Confession

Naruto leaves the apartment. He had grey, slim winter jacket with a orange scarf covering his mouth. It started to get chilly outside soon he will be wearing boots. He starts walking down the stairs. It was quiet which was the best thing for him. He can calmly walk to the exit. There looks to be someone at the entrance staring through the window. Naruto kept his eyes closed and walked out without batting an eye to Sara.

"You can't ignore me" Yusei spoke in his head.

Naruto eyes shot open and keeps walking. There was a car coming to a stop in front of the apartment. He heard footsteps leaving the apartment and saw Sara hop in the car and drove off in the direction toward the school. He guessed she wasn't able to handle the cold. He starts taking the usual route by foot.

He starts walking be stores. In the windows of the stores, Yusei can be seen walking next to Naruto.

"Unable to forget what you turned into"

Naruto kept ignoring the voice even if its from his favourite character. He doesn't want to get reminded by his mistake. Losing himself in a card game. He should have ignored it too.

"...you won't be able to forget it...or change it...you know"

Naruto could see the school but stopped before entering. He hesitates, fearing who he had to face. He just wants to get through the day without dealing with anything or anyone. He pushes the door open and quickly makes over to class. He wanted to get their early before she does.

However, when he looked through the second entrance. He notice someone sitting right next to his desk. She had her head facing the window. Naruto stares at her wondering why she was here alone without her friend group. He clenches his hands not liking this. She shouldn't have been here early. He was getting angry at that fact. Though, it wasn't her that was making him angry.

"...your childhood friend...she's been right next to you and you haven't notice….you could have been happy if you knew sooner….but...you knew too late and showed her and your friends the darkest part of you…."

Yusei was leaning in the window next to his desk. Naruto had his hair covering his eyes. He entered the class. The footsteps made Ino flinch a little causing her to turn her head to the entrance. Naruto was already behind her before she could properly look at him.

Even so, she knew it was him. She didn't turn to him and kept staring at her desk. She can hear him putting his bag down and taking his seat. She quickly glances at him and notice his scarf. He rested his head on his arms. He was facing the window like usual. Ino showed a small smile seeing him here, at school after a long time but not sure what to say to him. There are so many things going through her mind and many feelings getting mixed around inside her, making her nervous and uneasy. She wants to talk to him both about how he is and about him and Kabuto. There are things she still doesn't know but she knows one thing which was clear to her. Kabuto was no longer her friend. Making Naruto and Sasuke play a game that was threatening their lives and with cards no less. Ino was infuriated even at Naruto and Sasuke for accepting. A card game isn't meant to be used negatively.

Ino snapped out of her thoughts when the rest of the class started coming in. Her eyes met with Sakura the moment she walked in. Sakura quickly shifted her eyes to the blond sitting in his desk. She was happy to see him being alright. She still isn't in good terms with Ino or even spoken to her. Being lied to isn't what a friend she do. She takes her seat.

The only person left was Sasuke. He hasn't shown up to class which was starting soon.

OOO

"...The more you stay quiet..the harder it will be for you"

"Shut it" Naruto thought trying to focus on the notes Iruka was writing on the board.

"Oh...your not going to ignore me anymore"

"Your fake!...just go away...I can handle this"

"...how..you can't barely look her, in the eye"

Naruto gripped his pencil tightly. Yusei was annoying him to the point that he wanted to throw a fist at him but he isn't real. He could be going insane. He started chuckling quietly but stopped. He looks around him wondering if anyone heard. The only pair of eyes on him was Ino but she quickly looked away. Naruto hides his face into his arms.

"..there is a gap that you created and not just with her...in one part it's a good thing...since, you get your solitude back"

"My solitude" Naruto thought forgetting how it felt being alone and not interacting with anyone. The voice was right, he should be happy that this happened. He didn't have to deal with anyone anymore if they keep their distance away from him. That's what he had before all this. Just like the first time but why doesn't he feel the same like the first time. Has he grown to attach to other people. Even if his childhood friends came back, it isn't the same like back then. There isn't a point to continue to act like old friends.

Naruto slowly raised his head and stared at Iruka. Yusei had his head lowered with a small smirk on his face.

"...The past doesn't matter anymore"

OOO

Minutes until lunch begins, Ino was noticing something different in Naruto from the start of class. He looked more calm and focus. He acted like the first time she saw him. It was a good thing but, why does she feel uneasy. He hasn't glanced her way but she kept glancing to him for a few seconds before taking notes. She wonders if it was the right time to talk to him. Lunch time would be a better choice too. She can drag him to the club room and say what she has to say. She was getting nervous imaging it fearing that she won't have the confidence needed to do it.

The hand of the clock moved and the lunch bell rings. Everyone began rising from their seats and leaving class except Ino and Sakura. The two had the same idea and were waiting until everyone leaves but what they didn't suspect was Naruto leaving with everyone else. Ino was surprised to see Naruto get up and walk behind her.

Since the girls had their backs to Naruto, they didn't notice his eyes glancing at them. It was clear to him that one of them would try to say something to him about yesterday. They are girls he thought. So he decided to leave quickly before they can try. He just wanted to be left alone. He left the classroom and the two girls turned their attention to each other not sure what to do.

There was a moment of silence between the two. It's been too long since they spoke to each other that they didn't know what to say now. Ino felt guilty for lying to Sakura and did want to apologize to her but she was afraid that she wasn't going to listen. They shouldn't have to be like this. They both knew that.

"In-"
"Sak-"

They both were about to speak but interrupted each other at the same time.

"You go first" Sakura said nervously.

"No, you go" Ino said smiling nervously.

The two stayed quiet again looking down at their laps. It became more awkward causing them to lose their courage. Finally one spoke.

"...I'm sorry...Sakura" Ino said meeting her eyes. "I didn't mean to hide a secret from you or make you feel bad...I just thought...if you and Neji, Sai knew about my card club...many other people will know and want to join because we are in it...the popular kids...I didn't want that….I wanted the club to be popular because of what it is instead of the people in it"

"..uh...your thinking to serious about a card club" Sakura states.

"What?" Ino said confused.

"I understand what you mean...but...how do you know for sure...if that outcome would happened?" Sakura asked. "...its true that we grab a lot of attention because we are the cool kids but...at the moment...that is gone...and we got that attention in the first place because...we get good grades in class...many people admire us….we didn't ask for it...it didn't happen for no reason….and it sounds like you want to make that club like that...but a more complicated and confusing way...you tend to misunderstand things and think of them bigger than they are...your forgetting...that your still a student...not someone who owns a business"

"...ah..I..hmm" Ino said lost with words.

"Moving that aside...there is someone important we have to deal with now" Sakura states.

"..you mean Naruto?" Ino asked.

"I'm not sure what happened with him and that other guy and how you are connected with him but...it doesn't seem ok"

"I was going to speak to him but-" Ino said until seeing Sakura get up.

"There is still time...we can speak to him together" Sakura said.

"Ya" Ino said smiling getting up.

Ino regain her confidence and if Sakura joins her, Naruto wouldn't have anywhere to run. Stiil, what Sakura said did shock her and not sure how to progress it but having her by her side again does make her feel happy. Time to get another friend back.

Sakura and Ino left the classroom and started finding Naruto. Ino knew about his favorite spot and decided to go to the roof. Just when she took her first step on the staircase, Sakura tapped her shoulder.

"I-I think I found him" Sakura tells her softy.
"Uh?...where?" Ino asked turning to her direction.

She could see Naruto's head. It looked like he was talking with someone. Ino and Sakura tried to get a better view of the other person. They were surprised to see Hinata. The girl they met at the festival talking with Naruto. They both felt a sting in their chest seeing her grabbing Naruto's attention. Naruto seem to be paying attention to her but they couldn't hear what they were saying.

"W-what...what is this!?" Ino whispers blushing lightly with a glare.

"I don't know...I never knew the two were close!" Sakura whispers back growling a bit.

The conversation stopped and Hinata gave a smile, bowing her head. She walks past Naruto who started going his separate way and it wasn't toward the roof. He was heading off in a different direction.

"Where's he going now?" Ino said suspicious.

"I don't know...but lets follow-" Sakura said until hearing a voice behind them.

"Ino, Sakura" Neji calls them.

"O-oh...hey Neji" Ino said waving nervously. "Its been awhile-"

"There is something important I want to tell you" Neji said with a serious expression.

The instant he said that, Sakura's lightbulb shined. "Is he going to-" Sakura thought knowing his feelings toward Ino. Though, this was a poor time to do it. Ino didn't look affected but just nervous seeing how she avoided him for a week. Ino just gave a nervous smile.

"And what's that?" Ino asked.

Sakura stepped back not wanting to get in their way. She even felt nervous for Ino. She didn't think he would this early. Maybe confess at graduation but this was early. She stayed quiet, waiting what was about to unfold.

"...Would you go out with me?"

It took alot for him to say that but the time she hadn't spoken to him made it clear that he had feelings for her and couldn't miss a chance. It wasn't clear to him why Ino and Sakura were suspended but that didn't matter. Whatever trouble Ino got herself in, he wanted to help and be with her. She was intelligent, beautiful and determined. Qualities he is attracted too.

Ino stood their stunned. Her smile slowly shrunk unsure how to react or respond. She was playing with her fingers. She didn't expect her would feel that way about her. Even when she avoided him. Still, her thoughts were clouded with someone else. A problem she needed to fix. This was a surprise she wasn't ready for. Still, how can she not give him an answer. She opens her mouth.

OOO

A door opens in Anko's office. She didn't recall expecting a visitor. She was surprised to see Naruto coming in with a cold expression.

"Naruto...your back" Anko said.

Naruto stayed quiet and stood in front of her desk. He looked straight in her eyes.

"...I have a confession...do you want to hear it?"

OOO

The wind was getting strong and the temperature was getting colder. Naruto could see small snowflakes coming down. One came close to his window and melted a few seconds after. An image of Yusei appeared in his window.

"A surprising day….don't you say"

"What do you mean by that?" Naruto thought.

"...there are things we all have to do...decisions we have to make...even if their tough ones to make….you instantly made a tough decision...right after she came to you"

"...was I wrong...it is my fault to begin with"
"...but you do know...this will end...with you standing alone"

"...loneliness is haven….you even thought so"

"...I did...even the darkest part of loneliness I ventured...I found it comforting….being able to do things without any chains attached to me...any burdens…..but...there is always someone...that tries to break you out"

"..like Kira was for you" Naruto thought remembering the other main character named Kira the wind user.

"...one out of a few…"

"But you still are in the dark even with her and your friends….you still crave power"

"...Did you forget my reason for power?"

Naruto eyes widen a bit seeing Yusei smile. The bottom half of Yusei was beginning to disappear.

"What's happening?" Naruto asked.

"Your healing...my time is up...but before I go...let me remind you of something….what keeps me moving forward, what makes me decide on my decision...what makes me walk on the path between good and evil….it's because of a reason…..Thats what makes someone grow...when they have a strong reason…..I wonder...do you have a strong reason?...Naruto Uzumkai?"

Yusei went up in flames and Naruto was frozen staring at the window. Not even hearing what Iruka was teaching. Naruto looks at the white folder on his desk and lowers his head. "A reason" he thought uncertain what that would be. He thought he did but things started getting fuzzy.

The day finally ended. Naruto couldn't stop thinking about what Yusei said. He tried making sense of it but no answers came to mind. He could hear the chair move next to him. Ino left her desk and walked out the room. She was the last person. Naruto got up and grabbed the folder. He started walking out. Whatever Yusei meant, he doesn't have it. He makes it downstairs and notice a small layer of snow on the ground outside.

"Snow this early" Naruto said softly, stepping outside.

He could see his breath coming out his mouth. He started heading out but notice something in the corner of his eye. He turned around to see Ino staring back at him with a light purple scarf around her neck.

"...Your not leaving until we talk" Ino spoke.

Naruto continues to stare at her. She held the folder close to his side.

"What do you have to say then?" Naruto asked.

"...I should tell you...your stunt and Sasuke's might disband our club…" Ino states. "Not something no one wants"
"Is that all?" Naruto responds.

"T-there is also one other thing…" Ino said rubbing her arm nervously. "Your the goofy boy I met back then..are you?"
"..." There was no response coming from Naruto's mouth just a small nod.

"..hmm...its hard to believe your him...seeing how you are now…" Ino said with a small smile. "I don't have all the story on how you and Kabuto ended up being enemies but-"

Ino stopped after seeing Naruto walk toward her. She was shocked and waited until he stopped. When he came close, he gave her a folder.

"Whats this?" Ino asked opening it causing her eyes to widen.

"...The club won't get disbanded….because...I'm leaving it"