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Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine. It's his creator's property. The only things that are mine are my own made up characters.
This chapter was beta read by Michael Truan, thanks a lot for your help.
READ and REVIEW don't for get to...and check the box that says recommended hahaha or is it to much to ask?, well any way enjoy the fic.
To S-wondered999: Where you at man?…
"Hello" speech
Hello Thoughts
Hello Kyuubi
Hello Kyuubi's thoughts
( Hello) Inner Sakura
---------- Scene change
Chapter 13: "EMERALD EYES"
BOOM. A rock was blasted into hundred of fragments, creating a large cloud of smoke that covered the surrounding area. As the dust cleared a figured formed…it was Naruto, he had destroyed the huge boulder with a single punch, his fist was shaking from the strength he was using to fist it…a small amount of chakra surrounding it.
Near a tree his two teammates looked at him with concerned and worry.
"Sakura-san, will Naruto-kun be alright?" Lee asked concerned for him as he had never seen Naruto in such a state.
"I don't know Lee-san…. he thinks it's his fault for what happened to Hinata…" Sakura said not taking her eyes away from Naruto.
Damn it…why did you do it…?,why did you have to protect me…?,why? If Id been stronger…damn it…why didn't you gave me you're chakra fox?… why…? I could have broken his jutsu and Hinata wouldn't…Naruto said in his mind, but was interrupted.
SILENCE…!. In an instant Naruto was standing in front of the kyuubis cage, it's eye's staring directly at Naruto with anger.
I don not cared for the girl… I did not offered you my aid so you can save small females, beside you could have easily defeated them if you had not lowered you're guard helping her….besides….she's just a common female…. You're special... you will be acknowledged thanks to me…you will be a worthy container for me…..The fox's voice echoed through his mind.
But…we could have help Hinata…and why did you said you wanted to see if my threats were true……Naruto asked the fox wondering because it has never doubted any of his threats and words.
No reason in particular…just words…that came to my mind in the moment…It said coldly to it, but even with such an obvious lie Naruto accepted his answered, he couldn't afforded to lose the fox's help in such a point, so close to finally be accepted by the village.
Don't forget that the people are starting to acknowledge you because you brought back the Uchiha child…but remember that it was thanks to me…you wouldn't have ever brought him back with out me…The fox said emphasizing that last part to Naruto.
Naruto knew he used a lot of the demons chakra in his fight against Sasuke…and his seal…so the fox had a point, its chakra has helped him in more than one fight in fact….Haku's fight, the forest of death…against Gaara…in all of this he has used the fox's power, and wondered if that extra boost of power is the reason he has won them all, and after yesterdays mission…he wondered more.
Lee and Sakura were watching Naruto as he stared to the ground but their attention toward Naruto was interrupted by a small voice.
"Hey!...pinky…you're Sakura right" A voice said getting an irritated reaction from Sakura.
"WHAT! how dare you call me pinky!!" Sakura turned with anger in her eyes and swinging her fist in the air, just to see no one.
"HUH?…there's no one there" She exclaimed wondering where the voice came from…but her thought were interrupted once again.
"Down here" The voice said getting her attention once again, she looked down…and in fact there was some thing there…it was none other than Pakkun, Kakashi's nin-dog.
"Ha…it's you, what do you want?" Sakura coldly said ignoring Pakkun and focusing again towards Naruto.
Lee on the other hand was interested in the dog and got close to it, got on push up position and stared straight into the dogs face, this made the dog extremely uncomfortable, making him drop a sweat and take a step backwards.
"Hey Sakura-san this dog can talk?" Lee asked just to get a quick punch over the head from her.
"Asks the boy who knows a talking turtle" She said to herself sighting.
"Well what do you want?….pakkun was it?" She said to the nin-dog.
"Hai, hai I just was sent by Kakashi-sama to inform you that he won't be coming today, so you have the day off…." He said to the two making them both jump up for different reasons.
"YAY! Day off!" Sakura screamed as she got up.
"WHAT?, but why?, how can Gai-sensei's rival be so irresponsible?" Lee said wile holding his head in disbelief.
"Well that's all" Pakkun said just before he vanished in a puff of smoke.
While Sakura and Lee were exchanging words regarding the missing sensei, Naruto had reached a cross point in his conversation with the fox.
Yes child you need my strength, a human can only reach such level before reaching there limit, but with me you have no limit you can be acknowledged as the most powerful man not of this puny village but of this world….The fox said to him a serious voice to Naruto…this caught Naruto's attention the fox was trying to take the glory, the reason of his victories.
Shut up!!…I was the one who won the fights, I was the one who did all the work, I gave every punch, kick, I'm the one who felt every fist and kunai….you only gave me a little help nothing I would have miss. Naruto answered the fox with all he had, he knew the fox helped him but only to such a point, it was him who did the rest.
NO…you never would have won…without me…just remember at what points of the fight did my power help you…let's see….ha yes… after the boy Haku had defeated the Uchiha…and in the forest after the snake defeated you…and against the sand demon Shukaku and his container Gaara when you reached your limit. If I hadn't gave you my power in those moments you would have died…and perhaps, me with you as well… The kyuubi said to Naruto smiling in his cage looking carefully at Naruto's actions.
Yeah, right, you only want to mess with me….I'll prove to you I'm the strong one of the two…Naruto said not to sure on how he would prove it.
"Hey! Naruto!" Naruto heard taking out of his deep thoughts.
"Hu?...Sakura-chan what is it?" Naruto asked her, then notice her huge smile…and behind her a fallen Lee with spiral eyes.
"While you where appreciating the ground, we got a message from Kakashi-sensei, he won't be coming to day so we got the day of…" She said waiting for Naruto to start jumping around and screaming yay…but got a different reaction from him.
"….Kakashi-sensei hasn't trained us since a while….he hasn't trained me since before the chunning exams…and what happened to Lee?" He said in a disappointed voice which caught Sakura's attention.
Naruto's disappointed we have a day off?…or maybe because he wanted to be trained by Kakashi-sensei…?. Sakura thought hard about Naruto's words…but only found one answered.
"Don't worry Naruto I'm sure kakashi-sensei will trains us tomorrow…o and Lee suggested to self train…he's nuts right…?, so how about we got get something to eat…" She said trying to lift Naruto's spirit, she knew he had suffer a few hardship these last 24 hours, his failing to protect Hinata, and know being ignored by kakashi were quite a hit to his spirit.
Kakashi-sensei won't train me…ero-sennin is…I don't know were the hell he is….wait I know who can train me while ero-sennin is away….have to find him first….I have to work with what I have. Naruto thought to himself getting excited.
"Lee is right Sakura-chan, we have to train!!" Naruto yelled while he turned and ran towards Lee, Sakura's head fell from defeat.
"Hey, Lee how about a fight!" Naruto suggested, he would get stronger and prove the fox and every one else that he was truly strong with out the fox and Lee the taijutsu specialist will be the proof.
"Very well Naruto-kun, I was waiting for this moment since the chuuning exam, I will defeat the strongest of my rivals…and with that I will make Gai-sensei proud" Lee said getting into battle stance showing fire in his eyes.
Lee and Naruto were prepared for the fight each one had taken battle stance and simply were waiting or one to make the first move, Sakura was watching and bored actually, because she has been waiting for the first move for a good five minutes now.
"Come on! Some one do something!" Sakura yelled making Naruto start the attack.
"HA!" Naruto yelled as he made a straight dash towards Lee, who was disappointed that was the exact attacked he use the first time they fought, as the last time Lee simply took a step forward and sent Naruto spinning on the ground.
"I was expecting more Naruto-kun" He said as he didn't even turned to see were Naruto had been send to after his move.
"Then you're smarter than you look fuzzy-brows" Naruto said getting Lee's attention as he turned Naruto had recovered from the counter already sending five shirukens toward Lee, he was just barely able to dodged them, if he didn't had his speed and reflexes he would have been hit easily.
As he dodge the attacks Naruto got closed and gave Lee a straight punch to his chin sending him back but not to the ground.
"Impressive Naruto-kun, you're much stronger just like I expected you to be…" Lee said has he got into his stance once again this time his eyes were cold and serious.
Lee ran toward Naruto but instead of attacking he started to circle Naruto, Lee's speed was amazing like always, even if he had lose a step or two according to him, he was delivering punches and kicks to Naruto from every direction, the green boy had a clear advantage against Naruto in speed and taijutsu, but Naruto held his own.
"KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU" He yelled forming ten clones around him, each clone jumped trying to find a way out of Lee's attack, and all but one of them was destroyed.
"What good does having a bunshin out side do?" Lee asked reducing the perimeter of his attack getting closer to Naruto.
"You'll see fuzzy brows" Naruto answered. As he said does words, Lee closed in, not giving Naruto any space to move anymore, Naruto quickly started to do a few seals but Lee attack started, releasing punches an kicks from every direction, Lee stopped and release a upper cup to Naruto's chin…..PUFF
"WHAT?!...that was the real Naruto-kun, I'm sure f it…"Lee said to himself…just to hear a laugh.
"KAWARIMI NO JUTSU, a basic jutsu Lee, I told you my bunshins would help me, it was fun seeing you're moves" He said as he attacked Lee who was still confuse from Naruto's technique.
"ARG!" Lee screamed as Naruto was able to hit Lee on his right side, but once again he didn't fall, he simply step back and remove his weight.
"Let's see how good you fare off now" Lee said while he stretched a bit.
Naruto simply smiled at hi statement, in an instant Lee made a quick dash toward Naruto banishing from his sigh.
Man for a forbidden technique he uses it way to much… Naruto muse to himself as he knew he only needed to dodge the first kick to stop the lotus.
Lee appeared in front of him, he was ready to dodge it, but was unable to move…what's going on?. Naruto thought.
What's this you flinch just after seeing an attack coming? The fox said mockingly but didn't get an answered, Naruto was hit by the attack sending himto the skies, quickly follow up by the Shadow leaf dance and a few words from Lee.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun but I must win…." Lee said while his bandages started to rap around Naruto.
BOOM…an explosion occurred as Naruto hit the ground, Lee a few yards from the crater, he was able to escape in the last second, but still was in bad shape after the OMOTE RENGE.
"NARUTO!" Sakura yelled as she saw Lee performed a forbidden jutsu on him, she started to run but stopped as a figure was standing with in the smoke.
"Naruto-kun?" Lee said in disbelief…he had received the full attack and he was able to stand.
Naruto released a burst of chakra clearing the dust, his chakra was red, and his eyes had a slight pupil, lucky for him he was a bit far so none of them notice the change.
See kid… its much easier to stand up when you use my power instead of struggling for you're self, go on face him only with taijutsus feel the difference and be convince once and for all…you need me to become stronger…The kyubi said in a malicious tone.
What are you doing I didn't ask or needed you're help….Naruto said to it.
Just do it…The fox said back…. Fine if it will shut you up.
While the fight rage on outside of Naruto, in the darkness of the corridor a pair of eye's looked through the bars, simply musing at what it had just done. Yes….accept all my power become depended on it……feel the power flow thru you're body The fox thought as a bar in front of him broke and turned to dust…after witnessing such a scene, it enjoyed even more the fight through Naruto's eyes.
"ARG!" Naruto yelled as he run towards Lee.
What!!!. Lee thought as Naruto approached him with a speed equal if not superior to his own with out his weights
Lee's took his stance and readies him self has well as he could. Naruto was right in front of him, Lee quickly through a punch toward him, but Naruto banish leaving Lee hit nothing but air, his speed had impress Lee making him drop his guard.
Lee quickly felt a punch to the side of his head, and flew back but Naruto quickly grabbed his arm pulling him toward him , releasing a other punch but letting him fall back this time…Naruto banish and appeared above Lee, Lee was incapable of countering he simple looked in aw as a heel kick from Naruto send him to the ground.
Naruto wasn't satisfied with the fight, he walked up to Lee and lifted him from his collar, and had a mischievous smile on his face, and he moved his fist back reading it for another blow.
"Naruto! Stop it please!" Sakura had ran up to Naruto, she had embrace Naruto, teary eyes, driving her teary face into the back of his neck…Naruto could feel her tears.
"Why are you acting this way, Naruto…this isn't like you…this isn't the Naruto I know…" She said to him with true concern and worry in her voice… it had a tone which was rarely directed toward him.
"Sakura-chan…." He said in a low voice as the kyubis chakra vanishes and his eye's turned once again into his normal cerulean eyes.
After her words Naruto released Lee and left him hit the ground…he looked towards the ground...not making a sound for a minute…he stayed there quiet…simple listening to Sakura's breathing and sound of her fighting back the tears…tears meant for him…tears of concerned, worry and even love…tears that he thought that would never be shed for him…he felt sorry for the way he acted…but happy for Sakura's action.
"Sorry….." He said in low voice.
"Hu?" Was all Sakura could master while trying to stop the tears.
"I'm sorry….I made you worry…I….I…" "It's okay Naruto…."Sakura said interrupting Naruto's words
"No…it's not okay…I..I enjoyed…doing this to Lee….I enjoyed hurting him…" Naruto said disgusted with himself. Sakura simply looked at him.
"I'm like Sasuke…...I hurt Lee…with out even doubting it…." Naruto added disappointed in what he did.
"No Naruto… you're not like Sasuke you care about you're friends you…care…about…me" She said to him, in a sincere voice, Naruto turned towards Sakura emerald and cerulean meet there they stayed lost in each others eyes, not capable of saying a word, lost in time in the moment, Naruto still being held by Sakura starts moving his lips like he was about to say something.
"Sakura-chan I…" "Sakura-san help…." Was heard interrupting Naruto's words, it was Lee they had forgotten about him.
"Lee-San" "Fuzzy brows" They both said as the poor boy laid on the ground.
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In the hospital a place which they visited quite frequently…but this was one of the few times Naruto visited it consciously, Sakura and Naruto waited for some one to answer they're questions. Finally a nurse gave them their attention.
"Excuse me…how is Lee-san" Sakura asked with Naruto behind her.
"Lee-kun is fine…he's just been injure a bit…most of his wounds will heal today…he can leave today at night, right now he's resting in his room you guys can visit him if you wish" The nurse said while she view some patient files.
As the walked towards the room Naruto was stopped by the nurse.
"Were you the one that hurt Lee-kun?" She asked with curiosity.
"Mm…hai" Naruto said calmly.
"Really?…a cutie like you?…hard to believe" She said just before she headed to a patients room leaving a blushing Naruto and an annoyed Sakura.
"Come on Casanova" She said as she grabbed Naruto's ear and dragged him toward Lee's room. "Itai, itai" Was all Naruto said while being dragged.
Sakura and Naruto finally arrived at Lee's room inside he was laying in his bed, depress Lee only stared at the roof.
"Oi Lee how are you feeling" Naruto said joyfully.
"Fine…Naruto-kun" Was all he said.
This caught their attention that wasn't the Lee they knew.
"Come on Lee-san, you can tell us how you feel" Sakura said to him giving him a small smile.
"Sakura-san…I'm fine I just couldn't…" He said but stopped cold.
"Come on fuzzy-brows where's that youthful spirit you and your sensei are always talking about?" He said trying to lift his spirit.
"That…I'm okay Naruto-kun honest…" He said to him giving him the thumbs up and a smile but there was no sparkle in his smile.
"Naruto….why don't you go see….Mm…Hinata so you can finally but you're worries to rest…" She said, not really liking who she send him to, but knew that was the only person he would go visit with out hesitating…and wanted to speak with Lee alone for a second.
"Mm…okay…I'll be back in a while" Naruto said just before he left, and went to see Hinata.
"Naruto's gone…now can you tell me what's bothering Lee?" Sakura asked him smiling, this made Lee blush lightly but sighted after a second.
"I…wasn't able to beat Naruto-kun…." Lee said sighting.
"That's…why?…but Lee…you're strong…you're just a few levels behind Naruto…if you learned something else besides Taijutsu you could probably even the odd" She said but suddenly remember the reason why he only used taijutsu.
"Is that so…." I know that Sakura-san…if I only could use Ninjutsu and Gentjutsu…it would be so much easier… Lee thought as he stared at the ceiling.
"Lee that's not the only reason right?" She asked him.
"Hai…I was going to use my new technique…but Naruto didn't even gave me a chance…I don't seem to grow any more…while every one else around me does…" He said
"But Lee you were almost killed by Gaara…and was told to stop being a Shinobi…but you recovered…that is something many cant do…that's something many have tried but failed...you have grown Lee…maybe…not at simple view but you have I can see it…you are and look much stronger that the day I saw you in the chunnin exam…" She said trying to motivate him.
But Sakura's word didn't seem to cheer him up…instead they seem to depress him further, Lee simply frowned a bit and turned his back to Sakura, Sakura simply got closer and place her hand on Lee's shoulder trying to find out a why he did that an what really bothered him.
What's wrong Lee-san…it's not for losing or not being able to show you're move…every time you lost you always kept training and bettering you're self…that can't be the reason…She thought extremely worried for her friend even if in the begging she only thought about him as a bother…she thought many of her friend were bothers when she first meet them…but now she started to acknowledge them as true friends, and trying to put behind her the obsessions she had and start a new…with every one.
"Sakura-san….""Yes Lee?" they simply said to each other a couple of times until Lee finally went forward.
"You no longer have a crush on Sasuke…you have moved on…" He simply said.
"Well...yes Lee-san…I have...moved on" Sakura said in a low voice confirming Lee, but every one had imagined that Lee would jump of joy after hearing Sakura say that, but instead he simply griped harder his sheet.
"So…would you go out on a date with me now?" He asked sitting up and facing her.
"Lee-san…I can't…I already...have some one…" She shyly said letting out a small blush
"You already have…Naruto-kun right?" He said getting a surprise reaction from Sakura.
"Lee-san…I…how do you know?" She asked dumb folded by his earlier words.
"It's clear…you have been closer to him lately…more than before…I was hoping it was because of Sasuke's absence but I cannot lie to myself anymore…you have looked at Naruto in a new light…one I wish you could se me in…" He said giving her a small smile.
"Lee-san I'm sorry but that's the way I feel…" Sakura said to him in a low voice.
"Tell me why Sakura-san…why him and not me…are my eyebrows to small" He said letting out a small laugh at the end.
"Lee-san…" " Sakura-san…even if Naruto is my new rival for you're heart I will not give up…I will keep fighting…I waited for my chance when you liked Sasuke…and I will keep waiting until I have a chance…even if my rival is Naruto…I cannot give up…" Lee said to her.
"I will not give up, and remember I will protect you until I die!" Lee said to Sakura giving her his good guy pose and this time his smile gave the traditional flash of light.
"Lee-san" Looks like you're back to your old self…is that a good thing?. Sakura thought to her self while she looked at Lee showing his youthful spirit.
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In the hallway, a confuse Naruto walked the hospitals hall.
Man…I should have ask Sakura-chan were Hinata-chan room is…well I guess I'll have to ask a nurse. Naruto muse to himself.
As he walked down the corridor he heard a familiar sound.
"RUN! AKAMARU!" a kid yelled to his dog as they dash out of a room and headed straight at Naruto.
"Hey Kiba" Naruto yelled waving hello, but got a different answered.
"Oi Naruto…now RUN!!" Kiba said as he pass and grabbed Naruto's arm making him run next to him.
"What are we running away from Kiba?!" Naruto ask as he made a dash through the hospital.
Kiba turned toward Naruto "Akamaru and me are being followed by and evil Medic-nin…" "BARK!"
"What do you mean Akamaru?, of course he's evil!" Kiba said to his fellow partner.
"Why is he evil Kiba?" Naruto asked wondering why a Konoha medic-nin could be evil
"He's trying to give me a SHOT!" He said emphasizing those last words.
"That's all…" Naruto said stopping his dash.
"What do you mean that's all…he's evil I don't need a shot…and shots don't do any good anyway it's just a way of torturing me in here!". "Bark, bark" Kiba stated but was interrupted by Akamaru.
"What do you mean you know what there for?" "Bark, bark, grrrrrr" Akamaru said answering Kiba's question
"To fight off an infection?" "Bark" They said.
"Yeah right you don't even know how shot's work…Akamaru" Kiba said to his dog but that wasn't the end.
"BARK, BARK, and BARK" "What?…hey don't work that way…if they work that way then…" "Grrr, Bark, Bark, Grrrr". This last comment of Akamaru's infuriated Kiba.
"Well…you're a dog HA….I win!" Kiba answered claming victory even if didn't appeared to be, it looked like he had been best by his four legged friend.
This discussion made Naruto's sweat drop, but quickly remember the reason he was around here.
"Hey Kiba do you know where Hinata's room is?" Naruto asked but his words made Kiba mad.
"What do you mean?, she's here?…what the hell happened to Hinata!" Kiba screamed at Naruto being backed up by a few barks from Akamaru.
"What? You didn't know?…Mm…we where on a mission and she got hurt….I'm sorry I couldn't protect her…" Naruto said lowering his head.
"She got hurt because of you?" Kiba said grabbing Naruto's collard, Naruto quickly slap his hands away.
"I couldn't do anything…." He yelled.
"You'll pay for not helping her" Kiba snarled just before he jumped Naruto.
"Ha!" Naruto yelled after being tackle by Kiba, Akamaru simply watched his master go berserk on Naruto, they weren't even fighting they wore juts punching randomly and choking each other.
"HA you bit me!, you bit me! Damn you Kiba!" Naruto yelled as he fought off Kiba.
"Ha here you are Kiba-kun" A nurse who just arrived and didn't care they were fighting said.
"Hey Onee-chan get this damn dog off me!" Naruto yelled at her.
"Come on Kiba-kun no rough playing inside the hospital…Shinji-sensei!, I found Kiba-kun!" The nurse yelled to apparently no one.
Out of no were two medic-nins appeared in front of Kiba and Naruto the first one had Gai's build, long black hair, his eyes were black as well, his face showed a gentle expression, yet showed a few wrinkles, the man was about in his forty. Behind him another medic, hi seemed much younger about his late 20, he had short black hair and clear browned eyes, he had a smile on his face and he was a bit taller than the other one, he had like all medic-nins his fore head protector on his medic uniformed and a name tag that read Koshi.
"You called?" Kenshi asked the nurse receiving a simple nod.
"Well it looks like we finally can give Kiba his shot" Ksoshi said while he was looking at Kiba fighting with Naruto, he oblivious to the fact that he had been surrounded by the evil medics.
"WHAT THE?" Kiba yelled as he was grabbed by Koshi and in a quick move was given the shot by Shinji
"OUCH! That hurt god damn it" Kiba complained.
"I'll take him to his room Shinji-sensei" Koshi replied taking under his arm a struggling Kiba.
"This isn't over Naruto!…you'll pay for not protecting Hinata!" Kiba yelled just before being dragged off "BARK!" was also heard by Akamaru.
Naruto was left on the ground insulting Kiba under his breath.
"Are you okay?" The medic said to him offering his hand to helping up.
"Yeah thanks doc" He said has he stood up.
"Hey doc…do you know were…Hyuuga Hinata's room is?" Naruto asked.
"Hyuuga….yes… I remember, follow me" He said heading for the room followed by Naruto.
Outside one of the room the medic stops.
"Here's young Hyuga's room" He happy said to Naruto.
"LET GO OFF ME!" Was heard coming out of the room.
"Not again…."Shinji said in a low voice as he entered the room.
"LET ME GO OUT!" Was heard again follow by the sound of a body hitting the floor.
Hinata?. Naruto thought as he entered the room but was surprise when inside there was in fact a Hyuuga just not the one he was looking for.
"NEJI!" He yelled as Neji kicked another medic to the floor, still trying to get up, luckily Shinji is well equipped for troublemaker….
"NEMURI"(sleep) He said just before tapping Neji's shoulder and making him drowsy.
"There…rest for now…" He said has he left the room follow by the other two medics that tasted the floor.
"Hey Neji…how are you feeling?" Naruto asked carefully.
"Naruto…what are you doing here?" Neji calmly asked.
"Do you know were Hinata's room is…." But shut up after seeing Neji trying to get up.
"Hinata-sama is here?…was she injured?" Neji asked him.
"Yeah…she got hurt on a mission we had yesterday…" Naruto answered.
"Damn it…she shouldn't go on a mission where the only one who can help her, is…a dead last like ..You" He said to Naruto making him mad.
"DEAD LAST!, a dead last that can kick you're ass you LOSER!" Naruto yelled at him but then noticed that Neji had fallen asleep.
"Baka…." He said under his breath as he left the room in search for Hinata once more.
Naruto once again was walking the corridors, and as he passes a room heard a laud screech.
"SHIKAMARU!, why did you bring him that!" Naruto heard and decided to go in, inside he saw Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji who was awake eating joyfully some potato chips, which Shikamaru had given him, making Ino scream.
Wow…Chouji looks a lot better, he almost looks 100, well let's see…better not tell them about Hinata every one has screamed at me. Naruto thought as he entered the room.
"Hey! Naruto!" Ino screamed Shikamaru and Chouji simply waved at him.
"Hey guys how have you been?" Naruto said back to them.
"Naruto, back me up…doesn't Chouji look a lot better now that he lost a few pound than before…and Shikamaru should stop bring him snacks" Ino said to him while she pointed at Shikamaru who was yawning next to Chouji's bed.
"But I like it when Shikamaru brings me snacks and beside I kneed to be…well eaten for me to use my family jutsus" Chouji said back to Ino.
"But you don't have to be that well eaten right?" Ino asked.
"Well…no but…" "But what? Chuoji?" Ino said back
"I like the chips…" He simply said making Ino's sweat drop.
"Fine then" Ino said as she left in defeat.
"She does it for your own good….you know" Shikamaru said to him in a bored tone.
"I know…I know…CHOMP" Chouji said while eating his chips.
"So Naruto what brings you here?" Shikamaru asks getting a nod of support from Chouji.
"Well I just her to see my friend that's all, cant I…?" He said nervously.
"Wow, Naruto's my friend…every day I have more friends…" Choiji said getting a yawn from Shikamaru.
Naruto simply got close to Chouji. "So how are you feeling Chouji?"
"A lot better Naruto…I'm sure I can leave in a few days…I've already been here for more than a week and man I'm bored…well that is when Ino and Shikamaru aren't here" He said to Naruto.
"That's great Chouji" Naruto said giving him a foxy grin.
"But I have to go…I still have to see some one else" He added.
"Really who?" Shikamaru said in a grumpy tone.
"Yeah who?, Kiba or Neji?" Chouji added.
"Well none of them I already saw them today" Naruto said to them getting Shikamaru to slightly raise one of his eye brows.
"Hinata then…." Shikamaru said calmly.
"Hinata?…Ho!…" Chouji added.
"What how do you know Hinata is here?" Naruto asked.
"I saw her name on the room chart in the front desk… So she's the obvious choice if you already saw every one else" Shikamaru said in his usual tone.
"Mm…okay so where's her room then?" Naruto asked.
"She's in the room two doors down" Shikamaru said in his classical bore tone.
"Thanks Shikamaru, see yah later guys" Naruto said to them as he left the room.
"It was nice of Naruto to have visited me…" Chouji said getting no reaction from Shikamaru.
"Hey Shikamaru want to play Shogi?" Chouji asked him.
"Okay…" Shikamaru answered back.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- -- -
Alone resting in a simple hospital bed Hinata laid, her eye's closed, breathing slowly and deeply. Next to her a base with a few flowers and behind them window that let in a gentle breeze.
The door slowly opened behind it strains of spiky hair appeared, then a pair or blue eyes.
Is this it?…man I hope it is, I've been in every ones room except Hinata-chan's. Naruto thought looking inside and spotting the reason for his worries and remorse.
"Hinata-chan?…" He said while he got closer to the bed. She's sleeping. He thought has he grabbed a chair that was close by and sat next to her bed.
"Hinata-chan…I'm sorry I couldn't protect you…I'm sorry you had to protect me, I'm sorry…." Naruto said letting out tears and grabbing Hinata's hand tightly.
There Naruto stayed next to Hinata…not letting go of her hand for a second, time flew slowly in Naruto's mind every second appeared as hours, the sight of a hurt friend brought guilt to his mind and heart.
FLASH BACK
"Don't worry Hinata-chan you'll be okay…Gamakichi will be here soon with Kakashi-sensei and you'll be alright" A teary eyed Naruto cried to Hinata but it appeared that Hinata wasn't listening she only was whispering something to him , he only was able to make out a few words. "For……you…" Was what he was able to make out of her words.
Hinata-chan what are you talking about?…god, she's delirious…I wish I knew some medical jutsus…she's going to die…there's nothing I can do… Naruto thought desperately holding a now unconscious Hinata.
"NARUTO!" Was heard interrupting his thoughts, it was Sakura accompanied by Shino, Ten-Ten, Lee, Kakashi and Gamakichi leading them.
"HEY KAKASHI-SENSEI HURRY UP HINATA'S HURT!" He screamed at his sensei getting his attention quickly speeding up leaving them behind and getting next to Naruto and Hinata quickly.
"She's losing a lot of blood…" Kakashi said analyzing his options
"Hey bro…I brought them all…call me when you need me okay…" Gamakichi said has he vanish in a puff of smoke.
"Naruto what happened are you okay?" Sakura asked him.
"Hinata…" Shino said with worry in his voice, the others simply stayed quiet simply looking and taking in the situation.
Should I do it?…I'm not very good at it…but it looks like I have no choice if I don't Hinata could die…and I'll have to face the hyuuga….family…Kakashi thought more worried for what happened to him in hand of the hyuuga's than Hinata herself.
"NARUTO move aside" Kakashi said has he started to do some hand seal, which after his hands started to glow in green chakra.
That's a healing jutsu. Sakura and Ten-Ten thought at the same time.
"Sakura, Lee, Shino, Ten-Ten, go to the village get the payment for the mission our things and prepare everything, we're leaving as soon I can stabilize Hinata…" He order not taking is eyes or concentration from Hinata.
"Hai" every one said leaving a full speed except one.
"Naruto you're covered in blood are you okay?" Sakura asked him slowly.
"Ha yes I'm fine Sakura-chan…most of it isn't mine" He said trying to convince her but if she had witness what happened moments ago she would have doubted it, even as they spoke Naruto was healing, it looked like the kyubi was finally compliant.
"SAKURA! What did I told you?" Kakashi yelled at her sweat already covering his face.
"Hai kakashi-sensei Sakura said leaving as she said those words.
Only Naruto and Kakashi remained Naruto was speechless at the sight, it looked like Hinata had stabilize, and kakashi gasped from relief and wipes the sweat from his fore head with his arm.
"I think she's okay for now….good thing a couple of the 1000 jutsus I copied were healing…right Naruto?" He said smiling under his mask but still worried, even copied he didn't had the control or experience to properly use those jutsus.
"Hai…" Was all he said to him.
"I'm sorry it took us so long to get here…when we heard the explosion we came as fast as we could…you two got pretty far away from the village…but I didn't expected bandits to be this strong…." Kakashi expressed
"There weren't only bandits!" Naruto exclaimed cutting kakashi off.
Kakashi raise his eye brow curios about his statement which made him examine the surroundings more carefully…around him many bandits laid ko'ed, a pile of ashes…ashes?, Naruto doesn't know any katon attacks…and the hyuugas don't use any either…then he looked at the dead leader…five shiruken's to the neck…that's not Naruto's style…he tries not to kill his opponents….. "What do you mean Naruto?". He asked just to confirmed his theories.
"We were fighting of the bandits easily, they were no problem…but they had a missing-nin with them…" Missing-nin…Kakashi thought while Naruto talked.
"He was from the leaf…maybe you remember him…it was Mizuki…but…Hinata beat him…after that a masked shinobi appeared…and….well he took care of what was left of him…" Naruto said to Kakashi.
I remember reading a report about him vanishing from the jail…but never imagined he could be here… when he saw Naruto he must have wanted revenge…but if Hinata beat him…strange….all this doesn't add up, I he was here why didn't he helped them out…Kakashi's thought were interrupted.
COUGH, COUGH. Hinata started to cough up blood.
"Damn it!.." "Hinata-chan" They both express with worry.
"She hasn't fully stabilize!" Kakashi said as he picked up Hinata.
"I have to take her to Konoha myself…go with the others and tell them…" Has he finished his words a wind blew there way carrying leafs and forming a small tornado around Kakashi when the leafs dissipated there was no one.
A teleporting jutsu…..Was all Naruto thought has he was left alone in the clearing looking at the sky.
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END FLASHBACK
Naruto clench Hinata's hand, forcing himself not to shed a tear.
I'm sorry Hinata I couldn't help you… I couldn't help you during or after the fight I need to be stronger…if Kakashi-sensei wasn't there you would have…
Suddenly the door opened…Naruto quickly turned toward it awaiting who ever it was who was entering.
Pink hair and green eyes where what Naruto quickly saw. "Naruto are you in here?" he heard from her as she let her self in.
Naruto smiled at her"Hai Sakura-chan…"
"Are you still worry for Hinata? Naruto" She asked
Naruto looked at her."Yeah…."
"She's okay…I just asked a doctor who was outside…" Sakura said trying to calm him
"Really Sakura-chan?" Naruto quickly asked showing sighs of relief.
"Yeah, she lost a lot of blood and is very exhausted but that's all, it looks like the blade didn't hit anything critical" She said but stopped as she remembered something from the mission.
"How about you Naruto?…you had a lot of blood on you when we found you" She asked curios for the boy who didn't show any signs if fatigue or wounds.
"I'm okay…honest Sakura-chan…" He said giving her a small smile.
"Come on Naruto lets go…we have to let Hinata rest…" Sakura said pulling on Naruto's arm.
"Okay…" He answered getting up from his chair, Sakura left followed by Naruto but stopped right in front of the door.
"Bye Hinata-chan" He whispered as he closed the door.
"Naruto…kun…I... love…you" Hinata whispered in her sleep at Naruto's voice.
- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - --
In a room deep underground guarded by six ANBU a raven hair boy looked at the ceiling wondering his fate.
I have been here for days have they forgotten about me…or that's what there trying to do, put my here until every one forgets about me… He thought simply looking at his arms still restrain to the bed.
They won't even release my hand…afraid I'd try to escape from here…He though once again as he gave a tug at his restrains.
The door opened and from it a gray hair jounin arrived follow by two ANBU.
"You two can leave…" He ordered.
The ANBU flinched "But sir…we were order to"
"…Leave… I just order it" He said to the ANBU who reluctantly agreed.
"Ohayo Sasuke!" He said, like if nothing ever happened.
"Kakashi…why are you here? Checking if I have escaped again…" He said to Kakashi sarcastically.
"Ho? What happened to my sensei…and no I don't think you will escape again…" Kakashi said smiling under his mask and pulling a chair close to the bed.
What?, why is he so calm? "That's what you say…I can go to Orochimaru's village as soon as I get a chance…" He said sarcastically.
They stayed quiet each looking at the other, one with mistrust and the other with hidden concerned. Silence nothing but silence among them not one even moving a muscle simply looking at each other.
"You won't be going to Orochimaru's…either be by your own will or forced by every shinobi in this village." He said coldly.
"But I'm sure you don't want to leave or wont want to after you here all the information regarding Orochimaru and you" He added taking out a small black book. "Let's see were to begin".
"What information that he wanted to take my body…I already heard that and I don't care if that will give me power!" He yelled at Kakashi getting no reaction.
"Yeah, yeah I already heard that from you to as well…but that's not all…Orochimaru wasn't going to give you power that was all just bait…bait that he gives to all he places the seal upon…do you know how the seal works?" He asked to a wide eye Sasuke.
"Yes…it gives me more power" He stated getting only Kakashi to close his eye in disappointment.
"Not really…it only draws forcefully all of you're chakra…all of it uncontrollably it molds it constantly…the source of the curse seal is…your own chakra…it gives you no more than you're own limit…that's why I warned you that if you use it would stop you're growth…molding and releasing chakra constantly is a great advantage in battle, it increases the power of you're attacks willingly or not, but if use constantly you will become dependant…. and using it fight after fight will prove that you have not grown or develop you techniques…" Kakashi said to a shocked Sasuke who hid his shock with a simple "Hump…"
All the power the seal gave me…was my own…it drew all of my power…all of my chakra…mine...my…. that can't be, then why did level 2 changed me…. He thought wondering if it was true.
"That's not true…it gave me more power…hats why when I got level 2… I…" "Changed…" Kakashi cut him off.
Kakashi flips the pages of the book he took out. "HA yes… we got reports from a team lead by Shizune and the members of Shikamaru's team…It appears that it only speeds up the charkas extraction rate and it also perfect the molding not wasting any of it when converted from stamina to chakra…on the transforming I believe is just an effect to make you and you're opponents believe you're stronger…" He said has he read his book.
"It's a lie…He would have given me true power!" SLAP Kakashi has hit him with the back of his hand.
"True power is not given is earned…If you truly call you're self an Uchiha you should have known that…" This only cause glares from Sasuke.
"…It's true an you know it to well…You have seen Naruto training, you're brother training and you have seen you're father train…none of them have use short cut's in their life….If you are you're father son act like it…". He said to Sasuke but again only glares from the young Uchiha.
"Well that's all I have to say to you today…well one last thing…if the seal gives so much power…why Orochimaru didn't use it in his fight against Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama…a fight which he lost…" He said just before he threw a key that hit one of Sasuke's restrains and opened it.
"Think about it Sasuke…" He said just before he left the room.
You maybe right about a few things…Kakashi-sensei…but you're lying about Naruto…he has a short cut…I have seen it I just need to know what it is… Sasuke thought has he freed him self completely.
Outside the room Kakashi stood in front of the door putting away the black book he had used.
"Keep on eye on him…." Kakashi said to the ANBU after which he took out a different book, an orange one and walked away but got the ANBU interested.
"Was that Icha Icha Paradise vol. 12?" One asked.
"Yeah I think it was…I wonder were he got it, it isn't suppose to be out until next spring" Another said back.
"Yea it is…but I guess that's one of the benefits of knowing Jiraiya-sama personally" Another said, there they stayed talking forgetting they were suppose to tighten security.
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Out side of the hospital the sun shine bright after all that problems it still was early barely midday, so the town was at its peak full of life, energy and joy, so much that it was contagious.
"HIAAAAAAAA! What ha great day" Sakura screamed at the sky stretching herself and taking in the sunlight.
"Day's like this filled you with energy don't they Naruto?" Sakura cheerfully asked the blond boy who got a weird sensation from her tone of voice.
Naruto raised one of his eye brows got close to Sakura and put his hand on her fore head.
"Are you feeling okay Sakura-chan…did you caught something in the hospital?" He asked a little concerned.
SLAM Sakura' fist met Naruto's head. "BAKA I was just expressing my self…" She said crossing her arms in front of a fallen Naruto, such action caught everyone attention.
"Ohayo, Sakura, Naruto!" A man said to them.
"Kakashi-sensei…what are you doing here…and why didn't we have training today?" Sakura asked
"A mission is the answered for you're questions Sakura…" He said smiling under his masked.
"And why is Naruto on the ground…?" He added.
"He was being Naruto" She answered. "Ha, OK then." Kakashi added has he started to walk away but stopped.
"Sakura…today is the last day of the week right?" Kakashi asked the kunoichi.
"Hai, Kakashi-sensei" She answered wondering for the reason of such a question.
"Ok…then you're one week vacation starts tomorrow…so while you guys have the day of I'll be on mission" He said in a calm tone.
"WHAT?!, really Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto who had miraculous recovered asked.
"HU?, you recovered already Naruto?…well…but yeah I have to go on mission my money is running out and these books aren't free you know…" Kakashi said waving his book in front of them getting their usual reactions.
"Kakashi-sensei how can you read that thing in public!" Sakura exclaim to no avail.
"Why not?" He answered getting Sakura to sigh from defeat.
"Well guys you have the week off, tell Lee and do what ever you want, ok" He said has he walked away.
"Yay! week off…we have the week off" Naruto screamed out of pure joy.
"Yeah, yeah come on lets go get something to eat" Sakura said pulling on Naruto's arm.
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A girl was walking down the street, throwing up and catching a small ladybug shaped wallet. It was a happy eyed Ten-Ten who walked the streets accompanied by the owner of the wallet Shino.
"Man good thing we caught those 5 weirdoes and got the extra money…right Shino?" Ten-Ten happily said to him.
"We?" He added.
"Yeah WE, if I hadn't weaken them you would have never caught them…besides we're a team now so my money is my money and you're money is mine as well" She said with an evil but cute smile at Shino who only adjusted his glasses.
"Is that so…" He simply stated.
"Come on let's go get something to eat…and after that my weapons need to be sharpened and maybe some new clothes" She said to Shino who didn't answered but only thought something all men think when in this situation.
Were going shopping for clothes…this is going to be a long and troublesome…day…
But luckily for Shino something or better said someone caught Ten-Ten attention changing the days to do list.
Ho! That's Naruto and Sakura...Hinata's hurt and she thinks she has a clear path to Naruto's affection…damn why didn't I think of it…I can't let her get the upper hand on me…I guess I'll have to join them… Ten-Ten thought with an evil smile a pure evil smile this time, Shino notice it and saw were she was looking and one thought came to his mind.
Crap…I would have prefer to go shopping for clothes.
"Come on Shino! Hurry up!" She said pulling on his arm so they would catch up to Sakura and Naruto.
"So what should we eat Naruto?" Sakura asked him. Naruto raised his eyebrow it was pretty odd that Sakura would want to eat with him, but he would never lose the opportunity to eat with a friend
"How about ramen Sakura-chan…?" Naruto asked her. Sakura simply looked at the boy with a face of disbelief, every time food would come up it would be ramen for Naruto, but this didn't surprise her, she had come to know Naruto…more than most.
Baka…even with a pretty girl you think about eating ramen…but that's Naruto all the way… She thought nodding at Naruto request, which after Naruto grabbed her wrist and ran toward Ichiraku's.
In Icharuku's the old man and his daughter were preparing a few for there customers when they heard.
"Hey Oyabiin!, Oneechan!" Which made them turned toward there best customer.
"Hello Naruto" "Good morning Naruto-kun" they answered respectably as the boy sat down but unlike every other day, today he was accompanied but not by Iruka but by a cute girl
"Hey Naruto who's the cute girl?" The old man asked.
"Is she you're girl friend?" He quickly added before he could answered. But only got Naruto to cross his arms and stick out his lower lip.
"What are you taking about pops…you better be careful with what you say or well go some where else" Ha said getting a laugh from the old man. "Very well Naruto what it will be?"
While they were talking Sakura was simply smiling trying to hide her disappointment from Naruto statement, but her smile didn't fool the old man's daughter Ayame.
She got close to her and signaled her to get closer then whispered in her ear.
"Disappointed are we?" She said before giggling a bit and causing Sakura to have a blush that would rival Hinata's.
"Hey Sakura-chan what do would you like?…Why is she blushing maybe she did caught something in the hospital…well Sakura-chan?" He asked her looking at her.
"Right…I would like medium chicken ramen please" She said to the old man while she looked at a menu she picked up.
"I'll have a large miso" Naruto said as he got up and search in his jacket.
"And I have coupon for a 2x1 when you buy any large ramen!" He sated all proud of himself this cause Sakura sweat to drop and let out a small smile but a bit embarrass for Naruto's out burst.
The old man simply took the coupon and started to prepare the ramen, while that was happening in the ramen stand a few yards from it storms were brewing.
"Look Shino there on a date!" Ten-Ten exclaim as she peek from behind a bush, Shino who had been dragged into this was beside her with a hat made out of leafs that was force upon him by Ten-Ten.
"Why do I have to wear this?" He coldly asked.
"Because its camouflage duh!" She answered quickly.
"Now think of a way we can 'invite' ourselves to the date" She told Shino who was starting to feel uneasy helping Ten-Ten when he knows how Hinata feels about the blond gennin.
"I don't think Hinata would like me helping you…." He coldly said to Ten-Ten.
"What?…we're a team, she wouldn't mind. Besides if we don't stop Sakura then we all lose!" She exclaimed with a smile on her face giving Shino no other choice.
"Mm…Very well…" Was all he answered.
"Come on then" She said as she started to walk toward the ramen behind her a reluctant Shino followed.
"Hey Naruto this ramen is pretty good" Sakura expressed toward Naruto.
"Good? This is the best" Naruto added just before he started to eat his own.
Suddenly interrupting there food .
"Hey! Naruto-kun!" A girl screamed as she hugged Naruto from the back causing him a little discomfort.
"What? Ten-Ten! What are you doing here" Sakura asked as Naruto was hitting his chest trying to push down the Ramen.
"We saw you guys eating so we decided to joined you" Ten-Ten sated letting go of a now purple Naruto and revealing Shino a few steps behind her, Shino at the sight of them talking and ignoring and obviously choking Naruto walked up to him.
"Naruto…this will only hurt for a second…" He said as he grabbed Naruto and preformed the Heimlich the girls were just shocked, there little talk blinded them from a suffering Naruto.
"Haaaaaaaaaaa! Thanks Shino" Naruto said as he took deep breaths recovering from the near death experience.
"We're sorry Naruto, we thought you were just enjoying you're food" Sakura said.
"Ha its okay…" He said as he started to eat once again, getting every one to sweat drop.
"Hey Naruto what's good here?" Ten-Ten asked getting very close to Naruto, this didn't go unnoticed by a pink hair girl.
Dam it I thought she was only playing around after the fight…now I don't only have Hinata but also her…what the hell are all the girls coming out of the woods…just my luck only Ino is left…(What the hell!!!!!!) Sakura thought cursing her luck with men.
Why is it every guy I like has a group of Fan girls?…She thought shooting glares at Ten-Ten.
"Ho yeah Ten-Ten…miso is great, it's one of my favorites…but chicken had its charm…but we can forget about beef ramen…there all good so pick any…" He finishes getting a small smile from her.
Ten-Ten was overjoyed she had Naruto attention but that wouldn't last. "Hey Naruto this is great I should have accepted one of you're offers to eat here" Sakura said to him staring into his blues eyes.
"Really Sakura-chan?" "Yep…yum" She added as she had another bite.
"Then how about we eat here tomorrow too…Sakura-chan" He said waiting for her answered. Now Sakura was happy with the attention she had gotten but again the speech shifted.
"Naruto-kun how did you find Tsunade-sama?" Ten-Ten asked not knowing what else to ask, after which Naruto's eyes lighted up he loved telling his feats and adventures…well mostly bragging but still he loved it.
There they stayed, Naruto's attention shifting from one to another, but Naruto happy for the attention, he ate and talked to his hearts desire, while the girls had finish eating and simply listen happily each one trying to get the upper hand but to no avail, while Shino simple keep eating, delighted for it was his first time eating Ramen.
"Hey Oyabin un last large pork please" Naruto yelled and almost as soon as he ordered it the old man made it, like he had predicted the order.
"Here Naruto…" Ayame said has she gave Naruto his fresh Ramen. Which he quickly received with a quick slurp getting some on his face.
"Tisk, Tisk, You have ramen all over you're face Naruto-kun…let me clean it…" Ten-Ten exclaimed as she got a napkin and started to clean his face, which cause Naruto to blush from such and action.
"Ten-chan you don't have to" He said but did nothing to stop it.
"But I want to" She added getting a brighter blush in Naruto's cheeks.
This action was seen clearly by Sakura and wasn't going to let her get her way, she went for a napkin in front of her. THUMP a chop stick drove it self into the napkin nail it to the counter, she quickly looked at Ten-Ten who was simply smiling at Sakura.
That bitch how dare she throw a chop stick in a treating way at me….I'll teach her a thing or two. Sakura thought.
"Hey Naruto" She yelled to get the boys attention and succeeded the boy simply turned.
"Here Naruto" She said as she tried to feed Naruto some ramen, but got a different reaction.
"Sakura-chan…are you sure, sure you're not sick…" He said worried for Sakura's attitude.
"Shut up and eat" She said to him and got him to start eating.
Man Sakura-chan has been acting weird…but I don't mind this is nice…just like when I was tied to that tree trunk…tha was the only thing good about it…being feed by Sakura…now that I think about it Ten-chan and Sakura-chan had been acting really nice…even when they scream at me… Naruto thought as he happily ate his hand feed ramen.
Ten-Ten watched as she was being left behind by Sakura. Naruto opened his mouth wide and was about to be feed when a ramen ball flew by Sakura's chop sticks and went into Naruto's mouth causing him to choke. "Gulp…Chocking…Gulp" Naruto mumble as he choked down the ramen.
"Sakura-chan what was the big idea" He wined.
"Sakura you really have to learned how to be more gentler…let me show you" Ten-Ten Said as she offered some food to Naruto.
Ten-Ten wants to feed me?…well I'm not going to say no…they have been acting weird, but weir can be good. Naruto thought has he started to eat, around him the people were amused, Ayame was adoring the scene in her eyes it was the cutes thing she had ever seen.
Kawaii…if he only wasn't so dense it would be perfect but to who…the pink hair girl and Naruto make a kawaii couple…Ayame thought as she stared at them from across the counter.
HOHO Looks like the boy is finally getting the attention he deserves…he's come a long way from the boy who begged me to sell him a small bowl of ramen so many years ago…. The old man thought as he felt nostalgic about the old days and proud for what the boy had become or was becoming.
This ramen is great… Shino thought in his own little world.
"What do you think you're doing Ten-Ten…"Sakura exclaimed with rage.
"I'm feeding Naruto-kun…got a problem?" she answered.
"Yes I do…I have a big one…" She added.
"Want to do something about it Sakura" Ten-Ten said.
Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Yes I do…"
"Then lets go outside…" Ten-Ten finished stood up and walked up followed by Sakura but just as she was about to go out she stopped at the door.
"Naruto…about you're offer…it's a date…" Sakura said then left.
Naruto, Shino, Ayame and the old man stayed baffled by the girl's sudden way of acting, but broken by a stupid question.
"What's there problem?" Naruto asked.
"I think they like you…" Shino coldly said not resisting anymore the blond's stupidity.
"What?…you're talking none sense Shino…" Naruto said letting out a nervous laugh.
"Don't say that Naruto…I think tall, dark and quiet here I right" Ayame added getting a blush from the boy.
Sakura-chan…likes me….Ten-Chan likes… me…to…nah that can't be can it?… "Ha young love" The old man said interrupting Naruto's thought's. Leaving Naruto looking at the door his eyes wide open, blushing and finally releasing his foxy grin for a second.
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Outside of the ramen the girls walked a good distance so they would not be seen or bothered by any one, the perfect place was indeed a classic, the park, there the girls looked eye to eye and finally could talking freely.
"Ten-Ten, I would never have imagined you liked Naruto" Sakura said sarcastically.
"Same here Sakura…I thought you still liked Sasuke" Ten-Ten said even if she already knew, shewas just trying to play with her mind and get the upper hand.
"That's not any of you're business…beside weren't you and Neji a thing" Sakurta smirked.
Damn that Ino she has a big mouth, way to big for her own good… "Nope…we were never a thing even if I wanted at one time…" Ten-Ten said.
"Really what made you change you're mind…he looks like a better boyfriend that Naruto…" Sakura said.
"That ice king…I got tired of his attitude even after I helped him every way i could, he still was the same…that's why I started to like Naruto he's more open, expresses him self… I would have imagined Neji is the same as Sasuke…so didn't you got tired he never really acknowledged you after so much" Ten-Ten said with a small tone of nostalgia in her voice.
"Something like that…" Sakura answered.
"I'm sorry Sakura but I cant let a weakling like you beat me….not in a fight or in life so how about a little spar…" Ten-Ten said taking out a few Kunais.
"Don't worry, after you lose you'll still have Lee with you…" Ten-Ten smirked, which caused Sakura to give her a death glare and drew a Kunai.
The girls dash at each other.
"DYNAMIC ENTRY!" Was hear causing and explosion between the girls causing them to stop.
"TEN-TEN I AM DISAPOINTED IN YOU" A voice said that came from the smoke. A sudden PING was heard followed by a flash. Both the girls sweat dropped.
This can't be good…were going to hear a sermon… Ten-Ten thought.
That's Lee's teacher…what's he doing here…Sakura thought.
"TEN-TEN, SAKURA I BELIEVE YOU HAVE LEFT YOU'RE YOUTHFULL SPIRIT OVER WHELM YOU'RE JUDGMENT…TEN-TEN IS WHAT MY EARS HEARD CORRECT?" Gai asked about the conversation he accidentally heard.
Gai-sensei was eavesdropping again… Ten-Ten thought.
Does he have to yelled so much…Sakura thought.
"Yes…Gai-sensei…" Ten-Ten shyly said.
"GHOSH…SUCH FATE HAVE THE SPRING OF LIFE BROUGHT UPON SMALL TEN-TEN HO WHY!!!…FIRST THE PAIN OF BEING FORGOTEN BY THE FIRST LOVE AND NOW ANOTHER FIERY SPIRIT HAS OPOSSED THE ONE NEW LOVE THAT THOU HAS FOUND" Gai said as he wiped his river of tears on his sleeve, getting a confuse look from Sakura and uninterrupted attention from Ten-Ten who had learned to translate his metaphor.
"Youth is sweet and sour and sometimes strict girls" He said in a low voice holding his chin as he waited for there reaction
"One of you will tastes the sweetness of the sweat and another the sourness of the sour of life…" He said taking his good guy pose.
"What the hell are you talking about" Sakura screamed.
"Ten-Ten…please…"He said to her in a calm voice
"Hai Gai-sensei…He said that one of us will win…but that is up to Naruto…and we can't let our rivalry cloud our judgment…" She calmly explained
"GOSH! I'M PROUD OF YOU TEN-TEN….REMEMBER MY WORDS... DYNAMIC EXIT!" Gai yelled as ha huge explosion occurred after it there was no sigh of him.
"Gai-sensei might not be the handsomest or coolest ninja but when his right his right…" Ten-Ten admitted as she put away her weapons and started to walk away.
"Perhaps he's right…but…I will not lose…" Sakura said has her emerald eyes stared coldly at Ten-Ten who walked towards her house.
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Night had come to Konoha a strange day had come to an end, Naruto's view on his friends had changed dramatically but he was still a little un sure on that…but it made a little sense after he started to think about it…but Ten-Ten was one thing…Sakura an other.
Ten-Ten likes me?…that would explain why she had been so nice with me even thou we don't know each other so well…But do I like Ten-Ten…I think she is cute…nice...and really fun to hang out with...but Sakura is so cute to…I have to be 100 sure they like me…I don't know…Man my head hurts a lot…. Naruto though as he laid in his bed watching the ceiling, a dilemma he never expected had come and he was at a cross road.
What's wrong kid didn't you wanted the pink female's attention…The fox expressed in a mocking tone.
Well yeah…but…She like's Sasuke…remember when I brought Tsunade…and when I brought Sasuke back…Naruto stated a little depress from the memories he had of those moments
So…what…a woman's heart can be a fickle thing…it can feel something one day and feel the opposing the very next second…but which female do you want to be you're mate the pink one or the short hair one…Was the fox's answerer to Naruto's statement.
Shut up don't mess with me right now my head hurts…Naruto said while holding his head tightly.
Kyahaha one of you're long life dreams had become true…you wanted a chance to get the pink hair one…but you had accepted she would never be yours, so it's hard to accept it now…The fox said mockingly, making fun of Naruto's situation.
You think you're so smart fox…then what about Ten-Ten…what's your opinion there…Naruto asked trying to shut up the fox.
That was a surprise for me as well…I never expected that female to be so expressive…yet if you choose her you would have a clean slate no bad memories with her…but also you don't have the lingering feeling…choose carefully… Honestly answered.
Who would you choose?. He asked curios. I would have fun with both… who said you have to pick only one….Kyahahahaha…
Ha shut up you dumb fox…what do you know about girls…He spat out after which he sighted from the tension he felt and the fox words didn't help.
He was hoping Shino's words were just a prank…even if it were unlikely because it was Shino, because if he was right he would have to choose from two girls he considered his true friends…and Sakura's words before he left also made him uneasy, he had asked her on a date and she had accepted…this made him happy but also sad for if what Shino said was true he might lose a friend a special person in his life.
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While Naruto tried to fall a sleep a very important meeting was about to begin in the Hokage's office a meeting that will formed the future of Konoha.
"Hokage-Sama…he is here" Aoba the dark glasses wearing jouning said.
"Thank you, let him in…." She said to him.
A tall figure with clothe wordy of a kabuki play walked in, spike white hair, a wrinkle here and there a two red stripes that follow down his eyes.
"Tsunade!" He said.
"Be quiet Jiraiya I'm sober…and why did you send a letter you were coming…that's a mayor security risk…" She said to him showing him she was displease with his action.
"I told you so you could get every one here" He said to her looking around, but to no avail there was no one in sight.
"They have jobs to do…I only was able to get a couple…" At her words two men walked in, one reading and orange book the other showing his disgust for such action.
"Kakashi…how can you…read such a disgusting thing?" A green jump suit wearing man said.
"Did you said something Gai?" Kakashi asked back.
"No…!" Damn you Kakashi...and you're hip attitude as well... Gai thought on defeat.
"Gentle men please…" Tsunade said.
The men exchanged welcomes with Jiraiya, One complimenting him for his books the other one begging him to stop writing them and think of the youths he is corrupting.
"Well…I have called you here so you can hear Jiraiyas report not talk about his books…" Tsunade stated.
"Very well then I shall begin……" He paused for effect.
"I came back earlier not under my own will but force because of the large number of enemy troops on the move…What I was able to obtain is this…" He took out a pocket book.
1-Orochimaru's troop have again regained number, they equal us in number, it appeared they did a massive recruitment after there defeat
2-Most of the new Shinobis are gennins and chunnins…and of course jounin left from the previous fight…and have reinforce there line with missing-nins of unknown level.
3-They will probably attack Konoha in the next two weeks when exactly is unknown
"What?…but Orochimaru was cripple by the third" Gai screamed out of surprise.
"Ha let me finish….." Jiraiya complained and restarted his list.
4-Orochimaru has switched body after Naruto stopped Sasuke…It appeared he had recovered his arms how well he can use them I don't know".
5-Orochimaru considers Naruto a greater threat now that he stopped Sasuke and may try to kill him once again,
6-And last he is searching for new allies…
"We have to prepare for all of that and bring back every Shinobi…so we can counter his army…" Jiraiya suggested.
"We can't Jiraiya…if we bring every one it will alert them that we know about there plan…we must take this opportunity and stop him once and for all" Tsunade said as he stood up from behind her desk.
"Gai, Kakashi…you will be in charge of gathering troop for the battle…but be discrete…we cant spare that many active Shinobis…we still must complete the mission we are given…" She said sighting, the way of thing once again making it difficult to protect the village.
"Hai Hokage-sama we will take care of it…" Kakashi said and left followed by Gai go gave his pose to Tsunade and left.
"This is unsettling…." Tsunade admitted.
"Yes it is" Jiraiya added.
"It's not a very good idea to attack when you only have gennins and chunnins mostly…" Tsunade stated.
There they stayed silent each one thinking about the probable future battle.
"He most likely wants to recover Sasuke…and eliminated Naruto…before he becomes a greater threat…" Tsunade commented.
"At his current level he already has stopped a few of Orochimaru's plan…" Jiraiya stated proud.
"Yes…he had…we must make a few arrangements for their safety…and we must finish Sasuke's rehab" Tsunade said.
Jiraiya sat down in front of Tsuande and yawned… "That was you're signal to leave and get some escorts for Naruto and Sasuke…and one last thing who was the poor guy who gave up his body…?" Tsunade asked.
"I do not know…he was covered in bandages the few times I spotted him…and when he attacks he will surely be wearing his old face like last time…but who ever it was he must have been powerful…and came from a mighty clan…" Jiraiya said worried about who could have that body belong to.
"I'll see if I can find any information about any missing Ninjas…so we might know who could have been…" She said not really hoping to find out anything about the person.
"You do that Tsunade I'm leaving…see yah" Jiraiya screamed as he jumped out the window.
"I have a bad felling about this…" Tsunade said to herself as she started to do her paperwork.
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A cold wind blew in Konoha, the nigh was at its pick midnight was always a good hour for him, the night was still bright thanks to a full moon in the sky, giving Konoha a beautiful shine and point of nostalgia.
A man stood in the roof of a building…and ANBU to the commend eyen...his uniformed didn't differ much from any ANBU…He was wearing his standard Boot, armguard…His vest was different it had the ANBU symbol over his heart and a Uchiha fan on his opposing side, he had small shoulder pads all his body armor was colour black and dark blue which made him stand out from any other ANBU, he also carried a Katana on his back.
His mask was different by far, instead of an animal it was ornamented with colourful leaf patterns on it and a Konoha symbol on his fore head.
The mans height was about 186 cm. Showed a build very similar to Gai. His hair was short dark spiky hair, had a stray of it run down on his right side. Under his mask a stoic expression filled it.
There he stood admiring the night view, taking in what he had missed for so many years and always wanted to see once again, but a promise must be kept roomed in his mind.
"Oi!" He heard coming from behind him, after which he turned to great that person.
"Jiraiya-sama….Hello" He said calmly to him.
"You really have to take that thing off a day or two…" Jiraiya said.
"First Kakashi and now you…I'll take it of when his dead" The hunter said to him.
"Yeah, yeah…I've hear it before…" Jiraiya sighted.
"So how he doing…" Jiaiya asked him.
"Quite well actually…are you here to relieve me?" The masked man asked him.
"No…not yet…I still have a few things to do….but I have a favor to ask you" Jiraiya said getting the hunter to raise an eye brow wondering on what he might ask.
"Depends on the favor…" He answered.
"Would you train Naruto a bit…I'll be busy for a while…just a bout two weeks or so…" Jiraiya asked rubbing his hand together waiting for the answered.
"No…." He simply said.
"What?…Why?" A jaw fallen bug eyed Jiraiya asked.
"I'm not a good sensei…my first and last student turned out…" He said as he shook his head side to side.
"Come on…please I'll owe you one…" Jiraiya said trying to convince him.
"I can ask for anything…?" He asked just getting a nod from Jiraiya.
"Very…well but…only if he asks me…and I don't promise anything…" He stated.
"Great now that's out of the way…I have a message for you from Tsunade…"
He simply looked toward Jiraiya "Yes…"
"You have to keep on eye on Naruto…" Jiraiya said.
"I'm already doing that" He finished.
"Let me finish…..a war is about to start…but this war is for only two persons…it a war to capture Sasuke…and a war to kill Naruto…" Jiraiya said.
"A war…what a waste…so I guess I have to keep on eye on Naruto…" He stated.
"Actually on both…" Jiraiya finished.
"What?" He answered.
"Orochimaru…will attack and go after Sasuke…Naruto will try to help Sasuke…that's his Nature…so at one point they will be in the same area…so here's you're mission…" Jiraiya said.
"I understand…" Was all he said.
"And last…" Jiraiya added.
"What still more?" He complained.
"I know you don't like to do multiple missions, but still this one is for you're sake"
"Really?" "Yes…you will meet with the young Uchiha…in the week" Jiraiya calmly said.
"What? Why? "He asked back getting a weird reaction from Jiraiya.
"What do you mean why?…the same reason as everything…Tsunades orders…" Jiraiya said sighting.
"Mm……very well…" He said as he turned to look straight into the moon.
"Well that's all; don't forget about anything ok…well see yah Musashi!" Jiraiya yelled as he took his leave.
Life is pretty good in making thing difficult for me…I wish it was much easier but no…I wish I could go back to the good old day…isn't it funny I'll get to see one of you're son's even if it's not the one I want to…. He though as a cloud passes in front of the moon leaving nothing but darkness.
END CHAPTER
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