AN: I do not own original Naruto characters or jutsu. They belong to the main man, Masashi Kishimoto. But, Saphiro Kimza and other created characters and jutsu do belong to me. Please enjoy my fic.
Naruto: Kimza Chronicles:
Chapter 14: A Newfound Love:
After released from the hospital, Saphiro decided to prepare for the celebration for the 4th anniversary of the assembling of Team 22. He wondered about many things. First off, where could they have this celebration? Second, what could he, Kaede, and Art do at said celebration? He decided to ask Tagaranon. Even though Tagaranon was revered to as the 'knuckleheaded strategist' by Kurenai, Saphiro knew that Tagaranon was the kind of person to talk to about parties. Of course, even though Hinata never would say it, Tagaranon was the best person to get Naruto's party supplies. He always had a good taste when it came to parties. Luckily, Tagaranon was hanging out with Neji and Lee at the edge of the village.
"Tagaranon-sensei," Saphiro asked, "What can we do at our 4 year anniversary party?"
"How about invite all of your friends from Squads 23, 24, 25, and 26 to celebrate together," Tagaranon suggested, "You were all graduated during this day, you know."
Saphiro realized that what Tagaranon was saying was true! He had to bring all of his friends together! He knew that Tagaranon would have an answer. He quickly ran off to tell Naruto his suggestion. Of course, the size of the party had grown from just 3 to 15. Maybe even more if they invited more people to celebrate this joyous occasion.
"Good luck with your celebration idea!" Tagaranon encouraged.
At the Hokage's manor, Saphiro told Naruto about his idea. Naruto was amazed at Saphiro's request to have a party for his friends. Naruto decided that the village should celebrate the graduation of the ninja of Konoha.
"You know almost 20 years has passed since Orochimaru was defeated," Naruto said, "We can turn your party into that as well, if that's okay with you."
Saphiro jumped up and curled his hand into a fist, "Sure it's okay!" he said, jumping up, "We can have the most ultimate party in the history of the Village Hidden In The Leaves!" He was excited about this party. Perhaps he and Kaede could hang out together. Sure, he, Kaede, and Art were the best of friends. But, he had something inside of him that wanted him to be more than 'just friends' with Kaede. Ever since they met when they were 7, Saphiro and Kaede had crushes for each other. He could remember when they first met.
Saphiro and Kurenai walked the streets of Konoha together. Since Saphiro was only 7 and a half years old, he was too young to wander around by himself. They were walking to the Nekiogama estate to celebrate the 1st birthday of Genzo's youngest brother, Genko. Kurenai was a good friend of the Nekiogama Clan for years. As they were walking, Saphiro just happened to notice a young girl, about his age, sitting on the ground, sobbing. Saphiro tugged on his stepmother's pants leg.
"Mom," Saphiro said, continuing to tug, "There is a little girl crying over there."
Kurenai looked down to her stepson, "Oh really?" she asked, "Where is she, Saphiro? Maybe we can cheer her up."
Saphiro pointed to the little brunette girl crying on the sidewalk.
Kurenai and Saphiro walked to the little girl and stopped. Kurenai kneeled at the young girl, "Hello there," she said, "I'm Kurenai Yuhi. And what's your name?"
The little held back her tears to talk, "Kaede," she said, "Kaede Meitochi."
Saphiro stepped to Kaede, "I'm Saphiro Kimza," he said, "And I'm her son."
Kaede stared at Saphiro, "If she's your mommy," she asked, "why is her last name Yuhi and yours is Kimza?"
Saphiro stood silent for a moment and shrugged, "I really don't know," he said, "I guess I'm adopted or something."
Kaede stared at Saphiro and Kurenai. She then frowned deeply at Saphiro, "I don't like you," she said suddenly, "Go away."
Saphiro was shocked at Kaede's conclusion. He then frowned at Kaede, "Why are you mad at me!?" he asked angrily, "I'm trying to make you happy!"
"Because," she sniffled, "You look like the type to…to…to…" she started to cry again.
Kurenai wiped Kaede's tears, "To what?" she asked, "To do what to you?"
Kaede looked down, "He looks like he's a person who wanted to attack me because I am from the Plateau Village. The Plateau and Sound Villages were allies in the war with Orochimaru. Because of that, no one likes me or my family. I'm all alone in this village! " Kaede started to cry again.
Saphiro looked to the ground. He was sad about Kaede's bad time because of her native home. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a chocolate bar. He handed it to Kaede. "Here," he said, "I was going to eat it at the party my mom's taking me to, but, it looks like you need it more than me."
Kaede looked up at Saphiro, tears staining her face. She wasn't crying out of grief this time. She was happy that someone actually cared for her. She sat on this sidewalk all day, and no one even bothered to come and try to comfort her. And out of the blue, a young boy about her age gave her his only candy bar! She knew that Saphiro could be a good friend for her.
"You can't let anyone get you down," Kurenai explained, "You can gain friends by telling people that you want to be part of the Leaf Village." Kurenai gave Kaede's head a pat, "Come on Saphiro, Let's go." Kurenai straightened her body and continued to walk down the street with Saphiro.
"Wait!" Kaede shouted, rushing to Kurenai and Saphiro. She stopped to Saphiro and gave him a hug. She then backed off, blushing deeply.
Saphiro tilted his head to the side, "Huh?" he asked.
Kaede was shy, but she had to swallow her fears and ask. She took a deep breath, "Do you want to be friends!?" she asked, "I know that we can be best friends. No one has ever been so nice to me other than you and my parents. Everyone thought I was going to be a problem because I was from the Plateau Village. And everyone knows that the Leaf and Plateau Villages are mortal enemies. So will you be my friend?" she stopped to gasp for air. She didn't stop to take one breath during her whole speech.
Saphiro's smile slowly turned into a grin, "You bet!" he said happily.
Kaede hugged him again. She knew that she found a true friend. Saphiro and Kaede quickly created a bond that was so powerful, even though Genzo and the rest of the village teased Saphiro because of his shortcomings 5 years later, she would still be on his side. Kaede even felt a romantic connection between her and Saphiro. But she would tell him later. She was a little too shy at the moment.
Meanwhile, Kaede was at home, looking at a picture of her, Saphiro, and Art. She sat on her bed and closed her eyes to take in all she and Saphiro had been through. She wasn't too shy to give Saphiro little pecks on the cheek, but she was shy to give him a full kiss to the lips. As she thought about ways to show her love for Saphiro, the doorbell rang.
"Coming!" she said, leaving her room. When she opened the door, Saphiro was standing there with a chocolate bar. She smiled at Saphiro's knowledge of what he gave her 9 years ago.
"Is that for me?" she asked, blushing.
"Sure is," Saphiro answered, smiling as usual, "Hey, Naruto has decided to make this party from a 4-year anniversary party to celebrate the assembly of Squad 22 into a 20-year anniversary to celebrate the defeat of Orochimaru. You wanna come with me? I'm not saying it could be a date. Well, maybe it could. I was just thinking…..about…uhh…" Saphiro never had a problem asking Kaede anything before. But now, he was a little nervous to hear Kaede's answer."
Kaede stood silent. She was also too nervous to answer. She was surprised that Saphiro would come to her house to ask her on a date. Well, obviously, it wasn't a date. But maybe it could've been.
Saphiro finally decided that not hearing an answer meant no. He lowered his head in shame, "Well," he sighed, "That's okay. If you got plans, I guess I can go with someone else or by myself. I just really thought we could hang together." He turned around and started to walk away.
Kaede finally summoned the courage she needed to answer, "Yes," she said, "I will accompany you during the celebration. When does it start?"
Saphiro turned around. He had new hopes, "Tomorrow," he said, "This is going to be fun!" Suddenly, he had to give the chocolate bar to Kaede, "Your candy bar! I forgot go give it to you!" As he ran towards Kaede, he suddenly tripped up and ran into her. Before he could stop, his lips met with Kaede's.
Kaede's blush turned from red to crimson. She knew that what happened was an accident, but she was still surprised. She never knew what a kiss from a non-relative felt like. Now, she was in a state of confusion. She backed away and continued to remain silent.
Saphiro stared at Kaede in surprise as well. He knew that it was totally unintentional. But, he felt a strange feeling of affection. He swallowed all of his confusion and spoke.
"Um," he said, "That was weird. Wasn't it Kaede?"
Kaede gained her ability to speak, "Sure was," she said, "I guess I'll be going in my house now. Gotta do some things."
Saphiro scratched his head, "I gotta go too. I got to prepare. We are going to the celebration together. Things to attend to."
Kaede nodded her head, "I know what you mean. I'll see you later." As Kaede left, Saphiro stared at the door for a little while before leaving. As he left, he felt that he and Kaede found a strange feeling for each other. Both Saphiro and Kaede knew that this feeling had to be confronted.
That was unexpected, they thought in unison, But for some reason, I liked it! It was a wonderful feeling.
Finally, the day for the celebration had come. Everyone in the village wanted to be at the festival. And they were! There were tons of activities. The celebration even had fireworks and a piñata in the shape of Orochimaru.
"That is ultra ironic," said Art, staring at the piñata. He looked to the left to see Kaede and Saphiro. He ran to them quickly.
"This place is awesome!" Saphiro exclaimed, "The 'Victory Over Orochimaru' celebration is great! I can't wait to have some fun!"
"They sure had this celebration up to a great start!" Kaede gasped in fascination, "I can't wait to play some games or anything of the sort!"
"What are we waiting for!?" Saphiro cheered, "Let's party like there's no tomorrow!"
"Sure thing!" Kaede agreed.
"You had me at 'party' holmes!" Art included.
The three friends had a good time at the celebration from sunrise to sunset. All day, Saphiro, Kaede, and Art did nothing but celebrated not only Konoha's victory in the war against Orochimaru, but their friendship. They never had this much fun in all of the years of their teenage lives. But, Saphiro and Kaede were still in awkward mood from the day that they 'kissed' for the first time. They always were good friends, but the accidental kiss made them feel kind of awkward. But, as long as they had fun, they decided not to let the kiss disturb them.
After most of the celebration was over. It was time for the fireworks. Blasts of colored fire filled the sky with light. The entire village was dazzled at the rockets made by the Volcano Village. The fireworks continued for the rest of the celebration.
Saphiro and Kaede were waiting for Art at the park to just talk about old times. Their plan was ruined when they saw Tagaranon carrying Art in the direction of the Uzuba Manor.
"What's wrong with Art?" Kaede asked, "Is he sick? He wanted to talk to him."
"I'm sorry guys," Tagaranon apologized, "But Art had a drinking contest with the younger Jonin. He's had more than enough fun tonight. Haven't you Art?"
"I'm—He!—Sorry—He!—Guys!—He!" Art hiccupped as he was carried by Tagaranon. Tagaranon then turned to the right and he and Art were out of sight.
"There goes our 'Squad 22' time," Saphiro sighed disappointed. He turned to Kaede who was pulling her fingers through the sand. He smiled at her. He never noticed before, but, he actually thought that Kaede was radiating with beauty. He chuckled at his revelation.
Kaede turned at Saphiro and tilted her head, "What's so funny?" she asked, "Am I doing something that is funny?" she moved her hand out of the sand and curled her hand into a fist, "Cuz, if so, I'll make you look funny!" she lightly hit Saphiro on his forehead protector.
"Oh yeah?" Saphiro growled playfully, "The only one that's going to look funny is you!" He teasingly tapped Kaede's head with his index and middle fingers.
"I'll get you for that!" Kaede laughed, knocking Saphiro over. She got on top of him and started tapping him in his head with her index and middle fingers. She then pulled his cheeks.
Saphiro rolled her over and started tickling her. Saphiro and Kaede continued their tickle game for what seemed like hours. They really didn't care about the world around them. They played and played until they heard….
"Oh Genzo, look at them! Aren't they so cute together!?"
Saphiro and Kaede got up to see that Genzo and Rosetta were leering in on their game. They chuckled lightly at the sight. Seeing Genzo and Rosetta laugh made Saphiro and Kaede blush hard and scoot away from each other.
"What's wrong Kimza?" Genzo asked, "Were Rosetta and I ruining your fun? We'll leave you lovebirds alone to make your nests."
"We're not boyfriend and girlfriend," Saphiro said silently.
"What!?" Rosetta suddenly asked. She pulled Kaede to her feet and walked away with her, "Come on," she said, "We have to discuss some things."
"What was that for?" asked Saphiro. He turned to Genzo who stared at him blankly.
"Why aren't you two dating?" Genzo asked.
"We were just playing in the sandbox," Saphiro explained, "As friends. We weren't trying to make love to one another. It was just good clean fun."
Genzo nodded as he took what Saphiro said in. He looked up and started to talk again, "You really need to make Kaede yours," he said, "If not, someone else will snatch her. If I wasn't dating Rosetta I'd…mmm."
"Hey!" Saphiro shouted, "That's my teammate!"
"See!?" Genzo explained, "If you weren't in love with her; you wouldn't care if I would've said something like that! You need to let Kaede know you love her! I can see in your Kimza eyes that you want to hold her close and tell her that she completes you! Say, I can help you. I can give you a few pointers." He made 'guns' out of his hands and pointed them at Saphiro.
"I'm not interested," Saphiro moaned, "Well, maybe I am. I never felt this strange compassion for Kaede before. I want to be more than just her friend. But, whenever I want to tell her, I feel like a giant stapler stapled my mouth shut. Saying a word is like trying to learn a forbidden jutsu. It's possible but it's tough."
"Listen Kimza," Genzo suggested, "Just face your fears and confront Kaede. I can tell she's got the hots for you too." He gave Saphiro a wink, "Trust me. She's going to be head over heels for you. Guaranteed or your money back."
"I'll try," Saphiro said confidently.
Meanwhile…
"You and Saphiro are a good match Kaede," Rosetta suggested, "He has this look in his eyes that gives the hint away. He loves you girl."
"Maybe he does," Kaede agreed, "But what if he doesn't. I won't be able to take the pain that will be inflicted upon me."
Rosetta put her arm on Kaede's shoulder, "Trust me," she said, "He won't say no. I bet that he's having a difficulty trying to tell you. I'm sure if you don't tell him, he'll tell you."
Kaede nodded as though she understood. She honestly didn't. Saphiro could have any single girl in Konoha. So why her? She thought hard. If Saphiro was in lover with her, wouldn't he have already told her? Perhaps he was too shy!
Rosetta stared into the night sky and looked down. She then nodded at Kaede, "I would date that boy," she said, "Saphiro is a nice person. He's cute too. No wait, he's handsome! If weren't dating Genzo, I'd let him play in my sandbox all day." She giggled seductively to add emphasis.
"Hey!" Kaede growled, "Genzo's your boyfriend! And I thought you didn't like Saphiro that way."
"Listen," Rosetta explained, "You need to tell Saphiro how you feel. Perhaps he wants to have a relationship with you as well. Trust me; I'm sure he likes you too. 'Friends' don't play tickle wrestling in a sandbox. Only a couple or a couple-to-be does that."
Kaede blushed from embarrassment. She never did that with Saphiro before. Now she knew that Saphiro knew that she was in love with him. She was tormented by the thought of Saphiro saying no to her. But finally, she gained the confidence she needed to tell Saphiro how she felt about him.
"I'm going to do it," Kaede announced, "I'm going to tell Saphiro that I love him. And no matter what he says, I'm going to stay cool. Besides, there could be people just like him. Thanks for giving me encouragement Rosetta." She then gave Rosetta a big hug.
"You're welcome," Rosetta answered, "Now, go get that Kimza and show him your love for him!" She then Kaede a smack on the rear end for good luck.
"Right!" Kaede agreed. As the girls walked back around to the park, they found Saphiro and Genzo still talking. Kaede giggled and ran to Saphiro. She hugged him tight and pulled him up by the arm.
"Hey Kaede," Saphiro chuckled, "What's with the change in attitude?"
"I gotta talk to you Saphiro," Kaede answered. She turned to Genzo and Rosetta, "In peace."
"Got you!" Genzo laughed. He and Rosetta walked away from the park on their way back to the Nekiogama estate. Soon afterwards, Saphiro and Kaede had the whole park to theirselves.
"So," Saphiro asked, "What did you want to tell me?"
Kaede was shy for a second. She looked down in fright and embarrassment. She then remembered all the things that Rosetta told her. She swallowed all of her fears, stared Saphiro in eyes and started her speech.
"Saphiro," she explained, "We were friends for almost ten years. We had good and bad times together right?"
Saphiro laughed, "We sure did," he chuckled.
Kaede continued to speak, "We were through so many things together, and it's hard to count them all. We always had each others backs. We were the best of friends. Even though the village was against you 4 years ago; I still stayed by your side. Because of that, Art became our friend. Then Tagaranon-sensei, Genzo, Rosetta, Oro, and the rest of the village. But, we never forgot the friendship we had."
Saphiro nodded as he took Kaede's words in, "You're right about that." He said.
"But," Kaede declared, "I want us to be more than friends. I want to be a couple. Saphiro Kimza…I…I…I love you."
Saphiro's eyes sparkled. He intertwined Kaede's fingers with his own. He stared at her happily, "Kaede Meitochi….I love you too!"
Kaede's eyes filled with tears as soon as she heard those words. The tears streamed down her face and made her face shine like diamonds. She hugged Saphiro with the love for him she was too afraid to reveal before. She lowered her face and spoke through her happy tears.
"I'm so happy you love me," she sniffled, "I was afraid you would never discover my desire for you. I thought you would hate me for saying such a thing to you."
Saphiro lifted up her face by the chin with his thumb, "I would've never said I hated you," he said, his eyes watering as well, "I loved you ever since I met you. I don't care if you were from the Plateau Village. I want you to know I love you, no matter who you are."
Kaede felt her heart flutter as she heard Saphiro's honest words. She wanted to show her love for him. Slowly, she touched Saphiro's forehead with her own. Then she pushed her nose onto his. Then, she pressed her lips onto his. However, this kiss was a lot more passionate than the other ones. She cried softly as she put her arms around Saphiro's neck and broke the kiss.
Saphiro wiped Kaede's tears away and cupped her face with his hands, "Don't be afraid," he said, "I love you. I want to feel our love grow." He then planted his lips upon Kaede's. This kiss lasted longer than the first one. Then, leaves from all over the village came to the park and spun around the new couple. Saphiro and Kaede could hear romantic music coming from the direction of the Nekiogama estate. It soon occurred to them that Genzo and Rosetta must've put the music on for the occasion. All of the love Saphiro and Kaede accumulated all over the years was finally set into this moment. And Genzo and Rosetta made it better. Anyhow, Saphiro and Kaede continued their kiss for what seemed like forever. They never wanted to stop. Finally, the couple broke their kiss and held each other tightly.
"I know that our love is going to last forever," Kaede said softly, "I know we can make this last."
Saphiro smiled and kissed his loved one's nose, "I know we can." he said, "No one can sever this bond. Not even the Lord himself." He picked Kaede up and spun around in a circle. After Kaede was back on the ground, the couple kissed again and walked back to the festival. Their bodies were pressed together, giving each other warmth in the sightly chilly weather.
"You want me to win you a prize?" Saphiro asked, holding Kaede's waist with his right arm.
"Sure," Kaede answered, her arms wrapped around Saphiro. She pointed to the giant monkey-bear sitting on top of the shooting range booth, "Can you win me that?"
Saphiro nodded in agreement, "I can try. Come on. I got a monkey to win for my girl."
As Saphiro and Kaede went back to the celebration, they decided to tell Art about their newfound love tomorrow. Art was best off resting to bring his blood alcohol down. As for now, it was Saphiro and Kaede time. As the moon shone in the sky; it reminded them of how their love had glowed. And they knew that their bond was strong. Too strong to be severed. No one was going to break them apart.
AN: That was one of the longest chapters so far! This was also the first romance chapter I had ever written. I give some words of thanks mostly to Dragoon Tidus. He helped me with a great kissing scene. And also to all the romance authors of I knew that this series wasn't going to be great without some romance! Of course, there is some room for improvement. So if you want me to make a part of this chapter better, just PM me or review about it. And tell all your friends about the story. I'm sure they'll love this chapter.
Now: Back to the action. This is the end of the Ezekiel Arc! The second arc on Kimza Chronicles. In the next chapter, the one the biggest missions in Konoha history begin. Teams 22, 23, 24, and 26 go to the ruins of the Canyon Village! What enemies will await Team 22 on their way to the village? Plus, an old enemy returns! So, be on the lookout for Chapter 15 of Kimza Chronicles! See you around!
Also: Please tell me how you like this chapter. And, Dragoon Tidus rules!!!!