Story: Melancholy, Chapter 9
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
I hope you all like this chapter, it was very hard for me to write(especially for Sasuke). (Also, read the note at the end and tell me what you think if you will.)
Replies to New Reviews:
Sabastian chapter 1 . May 14
This really good. Can't wait for you to update it.
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Elsaxsl chapter 8 . May 3
Woooo that's so cool that Sasuke tell them directly for Naruto ! I love your story, it's written beautifully! I really love how Kakashi is "protector" with all of them, do I have a lot of love when Kakashi is like a father...yes, especially with Sasuke I dunno why ' if my english is a little bad that's normal, it's not my native language :'(
Yes, I felt like Naruto wouldn't open up on his own without being urged to by his team in full. And Sasuke felt like the best one to tell somebody. Because all though he does typically mind his own business, I feel like even he would have his limits. And I completely agree. Iruka with Naruto aside, Kakashi is definitely like a father figure too in his own merits, and I don't know why but I find his dynamic with team 7 fascinating (then again, Team 7 in general is fascinating. XD) Kakashi will definitely be a big motivator for Team 7 getting the recovery they need.
The Quincy chapter 2 . Apr 25
this is interesting, I wonder how Kakashi handle their (his?) ptsd. also, really looking forward to narusaku moments!
Kakashi is going to be a major support to his students in their arcs so look forward to that. And yes! There will be plenty more NaruSaku moments to come! I'm glad you're enjoying it thus far.
Sabastian Burlis chapter 8 . Apr 19
This hit the feels dude! Can't wait for the next chapter! As someone who knew someone who would cut themselves, this is very powerful.
I'm glad you like it and can relate in some sense. More than anything, Naruto needs help right now, but he will get the love he needs. uwu
Jorge Luis Arias Arcentales chapter 8 . Apr 7
Hey, it's been a while...
And you haven't updated, you must have your reasons... but I'm worrying. All this stuff of the covid-19 and quarantine, you know.
You are one of my favorite writers, please don't die
Yeah, sorry, I was super busy with college(major projects and stuff), a game that I was making, housework, some major dental problems and numerous other things. Quarantine has been a huge bitch... ;w;
ElaraLyra chapter 8 . Apr 4
Does Kurama not heal Naruto's wounds?
This is an iffy question, since there's multiple scenarios that show different answers. In the forest of death, Naruto got cut by Anko and the scratch remained for a while. For this story (which takes place right after the Tsunade retrieval mission), I'm going to assume that deep lacerations take maybe a couple days or so to heal (I mean that's not a lot since with a normal person, self-harm lacerations can take up to four or more WEEKS to heal(saying from personal experience). And Naruto's problem isn't only the injuries, it's that 1. He's not giving his wounds enough time to heal, and secondly, while Kurama can heal Naruto's wounds, there's no proof that he can replace blood loss(which would be the explanation for the collapsing). And forgive me, I'm trying my best to keep this as close to canon as possible, but this was originally started as a vent fic, so a lot of this story is an indirect way of me coping.
ElaraLyra chapter 6 . Apr 4
But...can't Kakashi smell the blood from Naruto's cuts with his enhanced senses? Or did Naruto just completely wash himself off?
Naruto washed himself off and made sure all the bleeding had stopped before he left the village, that was why he was late meeting back up with Team 7.
ItIsSatoKasu1811 chapter 1 . Mar 25
Finally! Someone who actually acknowledges all the insecurities and self-doubts faced by Team 7. I really liked the story and it's plot. The way you give importance to each and every character's thoughts is incredibly impressive. I was getting tired of everyone portraying Sasuke as an irresponsible jerk with no emotions, Sakura as a person whose role only was to pound Naruto until he died and Kakashi as a pervert who didn't care about anyone. I really liked the way you portrayed Naruto and his problems in depth. I sincerely hope that you continue the story. Looking forward to the next chapter! (P. S: You can find me as "ItIsSatoKasu1811".I was really lazy to login)
Yes! I actually have a very hard time focusing on numerous characters at a time so I'm genuinely surprised by how well received this story has been. And I completely agree! I love Sasuke's character, and I really love when people humanize him(because in Part one of the manga, he's really more on less just a normal kid with a traumatic past, and I really love to focus on those human aspects of his character. I'm glad you're enjoying it! And same goes with Sakura and Kakashi! Team 7 is a family beneath it all, I hate when people disrespect their dynamic, and I personally am really fond of Sakura's character too, so just like with Sasuke I really like to focus on her good aspects. On top of needing to cope, I was actually inspired to write this partially due to finally reading the manga and falling in love with Sakura's character. Even though I love the anime, I noticed some added stuff with Sakura honestly that made me kind of sad, so it really made me want to make a story about Sakura being a good friend and going into the deal with her parents that Kishimoto didn't want to because he was already too scared off by the fandom to explore Sakura's character more, about Sasuke being a normal kid beneath it all and working through his trauma rather than just an emo, about Kakashi being a good and supportive sensei, and about Naruto's situation with the villagers being explored in more depth and finally getting the love he needs, and also about Team 7 getting the proper bonding they need! So I hope you stick with me. uwu
Jorge Luis Arias Arcentales chapter 8 . Mar 19
hey, I did'n realize that you had already updated, I think I will have to return to the fanfiction of the pcThe chapter was incredible, and now the suspense is killing me
-The truth is that I... I have a super Pokémon inside me, the same one that attack Konoha many years ago and since people are spiteful... well... Tadaaaaa
Yep! I'm finally back, hopefully for a while! Hope you enjoy! ^^
(And don't worry. Your secrets safe with us!)
Phoenixx Rising chapter 8 . Mar 17
Wow, that was intense! I really liked it though. I loved Sasuke's reaction. I love that kakashi was reminded of his father. I wouldn't even have thought of that. And I love that Sakura just acted. Sometimes a hug can do more than anything else. Especially for a person that almost never gets hugs. I mean if you think about it, he never really had anyone to hug him.
I can't wait to read when he tells them!
Exploring Sasuke's reaction was very hard, but I think I did a good job with it. And yes, not a lot of people thinks about Kakashi's past when writing this kind of story, but I think seeing his student covered in blood would bring back a lot of painful memories for him. And I went with my intuition, I remembered how when Naruto stabbed his hand on the mission in the land of waves. Sakura was the first and only one to say anything for a while. While Sasuke and Kakashi were shocked, but didn't respond immediately. Sakura just seems like one who WOULD just act first in the situation(no offense to Sasuke and Kakashi. Many people don't immediately know how to respond in such a situation, so it's understandable. It takes time to work with people who have those kind of attacks).
Kaelin532 chapter 8 . Mar 11
I love this story! Finally, a story without Sakura bashing, and a NaruSaku without making Sasuke a jerk! They're unbelievably rare... I really enjoy the interactions you have, and I look forward to upcoming chapters! :)
Yup! That's the best kind of NaruSaku in my opinion! I always love exploring NaruSaku with Sasuke being a good friend. I'm glad you like it!
IanAlphaAxel chapter 8 . Mar 11
Wonderful chapter!
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying this!
On to the story:
owowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowo
…
"So does that mean you'll tell us, then...?" Sakura urged in a soft voice. If Naruto agreed to open up about what was bothering him - the reason behind the animosity aimed at him by villagers, it would surely help her get a better idea of why he'd been cutting himself.
Naruto nodded a bit, deciding he was willing to take the risk. "...Yeah."
…
"Hold it. Before you do that, we should probably get you to a doctor, Naruto." Kakashi said.
"...Huh?" Naruto weakly uttered, glancing over at him. "But why? I'm totally fine. I heal super fast, remember?"
"Well, it is true that you heal faster than most, but that isn't what I'm concerned about." Kakashi pointed out. "You've lost too much blood and you can barely stand right now."
Naruto opened his mouth to speak, but Sakura beat him to the chase in a gentle voice.
"He's right... You've collapsed several times today, and you're pale as could be."
"But, Sakura-chan…" Naruto started to say.
"You do look pretty bad off..." Sasuke said in a low voice.
"But I feel better, guys, really. I don't need to go to a doctor. Just give me a bit of rest and I'll be back to normal in no time." Naruto tried to excuse himself out of the situation, even though he was lying through his teeth. He didn't feel good at all, in fact. But the last thing he wanted to think about on top of that was for all of them worrying about him, and the thought of a doctor was never pleasant. It'd just be an unnecessary hold back.
"And who was the one that said he was absolutely fine while hiding the fact that he'd been hurting himself? If memory serves correct, that was you, Naruto. Nice try though." Kakashi said. It wasn't condescending, nor wasn't it judgmental. He was just making a point.
And Naruto seemed to realize that, and looked away with a dejected look, unable to come up with an argument to defend his case.
Kakashi stood up, trying to think of what to do about the clients, before coming to a decision. "Sasuke, Sakura, can I trust you two to look after our clients until Naruto and I get back?"
"Kakashi-sensei, I-" Sakura started to ask to come with him, fear for Naruto's sake consuming her, but Sasuke interrupted her.
"Yeah, you can count on us..." he said.
"But Sasuke-kun-" Sakura wanted to oppose him.
"It's alright, Sakura, I promise Naruto will be just fine." Kakashi reassured her, giving her a pat on the head. "We'll be back before you know it."
"Yeah, don't worry, Sakura-chan. I'm gonna be the Hokage one day, remember?" Naruto said after sitting up with a cheeky grin, even though he was clearly a bit uncomfortable and out of place saying it now that they knew he'd been hurting himself. "I can't die yet, ya know."
Sakura was obviously still uncomfortable herself, but hearing his words calmed her a bit nonetheless, so she gave a small and meek smile in response. "Alright, I guess I'll trust you since Kakashi-sensei's with you, but... just be careful, alright…?"
"I plan on it." Naruto gave a thumbs up.
"Alright… We should be back sometime within in the next hour, stay here and don't leave this hotel no matter what, am I clear?" Kakashi said.
Sasuke and Sakura nodded in response. "Understood."
…
It wasn't long after that that Kakashi had carried Naruto off on his back and both Sasuke and Sakura were left alone together.
Both of them were silent for a long time before Sasuke spoke up, surprising Sakura. "I had no idea… that Naruto was doing something like that until I saw the bandages… I didn't want to believe it was true…"
Sakura sat down on the bed where Naruto had been laying, before giving a down cast look. "Yeah… Naruto's been acting weird all day and he hasn't really seemed himself lately… I wish I'd figured it out sooner..."
"Yeah…" Sasuke murmured, surprising even himself. After a long moment of silence, he spoke back up. "Hey…"
"Huh?" Sakura inquired looking up at him.
"Do you think that I was bad… for telling on him…?" Sasuke looked away.
Sakura thought for a second. "What? Of course not… I mean… you were only doing what you thought was best, right…? Besides, Naruto needs us right now, so I'm glad you told us…"
"Yeah, I guess you're right…" He thought about it, before, after a moment, he continued.
"By the way… Um..." Sasuke's cheeks flushed a bit in awkwardness and surprising even himself, before looking away. "Sorry for earlier."
Sakura seemed surprised before giving a small smile. "H-hey, don't worry about it, Sasuke-kun. You don't think I'm still upset about that, do you? I'm completely fine now, really… But what's with you all of sudden?"
"...Honestly, I don't even know..." Sasuke smirked. "Tch. I guess Naruto must be rubbing off on me or something."
"It is true... He impacts practically everybody he comes across..." Sakura said fondly. "...Although… I do kind of wish you and Naruto would let me in more… You know…? You two are always pushing me away..."
Sasuke was quiet after that, but he couldn't deny what she said. He almost wanted to say something, but in the end he changed the subject. "Come on... We should probably head to the lobby to keep on look out."
"Right..."
…
Logically, Naruto knew that Kakashi didn't hate him, but deep down, he couldn't help but feel doubts about Kakashi's words to him. Something inside of him told him that his sensei was disappointed in his actions and ashamed of him. After all, he'd clearly been distrustful earlier when he said he was fine. All his life, he'd wanted people to acknowledge him, Kakashi was just one of those people. Sasuke and Sakura no less for that matter, and now they all knew one of his worst secrets.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't anxious about it all. And whether or not Kakashi said it himself, hearing them say they didn't judge him didn't exactly stop something inside of him from wanting to ask if he was upset with him and doubting his motives.
It didn't take long to reach the clinic. Kakashi was relieved to see that it was still open.
The person who greeted them was a middle aged brunette with a white doctors' cloak and brown rimmed glasses, as well as a name tag that read "Ryuchi Takeyama'. "Ah, Kakashi-san, it's been a while! How've you been?"
"I've been getting by, and yourself?" Kakashi responded with ease.
"Well, I've been doing the best I can, all things considered." Ryuchi said. "So, how can I help you?"
"Well, I've got a little problem. My student here has some self-harm injuries. Would you mind taking a look at them for me?" Kakashi asked. The ease with which Kakashi called them 'self-harm injuries' gave Naruto conflicting feelings. On one hand, he felt a tad uncomfortable about the whole situation, but yet it somehow eased his mind that Kakashi seemed to be just stating a fact, giving the vibes that he didn't think any less of him.
The man briefly met eyes with Naruto, who found himself look away immediately, still unable to deny the shame he was feeling for having been found out.
Ryuchi smiled. "Of course, why don't you two come with me?"
Naruto stayed silent, relaxing his chin on Kakashi's shoulder, drowsiness consuming him.
Kakashi followed the man into another section of the clinic where he was directed into a room and told to wait as Ryuu went to get his medical supplies. Kakashi had Naruto lay down on the stretcher that was inside of the room and sat down in the chair next to him.
Kakashi briefly eyed the bloodied bandages on his student's arm, once again recalling unpleasant memories from the past.
It wasn't as though Kakashi didn't understand why the boy would do such a thing to himself. Being in Naruto's position, any twelve year old might result to self-harm for a coping mechanism. And it wasn't as though he was shocked, per say. After all, Naruto was the type of person who let things bottle up for far too long, instead of showing his emotions and crying when he needed to, not to mention it was already in the description of being a ninja.
He knew he'd decided to not focus on his regrets, but that nagging guilt deep inside of him weighed on his chest against his will. I just wish… I'd got involved sooner… Maybe I could have prevented this...
"Um… Kakashi-sensei...?"
He looked up at hearing Naruto's voice. The boy wasn't giving eye contact and he sounded insecure, like he was unsure if he should ask what he wanted to.
"What is it, Naruto...?" Kakashi asked.
"Well, um… Are you sure you're not mad at me...?" Naruto wanted to know. Logically, he knew Kakashi wasn't, but that didn't stop his worry from once again returning.
Kakashi shook his head, giving the same statement he had earlier that night. "No... Nobody's mad at you right now... We're all just very concerned for you… If you don't mind me asking… Is this because of the villagers...?"
Naruto was silent for long moment and Kakashi almost didn't expect him to respond but was relieved when he finally spoke up.
"...It's hard sometimes, ya know…? Knowing that no matter I go… there will always be people who hate me…" Naruto didn't know where the words were coming from, nor why he was opening up but he felt the need to get his worries out, and did so without really thinking about it. "And since Jiichan died, the glares and whispers have only got worse… I can't stand it..."
Kakashi was momentarily silent, before speaking. "...I'm sorry… you've had to go through that… I can only imagine how painful it must be... but you can't keep bottling things up like this… It's not healthy… You do know that, right?"
"Of course I know…!" Naruto insisted. "But what else am I supposed to do? I always try to just tell myself things will be okay, but no matter how much I try to prove them wrong, the villagers always hate me, they act like I'm the Kyuubi. And sometimes… I can't help but start to question if they're right, after all."
Kakashi reached over to stop Naruto from fidgeting with his bandages, not liking the innuendo in his words. "Listen to me, Naruto. You may be a host, but you are not the Kyuubi. Regardless of what any villager or anybody else might say, you're nobody other than Naruto Uzumaki, the same old knuckle-headed ninja with the crazy dream to become Hokage one day, who also just so happens to be one of my precious students. I will not allow you to risk your life like this. Together with Team 7, we will get through this. I'm not asking you to make any promises,... but at least give us a chance will you...?"
"I… Alright… I guess I'll try..." Naruto gave a weak smile. "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei…"
"Don't mention it…" Kakashi found himself lightly ruffling the boy's hair.
This was going to be a long journey for sure, but maybe things would work out for the best somehow.
…
Soon enough, Ryuuchi came back and inspected the injuries. Fortunately, Naruto hadn't lost enough blood for him to find need for emergency medical treatment. Instead the doctor, concluded the boy just needed to stay hydrated and get some rest as well as be kept a close eye on(to make sure he didn't do such a thing again, because next time he might not be so lucky, as losing anymore blood would definitely be troublesome). However, he did volunteer to add some ointment and rebandage the wounds. Naruto reluctantly obliged.
Part of Kakashi had considered aborting the mission and going back to the village, because Naruto really needed surveillance right now. But when he proposed the idea to Naruto, the boy was vehemently apposed, so he decided to wait it out, and just do as suggested by the doctor, to keep a closer eye on Naruto for now. This mission should only take a few days more anyway. They'd be back in the village soon enough so he could just tell Tsunade about it then and she could decide what to do about the situation.
Kakashi could only hope that he would be okay until then, but Naruto had said he would try and he didn't seem to be lying, so maybe he could trust him, after all.
Then again...
…
"Oh! It's Kakashi-sensei, he's back!" Sakura was the first to greet them when Kakashi and Naruto got back to the hotel. Naruto had fallen asleep on Kakashi's back some time on the way back.
"So how is he...?" Sakura asked, with concern on her face.
"He's going to be fine." Kakashi said. "Naruto just needs some rest."
"What a relief… He's had me scared to death." Sakura sighed.
"Well, that's what he does best. He is Naruto, after all." Kakashi smiled a bit, looking with fondness as he carried the blonde to the hotel room he'd been in before.
"Heh, you got that right…" Sasuke muttered, seeming no less relieved.
Sakura seemed a tad surprised but smiled softly at knowing that Sasuke had been just as worried as them.
Kakashi lied Naruto on the bed. After a moment, Naruto woke up, noticing the shift in movement.
"Whoops, I guess I fell asleep. Sorry, Kakashi-sensei…" Naruto said, sheepishly.
"Don't worry about it… We're just glad you're okay." Kakashi said.
"Yeah, you nearly gave us a heart attack…" Sakura scolded lightly.
"...Oh, sorry about that, Sakura-chan." Naruto said meekly.
"Why do you keep apologizing, Usuratonkachi…? Just tell us what's going on…" Sasuke said, surprising all of them.
"Sasuke-kun's got a point… We want to help you, or at the very least understand what's bothering you..." Sakura said softly.
"...Well, I guess I did say I would tell you guys… I can't exactly go back on my word now, can I…? But I don't really know where to start…" Naruto averted his gaze, sitting up as he fumbled through possible explanations. He knew if he didn't tell them now, he'd probably never have the courage to tell them again. "...You know about the Kyuubi, right…?"
"Kyuubi…? That was the demon fox that attacked the village twelve years ago, right? The Yondaime sacrificed himself to kill it, right? What about it?"
"Well, that's the thing… It's not exactly dead." Naruto said.
"Wait, it's not?" Sakura inquired for a further explanation.
"What do you mean it's not dead?" Sasuke wanted to know.
Naruto pulled in on himself a bit. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, after all. What if-
Naruto relaxed a bit when Kakashi rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He decided he might as well just get straight to the point instead of beating around the bush any further.
"Well, the truth is… I don't really know how to explain it, but... The Yondaime sort of used a jutsu to seal that beast inside of me when I was a baby... So I act as a sort of container for the same beast who destroyed the village back then and I can access his chakra." Naruto didn't dare to look to see the expressions on Sakura's and Sasuke's faces. "That's why all the villagers glare at me, and also why everybody hates me. Now that you know, you guys probably will too…"
Sakura was a little surprised at first, but then everything began to piece together. Parents telling their kids to stay away from Naruto, the harsh whispers about him being "that boy", the waitress earlier… How Naruto would always sit by himself on that same old swing as a kid, nobody ever approaching him, and even how her own parents told her to avoid him… Everything made sense now.
From time to time, she had got a feeling that Naruto had two different chakra or something, and back in the Forest of Death he'd shown incredible power that she'd never seen in anybody before, both against Orochimaru and even later against Neji in the Final Rounds…
"Heh he... The brat of Kyuubi is still alive and kicking! How fascinating that when he is consumed with rage, he loses himself... and a bit of the nine-tailed fox trapped within... comes through, An amazing developement! There's the proof. The spell that seals the monster within appears on your skin like a tattoo."
Orochimaru's voice suddenly echoed in her head. She'd been too panicked at the time to think much of what he was saying, but she finally recalled it and realized the meaning of what he'd said.
...And that...
That must have been why Naruto wanted to become Hokage, why he was always so determined to prove everybody around him wrong… Always pulling pranks in the academy to get people to notice him... Making such big scenes… And also indirectly why all the kids had treated Naruto so badly and shunned him…
Immeasurable guilt and empathy weighed on her chest, tears forming in her eyes. At the time, back in the academy days, even up to sometime after, she'd been no different than the others and just blindly went along with the crowd… She'd labeled Naruto as nothing but a pest who was always getting in her way, refusing to acknowledge his existence as anything beyond that, often even comparing him to Sasuke... But never once even questioning why he acted that way nor considering his feelings…
Even back when she spoke of Naruto's less-than-desirable behavior being due to his lack of parenting and Sasuke pointed out that Naruto was lonely beneath it all, although she'd vowed to be nicer to him, it hadn't completely dawned on her yet just how wrong she'd been about him. But in recent months, she'd seen and heard about him picking himself back up over and over again and fighting against impossible odds. It never ceased to amaze her.
He'd complimented her, cheered her on, was more determined than anybody else she knew, spoke his mind without hesitation to defend people who couldn't defend themselves, and she'd slowly but surely realized that he was anything BUT the person she originally thought he was. Most importantly, he wasn't some...demon, like the villagers treated him as. Even if the nine tails did reside in him, that didn't define him.
He was Naruto Uzumaki, the boy that the golden heart who had deeply inspired and changed so many people, herself included.
The bandages on the blonde's arm suddenly caught her sight again and this time… Her perception of the whole situation was completely different.
Reaching up, she acted without thinking.
Naruto tensed up, as if he was expecting to be hit, but froze when she hugged him yet again that night.
"I'm sorry, Naruto…" Sakura choked out. "I had no idea. You must have been though a lot, huh...? You should have told me sooner, idiot… I would have beat those villagers to a pulp..."
Naruto was at a loss of words for a long time… Slowly, he found himself reach up to return the embrace, basking in her warmth and unable to stop the tears from welling up in his eyes.
"Hey..." He smiled weakly. "I wouldn't want you to become a murderer on my account, Sakura-chan."
Sakura didn't say anything, but continued clinging to him for reasons that she didn't even understand herself.
Sasuke was under a similar thought process. He'd always noticed how Naruto was alone and isolated from others, how all the adults tried to avoid him and had their kids do the same. And he knew there was a reason for it, but neither Fugaku nor Mikoto ever told him a straight answer, just that it was best if he avoided him.
Yet, now that he knew why, on top of it explaining the treatment from the villagers directed at Naruto, he could also finally put some answers to questions, like Naruto's rapid growth in the past few months, and the strange power he'd seemed to inhibit…
"I see… So that must be why Itachi was after you…" He murmured in realization, his eyes down cast. Sakura looked over at him a bit confused by what they were referring to.
"Well, yes," Kakashi said before Naruto could, "your brother is a member of an organization known as the Akatsuki. We still don't know what their motive is, but we do know they want to capture Naruto. And if the Kyuubi's power fell into the wrong hands, it could be used as a tool for massive destruction. We have to prevent that at all costs."
Sasuke was silent for a brief moment as he thought of it, before giving a darkened look and clenching his fist. "Don't worry, we will. I've already lost all of my loved ones once before due to that bastard, I'm not about to allow Naruto to get wrapped up any further in this twisted plot of his than he already is. Naruto isn't just some pawn to be used and thrown away as that he sees fit."
"That's right! If they want Naruto, then they'll have to get through us...! Shannaro!" Sakura made her determination known, lightly hugging Naruto's neck from the side and pumping a fist. She hadn't heard of the Akatsuki before now, but she got the gist of what was going on and she was fired up.
As he watched them, Kakashi briefly was somehow reminded of Kushina and Minato, but quickly pushed that though out of his mind for the time being.
Naruto himself was clearly a bit surprised by their open-mindedness to his situation, but gave a weak smile, knowing Sasuke was trying in his own way to say that he didn't judge him.
He had always feared the day they found out. He had went over tons of different reactions in his head before, not a single one good coming into his realm of possibilities. But maybe it wasn't so bad after all, he realized, with a spark of hope.
He was silent for a moment before wiping the remnants of tears from his eyes. After a short while he finally spoke, looking down cast and slightly grinning. "...Thanks, guys… That really means a lot to me.…"
Kakashi was glad to see his students finally getting along with each other again. He knew that their ambition to protect Naruto from the Akatsuki might not be so easily realized, but he told himself that that was a conversation for another day. Right now, Naruto just needed rest.
"No need to thank us, idiot." Sakura bumped his shoulder with her elbow. "We're you're teammates."
"Sorry, I guess I keep forgetting." Naruto laughed nervously. (He hadn't actually forgotten, the night had just been incredibly awkward for him).
"See, I told you there was nothing to worry about." Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Yeah, you were right, Kakashi-sensei. And honestly, I don't think I would have been able to bring myself to face them if it weren't for you encouraging me, so thanks a lot…"
"...Don't mention it..." Kakashi said looking at him fondly, before turning his gaze to his other two students. Alright you three... I think it's about time we all get some rest. And Naruto, I'm going to have to take your weapons with me for the night. I'm sure you understand why, right...?"
Naruto averted his gaze but, knowing he was in no place to be making demands, muttered a low, "Yeah, I guess…"
"Good. Now that we're all clear. Tomorrow, presuming that Naruto is doing a little better, we should hopefully be able to get back to the mission. So try to get as much rest as you all can."
A short while later, Kakashi left the room, after having double checked Naruto for hidden weapons that he could use to hurt himself with, and took them with him.
Sakura was the next one to leave after telling both of them good night. It did briefly concern her when she saw the bag of rice balls still sitting beside the bed, since Sasuke hadn't eaten anything all day, and part of her wanted to stay with Naruto out of concern for him as well, but she decided it was best to give the two boys space and did as such.
Now, it was just Sasuke and Naruto, and the silence between them was as heavy as ever.
Naruto wasn't really surprised, but it did feel uncomfortable none the less, especially since all his cards were out on the table. Sure, he was grateful that Sasuke hadn't judged him, but yet, that's why this was even scarier in some sense because now he didn't know what to expect from Sasuke.
"Hey, Naruto…" The raven haired boy suddenly spoke up, startling him.
"Y-yeah? What is it?" Naruto inquired, jumping a bit.
"...Sorry about earlier. I didn't really know how else to react…" Sasuke's back was facing Naruto and he was clearly just as awkward as Naruto was about everything.
"Hey, don't worry about it…" Naruto reassured Sasuke, shocking even himself, before smiling softly as he gazed down at the bandages on his arm. "I mean… I guess I probably would have done the same thing if I had been in your situation too… So I can't exactly blame you, ya know?"
"You're not mad...? Che, that's a little surprising." Sasuke smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"I was earlier, no doubt, but then I got to thinking about it, and as much as I hate to admit it, you were right, Sasuke… The route I've been going down isn't healthy… And I made Sakura-chan cry earlier… She doesn't deserve that… I can't really say I want to stop, but… If it'll make you guys happy, I thought I could at least try… I mean… it's worth a shot, right...?" Naruto finished off weakly.
Sasuke thought about his words. Down deep, he was relieved to hear Naruto say such things, but his pride wouldn't let him show it.
So instead he simply scoffed in a light-hearted manner. "You talk too much."
"Hey, it's what I do best." Naruto joked a bit.
"Just get some sleep, Usuratonkachi..." Sasuke chastised.
"Yeah, yeah, I know..." Naruto muttered, laying down.
At this point, Sasuke was left alone with his own thoughts, as he thought over the day's events. From the revelation about Naruto's self-harm to learning about where his strange power had come from to even figuring out part of Itachi's goals.
He had a lot of conflicting thoughts but the most prominent thought process surprised even him.
Several images popped into his head, one of a young blonde boy sitting on a swing by himself with nobody to talk to, and nobody wanting to approach him, random trivial arguments he'd had with him, and even seemingly irrelevant stuff like that unison sign they did back in the academy.
It wasn't even all the big things he was thinking about it, it was the small things, like how he and Naruto used to always fight in the academy, how Naruto always kept trying no matter how much he lost against him, stuffing their faces with food and competing to see who could get to the top of the tree first during the mission in Nami no Kuni.
How had a been so blind…? Naruto should be priority right now. Sure he'd probably never be able to just accept what happened to his family. And Itachi would always remain as his number one enemy, but…
He found himself unable to keep from glancing at the bandages on his teammate's arm.
Naruto was his friend..., and Team 7… It was more than just some acquaintanceship… It was like a family. He couldn't lose that… Not again.
And briefly, the thought arose in his mind. Maybe he should have tried to understand Naruto sooner… Maybe, it wouldn't have come to this.
Back in the academy, if he'd put his pride aside and tried to approach him just once, maybe something could have been different… Maybe… They could have been closer, and Naruto wouldn't have been so alone. And just maybe he wouldn't be harming himself right now…
That's when he scoffed. What was he doing right now…? He almost sounded like Naruto with this friendship drabble.
Yet, it didn't stop him from considering how different things could have been right now, if he'd taken the initiative to be there for him sooner.
Well, that was in the past, no use in regrets now. All that was left at this point was to move forward and be there for him when he needed it most...
He wasn't about to let even Itachi pull him away from that.
Yet he knew all too well…
In his current state, he would be nothing against Itachi or even his partner. He was still too weak.
And in the back of his head, there was a voice that told him the same thing he'd told himself so many times before, but this time, both Kakashi's and Tsunade's advice to him fresh in mind, it had an almost entirely different weight behind it:
I have to get stronger...
...
A/N: I hate how this chapter turned out but I tried my best. Before you say Sakura was too quick to accept, just remember her reaction when Naruto himself told her that he had the nine tails inside of him. She didn't judge him, she didn't think of him any differently. She just pieced together why he was shunned the way he did as a kid. And when Naruto went into Nine Tails state, Sakura ran straight towards him without thinking twice. She even lied about the injury he caused her in that state because she didn't want him to feel bad. So yeah… In any case, I love love love NaruSaku, so I hope y'all are enjoying this. And the parental Kakashi stuff, why has been kind of hard to write but rewarding none the less.
PS: Since this is NaruSaku endgame, I'm also kind of debating what to do about Hinata, since she has feelings for Naruto. I've been considering KibaxHinata since I've always thought the pairing was super cute, but I want to know if you all are okay with that. There won't be a lot of focus on it, but it will have to probably come up at some point, so I'm curious what you all think.
