Summary: Naruto's fight to be Hokage and the fight for Naruto's heart begins. Things aren't as easy as he would like especially when one must make a choice that will affect the rest of his life and many others.
Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine. It's his creators' property (Kishimoto Masashi). The only things that are mine are my own made up characters.
A/N: This is my first fic I hope you guy like it and review, if you like it or didn't, you're opinions, etc. well enjoy.
This chapter was beta by Michael Truan and Hisoka316, thanks for the help I really appreciate it.
A/N: Important: Well man it took me a while to update, but wont be able to update so often like before, I'm in school full time now, no more free time, I'll try to update every time I can, well here's the question should I keep the length of the chapters like the ones before? Or should I make them shorter? If I make them shorter I can update a little more often if I make them normal size I'll update about once every two weeks but will have more content. So tell me about it.
Don't forget to READ and REVIEW
"Hello" speech
Hello Thoughts
Hello Kyuubi
Hello Kyuubi's thoughts
(Hello) Inner Sakura
---------- Scene change
-LIFE LONG FIGHT- by ToniMan.
Chapter 17: "Friendship or Love"
The fourth day of Naruto's vacation arrived, vacation or hell…that was depending on who you asked.
The blonde boy was lying on his house roof watching the sky, evading the girls was tougher than before now they even try to ask about Temari, but luckily for him she was taking most of the attention, that is if they see her before him.
Damn it…its pretty cold here I should have brought a blanket… Naruto thought as he shivers.
KNOCK, KNOCK He heard from below, the young genin looked carefully from the roof and spotted only pink hair but that was more than enough to I.D. such person.
Sakura-chan…He thought has he pulled back and continued to look at the sky ignoring the constant knocking and screams.
"NARUTO! I know you're there so open up! Come on open up…fine be that way…" Sakura yelled as she kicks the door one last time and stormed away.
Naruto sighed deeply a few times and simply stared at the sky calmly.
Man, I'm in deep trouble, its doesn't matter who I choose I will have to say no too the other two, and I'm sure that it won't go back the way they were, but what am I saying, I don't even know if I can choose one of them…
- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - -- - - - -- - - -- -
On the streets of Konoha a boy on all four is roaming the streets accompanied by a small white dog and also, a green spandex wearing boy, a chubby kid and a lazy looking chuunin.
"I can smell him…he's near, right Akamaru?" Kiba stated and was supported by a few barks from his companion.
"Are you sure Kiba?" Lee asked.
"Why did we have to look for him so early?" Shikamaru expressed.
"I didn't get to have breakfast…" Chouji complained.
"Why are you two even here?" Kiba asked apparently Shikamaru had managed to hide the fact that he felt a little jealousy toward Naruto for having Temari as a girlfriend and Chouji was just there for Shikamaru.
"I'm just here to make sure you two don't cause any trouble." Shikamaru stated.
Chouji continued eating. "And I'm here to help Shikamaru keep an eye on you two".
"Where the hell he is…there are too many scents I can't make out his." Kiba complained.
Shikamaru shook his head. "Its pretty early…I'm sure he's still in his house".
"I hope so. I want to have a few words with him." Kiba said grinning his teeth and cracking his knuckles.
-- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - -
Naruto who hasn't moved still was watching the sky simply trapped in his mind and finally had reached a point where he knew that he was in lose-lose situation.
This can't be good; if I choose one the others will hate me…and I truly don't want to lose their friendship…I don't want to be alone again.
"You foolish child you're thinking of the consequences without even choosing one." Echoed in his mind.
Yeah…I guess its a bit dumb. He answered.
First you must choose one and after that worry about the rest…If I choose one? Which would it be….I don't like one over the rest…I like being with them all…I enjoyed the day I spent with Ten-Ten. When we headed to the small village…I got to know Hinata and when we fought those guys…and I really enjoyed the date with Sakura…
Yes, you seem to be in a deadlock…Is there anything that would give one the advantage…over the rest?
Well…Ten-Ten has a better body than the rest…Hinata is much nicer that the other two…But I have liked Sakura far longer…
No progress. What a surprise…The Kyubi thought.
Your back to square one…then negative stuff perhaps…
Well…Sakura can be sometimes to bossy…Hinata even thou I can't hold it against her is too shy…Ten-Ten…is…is…well Ten-Ten is… "Oi Naruto!" Interrupted his thoughts.
It was Ten-Ten he recognized that unique hair style, a small smile crept on his face then it was replaced by a frown.
If you can't make up your mine, perhaps a third person approach… Hey that's a good idea but who can I ask?Friends…Teachers…parents… Any one that would help you know them better an ease the choice.
I hate to say it, but you're right I should ask some people…but who to ask first?
How about some one that knew all three of them.
You're on a roll dumb fox, I'll ask Iruka-sensei he knew all of them for a long time perhaps he can help. Finally said Naruto as he got up.
- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - --
"Hi Sakura" Ten-ten stated.
"Hu? Hi Ten-Ten. How are you?" Sakura asked back.
"Mad! That's how I am. That bastard!" Ten-Ten said back.
"I can't believe he did that, I went to ask him today about it and he didn't answer." Sakura said.
Ten-Ten eyes widen. "You went too?"
"Yeah. And he didn't answered, I know he was there he never gets up before noon on a day off" Sakura expressed.
"Really?" Ten-Ten asked getting a nod from the pick hair kunoichi.
"I just want to talk to him, after I bash his head in of course." Ten-Ten said with a smile on her face. This made Sakura laugh a bit.
"Ten-Ten-san, Sakura-san. Good morning" A voice addressed them.
"Good morning Hinata." They answered her back.
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Ten-Ten asked.
"I-I'm going to s-see Naruto-kun" She said with a blush on her cheeks.
"I'm sorry but he isn't home, or at least that's what he wants us to think." Sakura said.
"You a-already went?" Hinata asked.
Ten-Ten nodded at her question. "Yeah we went, but right know when were talking about him. Want to join in?"
Hinata simply nodded she was curios of what they could be talking about.
"I wonder what possibly made Naruto-kun ask Temari to be his girlfriend?" Ten-Ten stated.
"I don't know. But I really want to ask him" Sakura answered.
"Do you think he is evading us?" ten asked.
"Yeah perhaps" Sakura answered.
"And he is using Temari to get our attention away from him?" Ten-Ten asked gain.
Sakura's eyes widen "Yeah perhaps"
"N-no. Naruto-kun w-wouldn't do that. Or would he?" Hinata interrupted.
The two girls looked at each other and shook their head. "Nah I don't think Naruto-kun would do that." Ten-Ten stated.
"Yeah, his not that smart" Sakura added making the girls let out a small giggle.
"We could always ask Temari-san." Hinata suggested.
"Hey that's a great idea Hinata." Sakura said.
"Well its settle. The hunt begins." Ten-Ten said taking out her weapons making Sakura's and Hinata's sweat drop.
"She said ask her not hunt her." Sakura said making Ten-Ten put her weapons away and gave an innocent smile while she rubbed the back of her head.
With that the girls left in their search for the blonde and not the usual one.
- - - - - -- -- - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - -
At the academy.
"Well children. It's recess time." A man stated.
With his words the children stormed out of the class room leaving him grading paper at his desk.
"Hi Iruka-sensei." He heard.
The man turns to the source of the sound and after seeing his visitors Iruka's eyes light up and a gentle smile appears on his face.
"Ohayo Naruto!" He said.
"Hey Iruka-sensei. Can we talk a bit?" Naruto expressed to him in a serious tone getting Iruka's attention.
"Sure Naruto. What do you want to talk about?" He gently asked.
Naruto entered the class room and took a seat inn front of Iruka's desk.
"Well…Iruka-sensei… I'm having girl…Um…girl trouble" Naruto said while he blushed after saying those words to Iruka.
This comment made Iruka raise an eyebrow. "Girl trouble?" Then a smiled appears.
"Is this about the date you had with Sakura the other day?" He asked with a smile on his face.
Naruto's eyed widen. "You knew I had a date with Sakura-chan?"
"News flies fast in this village. And besides I was in the restaurant when I heard you scream, so I saw you there with her." Iruka explained.
"Oh yeah, I saw you there with Anko." Naruto said.
Iruka scratched his chin. "I forgot about that, well what's the problem with Sakura then?"
"Well the problem isn't just Sakura-chan…it's Hinata-chan and Ten-chan too." Naruto stated making Iruka's jaw hit the floor.
"Wait!…you are dating Sakura, Hinata and Ten-Ten? All three?" Iruka blurted out.
"Dating all three!! That's a great idea thanks Iruka-sensei" Naruto yelled as he got up and was about to leave but was stopped by a voice.
"NARUTO!!"
"Yes Iruka-sensei." Naruto answered.
"Sit down we still need to talk" Iruka said.
"Are you really dating all three?" He asked a bit skeptic of his words, but Naruto's blush and inability to answered made it clear.
After Naruto sat down, he took a deep breath, sighted and he started to speak. "You can't date all three girls; it wouldn't be right to them."
"I know; you're right…but it would have been so much easier that way. I wouldn't have to say no to the other two." Was Naruto's answered.
"Are you afraid you'll lose their friendship?" Iruka asked getting a nod from Naruto.
"But if you just keep thinking about it you'll end up losing them all, you have to make a choice." Iruka said.
Naruto nodded once more.
"But I'm sure that's why you came to see me right? You want my opinion?" Iruka asked, getting a nod once again from the blonde genin.
"How do you know all that?" Naruto asked making Iruka crack a smile.
"I have known all of you for a long time, so I can see when something troubles you kids." Was Iruka replied.
"So can you pick one for me?" Naruto asked.
No. I can't pick one for you Naruto, only you can choose her, but I will tell you all I know about them, perhaps it will make it much easier." said Iruka.
Naruto scratched his cheek. "Mm…I would have liked it if you picked one, but anyway tell me about them."
"Well Naruto I can't favor one over the others, but I'll tell you what I know about the girls." Iruka said.
"Let me see…Hinata; well she is a real sweat girl, honest, cute and she has had a crush on you since I can remember I would always catch her looking at you and blushing."
"But Sakura; You have had a crush on her since I can remember, you too spent many hours simply looking at her, and she is a cute girl, she will speak her mind and when she put her mind into something she always manages to do it."
"And Ten-Ten; Well she's as cute, strong, honest and sweet as any of the other two girls, but with Ten-Ten you have no back story, but that's not necessary a bad thing Naruto, every one can use a fresh start."
"Well Naruto. They are all great girls so it all depends on the kind of girls you like, because they are all very different from each other." Iruka ended.
"But Iruka-sensei after I pick one what will happen? Will the other two stop being my friends? Because I don't want that to happen." Naruto answered.
"Naruto you should know better. None of the girls is like that; none of them will become distant from you for being happy." Iruka stated.
"But Iruka-sensei!!"
"But nothing Naruto. Don't tell me you think the girls are so shallow? You won't be alone anymore, you have to stop worrying about that and try to live life and be happy."
"You're right like always, Iruka-sensei." Naruto said.
A smile formed on Iruka's face. "Well Naruto, want to go get some ramen?"
"Nah, can't Iruka-sensei and besides its just recess and you still have classes." Naruto responded.
After their father-son conversation Naruto left the classroom leaving Iruka thinking about Naruto's life.
I never thought Naruto would be in such a predicament, well I hope he chooses the right one for him and the other don't take it too badly…I wonder if I'll have to give Naruto the birds and the bees talk…Iruka thought sighing and continued his work.
- - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - --
Later in the streets of Konoha a blonde genin carrying a large fan was walking the streets, but she wasn't in a good mood a vein was showing on her forehead, her step was fast, her eye twitched and teeth grinned.
Damn it, I owe him…but what he did for Gaara isn't worth this…it isn't worth half of this! She mentally screamed as the reason for her monologue was three girls following her non stop.
"Why are you three following me around!" She stated as she drew her fan and got ready for a fight.
"We want to now when you became and why are you Naruto's girlfriend!" Ten-Ten stated getting a nod of approval from the other two girls; Sakura and Hinata.
Damn it…I should just tell his fan girls and get them off my back…Grrr…but I still owe him something, after this he'll owe me, damn it I'll give him one freaking day. She mentally said to herself as she placed the fan back on her back.
"Naruto is my boyfriend and you three should just get used to it. Because there's nothing you three can do about it." Temari stated.
Good thing I don't like any of these girls or I would feel guilty saying this. Temari thought.
"What do you mean we should just get over it?" Sakura sad back.
"We have a right to know when this happened." Ten-Ten added.
"You don't have a right to know, this is personal and I don't have to share anything with you." Temari said.
"Please Temari-san, w-we just want to know when this happened and how?" Hinata managed to say.
Man she's too damn sweet I can't lie to her. Temari thought.
"Fine I'll tell you everything you want. But later if I see any of you before sundown I'll kick your asses and won't say anything" Temari said walking away from the three girls.
"Fine!!" Sakura yelled to her.
"Well I have to leave. I'll see you girls later." Ten-Ten said as she waved good bye.
"Me too bye Hinata." Sakura said as she left as well.
Naruto-kun is it true are you really Temari's boyfriend. Hinata though as she saw all of them leave.
- - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - -
"I can't find him anywhere" Kiba yelled.
"Well. This was a waste of time." Shikamaru complained.
"Not really, I had fun going around the village with you guys." Chouji added.
"What happened to your famous sense of smell?" Lee asked.
"Shut up! There's just too many people here and his scent is very weak." Kiba answered angrily at Lee who doubted in his abilities.
"Bark, bark, bark" Akamaru stated to his master.
"That's a good idea, Akamaru; he said that we should split up and look for him on our own." Kiba stated.
"YOSH! Great idea Kiba!" Lee said giving the thumbs up and going on his own.
"Fine I'll look for him on my way home." Shikamaru said as he left.
"I'll go get some more chips." Chouji said leaving.
"Bye guys! There gone, now lets go to the academy. I'll make Naruto pay for taking advantage of poor Hinata." Kiba stated as he ran toward the academy with Akamaru besides him.
- - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - -- - -
"I think this is it." The blonde said to himself as he stood outside an apartment.
Knock, knock, and knock.
A couple of minutes after the knock, the door slowly opens half way and from behind it a gray haired masked jounin peeked.
"Oi Naruto. What brings you to my apartment?" He asked.
"Hey Kakashi-sensei can we talk a bit?" Naruto asked.
Inside his apartment that was filled with his favorite books and a single plant Naruto started to explain his situation to his sensei.
"Mm…So that's the problem." Kakashi mused.
Kakashi took two chairs and gave one to Naruto who sat down same as he.
"Well I say pick Sakura; you've know her the longest and best, and many teammates end up as a happily married couple." Kakashi said.
"Really! Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto expressed.
"Yeah! really, but most end up widows because of this reason, but who knows maybe you'll be lucky and have many years together." Kakashi said.
Naruto's expression fell. "Well…thanks Kakashi-sensei, I'll see you later" With those words Naruto left Kakashi's apartment leaving his sensei in deep thought.
I hope he picks Sakura. It wouldn't be good for the team if he doesn't. Mm…Naruto's situation would make a good story actually…
- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -
"What do you want?" Temari said.
"I just want to know if you really are Naruto's girlfriend?" The boy asked.
"Why do you even want to know?. What is your name again?" She asked back.
"I'm Chouji and its because I'm concerned for a friend" He said.
Temari's check blushed lightly. "Really? I only know one of your friends. Is it Shika-kun?"
Damn. Should have thought this through. Shikamaru won't like this. Chouji thought as he simply looked at her calmly
"Well?" She said once more.
"Well you see…"
"Hey Temari!" Interrupted them.
"Hi Kankuro, Gaara" She answered.
"What are you doing?" Kankuro asked.
"Nothing I'm just asking this kid something very important." She answered back.
Chouji started to sweat he knew he couldn't say who he was talking for but didn't see a way out, until a light turned on in his mind.
"Temari-san has a boyfriend." He coldly said making everyone eyes widen and jaws drop.
"Temari! Boyfriend?" Was all Kankuro could say.
"Who?" Gaara asked.
A smiled formed on Chouji's face. "Its Naruto. Mm… this is a family things, so I'll go."
"Yeah leave we need to talk a bit." Kankuro said making Chouji leave.
"Wait!" Temari yelled at Chouji who ignored her as he continued walking.
"Let him leave. Gaara! she has a boyfriend and it's that blonde loud moth" Kankuro stated.
"I approve." Gaara stated making their jaw drop.
Gaara calmly walked away leaving Kankuro with a mad red faced Temari.
"BAKA! You ruined everything I had really important thing to talk about with the fat kid." Temari yelled hitting Kankuro with the fan making Kankuro regret being there.
Damn it. I so hate her….
- - -- - -- - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - -- - -- -
Naruto calmly walked done the streets, with Jiraiya a no show, he had used up all his fatherly figures to ask. His chats with Iruka and Kakashi had only helped a bit; but the Uzumaki luck came through.
"Asuma!! How can you smoke all day! What kind of example are you giving the youth!! Is this the image you want to be tied with the Sarutobi name!" Naruto heard as he walked.
Hey its thicker brows! Naruto thought as he turned the corner to see Asuma and Gai.
"Give it a break Gai, are you on 24/7?" Asuma complained.
"But Asuma. Think of the children!" Gai said back.
"Hey Gai, Asuma!" Naruto interrupted.
"Hello Naruto." Gai said while Asuma simply took out a brand new smoke.
Naruto flashed them a foxy grin, which made them raise and eyebrow. "Can you guys help me out a bit?" He said.
And with that he started to share his problems and woes with them, Asuma was quite interested in his story, while Gai seemed shocked.
"HO!! This is the result of Kakashi's immoral but still hip attitude, he has corrupted your young mind and only, I the beautiful green beast of Konoha can guide you to the moral path once again!" Gai yelled finishing his ramble with his good guy pose.
"Ignore Gai there, we usually do anyway. But Chouji told me Temari was your girlfriend, and I recommend you choose any one other than Temari." Asuma said taking a puff of smoke afterward.
"I agree! You should choose Ten-Ten! She is a true jewel. I have known her for a long time and can proudly say that under my tutelage she has become a great woman as well as a great shinobi!" Gai yelled.
Naruto simply smiled at their words. Their words didn't actually help him much, well Gai's words a bit, Asuma's words where useless.
"Well thanks." Naruto said to them as he left.
"DON'T FORGET WHAT I TOLD YOU!!" Gai yelled to him.
"Not so loud." Asuma expressed.
"He will take my advice." Gai said to Asuma.
"Yeah, sure, whatever." Asuma replied as he thru his cigarette to the ground.
- - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -
Kiba walked down the streets following the trail, he had gone to the academy but was told he had missed him, now he was crossing the par hopefully he could find him there.
"Bark, bark" Akamaru said making Kiba stop.
"Hinata? You smell her nearby?" Kiba stated sniffing the surrounding.
"Yeah, you're right Akamaru she's around here." Kiba said starting to look around the area hoping to find the white eyes girls.
Finally Kiba saw the girl sitting on a bench by herself, they got close to her but before saying anything Kiba fixed his hair, checked his breath and remove the dust from his clothes and got closer to her but stopped when he heard a sound.
Sniff, sniff. He heard coming from the pale girl causing Kiba to stop cold.
Hinata is crying? He thought as he felt bad for seeing the girl this way.
"Bark, bark!" Akamaru barked getting Hinata to quickly clean her eyes and fight back incoming tears.
"Hello Kiba-kun…" Hinata weakly said as she continued to clean her eyes and forced herself to hear in a normal tone.
"Hinata are you okay?" Kiba asked.
"Yeah I'm fine Kiba-kun" She said back.
Kiba eyes felled. "No your not. I know when your not, is this about Naruto?"
Hinata didn't answered his question simply looked down.
"What did he do to you?" He asked.
"Nothing Kiba-kun." She replied.
Kiba got mad with such and answered. "Its because of Sakura and Ten-Ten isn't it? You just thought that he liked Ten-Ten or Sakura more didn't you?" He asked again.
"No, why do you think that?" Hinata said as she got up but a hand stopped her.
"Why are you so hang up on Naruto when I like you!!" He said pulling Hinata toward him and kissing her on the lips, making Hinata eyes widen and leaving her in complete shock.
Hinata pushed back Kiba after she recovered from the shock. "Kiba-kun?" Was all she managed to say has her face was red with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Hinata. First I see you always watching that guy, always talking about that guy and now I see you crying because of him. I just couldn't take it anymore….I like you Hinata. I like you a lot and I couldn't keep it to myself anymore. I want you to be girlfriend Hinata. Forget about Naruto, he'll never care like I care about you!" Kiba ended.
"Kiba-kun I can't…I like you but not that way." Hinata said to him placing her hand on her chest.
"Not like Naruto right? What's so great about Naruto!" Kiba yelled.
Hinata started to blush "He's Naruto."
Her words made Kiba incredibly jealous and mad he could believe what had happened.
"I'm sorry Kiba-kun, but that's the way I feel, I'm very sorry" Hinata said as she left Kiba there.
Kiba fell to his knees in his mind every time he kissed Hinata, she kissed him back and accepted to be his girlfriend.
"Well Akamaru. Looks like I'm not the player I thought I was." Kiba said with a sad smile on his face.
Akamaru whimpered and tried to comfort his master.
"Well Akamaru I feel like going home putting some sad music on and feeling sorry for myself. Want to join me?" He asked getting his partner to lick his face and whimpers at his side.
"I'll take that as a yes." Kiba said as he picked up Akamaru and headed home.
- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- -
Naruto was walking toward his house when a hand on his shoulder caused him to stop.
"Hello Naruto."
"Hello Kurenai-san" He said to her.
Kurenai showed a smile. "I heard from Asuma."
Naruto's face became pale "What?"
"Yeah he told me everything…and you should pick Hinata, its as simple as that." Kurenai said to him with a huge smile on her face.
"Really?" He asked back.
"Yeah! She's sweet, nice and adores you, everything a boy could want from a girl. So choose Hinata, so what if you have to face the Hyuuga house when you date, it will be worth it." She said with a huge smile on her face once again.
"Really? Well thanks." Naruto said before he left Kurenai smiling. The idea of facing the Hyuuga house wasn't something he was looking forward to.
I need some ramen. Naruto thought as he left.
- - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - -- - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -
Night had covered the sky and four girls and a boy had gathered in front of the sand sibling's apartment.
"What is Shika-kun doing here?" Temari asked.
"I met up with Sakura and she said she was coming here, so I accompanied her here because I want to talk to you about something." Shikamaru replied.
Damn it. I can't say I'm Naruto's girlfriend with him here I'll have to tell them everything." Temari thought while the other girls became impatient.
"So are you going to tell us something or will we have to force it out of you?, either way is good for me I have been wanting a rematch for some time now" Ten-Ten said with a smile on her face this also made Temari crack a smile.
"I'm with Ten-Ten on this one." Sakura said backing up her friend.
"Yeah right. Like you two can take me." Was Temari's answered to their threats.
"Calm down, please tell us." Hinata said trying to calm them down.
"Well! Listen up pay attention because I'm only saying this once and I won't repeat myself." She said getting a nod from the girls and a yawn from Shikamaru.
"You three did a number on Naruto-kun, you actually expected him to choose so easily one over the others? Of course not, that's why he said I was his girlfriend which I'm not by the way. That was so you would be following and bothering me and give him some time to think, so don't hold it against him, you three backed him to a tough corner."
The girls where speechless they couldn't say a word, the where still in shock from Temari's words. Temari after her cold calculating words headed into her apartment leaving the girls to their thoughts.
Shikamaru showed a small smile "Man you three sure left Naruto in a troublesome spot."
After Shikamaru left the girls started to think about Temari's words, someone had finally showed them the situation they had all put Naruto in.
-- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- -
While the girls headed for their houses, Naruto was sitting at the base of the middle log of the training spot; He was looking at the stars and had finally reached a decision.
"I think she's the one for me, I don't know how thing will be now on, but maybe dating her will change things for the best…yes definitely…she's for me…I pick…"
"Oi! NARUTO!" Interrupted his monologue.
"Ero-sennin?" Naruto yelled.
"Naruto! I have heard about your problem and 'I' the great Jiraiya have the perfect solution." The frog hermit expressed as he arrived.
"Solution? Nah I don't need it I already choose…."
"Baka, baka, baka!" Jiraiya interrupted.
Naruto showed an angry expression caused by his words. "Baka? Why? If I already made a choice…"
"Baka, baka, you have a great opportunity here Naruto!" Jiraiya stated.
"Really? And how did you found out?" Naruto asked.
"Ho that?! Kakashi came to me pitching me a story for one of my books; it was pretty good and because that would never happen to him, so I asked him where he got it from and he told me all that had happen to you." Jiraiya ended with a huge grin and a small trickle of blood coming out of his nose.
"What!! Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked in shock.
"Ho yes! You have to be careful with who you talk, here in Konoha, Kakashi, Asuma and Gai have the biggest mouths, so you have to be careful, well when its not about them!" Jiraiya explained.
Naruto's head fell. Just my luck the few people I talked to and they're the Konoha's gossip mill that explains how Kurenai knew so suddenly.
"Well no matter, here's the idea!" Jiraiya said and started to whisper into Naruto's ears after a few minutes of speech Jiraiya ended with a huge grin on his face and Naruto simply nodded.
"Well Hinata will go along if I ask her; Ten-Ten is a wild card so I'm not sure, but Sakura I don't think she's into that kind of stuff." Naruto answered nodding his head, then quickly his eyes became wide open after realizing what Jiraiya had suggested.
"What the hell! Why am I thinking about this stuff?" Naruto yelled at Jiraiya.
"What you don't like the idea?" Jiraiya asked.
"Yes…I mean NO!!"
"You're no fun; anyone would give anything to be in your shoes." Jiraiya stated.
"I don't care about that" Naruto answered.
"Fine then! If you don't care about the girls then we'll train none stop!" Jiraiya said with a smirk on his face.
"Nani! No wait I don't want to train right know!" Naruto quickly stated.
"Why are you going to say to the girl that you love her and all that?" Jiraiya mocked.
Naruto started to blush. "So what if I am!"
"Well you can't! You have a training session and you can't afford to miss it!" There that should teach him. Shoot down one of my ideas will you, last time I try to help him. Baka. Besides he needs the training anyway. Jiraiya thought evilly.
"What I don't want to train. I'm on vacation!" Naruto tried to weasel out of training.
I'm so smart I know how to get him to. "These are orders from Tsunade herself; will a future Hokage not respect the request of another?" Jiraiya said.
"But, but, but…o man" Naruto said has his head dropped in defeat.
"Excellent, come on I'll take you to the one who will train you." Jiraiya said as he readied himself to jump.
"Wait! It's not going to be you?" Naruto asked.
"Of course not I have things to do" Jiraiya said.
"I don't want anyone else to train me" He said trying to get away with not training.
"Yeah right, I'm sure you wished someone trained you when Kakashi and me where away" Jiraiya said to him.
"Come on I'm sure you'll like him, he's waiting for us in a training site behind the Hokage monument, in fact you might already know him" Jiraiya expressed as he jumped out of sight.
"Fine" said Naruto reluctantly as he followed.
Later at the training area Jiraiya stood in the middle of the woods with Naruto next to him.
"So where is he?" Naruto asked.
"He's here" Jiraiya replied.
As soon as Jiraiya said those words the masked man appeared in front of them startling Naruto.
"You!" He yelled pointing at the masked Nin.
"Hi there long time since our last talk." The hunter said.
"Well now that's he is here I'm off, I have work to do." Jiraiya said.
"Don't you mean peeping?" Naruto replied.
"Not today, first I have work to do, you must know the difference between; me time and work Naruto." Said Jiraiya as he left them.
Minutes past and they simply stayed quiet. Until the blonde broke the silence.
"Well. See you tomorrow. Same place right?" Naruto asked.
The masked man simply looked at him. "Tomorrow? Can't you train today?"
"Nani?" Naruto replied in surprise.
"If you can't commit yourself to a training session then don't bother coming back, but you should just forget about becoming Hokage as well, since that implies hard work." The nin said.
"Why you! Fine let's start the training session!" Naruto spat at him.
"First I must tell you all the flaws you posses." The hunter said.
"Flaws? You must've never seen any of my fights." Naruto said cracking a smile.
"Yes I have and there acceptable, but you only fight close range and need to learn a few long range attacks." It said at him.
Naruto's eyes widen. "Ho! And are you going to show me some cool jutsus?"
"Depends on how you do on your training, since you have a large amount of chakra, I say kage shirukens and a couple of the katon type jutsus will do, they will greatly increase your long range attacks." The nin explained.
"WOW they're cool! Teach me those quickly so I can go back to Konoha!" Naruto excitedly said.
"If you're in such a rush leave and I won't teach you anything." The Nin said.
"Fine I don't need them anyway." Naruto said as he started to walk away.
Stop kid, you can't afford to let such an opportunity pass you by kid. Those fire techniques can be very useful and if you learn them they might facilitate your learning one of my jutsus. The fox's words echoed in Naruto's mind.
Nani? You mean if I learn those jutsus I can learn one of yours? Naruto asked still in disbelief.
Yes. I might teach you a technique. That is if you finish this man's training then perhaps you will be at a high enough level to use one of my techniques and not kill yourself in the progress. the fox said back.
Man I can't let this opportunity pass me by. But I want to go talk to her. Naruto thought to himself but was interrupted.
Yes you can see her later. The Kyuubi stated.
Hey you hear me? I was thinking to myself. Naruto complained.
You have to concentrate more; don't forget we communicate this way. Kyuubi responded making Naruto think harder.
Damn it. Know I have to concentrate when I think, so that dumb fox won't ease drop. Naruto thought concentrating more.
Foolish child. You have to be ready for anything; I will train you every second of your life even if you don't like it. Kyuubi thought, imagining Naruto's future progress.
"Know that I think about it, I think I'll train a bit." Naruto said to the masked Nin.
"Before we must speak about one last thing. You summon frogs, they're loyal and powerful beast but you should have a few more summons." The Nin said.
"What? Why would I need to have another one?" Naruto asked.
"Simple, if you fight another one that can summon frogs and by luck he summons the boss before you, then your screwed no other frog will fight against the boss, well this is true about any beast." The hunter says.
"Nah no thanks, that would never happen" Naruto replied-.
Stupid child. Having another beast under your control can be quiet useful, this man is trying to make you stronger and you're making his work very hard. So just be quiet and learn from him. Kyuubi stated.
"Fine I could use another summon, do you know any cool one like snakes or big slugs like Tsuande-obacha?" Naruto asked.
The Nin shock his head. "No I do not know how to summon any of those I only know how to summon, Dogs, Turtles and Monkeys. An besides you can not have a contract with snakes and snails" The Nin explained.
"What? Why?" Naruto asked.
"Because when you sign a contract with one creature you make an enemy of another, since you can summon frogs you can't sign a contract wit snakes, slugs and many insects because there natural enemies, the natural enemies can not have the same summoner, but there also animal rivalries this can sign a contract with the same person just not be summon at the same time, one example is the dog-monkey rivalry, I can summon them both just not at the same time."
"Okay I kind of get it…so which summon will you give me?" Naruto asked.
Kid choose the monkey, the make great fighters or the turtle who posses some of the most powerful defensive jutsus, just not the dog, I hate dogs and their useless so any one other than the dog will do. The Kyuubi interrupted.
"We'll see. Depend on how you do in your training" The Nin said as he took out a scroll and opened it.
"Fine. What is it going to be, chakra control, running, push up, or anything of that?" Naruto Asked as his lower lip stuck out and his arms where on the back of his neck.
"A lot of everything" The Nin said as he made a few seals an released dozens of weights from the scroll.
"You'll do weight training" He said.
"Weight training? Isn't that training style used way too much?" Naruto complained with a smug tone.
"Why mess with a proven success." The Nin said as he placed the weights on Naruto.
"Man their heavy. I can barely move." He complained.
"Well that's the idea, beside its just a few hundred pounds" The Nin answered as he continued to place weights on Naruto.
"Now what do I do? Just walk around till I'm accustom to them?" Naruto asked.
"You're funny kid, I like you. What you're going to do is do 300 push ups and if you can't do them you'll do 500 squats." The hunter Nin said as he jumped and sat on a tree branch.
"Fine" Where have I heard that before? Naruto thought as he started to do push ups.
- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - -
Five days have passed since the reluctant Naruto started his training and his disappearance didn't go unnoticed.
"Well guys training is over for today so you have the rest of the day off." Kakashi expressed to his last remaining students.
"Okay Kakashi-sensei. But do you know where Naruto-kun is? We haven't seen him in days?" Sakura asked being backed up by a nodding Lee.
"O yeah I felt like something was missing." Kakashi said making Sakura and Lee fall anime style.
"Every day I wonder even more. Why is he Gai-sensei's rival?" Lee said with tears coming down his eyes.
"I don't know Lee-san, but I'm starting to wonder how he became a jounin? Seriously Kakashi-sensei where is Naruto-kun?" Sakura asked once again making Kakashi's eye open widely.
"I really don't know Sakura I just got a memo saying he wouldn't be coming to training for a few weeks." Kakashi stated.
"Weeks? Wait you knew and just left us worrying?" Sakura yelled.
"Didn't I tell you guys about it? Well I have been very busy lately I guess it slipped my mind." Kakashi defended.
"Liar you didn't wanted us to tell us so we wouldn't go looking for him." Sakura replied.
Kakashi simply let out a deep sigh "How can you say that Sakura. Oh look at the time I have to go see you later guys." And Kakashi left in a puff of smoke.
"All this stinks Lee-san." Sakura said.
"Yes. It does seem bit odd." Lee answered.
"What can possibly make Naruto go missing for weeks?" Sakura asked.
Lee simply lifted his shoulders. "I have no idea Sakura-san. Perhaps a secret mission."
"Maybe Lee-san. But all this rubs me the wrong way." I wonder if I'm the reason Naruto disappeared like this, maybe we pushed him too much and now is in a deep emotional cross road which he can not escape until he admits he loves me and not the other two. (Dramatic but…HELL YEAH!!).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - ---
In another part of Konoha two girls, a boy and a small dog eat together.
"Well girls I'll see you two later, Bye Ten-Ten, Hinata" Kiba said in a low voice evading eye contact.
"What's with Kiba he's been acting weird all week" Ten-Ten asked.
"Ano…I don't know…" Hinata answered with a blush filling her cheeks.
"Ho Whats this? Your blushing with that question? You know and it involves you, come on tell me please!!" Ten-Ten said giving Hinata her biggest doggie eyes she could muster.
"Um…I don't know." Hinata reply shyly.
"Come Hinata, I thought we where good friends even with the Naruto-thing, you tell me and I'll tell you something too." She tried to bargain.
"W-well the other day…I was I-in the park and…and" Hinata stopped as she turn crimson red just thinking of what happened.
"Kiba-kun…kissed me…" She said making Ten-Ten let out a girlish squeal.
"And after that he a-asked me to be h-his g-girlfriend and forget about Naruto-kun." She said placing her hand together and playing with her finger tip as her face some how became even redder.
"So are you going to take his offer?" Ten-Ten said smiling.
"Of c-course not, I-I like Kiba-kun…just not in that way….I hope Kiba-kun understands." Hinata said in a sad tone.
"Well I hope he does, well you shouldn't care if he doesn't really, he could have told you any time but the typical man waited till he might lose you." Ten-Ten said bitterly.
Ten-Ten fisted her hand. "Well I'll guess I should tell you something too…Well the other day I went to visit Neji and he was mad about me having some alone time with Naruto-kun."
"Neji-ni-san knows?" Hinata asked fearfully.
"Yeah I guess there's big mouths in Konoha. Well anyway when I got there he started screaming and saying. "What do I see in a drop out I can do better. Let me tell you that seeing him like that was such a turn off" Ten-Ten said in a cold tone.
"I think he still like you Ten-Ten-san, isn't their any chance you can be together?" Hinata asked.
"I doubt it, I would really rather be with Naruto-kun he's just so different from Neji and all the other boys I know." Ten-Ten said.
"Yeah he is..." Hinata added.
"But I'm starting to get mad at him!! Where can he be? I haven't seen him in days!" Ten-Ten yelled.
"I h-have been t-thinking about that too, I'm a bit worried." Hinata stated.
"Don't be, he can take care of himself, but I wonder why he suddenly banish from sight?" Ten-Ten said in a sad tone.
"Maybe he left to think d-deeply and finally make a choice." Hinata said while blushing
Ten-Ten walked and got behind Hinata then she place her arms around her and put her cheek next to Hinata.
"You know Hinata I wouldn't mind or get mad if Naruto-kun chooses you…" Ten-Ten stated making the girl blush.
"Really?" Hinata shyly asked.
"Yeah really, I like you. You're a true friend, that's why I wouldn't care much, but I would get a little mad if Sakura gets to keep Naruto-kun, I just feel bad about him asking her out so many times and now when she asked him she expects him to come to her…don't get me wrong she's my friend and all but that's the way I feel" Ten-Ten said.
"I feel bad for Naruto-kun when I r-remember all the time she said no to him, but I wouldn't feel too bad if y-you date him Ten-san." Said Hinata.
"Really? Hinata-chan" A skeptic Ten-Ten asked.
"Yes. Really" She shyly said back.
"Ha you're so sweet Hinata-chan. That's why I like you a lot." Ten-Ten said with a huge smile on her face.
"You want to go get something to eat?" Ten-Ten asked getting a nod from Hinata.
"Great come on." Ten-Ten expressed as she let go of Hinata and started to pull her toward a restaurant.
- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - -- - - - -
While every one in Konoha tried to live their life a pale man with long black hair had entered the village accompanied by a young shinobi with white hair and wearing glasses and both of them with a huge grin on their faces.
"Well Kabuto. Where do you think they're keeping Sasuke-kun?" The pale man asked.
"Well Orochimaru-sama. I believe it would be the hospital." Kabuto responds fixing his glasses.
"Excellent. Do you think he will be happy to see us?" Orochimaru asked in a joking tone.
"I can't answered that Orochimaru-sama, but are you sure it's a good idea to come in through the front gate?" Kabuto nervously asked.
"Of course Kabuto don't forget this is my home village after all, and I'm sure they'll understand and give me Sasuke-kun willingly, but if not you now what me must do…."
End Chapter 17
Pairing: Well I have decided on the final pairing, I won't make a poll or anything, thou your reviews helped me out a bit, some will like it, others will hate it…others will live with it, the next chaps will unveil it, so sit back and enjoy the story. Same with the OC with time, i was thinking way to a head of time when i put that in, but there will be one.
Don't forget to Read and Review, just saying not pleading thou…jajaja :)