Chapter Three
Team Seven
Tsunade sat at her desk flipping through Sasuke's built up mission reports. "For the last great Uchiha, these are such tedious cases. It's a waste of talent" she pondered before her door creaked open to reveal the two older forms. Her head whipped up as her hazel orbs widened a fraction. "What do they want?" She wondered, spotting the village elders before her brows furrowed as she set down her papers.
"Koharu, Homura. This is a surprise" she began "why have you come today?"
"Princess Tsunade" the older man spoke as he took a step further into her office "we have come to discuss the Uchiha boy."
Tsunade's jaw clenched as soon as she heard Uchiha. She should've known it'd be about that particular case. Leaning back into her chair she asked, "what about it?"
"We've recently been informed that the boy has personal ties with Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno on team seven. This will impact the teams ability to assess his performance, we propose you place him on another squad after the six month period" spoke Koharu.
"What!?" The older blonde exclaimed "no one knows Sasuke better than his team, Naruto could easily keep him under wraps. Kakashi is a fine Shinobi who could easily keep his emotions in check and are you forgetting Sakura was my apprentice?! What reason do you have for this sudden request?" Her orbs dangerously narrowed into thin slits as an image of Danzo pushed its way to the forefront of her mind. "This has to be his doing" she speculated angrily.
"Team seven was unable to stop Sasuke in the past, what makes you think that has changed?" the older man debated.
Tsunade's brows furrowed "and are you forgetting who brought him back to the village?"
"He was weakened after his fight with Itachi Uchiha, would he had still come back if he wasn't?" Koharu questioned.
There was a moment of silence as this question rolled around in Tsunade's mind, back and fourth. "Absolutely" she concluded "what makes you think he's still here if he didn't want to be? It's exactly because of team seven so are you telling me that putting him on another team he's unfamiliar with is the best thing to do?"
"Then what do you suggest we do if these personal matters interfere with Sasuke's probational period?" Homura's voice was firm and unyielding, making Tsunade grit her teeth.
"There is a mission in Amegakure I've been wanting to organise with the appropriate team. I've decided Kakashi would handle it the best seeing as he already knows the current situation and it wouldn't hurt to have Naruto sharpen his skills on the front lines. As team seven, I will allow Sasuke to assist them under Kakashi's strict supervision instead of the ANBU. Due to the nature of this mission, he may prove to be enthusiastic about fulfilling this mission." The village elders didn't miss the slight wavering in her tone.
Koharu's lips parted slightly and Homura furrowed his brows. "Sending him out of the village?" Snapped the older woman "it's only been been two months and you think that'd be okay to send a former missing nin out with an unfit team? And what about the Jinchuuriki!? You'd be sending him right into Pain's hands. Jiraya's intel confirms that this is where the head of Akatsuki is located is it not?"
"I know it's risky" Tsunade agreed slightly but unrelentingly continued "but Pain isn't an issue. I've been working with a trusted ANBU spy that has been investigating Amegakure and has confirmed Pain and the rest of the Akatsuki isn't based there at the moment. If anything, it'd be safer for Naruto to leave the village at the moment. As for Sasuke, I have no doubt team seven is the right squad to place him on. And if not, I know they would do the right thing if he chooses to subjugate the village."
Koharu opened her mouth to speak before Homura interrupted "what business do we have in Amegakure?"
"The mission is to recover Itachi Uchiha's corpse. Our spy has already located and confirmed his location in Amegakure. As you know, a shinobi's body is full of secrets that could endanger the whole village but it can also put us at an advantage to know what secrets Akatsuki's been hiding. This is an S ranked mission but it is of the utmost importance. One that can only be done by Konoha's loyalest and the boy who killed Itachi himself. Through this mission, Sasuke's probation period can be sped up to determine his future team here in the village."
Silence befell the room and Tsunade anxiously waited for their verdict. She understood that this mission was going to risky with Sasuke leaving but she knew Naruto wouldn't allow the raven haired boy to step out of line. He could always be counted on when it came to the young Uchiha, she had never seen his eyes brighten the way they did when he spoke about Sasuke.
Koharu was about to object before Homura stepped in "do as you see fit princess Tsunade. But if anything goes wrong on this mission and Sasuke endangers this village, he will be executed and you will be responsible." He turned on his heel to leave as Koharu glanced at the Hokage and back to the older man opening the door. She decided not to say anything as she silently followed him out, leaving Tsunade a little startled that they agreed so easily.
She leaned into her chair as she allowed a deep breath of air to coat her lungs. "Shizune is late again" she thought as she glanced at her wall clock. Initially, sending Sasuke out of the village on a mission to recover Itachi's body was an incredulous idea. She was unsure of how well the young Uchiha could handle himself when it came to his older brother but she had made up her mind when the elders broached the topic.
If he could truly repent for his actions against the village then this was a sure way to prove it although she had to admit that it'd make things a lot easier on her and the probation period if the mission were a success. Tsunade took advantage of her solitude as she leaned forward to reach for a bottle of sake before pouring a small amount into a sake flask and downing it in one go.
"Besides," she thought "Naruto will keep Sasuke in line. Without that knucklehead, there is no way I'd put him on this mission. It's just the matter of whether or not Sasuke wants to repent." The older woman's last thoughts stuck with her for awhile, making her brows furrow but Tsunade's decision was final as she shoved her thoughts into her subconscious and focused on personally writing up the mission reports for team seven and Sasuke.
The two village elders entered their council room before Koharu shot Homura a piercing glare. "Why did you agree to such a dangerous request? Sasuke may have defeated Itachi but what authority does he have to be a part of this mission?"
"I think she had a point. Obtaining Itachi would benefit us more than it would in enemy hands. Do you really think Sasuke Uchiha would sit silently in the village until they return with his brother? Furthermore, this is a true test to determine where the boys loyalties lie. Danzo's spy will have more time to investigate him. This is the opportunity we've been waiting for Koharu, everything rides on the outcome of this mission" his voice hardened with conviction. "The Jinchuuriki will not be in enemies hands if the Akatsuki were to attack the village whilst they're gone. This could benefit us."
Koharu fell silent, mulling over the older mans words. "Very well then" she agreed hesitantly.
Naruto sprawled onto his bed like a starfish, staring at his bedroom ceiling. It's been almost another long month since he's seen the raven haired boy, and it bugged him to no end leaving it on such an awkward note.
"Why do you keep chasing me? I'm already back in this village so why?" Sasuke's voice resounded in his mind.
"Why?" He repeated to himself, still not sure of what the answer would be. He groaned as he pulled himself up from his bed, resting his arm on his knee. "Well that would be because… he's precious to me. I guess I could say I…" he threw his arms up before jumping out of bed "I don't know! Stupid Sasuke" he exclaimed as he threw on his orange jacket.
He made his way out the door and to the Hokages office. Kakashi knocked on his window earlier that morning informing him that Tsunade wanted to see him at 12PM on the dot with the rest of team seven. Naruto scouted the area around him as he drew closer to the Hokages headquarters, looking out for a certain raven haired boy but it appeared he was by himself. He suspected Sasuke probably intentionally went out of his way just to ignore him. He reached for Tsunade's door handle before bursting in.
"Hey guys, looks like I got here right on ti—" he caught sight of Sasuke glaring at him from the middle of the room as he stood next to Sakura. "Huh? Sasuke?!" Naruto exclaimed "what's he doing here?!" He felt his heart almost jump out of his throat as he gawked at the raven haired boy. It was just his luck that he'd be meeting Sasuke again like this.
"Kakashi told you the rest of team seven would be here, didn't he?" Tsunade questioned from behind her desk. "He is preparing for your mission so I excused him from this meeting, we have already discussed this matter earlier. There is no time to mess around."
"Y-Yeah but wasn't Sasuke still on his D rank missions for the first six months?! It's only been two months!" Naruto pointed an accusing finger at the raven haired boy.
"If you'd just shut up and join us then maybe we can cover that today" Tsunade barked as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"No way!" Naruto proclaimed, folding his arms across his chest "I am not gonna stand in line with that jerk!" He pouted as he looked away from the young Uchiha who in return, ended up glaring daggers at the blonde.
"And why not?!" Tsunade shot up from her seat as she smacked her palms on her desk top.
"Because I-!" Words got stuck in his throat and he choked. An image of Sasuke draping his arm over his shoulder flashed in his minds eye and his blue orbs widened to the size of dinner plates. Why was a fair question, there was no reason he shouldn't but why did that one moment just make things awkward? It wasn't even that he didn't want to in fact, it was quite the opposite. "Hmph" Naruto reluctantly strode over to stand beside Sai so that they were on different sides of the room.
Sasuke continued to ignore his glares and it only made Naruto more frustrated but he quickly regained his composure and looked to the Hokage. "So, what's the deal Granny? Are we getting another mission?" He asked, his mood brightened at the thought.
"You are correct. Because of the nature of this mission in particular, Sasuke will be assisting Team Seven under supervision of Kakashi" she began. "This has been decided by me as the Hokage to assess how well Sasuke can work in your team again. The village elders had approached me earlier suggesting that it'd be better if he was put on a team that had less… personal ties with him."
Sakura gasped as she gaped at her former teacher. "But we're Sasuke's original team!" She blurted before earning a glare from Tsunade. "Lady Tsunade, please reconsider this."
"Yeah! What Sakura said" Naruto began as he earned a raised brow from the young Uchiha.
"What happened to you not wanting to 'stand in line with this jerk'?" She questioned in mock humour.
"That was, uh," he glanced to Sasuke who held his gaze curiously, as if he were waiting for him to continue. "It's just what Sakura said. We're his original team" he ended as he saw Sasuke turn back to the Hokage in his peripheral vision.
"Tsunade" Sasuke voiced and the older woman shot him a glare.
"What did I tell you about how you address me?!" She spat "it's Lady Hokage to you. What is it Sasuke?"
"I don't need to do this mission as an evaluation for team seven. If you want to put me on another team then go ahead" he stated nonchalantly, not hearing the sudden gasp that escaped from Naruto's lips.
"Sasuke!?" Sakura exclaimed.
Naruto almost couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did he really just let it go so casually like it was nothing? The ignoring he could handle but the complete need to cut team seven out of his life was just downright making his blood boil. The young blonde knew it meant at least something to him so why was he acting like this?
"You… You bastard" Naruto hissed underneath his breath before looking up to make eye contact with the raven haired boy, his blue orbs were turbulent with anger, he took a step toward the young Uchiha.
"If you let this go so easily, I will never forgive you!" He growled.
"Naruto!?" Sakura took a step in front of the young blonde to block her path. "Talking like that will get us no where!"
"Hn" Sasuke scoffed "is that supposed to mean something to me?"
Tsunade slammed her palm on the tabletop as she stood from her chair. "That's enough!"
Naruto's features creased in frustration as his brows furrowed. After a moments pause he couldn't stop his legs from racing towards Sasuke and the raven haired boy's brows furrowed.
"Naruto, stop!" Sakura exclaimed before Tsunade appeared between the young blonde and Sasuke inches before they met.
"Naruto!" She bellowed "whatever personal business you have with Sasuke is to be left behind when you enter this office!" She proceeded to grab him by the ear as she yanked him to the door.
The young blonde instantly forgot his outrage and focused on the burning sensation in his ear, she was pinching it so hard he wondered if she actually meant to pull it off. "Ow ow ow" Naruto yelped as she dragged him outside of her office before violently shutting the door behind her, leaving the rest of team seven to themselves.
Sakura look to the door before averting her gaze back to the raven haired boy, concern lined her features but she decided not to say anything. He was obviously irritated at Naruto's sudden outburst but a part of her couldn't help but silently agree with the young blonde. After all, she couldn't help but feel team seven should be held in higher regard to him. It was constantly like this, even before. She was always helpless to prevent their arguments and she felt a sudden sting in her chest.
Sai casted a sidelong glance at the young Uchiha who simply ignored him. "Why was Naruto angry with him?" the pale boy wondered as he looked away, he couldn't help but contemplate why type of bond is like this. The three of them waited in silence as they heard muffled yelling from the Hokage from the other side of the door
"Naruto!" Tsunade began as she threw him by the ear into the wall opposite her office. "What is wrong with you today? Are you trying to get Sasuke into trouble? What if he were to seriously hurt you, what do you expect the elders to think—"
"So what do you expect me to do!?" Naruto retorted in a firm tone "he's being a jerk and he knows it!"
"Grow up, Naruto!" The young blonde was taken aback by Tsunade's words "this isn't about you and Sasuke" she snapped "this is about his life. Do you understand the severity of the consequences if he made one wrong move?"
The young blonde's features softened and casted his gaze to his feet. "His life…" Those words hit him like a freight train and he had no idea what to do with them. He knew she was absolutely right and if he provoked Sasuke there was no doubt he'd retaliate. "But…" he began "I want it to be our life, if he's not on team seven then…" his voice was just above a whisper, though it was loud enough to echo through Tsunade's mind.
Her hazel orbs widened as she stared at the crestfallen blonde. She knew they shared something special but this was something else entirely, she just couldn't put her finger on it. It was almost as if… "Look," Tsunade sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, ignoring her train of thought "just try to get through this mission without killing each other and once you do that he'll be approved on your team. It's best to cooperate with the village elders so we can strengthen Sasuke's chances at having a reasonable future in Konoha."
Naruto looked up to the older blonde, defeated. It was for Sasuke's future here, he had to keep that in mind from now on. If he was willing to chase Sasuke for the rest of his life then what was one mission? "Right" he agreed resolutely. "Then let's get this over with" he began as he opened the door to let himself in and Tsunade followed after him before returning to her chair. She watched as Naruto straightened his spine and stood next to Sai. The older woman couldn't help but reflect on how he could show such maturity one moment and then be a complete ditz the next.
Sighing, she furrowed her brows as her fingers interlocked underneath her chin. "The mission is to infiltrate Amegakure and retrieve Itachi Uchiha's body."
Immediately Sasuke's features twisted into a scowl. "Why would you put me on this mission?" his voice was hard as it sliced through the tension that immediately smothered the room. Sakura and Naruto turned their gaze to the raven haired boy in shock.
"Generally a shinobi shouldn't be allowed to work on a mission that involves their personal feelings this sensitively. But that's why it is a rule to always leave them behind when you go on missions like this especially. You've been assigned to this team to assess how well you will work in with your comrades and because you are already involved in this case Sasuke. You are the one who defeated Itachi, it's your business too." Tsunade noticed Sasuke's glare deepen but she remained unfazed.
At this point, the raven haired boy wasn't sure how he was feeling. A part of him agreed that it is his business and if anyone deserves to do this mission then it's him. But another part wants to be done with his older brother, even in death he continued to taunt him.
Tsunade took his silence as an invitation to continue "by successfully completing this mission we could make progress in our search for intel on Pain and the Akatsuki."
"But milady" Sakura began, trying to suppress her initial surprise "wouldn't it be better to recruit more people for this particular mission?"
"No" the older woman said firmly "infiltrations like this is better done in fewer numbers. Especially in a small village like Amegakure. It takes roughly one day to travel there and you have three days until you leave. An ANBU member you know as Yamato, has been investigating Itachi's location. Kakashi has all the details and these will be your copies."
She proceeded to pull three envelopes out of her top draw and lay them over her desk. "And Sasuke," she began as she took a fourth folder from the same compartment "this mission for you optional. I understand your circumstance but this is purely because it's as much your business as it is ours. If you wish to bypass this mission then you will be placed on another team immediately after your six month period. So don't misunderstand me, you're not off the hook."
Naruto glanced at the young Uchiha who seemed to have relaxed a bit. Sasuke was like a puzzle and Naruto could never piece it together. He strode forward as he grabbed the four folders and handed one to Sakura and Sai. The two of them looked at the young blonde in confusion as he held the remaining two folders firmly within his grasp.
"Sasuke" he said as turbulent onyx orbs met his own calm globes "if you're not at the gate to meet us in three days then I hope you don't get stuck with Kiba or anything. You're to socially weird, I just can't imagine you mingling with loud people" he teased as a ghost of a smile lingered on his lips. He shoved the folder into Sasuke's chest, leaving the raven haired boy to grab it before it fell to the ground.
Naruto made his way to the door and hovered his hand above the handle before looking over his shoulder at Tsunade. "Are we free to go?"
The older woman scrutinised the young blonde, she didn't expect him to calm himself that quickly but it was quite pleasant. She didn't have time to deal with their personal problems endangering this mission. Naruto surprised her more and more each time they met, he continuously proved he were more than capable for any task at hand. "Yes, you're all dismissed" she confirmed.
The young blonde disappeared through the door before Sakura took a quick step to follow him but paused to look back at Sasuke. Her brows furrowed in concern. She wished there was something she could say, anything just to somehow convince the raven haired boy to stay but her voice faltered. Now was not the time to talk with the young Uchiha. "Thank you, milady" was all she could muster before exiting the room as Sai dipped his head forward respectfully before he followed.
The door creaked shut and Tsunade was left alone with the raven haired boy. "Is everything alright, Sasuke?" She asked.
There was a storm brewing behind his onyx orbs, revealing every conflicting emotion he felt. He knew this was his business but in an odd way, he wanted to move forward and be done with Itachi. Things were going well in Konoha and he couldn't help but feel this was some sort of elaborate scheme to incriminate him. He had the impulse to ask the Hokage why but her reasoning made sense, it seemed silly to ask again. He turned on his heel to walk out of her office before she stopped him.
"Sasuke" she began "do you really wish to leave team seven?" she asked solemnly.
He looked over his shoulder as dark brows furrowed. He paused for a moment contemplating her question but in the end, he just wasn't in the mood for this conversation. He left her office and allowed Tsunade to sit with her own thoughts. Her hazel orbs narrowed, maybe she was wrong about this bond that he and Naruto shared. She wondered if it was a one sided connection and all of a sudden she was overcome with great anguish for the young blonde at that one thought.
Sasuke walked down the halls before he came to a halt outside of his door. His hand remained on the handle for a few moments before he decided it'd be better to get some fresh air. Recovering his traitorous brothers body was the last thing he wanted to do after he avenged his clan. He never even thought about it. The idea of the Hokage even allowing him to go on such a mission was incredulous. He just couldn't believe it was out of the goodness of her heart to give him that closure.
He left the building with the yellow folder still in his hand. Sasuke's grip tightened on the file as he thought back to the faint smile Naruto wore before pushing the folder into him. It's been so long since they had last seen each other. They had gone much longer without each others company but this time, it felt longer than ever.
For the past month, his thoughts had been plagued with their last moment together and he just felt too awkward to see him after that. He was surprised the young blonde didn't notice his chakra signature every time he'd evade seeing him in the streets of Konoha.
"if you're not at the gate to meet us in three days then I hope you don't get stuck with Kiba or anything, you're to socially weird I just can't see you mingling with loud people."
His words were ringing in Sasuke's ears like a broken tape recorder. How could Naruto have been just about ready to fight him one minute then move on and accept it the next so easily? What did Tsunade say to him that made him so seemingly at peace at the thought of not working in the same team anymore? Sasuke felt a tinge of disappointment. He was beginning to wonder if Naruto hitting him back in Tsunade's office would've hurt less than whatever he was feeling right now.
Even when he wasn't with the young blonde, these feelings persisted and it irritated him to no end. It was almost like he yearned for his presence when they were apart recently. Frustration bit at him every day, he couldn't help but feel so weak to these emotions. How did Naruto stay so strong when he had so much to lose? When he loved so many people and people loved him? Sasuke believed he would've never made it this far or completed his goal by now if he lived by that.
The young Uchiha looked up to see a brown bench underneath one lone street lamp. It was coloured orange as the sun began to fall behind the Hokage monuments. Slowly, he began to make his way over to it as he sat down, reminiscing of the night he and Naruto shared their first words here after he woke up in Konoha's hospital. Unfamiliar emotions washed over his entire being as he realised he never had to kill Naruto to sever their bond. Sasuke was doing a fine job of it right now and he felt Naruto slowly letting go. He knew it was twisted logic. He wanted to spare himself of these feelings yet he didn't want Naruto to let go.
"Sasuke?" The raven haired boy whipped his head to the right to see green orbs gleaming at him.
"Sakura" he said.
She searched him for a sign of rejection before deciding to take a seat beside him when she found none. "I didn't expect to see you out here" she began lightly. Moments passed but there was no reply. "Are you going to come with us?" she asked hesitantly, still not sure if it was appropriate to bring up or not but she knew it had to be said "on the mission?"
The raven haired boy regarded her for a moment before looking at the setting sun. He still didn't have an answer to give "hn, I don't see how I would be of further use to you" was all he had to offer.
Sakura casted her gaze down to her legs as she intertwined her fingers together on her lap. "I see…" she began "you know, it's not just about how helpful you could be on this case. Naruto and I, we just, we want you back with us Sasuke. I know it's your decision but please, just take your time to think about it."
A silence fell over the two forms until the raven haired boy stood up from his spot and turned to the pink haired girl. "You know," he began "you're still annoying as ever." With that, Sasuke nonchalantly turned around to head for the Hokages headquarters before darkness befell Konoha.
Sakura stared after him as the night started to envelop him and her green orbs fell to the ground. She wondered if this was still what he thought of her after all these years. Was she still the same immature girl that Sasuke saw her to be? She got up as she made her way home. She knew that talking to him would be in vain and it was a painful thought but her thoughts traced back to Naruto. If anyone could get through to Sasuke, it'd be him.
Two days had passed since Naruto had seen Sasuke in the Hokages office. The young blonde placed his backpack on his bed as he prepared his gear for their mission to Amegakure. "Tomorrow's the day" he thought "I wonder if Sasuke's gonna show up."
The past forty eight hours have been the longest hours he's ever felt. All he's wanted in that time was to see Sasuke and convince him to come and to stay with them on team Seven but every time he was close to doing so, Tsunade's words danced through his mind.
"this is about his life. Do you understand the severity of the consequences if he made one wrong move?"
Naruto stretched his arms over his head before zipping up his bag "all done" he breathed as he placed it next to his door "can't forget that" he thought as he continued to pull on his shoes and make his way outside. It was his tradition to have a big bowl of Ichiraku ramen before every mission, he knew he'd miss it more than anything if he didn't.
Naruto locked the door behind him as he jumped onto his next door neighbour's rooftop, he always liked the view from up that high up. There was nothing better to him than watching over the village, all the way to the Hokages stone monuments. He couldn't think of anywhere he'd rather be each time he'd see it. The young blonde jumped from the rooftop to the ground, greeting everyone who walked past him that he's become familiar with. Over the years, he's worked so hard for the villagers respect and now it seemed that he was finally becoming recognised. He always felt one step closer to Hokage but at times, an unfamiliar feeling dawned over him that he couldn't shake.
It was always associated with the raven haired boy, he couldn't quite place it but he was becoming aware that over the years, Sasuke had been his motivation for a lot of things. He wanted Sasuke back more than anything and he'd do whatever he could to make it happen. It was harder for him to accept that he was so distant but it never fazed his desire to protect the raven haired boy. His thoughts came to an abrupt stop as he felt someone push past his shoulder.
"Watch where you're walking, loser" he heard a familiar voice grace his ears from behind him. He turned to see onyx orbs boring into him, searching his depths with one look.
"Sasuke" Naruto uttered, unnerved. The dejection he was feeling quickly faded, he couldn't help but be perk up in the young Uchihas presence. "what're you doing?" he asked as his blue orbs trailed down to a plastic bag in Sasuke's grip.
"Hn" his dark orbs followed Naruto's line of vision to his groceries.
"Do you do your own cooking?" The blonde asked, confused. "You must've got a really nice room in the Hokages headquarters huh Sasuke?" he chuckled as the raven haired boy simply stared at him. Naruto rested on hand on his friends shoulder "come on, I'll treat you to Ichiraku! We've got a big mi—" his words sprang back into his mouth, remembering that Sasuke might not be going on this mission with them.
The raven haired boy raised one slim brow as he saw the same faint smile from before reappear on Naruto's lips and his gaze was downcast. It was as if he were lightyears away. "I don't like ramen" Sasuke said as the blonde whipped his gaze back to him.
"What!? You don't like it?" Naruto withdrew his hand from Sasuke's shoulder and folded his arms across his chest "you don't like anything! First you don't like ice blocks then barbecue and now ramen!? Who doesn't like ramen? What do you like then?"
"How do you expect to become stronger than me if you eat nothing but junk?" Sasuke retorted.
"W-What!?" Naruto exclaimed "Ramen is not junk!" For a moment, he felt a wave of nostalgia as they debated back and fourth over pointless things. "Come get Ichiraku with me, it's my treat."
Sasuke mulled over his invitation. This wasn't what he was expecting, he was under the impression that Naruto wouldn't want to bother with him anymore but he found this surprise to be rather pleasant. "Hn, I just told you I don't like ramen."
"Hmm" Naruto contemplating this for a moment before adding "then I'll have what you're having" he chuckled as he grinned at the young Uchiha.
"I don't have a kitchen, idiot" Sasuke mumbled before Naruto's jaw fell open.
"Then why're you buying all this food?"
"It's what I eat" Sasuke said bluntly, his patience was starting to wear thin, he wasn't a small talk kind of guy.
"You don't eat everything raw do you?" Naruto never gave much thought to Sasuke's diet but he was slightly curious now, what exactly did he eat to make him so fit? The young blonde gave the raven haired boy a once over as he eyed him from his head to his toes. "I've never really noticed before but he is pretty for a guy" he thought before tearing his gaze away. An unfamiliar feeling washed over him, he caught himself admiring the raven haired boy again and he felt it happen far too often. He didn't even stare at Sakura this much. Before he knew it, his eyes drifted back to Sasuke's face, noting the dour look it always held.
The young Uchiha raised one slim brow the moment he noticed Naruto's scrutiny, "What is it?" He asked before the blonde's orbs widened slightly.
"Nothing!" Naruto gushed "but what I mean is, I have a kitchen and uh" his words came out unruly at this point, he was still flustered by the raven haired boy.
Sasuke waited for him to continue impatiently as his brow arched upward "…?"
"And you can make food at mine" Naruto didn't mean for his voice to come out so small but it unnerved him welcoming Sasuke into his home for reasons he didn't understand.
"Make food at Narutos?" Sasuke thought, he contemplated this for a moment before nodding once "fine. Eating ramen every day will probably give you cholesterol problems." He wasn't sure why he agreed but familiar knots returned to his stomach as he began walking in the direction of Naruto's apartment.
The young blonde stared after him, taken aback. Naruto's blue orbs softened as he ran to catch up to the raven haired boy "Hey wait up Sasuke!"
Naruto unlocked his apartment and walked inside as Sasuke followed. The young blonde kicked off his shoes and made a beeline for the kitchen before noticing the raven haired boy still standing in the doorframe exploring his apartment. "Are you just gonna stand there?" Naruto called "the kitchens this way."
Sasuke looked to where Naruto had disappeared around a corner before following him into the small opening. He looked around to see dishes piled up in the sink and empty ramen cups overflowing the rubbish bin. It was messy yet strangely clean. "So what do you think?" Naruto asked enthusiastically as he took a seat at his round dining table.
"Hn" Sasuke set his groceries on the bench top as he took out three tomato's, a small bag of rice and canned tuna.
"What can you make with that?" Naruto asked incredulously "is that all you eat?! How is that supposed to feed both of us!?"
"You asked me to cook so just shut up and let me" Sasuke snapped before searching for a pot to boil the rice.
"What did you say!?" Naruto retorted before Sasuke simply returned back to his ingredients.
The pair sat in silence until the rice boiled but neither felt uncomfortable. Once the rice was ready, the raven haired boy proceeded to shape it into big triangles and added tuna to the mix.
"Is that a rice ball?" Naruto questioned.
"Yeah" Sasuke concentrated on shaping the rice ball perfectly until he set four of them down on an elongated plate. He picked up the tomatoes and thoroughly washed them before placing them next to the rice balls.
Naruto ogled at the raven haired boys work, he almost refused to believe he made such a fancy looking dish when they were only rice balls. "I didn't realise he was such a perfectionist…" the blonde noted.
Sasuke set down the plate in between the two as he picked up a rice ball and began digging into it. "Wow Sasuke, this looks great" Naruto exclaimed, grabbing one of the rice balls and taking a huge mouthful "his tast so goo!" he spoke through a full mouth of rice, it was barely audible but Sasuke shrugged it off. It didn't take them long to finish the plate before Sasuke picked up a tomato and bit right into it.
"What are you doing!?" Naruto asked, shooting the raven haired boy an addled look. He was never one to eat his fruit and vegetables without putting up a fuss.
"What does it look like?" Sasuke retorted.
"Uh, I think I'm alright after those rice balls, it was actually pretty filling" Naruto said, patting his stomach.
"Hn."
The raven haired boy placed the remaining tomato stalks on the plate before picking it up and taking it to the sink, dumping it all into the water. Naruto simply watched, he's never had anyone cook for him before it almost felt surreal. There was something warming about seeing Sasuke here in his home, it was as though he were the final touch.
"You don't have to wash the dishes you know," Naruto stated, stretching his back over the chair. "It's not like we're married or anything." A crash resounded from the kitchen causing him to snap back over his chair to see the damage but his gaze was greeted with Sasuke's form hunched over the sink slightly as his hands rested on the bench top.
"Uh, Sasuke are you okay?" Naruto asked after a moment.
"Don't say such weird things" the raven haired boy choked as he straightened his spine.
"Say what?" Naruto exclaimed genuinely confused.
Sasuke refused to face Naruto, he could feel heat slowly creeping up to his face. His onyx orbs widened as he noticed his heart beat speed up slightly. He heard Naruto's soft footfalls approach him and he instantly tensed. Since when did he care so much about what the blonde said or did? He felt the warmth of Naruto's hand envelop his shoulder.
"Are you feeling alright Sasuke? Did you eat too much?" The hairs on the back of the young Uchiha's neck stood up as he felt a chill run down his spine. The blonde took one step closer, closing the distance between the two forms.
"Sasuke?" Naruto's breath was on the raven haired boy's neck, causing him to shudder before he spun around and grabbed the blonde by the wrist, swiftly removing his hand off his shoulder.
"I'm fine" was all the young Uchiha could muster, he almost felt weak underneath Narutos touch. For a moment, Sasuke thought he was coming down with something but he never had a cold that felt like this.
Naruto gently twisted his wrist out of Sasuke's loosened grip and gently pressed his palm to his forehead. "You're kinda red in the face, feels like you've got a bit of a fever" Naruto speculated, examining the raven haired boys features. The young blonde impulsively brushed the stray hairs from the young Uchiha's porcelain face. "Somehow, he kinda looks… cute like this" Naruto thought as his gaze fell to Sasuke's lips. A natural urge unfurled in his chest as he found himself being drawn closer to him.
Sasuke's onyx orbs widened as he realised Naruto's lips were only inches from his, panic pushed its way to his core and he held a hand to the blondes chest, stopping any advancements. "I'm fine" Sasuke repeated in a firm tone, making Naruto take a brisk step back.
"Oh, that's a relief" the blonde blurted, all of a sudden flustered at their close proximity. He strolled to his cupboard as he searched through his medicine draw "I have some pain killers if you need—"
"I'm fine" Sasuke insisted, sounding more adamant each time.
Naruto looked over his shoulder at Sasuke who turned back to the dishes "I need to go back to the Hokages headquarters."
"Already?" Naruto questioned, feeling a little disappointed.
"Yeah," Sasuke made his way to the door before he saw Naruto beside him, pulling on his shoes.
"I'll walk with you."
"Hn" Sasuke didn't plan on waiting as he pushed his way through the door.
"Hey, wait a minute Sasuke!" Naruto called as he hopped out the door before pushing his shoe on.
The two forms walked together in silence, both mulling over what had just happened until Naruto was the first to speak. "Will you be coming tomorrow?" It took all he had to pull the question from his mouth. No matter how much he convinced himself he wouldn't put this pressure on Sasuke, he needed to know for his own piece of mind.
The raven haired boy casted a sidelong glance at the blonde before contemplating his question. "I don't know" he answered truthfully.
The two forms fell into silence once again as tension began to fog the atmosphere. "You asked me why I keep chasing you awhile ago" Naruto began as Sasuke whipped his head toward the young blonde, waiting for him to continue. "I didn't have a proper answer to give you back then and maybe I still can't but I know that I want to stay by your side, Sasuke. I want you to stay on team seven with me, I will never give up on you."
Sasuke's orbs widened as Naruto's words echoed through his mind, turning it to mush. That confirmed it. There was something more happening here and he knew it but he wasn't sure he wanted to know exactly what just yet. "Naruto," Sasuke began "thank you."
The young blonde whipped his head to Sasuke as his pace slowed and his blue orbs widened. He watched the raven haired boy walk ahead of him and Naruto was sure his heart was about to beat right out of his chest. A foreign sensation filled his body and he felt like he could float away at any moment, with those two words he knew this connection wasn't one sided. Naruto sped forward to catch up to Sasuke with a smile playing on his lips.
The two forms walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence until they got to the entrance. "Well, see you, Sasuke" Naruto waved as he spun around to walk back to his apartment. "Thanks for the rice balls, who would've known you of all people could cook" he jeered.
Sasuke's brows furrowed "hn like you could do better" he mumbled as he pushed through the doors of the Hokages headquarters. Naruto simply smiled as they parted ways.
Naruto yawned as the first rays of light shone over the three forms. "Kakashi sensei, why'd we have to leave this early? I'm not a morning person you know" he exclaimed.
"Well, it's a days travel to Amegakure so we'll be there by this evening if we leave now" spoke the silver haired man.
"I didn't even get to blow dry my hair" Sakura thought grimly.
"Good morning everybody" Sai proclaimed as he approached the three forms. "Looks like I'm the last to get here."
Kakashi watched as Sakura and Naruto averted their gaze downward, he could recognise that look anywhere if it came to Sasuke. The silver haired shinobi would be lying if he said he wasn't even a little disappointed himself at the raven haired boys absence.
"Naruto…" Sakura glanced at the blonde "so not even you could convince him."
Sai noticed the sombre change in the atmosphere as he glanced at the forlorn blonde.
"So he decided not to show up after all, huh?" Naruto couldn't help but feel the slightest bit cheated. Yesterday's events that took place in his kitchen flooded to the forefront of his mind as he felt a prick in his chest.
"Shouldn't you all be a little happier about this?" Sai interrogated, tilting his head to the side slightly.
"Sai, why you," Sakura began as she strode over to the pale boy, drawing chakra to her fist. "I've told you before, I won't stand for you talking about Sasuke like that."
"Sakura" Kakashi called "don't be too hasty."
"Kakashi sensei?" the pink haired girl was confused and Naruto turned to his former sensei as well.
"I beat Sai here by a second" echoed a voice from above them.
All four forms looked up to find Sasuke sitting at the top of the large entrance gate into the village. "Naruto, Sakura, you should sharpen your skills more. Don't expect me to slow down for you." The raven haired boy jumped off the gate to land beside Kakashi.
"Sasuke?" Sakura was confused but quickly pushed it aside as she green orbs gleamed at the young Uchiha.
"I'm glad you could make it, Sasuke" the silver haired shinobi spoke as he balled his fists into his pocket.
The raven haired boy looked over his shoulder to find the young blonde glaring at the ground. "What's wrong, Naruto?" He teased as a smirk spread across his face.
Naruto's blue orbs snapped up as he returned Sasuke's smirk "slow down for me? Don't make me laugh! You better keep up with me," he ended, raising his thumb to his chest.
"Is this how they always communicate?" Sai asked Kakashi.
"Unfortunately yes, it takes a bit of time to get used to but their bickering becomes tolerable. You two!" He called to the two arguing forms "now you're both slowing us down. We've wasted enough time, let's get going. If we're lucky we'll make it there by tonight" Kakashi broke into a run while the sun began rising above the Hokage monuments as team seven followed closely behind.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed! I feel as though this chapter is a little lacking and I apologise if the characters are a bit OOC, I wasn't feeling very creative lately but I hope you like it anyway :) Thanks for reading!
