Author's Notes: It seemed I forgot to put the explanations for the numbers in the last chapter XD Meh heh heh...Yeah! Go me! I updated after a very long time....Gah 0.0 I'm not proud of myself anymore -.- But whatever I was gone for a week! That's a valid excuse! Working for the damn Liberals -.- I got 200$ out of it, though, so I'm good XD I tell you, you never know how rude people are until you've been hung up on more then a couple 100 times -.- So...yeah XD
Here's one I seemed to have forgot.
[1] - Shin means Divine, and though it's beginning is alike a Shinigami, it's not the name's meaning. A "Shinigami" is an "Angel of Death" (roughly translated). Animals seem to be Shinigamis as well in some occasions. XD (For those of you who would like to watch an Anime that focuses on said Shinigamis, Yami no Matsuei (Descendents of Darkness) is highly recommended.)
Er...I guess that was the only one O.o If I missed one, please enlighten me XD
Dedicated too: kashisenshey, The Original Dirty angel (Jae XD), Ookima, Muchacha, Kutsu, Iceheart19, Bealmira, ghostninja85, Random Reader, Zayni, Anonymous Reviewer (I wish you'd put chur name XD;;;), kiowen, lalala, weaver, Rina, rima, Shez, ochiba, Yueh Kitsune, Sasutolover, Lauren, and Twilight Rose! XD You guys are awesome! That was alotta peoples O.O
ESPECIALLY dedicated too: Ali, Tia, Katana-kun!, KizuPL, Kreyana, Jes, Ayako, Alicia McClellan and Kyuubi-chan! You guys all stood out, and you're my favorites XD!
Warning(s): Shounen-ai, angst, and all around good stuff XD I'll try not be too descriptive, but I'm not making promises . XD So Yeah.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, the only thing I own is Shin and this story XD Yay me! I own a story, a character, and two cents! Don't I rock? Kishimoto Masashi (I always have difficulty spelling that -.-) owns them, and if I owned them, they'd be doing lewd things to each other. Enough? I think so.
Bunraku: A large scale Japanese puppet theatre. The puppets are operated by many people, and about 2/3 life size. The puppeteers are on stage and not hidden during the show.
Bunraku
The world is a drought when out of love
Please come back to us
You're all of the above
I'm making a choice to be out of touch
Leave me be he said
Leave me here in my stark raving sick sad little world...
-Sick, sad little world, Incubus.
Dai 3-ka: Of Anger and Returning.
Where the hell were Kakashi and Naruto? Kakashi was 4 hours late, which was two hours later then normal, and Naruto was three and a half hours late. Usually the blonde moron was just half an hour late, due to some idiotic mistake on his part. Maybe he'd slept in? Or maybe the blue-eyed teen had been caught and taken to some evil ninja's lair...
Generally, the young prodigy was a paranoid child, due to the fact he lived in a mansion all alone, and that he was a shinobi. Of course shinobi were paranoid. It was their job to be paranoid, for Kami-sama's sake.
So now Sasuke was crabby, even more then he naturally was. All he had for company was the pink-haired team mate of his, and she was terrible at fighting, it seemed. It was obvious that she would be no good in real missions, so she could just be a medical nurse. Even the black-haired boy admits that she had fairly good chakra control, and good chakra control usually resulted in good healing abilities. He concentrated more on offense then defense though...
The brooding teen was startled out of his silent reverie when a swirl of smoke appeared, revealing a very... somber looking Kakashi? What the hell? Now he was pissed, though he raved to himself inwardly, settling for narrowed eyes at his sensei.
"Kakashi-sensei! You're even later then normal," The green-eyed girl stressed the word normal, her tone disbelieving, saying everything Sasuke couldn't say. "And you better not have some lame excuse! Because I will be soooo-"
"Kakashi, where's Naruto?" The Uchiha cut in the middle of the others rant, who immediately fell silent when hearing the 'love of her life' speak. Though, it was rather odd that the blonde ninja showed up later then their forgetful teacher, wasn't it? The hyperactive boy had too much energy to be skipping training like he was!
A chillingly emotionless eye watched the two of them, the somber atmosphere finally weighing down on the two young one's shoulders. "I think...That would be something Tsunade-hime would have to tell you."
XXXXXXXXXXXX-At Tsunade's office-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"What I am about to tell you may be very serious, Mr.Uchiha, Ms.Haruno." She eyed them blandly, though her red eyes gave something away, something that they probably would not be glad to hear. She leaned her forehead on her intertwined fingers, sighing. They both nodded, though she more then likely couldn't see.
"How much would either of you know about a certain Naruto Uzumaki?" And this was not be the question they expected, something pulled out of nowhere. What about Naruto? He couldn't be dead, could he? No, it would be all over if he had died or been killed...And somehow, neither could imagine a still Naruto, the life gone out of his eyes...
"Uh...He loves Ramen?" The pink haired girl offered this explanation quietly, meekly. "He's energetic, he's an orphan, he was last in the tests..." She counted them off on her fingers, being confident with her second point, but quickly losing that when she came to the third. Four fingers in all.
And as they thought more of the question, Kakashi standing silently behind them, they came to a startling revelation. That was all they knew about their teammate. How could they know so little about their teammate? The one they spent at least 5 hours a day with, working, playing, laughing with. Someone they could count on to watch their backs...And neither could say they really watched his, assuming that he was hyper enough to watch both at the same time, and watch himself equally as well.
Sakura searched her mind, bringing everything she knew about Naruto to the surface. And inwardly, she cringed. She knew almost next to nothing about Naruto the person. She knew everything about Sasuke! His birthday, his height, the curse, his ambition, the hours he trained alone, his middle name, even his shoe size![1] And then Naruto...She knew...His favorite color. Orange. The one thing she hadn't listed.
Sasuke was having a worst time off. All he knew were the moves Naruto specialized in, and all the things Sakura listed. How alike he was to Naruto, who felt a loneliness similar to his, and he didn't know anything about him...Not his agenda, his dreams (beside the one of being Hokage), or anything else. And somehow, this left Sasuke feeling hallow. A few days ago, he'd dubbed Naruto as his best friend, and Naruto had taken him out to his favorite restaurant...
"That's what I thought." The way Tsunade sounded; it was as if she'd won a prize, one she didn't want. And then she started speaking, with a grim determination, as if she were embarking on a journey that many had failed before.
"His greatest strength is his stamina and his latent abilities." She started, keeping her eyes glued to the too faces, one shaking and one with flinching. "He was born October 10th, and he's 13. [2] His sign is Libra, and he's 4'9" His blood type is B, and his favorite restaurant is Ichiraku, where Miso ramen and Oshiruko, which are his favorite foods, can be found."
She paused to take in a breath, maybe even hating herself for the stricken expressions and wide eyes. "He absolutely hates raw vegetables. He mastered the Rasengan, which was taught to him by Jiraiya, in less then a month when it took the Third multiple years. I've known Naruto for a quarter time that you have, and he's like a brother too me."
She smiled at them, a satisfaction that she had rallied that info to them, while they sat there stunned after the first too. Her voice had been rising in desperation until the end, where he voice would have cracked if she had continued. But it was all she had to say. All she needed to say.
"The reason I said that is because I..." She hesitated, averting her eyes from probing black and startled green. "Naruto considered you his first family, you know? The first that loved him. But now..." She bit her lip, looking down. "He's a...he's missing..." She trailed off, and looked up, eyes lifeless, because it was another one gone, and he hadn't even left the necklace.
"You mean...Just gone?" Sakura had tears streaming down her cheeks now, eyes wide and breaking, because she remembered what she had said earlier. Why had she said those things...Naruto was her friend...
The fragile girl was crying freely now, not bothering to stop the twin trails on her cheeks. And Kakashi helped her out of the room, leaving the other too alone in the room. Something Sasuke couldn't handle, something he was not used to, so he was on auto pilot. Nothing could faze him now, because he was numb.
"When?" The words were being forced past his lips, something he didn't control and strangely, felt no hysteria.
"Last night."
"Signs of struggle?"
"No. Everything broken was caused by himself."
"Last seen." They weren't even questions anymore.
"Flower vendor across the street. He saw a distraught Naruto tearing his way to his apartment."
Sasuke got up, hands deep in his pockets and face void of any emotion. He started walking away, stopping at the door when Tsunade's voice, desperate and broken. He looked down, eyes shadowed as he listened, with a detached care.
"Sasuke, I know this is probably hard on you with him being your friend and all..."
She was cut off when Sasuke turned around, a chillingly tight smile on his face, the sharingan wheels rapidly spinning. She could see the hinting of the curse mark starting. No matter how composed he looked...
"What friend?"
XXXXXXXXXXXX-2 Years Later-XXXXXXXXXXXX
The boy stared up at the gates, noting that there seemed to be an end, but he had to crane his neck all the way back to see. How the hell was he supposed to get in? Knock? As if anybody could hear him anyways! The gate was way to big anyways, so it would probably barely make a sound.
Just then, the gate was opened, and in a flash, two people appeared in front of him. He smiled, albeit quietly, at the two. Problem solved at least, right?
One was a girl, though they both had masks on. She had black hair, and quite a slim and small build. She was even shorter then him! But, of course, size didn't mean power, right? She was staring at him, though he couldn't see it. He could just...Feel it.
The man was even more silent and stony then the women! He stood there, arms crossed. You could barely tell anything about him. He had a hood on to keep his hair hidden, and he was tall. Not fat though. Just...normal. 'Big-boned' you could say. But he too, was probably strong. Would they place weaklings at the gate to one such village?
"Name, age, village you're from," Which was strange, since this boy did not sport a headband anywhere on his body, and it was required that they knew what village the visitor came from, "and state your business." The women had a feminine, if not firm voice. She wasn't hostile, but not quite friendly either. Figures. Who would be nice to someone that may or may not kill you?
"Er...Shin Nakitama [3], age 15, and I just came to the nearest village, the one the old women told me was here. And...I don't even remember my village," The boy rubbed his head sheepishly, eyes squinted in apology, "You see, I forgot everything up until a week or so ago. Will this be a really big problem?" He was looking at them through lowered eyelashes, pink tinge on his face and voice coming out a soft tone, which completely surprised both of the guards, though they obviously didn't let it show.
This boy would have to see the Hokage.
It wasn't normal for someone to not have an origin of any kind, much less not remember one! There had been attempts like this, on the Hokage's life, after all.
"How do you remember your name?" Ah, finally, the man spoke. His voice was similar to the boys, soft but strong, and deep. Honestly, the man sounded as if he were speaking down a tunnel.
"Er...I have this kind of...will or something. Like a video will." The boy looked beyond embarrassed now, finding the ground rather interesting.
"Empty your bag." A single order, though hard in command, held a touch of sympathy. Even if the story was probably unlikely, she believed him. Something in his eyes and manner, maybe?
The contents of the bag that had been over his shoulder were dumped on the ground for the two shinobi to investigate. Their search turned up nothing special. A doll, a thin blanket, a bottle of water, a jacket, a brush, the video he had spoke of, and a pocketknife. They checked all these to make sure they contained nothing. Thankfully, they were fruitless in their search, the women noted in relief.
"Stand straight with your arms held out." The girl Anbu had to watch the man's back as he padded down the stranger, very thorough and precise. She laughed as the boy looked away, a blush on his face and very uneasy. Just procedure, anyways.
"Done." This, the man said gruffly before swiftly returning to the women's side, watching warily as the boy placed all his belongings back into the small bag.
"Do you want to go get the Anbu leader to escort him to the Hokage's office? We can't be too careful, and he just got back from a mission. I'm sure this is alright for him." She addressed the man politely, though he could detect the smile in her voice. She liked him, and he shook his head to that. He could be a murderer, for all they knew.
He disappeared, and she turned to the idly waiting boy, at ease for no reason. Why was she so relaxed?
"Uh...I'm sorry for causing all this trouble! Um...can I call you Kaiyo [4], since you know, a mask usually means that you don't want to be known?" His hand was always on the back of his head, as if it were stuck there or something. She felt the beginning of a smile creeping onto her face. Too bad the kid was so young. He was cute!
"Sure, Nakitama-kun." A slight nod of her head, though she still kept watch of the boy who was now shifting in his place, taking in his surroundings. He looked very uncomfortable indeed.
So when he looked up and smiled at her, she started. Where was his shy, quiet, demeanor?
"Sooo....Is this Anbu Leader of yours cute?" He shot her a sly smile, threatening to break into a grin because she burst out laughing, as if he had just made the best joke in the world.
"Oh, god no. He's not just cute, he's downright fu-"
"I hope you aren't saying that about my person, 'Kaiyo'." The cold voice interrupted her mid-word, though instead of blushing, she turned to him and nodded.
"Yup."
The man had his mask off to the side, frozen eyes looking down at her.
"Oh, lighten up, Sasuke."
Dai 3-ka: Owarita.
Yay XD!!! I'm done! Finally! I didn't have a computer to do it with ;; Kitty was sad. Cry for the kitty....Er....Yeah XD But moo anyways!
BIG NOTE TO EVERYBODY!!
I had a crisis. I couldn't post on ;; But now I can, thanks to my amazing Beta Beth!(Inori-Sakura) XD Everybody Lurv her. XD So bug thanks and hugs to Beth...and...to all the readers too XD
I was in a puzzle at how to explain Shin's loss of memory, so I chose this option over making a short note. XP
Chapter Notes:
[1] Sakura came off as slightly over-obsessed, ne? XD
[2] They're all one year older, so that makes Shin 15, ne? It's two years later -.- Yeah...Onto the next one.
[3] Nakitama means Departed Soul. It's my muse Akuji's last name XD Mwahaha, I thought it would be cool. . [
4] Kaiyo means forgiveness. Just thought I'd point that out.
Another small AN: There you guys go! I finished! I didn't want to end it there, but I was like, "What the hell.". Sorry for the short chapter!! I'll have more time to write as soon as school starts, and I promise that the next chapter will be EXTRA long, ne?
Review replies: (from now on, replies to reviews will only apply when a reviewer has a question to ask.. gomen, but it takes up a lot of space.. -- )
Kashisenshey: You're not troublesome! You bothered to review! XD Thanks! The
Original Dirty Angel (Jae): This wasn't a soon update -.- XD And yes. But now you can't review on anymore ;; Gomen! And thanks for keeping with me these 2 nasty chappies!
Ookima: I updated when I could, Which wasn't soon enough. And hey, at least you reviewed, ne? Thanks! I'll hafta read one of your fics, ne? Thanks!
Katana-kun:....O.O -sniff- I feel so loved! I'm on your fav's? O.O Dear lord! Thank you so much! My first fav.'s list XD Man you're cool. Now you know Sasuke's reaction. Isn't he an icy bastard? I don't like him lately, because of what's happening in the manga -.- And curiosity is good XD Yay!..I still can't get over your review O. I'm obsessive, ne? And I give Iruka credit XD I know I wouldn't be able to fight off Kakashi! Lmao XD
Muchacha: Why yes, yes it is XD Thanks for the review!
Kutsu: My plot's solid? -pokes it- -stares as it collapses-...Eh. Good enough XD Thanks O.O That's constructive complimenting! XD And now you know what happens next, though this chapter sucks -.- Thanks XD
KizuPL: Thank-you for forgiving me XD I couldn't lose one of the coolest reviewers ;; Don't I sound desperate? I wonder how Sasuke and Sakura can too. Che, one's a bitch and the other's a bastard -.- Go figure. I bet now you hate Sasuke even more! -cackles- Oh well XD Arigatou and Ja!
Iceheart19: XD Naruto is uber-cute, isn't he? Adorable if I can say -.- Man, does he ever look like the Yondaime, ne? I find that so cool XD I suspect Yondaime's his father, but meh, that might just be me XD Thanks for the review!
Ghostninja85: I didn't update soon Gomen. But thanks for the compliments XD Trust me, they are appreciated.
Random Reader: I don't know why you're hooked either, personally XD This isn't a really good fic. Read Nazo's Naruto No Hohoemi. Now THAT'S a good fic!
Zayni: Whee! I'm an original! Nice changes are good, don't you agree? TO many Sexy no Jutsu fics -.- But a lot are good, none the less XD There's your update! And don't die XD Thanks for the review!
Kreyana: There! Updated...Though it's a nasty chapter, and long wait -.- But meh. I'll write a uber long chapter next chappie!...Muhahah, I have a weird obsession with naming my stories weird symbolic meanings. But that's just me XD lmao. I'll read it if you post it!
Jes: XD Call me Cat. My name's retarded. O. Ha! One of my favorite reviews. I'm glad...well, not really, but I'm feeling good that I made people get the emotion I wanted them to get XD Sad is not usually good, but good enough! -confetti- Don't mind me XD Thanks for the review!
Kiowen: No way am I abandoning it now! I actually like the idea...not the way I write it, but the idea XD Thanks for the review! Lalala: I bet you aren't happy about this one either. .- This one sucked, but thanks for the review XD
Ayako: I know. made me mad But what can ya do XD And this is what happened? Well, this was certainly a crappie chappie. XD Aren't I cool? XD Thanks for the review!
Kyuubi-chan: -celebrating the deaths of Sakura and Ino- -hands her a party hat- XD Join in. This wasn't quick, not at all -.- And I bet you could pull off the prank in some other city! Just my idea XD Mee hee hee, can do it cause I have a twin, so it's like a 24/7 thing XD Thanks for liking it O.O I love the support I'm getting XD Thanks! One of my favorite reviews XD
Alicia M.: XD No prob! It's just my incompetence and laziness that makes me too lazy to spell your name XD Gomen if that's an offence O.O YAY! I made a chapter unpredictable! Go me! And thanks XD I rather liked the ending myself. It made me feel diabol...diaboli...Ah screw it. Evil. Mwahaha. And you do not sound stupid! Don't dis the Alicia ...and sorry for the shortening of the last name XD Thanks and Ja!
Weaver: We won't see Itachi for a looong time, sadly. I want him too ;; XD But yeah! Thankies I'm glad. I hope I'm better at writing by the end of this story. Just another hope Thanks!
Rina: Awwww.....XD Don't cry. There! I continued! Though I doubt you're happy -.- I bet you're all "Ew...it sucks now." XD Eh heh...I look the gift horse in the mouth, ne? Thanks anyways
Rima: I think it was sexy too XD That's why I did it Mwahahahaha XD Really? I'd like at see it! ----;;; Maybe I copied it from you? XP lol But there I continued. Thanks for reading Shez: Well, there's the next chappie Wai, I don't like it . But whatever XD Extra long chappie next chap cause this one uber sucks. And I agree XD Poor Naru. I'm so mean ;; Thankies for reading!
Ochiba: As said earlier, Sasuke dubbed Naruto his best friend and vice versa XD Sasuke should defend Naruto! coughcauseweallknowitstruehedoescough XD But yeah I blame Sasuke solely for this mess. And maybe the lil' bastard in the back of my head. But that's a different story XD Eh heh....Yeah Thank-you for asking a question! XD I feel special. Need help special, not special special XD Yup. But anyways Thanks for reading thus far!
Yueh Kitsune: Let's gang up on the guard now XD lmao, he such a lazy ass. Maybe Shika's dad? And I didn't really update soon Gomen. Thanks for reading XD
Sasutolover: LET'S ALL BASH SASUKE!!!!!!!! XD cough I think he should go after Naruto, but he didn't. The meanie-head. And here's the update Gomen for taking so long XD;;;
Lauren: Aw. Thanks for the compliments ---------- I feel loved! XD I feel mean for doing that to Naru...oh...wait...I'm just hungry. Fair enough XD Thanks for reading!
Twilight Rose: There's this very bad update XD Thanks for liking it O.o Even if I don't -.- But yeah. ---- Thanks for reading!
There! Done XD I'm proud to get this many reviews (from and ). I'm glad that this many people like it ;; Thanks guys for reading.
And remember kids:
Don't do drugs. They may feel good at first, but eventually, you'll owe money.
Now push the button.
XD Just joking.
Thank you for reading, please review!