like the other two Jounins, to see Naruto's blood splattered everywhere and mixed with the sand. Much to his surprise, the sand remained the same color and the only sign that Naruto was there went up in smoke.

"Kage Bunshin ..?" Jiraiya was surprised and then looked at the sand-nin.

"That bastard switched just before he came down with me ..." He spoke angrily, while Temari and Kankuro were shaking like leaves. That tone of voice, wasn't good at all.

Jiraiya glanced behind him, giving sign to Kakashi to check things upstairs. The Jounin vanished in smoke, while the genins were more than confused.

"Gaara, you really shouldn't ..." Temari tried to calm him down.

"How could this happen ..?" Sakura finally had the courage to open her eyes.

"Dobe's favorite jutsu ..." Sasuke commented, when Kakashi reappeared in the room.

"Well?" The Sennin was impatient to learn if his pupil was still within the house.

"He's gone. Naruto's gone." Kakashi spoke with worry. The last thing they needed was for him to disappear in such a place.

TBC ...

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First off, I'm sure people are gonna remind me that Iruka is like a mother hen and would love to have Naruto back home, but to me, he knows the boy a bit better than others, so he would actually understand why he did such a thing. So I'm sorry for his OCCness.

I'm sure you people, or some of you which are kinda picky at chapter length, will most likely remind me that this chapter was short. Well that's how things are! I'm already happy that I even managed to write it since I've been cursed with many things in the last 6 weeks!

Right now I'm working 50 hours per week at both my jobs, plus 15 hours of school as well. Add all those up and I barely have time to eat and sleep! Plus Hell decided to burden me with Writer's block! So I apologize for the late update, and if you're reading this, please read as well the important note below since it concerns my stories and the updates. Thanks!

Chapter length 7500 words!

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Option number 2, the option will COMPLETELY be revealed in chapter 17, and mostly clarified in chapter 18 in a flashback for those who like clear explanations of how things went down.

ALSO! The conversation between Jiraiya and Naruto will be revealed in a flashback in the next chapter!

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REVIEWS

I usually answer each single review, but alas that takes like half an hour of my time so for this chapter, I'll simply answer the few reviews that basically asked the same questions.

Jenniyah : Akatsuki will make it's appearance that's for sure, but for the moment they won't since I already have to deal with many things.

Peter Kim : You were close! But no I'm not faking Naruto's death. Saw too many of those in fics. All your ranting about different possibilities sometimes help me to add something new to the story, and make it last even longer than it was suppose to. Keep it up.

Ryouseiteki : So sorry for my lack of updates, but that should get better now that I have 3 weeks off at one of my jobs. I can breath now. I'm glad you enjoyed the fluff and angst, cuz this chapter was filled with it. Might have gotten a bit over, but that's because I've been having problems with my lover ... Anyway, hope you look at the note below.

Litch Sieger : You were close just like Peter Kim! But not, it's mostly for replacement, to create an opening to escape, but you'll find out all the rest later!

Hebi : I totally got you confused didn't I? Well read on and you'll see what happens.

Burning Tree : Ok. Here's the thing, out of all the reviews and comment I get, you're the only one that doesn't like current Naruto. But as I explained at the beginning of the story, it won't last forever! It's a simply façade for what I have planned in the next few chapters. So be reassured that Naruto won't stay always angsty!

Blue ½ : first time I saw your name, and 1 review makes a big difference! Yes, I have some battle scenes for the next chapter, mostly the one people have been waiting for! Sasuke vs Naruto!

Silver Neo : I'm always glad to read your review. Hope to hear from you soon!

Rubymoon 17 : I got a beta-reader! I'm sure you're happy now, so I won't have so many mistakes, plus my beta reader is great at making my story even better! She already worked on chapter 1, and slowly she'll be doing other chapters and stories, once her broken arm heals. So I hope you'll continue to support me!

Dadaiiro : Yep, Naruto's primary and best jutsu will be the key in the next chapter if he wants to succeed in his escape. In this chapter I also showed how Jiraiya pointed out that they cared about him, although this chapter was filled with angst all the way. As for Itachi, he'll make an appearance that's for sure, but I'm not telling when ;)

Victoria May : I'm glad to hear that because some think that Naruto's OCCness is annoying and want the old Naruto back. But in my opinion, the Naruto we really know is but a façade, but things will get better soon. Thanks for reviewing!

Again so sorry for the lateness and hopefully the next chapter will come out soon! Thanks for the 33 who reviewed, it means a lot to me! Even if it's just to tell me to continue!

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Next Chapter :

The Leaf shinobis spread out in a two shinobi teams to retrieve yet again Naruto. Following his trail, will they manage to get the young shinobi back peacefully? Or will they have to use force?

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IMPORTANT NOTE

Here's the thing people! Since I don't have that much time on my hands during summer, I decided to cut back on certain stories ... In other words, the three stories you'll most likely see to be updated are the following.

A New Path

Rivals or Lovers

Twist of Fate

For Twist of Fate, the story should soon be completed and so another one will be taking it's place. Either it will be the sequel or an ongoing story that I have TEMPORARILY placed on hold.

The stories that are ON HOLD for now are because they have few reviews, or my lack of imagination for it right now. Understand that these stories are not being abandoned!!! They are simply on hold and will be continued at any time when my brain comes back to life. The will only be less updated the three mentioned above. And so the stories to be on hold will be the following.

Return To Me

A New Beginning

Never Alone

'Till The End of Time

If you want to know the status of each story, please make sure to check my profile. The status of each individual story is there and I update it daily.

SO REMEMBER! I WILL NEVER DISCONTINUE AND ABANDON A FIC!

So please continue to support me in any way you can. Thanks again.

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Read and Review!

And check my other stories if not already done!

Until next time!

Ookima

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