Forgiveness
No black, no white
Just gray, and gray
What a horrid sight.
Plays with your head
Bittersweet
But not at all sweet,
Just bitter
Helpless in defeat
-
Down on the field
The number four hitter, Roll Fizzlebeef steps up the the plate. He takes a deep breath as he taps the plate with his bat. He squints at the pitcher, Kate Letourneau, and awaits the fated pitch. "Come on, come on, come on," he whispers to himself.
Kate winds up. She swings her leg up, then propels her arm forward...
"HA!" Comes a shout behind the batter.
"Wh-what??"
"That means strike," the umpire pointed out.
"Huh, that one was pretty slow," the catcher taunted as he tossed the ball back lightly.
"I couldn't even see it."
"Yeah... you're in for a rough game, pal," Roll continued to stare in awe at the catcher as his opponent settled back into a squat, "You peed yourself."
Roll looked down, noticing that his trousers were covered in piss. How did that get there? He closed his eyes and gave an inward groan, tilting his head up to the sky. The moment he opened his eyes, the sound of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt slammed into him, "STUUUU-AH!"
Roll looked up at the pitcher 60 feet from him. An aura of purple fog surrounded her. It formed the silhouette of a demon, absorbed in uproarious laughter. A defeated sigh escaped his lips, "Well shit."
-
"STEEE-RIKE THREE! YOOOOU'RE OUT!" The shout from the umpire bounced through the air, making it's way to the suite containing Naruto and Jeremy. Muffled cheers and hollers filled the stadium below them.
"That's her 3rd strikeout in 4 batters," Jeremy muttered in shocked amazement.
"Yeah. She's the best pitcher in the league. They call her 'demon'," Naruto replied. He stood and ventured to the food trays, "Man, if I knew there was going to be free food, I wouldn't've even bought anything. Waste of money."
"I didn't know about her nickname," Jeremy replied as he turned to face Naruto, "Why do they call her that?"
"She's the only person that Ichiro hasn't homered 100% of the time on. Actually, his homer earlier was his first hit off of her. The first hit anyone has got off of her," Enrique explained.
"Oh yeah. Really highlights her dominance," Naruto replied.
Jeremy jumped, "Woah. Yeah that's incredible," Jeremy shifted his attention to Enrique, "Sorry- who are you?"
Naruto pointed to the other person, "It's Enrique."
"Yeah, I'm Enrique."
"Yeah, but," Jeremy tilted his head, "Why are you here?"
"Shisui got kicked out, remember? I gave the extra ticket to Enrique, since he was here alone."
"Yup. That about sums it up," Enrique added.
"Hey, Enrique, Jeremy, come try this flavor of ninja Gatorade. It tastes like... just taste it."
Jeremy and Enrique both stepped to Naruto's side. They each grabbed a cup and stood behind Naruto as he re-filled his large souvenir cup.
"And we don't have to pay for this? It's all free?" Jeremy asked, tapping the bottom of the cup with his had.
"Why would you even care? Not like you would pay. Or you would just be like, 'Nyeeeh I'm so rich' or something," he shrugged as he put his cup on the table. He started drinking straight from the Ninja Gatorade dispenser.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Jeremy huffed, "Are you going to let us try the drink?" He tapped his foot on the ground.
"Oh, yeah, right. Sorry... I just... I just really can't get enough of it for some reason," he went back in for another swig, only to be dragged back by Jeremy, "Wha?! Hey!"
"Go ahead Enrique. After you," Jeremy motioned to the dispenser. Enrique filled his cup, and took a swig.
He smacked his lips, "Yeah... woah- that's... weeeeird," he looked into the bottom of his cup.
"What's it like?" Jeremy asked.
"It's like... bitter, but it's like... it belongs. Like it needs to be that way."
Jeremy squinted, "What?"
"Just try it, come on. Trust me, you'll get it, you'll get it," Naruto remarked as he grabbed his cup.
Jeremy pressed the button on the machine. He watched the purple liquid fill his cup. He pulled the cup up to his lips. He glanced over to Naruto and Enrique, both interested in Jeremy's reaction. Jeremy gave the liquid a quick whiff. Odorless. He tilted his head back and downed the glass.
"Woah..."
"Right?"
"It's like... I knew that it was going to taste like that the whole time. It feels right," Naruto nodded vehemently, "What's this one called?"
"Uhh, I don't know," Naruto scratched his head, "Not listed on the machine. Check the back," they all surrounded the machine, searching for some sort of label.
"Ah. Here's a menu," Jeremy walked a sheet over to the others. They crowded him as he scanned it, "Ummm- Ah, right here, drinks- Ninja Gatorade... let's see... Orange, Berry, Blue- Ah! This one," he squinted as he read. He shook his head and gave a snort.
"What?! What?! What is it?" Naruto jumped around, trying to get an angle.
"I mean, who names these?!" Jeremy handed the menu to Enrique. The new owner of the menu gave a laugh as well.
"That's so weird. So odd."
"Just tell me already!" Enrique handed the menu to Naruto. He read the name:
A crumbling and failing relationship.
"Yeah... that is weird. Who names these? Like what even is moon river something blast or dash or whatever supposed to mean."
"Yeah, I don't know," Enrique shrugged as he helped himself to some yakisoba, "Probably ran out of basic colors and fruits to name it after."
"Hey, is that yakisoba?" Enrique nodded, "Oh, Shisui would be pretty jealous right now. He was blabbing about how it was world famous or something."
"Well, I wish he could be here right now then. Cuz this stuff rules," Enrique belted before as he slurped some down.
-
"Are you sure you know where we're going?"
"Yes, Shisui. Shut the hell up please."
"Sorry, Sorry. It's just... I... why do I have to be right behind Haku? This was a bad decision," he looked away, trying to avoid making eye contact with Haku's butt.
"Maybe you should just not be pathetic," she suggested.
"Stop acting like you're the first person to tell me that," Shisui muttered, "You sure we're going the right way?"
"Ye gods! Shisui- shut the fuck up!"
"Heeey... who's up there?" Zabuza and Haku stopped dead. Shisui did not, and charged headlong into Haku's behind.
"Uh- AH AHHH!" He shouted as he scampered back. The vent below Zabuza opened below him, causing him to tumble forward.
"Oh. Zabuza?" He looked up to see three equally shocked faces, one belonging to Naruto, another to some random dude, and the last belonging to...
"I've been pardoned by the Mizukage!" Zabuza shouted as he stood up, "oh. Yeah, you know that. Sorry," he rubbed the back of his neck, "Didn't think you would be here," he looked from Naruto to the two others, and pointed to Enrique, "Who the hell is this?"
"I'm Enrique," Haku jumped down, followed by Shisui, who looked in the complete opposite direction, patting his pockets and whistling. Haku just rolled her eyes, and walked over to the food, "I got Shisui's ticket," Zabuza nodded in understanding.
Shisui kept his back rigidly facing Haku as he moved over to Naruto.
"Hey, Naruto, Jeremy. We really shouldn't be doing nothing right now. We have to fight crime! 'Member?"
"Yeah yeah, but the second inning is just getting started. Plus there's yakisoba," Shisui's head snapped about the room.
"Where?" He barked.
"Food carts."
"Well... I guess that corruption isn't going anywhere. We'll go during the seventh inning stretch," Shisui shuffled to the yakisoba. He scooped some into a bowl, and began to walk to the seats.
"Wait, Shisui, while you're over there," Naruto leaned over the back the seat on the balcony, "Try the Ninja Gatorade on the far right. Tell me what you think."
"This one?" Naruto nodded. Shisui poured himself a cup, and took a sip, "Huh... tastes like... like foreshadowing."
"What?"
"Just- Nevermind. Too hard to explain. Let's just watch the game for now," he reasoned as he walked to the balcony.
"Whatever you say."
-
The clock struck 9, and Sakura's shift had just finished. She was busy with a patient, so her shift really ended at 9:20.
She walked out into the hallway and stretched. She let out a yawn as she began the pilgrimage to her home. 'Hey wait, isn't Hinata here? Maybe I should go see her,' she thought as she entered the lobby. She walked up to the receptionist, and placed her hands on the counter, "Hey Mikki," she spoke cheerfully.
"Sakura, dear, hands off my counter," she sprayed at Sakura's hands with disinfectant.
"Right, sorry," Sakura said through a chuckle. She placed her hands behind her back, "Can you tell me what room Hinata Hyūga is in?"
Mikki adjusted her glasses, "Sure, hold on," she scrolled through her computer, "Yeeeah... D207."
"Thanks, Mikki. See you tomorrow."
"Oh Sakura," she called out. Sakura stopped and turned, "Be sure to knock before entering. Lord Danzō was in there."
"Huh, that's strange," Sakura looked up in thought for a moment. She gave a shrug, "Oh well. I'll definitely be careful. Thanks for the heads up."
"Anytime, dear. Have a good night."
"You too. Love ya, Mikki," she added with a smile. As she turned around, she was knocked back, "Oops, sorry about that."
"It's quite all right, Sakura," Danzō spoke.
"Oh my-" Sakura bowed, "I'm so sorry, lord Hokage."
He put his free hand up, "Now, now. I do appreciate the formality, but I assure you: it's quite all right. As you kids say, 'no worries'," he smiled, "How's your shift going?"
"Just ended, actually," she beamed, "But it went well. I'm just going to visit a friend right now."
"Oh well that's nice," Danzō remarked, "So kind. I hope they feel better, whoever they are," he gave a nod before he walked towards the exit, "See ya round, party clown." Danzō shook his head as he walked out.
After he exited the hospital, he took out a notepad and scratched out something, "So not that one. Keep trying, you'll get it one day," he said to himself.
Sakura, still shocked by the sudden familiarity from Danzō, stood, frozen in the lobby.
Mikki rang the bell on her desk, "Sakura. Employees can't sleep in the building."
"Oh can it. I'm not on shift anymore," she rubbed her shoulder, "Buuut... that was weird, no?"
"I'm still not sure if it was real. I might be hallucinating again," she rubbed her glasses and waved her hand vigorously at Sakura, "Go check on your friend. She's probably exhausted, so you should hurry up."
"Sorry, sorry, I get it. I'll leave you alone, Mikki," she blabbered as she stepped down the hall.
Hallway D was eerily quiet. The lights were on in the hallway, but it just seemed so dark.
So dark.
She now found herself outside the door. After shaking herself awake, she knocked lightly, but heard nothing from inside. She cracked the door open, "Hinata?" She whispered, "Are you awake?"
After a moment, she saw Hinata turn from facing the window, to facing towards Sakura, "Oh! Goodness..." she sat up "Sakura! Hello," she gestured towards herself, "Come in, come in," Sakura creaked the door open and made her way to the bed, "Sorry, I didn't notice you when you knocked. How are you?"
"Oh I'm doing pretty well. Tired, but overall I had a good day. What about you?" She sat down near the bed, "I see you're in here, so you must be doing great!"
Hinata giggled, "Yep. Just wanted to sleep in this comfortable bed," she punched her pillow as Sakura laughed.
"But seriously- what happened?"
"Just some moderate chakra exhaustion is all. I had just got back from a mission, and then I made a shadow clone, which really drained me."
"Whoa! You can do that now?" Hinata nodded, "That's so cool!"
Hinata giggled, "It's not THAT cool," she turned her head to Sakura, "You look exhausted. Do you want to lie down?"
Sakura put her hand up, "No, no, that's okay. Thank you though. I usually wouldn't pass up an opportunity to lay on a King's mattress, but I just don't feel worthy."
"I'm seriously kinda starting to like these beds," she bounced a little on the bed a little, "I like it hard like this."
"Yeah, but how do you like the bed?" Sakura leaned forward and placed her chin in her palm.
"No- I, ano- no not- anooo-" Sakura broke into laughter, to which Hinata pouted, "not funny," she whispered.
"Yes it was!" Sakura put her hands up. She noticed Hinata blush, which only made her laugh more.
"just a tiny bit," Hinata added as she began to smirk.
After the laughing subsided, Sakura leaned back, "Anyway, anyway- what's up?"
-
Roll Fizzlebeef stepped into the batter's box for his second at-bat. He took a deep breath and tapped the plate with his bat. He squinted and watched as the demon wound up, back, kicked her leg up, and the ball-
"HYAA!" The umpire shouted.
He couldn't even see the ball, "Blue, are you sure she isn't using jutsu?"
"Positive," the ump replied.
Roll grumbled as he started to turn his attention to the pitcher.
"HEE-YAH!" The ump shouted again.
'Huh. That's... useful, actually,' Roll thought to himself. He watched the catcher on the next pitch.
He didn't move. He set up right down the middle and just sat there. A second later, a loud pop, and his mitt closed. It hadn't even moved.
"STEE-RIKE THREE! SIT DOWN!"
Roll walked back to the dugout. Compared to his first at bat, he had a completely new aura, "Hey, Hiroki," he whispered to the next batter as they crossed paths. Hiroki stopped to listen, "The catcher doesn't move. If you wanna find the location of the ball, look at the catcher."
Hiroki nodded, "How do I deal with the speed."
Roll shrugged and blew a raspberry, "Fuck if I know. We'll just have to guess," Hiroki exhaled a laugh out of his nose and smirked.
"Tell everybody else," the catcher shouted, "Even if you know, you still can't hit it," Hiroki and Roll growled as they stared down the catcher.
-
"What were they doing there? It looked they were about to fight," Shisui remarked.
"I wish they would've," Zabuza leaned on the rail, "This game has been boring so far. Ichiro and Kate are the only ones doing anything."
"It's only the fourth," Naruto reasoned as he threw his arms up, "To be fair, Raiigi is pitching great for the Krush. What do you expect from the aces? A 2-2 game in the fourth is pretty intense."
"I guess I just picked a bad game to sneak into."
"Isn't it cool though? Seeing someone dominate the game completely? I feel like you would like that," Haku added.
"Sure, but it's even cooler when the game is dominated by hitting back to back grand slams."
"You can't get back to back grand slams," Naruto pointed out, "There'd have to be at least three a.b's between them," he squinted and shook his head.
"No. Walks don't count as at-bats. You could technically get back-to-back grand slams."
"Yeah, but that'll never happen. And also that's not really the same thing as back to back homers," Enrique argued.
"It could. And it is the same thing: home runs in back to back at bats."
"Whatever," Shisui waved him off, "You're just mad because you're team is losing."
"Mostly. It's also boring."
"Yeah... I can agree with that," Enrique conceded, "Hey, wasn't there some corruption thing going on."
Jeremy jumped, "Yeah, yes, right," he turned to face the group, "I think we should take care of it. You know? The game's been pretty lacking so far."
Shisui and Zabuza looked at each other, then up to the ceiling in thought, "But what if we miss something good."
"Hasn't the demon never given up a hit besides Ichiro's?" They nodded, "So what would we miss?"
They seemed to concede for a moment. They bobbed their heads side to side in contemplation, "Yeah, all righ-" they were interrupted by the sound of contact down in the field.
"HE JUST FOULED IT OFF! He... HE MADE CONTACT!" The stadium erupted, the shouts and shrieks of the fans below overflowed the stadium, and filled the surrounding environment with noise. Everyone's attention was now firmly placed onto the action below. Everyone's attention except for one person. Jeremy slipped through the door and began to make his way to the plaza.
'I don't need some rotten ninja to help me,' he thought to himself as he stormed down the hall. He made sure to check over his shoulder every two seconds, 'I'm... strong... yeah. I'll be fine. In fact, I will flourish. That sounds perfect.'
"Scuse me?" Jeremy jumped. Somebody appeared right in front of him.
"Please don't hurt me! I'm doing espionage on a conspiracy here," he clasped a hand over his mouth, "No! I'm... high! I'm high. On... pots, and weeds?! Don't listen to me! I'm crazy! Insane," Jeremy dashed away, using the man's shock as a head start.
He stared idly down the hall as Jeremy rounded a corner, vanishing from sight. He slowly raised a walky-talky up to his mouth, "Hey, Uhh, I think we might have a code-19 on our hands. You'll recognize him if you see him, over," he lowered the radio and scowled. He started off down the hall, "Better keep an eye on that guy. Don't want him to cause a ruckus," he rounded the corner as well, beginning his search.
Jeremy ran down the hall, and ducked into an empty room, 'I can just hide for now. Probably not the best time for doing detective stuff right now anyway.'
He walked over to the drink machine in the suite, 'I kinda liked this flavor,' he poured himself some Ninja Gatorade, and took a swig, "It does taste like foreshadowing," he chuckled, "I get it now."
-
Sakura knocked lightly on the door, and cracked it open, "I'm back," she pushed the door the rest of the way open with her foot, then turned on the light.
Hinata gasped. In Sakura's hands was a large pizza box, "Really? This late?"
"Oh come on," she rolled her eyes as she shut the door behind her using her butt. She took a slice, then handed the box to Hinata. She flopped down on the bed, and turned on her side, facing Hinata, "I know you're starving, especially after the chakra exhaustion," she took a bite, "And knowing your appetite," she raised her eyebrows and exhaled.
"Hey- what's that mean?" Hinata asked coyly.
"I was there when you put down 46 bowls. Don't forget that."
"Shhhhh, don't talk about that," Hinata held out a finger towards Sakura, who waved her off. Hinata took a slice and placed the box down on the bed, "Oh, Morioh Pizza Cafe," Hinata pointed out.
"Yeah, not Pizza da Morioh- god no," she shook her head, "I mean, Pizza da Morioh is probably the worst place I've ever been, Period."
"I've always been an MPC fan. I've never even heard of that other one."
"Good. But," Sakura grabbed another slice, "I bet you're not as big of a Cafe-head as me," she taunted as she slid the slice into her mouth.
"I'm on first-name basis with the whole staff," Hinata stuck her nose up, getting a laugh from Sakura.
"Fine you win, you win," she put her piece down on top of the box, "Have you ever sat down to eat there? They don't even give you a menu."
"I know. But the food is always perfect. Puts me in a great mood."
"You know what puts me in a good mood? That one cute chef there."
"The little guy?"
Sakura laughed, "Yes, but that's not what I meant. Tall one, pompadour," Hinata nodded.
"You sure do have a type," Hinata joked as she wiggled another piece out of the box.
"Oh harr harr. They don't even look alike."
"Who doesn't look alike?" She raised an eyebrow.
Sakura rolled her eyes and flopped down on her back, "Alright, alright you got me. Fair and square," she let out a loud sigh, and hopped off the bed, "I'm gonna get going. It's almost midnight, so my parents are probably gettin worried," she rubbed the back of her neck, "Goodnight. I'll see you later," she waved as she walked out.
"Sakura. Can I ask you something before you go?" Sakura stopped near the door and turned around, "It's something serious, so if now's not a good time... ano-"
"You can always ask me anything," she walked back to the bed and sat down, her face lost the tired relaxedness it held previously, "What's up?"
"When... ano... someone does something that really doesn't sit well with you, when is a good time to forgive them?"
She rolled up her sleeves, "Oh I'll make sure Naruto pays for-"
Hinata waved her hands in front of her, "Nonononono- just act like this isn't Naruto."
"So it is Naruto then."
"No. No it's- I just-"
"You're stammering: that means it is Naruto," Sakura pointed her finger at Hinata along with her accusation.
"Please, please, pretty please, can you just humor me?" Sakura gave her the stink eye, "pwease?" Hinata murmured as she put on puppy eyes.
Sakura groaned, "Whatever. I'll let him off the hook for now," Hinata gave a tiny fist pump, "Let's see... when to forgive someone," she looked up in thought, "Usually just when they say sorry."
There was a second or two of silence as Hinata analysed Sakura's face, "Re- really?"
Sakura gave an awkward laugh, "Is it that bad?"
"Well it just seems... enabling?" Sakura squinted a little, and Hinata reacted, "Ano- Ano, I'm not saying like- Ano-"
"Relax, relax: I'm getting what you're saying," she chuckled, "You know, you're right. Let me think of a better answer," Hinata sighed in relief, and nodded. "Well what do you think, eh? When should you forgive someone?"
"Ano... I don't really know... can I think for a minute too?" Sakura nodded and gestured for Hinata to go ahead.
Neither of them could think of anything. Lots of hopping on one train of thought, then shifting to a new track of logic.
"Here. I think we're kind of overthinking this a bit," she walked out of the room, and returned a moment later with some paper in hand, "Lets both write it down so we can stop overthinking it so much. Good?" Hinata nodded in agreement, "Good. Here," she handed Hinata a piece of paper and a pen. The two got to work second guessing their own ideas once again, only this time, they had pens.
After a few minutes, Sakura shrugged and wrote something down. Hinata noticed Sakura writing and did the same, "All right," Sakura spoke up, "I actually feel like my answer's okay," she opened her mouth to read it aloud.
"Wait. Let's just read each other's when we're not in the same room. So we don't want to change our answers based on the other's reaction."
Sakura gave a smirk and wagged her finger at Hinata, "You're pretty sharp, kid," she handed paper to Hinata, "Now gimme gimme," she crab hands-ed towards Hinata.
Hinata clutched her paper close to her, "Wait- it's- I'm not sure-"
"GIMME," she continued to crab-hands, slowly approaching Hinata, who threw the paper and looked away.
"Now get out!" She pointed to the door. Sakura blew a raspberry before she turned to leave, "Don't let the door hit on the butt on the way out."
"Yeah you would like that, wouldn't you?" Sakura joked as she stuck her tongue out. Sakura peeped her head through the crack in the door from the other side, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Sakura shut the light off, and closed the door.
Hinata sat alone in the dark, holding onto the small, folded sheet with her fingertips. She reached over to the desk light, and pressed the switch on. The light filled the room dimly, but enough so she could make out more of the paper. She sighed, then unfolded the paper.
When they have made up for whatever they did.
It was similar to what Hinata wrote, 'Maybe I should've stuck to my gut after all.' She smiled, reaffirmed in her beliefs.
In her eyes, Naruto had definitely made up for... it still didn't sit well with her to say, 'Naruto has made up for murdering lots of people.' It was tough, but she felt that the lives he had saved- and, in the case of most of the village, brought back to life- outweighed those he had taken.
And if Danzō was to be believed, and Naruto had only been contracted to... kill... still didn't sit well. It just felt so wrong to say that her closest friend, and idol, was responsible for... killing so many people.
People. He killed people.
People.
Hinata shook herself from the thought. There was no doubt in her mind that Naruto felt remorse for his actions. She had been around him for a long, long time. She had been around him when, presumably, he was working as an assassin on the side. The way he treated people was not akin to an emotionless killer.
But she wasn't totally convinced.
She forced herself onto her knees on the bed. She grunted as she slowly, painfully dragged her feet off the bed. The joints in her knees creaked like rusty hinges and her forearms shook like washing machines. Her legs dangled over the edge of the bed for a moment as she collected her breath, "Chakra exhaustion fucking sucks!" She exclaimed, followed by a groan of pain. She planted her bare feet on the cold ground, and pushed all of her weight forward. She wobbled around at first- arms waving like an inflatable tube man- as she fought to regain her balance.
She stood straight, and held her arms out, as if she was being crucified in midair, and sighed in relief after finally standing steadily.
She glanced down at the bedside table, and lifted the opening flap of the pizza box. She shrugged, and took the box in her left hand.
She picked up her right leg, and swung it backwards so she could face towards the door. She swung her left leg around, and forward, as if she was stepping over a small child on the ground without bending her knees. She moved her right leg in this same way. Then her left, then her right, and so on. She finally arrived at her destination: the door, and swung her open hand towards the handle.
She slapped it down with all her available might, but her hand slipped. She continued to slap at the door handle, eventually moving it down enough to pop the door open. She gruellingly shuffled into the door, slowly opening it. She shambles into the hall, and took a slice from the pizza box. She continued her robotic walk down the hall, her hips creaking the whole way, and placed her pizza slice in her mouth on the third try, 'I have a few more questions, Danzō... I'll walk all the way there!'
She was willing to walk all throughout town to the Hokage tower. That was until she realized she had been walking for 3 minutes, but was only about 20 feet from the door. She caught a glimpse of a concerned onlooker, and gave a weak wave. 'I'll walk to the reception desk and have them call you!'
-
The walk throughout the village was dreadful for Sakura. She could feel the cold on the wind, as if each gust of wind pierced her thin jacket. It was late September, so she didn't really expect the cold, even this late at night. People sauntered past her on the paths along the outskirts of town, laughing and joking.
None of them seemed bothered by the cold. They were all wearing much lighter clothing than Sakura too.
'Weird.'
Sakura unfolded the note from Hinata and gave it another read.
You should forgive someone when their good deeds outweigh their bad behavior.
She frowned and folded the paper back up, and stuffed it into her pocket. She stopped at the doorstep of the Uchiha residence and sighed. She shivered once more as she knocked quietly.
Shortly after, Mikoto poked her head out and beamed, before re-closing the door to undo the deadbolt, "Sakura! Hello darling," She exclaimed as she opened the door.
"Hey, Ms. Mikoto," Sakura smiled as she entered and slipped off her shoes, "Just came by to say hi before I went home."
"Oh dear," she checked the clock and laughed, "I didn't realise how late it was," she shook her head, "See, I just started making some hotpot and it's, what, 11 at night?" She lightly slapped her forehead.
"Come on, it's not that big of a deal," she started to unzip her jacket, only to realise that it felt colder inside. She re-zipped it, "All that matters is that it tastes good. And hey, now you'll have something for breakfast."
Mikoto shrugged, "Yeah, yeah, you're just trying to make me feel less stupid," Sakura laughed as Mikoto sighed, "Oh well, feel free to take some home for your parents. Sasuke's in his room."
"Thanks. I'll stick around for some of that hotpot," she bounded up a couple steps, then popped her head out, "And if it's anything like the last time you made it, then you might have to whip another."
Mikoto fanned herself, "Don't make me blush, lady Haruno," and she walked back to the kitchen.
After Sakura's giggling subsided, that same feeling of cold filled her once again. She approached Sasuke's door, and knocked. She shivered once more, "Come in."
Sakura entered and shut the door behind her. She began walking towards the bed, "Hey, Sasuke." She yawned as she lie down on the end of the bed.
"Thought you got off at 9," Sasuke jabbed as he looked out the window.
"Yeah, Sorry, I just went to see Hinata after work," she fiddled with the paper in her pocket, "She had some pretty bad chakra exhaustion."
"Cool."
There was an awkward silence for a second.
"Hey Sasuke, can I ask you something?" He turned his attention to her, "How do you think we are? Like as a relationship."
Sasuke shrugged. He didn't say anything else. A pit formed in Sakura's stomach as she thought about what to say next.
"You want to break up," Sasuke spoke calmly. Sakura pursed her lips. She nodded slowly, "Cool. I get it."
She looked up at him, and tilted her head, "Really? It's... cool?"
Sasuke shrugged, "Yeah. Uchiha aren't great in relationships. There's a reason the 'legendary' Madara never married," he sighed, "It's fine. I'm more focused on being a ninja anyway... and that's probably kinda the reason you want to break up," Sakura nodded.
She bit her lip, "I'm sorry. We both kinda jumped into this headlong... I still want to be your friend. Is that okay?"
"I don't really know. We'll see I guess. We'll at least be forced to be allies," he looked out the window, "But I want to say one thing: It was fun. At least partially."
Sakura smiled, "Always honest. Well... guess I'll see you around," she stood up and walked toward the door, "Oh, and Sasuke," she turned around, and they locked eyes. She smiled, "It was fun, for the most part. And thanks for being understanding," he nodded. She bowed her head, and left, closing the door on her way out.
She stood in the hallway for a moment, allowing the situation to wash over her. She stared lifelessly across the hall.
"Sakura?" A calm voice came from down the hall, "Everything cool?"
She shook herself awake, and squinted down the hall at a familiar floral-clad figure. She laughed, "Do you only have one pair of jammies?"
"These are just my special pajamas," Itachi responded.
"Yeah, everything's all right. Except," she looked around, "Feels kinda hot in here."
-
Jeremy shuffled cautiously through the plaza, constantly jumping and turning, checking for suspicious characters. Ironically, the only way Jeremy could do that was if he somehow spotted a mirror.
"Hey! There he is: Code-19, east plaza," someone shouted nearby.
Jeremy jumped and spotted man in a suit, holding a radio. The man began to charge Jeremy, who started to back up and whimper.
"Woahwoahwoah, hey, hold on," another voice butted in. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up to spot the woman from earlier in the booth, "This is my son. He is both scared, and very schizophrenic," she eyed Jeremy, "Aaaand, somehow off his leash," she tapped her foot. Haku clicked her tongue, and turned to the man, "I'm very sorry, officer. Baseball is the only thing that seems to cheer him up, but I guess he just got hungry. I'll try to keep a better eye on him."
"Why shouldn't I just throw him out right now?"
Haku swayed over to the man. She placed a hand on his chest, "Please, sir, it would hurt me so deeply to see him soo deeply saddened," she leaned in, "and, between you and me, he only has a month or so left to live. Very tragic and sad," she frowned.
"All right... fine. Keep an eye on him," he turned around, and began to walk away. He tried to sneak a peak over his shoulder at Haku, but was only met with a glare from her as well, causing him to shoot up straight, and walk hurriedly away.
"Good. I like the hustle," Haku remarked as she turned to Jeremy, who shook wildly in fear, "What are you doing dude? You look extremely suspicious."
"I'm just trying to be safe, you know? Make sure no one's following me."
"Well they aren't going to follow you unless you do something to warrant that. Like be very weird," she lazily gestured him to follow her, "Come on."
"Wait- what are we doing?"
She stood still for a moment. "Huh. Yeah, I guess I don't really know the plan. Alright, let's go sit down, then you can give me the rundown."
-
2 outs
Krush losing 3-2
Bottom of the 10th
Ichiro on second
Roll Fizzlebeef steps up to the plate, taps it with his bat, and settles in.
He takes a deep breath as the first pitch snaps by. He shakes his head, "Wasn't my pitch anyway," he reasoned.
-
Haku led Jeremy through the plaza, "Come on, this way. Quickly!" She ushered him towards an employee only door. Haku and Jeremy each checked both ways, and darted inside the door. Haku wove three hand signs, and took the form of a security staff they had met outside, "Can you transform?" She asked.
"Well," Jeremy squinted and tilted his head, "It's been... a while-"
"Hey," an employee spoke up, "Why's this guy in here?"
"Uhhh," fake security-person Haku replied, "Just-"
"I wish- no- I DEMAND to speak to your manager," he pointed to the employee. Hali just stared in utter disbelief. She gave a meek shrug, "What, am I not worth YOUR time?! Your PRECIOUS time?!"
"And what gives you the right to talk to me like that? Huh?"
"Maybe let's-"
"I am the nephew of the royal lord Daimyo himself. If he heard of this tragedy- nay- this disaster, he will have this entire business shut down like that," Jeremy snapped.
The man decided not to call the bluff, "Alright, alright," he stuck his hands out to diffuse, "My sincerest apologies."
"Yeah, they better be!" Jeremy raised his fist.
"Please, follow me. I'll take care of him," he addressed the fake Haku, "Get back out there."
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to help escort him."
He walked over to her, "I appreciate it, Daniels, but you know protocol: if you're not out there, then you won't be out there. Period."
Haku sighed, "Right. Good luck, he's a real handful," she clapped him on the shoulder before beginning to turn.
"Wait, Daniels," she stopped, "Where's your ID?"
"I would appreciate it if there was SOME FUCKING URGENCY RIGHT NOW," Jeremy shouted, causing the other to turn around for a second.
"Please, I'm asking that you just-" he was interrupted by a swift elbow to his neck. Haku caught the man as he fell limp, and exhaled in relief. Jeremy made his way over to her.
"Come on, we gotta hurry and find wherever the big boss is. Let's lead with the 'snotty Daimyo's nephew' thing."
"Hold on," she studied the body up and down, marking every tiny detail down in a small notebook.
She stood up, and perfectly recreated the man on the ground in a transformation, before sinking a needle deep into the man's neck. Jeremy's jaw dropped, "He's not dead. You'll just have to believe me, but he isn't. Now come on," she hoisted the body over her shoulder.
"Right," Jeremy found a broom closet, and held the door open.
"Uhhh..." a voice came from inside. It was custodial worker, changing out the water in a mop bucket.
Haku raised a needle.
"What an ordinary day. Nothing strange happened to me today. Just got my mop and bucket here," he scooted past Haku and Jeremy "Oh what?! There was a body in the broom closet?! I have no idea, sir," he said as he approached the door. He stopped, "You guys are cool. Put it up high so no one sees it."
Haku nodded as she quickly ducked into the room.
"Thank you," Jeremy added as the man nodded in response, "We're working on making this place better."
He looked up for a second, and stuck up his thumb, "Good shit," and he walked out.
Haku walked out, and noticed Jeremy standing there, eyes glued on the door, "We good? Come on," she gestured down the hall.
"Right," Jeremy nodded and followed close behind.
-
Roll glanced back at the catcher, who set up right down the middle. He turned his attention to Kate.
A second or two later, she wound up, then back, and began to swing her arm down. When her arm reached about a 45 degree angle with her shoulder, Roll swung the bat wildly through the zone. He felt something deflect his bat and hurl backwards.
The ball shot backwards with tremendous force, and dented the chain link fence behind, sending a wretched, "SHKSSH" all throughout the stadium.
Following the rattling of the fence, explosive cheers poured from the crowd. Roll stepped out of the box to admire the scenery. Deep OOOOOOOH's and HEEEY's filled his ears. The blunt stomping feet on the hard concrete, slapping hands on railing sounded just the opposite of blunt or dull. They pierced his ears, and pulled the corners of his lips into a smile.
He stepped back into the box and held his hand up to the ump. He tapped the plate, then raised his bat up towards center field.
"OOOOOOOOAAAAAAY!" Came from the crowd. Roll's smile widened.
That same purple aura surrounded Kate. She was pissed.
Initially, the smile on Roll's face faded a touch. Then it widened to its biggest size yet.
'I know what that aura is," his smile changed to a smirk, "It's not an intimidation, it's a backdrop: A challenge."
-
"Here: head office," Jeremy reached for the doorknob.
"Wait," Haku grabbed his shoulder, "Are we going with a routine? Or just barging in and asking what's up?"
"I don't know... maybe we just be up-front," he shrugged, "What do you-" the door creaked open in front of them.
"Uh, heya, what's up?" An older man, wearing a plain, white, button down shirt, burgundy pants, and a matching tie walked out, "Another manager visit?"
Jeremy opened his mouth, but was interrupted by a large "BOOM!" And the hallways began to shake.
"Never mind that, I think there might be an earthquake," he grabbed them by the shoulder, "Come, quickly. Let's get to safety."
"I wonder what that is," Jeremy remarked. They heard the crowd erupt into cheers outside. "That's weird... they're cheering for an earthquake?" Haku shrugged.
"Well quit standing there and move already!"
-
Earlier, back on the field.
Roll took a deep breath, and a glance at the catcher. Right down the middle yet again. He felt anticipation boiling in his stomach... or maybe that was just the breakfast burrito he had for lunch. Looking back on it, he found it kind of funny that he had a breakfast burrito for lunch. Crazy how life works sometimes.
He shook himself awake. This was not the time to be thinking about the oddities of his lunch selection. He quickly redirected his attention to Kate, who was already halfway into her windup. He lifted his foot, and watched intently as time... time seemed to slow down. He could see clearly, but he knew even with that, his window was small. The ball glowed against the dark purple demon, who's laugh turned into fright.
Roll swung his hips.
His hands followed.
The bat did too.
It stopped, mid-swing, then continued forward, throttling him around in a circle.
He fell backwards after the synchronous 10 fighter jet lift off inside his ear. He wouldn't have even been able to tell if the crowd started cheering or not.
They remained completely silent in utter shock, so he wasn't much missing out.
Nobody had even seen it, but the ball had punched a hole in the wall in straightaway center field. Apparently, Kate and the center fielder had also been affected by the hit, as both were now lying face down.
The players rushed on the field to help their downed teammates and even enemies in a moment of solidarity, much like Christmas during World War Two. However, unlike World War Two, the people on the field chose to not play games in their temporary armistice. Much like the Vietnam war, however, the fans of the "winning side" erupted into cheers and celebration. Only after realising the damages on the field did a small portion of the fans stop whooping and hollering.
The stands in center field began to crumble, and now, on top of the bountiful cheers for the winning team, shrieks of terror filled the stadium as well, as fans began clambering over each other in attempts to escape.
Utter chaos.
Near the disaster area, several Narutos and Shisuis appeared, followed by a Zabuza and an Enrique. The shadow clones of Naruto and Shisui leapt into the stands, and collected the tumbling and passed out fans in the section. Zabuza sent out several bubbles, catching more falling spectators and allowing them to slowly drift to the ground. Enrique guided people running up top to safety on one side, and Shisui did the same on the other. Naruto searched through the rubble using his copied byakugan. He pointed out spots in the rubbled that need to be moved, and Zabuza helped him recover the buried survivors.
Luckily, there were only injured, none dead.
"Thank you both. You've been extremely helpful here," a voice came from behind
Naruto.
"Sure thing," Naruto smiled as he turned around. His face went blank as his eyes met those of the appreciative person, "Ichiro Suzuki?"
Ichiro bowed, "And what's your name?"
"N-n-n-"
"Yo! Naruto!" Zabuza shouted, "Get over here."
"One second?" Naruto replied, "Yeah, I'm-"
"Narutoooo! Now!"
"Sorry," Naruto leapt off, "Good game today!"
"Naruto, eh?" Ichiro remarked and chuckled, "At least I recognise that name," he started back off towards the congregated players from both teams, making sure everyone was okay.
"What is it, Zabuza?" Naruto said as he landed next to him, "I missed out on talking to Ichiraku for this."
Zabuza pointed to a King-sized mattress sized box, "It's full of money. Like, a shit ton of money."
"Uhhhh... what's that supposed to mean?" Zabuza shrugged, "Well then can we-"
They were interrupted by someone throwing the door open on the intact side of the room.
They quickly darted back to hide behind some rubble. A man in an employee uniform sauntered in, and sighed in relief, "Thank god... it's still here," Zabuza and Naruto heard the man grunt, and then his footsteps travelling away, "Time to take it to that rat bastard!" he announced triumphantly before the door slammed shut.
Naruto and Zabuza exchanged a glance. They both nodded, and leapt up into the room, and followed silently through the door.
"Hey," Shisui muttered as he landed next to Enrique, "Where're Naruto and Zabuza? Did they ditch?"
"Looks like it," he sat down, and Shisui sat next to him, "Wanna just chill here?"
Shisui thought about it, but was distracted by the loud screaming coming from the field.
You see, Kate was throwing the ball at around
600 miles per hour in this universe. Where Kate's from, the ball would be moving at a measly 60 miles per hour. But, inter dimensional physics, gravity, yadda yadda, all turned Kate's regular fastball into a bullet train.
When Roll Fizzlebeef, a completely normal person of this universe, made contact with the ball, the impact destroyed his wrists, and they hung limp in front of him.
That was why there was screaming. No screaming after breaking your wristsin baseball, or whatever.
"Nah, not really," Shisui stood up and began walking off, "Let's go get some food."
"Cool," Enrique followed.
-
Danzō sat quietly in his dim office, watching a candle slowly burn down. Tsunade and the rest of the staff were out, probably drinking the night away.
This was by design.
He blew out the candle, and leaned back in his chair, "So soon?" He questioned the blackness.
"Quickly. This will be the last visit."
"So you can read it now?" Danzō replied, "And our deal can be done? These armistices will cease, and you won't stink up this village any longer?"
There was a silence, "I'm not the one stinking up the village. You scum, on the other hand..." he trailed off, "Yes these times of peace will cease. And as such, the great dream will begin."
"Sure, sure," Danzō stood up and walked to the door, "On-brand, talking about mass destruction. But we'll see about that when it comes."
"Shut up."
Danzō obliged, and made his way out the door, the other man following closely behind.
They appeared in the Naka shrine main hall, in front of the seventh tatami mat from the right. Another figure lifted the mat from the inside, "Good, get down here then. Let's get this over with."
All three of them descended into the dimly lit basement, and the tatami May slammed shut behind them.
-
"So who's stealing the money then?" Jeremy asked.
Him and Haku stood in a large office, sitting and facing the CEO of the stadium, Brian Magicbrian. A large window sat in place of a back wall, and Brian's desk sat in front of said window.
"No one is stealing it," Brian replied as he paced behind his desk, "The employees are just lying about how much they're getting paid."
Haku and Jeremy glanced at each other, "Uh- I... do you really think that?"
"Yeah, but," Brian exhaled and scratched his head, "Why would they do this?"
"Maybe," Haku scratched her chin, "Maybe you're- and this is just a guess- lying?"
"Mhm, mhm," Brian muttered as he rubbed his chin, "Here's what I think," he put his hands out, "I think that I'm paying them a fair wage, a legal wage, and they're just ALL conspiring."
The door cracked open, then chanting could now be easily heard, "FAIR WAGE, FAIR WAGE: ENOUGH FOR US TO LIVE TODAY!"
"Sir, there are some people outside," a security employee forced out, "I think they wanna talk."
Brian sighed, "So they're resorting to cheap tricks. They've finally come after poor me," he sighed again and shook his head, "I have no idea why they would want to do this."
Haku shook her head in exasperation, and Jeremy rubbed his forehead, "We've been over why they're doing this," Haku replied.
"No. Naaah. You're wrong," he rebutted. Haku let her head fall into her hands, "Let em in then.
The moment Brian replied, the door flew open, and a mob of employees flooded the room. Jeremy and Haku both stood and were now facing the mob.
"What's the issue?" Brian asked.
"We're only getting paid 500 ryo an hour! That's theft!" Someone shouted from the crowd. They were met with only "YEAH"s and "RIGHT"s.
Brian waved his hands around, "NO! This isn't true, and you're all lying, no-good GOATSUCKERS!"
"BRIAN SUCKS GOATS! BRIAN SUCKS GOATS!"
"NO I do not! I have never even considered this 'goatsucking' that YOU brought up!" He shrugged and shook his head.
"That doesn't change the fact that YOU stole everyone's, except for the security personnel, wage," the leader spoke, "And here it is: all from the personal bank account of Brian 'Goatsucker' Magicbrian," he dumped the contents of a large metal box onto the floor. Hundreds of thousands of coins flooded the room, "This is the salary that's been stolen from you," he smirked, "Take that, Brian."
"Wait," Brian stuck his hands out, "I've figured out the problem," he shook his computer mouse around. He turned the monitor to face everyone, "There was a typo in the program hat it's you. See, it says 500 ryo per hour, but I meant to type in," he added an extra zero, "5000. All just a simple misunderstanding."
The mob stopped in their tracks, and turned on a heel out the door, "Yeah, that works for me," one of them announced.
"Wait but-" the leader was interrupted as the employees marched synchronously out the door, "But what about-" his voice was drowned out. The door slammed shut, and he, Haku, Jeremy, and Brian were all left in the room together.
"Well that was simple," Brian remarked as he rotated his monitor back to face him. He discreetly pressed something on the keyboard before leaning back in his seat.
He wasn't discreet enough. Haku rotated the monitor to face herself. Brian reaches out to grab it, before quickly pulling back his hands, and clenching them into fists, "Look- I-"
"A typo again?"Jeremy asked. In the box designated, "General employee pay" was the number 500.
Brian nodded, "Yup! Just a typo!" Haku chucked a needle into his neck, and his body went limp.
"That's two today," she remarked blandly. She hoisted the body over her shoulder, and started to walk out, "You're in charge now," she said to the leader of the mutiny, "Pay fair," he nodded sheepishly as Jeremy and Haku both walked out, exhausted.
"I'm kinda hungry," Jeremy spoke as he rubbed his belly, "Let's go back to the suite."
-
"Where... how did we get so lost?" Naruto asked Zabuza.
"I thought I knew these vents better than I actually did."
Hubris.
"Why did we even come up here?" There was no response, "Is it because traveling by vent is something they do in action movies?"
There was another long silence, "yes," Zabuza mumbled. Naruto sighed, and they continued to crawl in silence.
After a couple minutes, Zabuza yelped, and plunged through an opening in the vent.
"Zabuza-kun, what- why were you up there?"
"Nothing," he mumbled. Naruto hopped down, "Forget it. I'm hungry."
"Yeah, us too."
-
"So Enrique," Shisui said through a full mouth of yakisoba, "What do you do for work and stuff?"
"Oh just-" he was interrupted by the door swinging open.
"Hey-o," Naruto waved lazily as he entered, and shisui and Enrique. He was followed by the rest of their group, and all of them bee-lines to the food carts.
"I'm just a farmer in this area. I grow corn, which sells surprisingly well around here."
"Huh. Really?" Enrique nodded. Shisui looked up and shrugged, "Enough for you to get a ticket here?" He asked as he twirled some yakisoba onto his fork. The rest of the group sat down near them.
"Yeah. Like I said, you would be surprised. Helps that I inherited one of the largest corn farms outside of the land of corn."
Naruto tried to stifle a laugh, "The land of corn?" He questioned as he undid his mask, and took off the top layers of his disguise, "That exists?" There was no response, besides laughter from Enrique, "What? Did I sound stupid?"
Enrique waved him off, "No, no- not that," he laughed some more, "You're the concrete helicopter?"
"Well- I hate it when people bring it up," Naruto looked away, "But it hurts even more when you say it like that."
"Okay," Shisui hopped off the railing, "Do you know what he did? Because he won't tell me, and it's really annoying."
"Now I want to know too," Zabuza remarked.
"Alright, alright," Enrique motioned then forward, "Haku, I think you might want to take a rain check on this," he added.
"Definitely not," she said as she crossed her arms.
"Alright, but I warned you," he shrugged.
-
"So, it's finally time," Danzō remarked with a smile.
"It appears so," Zetsu added as he emerged. He frowned as he turned to face the stone tablet, "Wait-"
"And so," Madara interrupted him, "With my-" he coughed, "With A Rinnegan now implanted," he glanced at Obito, who looked away, "I will finally read the great Uchiha stone tablet in full."
"I think we should," Zetsu slithered in front of the tablet, "Wait for a little bit."
"Nonsense," Madara scoffed as he pushed zetsu aside, "I've waited long enough."
He took a deep breath, and began to read.
"So? What does it say?"
Madara twitched, and Zetsu has long since disappeared. Madara clenched his fists, "It was all a farce."
"Oh?" Danzō tilted his head, "Care to explain."
"It's full of... it was just a prank! A deep-seeded prank by Zetsu!"
"Well what does it say?! Come on, don't leave us hanging."
"It talks about how the mangekyō sharingan is obtained by petting every dog in the world, how the sage of six paths was actually just a ramen chef who became a god by making the best ramen in the universe, how the infinite tsukuyomi is just a fancy term for testicle removal," Danzō recoiled in disgust, yet laughed at the same time, "And... that's it. That's all. Nothing else."
"So... what is it that you're hiding, Madara?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Come on," Danzō got right next to his ear, "Come on, come on, come on, come on-"
"It says 'Madara Uchiha was a virgin'! Okay! That's it!" He teleported out.
Danzō and Obito were left alone, "Uhh, so-" Obito was interrupted by Danzō erupting into laughter, "Uhhh-" Danzō fell to the floor and began to roll around in uncontrollable hilarity, "We'll get in touch," and he teleported out.
Danzō opened one eye, then ceased his laughter. He stood up, walked over to the stone, and traced the carvings with his finger. He sighed, and just stood there for a moment. This truly was one of Naruto's best pranks. He turned, and walked over to the exit.
It was now around 1 am. Nobody but drunks and stray animals roamed the still lit streets. As he approached the office, a figure stood outside the door, "Excuse me- do you need something?"
The figure turned its head, "Oh! There you are," Hinata shifted her body slowly and robotically towards Danzō, "I have... I- quesjuhn-" she took a step and stumbled forward. Danzō caught her before she hit the ground, and could hear her light snoring.
He sighed, 'I don't really want to go all the way to the hospital,' he thought about the places he could leave her, 'Not the guest room in the tower. No, Tsuna will crash there when she gets back,' he let out another sigh, "Where to take you, where to- oh. Right. She lives right here," he chuckled as he remembered that she lived with Naruto, "All right, off we go."
-
"So what Enrique said was... a true story?" Haku asked as they crossed through the hidden leaf gate. They hadn't talked about it much, or talked much period. There was a feeling of shock that left them speechless.
"Yup. Cover to cover," he muttered as he kicked a rock.
"Expansion jutsu or not, that's... just unbelievable."
"Well I was drunk so that's why," he stuffed his hands in his pockets, "And who are you to judge? You killed a guy today."
"Well he was baaad," Haku reasoned, "And I didn't mean to. I was just annoyed and that messed with my aim."
"Did I really train you that poorly," Zabuza shook his head, "I'm ashamed."
"Hush, hush. You did fine, don't feel so bad about yourself," Haku beamed as she patted him on the shoulder. Zabuza just grumbled in response.
"Well, goodnight you guys. See y'round," Naruto waved as he broke off from the others, they all waved back.
As Naruto approached his home, he noticed Danzō walking out, "Heya Danzō. What's up?"
"Your partner was experiencing some chakra exhaustion, and she decided to walk across town on her own."
"Oh no," Naruto reaches for his key in his pocket, "What happened?"
"We were just trying out a way to contain a chakra based threat, but we... sprung it on her last minute."
"Hinata doesn't thrive under pressure," he unlocked the door, and as he opened it, Hinata burst out.
"Danzō, I just have one question," she didn't even seem to notice Naruto there.
"Okay... shoot."
"How did Naruto react after... ano... Orochimaru's hideout."
"Oh. So you told her," Hinata jumped, just now noticing Naruto.
"Ano- no it was... yes, he did," she conceded.
"I didn't eat for 3 months," her mouth fell agape, and she brought a hand up to cover it, "Here, try this," he handed her a large cup.
"Ano," she took the cup hesitantly, "What is it?"
"Called Ninja Gatorade."
She took a sip and recoiled violently. She coughed, and spat it out, "That was embarrassing... sorry. It's okay."
Naruto took the cup back, and took a swig. He tried to swallow, but it wouldn't go down, "Yeah... I hate it now," he shrugged, and poured the contents over his shoulder, "Let's go to bed," Hinata nodded, and he stepped inside.
"Goodnight, Danzō," she bowed before turning to follow Naruto.
"Are you sure everything's-"
"Yes. I'm sure. Goodnight," she shut the door, and the light inside turned off.
Danzō felt himself relax, his usually stern face folding into a smile. He exhaled through his nose, and turned to walk to the hokage tower. He stopped and looked up, "It seems like every
night is the full moon these days," he shrugged, and continued to walk.
Even with the bright moonlight shining down, sinister forces can hide anywhere.
-
Hi all~
Long boy this'n is. Took me a while to write as well, and I'm not sure how much I liked it. Oh well. Hope you liked it at least. I'm very excited for where the story's going next, but the question for me is "Will I be able to get there?" School is going to be starting soon for me, and even though it's all online, it's going to be the same level of work as it always was. If I don't upload at all between September and November, know that I'm (probably) not dead, and that I will always love you. Stay fresh, you cool cats.
Anyway~
Bet you're wondering what the concrete helicopter did. Guess what? I'll never tell~ Haku, Shisui, Naruto, Enrique, Tsunade, Hinata, all of the land of hot springs, and I know- but you never will. Besides that, I hope you all had a good day/night (or else!)
Jerry out