Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I'm finally back with another chapter. Not much to say this time except, enjoy.

Chapter 11: Starlight Meeting

Naruto leaned back against the wall next to the gates of Konoha. It was a cloudy day, resulting in the sun being blocked from view. The jinchuuriki calmly smoked his cigarette as he, along with Ayame and Team Gai, waited for the arrival of the last person who would be joining them on their trip. Luckily for him, he had managed to find the ramen bar quite easily in the early morning where he then met up with Ayame. The ramen cook led the way to the official entrance and exit of Konoha which gave a sense of relief to the blonde since he had nearly forgotten what it felt like to not lose his way.

Lee folded his arms and stood impatiently, occasionally glancing towards Naruto. The taijutsu specialist had taken a lot of care crafting his book and was insulted by what his fellow author had written since it didn't seem like it would benefit anyone. His demeanour didn't go unrecognised by his kunoichi team mate who was inwardly hoping that the upcoming journey wouldn't be too hectic.

"Here she comes!" Ayame's voice could be heard, making everyone aware of the advancing woman.

Neji opened his eyes and prepared to leave as Gai placed his hands on his hips, "Kakashi is rubbing off on you."

Sakura shook her head, clearly not wanting to deal with the jounin at the moment, "He's late willingly. This was accidental."

Naruto separated himself from the wall and stretched his legs, "Me seeing you naked was accidental."

Sakura snapped her head towards Naruto as she heard him while the rest of the group had their mouths open. Tenten cleared her throat, "You two have met each other before yesterday?"

Naruto grinned, "Accidentally…"

Sakura's anger grew at his nerve to say such things, "You want to be silent."

Ayame laughed nervously before making a move to the gates of Konoha, "Maybe we should get going. We have a long journey ahead of us."

Neji was the first to comply with the woman's request as he picked up his backpack and walked ahead. Sakura managed to take her steel gaze off Naruto and follow the Hyuuga along with Tenten.

Naruto scratched his head before straightening his hat, "3 beautiful women and a long tiring road ahead…" Sighing, he walked outside of Konoha and managed to keep within distance of the group ahead, "…Interesting."

Lee and Gai stood unmoving; shocked from the recent revelation of Naruto having seen the pink haired kunoichi without any clothes on. The older shinobi of the two was the first to speak, "Kakashi, have you taught your former student no shame?"

Lee looked towards his mentor, "He wrote all those ghastly things and he peeped on Sakura-san…" He tapped his chin as if making a big discovery, "We have a pervert accompanying our group."

Gai held up his fist, "We must make sure to protect the sanctity of the women travelling with us. Come Lee, we can't be left behind."

The experienced jounin swiftly ran to catch up with the rest of the group as Lee saluted him, "Yes, Gai-sensei!"

XXXXXXXXXX

Tsunade looked through her cards as she slowly picked up her cup of sake and took a drink. Placing it back down, she began to scour through her cards once again before peering over them to her opponent. Her eyes were intense as she prepared to make her move before the sound of a throat clearing caught her off guard. She turned to find her former team mate staring at her with an incredulous look as he entered through the window.

Jiraiya formed a goofy grin across his face, "The life of a Hokage; it's so demanding."

Tsunade ignored him, "I earned this break from my work."

Jiraiya began to laugh as he moved near the table, "So, you're playing against your pet pig?"

He was met with a squeal from the pig mentioned who seemed to be enjoying the card game. Tsunade shook her head as she placed down her cards, "Tonton's not an ordinary pig; one of a kind, actually."

Jiraiya looked at Tonton, not seeing any difference which stood out before nodding awkwardly, "I see what you mean…" Shaking his head, he moved the pig out of the way and sat down.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow as she saw the frog hermit pick up the cards and get ready to play, "You're here because of the jinchuuriki right?"

Jiraiya began to organise his cards as he replied, "Yes, how did you know?"

Tsunade sighed as she saw Jiraiya make his move, "Sakura told me but you're a day late."

Jiraiya waited for the busty Hokage as it was her turn, "I was caught up in some other things." His demeanour became more serious, "What did the council decide?"

Tsunade shrugged as she struggled to find a suitable card to counter Jiraiya's move, "I've yet to meet with Koharu and Homura again. I'm waiting for Kakashi's report before any further decisions are made."

Jiraiya ran a hand through his hair, "What did you think of him?"

Tsunade looked at Jiraiya, knowing he was asking for her personal opinion regarding Naruto's character, "He doesn't give me a bad feeling."

Jiraiya closed his eyes, "I was expecting you to say that. But from the impression I received, he's been through a lot. We have no idea of what we're dealing with so it's best to remain neutral until the veil is lifted."

Tsunade smoothly made her move, "I already know that. What would you do though Jiraiya, if the decision was to kill him?"

Jiraiya's eyes snapped open as he looked at the Godaime, "Why do you ask that?"

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, "This is more than just about the old man's last wish for you. After all, he's in the position that he is because of your student's sacrifice."

Jiraiya listened intently as he realised what she was saying. It was true that he felt largely responsible for the jinchuuriki but it wasn't only because of the burden he carried due to what the Sandaime asked of him. It was partially because of his student being the one whose sacrifice carved the path which Naruto walked in his earlier days. Jiraiya wasn't happy with everything pertaining to the Yondaime's death especially considering it occurred while he was still so young. "That remains to be seen…" He placed a card down before smiling, "In the meantime, you lose."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto held his hands behind his head as he walked through the forest path. His cigarette precariously hung from the edge of his mouth as he enjoyed the sound of the birds singing while flying from tree to tree. He was in the middle of the group along with Ayame and Tenten. Gai and Lee were in the front while Neji and Sakura were at the rear of everyone. They had been walking for the good part of an hour now and it seemed as if it was really going to take a long time to reach their destination.

Naruto turned his head to face Ayame since he wanted to ask a question about a matter which was confusing him, "Why do we have so many escorts? It seems a little too much to have 5 jounins."

Ayame wasn't given the chance to answer as Tenten quickly began to explain, "The system in Konoha isn't based on what is needed but rather what services you pay for. Depending on the money you are willing to pay, the quality of the shinobi provided is better."

Naruto acknowledged the information, "Ayame-chan, why did you pay for so many escorts?"

Ayame gave a nervous laugh, "The funny thing is; I didn't."

Naruto raised an eyebrow before Gai could be heard answering from in front of them, "Lee, Neji and Tenten have been with me since they began their paths as shinobi. For the most part, even after they were promoted to chuunin and then jounin, we have all remained as a team when most others don't. We had just returned from a mission when we were called to take up this assignment. Due to the fact that there was a nice sum of money involved, the Godaime decided to give us this mission as a team even if it was only for the price of 3 skilled shinobi."

Naruto glanced backwards at Sakura who was quickly alerted, giving him a fierce look in return. The jinchuuriki faced the front again, realising that her sudden addition must have been because of him. Sighing, he moved his hand to his cigarette before throwing it to the ground and stepping on it.

He resumed walking with the group as Lee finally exploded, "WHY?"

Naruto stopped moving, "Why what?"

Lee turned around and pointed at him, his finger steady, "Why do you write those things? What benefit do they bring anyone?"

Naruto folded his arms, not wanting to fully answer his question, "People enjoy them."

Lee had an insulted expression, "I refuse to believe that."

Sakura listened to the weird conversation. She remembered Lee being angry about the jinchuuriki's writing from the day before but she didn't know why. "What's this about?"

Ayame was equally as confused as the pink haired kunoichi. Tenten gave a tense laugh, "It's just some writer's quarrel."

Sakura turned to Naruto who was straightening his hat, "What do you write?"

Naruto grinned, "Adventure novels."

Neji smirked, closing his eyes, "That is one way to describe them."

Sakura realised she wasn't being told the whole truth as she looked at Lee, "What's wrong with his adventure novels?"

Gai quickly butted in with a high pitched voice, "They are joint adventures of men and women!"

Sakura was momentarily stumped before the meaning of what they said descended upon her. Clenching her fists, she made a move towards Naruto, "You're like Jiraiya-sama; that incident at the hot springs was no accident."

Ayame quickly moved in the way, "I don't know exactly what happened between you two but you're supposed to be protecting us."

Sakura inwardly laughed as she realised she was told to do no such thing, "I'm not sure if that's exactly right; especially when it comes to that pervert's protégé over there."

Naruto took a step backwards, "Ero-sennin? Don't compare me to him. And it was an accident, you can't change fact."

Neji decided to interrupt the argument which was beginning to take priority over more important matters, "Do you think it's wise to waste time here when we have to be back in Konoha within a week?"

Naruto noticed the silence which fell upon the group of shinobi once the Hyuuga spoke. Gai nodded, acknowledging his former student's response, "He's right; it's time we get going in full speed."

Ayame had a puzzled expression, "Full speed?"

Tenten walked in front of the woman and got down on one knee with her back towards her, "Hop on." Ayame held on Tenten's back as she stood up and got ready to take off.

Naruto was waiting for everyone to make a move when he noticed that they were looking at him. The blonde wondered about the irregular stares, "What's the problem?"

Gai nodded thoughtfully before walking towards him and turning his back, "It's okay to be embarrassed. It just shows that the flames of youth within you are still growing."

Naruto felt uncomfortable but realised that they didn't know of his capabilities as a ninja. He complied with the spandex wearing jounin's awkward proposition, "How long until we reach Suna?"

Gai jumped into the tall trees with everyone following as Sakura found it hard not to laugh, "We'll be there by tomorrow if we take a break tonight."

XXXXXXXXXX

Sasuke disregarded the glares he was receiving from the various villagers as he purchased some fruit from the stall. He was used to the gloomy atmosphere as he had been receiving the same reception ever since he had returned to the village. Looking through his bags with a quick glance, he made sure everything he needed was acquired before making his way out of the bustling market and towards his home. Using his free hand, he brushed his hair slightly as the sounds of the villagers became distant and he entered a more secluded road.

He stopped walking as a small ball rolled in front of him. Bending down on one knee, he picked it up and observed its poor condition. The sounds of running footsteps entered his ears, causing him to look to his side to see a young boy who slowed down in his advance. Sasuke rose to a standing position before putting out his hand. The boy who was wearing torn clothes quickly moved forward and grabbed the ball out of his hand.

Sasuke placed his free hand in one of his pockets and began to walk again but halted upon hearing the child speak, "You're Uchiha Sasuke, aren't you?"

The sharingan wielder looked over his shoulder, "Yeah." What happened next took him by surprise as he saw the child smile at him.

The boy scratched his head, "My mother always tells me that being poor isn't that bad whenever I complain. She says that other people have it worse because they're not liked."

Sasuke's face lost the slight glimmer it had gained from seeing the boy initially smile at him. He closed his eyes, "She tells you that?"

The boy nodded, "She told me of you. When you were younger, everyone adored you because of your clan. She said the villagers hate you now because you betrayed Konoha." He began to grin widely, "She doesn't think of it like that though. You were just loyal to your clan and that's why she still adores you."

There was a passing moment of silence before Sasuke turned around and began to walk towards the younger boy. Stopping in front of him and noticing the curious expression on the child's visage, he placed his supplies on the ground. "Thank you." He left the bag of food with the child as he began to walk away with his hands in his pockets.

As several minutes passed, he stopped walking. Giving a heavy sigh, he looked around himself to find he had ventured to the lake he used to visit constantly when he was a lot younger. Walking down the steps, he moved towards the edge of the pier overlooking the lake. The sky was turning into a crimson shade as the sun was in the process of setting.

Ever since his clan's murder, there was only one path known to him. He realised that he could have decided to not head down that certain path but without it, he had nothing. Due to this, he clung to his only known trail as it gave him a purpose in his life. But now that he had reached and passed the final obstacle in his path, he was left at the same juncture that he had been at after his clan's massacre; not knowing what to do.

Even though there was a mixture of confused feelings within him, he felt some gratitude towards the young boy he had just met because he had given him some sense of peace with his words. Looking at the sun setting in the distance, he enjoyed the pleasant sight, "Loyalty to your village…or loyalty to your clan…"

XXXXXXXXXX

The fire crackled as it brought light to the dark patch of forest that the large group were currently sitting in. Naruto kept his eyes on the flames as they seemed to dance; their colour very similar to his own eyes. The group were at the border of the Fire Country and had decided to set up camp for the night due to it being in the late hours. Gai wanted everyone to get some rest before they would head out again at dawn, reaching Suna by the evening.

They weren't too worried about the light the fire was giving off since they were still in their own country and there was no reason to believe anyone would target them. Tenten, Ayame and Sakura were also seated around the fire while Neji stood at the base of a nearby tree.

Gai and Lee had set off to secure the perimeter by setting a few, simple traps which would provide enough protection. Naruto stretched his arms and rose from his seat on the ground, his actions garnering the attention of Sakura.

The pink haired medic had an enquiring mind since she was supposed to keep a close eye on him, "What are you doing?"

Naruto picked up his rucksack, "There's a river close by, I wanted to go and wash up. Do you want to join me?"

Sakura had an annoyed expression, "Just get out of here." She knew that there wasn't any chance of the blonde running away or anything so diverted her attention to the only other kunoichi as he left the area. "I can't believe that pervert."

Tenten hugged her knees, "You really have something against him."

Sakura sighed, "You would too if he peeped on you, not to mention he writes those disgusting novels."

Tenten laughed, "I don't know; they're not that bad."

Ayame nodded in agreement, "She's right; he's got a penchant for writing."

Sakura was surprised by the two women as she peered over Tenten to see the ramen chef reading a few pieces of paper. "Is that what I think it is?" Her voice showed her disbelief.

Tenten placed her hands on the ground and leaned back, "Yes. You know, there are women out there who write similar things for our tastes but he's written it in a way that it's possible for everyone to enjoy."

Sakura had a stunned expression, "You've read these kinds of books before?"

Tenten gazed into the fire, "Life as a shinobi takes you all over the world." She began to laugh before facing the pink haired woman, "There's nothing wrong with reading them."

Ayame placed the pieces of paper in Sakura's lap, "You'll be surprised."

Sakura hesitantly picked up the notes before asking one last question, "How did you get these?"

Tenten smiled, "He gave them to Lee yesterday. This is why he's outraged with him. I don't why though since he could learn a thing or two about writing from him. I'm sure Neji would agree with me."

Sakura looked behind her towards Neji who calmly moved his head the other way. "We've all read them."

The kunoichi turned back to the notes and slowly began to read as Lee and Gai arrived at the campsite. Gai noticed the absence of Naruto as he turned to Neji, "We're missing one person."

Neji folded his arms, "He's gone to have a wash."

Lee placed his hands on his hips, "Did the pervert try anything while we were gone?"

Neji was always surprised by how little things would keep his team mate on edge and at attention. Shaking his head, he responded, "No, but the girls have all read his notes. And they like them more than your book."

Lee's head snapped towards Sakura, noting the papers in her hands, "He's corrupted Sakura-san!" He realised the last part of what Neji had just said, "Wait! That can't be true!"

Sakura read through the small piece of writing, noting that it was very well written and unpredictably enjoyable. The suspense and tension made a lot of things interesting however her pleased demeanour didn't last long as she reached a peculiar scene. He eyes widening; she instantly rose to her feet. Everyone was surprised by her sudden actions as she spoke in an irate tone, "I'm going to kill him!"

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto looked at the small waterfall as he rested in the warm and relaxing water. He had found the perfect spot after only a few minutes and was enjoying every bit of it. Letting his muscles receive the rest they needed was a pleasing feeling as he moved his head back and gazed at the sparkling stars in the sky. His thoughts wandered to his only ally with him. He had left Genkei a letter to inform him of the sudden change in direction of everything and was thinking about whether he received it or not.

A shadow appeared across his face before two sharp teeth could be seen instead of the sparkling stars. "Did you miss me?"

Naruto moved his head, "No, but I was just thinking about you."

Genkei shook his tail, "I received your letter but why have we left the location where your objective lies?"

Naruto threw some water over his body, "I couldn't even sense you following us."

Genkei observed the water, trying to find any fish, "I kept my distance."

Naruto nodded before beginning to inform him of the situation, "There's going to be a big celebration in Konoha next week. To be able to attend, you have to either be a shinobi or one of the people help preparing everything. I've got a job with one of the serving groups so I could go there but before that, I needed to escort a woman to Suna for some special ingredients. That's about everything."

Genkei slammed his tail into the water before bringing it back out with a fish stuck at the end of it. He grabbed the fish as he looked at Naruto, "You're planning on taking the scroll and crystal at this celebration?"

Naruto grinned, "Everyone's going to be busy so it's the best opportunity."

Genkei split open the fish with one of his claws, "I'm impressed with the plan. Seems like we're close to finishing what we came to this place for." Letting out an extremely hot wave of air from his nostrils, Genkei cooked the fish to a suitable standard, "I really am good at a lot of things."

The dragon left the vicinity as Naruto closed his eyes and began to relax however this didn't last long as he felt another presence. Opening his eyes, he saw the familiar pink hair, "So, you did want to join me."

Sakura clenched her fists before holding up the blonde's notes, "What the hell is this? We didn't ever have…we didn't do that. How dare you write about me like this?"

Naruto looked at the notes which he had given to Lee, "At least you're interested in them. I take that as an accomplishment."

Sakura glared at the jinchuuriki, "Answer my question!"

Naruto waved his hand, "All my writing is something I've experienced. You should feel honoured since this was the first time I've written about someone without having done that particular thing."

Sakura shook her head, not understanding why he said that as being something good, "I don't care about that."

Naruto moved forwards in the water before standing up. The water covered his waist as he spoke, "I think you're more embarrassed rather than angry."

Sakura stood at the edge of the water, "Nobody would want to read about themselves like this."

Naruto laughed, "They wouldn't know it's about them even if they did read it." He closed in on Sakura, "The real reason you're here isn't because of that. Thinking of me and you in those positions must have made you feel uncomfortable. It's understandable."

Sakura was speechless as she saw the blonde close in on her slowly before he was right in front of her and gazing up at her. She found that she couldn't move as she stared into his crimson eyes. Naruto moved his hands upwards and grabbed the notes, "I'll be taking these."

As the blonde tugged, he found that he couldn't retrieve them from the kunoichi's hands. Sakura smirked, her grip tightening, "I don't think so."

Naruto sighed before pulling with a sudden burst of force, causing him to get his desired notes but also making Sakura crash down into him. The water splashed everywhere as both of them ended up submerged to an extent. Naruto managed to keep his hand above the water as both his and the kunoichi's heads resurfaced.

Naruto supported his weight with only one hand at the base of the river as there was a looming silence. Sakura's hair was a mess as it partially covered her face. She hadn't ever been in such a compromising position before as she run her hands down the muscular yet smooth body of the Kyuubi vessel.

Naruto gave a sly smile before the kunoichi brought back her fist and drove it into his stomach. She instantly rose from the water and moved to the edge, exiting, "Pervert! I knew you would try something!"

Naruto coughed, watching the woman leave the area. His face turned to his notes which were miraculously safe but his thoughts were on the little encounter he just had. Moving his hand to his stomach, he realised that the force of the punch was a lot lighter than he would have expected. Placing the notes on the dry ground outside of the water, he went back to resting himself; a weird sensation running through him which he hadn't felt with anyone else but Yuka.

Author Notes: As you can see, the Sakura and Naruto relationship is beginning in some sort of way but it's going to be complicated. Anyways, hopefully you enjoy the little parts with Tsunade, Jiraiya and Sasuke as they're there to give some insight to their characters. Peace out.