AN: This is an incredibly badly written chapter. Just warning you guys :L The next part, focus will return to Lee!
DISCLAIMER: If I owned Naruto, the anime would have been dubbed at the same rate as it came out. It would also play continually on NZ television, 24 hours a day.
Burning Brightly
In a life that burned brightly like the flames of youth, there had to be moments of darkness. For Gai, one of his darkest moments had been Konoha after Orochimaru's invasion.
His most adorable student, Lee, was in hospital, no one knowing whether he would ever become a ninja again. Konoha was in desperate need of a new Hokage, after the tragic loss of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, after his fight with Orochimaru.
And to top it all off, he had just kicked one of the Legendary Sannin in the face.
He hadn't known that it was Jiraiya. He'd actually been aiming for Itachi Uchiha and… the other guy whose name he couldn't remember. Or maybe there hadn't been someone else. Come to think of it, no, Gai couldn't remember anyone else being with the Uchiha.
It appeared though, that Uchiha and the possible partner had already left, leaving Jiraiya and Naruto, and the other Uchiha behind.
Now, Gai liked to look on the bright side of things. Yes, he had managed to attack one of the strongest ninjas Konoha had ever produced. But he had done it with style!
That Dynamic Entry had been the most dynamic entry he had ever done in his life! Especially considering he'd been using his forehead protector as a mirror!
If only his dear student had been there to see it.
Gai had wiped a tear from his eye at the thought of Lee in hospital. Though he knew that emotion was a sign of a truly passionate shinobi, he was also aware of the fact that now was not an appropriate time.
Young Sasuke Uchiha. It seemed that his sad past was becoming part of his bright present. The boy's brother had left him in a bad state. Slumped against the strange, fleshy wall, he looked completely broken, like the youth had been sucked out of him.
Gai found himself listening to the conversation between Jiraiya and Naruto, Kakashi's student. Actually it was an argument really.
The blond boy was yelling in anger at the actions of the eldest Uchiha, saying most inspirational words, if rather loud. Gai found himself liking the boy, even if he had defeated his darling student Neji. This Naruto showed real… passion!
"Excuse me Gai. This child's feelings are understandable but we must still quickly rescue Sasuke." Jiraiya shot Sasuke a concerned look. Gai nodded. The boy was injured gravely. How had he reached this condition?
Ah, of course. That strange Sharingan of Itachi Uchiha.
"Kakashi has had approximately the same jutsu. He stays in bed until his sense return to normal." Gai spoke of his eternal rival. It made sense that Sasuke, the student of his rival, would be like his rival.
"Kakashi-sensei!" yelled Naruto. Gai chose not to reply. It seemed the boy was surprised that his most eternal rival had also suffered from the powerful genjutsu.
"When students are injured… well this time I think it has harmed his mind." Gai thought of Lee, lying in his bed, in critical condition. "Medical care specialists should always be around in case this continues to happen, don't you think?"
"Hmmm…. So, to go searching for that person?" The sannin spoke, pondering the thought.
Gai froze. He could not… was he really suggesting that?
"That person…Could it be…" Gai prayed for Jiraiya to say her name. She could save Lee. She, of all people could heal his most adorable, and badly beaten student!
Jiraiya had indeed meant her. Later, when the four of them had made it back to Konoha, Gai had become incredibly hopeful.
"Jiraiya… please find Tsunade, and bring her back to us!" he smiled in confidence. Jiraiya was one of the Legendary Sannin, the most powerful and magnificent ninja to come out of Konoha. If anyone could…
"DON'T YOU WORRY, WE'LL FIND HER!"
Gai almost jumped. He was glad he didn't as with Sasuke slung over his back, it would not have been a very good idea.
"TAKE CARE OF SASUKE MR. BUSHY BROWS!"
That boy… he was so… so… YOUTHFUL! His burning passion and dedication to Sasuke, his bundying belief and confidence… it was all so beautiful. How alike he was to Lee.
Gai found himself filling with joy as Jiraiya wished him farewell. Quickly, he made a decision before he and Naruto left.
"Naruto, you've got guts! I like kids like that!" with one arm, Gai reached inside his flak jacket. Where was it? "Here, I'm giving this to you." He patted the interior pockets until – of course, there it was.
"This is the reason why Lee is so strong!" Naruto's face was bright, so eager an enthusiastic!
Gai didn't have the heart to force him to wait any longer. With a flourish, he pulled out the suit.
"This!" he announced. "It's the ultimate streamlined, form fitting, easily accessible, perfectly made bodysuit!" He flashed a huge smile. He, Might Gai, was so kind! "Wear it while you're training and you'll definietely know the difference! You'll never look back! Our Lee-" he held back a tear "-wears it 24/7 and of course, it is my most beloved piece of ninja must have!"
"Cooooool!" Gai could hear the excitement and admiration in Naruto's voice. Clearly, unlike Jiraiya who was looking at him with a most strange expression, Naruto had most fantastic style.
Gai watched the two walk off, Naruto waving the green jumpsuit around in his hands, and lifted a hand in farewell.
His Lee may have been injured, but at least there was still one other young shinobi who's youthful flames burned as brightly as his most beloved students' did.
And… I don't even know what to say…