His Decision
"leave the hidden leaf.." Naruto spoke quietly with disbelief.
Hearing Shadow say that to him surprised him. He would never leave the hidden leaf, it's his home where he was born in. He created memories in this village even though some memories left scars. He is proud living in the hidden leaf and a ninja. He trained too much to just stop being a ninja just like that.
Even though all these reasons to decline his offer is circling in his head, his heart is telling him something entirely different. That is his mother. No matter the reasons that tells him stay, if it weren't for his mother giving birth to him, he wouldn't be alive living in the hidden leaf. He wanted to know her so badly however if he leaves the hidden leaf, it would be like how Sasuke left and never returned.
"What happens if i dont?.." he asked depressingly.
"Nothing" Shadow answered.
"Nothing?" Naruto said surprised at his answer.
"Well nothing to your village that is..however it may affect the shinobi world"
"The shinobi world?"
"Or was it the five big nations?"
"What?"
"Or it may affect the hidden leaf...maybe your grandchildren…"
"Shadow what are you talking about...you dont make any sense?" Naruto asked frustrated.
"That's the point...I don't know what will happen, it can be the things I said or nothing at at all...I just know it isn't going to be good"
"So what do you want me to say, if you aren't sure about what will happen..I don't need to leave the hidden leaf or a ninja"
"Be that has it may...there is still a threat that will soon come and if you aren't going to be the hero who will?"
"How do you know there is a threat if you arent sure…"
"I feel it inside me Naruto...when you opened that scroll and I entered this world...I felt a strange power lurking in the shadows, more like a disturbance...you may not feel it but I know it has to do with the Uzumaki Clan...who knows what you opened up when you took the scroll...it's your decision, I'm just a guide" Shadow said and disappeared.
Naruto sat alone on the momentum thinking over what Shadows said and still doesn't know what to do. He just wanted to know about his mother and nothing more.
"Urgh!...Dammit!" He shouted.
He fell on his back and stared at the fiery sky. He realized the day was almost over. Even though the sky looked calm, his mind is filled with situations he predicts will happen if he left the village. One is that a search party will haunt him down and return him back. Another is that the village is attacked and he wasn't there to protect it. There were several outcomes he predicts but one stand out from the rest and that's seeing Sakura crying over him leaving. He knew how much it hurt her that Sasuke left and he will do the same.
He didn't want that to happen, so what is he going to do.
OOO
The Next Day…
Sakura is walking along side the wooden fence. She had a big smile, feeling great today. She had a good breakfast today, pancakes and bacon her favourite and she had a great sleep including great dreams. There is one that she is a princess and another where she is the most beloved girl in all of Konoha. Just thinking about it makes her happiness bar rise.
She stopped walking after noticing Naruto sitting at the bench. She knew he is waiting for her since that is the reason she is walking today. She got a message from him to meet him at the bench near the exit of Konoha. She wondered why he wanted to meet her, way out here. The thought about him asking her out did come to mind. She knew his feelings for her however every time he asked her out, she decline still having feelings for Sasuke. Now seeing him sitting on the bench waiting for her made her stomach flip. "It isn't so bad if I go out with him..who knows, it might be fun" she thought feeling her cheeks burning up. She continued walking to him making him turn his head to her and gave his signature smile that always brightens her day.
"Hey, Sakura!" He called her out.
"Hey, Naruto!" She said reaching him.
Naruto showed her to sit next to him which she did. It became quiet. Sakura found it odd that he wasn't talking. She notices that he looked nervous from the way he his playing with his thumbs and his slouch back. "His he afraid I might reject him" she thought staring at him until his head turn to her which surprised her.
"Sakura.." he spoke in a serious tone.
"Yes.." she responded blushing from his serious expression.
"There's something I want to tell you.."
"(Swallowed)..ok, I'm listening" she said staring into his sky blue eyes hearing her heartbeat speed up.
"(Breathed in and out)..I'm wondering if you aren't made at me?" He asked.
"..Mad at you?..why do you say that?" She asked confused why he said that suddenly.
"For not keeping my promise"
Her eyes widen from shock. She didn't know why he is bringing up a promise that was said three years ago, it's not like she didn't forget it or couldn't. Right before Naruto went to retrieve Sasuke, she begged him to bring him back so he promised her he would and kept that promise till this day. She regrets having to put that on Naruto. She saw the injuries from his fight with Sasuke and couldn't believe the person she fell in love with nearly killed Naruto. She tried forgetting her feelings about the rogue ninja however he is always in her heart.
Hearing Naruto bring back those memories that caused her and everyone who is friends with him pain and confusion. This gave her the chance she needs to make him let go of that promise.
"No, Naruto..I know you tried your best to bring him back, it's a loss that Sasuke didn't return but at least you came back... without you this village would be destroyed and everyone in it would have died…your not only the hero of the hidden leaf...you are a hero to me" she exclaimed.
Naruto eyes widen after Sakura hugged him. He's blushing from what she said. He smiled for her perspective on him. It soon went away thinking how she made his decision on leaving harder. "Is it right for me to be selfish" he thought and looked down. "You think about others to much". Naruto eyes widen after hearing Shadow's voice in his head. "Shadow!..why are you in my head". "Well i couldn't talk to you with Sakura around...you shouldn't have talked to her". "Why shouldn't i?". "Because she is creating doubts in your mind, I know how much she means to you but remember...this is 'your' decision, dont let anyone decided it for you".
Naruto knew that he's right. It is hard for him to chose without having someone helping him. He slowly backed away from Sakura's hug who is confused why he did.
"Thank you, Sakura" Naruto said standing up.
"Where you going?" She asked confused why he stood up.
"(Grinning)..just taking a walk" he said and walking away from her with his hands inside his pockets.
Sakura knew him well enough to tell that he is depressed. She didnt know over what however had an idea and wanted to do something to cheer him up. "A party...ya, that will do" she thought smiling at her idea. The only thing to get Naruto out of the mood he is in, is a party with all his friends will do the trick. She got up and went the other way that Naruto went in.
OOO
Naruto looked around the hidden leaf seeing many people with smiles. He saw kids running pass by him and mothers carrying their babies. What he took in from this is that everyone is at peace. He soon stopped walking and had his head facing the hokage monuments. His eyes were specifically on his father's stone shaped head. He soon recalls a memory about what his father told him before he left.
Flashback
"I believe in you, son" Minato told Naruto with his hand on his head.
Flashback ended
"Naruto!"
He turned his head to the one who called him and is surprised seeing Iruka sensei.
"Iruka.." Naruto said plainly.
Iruka notice he didn't look like himself and wondered what's the matter. He smiled knowing the perfect place to cheer him up.
"You want to go to ichiraku's, im buying" he said with a smile.
"(Nodded)..ya" Naruto replied with a smile.
The two began walking to Ichiraku's and order the usual. Now they were just waiting for their soup.
"So, whats up Naruto...havent seen you around every since you became the hero of the hidden leaf" Iruka asked breaking the silence.
"Ya, I've been busy" he answered looking down at the counter
"Busy?..did Tsunade have you go on missions"
"Ya, but it's not just that" he said resting his head on the counter.
"Oh, saw what is it?"
"T-there's something on my mind..a decision I'm not sure of"
"A decision...what kind of a decision is this?"
"..." Naruto didnt answer because he didn't want to tell him knowing he would stop him and tell Tsunade.
"hmm..(looking at the menu)..it's seems like it's a personal decision..you don't have to tell me…(putting his hands on the counter)...if a decision is bumping you out..your over thinking it"
"I-i am" Naruto said slowly raising his head.
"If this decision is personal, it means you must decide"
"But it's hard, what happen if I chose the wrong one…"
"There isn't a wrong answer...you just need to follow your heart, even though the answer isn't what other people agree for you to do...this decision of yours is entirely up to you"
(Thud)
"Here's your miso soup" said the fry cook placing the bowels in front of them.
Naruto turned to his head to the steamy bowl of ramen. He stared at the water thinking over what Iruka told him. "It's my decision.." he thought and took the chopsticks near his plate and split them. He began eating his ramen.
Iruka smiled seeing him look like himself.
OOO
"Alright everyone, Kiba set the decorations...Choji, don't overcook the meat or finish it all... Shikamaru please call the others and tell them to meet at the restaurant at 7" Sakura called out.
"Wow, Sakura when did you get all bossy, I thought I was" Ino said with her hands on her hip.
"Well this is important...its for Naruto"
"Naruto.." Ino said shock.
"Ya..(smiling)..he saved this village, and lately he looked down in the dumps so I thought why not have a party for our hero"
"That's a great idea…(smiling)..so that's why you look all happy" she said with a smirk.
Sakura looked away with a blush. Ino saw it and felt a little sting in her heart. Seeing how much Sakura is doing just to cheer Naruto up shows how much she is in the lead and the fact that Naruto already likes her makes her chances with him impossible. She doesn't think her chance will ever come. She sighed and stared at the meat that is cooking.
OOO
(Knock.. Knock)
"Come in" Lady Tsunade said behind her desk.
The door creaked open. Tsunade dropped what she was doing and saw Naruto. She is surprised getting a visit from him.
"Oh, Naruto..what brings you here?" She asked curious.
"Granny..(scratching his neck)..I came here to talk about my mother" he answered.
"Of course, but i told…"
"I know, it's just can you give me a better reason on why you can't tell me...I think i'm old enough to know that much" he asked her.
"Hmm..you are right, it's not that I don't want to tell you the identity of your mother, it's the fact that knowing you mother and where she is from, might...cause something none of us want" she said with a frown.
"Cause what exactly?" He asked wondering what she is talking about.
Tsunade hesitated to answer. She looked at Naruto and saw how much he wanted to know. She doesn't have the right to keep his mother from him however if she tells him, there's no way of predicting what will happen. So, she can only do one thing.
"Naruto you must understand, you parents weren't normal...your father was the fourth Hokage and your mother she's…."
Naruto eyes blinked seeing her just freeze in the spot with her mouth open. He is confused on what just happened and looked around him.
"Not only she has big jugs, but a big mouth" Shadow spoke.
Naruto eyes landed on Shadow who is in the wall behind Tsunade.
"Shadow, what did you do to Granny" Naruto asked glaring at him.
"Just froze her in place for a bit.." he answered plainly.
"Why would you do that!?" He shouted.
"Because...just cause"
"That's not an answer!" He shouted with anger.
"(sigh)..Naruto, whatever happens right now, you will not remember..ok"
"What are you.."
(Tap)
Naruto eyes widen seeing Shadow right in front of him 3-D, tapping his forehead.
"And now, (snapped fingers)..start"
Naruto eyes blinked multiple times and Tsunade closed her mouth and is surprised seeing Naruto in her office.
"N-Naruto, what are you doing here?" She asked confused.
"Oh,uh.." he responded not sure for himself.
"To apologize"
"To Apologize, I'm sorry for how I acted when you didnt tell me about my mother, I know you have a good reason for it"
"I do, I'm sorry I can't share it" she said showing kindness in her eyes.
"Well i must get going" he said and walking out of the door.
OOO
Naruto is seen outside and notice the sun going down. "What time is it" he thought.
"Close to seven..or six, still don't understand the time here"
"Shadow!" He said surprised hearing him.
"Hey, what's up"
"Where are you?" He asked trying to find Shadow.
"Behind you"
"(Turned around)..what are you doing here?"
"Bored, I never knew how tiring it would be to be a Shadow"
"Shadow" he said in a serious tone.
His tone of voice captured his attention. Naruto's hair covered his eyes and he began to speak.
"I made my decision"
OOO
"It's time, Naruto should be getting the letter I place in his apartment" Sakura exclaimed to everyone.
"You went to his apartment?" Tenten said confused.
"Ya..(showed a key)..I have a spare key" she confessed.
"When did you get a spare key to Naruto's apartment?" Lee asked.
"Well because Naruto sleeps in a lot when we have practice, I was given a spare key to enter his place to wake him" she answered.
"You mean force him" Ino said grinning.
"(chuckle)..T-there was some punching involved" she said with a blush.
"P-poor Naruto" Hinata stuttered shyly.
"When will he get here, I'm starving!" Choji said rubbing his stomach.
"You're always hungry" Shikamaru stated.
"He's right, shouldn't Naruto be thrilled in coming to a party meant for him" Sai exclaimed confused on the matter.
"Ya, your right...but who knows whats keeping Naruto" Shino told him.
"Hmm..maybe someone should get him" Sakura said thinking.
"I will go" Ino said raising her hand.
"Y-you would go?" Sakura said surprised she would.
"Y-ya, why not...I can take care of him, you set this party up..you should be waiting for him"
"(Smiling)..thanks Ino..and..(giving the key)..here" she said giving her the spare key to Naruto's place.
"(Grabbed it)..thanks, I will be sure to bring him back"
Ino left the restaurant in search for Naruto.
OOO
(Click)
The door unlocked and slowly opened. Naruto entered his apartment and notices a note on the floor. He reached down and picked it up.
To Naruto…
Come meet me at BBQ restaurant at 7, there is a surprise waiting for you..See you there
From Sakura
He smiled at the letter and continued making his way into his room. He placed the letter on the table. He went under his bed and reached out, pulling the bag that he put all his clothes in yesterday. He dropped it on his bed. His head slowly turned to the team seven picture. He smiled remembering the memories he had with team seven. His eyes soon landed on Sasuke. "Sorry Sasuke, bringing you back to the hidden leaf must wait" he thought and reached to the back of his head.
The sound of a zip is heard. Naruto untied his bandanna and brought it down. He stared at the hidden leaf crest for a minute until he gently placed it on his bed. "I'm coming back for you" he thought and took his bag.
OOO
The sky is dark and the moon is shining bright illuminating Konoha. Naruto is seen walking, feeling the cold wind brush his skin making him shiver. He can't believe he's doing this, leaving his home. It was a hard decision however even though his mind kept giving him reason to stay, his heart wanted to know and so does he. He's not doing this for anyone else but himself.
"So, aren't we going to have a fun time" Shadow spoke following Naruto at his side, on the ground.
"(Small smile)..sure" he replied.
"Dont be a downer...you will get back in no time...I think"
"(Soft chuckle)..you think..(sigh)..what's waiting for me when I past those gates"
"Hmm, lots of problems...and an adventure, yup an adventure...I hope this will help you in the future"
"What do you mean by that?"
"For a person to grow, they must gain experience about the real world...once you leave this village you will get to understand what is happening in your world...this village is like a cage, caging birds that has lot of potential...you just need to be able to open the gate so you can show that potential"
"It sounds like you experience alot"
"(Soft chuckle)..ya I did and still am...I'm quite a complicated person.."
"Not a Shadow" Naruto said with a smile trying to make a joke.
"Ha..ha, no I am human just like you...I'm like this because that's the only way I can be here to guide you"
"Hmm, so do you have a name other than Shadow"
"When I'm like this, I rather be called Shadow but when I show you what I look like then I will tell you my name"
Naruto stopped after standing right in front of the gates of Konoha. He tightens his grip on the sash of his bag. He felt hesitate to move forward. He soon felt a cool breeze path him by causing him to relax. His mind soon cleared from the doubts that is keeping him from moving forward. He took a step and another until he began moving.
He made his final step which brought him out of the hidden leaf. He sighed and smiled.
"I did it Shadow" Naruto said quietly so he would hear it.
There was no response. Naruto began turning his head trying to look for him until a sound of a twig snapping caught his attention and he turns his head straight. His eyes widen with surprised.
"Why are you doing here?"
OOO
(Drip..Drip...Drip)
"(Smash)..urgh"
"(Phzzzt)...urgh"
Bodies began falling one by one, specifically white Zetsu's. It is dark and water is seen dripping from the rocky ceiling. The sound of footsteps stepping on water echoes in the dark cavern heading towards the light at the end.
The boy made it to the outside under the night sky. His head raised looking at where he is. There is a forest in front of the river he is on. He started to walk slowly towards land with a slouch back. He has bruises all over his body and blood on his clothing. His black raven hair covered his eyes.
There were rocks poking out of the water which he had to avoid until he stopped in front of one that is close to his size. His eyes stared at the rock sensing something odd about it. His left hand began to be consume by lightning.
(PHZZT...Smash)
A blade of lightning pierced the rock coming from the boy. Suddenly something began to appear in the rock.
"That hurts, it's rude to attack someone before introducing yourself"
Shadow appeared in the rock. His appearance didn't make the boy flinch just angry.
"(Glaring)..What the hell are you?" He asked coldly.
"Shadow...and your Sasuke Uchiha, right"
No answer came from Sasuke just a cold stare to Shadow.
"It seems like you escaped hell by the looks of those injuries" Shadow exclaimed notice how beat up he is.
"Did Madara sent you?"
"Your captive no?..I'm just a wandering Shadow" he said a in a playful tone.
Sasuke didnt like being taken lightly. He is already annoyed enough has of is. Taking down the guards that suppose to keep him in that cell were hard enough. Now he as to deal with a Shadow of all things. He had enough and activated his Eternal Mangekyou to see what this Shadow is really is. His Chidori blade returned to him and started to look deeply in Shadow.
"You won't find anything with those eyes... remember a Shadow, you can't hurt me when I'm in this form...not even with those eye that gives you vision that anyone couldn't ever imagine, you can see things clearly and do things no one except the Uchiha clan can do...however if those eyes see so much, my eyes see's into your memories and tells me your story, I can see darkness, hatred, anger, confusion, and most importantly loneliness"
After he was done, Sasuke began to slowly walk away from him with his hair covering his eyes.
"Hey where you going?"
"Somewhere away from you" he answered with not emotion in his tone.
"That rude" Shadow said showing himself in the water.
Sasuke ignored it and continued walking. He finally reached land where he spotted Shadow in the tree next to him.
"Where are, you going?" He asked in a more serious tone.
"I don't need to answer you" he said and began to walk.
"Is it about your brother's other secret"
Sasuke froze in the spot with his eyes widen from shock. He turned to Shadow with anger in his expression.
"Seems like someone told you the other half of what Itachi did?"