Disclaimer: For the sixth time, I do not own Naruto. If I did then Kakashi wouldn't say that he has no one important to him anymore. And yes, I am crazy and in love with a cartoon character. Fear me… muahahahaha. Why? I don't know.
The Princess and the Rogue – His and her fairytale
I love Kakashi – normal
I love Asuma – Kurenai thinking (italics)I love Kurenai – Asuma thinking (bold)
Yay! Ramen with Hinata! – Naruto thinking (bold with italics)
Note to The Gandhara: Thank you very much for the long and wonderful review. (Thank you to all the others for reviewing too!) All that feedback was extremely helpful. To answer a few of your concerns:
- Yes, this is my second official fanfic, therefore I am a total beginner still.
- Yes, Kurenai's reaction in ch5 was sudden but well… I guess Shikamaru would say it's troublesome to change it (and I also don't know how…)
- How did Kurenai know about the jounin vest? How do Tsunade and Shizune get out? This chapter will explain hopefully.
- 16 too young to be a rogue group? Well considering that Naruto, Sasuke and the rest of the gang are 12 years old or somewhere around that age and that they are doing high ranked missions at this age (eg. Sasuke retrieval), I deduced that Asuma and Kakashi (and Kakashi became a chunin at the age of 6 and jounin at 12) should be able to handle a rogue group at the age of sixteen. Another example is the fact that team Gai for example were chunins by the age of 16, so umm… get my logic?
Note #1: Sorry this chapter came a bit later… I was vacation for a while and I had to get around to writing this chapter. To make up for it, it's longer than ever! So I better get some sort of review!
Note #2: I CHANGED THE RATING TO T due to minor coarse languagein this chapter.
Note #3: In Japanese, consonant sounds are always with a vowel sound. Eg. The –m sounds would go as follows: ma, mi, mu, me, mo. So the first character of Kakashi's name would be 'ka' instead of 'k' like in English. Hope that's clear…
Note #4: Watashi no yume means My dream
So ano… Read and Review! Happy Reading!
Chapter7 – Half-Truths and Explanations
Last time with Asuma and Kurenai…
BAM! Suddenly, Asuma flew back many metres and at the same time, breaking the balcony rail. Surprisingly the blow did not come from Kurenai but instead from a surprised Tsunade who had come in to check on the strange noises coming from Kurenai's room. "This is bad," thought Tsunade.
"TSUNADE, WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING TO ASUMA? YOU DIDN'T KILL HIM DID YOU?" yelled Kurenai.
Tsunade looked at Kurenai wistfully. Kurenai, shot her an angry look and not waiting for a reply jumped down to check on the once again injured Asuma.
"This is bad…" thought Tsunade. "His and her majesty probably won't be pleased."
"Kurenai-sama," said Tsunade, and using the –sama suffix she hadn't used in a long time. "Bring the young man into the house and put him in the guest room."
Tsunade's face had become suddenly very pale and every word said sounded as if it took all the effort in her body to say. I've never seen her so distracted. Normally, she can tell whether or not I have a bruise on my knee but she hasn't noticed that Asuma's got a few broken ribs…
"Tsunade-sama!" cried a distressed Shizune. "What's going on? I heard noises. But how – "
Shizune had finally noticed the injured Asuma beside a worried Kurenai. With a grim look upon her face, she went towards the source of the commotion.
"Shizune, Asuma-san's injured. Please heal him."
The usual bored expression on Kurenai's face was gone and was replaced by an anxious and pleading expression accentuated by her crimson eyes. Through Tsunade and Shizune's training, she could recognize injuries and treat minor ones with herbs and such but one thing she could not master was the art of healing. She could not heal like her teachers and caregivers could.
Shizune, taking a deep breath, put a reassuring hand on Kurenai's shoulder.
"Stop moving you," she demanded to the stranger who was the cause of Kurenai's distress. Immediately, Asuma stopped trying to stand. Kurenai seems to trust this woman. I guess I'll just have to have faith in Kurenai and whoever this woman is.
A gentle green chakra appeared on Shizune's hand and she began to heal Asuma's broken ribs. When she was finished, she instructed Kurenai to help her lead Asuma to the guest bedroom, as he was still a little weak. Not caring that she was leaving Kurenai, alone with a strange man she went to Tsunade who had retreated to her room in deep thought.
"Tsunade-sama…" started Shizune.
"I know Shizune. I plan to tell her everything tomorrow morning. But at the same time, I have to follow his and her Majesty's orders."
Kurenai sat beside the bed in which Asuma was lying. Still a bit shell-shocked from the impact of Tsunade's fist, he wanted to not think of anything and simply rest. And yet questions were darting back and forth from his mind.
"I'm sorry that all the this happened, Asuma."
"There's no need of an apology," he replied with a smile. Kurenai smiled back with some uncertainty showing in her eyes. She didn't know what was going to happen next.
"Anyways, I should go and let you rest. You've had a rough day. I don't know what's going to happen in the morning but let's hope that everything will be better."
"You know Kurenai, that broom's still in the garden. If they won't let us out we could escape with the broom together you know," stated Asuma. "You could join the boys and I and we'll go around travelling. And if a miracle happens or if Naruto becomes Hokage like he says he will, maybe I can show you Konoha, where I was born."
She smiled. I've always dreamt of escaping… maybe my prayers of getting out were answered after all and you've just been the person I've been waiting for all my life to get me out of here. Besides, I'd like to stay with him and his crew. It all just sounds like a dream. If it is… I never want to wake up.
"That… would be the most wonderful thing that will ever happen to me."
"Then rest assured milady, I will get you out. I promise."
Kurenai smiled and turned to leave when she saw Tsunade in the doorway. Did she just hear all of that?
"Kurenai-sama and I believed Kurenai-sama called you Asuma… anyways, I have come to tell you to rest assured. All will be explained in the morning. I apologize for injuring you Asuma-san." Tsunade bowed curtly and walked towards her room.
"Well, that's good," said Kurenai. "Ano… I should leave now."
"Oyasumimasen (good-night, please tell me I"ve got this right) Kurenai-san."
"Don't call me that, Kurenai-san. You've never called me that and I don't think I've ever called you Asuma-san, Asuma-san." She giggled.
"Then oyasumimasen, Kurenai."
"Oyasumi."
Kurenai left the room and entered her own. She closed the door and took a deep breath. So many things are happening at once. Maybe… just maybe something good will come out of this. Lying on her bed, thoughts circulated around her head. It was a long time before she could fall asleep.
Sleep didn't come for Asuma. Too many questions were left unanswered and this did not please him. What is that strong, Tsunade-lady gonna ask tomorrow? Why does she seem familiar? Am I going to be punished? How's the crew doing without me? Finally a light sleep drifted by and allowed Asuma to sleep for a little while but he was woken up by the sound of footsteps going down what sounded like stairs.
Getting up and stretching his stiff muscles, he opened the door to see a glimpse of slightly wavy black hair and the tiniest bit of crimson clothing going down a flight of stairs. He decided to follow the person down the stairs.
Shizune woke up sometime after the crack of dawn. She was usually the one who woke up earlier than everyone else since she was the one who cooked breakfast. Tsunade usually slept in really late and his and her Majesty would probably not like the fact that their daughter, the crown princess, was cooking breakfast, although she sometimes did. Kurenai, who had usually nothing to do, would sometimes watch Shizune cook breakfast if she woke up early enough and eventually she figured out how to make a decent meal.
Walking over the closet, she noticed that a pile of dirtied black yukata lay beside the closet. She hadn't done the laundry in a long time and Tsunade-sama was usually unreliable for household tasks. She sighed. The only outfit left was her jounin outfit from her old days in Konoha. Before she was summoned by the king to protect the princess with Tsunade-sama. She only wore this outfit when she had nothing else to wear, which was often since the laundry was usually the chore that everyone usually forgot to do. She avoided wearing her jounin outfit since she didn't wanted to be reminded of how much she missed Konoha. She sighed. She'll just have to wear that outfit today.
After getting dressed, Shizune opened the door, thinking of what she should make for breakfast. But this time, something was strange. The usually quiet house was filled with the sound of two voices speaking (one at a time of course). At one point, Shizune thought she heard laughter. She walked down the stairs into the kitchen where she saw Kurenai and the strange man from last night. 'I think Kurenai-sama called him Asuma,' she thought. Four plates of breakfast lay on the set table. Kurenai and Asuma were in deep conversation.
"So everybody thought that Iruka and Kakashi were some sort of couple for a while and this made them go into hiding. I think they were scarred for life."
"Do they really… ano… swing that way?"
"I don't think so. I heard that Kakashi had a bit of a sweetheart in Konoha. Can't remember her name though… I think it starts with 'me'. And as for Iruka… well I'm guessing he isn't gay since he seems to react violently with Naruto's harem no jutsu."
"Harem no jutsu?"
"Ano… let's just say that Naruto turns into an attractive girl… with no clothes on."
They both laughed. Shizune, who was still in the doorway couldn't help but smile in confusion. She had never seen Kurenai like this and yet, she was afraid of the young man and Kurenai's fate, not to mention her own. 'What will the consequences be?' she wondered.
"Ohayou, Shizune," said Kurenai who noticed her in the doorway.
"Ohayou gozaimasu minna-san (Good morning everyone)," she replied.
"I made some breakfast so ano… dig in."
She nodded and numbly sat down. Asuma and Kurenai resumed their conversation. Quietly, she observed the two talking. She said nothing for the rest of the meal and by the time she was finished, Tsunade had entered the room. Unusually, she was awake but upon closer inspection, she showed signs that she had not slept the previous night.
Her presence brought silence in the room. Both Asuma and Kurenai were waiting for what Tsunade was about to say to see what the future had in store for them. It seemed to take forever for Tsunade to finish her breakfast. Silence still reigned in the kitchen until Tsunade cleared her throat.
Everyone else in the room was attentive and alert, braving themselves for what will happen next.
"Kurenai-sama, please listen to what I have to say and when I finally finish, you will be able to abuse me the way you wish. But even if you are angry with me afterwards, I beg you to heed my instructions."
She took a deep breath and started her speech.
"Kurenai-sama – "
"Stop calling me that, just call me Kurenai like you always do."
"Kurenai, first of all, I must tell you that you were born to very important people. Your father and mother let's just say have much influence over the country of fire. When you were born, a soothsayer was invited to your naming ceremony and made a prophecy about you. This prophecy is the reason why you are confined in this… this place."
She held up a hand to stop Kurenai from asking her question, took another breath and began talking again.
"I know that you will ask me what the prophecy was, but unfortunately, I don't know. The only people who know are your mother, father and the soothsayer, obviously. All I know is that when we were sent to take care of you and protect you, we had to beware of intruders. Your parents never expected any but Asuma-san somehow managed to come in and now it is time for us to let you go."
Oddly enough, Kurenai had a calm and yet cold look on her face. Slowly, she said, "Continue on please." Tsunade with a serious look on her face did just that.
"Your mother and father ordered us to free you when an intruder with certain characteristics appeared. I will not tell you these characteristics for it may cost me my life. But what is certain is that Asuma-san match these characteristics and when needs to be done must be done."
Tsunade looked straight into Kurenai's eyes.
"Kurenai, you must go to the capital city at once with Asuma. You may also take the tunnel that Shizune and I use at times to get out. It is hidden under the unused shed in the back of the kitchen. Don't give me that look, I was surprised that you overlooked the place and besides, where do you think our food comes from? We gotta get out somehow to get our supplies, they don't magically appear."
Thoughts were running through Kurenai's head. It was so obvious… why didn't I notice? I was too obsessed with going over the wall, that I overlooked the shed. I checked everywhere else but for some reason I was stupid enough to forget to check the shed. Damn!
"Anyways, the tunnel will lead you out of the village and right onto a path that leads to the capital city."
"But I can't do that!" said Asuma. "My crew is in the village right now and I refuse to leave without them!"
"Fine then," said Tsunade dryly. "Go over the wall your way and fetch them then go to the capital city." Asuma did not seem reassured by this news. Great I have to use that broom again and I still don't know how to land. Even worse, if Kurenai's on that broom too, she might get hurt.
"When you get to the capital city, go to the castle of his and her Majesty and present them with this – " She held up a small silver medal with a crimson stone in the centre, shaped like a flame. "They will know what to do afterwards."
Kurenai took the medal carefully. The black leather cord that suspended the medal was cut by Kurenai and fastened around her neck with Asuma's help.
"Asuma, I want you to make sure that Kurenai is safe no matter what. Looking at you, I'd say that you were a jounin once. Got exiled by that bastard of a hokage, right?"
Asuma stared for a moment and nodded. Shouldn't come as a surprise, she's incredibly strong and the other woman, Shizune, is wearing a jounin vest after all.
"In fact, you might know of me. I am Tsunade of the sanins taught by Sandaime Hokage."
"So that's why you seem familiar! You were always in the academy textbooks!" cried Asuma.
"The stupid Godaime was the one who sent me here. I hate that guy, if I ever get my hands on him, I swear he won't live for very long."
"Same thing here," chuckled Asuma.
"Wait…" muttered Shizune. Everyone turned their attention towards her. "Your crew… was that the band of guys who apparently 'plotted against the Hokage' and were exiled?"
Asuma nodded. Tsunade and Shizune gave him looks of sympathy.
"Don't worry, everything will be better. I can probably beat that idiot of a hokage once I go back to Konoha," said Tsunade. A happy look was all over her face.
"Well, I guess… it's time for us to go," said Kurenai. Both she and Asuma got up.
"Wait," said Tsunade. "There's one more thing. Kurenai, your last name is Yuuhi. Your full name is Yuuhi Kurenai. I thought you'd like to know."
With a few hugs, Kurenai and Asuma stepped outside of the house. Asuma got the broomstick and this time, two people got on it. Asuma tapped the broom and told it to hover. It did exactly so; the crash landing did not seem to harm its ability.
Wow… everything seemed to happenin a day… and our lives seem to have changed. Away they flew, over the wall as they watch the now tiny figures of Tsunade and Shizune waving goodbye to them.
Eventually, Tsunade and Shizune went into the house when they couldn't see Asuma and Kurenai anymore. Shizune brought the messenger pigeon from the forest into the house. A kunai quickly whizzed past Shizune's head and struck the pigeon. Tsunade had killed it.
"Tsunade-sama," said a shocked Shizune. "Why?"
"We were supposed to send that thing with a message when we released Kurenai so they will be prepared to do what they want to do. But I refuse to be their pawn any longer. They've ruined Kurenai's life and I can't bear it if they keep doing that to her. She deserves to be happy like she was today. As for us, we'll skip on that reward they promised and go home. To Konoha. And then, we'll set everything right there to welcome Asuma and his crew when he wants to come back."
Tears appeared in the corner of Shizune's eyes. Today, she was happy to wear her jounin vest once more. She was going home.
Flashback…
"Tsunade, Shizune," said the King. "As Kurenai's appointed godmothers, you heard the prophecy and for that you must protect Kurenai. It is also crucial that you do not reveal this prophecy to anyone for the danger it may pose to the kingdom. Now, even as I am speaking, a impenetrable fortress is being made to protect the princess and to ensure her safety, I will appoint you, Tsunade of the sanins and you Shizune, student of Tsuande to protect her."
"You will take care of her as her nursemaids," said the Queen. "You will not tell her of the prophecy or the fact that you are her godmothers. Only when the worst happens – an intruder of that certain quality – can she leave the fortress. Before she leaves, you must tell her a few things but at the same time, you cannot tell her everything."
The King continued, "Do not completely reveal our identity for it may be dangerous for her to travel around the land as a princess. Also, do not tell her what the prophecy is. One must not find out their destiny unless they live it out. Thirdly, send her to the capital city where we will deal with the – intruder."
The Queen opened a box and revealed a necklace. It was a simple silver medal with a crimson stone in the middle shaped like a leaf. It hung on a black leather cord.
"When that day comes, when the intruder comes, and she is about to leave, give her this medal. The guards recognize this as the princess's possession and when she comes and show it to them, they will know whom she is. Also, the fortress will have a messenger pigeon and a passageway you must never reveal to her. You may use it to get supplies from the village. The pigeon is to be sent when that fateful day comes. Send it to us to tell us that she is coming to us so we can prepare what is necessary."
"And lastly," said the King. "You may tell her her last name. Nothing more. Now, you will be sent to the fortress in a few days, please be prepared."
"Yes your Majesty," said Tsunade and Shizune.
End of Flashback…
So far, their ride on the broomstick was refreshing. The warm afternoon sun was shining, casting off a gentle warmth. Below them, they say that they had gone out of the walls and nearing the village. Now to figure out how to land this thing…
"Ano… Kurenai, just to warn you I don't know how to land this thing."
"I figured…"
"Oh."
"Ano… what now?" They were over the perfect landing spot where the woods and the village path met.
"Let's not crash the broom like you did last time…" said Kurenai. Asuma nodded in agreement. They began to test out commands such as 'stop' and 'land' or 'get down you damn broom' but with no avail. Then suddenly, Kurenai had an idea. She tipped the broom downwards before Asuma could protest and once again, the broom was hurtling towards the ground in a breakneck speed.
"WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING?" yelled Asuma but Kurenai didn't answer. She was concentrating hard and finally, just before the broom was about to hit the ground, Kurenai yelled: "STOP!" And that was exactly what it did. Unfortunately the only consequence was that they fell hard onto the ground as the broom was tipped diagonally.
Author: My… you guys landed in an awkward position…
Asuma: -blushes- (Kurenai is also blushing furiously.) Shut up and go away!
Author: Hey I'm the author, I could kill you tragically if I wanted to!
Asuma: Darn those authors.
Kurenai: Ano… could you get off me now Asuma?
Asuma: -blushes even more- Right away. -gets off Kurenai-
Author: Now, ano… I'm not supposed to be here. So I was never here! -disappears-
After regaining their dignity, Asuma carried the broom and went towards the inn. Kakashi, it so happened was outside reading his favourite book 'Icha Icha Paradise'. When he notice Kurenai and Asuma, he looked up.
"Oy! You two look good together! Are you two dating?" asked Kakashi with his usual happy-go-lucky smile. Kurenai, suddenly taken aback by the question started blushing.
"It's nothing like that," she muttered but Kakashi didn't hear.
"Stop saying random stuff about people Kakashi. Anyways, I need you to round up the boys as fast as you can. We're leaving ASAP! Understand? Now go!"
Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Now… Kurenai. Ano… ano… you seemed to have forgotten to pack your stuff so I'm going to give you some money and you can get some clothes or something at the village. And don't feel the need to pay me back. Fulfilling the dream of a charming young lady is enough. So ano… meet me back here in fifteen minutes 'kay?"
Kurenai gave Asuma a little hug and she headed for the village. Staring into the distance, Asuma was blushing.
"Watashi no yume…" Hinata hummed her favourite song. Her heart was filled with happiness knowing that Naruto-kun was waiting for her by the edge of the woods. In the distance she could see his figure standing there, waiting for her. He turned around and saw her.
"HINATA-CHAN!" he yelled. Hinata smiled and said her simple hello but this didn't seem to bother Naruto. "So what should we do today? Asuma-oniichan is still gone so I can still play with you!"
"I don't care Naruto-kun. Whatever you want to do." Was Hinata's reply. She was happy to be with Naruto-kun. Even though she only knew him for a day, she felt happy around him and looking at him made her feel more confident.
Suddenly, a puff of smoke appeared behind Naruto, which shocked Hinata slightly. Turning around to see who was behind him, with a kunai in hand, he saw Kakashi.
"Kakashi-oniichan, what's the matter?" he asked.
"Asuma has already returned from his challenge, he requests that everyone go and meet back into the inn as soon as possible and pack up because he wants to leave as soon as he can."
"Okay… I'll be there soon."
Hinata was heartbroken. She was so stunned, she didn't notice the tears that were once again forming in her eyes like yesterday. Naruto was unable to look her in the eye. I hate saying goodbye… I don't want to go yet, when I've finally made a friend…
"So Hinata-chan, I guess… I guess this means goodbye. But don't worry, I'll see you again one day! I promise and I never go back on my promises! That's my way of the ninja! And when I do come back, I want to show you Konoha where I'm Hokage! So don't be sad…" he said as he held Hinata in another hug. Tears were pouring down her face and they wouldn't stop. Finally, she broke away.
"I wish…" she sobbed. "I wish you could stay or I could go with you but I can't… obaasan (grandmother) needs me."
"It's okay. We'll see each other again." He forced a smile and with a wave, off he went for he didn't want to make his goodbye even harder than it already was.
"Naruto-kun…" she said in hushed tones. She felt as if she wouldn't feel happy ever again.
TBC…