Home
Sakura and Lee had volunteered to go ahead of everyone and tell the Hokage what had happened. They traveled in silence at first but then Lee heard muffled sobs. When he looked back, Sakura had squatted down with her arms around her knees, face hidden against them. Stopping in another tree, Lee leaned his head back against it and closed his eyes.
Naruto tried to kill himself! Strong, invulnerable to hateful looks and words Naruto – the guy I have always known. Kabuto made him feel worthless, like he was a burden to us and to the village. He believed it and wanted to die! Dammit why couldn't we have gotten to you sooner Naruto? I'm sorry, so sorry!
"He-he tried it once…do you…think he'll try again?" Sakura lifted her wet greens to the bright sky up above.
"I hope not. We just need to show Naruto how much we care." Lee said but his tone was neutral unlike his usual upbeat manner. The fact was that many villagers would have been happy had Naruto succeeded and once he was home again – there was no way for him to avoid those despicable people. How can he feel loved around such people?
"M-maybe when he finds out Iruka-sensei is alive… It seemed like a good idea at the time, to snap him out of the funk Kabuto's words and drugs had put him in but the loss, his pain was real." Sakura dropped her knees to one side and looked at Lee. "It was too real!"
"Yes it was – is. I could feel it even after he lost consciousness." Lee shivered. "Come, we must go tell them what happened. They have to know and…be prepared." Although he said this, Lee didn't know how they could prepare let alone handle the thought that Naruto preferred being dead than being alive.
Sakura pushed to her feet and leapt to Lee's side. She looked deep into his dark eyes and saw a shared pain. He moved when she did and they hugged tightly. Naruto was usually a source of laughter or undaunted support but his sadness and pain was all they felt now.
Ibiki looked up as Kakashi, Shizune and Jiraiya entered the clearing first. Staring at their faces he knew something awful had happened and he hoped the kid had not been killed.
Neji appeared with his arm around Hinata. Then on the other side of the sad girl was Sasuke carrying Naruto on his back. The other Chunin followed dragging their feet.
Unable to stand the slow procession, Ibiki walked over to Sasuke and reached out a hand for Naruto's face. Hard, calloused fingers hovered over Naruto's mouth then down to his neck to check for a pulse. He lives! But why...? Ibiki looked to Kakashi.
"Not just now okay? Do you need help here? Yeah of course you do, there are lots of bodies to take care. We'll help." Kakashi's eye scanned the scene – bodies everywhere.
Curiosity ate at him but obviously none of them felt like talking. Again he looked at the Chunin and saw two were missing. He raised an eyebrow at Kakashi.
"Lee and Sakura went to give a…report to the Hokage. They need to know what went on before we take him home." Kakashi looked over at them, Sasuke and Naruto then reached out to touch one dark head then one blond. "You guys sit down, you too Hinata. Look after him – this won't take long."
Guilt tore at Jiraiya. None of this would have happened if only he'd followed his own advice and stayed with them. It was his fault – all of it and he wouldn't blame her if this time Tsunade killed him. "I'm going… I need to be alone for a while. Tell him when he wakes, tell him I'm sorry." He spared a glance at Naruto who now lay with his head in Hinata's lap and at Sasuke who threw one arm over his eyes as he slumped against a tree beside Hinata. Jiraiya closed his eyes then turned away. He spoke to no one as he disappeared into the forest.
Ibiki stared after the Sannin for a moment. Things were not good. It was when he could no longer see Jiraiya's long white hair that he decided the best thing for all was to go back to Kohona and away from this battlefield. "We're only taking a few of these bodies and men back with us. The rest are to be buried or burned." Ibiki said without emotion. "Let's get to work then."
Lady Tsunade waited alone at the gate. Many had wanted to be there, the ones who'd originally shown up to offer their support but she didn't want staring eyes no matter if they were compassionate eyes. It was about nine o'clock and the streets were deserted since she'd ordered them cleared.
According to Sakura they would be arriving soon. They'd been nowhere from the village yet it hadn't been close enough to stop what had happened. Both she and Iruka had not believed them. Sakura and Lee had to be lying. Naruto – you wouldn't do it! You couldn't! She repeated to herself as she paced. When a bird call alerted her to their presence, she did an about-face and tried to look calm.
The Anbu led the way. Ibiki nodded to her but didn't speak. He directed his men to relinquish their prisoners to the jail and the bodies to the morgue. Ibiki took one last look behind him then with a heavy heart headed for home.
Shibi was next, Shino held close to his side with Kiba and Akamaru not too far behind. Neither boy could look at her but they bowed to her before heading home. Guy also walked between Neji and Tenten, his arms about them a solemn expression on all their faces. Neji opened his mouth to say something but couldn't find any words. Guy bowed to her and walked Tenten home. Neji waited off to one side for Hinata.
Shikamaru and Choji were followed by Inoichi and Asuma. The very first Chunin of the group went up to Tsunade. He did nothing to hide the pain and shame on his face. "We tried…we tried but…I'm sorry Lady Tsunade." He shook his head then started when she clutched his face.
"You brought him home Shikamaru. Thank you." She comforted him even though she was now starting to believe Sakura's tale. Each of them was hurting badly and if her son wasn't dead, it was because he almost had been and that was hurting them all. Tsunade kissed his cheek then looked for her son.
Kurenai walked with Hinata, supported her really. She was in a state of shock, her hopes crushed. When she saw Lady Tsunade, the tears came back and she ran to her. The two women clutched at each other for several minutes.
"He'll be okay. We'll get back our Naruto!" Tsunade whispered in Hinata's ear. She kissed the girl's forehead. "Your father's waiting on you. Go to him and let him comfort you tonight then come by the hospital tomorrow." She felt Hinata shake her head. "Please sweetheart. Go rest, pull yourself together – he's going to need us now." Tsunade saw that Hinata was torn but the girl nodded slowly. "Neji."
Neji's chest was tight as he went Hinata's side. He hugged her then lifted her off her feet when she stumbled. Tears wet his chest as they headed home.
Tsunade wiped away her tears as Sasuke then Kakashi walked inside the gates. Her hands covered her mouth. Kakashi held Naruto in his arms. The Jonin wore no expression but he held Naruto gently. Sasuke was so close by him that they could have been tied together.
His heart thumped heavily as he carried Naruto to his mother. "Lady Tsunade…" He started to speak but then she shook her head quickly. Kakashi watched as she stood on tiptoe to look down into Naruto's unconscious face and kiss him. Her hands fluttered about him.
"He's not hurt My Lady." Shizune said her voice dull with pain as she stood several feet away from them. "There are possibly some drugs still in his system but he's not hurt – physically."
She placed a trembling hand over her heart. "Good." Tsunade barely acknowledged Shizune. "The hospital – let's take him to the hospital. His father is waiting to see him." She looked up at Kakashi then Sasuke. "Come on." She moved to stand between the two men, one arm around Sasuke and the other on Naruto's leg. Both men were alone in the world just like Naruto once was and this had to be hitting them just as hard as it was her. If any of them were going to come through this with their sanity intact, they would have to do it together.
Iruka cursed. He'd wanted to go with her but she'd had two large medical-nins watching over him, threatening him with a huge needle if he dared to get out of bed. His broken leg wasn't that bad and could have been healed already but Tsunade refused to do it so that she could keep him in the hospital and prevent him from going after Naruto. Again he shifted in the bed anxious to see his son. "Naruto." It finally happened – the hate and fear and frequent attacks finally were too much for you to bear. If only you hadn't given in to Kabuto… No! I can't blame him for trying to save my life! Iruka put his palms over his eyes to keep from looking at the clock or out the window. Come on – where are you? Come home Son.
"Please clean him up then bring him to his father's room. Kakashi, Sasuke – both of you should clean up as well. Iruka and I will be waiting across the hall." Iruka's head snapped around at Tsunade's voice.
"Tsunade! He's here?! Bring him to me!" Iruka swung the heavy cast off the bed as she entered the room. He paused seeing the pain she couldn't hide.
"Please leave us." She said to the medical-nin. Tsunade waited until they were alone before walking into Iruka's arms. She pressed close to his warmth and let the tears flow.
"Tsuande?" Fear rose up as Tsunade clutched at him. Did they tell us everything? Was there even more to worry about?
"Y-you can see it! It's all over him!" Tsunade pulled back to look into Iruka's eyes. "Naruto has given up. He lay in Kakashi's arms as if he was dead!" Her hands tore Iruka's shirt as she remembered his face.
"BUT HE'S NOT!" Iruka grabbed her wrists tightly. "He is not dead. We will not let him give up. TSUNADE! Do you understand me? I will not let him give up – will you?!" His look was fierce as he stared at her.
Tsunade's eyes locked with Iruka's then finally closed. She breathed deeply for a few minutes and let the panic fade. The hands holding her wrists let go and she once again leaned into Iruka's arms. "Sorry." She laid her head on his shoulder. It was nice to have someone other than herself to lean on and whatever she was feeling, Iruka must be feeling it too. "It just…freaked me out. That's not like him and I…it reminded me too much of the…ones I've already lost." Tsunade shivered thinking of Dan and Nawaki.
"I know. It was just as hard watching him walk away from me to save me. It brought back the night my parents left me to go fight the Nine-Tailed Fox." Iruka's voice was devoid of any emotion but he smiled when Tsunade hugged him tighter offering comfort. "That's the past and as difficult as it is to see him this way we have to try and bring some part of the boy we knew back because the old Naruto is gone." The flatness of his voice showed just how badly this knowledge upset him.
Tsunade jerked back. "Wh-what do you mean?" The fear came back.
Iruka patted the mattress and pulled her down onto the bed beside him. "He has always felt threatened. His whole life, Naruto has been waiting to die. I cannot imagine living that way, can you?"
"How do you know this?" Tsunade asked incredulously. "This village has protected him and his secret and he laughs – well he did all the time!"
"I told you about the good parts of our trip now let me tell you the rest." Iruka held her hand and told her what Naruto had revealed to him about his past. "Dying has almost always been on his mind even when he's laughing – it's never far away. Kabuto," Iruka spat out the name. "Kabuto found that niche in Naruto's armor and expanded. He broke me, threatened my life and in doing so ruined Naruto's view of the world and his place in it." Iruka looked up at the ceiling. "I wanted to break both of Naruto's legs to keep him with me but he did what a son does if he can – Naruto protected me with his life. He always thinks of others especially when there's danger so after what happened to me, Naruto decided to protect you and Hinata and this village. My son, tried to take his life." He squeezed her hand hard as his breath caught at the pain in his chest. "I won't let him fade away from me. Never…but that boy who played soccer and learned how to roller skate a few weeks ago is gone. You didn't get to see him Tsunade. He was happy in a whole different way back there. Naruto was free. You wouldn't have believed your eyes. I'm damned sorry you'll never get to see him that way for he'll be different now and we'll have to change too because we love him. It's that simple and that damn hard." Iruka covered his face with his other hand trying not to cry.
"…I want to say that I understand but I really don't! But it doesn't matter. I've claimed him as mine. He's mine too Iruka and we'll love him together – no matter what." Tsunade pulled away Iruka's hand. His tears weren't weak but made him that much more of a man to her.
There was a knock on the door. "We have him My Lady."
Tsunade helped Iruka to stand then started straightening up the bed. "Bring him in please." She turned as Naruto was wheeled in on a gurney. He was in white pajamas. The color of his skin was pasty. Veins lined his eyelids. There was absolutely no response in his body as he was placed on the bed. Iruka let out a low moan at the sight.
"Thank you." She told the men then set about hooking an IV to Naruto's arm.
Iruka limped around the bed and got on the other side of Naruto. He looked him up and down, there wasn't a scratch on him. A shaky hand hovered over Naruto as if he were afraid to touch him. "Why – why the IV?" Finally he placed his hand over Naruto's heart and a fleeting smile touched his face to feel it beat.
"I know the fox can heal him and Kakashi got out most of the drugs but I want to be sure his system is free of everything. This should flush out whatever if anything is left in his body." She leaned over and brushed his blond hair. "Don't worry Naruto; I'll get you back up on your feet in no time." Tsunade kissed him.
Kakashi and Sasuke took turns using the shower and were also given white pajamas to wear with a white face mask for Kakashi. Sasuke felt a chuckle in his chest at seeing his sensei all in white but it never made it past his lips. "Let's go." The man said to Sasuke and they walked across the hall. The door was open just a crack and he knocked. "Lady Tsunade?"
Inside the hospital room was a king-sized bed plus a pair of comfortable chairs. The window was wide and looked out over the village but the curtains were currently closed enclosing them in intimacy. In the bed next to the window was Iruka. He sat up with several pillows behind his back. Next to him was Naruto. There was a pillow beneath his head so his face could be seen but he still looked…dead. Facing Naruto and Iruka on the bed was Tsunade who was holding Naruto's hand.
"Kakashi, Sasuke – come in guys." Iruka waved them in. One hand was lying on Naruto's arm.
Sasuke walked up to the bed by Tsunade. "How is he?" Black eyes covered Naruto from head to toe. "Has he woken at all? He was so still when I carried him. If it weren't for his heartbeat against my back…" Sasuke turned to look at Tsunade.
Sasuke's feelings mirrored hers. "No he hasn't but there may still be drugs in his system helping to keep him sedated." Even as she said the words, she knew it was a lame excuse.
"How are you Iruka? Was the leg worse than Shizune thought?" Kakashi moved to the other side of the bed and carefully sat next to his friend.
"No, it's fine. Don't worry about it." Iruka held out a hand and grasped Kakashi's forearm. He looked up at his friend noting the weariness in his eye and the slump of his shoulders. "Thank you. Thank you for acting so quickly and bringing him home."
Kakashi also gripped Iruka's arm. "It was…it was close Iruka. Too damn close." He dropped his head. "I'm glad neither of you were there to see it. I think my heart stopped a couple of times." He grunted when Iruka pulled him into a hug with their arms trapped between them.
"He's going to live thanks to you and his friends." Iruka spoke softly. "I know it was hard, it was for me too and though I wasn't there I'll forever see it in my mind. We've weathered much you and I and we'll weather this too. So will Naruto." He drew back and cupped Kakashi's head. "We thought you might like to stay with us but if you want to go home…"
Kakashi had known they were friends but right now Iruka felt like family. He opened his eye. "I'll stay. He's my nephew, right?" Kakashi remembered the sex talk and how he had played Naruto's uncle.
A short laugh erupted from Iruka and Tsunade. "Absolutely, absolutely." Iruka's hand slid down his shoulder and they smiled at each other before both looking at Naruto.
"Sasuke? Would you…?" Tsunade began.
"YES! Umm, yes Lady Tsunade, if I may." Sasuke blushed a bit when she looked surprised.
Since the boy was right next to her, she pulled him around until he faced her. She took in the black hair and dark eyes – the total opposite of Naruto. For a while there she had hated this boy and had seriously thought of sending him away from the village but now… "Let's forget the past shall we? You had your reasons for the way you acted and I believe that you got over whatever was bothering you right?" Sasuke nodded afraid to speak. "And I told you I'd forgive you if you brought him back to me and you have. Let's start over Sasuke – all of us. Naruto's going to need his brother when he wakes up." Tsunade tilted her head to one side as Sasuke lifted his arms then dropped them again.
This feeling had long been absent from his life and Sasuke resisted it twice more but he finally gave in and he rushed Tsunade. Sasuke hugged her tight. "Thank you." He whispered as a few tears left his eyes.
"Oh!" Tsunade looked over at Naruto, Iruka and Kakashi. Sasuke had had a mother but she realized that he, like Naruto must have been starved for a little motherly love. One hand reached out for Naruto. They were as close as brothers, maybe she had enough love to give to the both of them.
Shizune watched from the doorway. It was a touching scene and she felt left out. Lady Tsunade may never forgive me for what I did, let alone Iruka. I should go.
"Shizune?" Kakashi had noticed her there.
"Shizune." Iruka said. His feelings were mixed about her. "Come in please."
"Iruka, she…" Tsunade broke off when Iruka turned serious eyes onto her. At first she'd been angry with Shizune but now it didn't seem like such a terrible thing anymore. She loosened her hold on Sasuke as he pulled back but he didn't leave her side, he even wrapped an arm around her waist.
Hands twisting in front of her, Shizune slowly entered the room. "I meant no harm. Naruto – he was so despondent but when he heard your name, he perked up a bit. I thought – I decided to let him believe you were dead when he asked about you. Everything was okay…for a while but then he wouldn't give up on Kabuto! Master Jiraiya had to force the fox's chakra back into his body and this," She waved a hand at Naruto, "Is the way he's been ever since. When he wakes and sees you…"
Iruka stared the woman. "I imagine it will shock him horribly." Was his cold reply. "I can't say I like what you did because I don't, I really don't. Naruto's suffered enough and to make him believe that I was dead…it must have killed a part of his soul." Iruka leaned over and pulled Naruto up until he lay against his chest. "I'll thank you for being there and helping to bring him home but for that deception – I can't forget it. Maybe one day I'll forgive but not just yet." Iruka looked away from her and down at Naruto. There were short, curly hairs on his jaw. In all the time they'd spent together and he'd never seen his son so devoid of expression, not even in sleep. It scared him.
"M-my Lady?" Shizune tried to clear her throat but the tears kept coming.
Tsunade stroked up and down Sasuke's back as her other hand lay beneath Naruto's. She would tickle his palm but he never flinched even once. "You did what you thought was right and I won't fault you for that. It did work and Naruto responded and all that adrenaline helped rid his body of the drugs…he'd taken." Tsunade paused and looked back at Naruto. The image of him swallowing poisons was popping into her head. "It's hard," She looked back to Shizune. "It's hard knowing the pain you caused him. It was necessary but I know he blamed himself for not saving his father. Once he realizes Iruka's okay some of that will go away but he'll never have that moment back."
It was obvious the guilt Shizune was feeling and Tsunade wanted to comfort her. They'd been together for years and Shizune was closer to her than anyone but Naruto was now her son and he came first. "Give me some time, please. Let things get somewhat normal and then we'll talk okay?" It was all she could offer right now.
"Yes, ma'ma!" Shizune made eye contact with each of them and lastly looked to Naruto cradled on Iruka's chest. "I'm sorry!" She bowed quickly then left at run.
The room was silent after Shizune left until Sasuke's stomach followed by Iruka's growled. Both covered their midsections in embarrassment.
"Time for some food." Tsunade got off the bed and walked Sasuke to a chair. "I'll go and order something." She went back to the bed and laid a hand over Naruto's stomach but it was as still as the rest of him and she sighed. "Would you like me to fix your leg tonight?" She asked of Iruka as she stood and placed her hands in her pockets.
"No, I can wait. You didn't have to take my side Tsunade. She's your best friend." Iruka said with a frown.
"She is and I think she did what she thought was right but after everything you told me, the things Naruto told you – it was a hurtful thing to do to him, to anybody." She smiled sadly at him. "We'll get through this. Every friendship goes through rough patches doesn't it?" Tsunade looked at the men knowing they had all gone through something similar then turned and walked out of the room.
She retuned a half hour later with the food after having a good cry. Kakashi and Sasuke ate their food and watched a little television before quietly drifting off. Tsunade got in bed with Naruto and Iruka. This time she cradled him and felt his breath against her and closed her eyes. Being with him like this made everything thing seem okay, almost as if he'd never left home.
The family of three slept in the big bed. Two had disjointed dreams, some happy and others tragic. They had their child back but what would happen to him now? Naruto was the only one who rested comfortably but then he'd escaped to the darkest place he could find and ceased to exist.
Lord Hiashi took his daughter from Neji as soon as they entered the house. She was crying and unable to speak. The only thing she did was cry into his neck and hold on.
"Neji, have some tea prepared then go clean up. You may come back to me if you feel like it, if not rest and I'll see you in the morning." Hiashi commanded but he gently held Hinata against him and let her cry. "Go on." He said to Neji as he stroked her hair and back.
"Yes sir." Neji went off to the kitchen and told the cook to prepare tea then went to his room. It was good to be home, to see his room. He stripped bare and got into a hot shower. Mechanically he washed his hair and body getting rid of all the dirt and sweat he'd collected over the last few days. His skin glowed with the hard washing he gave it then he stood there and let the water pour down on him. The tears started then. Nothing like Hinata's tears but he found himself crying for her and for Naruto.
It had been the right thing letting him believe Iruka was dead but his pain – his devastation when Orochimaru took off with Kabuto… They hadn't been given the chance to tell him it was a lie and save him from that particular grief. He'd almost lost control and if Jiraiya the Sannin hadn't been there… But that wasn't all; Naruto with his pain-filled past had truly believed he could save them all if he took his own life!
Dammit! Why? Why?! Each of us has suffered something horrible growing up. We've worked hard to overcome those things and we achieved the level of Chunin together. We were finding out we all had more in common than we knew. Friends, true friendship was ours but Naruto… It never seems to end for him! Is his life cursed?!Is there anyway to help him and Hinata get back what they had?
Neji let the water wash away his tears and while he was now clean, he still carried a heavy weight on his heart. He changed into a white robe much like his uncle's and though his body wanted rest, he went to check on Hinata.
"Neji, I thought you might come back." Hiashi smiled up at him. He sat with Hinata on his lap, face lying on his chest. She was sleeping.
"You gave her something?" Neji asked eyeing the tea as he took a seat next to them.
"Of course. She'll want to be with him tomorrow so she needs rest now." Hiashi felt the weight of his daughter, almost a full grown woman but to him it was if she were still his tiny little girl. He looked over at Neji and saw pain clearly on the young man's face. "Tell me. I heard it from Sakura and Lee when they told Tsunade but I'd like to hear what you saw." He really would like to know what Neji's eyes had seen but it would also help him the teen if he talked about it. Neji had a bad habit of holding things in and something like this would only eat at him if he didn't talk about it.
It was just as terrible as it was the first time he'd heard it. Hiashi knew if he'd been there, he'd have done everything in his power to prevent Naruto from feeling such pain. "He was ready to die." Hiashi said when Neji finished. "Naruto had promised to die if he ever felt he was a danger to Hinata or any of you. I believed him and had the danger been true, would praise him but," The anger was there in his light eyes. "Kabuto…I do wish Naruto had killed him. Maybe that snake was unable to save him! He took Naruto to a place full of all his doubts and fears. I think the timing had something to do with it as well. Any other time and he would have fought but this tenuous time with the secret of the fox revealed and finally having parents and love. It was all still so new and to have it threatened… Bastard!" Hiashi clutched his daughter tighter to him.
Neji's hands framed the tea cup as he shivered. His uncle's anger was something he hoped never to have directed at himself. "How will they get back to where they were? She saw him half dead Uncle. He told her that she should have let him die." He shook his head. "How will she ever be able to forgive him for trying to leave her?"
"They can't go back only forward. They'll have to find common ground again then move forward. And you forget she knows his pain best. Hinata broke down, she had to let out that pain you were talking about and she'll grieve for what Kabuto took from them but she stand up again and if I know my daughter – she'll demand Naruto love her. This older and wiser daughter of mine won't let her love be denied." He leaned down and kissed her forehead." In truth it might take a little while for her to realize that on her own but he had no doubts about Hinata at all.
Hiashi looked up as Neji yawned, a satisfied look in his eye. He'd spiked the teen's tea as well, not as much as Hinata but Neji need to rest too. Reaching out a hand he slid it over the dark length of hair. "Go to bed son. These two will need your support. I'm proud of you for being there for both of them. I'm sure Hizashi is too."
Neji blinked slowly only then just realizing what his uncle had done but he couldn't be angry not when he was telling him that he and his father were proud of him. Smiling slightly he wobbly got to his feet and did something unexpected. He leaned down to hug his uncle and got a hug in return. It was nice. "Good night Uncle, Little Sister." He kissed them both then just made it to his bed where he was able to rest with hope in his heart.
Shibi and Inoichi stood back and watched the four boys talking. As parents this was a nightmare. As ninja it was a tragedy and they could only imagine what the boys were feeling.
"Is it my fault? Is because I acted like such an ass that Naruto tried to kill himself?" Kiba asked suddenly. Nothing had gone like he thought it would. He figured they'd catch up to Naruto, help him take out some bad guys and then the two of them would yell and argue and just be friends again but that last part never even came close to happening.
"Get over yourself Kiba! Naruto wouldn't lose it like that just because of you!" Choji said angrily as he searched his pockets for comfort food but they were all empty.
"It was everything Kiba but he'll bounce back. We were all there. Naruto knows we came to help him. That should help him when he thinks about it. Maybe he won't feel so all alone." Shino commented balling his hands up in his pockets.
"Not all of us!" Shikamaru said lowly. "Ino wasn't there! Damn her but you're right Shino, once Naruto comes to himself and thinks about, he'll know that we care. But convincing him that we're not in trouble from Kabuto will be the hard part." He kicked at a pebble sending it flying.
Kiba looked at them then over at Inoichi. He didn't appear to be listening to them but talking to Shino's dad. After all that happened tonight he was worried about something. He didn't want to tell on her but after coming so close to losing Naruto… "Naruto may not be out of danger." He said quietly and was surprised when Shikamaru grabbed his collar.
"If you're about to tell me that you still don't trust Naruto…I'm going to put my foot so far up your ass that you'll be licking my damn toes!" Shikamaru heard his voice echo in the empty street but he didn't care. He couldn't stand the thought of Naruto or any of them having to deal with anymore threats tonight.
"Quiet! Shh, I'm not talking about me!" He looked over at the two approaching men. "We're okay, just blowing off steam! Just give us a few more minutes!" Kiba waved them off and was relieved to see them stop. "Cool it Shikamaru or Ino's dad will hear." His voice was hushed.
"Shikamaru." Shino said at his shoulder. "I want to hear this. Who is threatening Naruto? Tell us!"
"What do you know Kiba?" Choji asked. The three of them crowded around Kiba and Shikamaru never let go of him.
Kiba was shaking. Shikamaru never got upset. Hardly anything bothered the guy but he'd just jacked him up and threatened to kick his ass. "Naruto's weak from all that's happened. He's vulnerable to anyone who might have it in for him…like Ino." This was fragile ground for in front of him were her teammates.
Choji laughed harshly. "Ino? She's all talk! There's nothing to worry about. Dammit Kiba, get us all riled up for nothing why don't you? Let's go Shikamaru." Choji started to turn away but Shikamaru didn't move. "Hey."
Shikamaru stared Kiba down. "Why do you think we should worry about Ino Kiba?"
It was like Shikamaru was trying to see inside his head. "After, after my… confrontation with Naruto, Ino showed up. She wanted us to work together to assassinate Naruto." The shame of it even though he had told her no came upon him.
"And what did you say Kiba?" Shino's bugs were becoming agitated because Shino was so upset. "Did you…agree to help her?"
"No! I told her to get lost! I didn't want any part of her or her plan!" Kiba denied. "I've avoided her ever since." He grew quiet as they all stared at him then at each other.
"…So you think, she would use this – Naruto being laid up in the hospital and his…depression to kill him? Dammit to hell!"
"You don't believe him do you?" Choji asked Shikamaru, disbelief showing on his chubby face. "She's got a mouth on her but Ino would never do it!"
Shikamaru looked at Shino then Choji. "She might. I would love to be wrong but the hate rolls off of her. When she finds out Naruto's laid up, she could take up where Kabuto left off." Shikamaru covered his face with his hand. "This is the biggest drag ever!" If they hadn't been depressed and worn to the bone, the knowledge that one of them would try and attack Naruto would have been funny. Ino's reaction to the Nine-Tailed fox had always bothered him and now this… "We can't leave him alone. I'm going back to the hospital."
"Nope! You're going home! It's been a long damn search and a freaked up ending! You boys need your rest. Go home!" Inoichi sauntered over with his hands in his pockets.
He'd already taken a few steps then paused when the Jonin spoke up. Silently he thought for a minute. "Go home guys, I'll stay with Naruto." Shikamaru said and started to walk off again.
"I said no." Inoichi caught him by the arm. "Naruto will be fine. Do you seriously think that either Iruka or the Hokage are going to leave that boy's side tonight? He'll be fine until tomorrow." Inoichi stared down into Shikamaru's determined face. "I'm not going to repeat myself. Do I need to walk you home?" The tall blond man hovered over Shikamaru.
It was in him to tell the man where to go but he was right. Lady Tsunade and Iruka-sensei weren't about to leave Naruto's side. "No sir, I can get home by myself." He looked at Choji, Shino and Kiba. "I'll see you guys in the morning, at the hospital." His tone was pure command and he waited until he got their nods. He turned formally to Shibi and Inoichi. "Thanks for your help. Goodnight." He bowed his head to them then turned to go home.
Shibi and Shino also said goodnight and left. Then Kiba with a sleepy Akamaru headed home. Inoichi scratched his head wearily. He'd known Ino had been acting weird since finding out about Naruto but to actually consider killing him? The tall Jonin had slipped into Kiba's mind and heard the whole damn conversation. He wanted to be proud of her, she was a Chunin now and her skills were improving but her hateful and overly prideful attitude was ruining any chances of that. "You boys can rest easy; Ino will not go anywhere Naruto – that I promise!"
Hinata dreamed. She was back at the river watching Naruto strip naked then go for a swim. There was happiness in her as she remembered falling out of the tree and Naruto coming to her rescue. Their lives had been ordinary before that but once she finally acted on her attraction for him, everything changed for the better.
She'd blossomed from his love and attention and he had as well. Naruto was always a caring person but now he opened up to her and shared his fears and dreams with her. At last Naruto had seen her and had fallen for her as she had for him all those years ago.
The love was what she dreamed about. The intimate moments when they held each other or swam naked in the river or even when he was stern with her during training was what her mind showed her throughout the night. It was when she woke the next morning that she was greeted with the harsh reality that Naruto had tried to take that away from them.
Hinata placed a hand over her heart at the pain. A shuddering breath escaped her before she realized that she was in her bed and there in a chair next to her was her father. He slept deeply and looked very tired. "Father…you stayed by my side." She whispered and felt new tears in her eyes.
Slowly she sat up and noticed that her body still felt tired and she was hungry too. Looking down she saw she still wore her underwear beneath a T-shirt. A sob hovered in her throat as she realized it was Naruto's. Shaky hands smoothed the shirt down over her breasts and stomach then up again until she pulled the collar up to cover her nose and mouth with the shirt. Eyes closed, Hinata could smell him. The tears flowed and she fell back into bed hugging herself imaging that it was Naruto holding her.
Again she cried herself to sleep and woke in the early afternoon. Hinata felt as if she was sick. Her head hurt, her muscles ached and there was a lethargy lingering about her. Finally the urge to pee had her turning over to get out of bed and there still in the chair was her father. At his feet was Hanabi and Neji quietly playing Go.
"Hinata." Hiashi said and pulled back the covers and picked her up out of the bed. "Hanabi, help your sister to the bathroom. See that she showers and gets dressed. Neji, tell cook to prepare lunch for us and serve it up here."
"Father please, I just want some time alone." Hinata begged as she stood before him.
"Well that's too bad because you're not going to get it." He lifted up her head so he could kiss her lips lightly. "We love you and you're not in this alone because we love Naruto too. He's still sleeping by the way." Hiashi had expected her to ask after him but her huge sigh of relief told him that she'd been afraid to ask. He looked down at Neji and Hanabi who hadn't moved. "I believe I gave you children something to do, what are you waiting for?"
Neji jumped to his feet. "Right away Uncle!" He smiled briefly at Hinata before hurrying away.
"Yes, Father! Come on Big Sister." Hanabi hurriedly stood then wrapped an arm around Hinata and escorted her sister to the bathroom. "I've missed Naruto. I'm glad he's home again. Father said he was hurt so maybe I can pick some flowers for him. Would he like flowers?" Hanabi looked up at her sister concerned at the tears falling from her eyes. "Sister?"
"N-Naruto would love some flowers from you." Hinata managed to smile at her little sister. Her family was there for her. Oh Naruto….look at what you've done for me – for us! This closeness was just a dream before but now because of you, we love openly! Hinata held her sobs until she was in the shower so that she wouldn't overly worry Hanabi. But once enclosed in that space, she beat the walls until her hands grew numb and there were several holes representing not only Kabuto but Naruto as well.
Hanabi was frowning as her sister exited the shower. The loud thumps had scared her. She cried out when she saw the state of Hinata's hands. The little girl wanted answers but her father had forbid her from bothering Hinata too much right now. She helped Hinata get dressed and thought her sister's choice of clothes were kind of weird but kept that to herself. The two of them left the bathroom with Hanabi holding the first-aid kit.
"Hinata! What happened?" Neji exclaimed seeing her swollen hands.
Hiashi just nodded. "Feel better?" He took the kit from Hanabi plus retrieved one of Hinata's antiseptic creams and set about wrapping up his daughter's hands. "You know this means that I'll have to feed you." He laughed at her dismay. "I'm sure this cream will help and Lady Tsunade will take care of the rest." He noted Hinata said nothing to this and he let the matter drop.
Neji moved until he could look into her bathroom. The shower walls were almost completely destroyed. Damn! No wonder her hands look raw and swollen! He jumped when Hiashi told him to go get lunch.
They let Hanabi do most of the talking during lunch. She complained about a mean teacher and told funny jokes about the other children in her class. Hiashi watched Hinata. She was reserved but not tense and he thought her clothes spoke volumes as to what she really felt. An orange, large T-shirt, Naruto's he was sure and a pair of boy's blue shorts held up with a belt. Just when had she raided Naruto's closet?
Hinata listened to Hanabi as her father fed her soup and rice with vegetables. The girl was so different from her at that age. Hanabi was outgoing and was never afraid to speak up or ask questions. She hoped the girl never changed and had a life completely unlike hers had been. Hinata found herself smiling at the girl and laughing at her antics. Once lunch was done and she submitted to her father wiping her mouth, Hinata found she was tired again.
Since Hanabi had missed school, one of the family members showed up with her schoolwork and with great reluctance she left her sister to go study. "Give Naruto a big hug from me okay and we'll pick those flowers tonight, okay? He's sleeping now but he'll see them when he wakes up tomorrow!" Hanabi kissed Hinata's cheek. "…Love you." The girl said slowly then smiled as she ran away. She really liked how different their family was now.
Hinata smiled after her sister then sighed. "I think I'll take a nap now Father." But when she looked up at him his face was stern.
"Don't you think it's time you went to him? Asleep or not, having you there is bound to make him more comfortable. How long do you plan on hiding here?"
"Uncle? Naruto's fine." Neji frowned. "He's not alone Hinata so you can rest here if you like. Kakashi and Sasuke are staying in the same room. Of course, Iruka-sensei is there too and just about everyone else." That morning, Shikamaru had shown up with some unsettling news. Anger had him wanting to track Ino down and…well he couldn't hit her but he certainly had a few choice words for the girl. But Naruto was safe. Ino wouldn't try anything as long as Naruto was never left alone and Shikamaru promised that Naruto would be safe.
Hinata nodded. "He'll be fine without me there. I need time Father." She turned away then spun back around. "HE TRIED TO LEAVE ME! HE WAS GOING TO LEAVE ME ALONE!!" The words burst from her lips and she paced breathing hard.
"…Hinata, Naruto loves you…" Neji started but leaned back when Hinata got in his face.
"Oh yes! He loves me so much he thought dying was better than staying with me! Iruka-sensei told me he'd been talking marriage! How can he marry me if he's dead?!" Hinata raged. "Like I want a ghost for husband! A-a man in love doesn't do such things, does he? He would come home, ask me to marry him then freaking marry me!" She jabbed a swollen finger in Neji's chest.
Neji looked to his uncle for help because he had no idea what to say but Hinata pushed him against the wall.
"He's a damn coward! Naruto left his own father wounded and alone in the forest then – then HE SWALLOWED POISION TO GET AWAY FROM ME! WHY SHOULD I GO TO HIM? TELL ME NEJI! TELL ME, WHY WOULD I GO TO SUCH A MAN?!" Hinata beat against his chest. It surprised her. She hadn't realized how angry she was with Naruto.
"What should he have done my daughter?" Hiashi asked quietly. He stood before her bed arms folded inside his sleeves. "Should he have proclaimed to perfect strangers that when he went home he was going to get married? Maybe he should have pulled out your picture and bragged about how beautiful you were and how lucky he was that such a wonderful woman had chosen him to love. Or maybe he should have spent days looking for the perfect gift for the woman he loves and protected it the whole time he was being chased, his life on the line." Suddenly Hiashi stepped to one side and there on her bed was Naruto's beat up backpack.
"Hinata!" He said loudly to get her attention for once she saw the bag, all of Hinata's rage disappeared. "Should he have stayed and watched Kabuto kill Iruka? Would you have had him see the man he so admires and loves die as he watched when he knew Jiraiya was coming?" Hiashi gripped Hinata's shoulders. "He took poison so that he would hurt you and make you cry or did he take poison because at the time – he saw it as the only way to save your life?"
"Kabuto found his breaking point. Naruto was cut off from everyone. He was facing innumerable foes. The attack against himself was cruel – no doubt he could see such a force coming after you – after all of us. It happened once before did it not? The same people after him had attacked and killed people of this village." Hiashi shook her gently. "Naruto has always believed in protecting those he cared about. If he died…then the danger to you and Iruka would have ended with him." Hiashi felt her pain. She had a right to it – to the hurt and the anger but still she loved. She loved Naruto.
"…Bu-but he wanted it too…to die." Hinata said quietly as she trembled before her father.
Hiashi caught his breath and wished that she hadn't realized that. He pulled her close. "Possibly. His life, well there's been nothing easy about his life and this would have taken away all his hardships but he lives Hinata. You've got a second chance together. Give Naruto a reason to live!"
Neji slid down the wall and covered his face with his hands. Just watching this is agonizing – what must it feel like to Hinata? How would I act if Tenten had taken poison? Would I feel she betrayed me and our love? Yes…I would. Neji peered through his fingers at Hinata crying into her father's kimono then over at Naruto's bag. He'd been thinking about her while he was gone. Naruto, one of the silliest people I've ever known was ready to settle down and get married! He felt he had no outlet except for death – how the hell had that happened? What the fuck did Kabuto do to you? …Or was it us? Neji dropped his hands and let his head meet the wall. His thoughts were horrible because there were no real answers for his questions. Once again his eyes fell to the bed and Naruto's pack.
"I wonder what he got you." Neji said quietly.
Hinata got choked then pulled back from her father. His backpack! Coughing and trembling she made it to her bed where she collapsed next to the backpack. Tentatively she picked it up then crushed it against her chest. For several minutes all she did was hold it as she tried to calm down.
Neji rose from his crouch and joined his uncle; he even took hold of the man's sleeve seeking balance in this topsy turvy day.
Finally Hinata lifted her head. With a deep breath she opened the bag and dumped everything on her bed. Clothes fell out all wrinkled and she smiled to see a pair of briefs rolled up inside a shirt. There was his shaving kit, a few snacks, a manga about ninjas, some extra weapons, a couple of framed pictures of her and Lady Tsunade and two wrapped packages. One was small and had already been unwrapped. Hinata picked it up and undid the loose string. "Gl-gloves, the ones Kakashi-sensei gave him. He hasn't used them yet." She remarked but he had worn them. The leather was already in the shape of Naruto's hand. She stroked the soft leather held them against her cheek for a moment before looking at the other package.
The paper was light lavender with deep purple flowers. It had never been opened. Hinata traced her fingers over the strings before picking it up. What is it? What did you get me Naruto? She was scared and anxious. Did you really spend a lot of time looking for this? It's small but tightly wrapped. It could be anything! Hinata turned it over and over in her hands before finally pulling a kunai from Naruto's things. In one stroke she'd cut all the strings and the paper unfolded on its own.
More lavender paper inside? How much paper is wrapped around this? At least that's what she thought until the lavender paper slithered onto her lap. "Oh." She said softly as she carefully stroked the soft material. Hinata found the sleeves and shook out the dress. "Oh…Naruto…" Standing she held the dress in front of her and looked up at her father and Neji.
"That boy's got taste. He knows what will look good on you." Hiashi said with a smile. The dress was slightly darker than her eyes, modest neck line, straight until it got to the skirt where it bloomed and would dance and twirl as she moved.
Neji shook his head. Never would he dream of buying a dress for Tenten without her there at his side. He'd truly found a dress that would flatter Hinata's shape and looks. She would be sexy but still modest. "I'll have to pick his brain and see how he knew what to get. You'll look beautiful in it Hinata. Naruto won't be able to see anyone but you while you're wearing that!" The words slipped out but when she froze he wondered if he'd said the wrong thing.
Hinata dropped back onto the bed still holding the dress close to her body. "I love him so much." Her chin quivered. "Can I really be what he needs? Is our love strong enough to pull him out of his depression?" She leaned into her fathers arms as he joined her on the bed.
"You won't know until you try. Let's go see him. You don't have to stay long but I think you'll get some answers if you see him. We'll both be there with you. I need to see him too Hinata, Naruto's like another son to me." He looked warmly at Neji letting him know that he considered the teen as his son.
Hinata looked into eyes so like her own. Father loves him too. Her head whipped around to Neji. Neji too. They hurt in their own way for what's happened. It was knowing that they shared her pain that gave Hinata strength. "I need a few minutes, please." Hinata wanted to try once again to wash away her tears and maybe try on her beautiful dress.
Hiashi smiled at her then rose gracefully and followed by Neji left Hinata alone. She did go look in the mirror at the dress but decided to wait until Naruto could see her in the dress before trying it on. Hinata wouldn't let herself think too much or she'd talk herself out of going. She was afraid to see him because she was truly unsure of herself and him. There was just no way to know how things were going to be from now on.
Tsunade had prepared for them all. Besides the king-sized bed she had plenty of chairs and two roll away beds for Kakashi and Sasuke. Every seat was occupied and still there were two people sitting in the window and a few sitting on the floor. Iruka was dozing on the bed next to Naruto while she sat at a table doing her paperwork. The only ones missing were the Hyuga family and Shizune.
Sasuke and Kakashi had spent the night with them and when she woke this morning and left to go to her office to do some work, she'd found Shikamaru, Choji, Lee, Sakrua, Kiba and Akamaru, Shino and Tenten outside in the hall. They'd entered quietly and made themselves comfortable. Tsunade had left and come back to find them all still there talking in hushed voices and she'd been pleased.
Naruto would be surrounded by his friends when he woke up. Tsunade frowned because medically, he should have already woken up. She had lots of reason why he hadn't. One, he could be avoiding them by sleeping or he was too afraid to wake up thinking that Iruka was dead or simply he was waiting on Hinata.
"Arf!" Akamaru rose up and barked at the door softly. Every eye looked to see who it was. The dog panted happily and went to Hinata.
She looked pale and scared but Hinata tried not to let it take control of her and knelt briefly to pat the dog. Hinata looked up at Lady Tsunade, at Iruka-sensei then finally Naruto who lay on his back unmoving. Because she was breathing fairly quickly, Hinata was glad for Neji's hand as he helped her to her feet.
"Hello." She spoke to the room at large and walked over to the bed. Hinata didn't hear them respond because none did. She could feel their eyes on her and at the same time it seemed as if they were trying not to stare.
"Hinata, sweetheart." Tsunade stood and hugged her tightly.
"Lady Tsunade." Hinata noticed the woman's perfume and just soaked in the motherly touch.
"What happened to your hands?" Tsunade asked quietly when she pulled back.
A half smile on her face, Hinata told her. "My bathroom wall looked too much like Kabuto…and Naruto." She shrugged.
Tsunade held Hinata's hands in her own. "Yes, I understand. There will have to be some remodeling done at my house too. Hold still." The Hokage performed a hand sign then took Hinata's hands again and healed them. She unwrapped the bandages then kissed each hand. "All better." She smiled and accepted the girl's hug. Naruto, Sasuke and Hinata. More children than I ever thought to have!
"Hinata." Iruka carefully got off the bed. Tsunade had finally healed the bone but it was still tender. He limped over to her and she smiled hugely.
"You look so much better!" Her now healed hands reached up for his face and held it tenderly. "Dad." Hinata said softly then squealed as Iruka lifted her up into his arms. "Your leg!"
"Hush!" Iruka held her tightly. "I thought I had dreamed it but you were there and you held my face just like that and called me dad." Right after Kabuto took Naruto away and he'd been struck by the poisoned senbon, things had grown fuzzy and he hadn't remembered much.
"Put me down." Hinata urged quietly when she felt his body tremble. She wrapped an arm around his waist and walked him back to the bed. "Yes, I was there and you scared me for a little bit." Hinata was feeling better as she got Iruka's foot resting on a pillow. "Sakura was sure you were out of it but you talked to me. …You told me that I might be your daughter-in-law. That was – that was real, wasn't it?" She lifted hopeful eyes to him.
Iruka pulled her hand until she was sitting on the bed but he kept on pulling until she crawled over him and was now between him and Naruto. He pulled her into the crook of his arm and smiled up at Tsunade and Hiashi as they joined them on the bed. "We only went to one town and we hadn't been there long when Naruto, of course, made some friends. They had asked him to play soccer and sometime between when he left to go play and the end of the game – they won – Naruto had announced to the world that he was going to marry you." Iruka smiled as Kiba gasped and Lee got choked on his drink. Sakura clapped her hands in delight.
"Shocked me but he looked so damn happy. Then of course he had to tease me about when I was getting married and as his father I had to take him down a notch and there was a tickle fight on the soccer field…" Iruka told the room at large some of their adventures.
Hinata rested against him listening with a smile. Her eyes turned to an ultra-still Naruto. She reached out and took his hand and brought it to her lips. Hinata never noticed the pause in Iruka's tale or everyone watching her. "Silly boy, you have to ask me first!" Her hand stroked his face lightly. "Come on Naruto, wake up and ask me already!"
There were pleased smiles all around and Iruka started in on another story keeping them entertained. Naruto was there and there was hope for him despite the despair of the last few days, that he would lead a happy life. Imagination worked that day, filling in for Naruto. In their heads they saw how he would react to Iruka-sensei's taunts and they laughed out loud.
Ino was curious as hell! When they'd gotten the order to clear the streets, it could only mean that everyone was coming home and something bad had happened. Did Naruto really get killed and Lady Tsunade is trying to hide it or maybe he killed someone and she wanted to lock him up before a lynch mob formed! Yes, that's got to be it! Her precious son finally fucked up and now he'll have to be put down like a rabid animal and she didn't want anyone to see. Lady Tsunade must feel so ashamed of taking him in. Ha!
Ino had dinner with her mother then sat trying to read a magazine but she couldn't concentrate. If it were possible, she'd sneak out and see for herself what had happened but the streets were probably being watched and her own mother, was there talking about nothing preventing her from slipping away.
For the umpteenth time she looked out the window looking for her father. Ino had glared at her father when he'd said he was going to offer the Hokage his help in finding Naruto. He had even asked her to go with him and she'd quickly and with finality told him no.
"I thought he was your friend Ino! When are you going to come to your senses?" Inoichi had asked.
"I'm perfectly sane Father and all of my friends are human!" Had been her sharp reply. Her father had given her a look that said he didn't understand her at all before he lifted a hand and walked away from her.
Now she waited for him on pins and needles since he was the only source of information about what happened until the Hokage made an announcement the next day, if she made an announcement at all! To pass the time, Ino thought of life without Naruto. There would be no more stupid pranks or that loud-ass laughter of his. Missions would go a lot smoother since he wouldn't be around to mess them up or do that crap of getting overly involved in the lives of their clients. And Sasuke - that would be the best thing about not having Naruto around – Sasuke wouldn't always be hanging out with that blond idiot. Without Naruto around, Sasuke would need a friend, possibly a girlfriend to spend all his free time with, namely her!
Ino was still smiling when the front door opened and her father walked in. She jumped up and ran to him only to find him kissing and holding her mother. She sighed and waited impatiently for them to break apart.
"Are you hungry? I'll fix you something." Her mother asked of Inoichi.
"Just some snacks or something and a cold beer. Maybe two. It was rough out there." Inoichi said squeezing the back of his neck but he was smiling as he watched his wife walk away from him. It was good to be home.
"So? What happened? Is he…is he dead?" Ino approached her father with a slight smile.
"What's the smile for daughter? Even if you don't like somebody, you shouldn't smile like that – as if you're about to receive a damn present or something!" Inoichi stomped away from her and went to the bathroom.
Damn, I handled that all wrong! I should have just asked how it went. It's just…my problems could soon be over with, so I'm really excited! I'll get to tell them all that I was right! I need to find out what Father knows. Ino smoothed back her hair then hurried to the kitchen to help her mother. She had just put his beer on the table when he entered the room.
Inoichi eyed his daughter suspiciously but downed the beer in one gulp and sighed. "I needed that, thanks." As he ate the food his wife had prepared for him, he watched Ino get him another beer then fix herself some tea. When his wife kissed him once more before leaving to go take a bath he ignored Ino and waited to see what his child would do next.
"…I'm curious, why did the Hokage order the streets cleared? Did something happen on the mission?" Ino asked trying to ask casually.
Inoichi shrugged. "She's the Hokage. Lady Tsunade can do as she pleases." He twisted the beer bottle around then stretched out his legs under the table. "You haven't asked after your teammates Ino. It was a dangerous mission but you show no concern for anyone at all. When did you become so cold?" She was beautiful, as lovely as her mother but this attitude was so ugly.
Ino sat up then leaned forward. "Shikamaru, Choji - they didn't get hurt did they? Don't tell me they got hurt trying to help Naruto?" She was getting angry just thinking about it.
"So you do care? Well that's something I guess. No they are fine, everyone returned home safely. There were a few injuries of course, it was an A ranked mission after all." Still watching Ino, Inoichi finished his light supper.
She sighed with relief that her friends were okay then frowned as she realized what else her father had said. 'Everyone returned home safely.' "Damn." She spoke into her tea cup.
"It was amazing to see how well all of your friends worked together to rescue Naruto. Don't know when we've had such a strong group of Chunins. It's too bad you weren't there. You were the only one missing Ino. Would it have been so damn hard to come along and help your friends? You didn't have to be there for Naruto but you could have been there for the rest of them."
"Kiba was there too?" So he gave in and went to help too? Bastard! Ino shrugged as if it didn't matter. She hadn't wanted to see them fawning over Naruto or hear them talking about Naruto. Not to mention, she would have been helping Naruto indirectly and that she refused to do.
Inoichi sighed in disappointment. He stood and cleaned up after himself. It had been a stressful mission and he was going to take his own bath and go to bed. "You're forbidden from leaving the house tomorrow Ino unless your mother needs your help at the shop and then you're forbidden from leaving work. You'll see only the inside of this house or the shop for the next two days."
"What?! What the hell for?" Ino stood and slapped her hands on the table.
"Because my precious daughter, you're acting like a spoiled child or maybe I should say bitch! Your friends could have died tonight but all you could think about was your feelings for Naruto and hope something bad happened to him!" He pointed one long finger at her. "You will do nothing to cause them to worry about anything you might do." Inoichi spoke clearly and with emphasis. "And don't think to cross me girl. I've seen to having the Anbu keep an eye on you as well as set up a few jutsu to see that you behave." His shoulders slumped as he stared at his only child. "It shames me to know that I have to protect others from you."
Ino's eyes widened. Did he know…? She grew stiff with fear.
Inoichi nodded. "He didn't tell me but as you well know, we Yamanaka can enter people's minds. Unlike you, even though he doesn't like you much, Kiba protected you but I had to know why he was so upset when we'd just saved Naruto. That boy forgot his problems with Naruto and did everything in his power to help his friend but he was still worried about a threat inside the village. A threat from my very own daughter! They know – Shikamaru and Choji, they know Ino and yes they are as upset with you as I am!" Inoichi walked closer to Ino, anger in his every step. "You'd better behave yourself girl for no one trusts you anymore. You're being watched at all times – let's see how you like it! Naruto's lived like this, always under constant supervision!" He reached out a hand and stroked it down her cheek lovingly. "I'm ashamed to call you mine. How could you? I dread having to tell your mother, especially since she's so proud of you."
"DON'T! Father don't! Please – I never touched Naruto! He left before I -" Ino broke off as she all but admitted that she wanted to kill Naruto. She clutched his vest as tears dripped from her eyes. Never had she seen or thought to ever see such anger and disappointment on his face and all of it directed at her. "Don't tell Momma! I don't think I could bear it if she looks at me like you are now. Please…" Ino begged then cried into his chest.
Inoichi didn't comfort her but her tears touched his heart. Problem was Ino had used tears in the past to get her way and he didn't think he could trust her now. He lifted her chin. "Murder of a fellow ninja is incomprehensible. You were making a plan and you tried to corrupt someone else to get them to help you!" His fingers squeezed so hard that Ino gasped in pain. "I won't tell her what you did but she will know that you are not to be trusted Ino. You'll have to work hard to regain it from us, your team and especially Naruto." He pushed Ino away from him. "I'm tired now. Goodnight Ino." Inoichi spared her one last look and the pain inside him was unbearable.
Ino reached out for her father but all she saw was his broad back. Stumbling she made her way back to the table and crumpled into a chair. The wood felt cool to her as her face pressed into the table. It caught her hot tears as she realized that her world had been turned upside down.
Father knows. Shikamaru and Choji know. Who else did Kiba tell?! Damn him! Damn him and Naruto! Look at what they've done to me! Everyone will hate me! How will I live with no friends and parents who don't trust me? Momma, Father – don't hate me! What am I going to do now?
Naruto winced. He tried to escape back into the darkness. There was silence there and nothing. He wanted that again but there was a noise and it assaulted his ears.
HHHOOOOOWWWLLLLLLLLLL!!
His eyes snapped open. "The Fox!" Naruto's voice was thick and he cleared his throat. Looking around, he knew exactly where he was and also what that meant. "I'm alive." His tone was dead. He was given just a second to mourn his survival.
YOU ARE. YOU LIVE AND SO DO I. DID YOU REALLY THINK YOU COULD KILL ME SO DAMNED EASILY?! STUPID HUMAN CHILD!! IF YOU SEEK DEATH SO BADLY THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO TO THE AKATSUKI!
Naruto sat up in shock. He was soaking wet from lying in a pool of water. He felt awful but this new sickness was from what the Nine-Tailed had just said. "How do you know about them?" The words were barely audible but the fox was laughing at him.
JUST BECAUSE I AM SEALED WITHIN YOU DOES NOT MEAN THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW!! The fox's tone became persuasive. THINK ABOUT IT CHILD – WE CAN BOTH HAVE EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT! THEY WILL KILL YOU AND I WILL BE FREE! NO MORE PAIN FOR YOU. NO MORE DANGER FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO CAME AFTER YOU. AND FOR ME – I SHALL HAVE MY FORMER MOBILITY. PLUS I WILL KILL THOSE WHO WANTED YOUR DEATH! TAKE ME TO THEM! WAKE AND TAKE ME TO THEM!!
Naruto shook his head back and forth slowly. "No! No! I won't! Those people are dangerous! They're rogues and there's no telling what they would do with your powerful chakra! Everyone would be in danger!" Naruto was panting with fear as he imagined the world left to the mercy of the Akatsuki. You would kill them all, wouldn't you? Not just those who treated me like shit but everyone! Hinata… Naruto looked up into red eyes and saw the answer as well his own fate.
"It's not going to happen. I'm going to live and you're going to stay right where you are. I wanted to leave behind all the crap in my life that wouldn't let me be happy. I wanted to protect everyone by taking away the danger you bring but now I see that's just not possible." He sighed heavily and got to his feet.
NO! DO IT MY WAY!! SO SOME OF THEM DIE – SO WHAT?! YOU'LL BE DEAD! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM! WHY KEEP ME LOCKED UP IN HERE WHEN IT CAUSES YOU SO MUCH SUFFERING? SEEK DEATH BY THE AKATSUKI AND RECEIVE THE PEACE YOU WANT SO BADLY!! DO IT CHILD AND SET ME FREE. LET ME LIVE AS I ONCE DID!!
Naruto backed away from the fox. What it said was true just not possible. "I will always want peace but is my burden to your prison. I realize that now. For whatever reason the Fourth Hokage thought I could do this. I'm told your chakra will one day mix with my own forever. I've just got to stay alive and see that that happens. Once your power is fully mine then maybe I can find some peace." He smiled up at the angered fox. "I'd like to say sorry but I wouldn't mean it." Naruto turned around and walked away from the massive gates. He lifted a hand in farewell. "I'll see you the next time I need you. Right now I gotta…I gotta go back." Sadness and hopelessness hit him. "I lost my Dad and I've got to find a way to live with that. Everyone showed up to save my ass but they know I tried to kill myself. I doubt they'll want much to do with me anymore. I disappointed them all." Naruto walked out into the stark hallway that was the passage way between his own mind and body and the fox's cell. Behind him the Nine-Tailed fox cursed him and howled nonstop. The chains shook and rattled but Naruto wasn't aware of any of it. "What about you Hinata? Have my selfish actions caused you to stop loving and believing in me?" He rubbed his chest thinking of that loss. "I wouldn't blame you sweetheart – you deserve to be happy and I don't think I'm capable of doing that – not now." There was a dim light ahead of him. Soon he would be back and all Naruto could imagine was a life of misery much worse than anything he'd experienced before.
He took the step that would take him home to see all the faces important to him and prayed for the strength he would need to say goodbye to them all. Never again could he let himself be close to them. In order to keep them safe he would deny his love for them and lead a solitary life. He would stay in the village because it was the only home he knew but he would become a true outcast this time. No longer would he seek friendship, family or love. Love what a hateful word.