Naruto and Morrigan were sound asleep in the hospital room where Naruto was being treated. Morrigan was pressed very deeply into his chest as she was still sitting in her chair. It was a surprise at how comfortable she was all things considered. However, Naruto was sweating bullets and seemed to be in great pain. She awoke gently and noticed the despair on his face.
"...Oh foxy..." She said, trying not to wake him despite his discomfort.
Morrigan's thoughts
"I wish I knew what to do. I want to help you with every fiber of my being...but I don't know what to do. But I'll be there for you..." She said as caressed his face with her hand.
At the princess's touch, Naruto broke out of his painful slumber. Oddly, he woke with a smile as he saw Morrigan tending to him at his bedside. They made eye contact and gave each other warm smiles.
"Hi..." Naruto said in a gentle, weary tone as he had just woken up.
Morrigan's hand was still caressing Naruto's face. And he like the feeling very much. He took her hand in his. They both gave a hint of blush.
"Good morning foxy...didn't sleep too well huh?" she replied as she rose from her seat, leaning into Naruto's bed.
Morrigan gave him a kiss on the lower portion of his cheek. She was very close to his lips. She stayed with her lips pressed to his face for an extended period of time. Indicating that she was him as more than simply a friend.
"...Did you stay here all night?" Naruto asked, unaware of how long she'd been with him
"You were my pillow." She gave him an indirect answer as she finally released his face from the warmth of her lips.
"Thanks Morrigan. You're a great friend" Naruto said, not fully realizing the last word that came out of his mouth.
Morrigan's blushing and look of happiness suddenly turned to a look of unease all because of the word, 'friend'. She turned her face away from Naruto and sat back in her seat. She diverted her eyes away so that Naruto couldn't see her pain
"Hey, what's up?...Are you ok?" Naruto asked, with no realization of what had just transpired.
" No, no, I'm fine. I just know where I stand..." Morrigan replied normally, doing everything she could to not sound hurt or dejected.
Morrigan's thoughts
" I just can't win. No matter how hard I try, I just can't compete with her..."
"You're really pretty in the morning" Naruto just blurted out as he observed her while she was caught in her thoughts of self-hurt.
Morrigan's thoughts froze as she turned and looked at Naruto in shock. With everything that happened last night, Naruto's words reminded her that she hadn't properly dressed or groomed herself. At the time all she thought about was Naruto's safety. So she wasn't prepared to be out of the house overnight
"Uh...I... really?" Morrigan stumbled on her words as she was shocked and flattered at the same time.
"Really...you're really pretty Morrigan..." Naruto said, smiling with sincerity.
Morrigan watched has he reached out his and to hers. His touched warmed her like none other. Her cheeks once again began to have a shade of red.
Morrigan's thoughts
"...This is soooooo perfect...I'm gonna to show him how I feel ...now..."
Morrigan once again leaned into Naruto's bed. This time, she gently put her hand to the back of his head and raised it. She then pressed her body to his and smiled. She had an almost seductive look in her eyes as he had a clueless expression on his. It could have even been considered a look of nervousness or fear.
Naruto's thoughts
"...She's warm. And why is she looking at me like that...?"
Morrigan then closed her eyes and titled her head slightly to the left as she slowly began bringing her head to his. Naruto's eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets.
Morrigan's thoughts
" I have you foxy. Let's see how naive you are after this..." Morrigan began letting out a pleasing moan at what was about to happen
Naruto was overwhelmed at the event that was clearly about to transpire. Sweat droplets were beginning to glisten his face and he began to struggle internally.
Naruto's thoughts
" She's gonna to kiss me...she shouldn't do this...but if I really feel that way, why can't I bring myself to stop her?..."
Just as Naruto could feel the gentle warmth of the princess's breath, someone knocked on the door and pushed it open. Morrigan immediately jumped up startled. Accidentally, she released Naruto's head and he banged it on the back of his bed post.
"OWWW!" Naruto yelled out banging his head hard.
"Oh Foxy I'm sorry..." She began to apologize as she picked his head back up and rub it trying to ease his pain. She had an almost motherly care.
Morrigan's thoughts
" I WAS SO CLOSE!"
Both Naruto and Morrigan turned around to see a nurse with two people standing behind her. One of which looked very fatigued and battle-scarred. The other looked pretty much normal. Naruto noticed the nurse giggling
"What's so funny?" Naruto asked
"Oh nothing. I just wasn't aware the princess was so dominant with her boyfriend." The nurse replied still laughing
Morrigan was still embarrassed at being caught at such an 'intimate' moment. But her spirits were risen at the sound of the nurse thinking that Naruto was her boyfriend. She was smiling like a child at Christmas. Naruto however, was a different matter. He wanted to disperse the situation as soon as possible.
" She's not my girlfriend" Naruto sputtered out.
Morrigan's thoughts
"Damn...you don't have to sound so honest..." Morrigan thought to herself with plenty of dislike at Naruto's words
"Oh yeah she's not your girlfriend. THAT'S why you two were practically conjoined at the mouth and hip. What was I thinking?" the nurse was jokingly sarcastic.
"Don't you have work to do?" Morrigan asked blatantly and annoyed, wanting the nurse to stop poking at what she had just seen.
The nurse just continued to laugh away at the two young teen's embarrassment. She thought it was cute. But while the three of them carried on. The two men that had accompanied the nurse were scheming.
"This would be a perfect time to grab the princess AND do that little twirp in" Mad clown said so only that his brother could here him.
"..." Ballistic nodded his head in disagreement. He realized that there was too many people within the hospital and that they no longer had the advantage of night as they had previously.
"Hm hm...I hear ya. But we need to wrap this up soon. Boss won't be too pleased about how long this is starting to take." Mad clown realized that their simple mission was taking longer than it should have.
The two continued to devise their scheme. Which went totally unnoticed by the others within the room. Morrigan was still ever so annoyed that her and Naruto were walked in on. While Naruto on the other hand had mixed emotions.
Naruto's thoughts
"I should be mad because I was about to score. I mean...I was gonna score...right? So weird...why do I feel like nothing happening was the right thing. I feel...saved. But, she sure is pretty...really pretty. And she's so nice to me...WHAT AM I THINKING?"
While Naruto was caught in his mixed emotions, Morrigan kissed him on the cheek and prepared to leave. She gave him a semi-hurt look and he was fairly sure of why she gave him that gaze full of pain.
" I'm going out for a bit foxy. Want me to bring you back anything? Something to eat? Something to read?" Morrigan asked as she began to fix her hair.
"Ummm...maybe some ramen. and ummmm..." Was Naruto's response as he pondered if he wanted anything else.
"Don't be so indecisive foxy. I know what else you want" Morrigan said, sounding sure of herself
"Really? Ok, what else do I want?" Naruto said smiling as he was pretty sure she had no clue of what else he would want.
Morrigan then leaned over to his ear and whispered something to him. It was enough to make his hair stand on end.
"Some pictures of me? You know, the kind for when you get lonely" Morrigan said as she gently bit his earlobe.
Naruto was as stiff as a plank. Not even his hair would have moved if a breeze came through the room. She released his earlobe so she could look at him face to face. His face was the ultimate shade of red. She found his flustered look to be the cutest thing.
"Well foxy, are you going to answer" Morrigan gave him a seductive tone.
She loved the fact that he was embarrassed beyond comprehension. He was practically trembled. Then she began playfully rubbing is thigh. Morrigan's touch made him twitch.
"Hmmm? I can't hear you" she still had her sexy tone as she pinched his leg.
Naruto give a little yelp and jumped out of the bed. At that point everyone's eyes were on him and he observed everyone's faces. Morrigan was smiling. The nurse was giggling. And the brothers were watching with indifference.
"IHAVETOGOTOTHEBATHROOM!" Naruto yelled out as he ran out the room, leaving a dust cloud behind him.
"He's so cute..."Morrigan said in a low tone as she smiled and began on her way
Just as she was headed out of the door, the nurse allowed a sly comment to release itself from her mouth.
"Your boy toy is a cutey." The nurse said as Morrigan passed.
"You heard him. We're just friends" Morrigan said as she stopped for a moment
" 'Just friends' don't have the kind of closeness the two of you do" the nurse said slyly
"...I ...I know..." Morrigan said as she then resumed on her way
Morrigan's last words sounded bruised. And the nurse decided not to say anything more. Taking notice as a woman, she knew when enough was enough and when there is heartache in the air.
"...Poor girl..." the nurse said as she watched the princess leave the hospital room
The two brothers were still plotting outside of the nurses attention. Overhearing that the princess would be back at night, saw an opening kidnap Morrigan with little resistance. Which would in turn complete the mission given to them.
"..." Ballistic mime had a sinister grin on his face realizing the princess would return in the night hours.
"Hm hm hm, yeah that's our chance. Just don't try for round two with that brat. You're not in much better shape than he is" Mad clown spoke with a rare sense of insight.
"..." Ballistic mime just scowled. But overall complied
"What are you two yammering about?" the nurse said finally returning her attention to her patient now that the young teenagers were gone.
"..." Ballistic mime allowed a small expression of pain to show on his face.
"Here, lie down" the nurse said as she swung Ballistic mime's arm around her shoulder and walked him to the bed opposite of Naruto's.
The nurse gently helped Ballistic mime to bed. She then pulled up his shirt up. Her facial expression was one of awe as she saw the nasty burns on his abdomen and rib cage.
" My word...how did you get such...distinct burns? Nothing human could have done this." the nurse though not being an expert, knew that the burns were abnormal.
"..."Ballistic mime just turned away and looked out the window
"What's wrong? Can't you talk?" the nurse was concerned
"Don't worry about that nurse. He's an um...a mute" Mad clown interjected. Though that was in a sense very close to the truth.
"Ah, that explains why he has that 'silent, mysterious' thing going for him" the nurse replied
Mad clown then walked up to his brother's bedside and whispered to him.
"I'll be running reckon for now. We need to know what kind of defenses we'll have to deal with once we nab the girl." Mad clown said
Ballistic just nodded in agreement.
"I'll be in the building directly across the street after sunset. I didn't hear her say a time that she'd be returning. Just night. So I'll scope the area after sunset."
Mad clown then left as the only two now left in the room were Ballistic mime and the nurse.
"We'll oh silent one, I'm going to notify the doctor of you so that he can check you out. Ta ta..." The nurse waived at Ballistic mime.
Ballistic mime was now alone in the hospital room for now. He had a sinister smile on his face as he saw both a chance for redemption of their mission. And a chance to strike down the person that hospitalized him in the first place, Naruto.
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Clean up back at the manor was going fairly well. Most of the debris was done away with. And preparations for repairs were already underway. Atwright decided that since the recovery work was going so well that he'd come through with Jiraiya's request. Within two hours, he and his council of guardians were at the council hall to meet. The subject in discussion was the gene-twili key and its passing to outsiders. That very idea didn't sit well with some members.
"Are you out of your damn mind Atwright? Giving the gene-twili key to a couple of outlanders" Akagi (council member) said in a fit of rage.
"And to the kyuubi vessel no less" Kamada (council member) said, added to the negativity
"Listen, I understand your skepticism and doubts. But can you imagine if that demon is reborn into this world a second time?" Atwright tried to bring the possibility to the councils attention.
"But you're talking about giving something that could make the demon potentially more powerful to the vessel himself. It's like signing a damn death warrant...FOR ALL OF US!" Takemura (council member) said, seeing this as a possibility of giving power to an already powerful being.
"You have a valid argument. But what choice to we have. If we keep the key and do nothing, the demon's rebirth won't be a matter of simply 'if' anymore. It will be 'WHEN'." Atwright spoke the truth
"Hmmph...there's always the option of killing the vessel before the demon is released" Akagi spoke out of turn in a smug voice.
"This boy saved the life of my daughter numerous times already. KILLING HIM IS NOT AN OPTION!" Atwright grew angry with Akagi.
"You were just pretty much arguing about the demon's rebirth being a matter of 'if' or 'when'. Yet you're disputing the fact that we can eliminate the problem? WHAT KIND OF LEADER ARE YOU? DO WHAT'S BEST FOR EVERYONE. IT'S ONE LIFE AS OPPOSED TO THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE" Akagi said in true heartless politician style.
"Gentlemen please, we aren't here to fight. Calm down" Takemura said trying to ease the situation
Atwright took a deep breath and was silent for a moment. He then calmed himself and began to speak again.
"...Yes the kyuubi demon does challenge human existence. Especially because there aren't too many people that are powerful enough to seal a monster of that power let alone actually kill the beast..."
"However?" Kamada cut him off
"HOWEVER...we are talking about more than just a 'vessel' as you call him. Every life is precious...to you...he might just be a 'vessel'. But I've had the chance to meet this 'vessel' no...this young man. This very same child that harbors the demon and the young man that saved my daughter are one in the same. I believe...I guarantee that if we give the gene-twili key to Jiraiya and Naruto, that the kyuubi demon will NEVER be a threat again." Atwright finished in great confidence.
"You guarantee... 'guarantee'?...Tell me how sure are you of this 'guarantee'" Akagi once again became smug.
"How sure..." Atwright looked downward in silence. Akagi just smiled thinking he was in the right.
"I'm so sure that my only child...my daughter...Morrigan has permission and will be traveling with them if she so chooses.
The members of the council were all stunned. Those who were skeptical and argumentive of Atwright's suggestion on Jiraiya's behalf we slowly beginning to have a change of heart. Seeing that Atwright would allow his only child to travel with the dangerous 'vessel' inspired them.
"...I see..." was all that Akagi could say for even he was in awe.
"Let's all have a recess for now. We should all think about the things said here today and convene tomorrow morning." Kamada said as he felt that the matter needed careful thought.
All the guardians agreed and went their separate ways for the rest of the day. Atwright felt really confident that his point got across. But he wasn't as sure as he sounded. In truth, he had is own doubts on the success of Naruto and Jiraiya's travels. But he knew that the two of them could protect his daughter far better than he and his guards could. It was a proven fact. Literally. He continued on his way back to the manor with a heavy heart.
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Jiraiya had already sent his report back to Konoha and was busy enjoying some free time. Needless to say, Rina was enjoying it with him. Jiraiya had his student on his mind. Today was the day that ended their little wager. But he wasn't really too sure if he should call him on it. He had been through a lot. But in the end, he decided he would call him on it. Because as Atwright explained to him, if he was going to acknowledge Naruto as a man out loud, he'd have to treat him as such as well.
"What's with the gloomy look?" Rina asked as she massaged Jiraiya's shoulders
"Gloomy? Nah...more like deep in thought." Jiraiya replied as he smiled at her.
"Ok! So, what are we thinking about?"
"We?" Jiraiya said questioning
"Yes we. You are going to share right?" Rina began to dig her nails into his shoulders.
"Yes!" He replied yielding to the pressure she was forcing onto him
Rina just looked at him with an impatient stare. She began tapping her foot on the floor. Jiraiya felt cornered. But he really didn't mind being cornered by her. A sexy, demanding woman. His action of foaming at the mouth was proof of his enjoyment of the situation.
"WELL?" Rina yelled, refusing to wait a second longer
"Ok, ok" Jiraiya said with sweat on his brow
Rina was still tapping away with her foot.
"My student and I made a bet and I was just wondering if I should settle it now."
"Is this the best time?" Rina questioned knowing Naruto wasn't in the best of physical health
"Well, that's what I was debating. But I did say he was a man. And no matter what the circumstance, a man has to come through on his word." Jiraiya replied
"Who says 'no matter what the circumstance'?" she questioned
"It's an unwritten law. An oath of honor between men" Jiraiya tried to explain
Rina just smiled at him. She felt his words were a bit sexist. But at the same time she was impressed by them as well. Jiraiya was wondering why she looked at him so strangely. He began to look and smell himself over, wondering if he wasn't properly groomed.
"What? I don't stink or anything do I?" he asked
"You really care about your student so much..." she said
"Well, he does grow on a person. So it really can't be helped" he replied, trying to disguise the fact that he cared with reason
"Don't try to be macho about it. Mind telling me what this bet was about" Rina smiled and asked
Jiraiya's eyes popped wide. He knew that telling her the details of the kind of bet he and Naruto made was nothing short of a horrible idea.
"Not happening. And believe me, there's NOTHING you can do to get me to spill any details" Jiraiya was stern
Rina had a mischievous smile showing. She took his hand and let him to her room.
"Why are you taking me to your room Rina?" Jiraiya asked though he wasn't complaining in the least
"I'm going to interrogate you. But that shouldn't bother at all. After all, you said 'NOTHING you can do to get me to spill any details' right?" Rina repeated his words
"Exactly. What kind of interrogation could you possibly impose to make me talk. I am a sannin you know." Jiraiya boasted
"You're still a man dearest. And you know you can't resist the kind of 'interrogation' that can happen with a man and a woman" she playfully winked at him.
"Ooooooooohh!" Jiraiya replied as he caught on to what she meant
Jiraiya's thoughts
"Once upon a time there was a man named Jiraiya. AND HE SCORED!" Jiraiya impurely thought
Rina giggled as she saw he knew what she meant. He allowed her to lead him to hear room and she gently closed the door and locked it once he was inside. This kind of thing was a favorite activity for Jiraiya.
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Naruto, now relieved from his flustered state, made it back to his room to find that the disguised Ballistic mime was the only one left in the room. He decided to introduce himself to him since he realized he would have a new roommate.
" Hey, what are you in for?" Naruto asked
"..." Ballistic mime just turned his head the other way
Naruto had a confused look on his face. He wondered if had done anything out of the ordinary for his new roommate to give him the silent treatment.
" What's up with you?" Naruto asked
"..." and once again Ballistic gave no semblance of an answer.
"Don't be too offended. His brother said he's a mute." the nurse said as she returned to the room
"Ok...what does that mean?" He never knew the meaning to much of anything.
The nurse laughed at his clueless demeanor.
"That means that he can't talk" the nurse answered
"Ohhh, I thought he just didn't like me or something"
The nurse smiled as she then walked over to Ballistic mime's bed.
"Doctor Mizhrahi will be coming to check on those weird burns you have on your body, ok?" The nurse smiled as she held her hand on his forehead.
"..." Ballistic mime acknowledged her and nodded
The nurse then walked over to Naruto's bed and smiled at him.
"Why are you smiling at me like that? It's unnerving you know." Naruto said crossing his arms
" You young man, really should let yourself go once in a while" The nurse said still smiling
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Oh I don't know, you have the princess of wave country coming on to you and you dismiss it, calling her just a friend."
"Well, she is a friend. And I couldn't dream of a better one" Naruto said wholeheartedly.
"Well, considering how many guys have tried to get with her combined with the fact that her father has been trying to set her up with guys, you should feel really lucky." The nurse gave Naruto insight about Morrigan to which he was unaware of.
" Uh...guys trying to get with her...?" Naruto stumbled out with interest
"I thought you were only playing dense and clueless. But your naive nature is genuine. Yes guys make passes at her all the time. An attractive, young, rich princess...it's expected." The nurse stated her point.
Naruto's thoughts
" I didn't even think about that...it would make sense. She is pretty. And I guess her father would begin pressing her for suitors eventually..."
" You are a lucky one though." The nurse said
"Yeah, I'm lucky that she's my friend...right?"
The nurse took her clipboard and smacked him on his head really hard. She realized he didn't take hints too well. But this time she felt that this was too clueless, even for him.
"How stupid can you be?" the nurse yelled at him.
Naruto covered his head and began rubbing the newly developed soar spot that the nurse herself intentionally gave him. It was a juicy red welt smack dab on the center of his forehead.
" I can sue for malpractice you know, injuring me in a hospital..." Naruto said
"I'm surprised you even know what malpractice is you brain dead little brat." the nurse countered
Naruto was still rubbing his soar spot until the nurse grabbed his arm and stopped him. She had a serious look in her eyes and he took notice of it.
"Kid, out of all the guys that have tried to get close to the princess, you are the only one that I've EVER seen her accept into her heart. It's almost as if she was waiting for someone honest and pure of heart. I think maybe, she's been waiting for her proverbial prince to come along." The nurse tried to hint him on
Naruto's thoughts
"...She did say she only acted the way she did around me...but..." He was beginning to understand the conversation he and Morrigan had rather than just hear it.
The nurse had a smile on her face as she saw the enlightenment on his.
"If you have feelings for her, don't make her wait. Ok kid?" she said as she left the room
Naruto's thoughts
"...I...I don't know what to do...I can't fall for her...I have Sakura. But Morrigan...she's...I'm really getting attached to her. I can't allow myself to feel this way for two women...I can't...I can't..." Naruto thought to himself in agony.
"..." Ballistic mime was staring at Naruto in his mental agony
" WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" Naruto yelled feeling like a spectacle
"..." Ballistic mime just grinned and turned away, allowing himself to drift asleep.
Naruto just sat up in his bed and began thinking about his conflicting feelings. There was the girl he always loved, Sakura. And the girl that was new to his world, Morrigan. His feelings for Sakura never wavered. However, even he felt his ever growing attraction for the princess. And her strong come ons didn't make things much easier. He continued to quietly sit with his arms fold recollecting his thoughts.
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Sasuke and Zabuza were training vigorously. Zabuza was steadily pouring all of his knowledge into Sasuke. And Sasuke absorbed all of the given teachings. Right down to the most minute of details.
"Sasuke...you've been making steady progress. I won't have much to teach you before long." Zabuza said, almost happy that he was passing his skills along for once.
" Yeah..." Sasuke replied
Sasuke was thinking back to the time before Zabuza met his demise. It has been a nagging thought as to why Zabuza would follow orders from such an clearly dishonorable person. And it made even less sense that he'd appear as an enemy. But now as teacher and apprentice, they were growing a bond. And unlike is other teacher, Malhavoc, Zabuza showed signs of caring and compassion.
"...Zabuza sensei...something has been troubling me ever since I saw you." Sasuke felt now as the time for answers.
"I know...and I know what you're going to ask" Zabuza knew what the question was before Sasuke uttered it.
"Why did you..." Sasuske was cut off
"... appear as an enemy again?"
Sasuke looked stunned, but shook his head implying yes.
"You know...I don't know...but for some reason things about my past seem...lost. But I know for some reason or another. You...that girl...that blond boy Naruto,...and Kakashi aren't my enemies." Zabuza replied as best he could
"Then why did you attack our village that day? Why would you follow an order to attack your friends?" Sasuke asked directly
"Listen clearly because it's too dangerous to repeat this. Understood?" Zabuza got serious
"Things are not exactly what they seem. That man...revived me. I think Malhavoc might be an undead as well. I don't plan on following that bastard's plan. I can't reveal everything to you now child. But for your own sake, no matter how powerful you get or no matter how much he teaches you, you are your own person. Not a tool. Not a machine. Understood?" Zabuza finished
"Yes...yes I...sensei" Sasuke stuttered out on a rare occasion of being at a loss for words.
This was more like the Zabuza Sasuke remembered before the time of his death. He just couldn't understand why his actions were so peculiar. And he was even more curious as to why he thought Malhavoc was an undead like him.
"Sensei, I have one more question... You said you think Malhavoc was undead as well. What verification do you have?"
Zabuza paused for a moment to make sure it was safe to speak. Then he answered
"Our 'master' had gotten angry with Malhavoc a while back. He began taking chakra directly out of Malhavoc's body." Zabuza answered
"But that sounds like simple chakra theft. Many ninjas use that technique nowadays." Sasuke sounded as if it was normal.
"Kid, the chakra that he was taking wasn't Malhavoc's. It was his own. And it was the VERY same chakra that revived me..." Zabuza finished
Sasuke just stood still with his mouth agape. He began to wonder just how powerful the man he followed really was. To most reviving the dead was a taboo jutsu. Even more taboo was the fact that the undead could be controlled. He began to wonder was his thirst for power worth it. Sasuke had a look in his eyes that showed that he wanted to ask even more questions.
"And Naruto...is what you told me the truth..." Sasuke questioned from the depths of his soul
"Yes" Zabuza replied short and to the point.
Zabuza then dismissed Sasuke to let him rest. The two were truly becoming teacher and apprentice in even the smallest sense of the word. Zabuza continued to wait for his chance to free himself from the evil binds which held him.
Zabuza's thoughts
"This can't last forever...I will have my chance...I follow no man's law..."
Ever so ready, the jounin was awaiting his chance to strike. But he had patience and stealth on his side. And he would make sure to use his advantages well.
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Dr. Mizhrahi had just entered the room in which Naruto and Ballistic mime were in. He was preparing to examine Ballistic mime's injuries. He asked Ballistic to lift his shirt so he could properly begin to treat his wounds. He placed his palm on the burn on his rib cage. He couldn't believe it, but it was still hot. He then took a bio-coolant needle and tried to inject it into his rib. Ballistic mime made a face that clearly showed immense pain.
"Hmm...I can't put this coolant into the burn if it causes you this much pain. It could kill you. Can you try to focus any chakra you can to the wounds? It will reduce the pain." Dr. Mizhrahi
Ballistic mime nodded and began to focus. He focused all the chakra he could muster to his burn wounds. But the burns were really bad for they weren't normal. It was a powerful jutsu performed by an at the time possessed genin. They definitely left their mark.
"..." Ballistic gritted his teeth at the very touch of the needle
"This won't work...you don't have enough chakra to relieved the pain of incision. You need more chakra. And it will take too long to properly set you up on a chakra inducer." Dr. Mizhrahi saw his patient needed medical attention urgently.
Naruto overheard the dilemma. And much like always, was willing to help despite whatever consequence he would possibly suffer for his actions. He called over to the two and uttered his idea.
" Can you use my chakra?" Naruto asked
The doctor and Ballistic mime looked at each other with dumbfounded faces. It was rare to transfer chakra in such a way similar to a blood transfusion. But it was possible.
"Well yes, that is possible. But considering your overall condition and your arm, you might need any chakra you have for yourself. Are you sure you want to try this?" The doctor made Naruto aware of the danger.
"I'll survive" Naruto said confidently
"And...are you ok with this" the doctor asked Ballistic mime
"..." he was confused, but he nodded yes
The doctor had two patches in his hand. The first was placed on Naruto's chest and the second was placed on the abdomen of Ballistic mime. He then connected the two with a tube.
"Now Naruto, I need you to concentrate for about five minutes straight. Focus your chakra to the spot where the patch is on your chest. I'll be back soon" the doctor said as he left the room
"..." Ballistic mime was just looking at him with great confusion.
He couldn't believe that this very same boy was his enemy less than 24 hours ago. What really grabbed his attention was that here he was, a stranger. And Naruto was helping him without so much as a second thought.
"Why do you keep staring at me? What's up now?" Naruto questioned
"..." Ballistic nodded his head left to right. He was still in disbelief that his enemy was helping him of his own free will. No strings attached
"Why am I helping you right?" Naruto guessed what was on Ballistic's mind
Ballistic halted his nodding direction of left to right and switched it to up and down.
"Because you're hurt." Naruto answered Ballistic mime's nodding
Ballistic mime looked at Naruto's arm and then back up to his face.
"Yeah I know, I'm not in much better shape. But hey people need to help each other out. So, if I think I can, I'll help" he said flashing a smile
Ballistic mime just stared at the ceiling. This sort of kindness was uncommon to him. And he was even more impressed at how Naruto seemed to understand him. The only other person to ever understand him even with his disuse of his voice was Mad clown.
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Morrigan had just made it back to the manor to see her father at the door. He had just made it back too and he was about to step through the door.
"Dad!" Morrigan yelled out to her father as he turned his head.
"Hey there! How is our young guest doing?" he asked concerned about Naruto's well being
"He's in the land of the living." She said smiling
"You're still worried about him aren't you. You don't have to try to hide it. I'm your father after all"
Morrigan allowed her smile to disintegrate and her head slumped downward. It took all of her strength to fight back her tears.
" I'm trying to be positive for him dad...I'm scared for him...I don't know what he's going through and I don't know how to help him. And...and when they leave...I won't be there with him..." She started to cry. The thought of not seeing him again hurt her deeply.
Atwright placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder. He had some news that would surely give her at least some semblance of hope and peace. Of that he was sure
"You know, Jiraiya informed me of your request. Are you sure you wish to travel with those two?" Atwright wanted to verify his daughter's wants
"Dad...I've never been so sure of anything in my life. I want to be with him through thick and thin. And deep inside my heart...I know he needs me..." Morrigan said sincerely.
"Are you sure of that?"
"Yes...yes I am. Because I need him..." Morrigan said with sparks of purity glistening
Atwright just smiled at his daughter. He was pleased that his little girl was becoming a full fledged woman.
"Well, you have my support. Besides, I can tell you weren't going to let go of him even if I'd disagreed."
"Is it that obvious father?" Morrigan looked away
"It's damn near blatant" Atwright smiled
"Embarrassiiiiiiiiing!" Morrigan couldn't hold her bashfulness in any longer
"Besides, I wasn't too good at protecting you. That boy surely can do it. " Atwright said with a defeated smile
"... Father..." Morrigan tightly hugged her father.
"Just don't get in his way..." Atwright said joking
"I won't dad..." Morrigan replied
Morrigan's thoughts
"...but only if he doesn't want me to..." she thought to herself mischievously
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Ballistic mime's chakra transfusion was a success and Naruto was fine as well. He was up writing a note. It was a great way for him to kill time and he had so many things going through his mind. It was almost as if he was writing with the devil's quill. The pen was practically moving on instinct. He noticed Ballistic mime staring at him as the pen never left the paper.
"I'm writing a letter to a friend. Haven't seen her for awhile you know" Naruto explained as to why the pen seemed to have a mind of its own.
"..." Ballistic gave him a sarcastic look
"What? So? Yes it's a she. SHE is a friend. Just like Morrigan and hopefully you. A friend" Naruto tried to get the attention off of him.
"..." Ballistic mime couldn't believe someone actually directed the word 'friend' to him.
"You look sorta surprised. Don't you have any friends?" Naruto asked prying.
Ballistic mime shook his head no. Naruto's presence was overwhelming Ballistic mime. Overwhelming and somewhat peaceful. Naruto had shown him more friendship and purity than anyone had in his whole life.
"Well today is the beginning of the rest of your life. And you're lucky, you get to start off right by having a new friend to help you along the way" Naruto smiled
"..." Ballistic mime cracked a smile
"You know...the place of your burns. I fought someone that I think I injured just like that" Naruto was curious
Ballistic mime slowly turned around. He didn't want to give away his true identity.
Naruto's thoughts
" Come to think of it, whoever it was, he was just as quiet as my new roommate here." Naruto's curiosity became suspicion
Naruto decided not to buy into any of his suspicions. However, feeling he my have offended the friend of which he has yet learned the name of, he decided to keep quiet. He continued to write his letter in silence.
Naruto's thoughts
"I know it hasn't been too long. But I sure have a lot to say...Maybe I should have given her a chance. Was I really so absorbed in my own pain that I couldn't have at least heard her out properly. I know I was right about keeping my distance...but should I have given her at least a small opening."
Even though he knew deep down he was in the right. He started to become regretful toward Sakura. The more he sat in bed quietly, recouping from his wounds and fatigue, the more he thought about how Sakura must have felt.
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Morrigan overjoyed about the fact that her father allowed her to travel with Naruto was walking on her way back toward the hospital. She had made him a huge bowl of ramen. She worked really hard at it slaving away in the kitchen back at the manor. But her heart told her he would appreciate it and it was worth the effort.
Morrigan's thoughts
"My foxy is gonna love this...he's lucky I don't scarf this stuff down right now. It smells damn good. No wonder he asked for this. Oh well, gotta go get my foxy back up to snuff" she said smiling as she walked into the hospital.
Morrigan, as happy as a schoolgirl went into the hospital. But her entrance to the hospital didn't go unnoticed. As she entered, an enemy presence saw her and saw this as the opportunity to implement an earlier devised scheme.
"Hm hm hm...It's time to get things movin'." Mad clown shed his disguise and in stealth made his way to the rooftop of the hospital. He then dropped a cable down to side of the building where Ballistic mime and Naruto were staying in. Once the line was dropped, he silently began scaling downward.
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Naruto was writing for what had seemed to be hours. Ballistic mime just watched him as if Naruto was a freak of nature.
"You know, you don't have to keep staring at me like that. I just have a lot on my mind" Naruto explained himself
"..." Ballistic mime showed indifference
"Well anyway, how are you holding up? Feeling better than you did earlier?"
Ballistic mime smiled and nodded yes. For the first time in his life, someone other than his brother was concerned for his well being. He then looked at Naruto's arm.
"This? Don't sweat it. I get a burning feeling once in a while, but it passes" Naruto read Ballistic mime's eyes and answered accordingly.
Ballistic mime for once truly felt he had gained a friend. Naruto understood him even though he didn't talk. He relieved his pain when he didn't even have to. And he constantly tried to make sure he was ok. For a brief moment, Ballistic mime had disregarded Naruto as an opponent that would get in the way of his capturing of the princess. He wasn't sure if he wanted to risk possibly his first real friend's life just for the sake of accomplishing a mission.
"Well, since you want to sit here watching me write, how about you join me? How about you write your name on a piece of paper. I've been here with you all day and I don't even know your name." Naruto was interested in what he should address his newfound friend as.
"..." Ballistic mime shook is head in disapproval.
He didn't want to reveal himself just yet. He felt bad about it. But an enemy is an enemy. However, he began to doubt it. Naruto took on offense to it. He respected Ballistic mime's privacy. He rubbed it off and continued writing his letter. At that very moment, Morrigan came into the room.
"Hiiiiiiii foxy..." Morrigan happy said aloud.
"Morrigan!" He said surprised as he had his letter in hand.
" Geez, how about ' Hi Morrigan, I missed you' or 'I've been waiting for you'. Don't either of those sound a bit more appropriate?" She questioned as she poked him in his chest.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so rude. I'll be more appreciative." Naruto rubbed his head apologizing.
"You better!" Morrigan exclaimed
Naruto gave her a smile and she smiled in return. She then decided it was time to give him what he had asked for earlier in the day.
"I have your ramen for you foxy. Made it myself." She said smiling
Naruto smelt it and was almost drooling. He grabbed for it, but she playfully swiped it away. She wanted to have fun with him.
" Aww are we hungry?" Morrigan teased
"YES! Can I please have it?" Naruto replied frantically begged
"You can have it. If you show me how thankful you are." She grinned an evil grin.
"Morrigan I'm SOOOO grateful I have a friend like you that would go out of her way to cook for me" Naruto said genuinely.
"Foxy, I said SHOW me. Not TELL me. You know what I want..." the princess was sure to point out his error as she drew her face closer to his.
Naruto's eyes were frantically looking all over the place. He was looking for even the most minute of excuses to escape. He knew that if he and the princess kissed, everything could change.
"We're being watched." Naruto quickly pointed to Ballistic mime. Who very much seen everything.
Morrigan turned around and smiled. But she wasn't too embarrassed about being caught in the act of flirting. She'd already been caught earlier. She decided to greet her viewer.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you like that. I'm princess Morrigan. Who might you be?" She happily greeted Ballistic mime and asked his name.
"..." He replied with his usual silence.
"He's mute Morrigan. But don't worry. He's a friend of mine." He interrupted so Morrigan wouldn't become offended by the silence.
"Oh...I see. Well, it's nice to meet you all the same" She smiled as she wasn't offended in the least
Morrigan saw how hungry Naruto was decided to give him his food. But not before leaning to his ear and putting her hands on his chest.
"You will run out of excuses foxy... I'll get you eventually" She whispered and bit his ear at the same exact spot she'd bitten previously.
"Eventually huh..." Naruto countered
"Foxy, I'm a territorial kinda gal. Besides, I've already made my mark." She said as she brushed her finger over the bite marks that she herself made on his ear.
Naruto thoughts
" Oh my god...this girl... she's so relentless."
Naruto smiled at her and blushed heavily. He knew he was falling under her spell. Even if he didn't want to, it was happening. And just as she said, he will one day run out of excuses. Letting Morrigan's advances drift from his mind for the moment, decided to start eating his ramen. He was kind enough to offer some to Ballistic mime, who happily accepted.
"..." Ballistic mime smiled to show his thanks
" Someone taught me that friends don't have to thank each other" He replied to Ballistic mime , quoting the princess at the same time.
Morrigan blushed and was happy that he remembered what she had told him.
"Don't you want some too Morrigan? I'll make you a bowl too if you want. " He asked
"Make me a bowl? No foxy, you're sharing your bowl with me." She playfully demanded.
She got up on his bed, propped her legs up and made herself comfortable.
Ballistic mime felt that this was an intimate moment and silently made his way to the entrance. He felt they needed privacy. He was so caught up in the fact that he had made a friend that he'd totally forgot that he was an opponent and the princess was a target. But once he left the room, the memory came back and hit hard. Although he was silent, his face screamed agony and confusion.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Morrigan were both enjoying the bowl of ramen. She was in complete bliss while he was so nervous he would hardly move a muscle.
" Oh come now, loosen up a bit foxy. Don't make me 'force' you to loosen up." She said as she began moving even closer to him.
While she was moving, she heard a crumpling. It was a sound reminiscent of paper. She looked down and noticed she was sitting on it.
"What's this?" She asked as she began to reach for it.
Naruto totally forgot to take the letter off of the bed. And he was afraid of what Morrigan may think if she saw it. He quickly snatched it out of her hand and protested.
"It's just my...list of equipment I'll need for when we resume our journey." He wasn't the best of liars
Morrigan just stared him down until he practically trembled. He was no good at lying. He knew it. She knew it. And she wouldn't let him deny her what was on that paper. But he was too on guard for her to get the paper out of his hand. He placed the note behind his back. But that wouldn't stop her.
"Foxy...foxy...foxy..." she began to say softer and softer until it came out as a moaning sound. She threw her arms around his waist and gently licked the top of his neck.
At that point, Naruto's hold on the piece of paper immediately loosened and she took the chance to snag the paper for herself. Naruto began to look downward as she began to read it. He felt a heavy mixture of anxiety, fear, and depression coming on. When Morrigan first read the letter, her face was still happy and joyous. But the further she read, the less joyous her expression became. It got to the point where tears threatened.
"Foxy...do I...do we have any chance?" Morrigan asked as she got out of the bed and handed him the letter.
"Morrigan...listen...I" Naruto tried to find the proper words
"Don't you dare give me some excuse foxy. I asked a question. Is it a yes or a no?" Morrigan began to sound annoyed.
Naruto wanted to answer. But he couldn't move. He wanted some sort of response to voice itself from his mouth. But he couldn't. He just couldn't. Morrigan began to feel bad about letting her emotions get the better of her and snapping at him.
"Naruto forgive me...it's just...you wouldn't understand." Morrigan turned her back to him and hugged herself for comfort.
At that very moment, Naruto saw himself in her. It was as if it was him fawning over Sakura in his younger years all over again. He clearly recognized the pain. Realizing that, he got up and stood behind Morrigan. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her close. He then wrapped his arms around her waist and she pressed back of her head onto his shoulder, leaning into his collar bone and neck.
"You're wrong princess...I do understand...You and I...we're alike...so much alike" Naruto wanted to comfort her with every fiber of his being.
Morrigan didn't dare to fight her tears anymore. She wanted to cry and she wanted him to see her tears. She turned around and cried into his chest. He held her tightly as she let out her cries and screams. After awhile, a dense silence filled the air. After she calmed herself, she turned herself around and once again pressed against Naruto's back.
"Foxy...why don't you talk about Sakura...?" Morrigan asked the question she wanted
Naruto stood still and silent. But decided she did deserve an answer. And he would give it to her.
"It's ok...you don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Morrigan didn't want to feel as if she was pressuring him.
"No...I want to tell you..." Naruto solidified his resolve
"Morrigan...Sakura broke my heart...we...we were going to have our first date. But the night we were supposed to go out, she stood me up." Naruto began to relive the painful memory in his mind
Morrigan was silent. She instinctively knew what was coming next
"Sasuke?" Morrigan asked
"...Yes...I was left to worry and wonder about her well-being. All the while...she slept with him." Naruto began to cry.
"She...she hurt me Morrigan...my Sakura-chan hurt me...and of her own free will..." He began to shake
Morrigan couldn't take anymore. She grabbed him and walked him over to his bed. They both sat down and she led his head down towards her lap.
"Let it out foxy...I'm here for you...always...so let it all out." She began to caress his cheek as he cried on her lap
Morrigan's thoughts
"I'm glad I could be here for you foxy... You mean the world to me and I'll do anything for you. I won't allow her to hurt you anymore foxy. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore
Morrigan's warmth and caresses eventually allowed Naruto to rest. She continued to stroke his cheeks with a smile of pure happiness apparent. She was in heaven knowing that she could be there for him when he needed her.
Morrigan's thoughts
"I won't let her hurt you anymore foxy. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore
Morrigan tilted her body inward to his cheek. She stood there in that fixed position and admired the object of her affections.
"I love you..." Morrigan said in a low voice as she kissed him on his cheek while he slept
The tension was now gone. It was now replaced with an aura of two lovers. Morrigan then brought her and Naruto deeper into the bed. She sat up, pressing her back to the wall as she kept Naruto's head in her lap. She didn't want to move him from that spot. She wanted an everlasting memory of what transpired tonight.
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Tsunade and Sakura were just finishing up training for the night. Sakura was receiving rigorous training in preparation for the coming chuunin exam. Tsunade wanted her student to succeed at all costs. More for Naruto's sake than Sakura's.
"Well dear, we're done for the night. You're improving faster than I thought" Tsunade praised her student.
"I want to pass the exam so bad sensei. I won't let anything stop me" Sakura was confident
Tsunade was happy to see her student so enthusiastic about possibly becoming a chuunin.
"I bet Naruto will be happy to see you've grown" Tsunade said trying to perk her student even more
Sakura's eyes lit at that very name. He was her very reason for pushing to become a chuunin. He was her drive. Her love. Her world
" I want him to be proud of me Lady Tsunade...I want to be a better Sakura for him...because he's always been the very best Naruto for me..." Sakura said sincerely
Tsunade smiled at her student's resolve.
"Dear I'm heading out. Lock up the office when you're done. Ok?" Tsunade took her leave
"Yes sensei!" Sakura replied
Sakura began cleaning up. And just as she was about to leave, she noticed a carrier bird in the window. She walked over to it and untied the note from its leg.
"Hmm...it's for Sensei." Sakura noticed
Sakura's thoughts
"Well, it's not like she's around. Guess I'll take a look" She decided to be nosy. But it was an action she would soon find herself regretting.
Sakura's thoughts
" Jiraiya's report...Hey, maybe he'll have some news on Naruto" She thought to herself
She began to read downward
Sakura's thoughts
" His conditions getting worse...no...and they came under attack by two unknown ninjas..." Sakura began to get scared as she was worried about Naruto's well-being.
Sakura continued to read down, trying to skip all of the less noticeable parts of the report.. That was until a certain name caught her eye.
Sakura's thoughts
"Morrigan?"
She thought to herself shocked. But what really got her was what it said about her.
Jiraiya's note:
"We've ran into trouble and I decided that we might need one more person to travel with us after all. We can't afford to waste time by returning to Konoha. So we've picked up someone along the way. Princess Morrigan seems to be well-versed in medic skills. And she and Naruto seem to have a connection. They honestly seem to hit it off really well you know. They have a true understanding for each other. It will be to our overall benefit to allow her to travel with us."
Sakura stopped reading at that point. Her teeth began to grit as her hair hung low, allowing the bangs to cover how crying eyes. Her breathing was heavy.
"I...should be the one to be with him...to comfort him...HOW COULD THEY DO THIS TO ME!" Sakura yelled as she caught eye of a picture of Naruto on Tsunade's desk.
Sakura's thoughts
" Oh Naruto-kun...forgive me. Please...please don't leave me...another chance...please...give me another chance" She said to herself in her mind over and over as she silently cried, hugging the picture to her chest.
Sakura's thoughts
"It should be me...it should be me..." Sakura began to cry as she walked over to Tsunade's sofa
She cried herself to sleep on Tsunade's sofa. She felt betrayed and overlooked. Her cries made her uncomfortable and sleeping wasn't any easier. She eventually fell asleep hugging the picture of Naruto in her very tight embrace.
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Ballistic mime has just returned to the room. He saw that Morrigan and Naruto were resting. However, Naruto was asleep whereas Morrigan was still smiling down on him. Like his own private angel looking at him from above.
"..."Ballistic mime gave a questionable look
Morrigan just smiled at Ballistic mime to show everything was fine.
At that very moment, Ballistic mime felt a familiar presence just outside the room. He had totally forgotten about the plan he and his brother devised. And even worse, he began to question whether he had the heart to follow through with it. In any case, he would have to make an important choice, whether he liked it or not.
Just outside the hospital window, Mad clown was preparing to crash into the window. He had a sadistic smile on his face. He wasn't going to allow failure to strike his aura a second time. And all that dared to get in his way were sure to feel the consequences for doing so.
To be continued...
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THANK YOU EVERYONE!
I would again like to say thank you to everyone of you reviewers. Not only for inspiring me, but also for sticking with me through that little copier dilemma. Honestly, I didn't realize how much you all liked my story. I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner. So again thank you all. Remember, use my forum for any questions please rather than writing them in a review. Heck you never know, if you have a question, someone else might be asking the same thing. So it would benefit all for it to be on the forum.
Again...THANK YOU ALL
I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart (I'm not just saying that)