AN- Ok, so I know I already have another story I should be working on, but I can't help but thinkabout how many bad attempts there are at Betrayed Naruto stories. Whether it be by Konoha or by a lover, theres always so much unnecessary bashing or its just rushed and never seems to really make sense. So this is my attempt; I cant promise it will be great but I will try to make it atleast not bad. Also this will be slight AU, nothing crazy but it will NOT follow Boruto, no more Otsusuki aliens. Sorry. Also there will be a pairing, though its NOT NaruSaku. Man I really got my work cut out for me *Sighs* also I have no beta so spelling may not be perfect :)
**BTW**
This story contains spoilers for Naruto, if you havent watched it all, be warned; This story takes place after the 4th War.
Anyway, On with the Story! As always, R&R!
"Naruto!" "Sasuke!" The exclamations echoed through the Valley of the End. Shortly after a blinding light took over the valley of the Konoha founders, then as sudden as it came the light vanished.
What used to be the Valley of the End was now in ruins, and within the rubble laid two figures. Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke were laying in a puddle of their own blood, both looking worse for wear.
If one would look closely they would see the blonde man was missing his left arm from the elbow down, the ravenette was no better, seeing as his own right arm was mangled beyond repair. Both due to their respective techniques.
"Why… Why do you keep this up.. Naruto?" Sasuke mumbled, turning his head to look at the blonde beside him. Said blonde looked the last Uchiha in his eyes "Because Sasuke, you're my friend.. My first friend. I couldnt bear to see you turn yourself away from everyone who cares about you, so since you couldnt see reason, that means I had to make you. Isnt that what friends are for?" Naruto finished with a small smile.
A small, almost unnocitable smile graced Sasukes lips before he turned his head to the water falling from the clouds above them. A silence permeated the air for a short while before the flick of a lighter could be heard.
Turning his head in confusion he sees Naruto light a cigarette he must have had somewhere on him. Noticing the ravenettes confusion the blonde chuckles "A habit I got from Shikamaru when Ero-Sennin died." He said with some melancholy, remembering his times with Jiraya. Getting a nod from the Uchiha, the silence once again continued.
"I lost" Sasuke spoke up. Narutos eyes widened a bit "Huh?" he managed to get out. "I lost" Sasuke repeated "You've won, Naruto. I'll come back with you and face any punishment Im handed." The Uchiha said with a small smile and conviction in his tone.
"Im glad" The blonde uttered taking another drag of his cigarette, another smile on his face. Soon the black was seeping into the edges if his vision. The last thing he saw before unconsciousness took him was a mop on pink hair.
(Line Break)
Its been almost two days since the end of the war. Sitting in a chair next to the hero of said war was Sakura. Looking at the blondes sleeping face as he lie on the hospital bed she let out a small sigh. Switching her gaze from his face to nis now restored arm, she was surprised at just how well the Shodai's cells had taken to the jinchuriki; then again he did have Kurama and he was an Uzumaki. It made sense in a way, seeing as they were technically related.
The Pinkette let out another sigh as she took Naruto's good hand into her own. It's been months since they became a couple, and she still feels tremendous guilt. She intended to make him believe she loved him in Tetsu no Kuni, but for it to work and with the events that followed she cant help but feel horrible.
He was truly amazing. In the ten months between everything leading to the final battle he always did everything he could for her. Dinner, breakfast, gifts, always asking for her opinion; sure he was unpredictable and hardheaded, but that made every day different, exciting. He treated her like the only girl in the world. Sure he had some flaws, but who doesnt? He was the picture perfect boyfriend, which only made her feel worse. She cares deeply for the blonde.. Platonically. Initially she did get him to stop chasing Sasuke like she wanted, just for the Uchiha to show up again in the war.
'I guess I never really thought this through' she thought with a small frown. As deep in thought the pinkette was she didnt notice that the young hero had opened his eyes. Slowly looking around Naruto figured he was in the hospital, it was then he noticed Sakura sitting next to him, holding his hand while looking deep in thought.
Thinking she was worried he gave her hand a small squeeze. That seemed to break her thought as she looked at his deep blue orbs and gave a dazzling smile. "Naruto.." she said, leaning forward and giving the blonde a tight hug "Im glad youre ok..Im glad youre both ok." She said happily. Returning her embrace he gave a smile as well. Breaking apart he continued to stare at her face.
He was truly lucky to have her. He almost couldnt believe it when she confessed in Tetsu no Kuni, literally. He had second guessed her confession, but he knew that Sakura knew he liked her, and has for a long time. With that thought he also knew the pinkette wouldnt lie to him, play with his heart like that. So he had accepted her confession. Its the happiest he's been his entire life, and hes made sure to show her how happy she makes him every time he can.
"You and Sasuke both had me worried, when I got there the place was a wreak and you were Missing an arm!" she exclaimed, making the blonde slightly worried shed smack him over the head. "I know, Sakura-chan. Im sorry I worried you, but it had to be done." Naruto said with some trepidation to which she just shook her head exasperated.
With sudden realization the blonde looked at his arm, noticing he had an arm. Noticing his confused gaze the pinkette explained the situation. Now finally understanding, Naruto looked at his arm once again, this time uncertainly. He didnt know how to feel with Hashirama's cells in his arm, but after contemplation he figured it didnt matter. He would use this arm to protect his home.
"Thank you Sakura-chan" Naruto smiled gratefully. "I'll also make sure to thank Baa-chan when I see her next." To which Sakura nodded her head in approval.
Locking eyes again everything seemed to stop for the bonde. The light coming from the window behind the pinkette made her look breathtaking. Naruto gulped, deciding to try something he had never done before. He quickly reached his good hand to her cheek, cupping it lightly, looking into her beautiful emerald eyes. "I love you, Sakura-chan.." He says softly, closing his eyes while leaning forward.
It happened within a second; Sakura widened her eyes, knowing what was about to happen, and panicked. Out of instinct she brought up her hand and smacked him in the side of the head, sending him into the wall with a thud. Her eyes widened even further, realizing what she had done. "Oh Kami! Naruto, Im so sorry!" She yelled rushing to where he hit the wall.
He raised his hand, stopping her as she got close. He turned and gave her a grin "Its ok Sakura-chan" he said in a jovial tone while picking himself up with a bit of trouble. "It was my fault for trying that so suddenly without asking" He said while looking into her eyes. She knows what he said, but she can see it in his eyes. The slight hurt and rejection in those deep pools of blue.
Seeing that saddened her greatly, knowing it wasnt his fault. She grabbed his hand once again "No, I should've just stopped you, I'm sorry." she said with regret before continuing "Im just not ready for that yet..but I love you too" the pinkette finished with a pang of guilt at her lie. She felt him squeeze her hand reassuringly. "Its ok Sakura-chan, Like I said, Im sorry for for not asking first. Dont worry though, I'll still be here when you are ready." He said grinning, feeling a bit better with his failed attempt.
Inwardly Sakura frowned. That statement brought the guilt back full force. When she was ready.. That was the thing, she wont ever be ready, not with Naruto. With that internal statement she couldnt handle being there, the guilt was too much. She let go of his hand which she was still holding "Thank you Naruto, but anyway" the pinkette trailed off "I need to get back to my shift, there are still a lot of injured from the war. Ill make sure to let everyone know youre awake" Sakura said with a small smile.
Naruto nodded with a smile of his own, he walked over to her and they shared a short embrace before she waved and left out the door. The blonde, being left alone to his own devices, got back into the hospital bed and sighed.
He probably should have known better, he and Sakura had be dating for almost a year and they hadn't kissed once, not even on the cheek or anything. He should have realized there would be a reason behind it, but he didnt and he made her uncomfortable. He decided to do something to make it up to her. However in the meantime all he could do was relax and heal. With that thought he opened the window and grabbed his pack of smokes.
(Line Break)
Its been a few days since the blonde woke up and there's been alot of information to keep up with, especially with being out of the loop in the hospital. Tsunade had checked on him the day before for his check up, and determined he could leave by the end of the day today, he made sure to thank her for the arm too, to which she waved him off and said something like "No problem Brat, youre gonna need both hands to grab the hat from me" He only laughed before she departed.
Not long after, Each of the rookie nine had came to visit, minus Ino and.. Neji. The blonde frowned briefly remembering the young Hyuuga had passed near the end of the war. Only, he wasnt the only one. Many people passed away, some he even knew, some he cherished. Ebisu, he heard, died to the white zetsu surprise attack; as had Genma.
Not only that, Iruka and Sai both died just before the infinite tsukoyomi. That had really eaten at him lately. He had grown to care for Sai and see him as a friend. Iruka had gotten to him the most, he didnt exactly know what Iruka was to him, Big brother? Father figure? The thought eludes him, but regardless, one of his most precious people died again and he couldnt help. 'I wont let them die, not anymore'the blonde thought with determination in his eyes.
Moving the thought process he smiled lightly, remembering that everyone was alive, if not a little banged up, but alive. They didnt all come together but they had each come to see him. Choji and Shikamaru both thanked him in their own ways for being able to just barely divert the Bijudama meant to take out the alliance HQ; saving their parents. To which he waved them off and said "What are friends for?" they just smiled and talked for a few hours before parting. It made him happy that all his friends took the time to see him.
'Well, all except Ino' he thought. He wasnt all too surprised though, they weren't the closest by any means. Naruto probably knew Ino the least out of the nine, but even then he knew she had been becoming very close to Sai over the past year, so he had expected her to be grieving. Not only that but she would probably visit his raven haired friend before himself, he thought with a chuckle.
The blonde was interrupted from his thoughts when the door opened, revealing it was Ino. 'Speak of the devil and they shall appear, huh?' He inwardly mused as she waved at him.
Walking up to the chair beside him she sat down and Naruto gave her a grin "Hey Ino, good to see you" he said with some cheer. The platinum blonde smiled back "Hey, Glad to see youre alive" she said with a small smirk.
"Well of coarse! If i was gone who else would brighten everyones day" Naruto blanched playfully. Ino brough her finger to her chin "Hmm, I think Konohamaru could work" she said with a contemplating look. After a moment they both shared a laugh. "That hurts Ino, what a blow to the heart" He says clutching his hand on his chest overdramatically.
She just rolled her eyes at his idiocy, but still held a small smile on her face, with her joking mood dying down a bit "So how are you feeling?" she asks, genuinely concerned. Naruto was a bit taken aback but replied honestly "Im alright I guess, Ive just been thinking about everything thats happened" Ino nodded, understanding "What about you? How are you holding up with the news about Sai?" He asked with a somber tone.
Now it was Ino's turn to be taken aback, they werent close but he sounded worried about her, it was kind of nice."Im doing about as well as I can I guess" she said, matching his somber tone.
They decided to change topics and continued on with their conversation, both equally happy to get their minds off of the worse events. They found out that they had quite a bit in common. Ino was pleasantly surprised that the other blonde gardened, who would have thought? The more they talked the more they found they had in common, it was oddly refreshing for the both of them. The conversation dragged on for hours, both blondes losing track of time and before they knew it it was early evening.
Noticing the time Ino decided she should get going, but before that "Hey, Naruto" She said getting his full attention "Its getting late and I need to get going but before that" she looked down hiding a small blush of embarrassment "Thank you, for saving my dad..I.. You dont know how much that means to me.. So thank you." Ino finishes looking him in the eyes with a smile.
He retuned her smile with his trademark grin "Dont think anything of it Ino. Besides, what are friend for?" Naruto says as he reaches out his fist. Ino looked at his fist with confusion before realization dawned on her and she bumped her fist with his own, a large smile on her face before turning around to leave.
"Ill see you around Naruto, I know you have Forehead but try not to miss me too much" she said with a playful smirk, her mood lifted after the time she spent with Naruto "Yeah Yeah" He waived her off with an equally playful smile on his own lips.
With the door shutting behind her she kept the smile on her face, happy at getting closer to one of her friends, and thankful for him cheering her up.
(Line Break)
Life was going great for one Uzumaki Naruto.
Its been three months since the end of the war and things have only been looking up. Sasuke has been out of the hospital for a few weeks but is still recovering, he still remembers the day the Uchiha got out.
(Flashback)
Naruto was sitting outside the hospital smoking a cigarette as the doors opened to reveal one Uchiha Sasuke. They locked eyes and gave one another a smirk. "'Bout time you got out of there, teme." The blonde says to the ravenette walking his way "Yeah Yeah, we dont all have a furball in our gut for rapid healing" He said with a smirk.
"Ha ha very funny, teme. And that 'Furball' Has a name you know" The blonde said with a grunt of agreement form Kurama. "Anyway when are you supposed to be healed up?" The Future Hokage asked curiously. "They said I should be Healed enough to start training and going on missions in a few weeks, so probably January" The Ravenette Grunted out, then smirked "Why? You ready to lose a spar, dobe?"
Naruto just laughed and took a drag"You better watch how you talk to the next Hokage teme, or I may have to overrule Baa-chans decision and throw you in the slammer" The blonde said playfully, holding up his fist. The Uchiha scoffed "Tch, Id like to see you try, Dobe" He jabbed, bringing his fist up to Naruto's and bumping it making the blonde grin; The stoic Uchiha couldnt help but give a small smile back.
(End Flashback)
Naruto smiled at the memory, continuing his thoughts.
Tsunade has been grooming him for the Hokage position, making him study on politics and making him take diplomatic missions; which is what brings us to where he is now. Currently hopping on trees back to Konoha after a diplomatic mission to Kumogakure. Not only that but his relationship with Sakura had been going steady, though she's been busy at the hospital and Helping Sasuke recover, he was happy he had finally gotten a kiss on the cheek before he went on the mission last week!
That thought brought him to another thought, the war really made him see how fragile life was, and how fast one could be taken. So many people had died and at any point he could have joined them. That thought sent shivers down the young blonde's spine. Just how close to death he's been throughout his life. When he was young it would be the angry mobs, those had been dealt with eventually by the Sandaime; but they had happened and if not for Kurama, he would be dead.
Though he tries not to think about that anymore, people change after all and he believes in forgiveness. Then when he became a shinobi the threat tripled, just from the amout of much stronger enemies. Then Akatsuki and finally the war. Death has loomed over him throughout his life and now he truly understands that, though he would love to keep his naivety he cant afford to anymore.
Which is why he decided to take the next step. Life is too short and too unpredictable to be scared. Him and Sakura will have been together for a year next month and he knows for certain he wouldnt rather spend his life with anyone else at this point. It may be a bit foolish considering they havent even kissed yet, let alone anything else, but thats fine with him, he'll wait as long as she needs; and if she says no, he'll wait till she's ready for that too.
After hopping on trees or another hour he finally reaches the gates, letting out a sigh of relief he goes to sign in "If it isnt the hero of the forth war, did the mission go well?" Kotetsu says with a smirk to which Naruto laughed, puffing out his chest "Of coarse, I am the hero of the war, after all" he says playfully with a wink, getting a laugh out of the two guards.
After signing in he heads straight to the Hokage's office. Hopping onto the window he gives it a knock making the busty Hokage just and almost spill her sake. "Damn brat, cant you go through the door like everyone else?" she growled out after opening the window.
Naruto just laughs as he hops inside "No can do Baa-chan, what would Ero-sennin say if someone stopped keeping you on your toes" He said wiggling his eyebrows. Tsunade just sighed, however if you looked hard enough you could see the corners of her lips tugging upwards. "Whatever, brat. Just give me the damn mission report" She said while sitting down.
After the verbal report she nodded and gave Naruto a smile of encouragement "Youre getting pretty damn good at politics gaki, I may just be able to hand the hat off to you sooner than I thought" She says with her hands resting under her chin. Seeing Naruto's excited look she waives him off "Not now gaki, maybe in the next year or so, though" she says with a smirk at seeing him slightly deflate. However soon the look of determination quickly spread over his features giving him an air of seriousness.
Just then the look on his face made him resemble Minato, which reminded her "Oh yeah, before you go, Naruto" She said using his name, letting him know shes being serious. "I haven't had the time with all the chaos, but while I was in the Hokage monument vault(1) I found some things that were left from your parents" she says with a serious gaze.
Naruto looked with shock as the Hokage pulled out a large box from a storage seal she grabbed out of her desk. "These are all their personal possessions they had upon their deaths, as well as the deed to thier land and key to thier home(2)" Tsunade says with a small smile on her face.
With that, Naruto took the box with shaking hands, looking her in the eyes "Baa-chan, will you open it with me?" he asks her with a shaky voice. Tsunade's eyes widened considerably. The fact of the matter is that typically when it comes to clan items such as these, it shouldnt be opened near anyone who isnt family. The fact he asked her to open it with him means that he considers her family. 'Family' She thought, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.
She knows he's an orphan, and grew up with little interaction with people, let alone ones he can consider family. It was then a thought hit her like a brick wall. 'Baa-chan' He always calls her that, but it just struck her that he actually means it. He sees her as something like a grandmotherly figure. Unnoticeably her eye twitched a bit 'That brat.. I dont know if i'm touched he sees me that way or insulted cause that would mean I'm old' she internally sighed with a small smile on her lips.
She nodded to him making him smile as well as he opened the box. Once open the first thing Naruto noticed was the renown cloak of the Yondaime. Pulling it out he inspected the material, noticing it felt soft and flexible, yet held sturdy. He was amazed at the quality, "Hey Baa-chan, do you by chance know who made dads cloak?" The younger blonde asked curiously. Nodding her head "Yeah, it would have to be the Higarashi Weapons shop, now that I think about it, I think they aslo made sensei's battle garb" Tsunade said with some thought.
Nodding and filing that away for later he put the cloak down and continued sifting through the box, there were scrolls and even a book, with one look it brought a smile to his lips. 'Tales of an Utterly Gutsy Shinobi' He put the book down carefully, not to damage it.
Continuing through the box Naruto ran across a lone katana. Looking at Tsunade with a raised eyebrow she sighed "Your mother was a renown kenjutsu expert gaki, this is the sword that got her the name 'The Red Death'" She explained.
Naruto's mouth dropped open. She was a kenjutsu expert, and this is her sword. Clutching it tightly he looked at the handle, it was black with blood red accents and a black gaurd. He noticed what looked like fuinjutsu on the sides of the handle, storing that thought for later he removed the blade from the scabbard to reveal a deep black blade with a razor sharp blood red edge.
"Its beautiful" He whispered, noticing the strap in the box he decided; He would take on kenjutsu and carry on his mothers legacy. Noticing Narutos look she was a bit confused, and when he strapped the sword to his back she was surprised.
Seeing the look on her face he spoke up "This was one of moms prized possessions, I cant have it just collect dust, so ive decided i'll take up kenjutsu and continue her legacy" He said with absolute determination. Tsunade could only smile; Kushina would be proud if she could see him now.
A few more minutes and they looked through almost the whole box, now all that was left are two small boxes. Raising an eyebrow Naruto opens one of the boxes and lets out a small gasp. Tsunade could only wonder what would make Naruto gasp like that, and after taking a look she could understand.
Inside the box was a beautiful ring, it looked to be pure gold with ruby and diamond accents, with one relatively big diamond in the middle. After the thoughts he was having on the way back to the village, and finding his mothers ring only cemented his thoughts, he would say its fate if he didnt believe in it. Looking in the other box it was a bigger ring, also gold with whirling silver accents. Testing it out he was surprised it fit perfectly on his ring finger. Smiling he put the rings back into their respective boxes.
After packing everything back into the box, and then into a scroll he tucked the scroll away. "Thanks for everything Baa-chan!" He gave her a swift, yet crushing hug and rushed out the window.
Tsunade was stunned for a second before relaxing her body and smiled softly "You're welcome, Naruto" She said to the empty room.
(Line Break)
Three weeks have passed quickly for the blonde between studying, missions spending time with Sakura when she wasnt too busy, and occasionally the rest of the rookie nine. Though the times he is with Sakura he noticed shes been acting strangely. Yet one particular incident stands out.
(Flashback 1 week ago)
Naruto was jumping across the rooftops on his way to the library until he saw a flash of pink out of his peripheral. Stopping he looks down to the street below to see Sakura and Sasuke walking down the road. Smiling to himself he hops down to the street below.
Appearing behind her, he snakes his hands around her stomach and gives her a kiss on the cheek, though immediately he feels her tense up, confusing him "Hey Sakura-chan, Teme, whats up?" He says from behind her. Sasuke just grunts while Sakura remains silent. Confused, the blonde speaks up "Sakura-chan? You ok?" He asks with some concern. Turning her head towards him "Yeah i'm fine, can you let me go? I havent been feeling well" she says with a smile.
"Oh, yeah sure. Sorry Sakura-chan" Naruto says rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
He lets her go and she gives an inward breath of relieve. She had almost snapped at him, which internally made her feel more guilty than she had been. She feels horrible and knows he doesn't deserve this. She resolves she'll break things off soon, but now definitely wasnt a good time.
Sighing she says "Im sorry, I know we havent seen eachother alot lately but i have to take Sasuke to his last check up with Shishou." Naruto nodded "Okay, well I can hold off the studying for a couple minutes, why dont I walk with you guys there?" He says with a with a grin. Sakura just Shakes her head "No thats fine Naruto, you need to go and study, the more you do it the faster you'll become Hokage" The pinkette chastises.
Naruto lets out a groan "Just listen to her, you cant stay a dobe if youre going to become the next Hokage" Sasuke says with his usual smirk getting a growl from the blonde.
"Okay enough guys, c'mon Sasuke-kun we need to get going or we're going to be late" Sakura says as she makes the handsign for a Bodyflicker, getting a raised eyebrow from Sasuke and a small frown from Naruto. She waves goodbye before naruto speaks up "Hey I Lo-" He cuts himself off because they're already gone making his frown deepen. He sighs and decides to drop it as he hops onto the rooftop to go study.
(Flashback End)
Its been like that ever since, more and more it feels like she's been avoiding him. No, She would avoid him right? Or maybe she's mad at him? Shaking his head of those thoughts our favorite blonde is walking towards Sakura's House. The date is January 10th, their one year anniversary. The blonde smiles to himself with a small box in hand, another little present he got for her for their anniversary. Maybe if she was mad at him, if he did do something wrong this will help her forgive him. The smile turned into a grin at the thought of being able to spend more time with the love of his life.
Finally making it to her house he knocked on the door and waited. A few moments later the door opened to reveal his girlfriend. He Grinned at her "Good morning Sakura-chan!" He exclaimed happily. She moved to the side to let him in after a sleepy "Goodmorning".
After walking inside he walked to the kitchen "Here, Ill make you some tea to help wake you up Sakura-chan." He said with a grin. She just nodded and sat on her couch trying not to nod off. A few minutes later the blonde came into the livingroom with two cups of tea, he handed one to Sakura and sat down beside her. For a while there was a comfortable silence, mostly because the blonde knew if he tried to talk to her too much before she woke up she'd bite his head off.
Not after too long Sakura was looking awake and refreshed so the blonde spoke up "So Sakura-chan, what do you want to do today?" He asked with his signature grin. The pinkette looked at him with confusion and irritation "What do you mean 'What do you want to do today?' You had me take the day off just so we can hang out? I thought you said there was something important today? Not to be rude Naruto but my job at the hospital is very important, I cant just skip out to play hookie with you" She said angrily.
At her angry retort the blonde flinched back lightly with a small pit in his stomach, she didnt forget that their anniversary was today did she? Taking his shocked silence as confirmation of her thoughts she sighed exasperatedly "I didnt think youd still be so childish, Naruto. I'll see you out, if thats all. I need to go to work." The pinkette said, irritated.
The blonde couldnt believe it. She actually forgot? When he asked Baa-chan and other people with experience they said that anniversaries were important dates to not be forgotten. Did that mean she didnt care? That it wasn't important to her? He didnt want to think about this anymore. Her insults hurt enough, he didnt need to hurt himself any more than he already was.
Naruto just nodded dejectedly and walked behind Sakura to the door. She opened it to let him out, as he walked past he put the small box into her hand and walked out; hearing the door slam shut behind him.
Sakura huffed as she forcefully shut the door, getting more and more irritated as the seconds pass by 'That baka, who does he think he is? Wasting my important time to play hookie.' She huffed again. The pinkette started to calm herself down, a small pang of guilt pounded in her chest and she knew why. She didnt take the day off, she was never scheduled a shift today in the first place. Sometimes She'll lie and tell the blonde she works because she doesnt want to be near him.
She just felt too guilty to. They've been together for so long, she's been playing him for so long. That thought put a giant pit in her stomach. 'It wasnt supposed to be this way.' She thought, her eyes starting to water. It was then she remembered the box he all but shoved into her hands as she made him leave.
Slowly she opened it and what she saw made her whole being explode immense guilt. Inside there was a note, it said 'Happy Anniversary Sakura-Chan! I love you!' after reading the note it all clicked.
'Take the 10th off Sakura-chan! Theres something important we have that day!'
'So what do you want to do today Sakura-chan?'
'Happy Anniversary Sakura-Chan! I love you!'
Slowly the tears welled up and after looking into the box she couldnt stop them from pouring out in waves. Inside the box was a beautiful rose gold cherry blossom Necklace with a rose gold chain. She fell to her knees as she remembered all the hurtful things she said to him after he took the time to remember, to get her something so beautiful, to treat her like a queen. To do everything he does for her, and for the past year she's been lying to him and playing with his heart.
No longer being able to take it anymore she curled into herself and began to sob.
(Line Break)
Naruto was just walking aimlessly through the village smoking on a cigarette while deep in thought. About to turn a corner a figure materialized infront of him. Not surprised in the slightest he just stared at the ANBU infront of him, waiting for the man to speak. "Uzumaki Naruto, Hokage-sama requests your presence immediately." He says before vanishing in a swirl of leaves.
Sighing the young blonde puts out his cigarette and disappears in a very similar fashion to the ANBU.
Upon getting to Tsunade's office Naruto hops through the open window, almost startling the Godaime, almost. "Good to see you gaki, sorry for the short notice but after looking at the crop reports it seems we missed one from a village to our west called Tonika. I need you to go and get it, you should be back by late evening if you hurry." The busty Hokage said with athority. The blonde nods and forces his mouth into a grin 'No need to worry Baa-chan about my problems' He thought before hopping out of the window at full speed leaving.
After Naruto left Tsunade raised a delicate eyebrow, for some reason, something just felt.. Off about that grin.
(Line Break)
A few hours after Naruto left, she tried to find him and apologise only to find out from Tsunade she sent him on a mission. She sighed and left without asking any more question and just wondered around the village.
Lost in thought she accidentally bumped into someone and almost fell "Oh, Im sor- Sasuke-kun?" She says, blinking a few times to make sure it was really him. Sasuke looked her over, she looked like shit. "My bad, I wasnt paying attention to where I was going" the ravenette grunted out.
Sakura just gave a small smile "Its okay, so what are you up to Sasuke-kun?" The pinkette asked curiously.
The Last Uchiha let out a sigh "I got dragged into going to a bar with the rest of the rookie nine, I was actually on my way to grab you and dobe, but he's on a mission and i realised i ont know where you live" The ravenette drawled out.
Sakura's mood seemed to lift a bit, maybe being with friends will help with her mood; its not like she can do anything until Naruto gets back anyway. "Alright then, lets go then, lead the way Sasuke-kun" She said, trying her best to cheer up.
It was a short walk to the bar they were supposed to meet everyone at. Once they walked in they found the rest of the rookie nine at a table. Walking over to the table Kiba waved them down "Hey! Whats up guys, glad you made it!" Kiba said exuberantly with a small blush; probably from the Sake.
Both Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a greeting with everyone. Suddenly Ino spoke up "Hey guys, where's Naruto?" The Yamanaka asked. Everyone else gave a look around and agreed with the platinum blonde, wondering where the ray of sunshine was. "He cant be here, he's on a mission for the Hokage" Sasuke grunted out. Getting their answer everyone went about to drinking, except Lee, who seemed to be drunk on life 24/7. Everyone even got Sasuke to drink, turns out the young Uchiha is a lightweight when it comes to alcohol.
Two hours later the rookie nine calls it a night and everyone starts to head home. A very drunk Sasuke and an equally drunk Sakura stumble out of the bar laughing about something stupid kiba said earlier.
Leaning on one another not to fall down, Sasuke offered to walk Sakura home, which she gladly accepted. She had never seen this part of the young Uchiha, it reminded her of what she thought he would be like under that cool exterior in the academy.
After about twenty minutes of laughing and stumbling on the way to her home, they finally reached the front door. "Thank you for walking me home, Sasuke-kun." she said softly with a smile and a full blush."Of coarse, if you ever need help again dont hesitate to ask, i'll always be here for you" The ravenette says with an equally large blush and a small smile.
For a moment they just looked at one another, locking eyes. It all happened in one moment, all the years of love and repressed emotions exploded from the pinkette. All the guilt she's been carrying for the past year, she needed to forget. Just for this one night, She'll give in. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. His eyes widened as she kissed him and he moved his hands to push her off, to tell her she's with his best friend, that they couldnt do this, that it was wrong.
But that never happened. Slowly, he closed his eyes and kissed back. That was all it took for the kiss to turn searing, as they quickly opened the door to her apartment and shut it behind them.
(Line Break)
Naruto was walking out of the Hokage's office, after running there and running back he was tired. Even though he was tired, there was still something he needed to do. He lit up a cigarette and started walking over to Sakura's house, they needed to make up; it was their anniversary after all. He was sure she would understand. They may have their spats but they still loved one another. He knew they would get through this he thought, holding a small box that held Kushina's ring.
Naruto smiled as he took one more puff of his cigarette and he walked up to Sakura's door and was about to knock when he saw it wasnt closed all the way. Slightly worried that someone had broken in he quietly opened the door and walked in. Upon entering her house he heard her screaming, thinking she was in danger he sprinted to her room and slammed open the door and turned on the light.
"Sakura-cha-" The rest of his words died in his throat. His eyes widened and he felt his blood run cold. Lying naked in his girlfriends bed was his girlfriend on top of his best friend with sweat dripping of of both of them. He couldnt believe his eyes. There was a thick silence in the air. With a blank face, after a few moments the blonde brought his hands against one another.
"Kai!"
When nothing happened he tried again with even more chakra.
"Kai!"
When Still, nothing happened, He turned around and left. Sakura and Sasuke stared at one another with wide eyes before Hurrily Getting dressed. Sasuke, being more drunk than Sakura kept falling over himself letting the pinkette slip on her clothes and chase after the blonde first.
Said blonde was silently walking down the street with a blank gaze, unable to come to terms with what he had just witnessed. "Naruto!" he heard from behind him, but he never stopped walking. She kept calling but he never stopped or looked back.
Suddenly his shoulder was grabbed from behind and made him stop. "Naruto.." Sakura said trying to catch her breath. When he didnt reply she moved infront of him and what she saw left a pit the size of a bijudama crater in her stomach. His face looked devoid, lifeless. "Naruto.." She whispered.
Naruto looked at her with blank, dead eyes "Why?" He whispered. "What?" she asked softly, not being able to hear him.
"Why?" this time it was much louder. "Naruto, im sorry! I-It wasn't supposed to be like this!" She said with tears building up in her eyes.
"What wasnt supposed to be like this, Sakura?" He said coldly.
She flinched at his tone, she had never seen him like this before. "I didnt want things to end this way, im sorry, I just couldnt keep doing this with you" she said softly with tears streaming down her face.
"Keep doing this with me? Doing what Sakura? Being in a relationship with me?! Tell me what I did that made it so unbearable for you, for you to do this!" He exclaimed with white fury. "Was it when I treated you like a goddess!? Was it when i've almost died for you more times than I could count!? Was it because I loved you with all my heart!? Tell me, Sakura!" He yelled with rage flowing through his veins, his eyes flickering between blue and a golden red.
"N-No! I just couldnt keep lying to you! Naruto, im sorry, I never loved you!" She screamed with tears cascading down her face.
That scream echoed through the night. Naruto's body froze his eyes wide. Images of his youth played through his eyes. All the hate, pain, lonliness. All the betrayal.
It was then, something deep inside of Naruto snapped.
All the rage flooded away, leaving him cold; Numb.
"Okay." He said walking away. Sakura looked shocked "Nar-" She started.
"Stop" He said, voice devoid of emotion. It was then Sasuke finally caught up.
He turned his head and looked at the two behind him with what were once sparkling orbs of blue, now faded and devoid of life.
"I never want to see either of your faces again, leave me alone; or else." The blonde said in a monotone. He turned his head so he was facing forward once again and disappeared once in a swirl of leaves, leaving two of the people who were most precious to him alone.
(Line break)
It was late and Tsunade was finishing the rest of her paperwork when she felt a gust of wind against her. Not a moment later Naruto appeared in a swirl of leaves. Normally she would yell at him but she could tell there was something wrong, very wrong, as Naruto looked at her with cold, dead eyes.
Coughing into her hand she spoke up "Hey gaki, what can I do for you? It must be important if you're showing up suddenly so late" she said, slightly unnerved by his dead stare.
"Hokage-sama" He started, Tsunade was very worried at this point.
"I request to enlist into the ANBU black ops."
Alright! Thats a wrap, and also the longest chapter ive written in my entire life, jesus. Anyway heres some answers. If you have any constructive criticism or ideas feel free to review, However the pairing is non negotiable.
(1)- They gotta store Something in the monument right? It might be the tomb of the hokage's actually… oh well, now theres a super secret vault there for very important things, and for my convenience.
(2)- Yeah they left him, stuff, property AND a house, and its fine! Because its not technically in the part of the village that felt true pain.
Till next time!