Chapter 8

Shizuko POV

I watched as Naruto continuously used chakra to climb the tallest tree in the clearing going higher and higher.

"Naruto, if you're not careful you will deplete your chakra completely."

Naruto jumped down from the tree holding his kunai another line higher in the tree, "I'll be fine Shizuko-Chan! Believe it!" I just sighed and leaned back against the tree not wanting to waste my breath against his stubbornness.

I grew sleepy as more time passed, darkness already fell. My eyes slipped closed, just a few minutes, going to rest my eyes.

Blearily, I opened my eyes becoming wide awake in seconds.

"Naruto! What are you doing?!" my face turned blood red as I threw my hands out to push Naruto away who was close to my face.

He fell back with a yell when he knocked his head on the ground. "ow Shizuko-chan that hurt. Why'd ya have to do that?" he rubbed the back of his head with a grimace.

"Pervert!" my voice echoed throughout the clearing as I glared at him face still fuming red.

He just stared at me blankly until realization dawned on his face, "no, it was nothing like that I swear!"

He frantically started waving his hands in the air protesting profusely. My glare melted away at his adorably funny frantic face and frantic hands denying it.

"Naruto, you….look…. ridiculous!" I say between giggles with my hand covering my mouth. When I calmed down, I noticed Naruto was staring at me with a look of wonder in his eyes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I cast my eyes to the side, blushing.

"I've never seen you laugh like that, you seemed carefree for once. You're so pretty when you laugh Shi-chan!"

My face heated up as he grins at me"Thank you Naruto…" An awkward silence filled the air as I sit embarrassed with Naruto in front of me. Naruto looked like he was thinking hard about something, but honestly he just looked constipated….

"Who's Takashi?" Naruto abruptly asked.

"Why do you ask?" I wrapped my arms around my knees, putting my head on them as I stare at Naruto, lips pursed.

"When I was hit by Zabuza….I heard you scream it."

"Takashi was my brother who was murdered for nothing. A woman who was supposed to be my family betrayed my clan to a snake man all for power and immortality." I explained clinically as I tried to keep my emotions in check. Every time I thought about it, it was like a thousand paper cuts to the heart killing me slowly. But, I couldn't break I had to be strong for all those that I lost. I couldn't break until my clan was at peace. I wanted to scream at Naruto for even bringing it up and making the reality come back, but I couldn't as his earnest blue eyes gazed at me with sympathy.

I dug my nails into my palms, feeling the blood coat my hands as I broke skin. I wanted to hit Naruto in that moment for making me feel this pain again as tears threatened to fall.

Sparks went through me, as I felt Naruto's arms around me pulling me to his chest.

"I should have died…. Why didn't I die…" I kept repeating into his chest, I didn't know if I was asking myself or him as I dug my bloody hands into his jacket covered arms. Without realizing it I fell asleep Naruto's arms as tears tracked my cheeks.

As I was roused from my slumber the first thing I was aware of was the feeling of warmth surrounding me and orange clouding my vision with something clenched in my fingers. Blearily I looked around and was met with Naruto's sleeping face right in front of mine.Oh Kami, how embarrassing!

I went to move I found Naruto's arms were around me, though was now around my hips with my hands clutching his jacket.

"You guys are so cute." A quiet feminine voice broke through, twisting my head around I saw an older pretty girl kneeling in front of us with a smile on her face. "How long have you two been together?"

"Oh! It's nothing like that! We're just friends." My face felt hot as I stammered. She just let out a soft laugh as Naruto's arms tightened around me then relaxed.

"Wh..what's going on?" Naruto looked at me sleepily before turning to look at the other girl, "who are you?"

"I'm Haku, and you two?"

"I'm Naruto, this is Shizuko-chan." Naruto half yelled, though he still hasn't let me go.

"Naruto," I pulled on his jacket to get his attention. "You can let me go now." I looked down at his arms.

"Ah! I'm sorry Shi-chan!" He quickly pulled away and put some space between us as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Its alright, thank you and I'm sorry." I was embarrassed and was apologizing for falling asleep on him and the crying.

"Its fine! I didn't mind at all! I'm just glad I could help!" I stared at him cheeks heating once again as my heart seemed to beat faster.

What was that? I thought as I placed my hand over my heart as Naruto turned to the girl who I completely forgot about.

"There's someone I wish to protect. When someone has a person they want to protect, one's strength is at its highest." I tuned back in as she was explaining something.

Her eyes darted to Naruto and I, "Isn't there someone you wish to protect?" I looked at Naruto and thought about Lie and the rest of the team.

"Yeah of course! I'm going to be strong enough to protect everyone I care about, Believe it!" I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips at his complete earnestness and happiness, he's like a puppy.

"Good, I wish you two luck." She smiles gently and stands as we watch her walk away.

"Oh Naruto, I'm a boy." We just stared dumbfounded at his retreating back.

"Well that was unexpected." I turned to Naruto and grabbed his hand. "Come on we should head back." I smile back as he grins and nods at me as he ran ahead.

"Hey, wait up!"