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;;' C.h.a.p.t.e.r.0.8';; Mirror - Interlude
The first week, Sasuke-san and I learned to fight against each other. I still had stiff joints, so a bit of warming up was in need. Sasuke first suggested practicing making ice needles. I did so for two days, warming my tired body. In this way, I made my way up to the Ice Needles jutsu I was so perfect at. I created a water clone of myself and practiced simple ice needles on it. My accuracy reached maximum, and it became time for me to use the Thousand Needles of Death. My left hand, once more, was my way of doing the hand seals. I was so quick, in fact, that I surpassed my level in the past. However, I still have much of a way to go before I reach anywhere near the Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors I once performed with ease.
Sasuke-san has progressed too greatly. He has an eye technique that allows him to see what I am doing at a quicker pace. It can copy certain jutsu, and makes him a venomous enemy. He has picked up swordplay as well, and is much quicker than I can imagine. For some sole reason, he has vowed he will never use his most powerful technique. I can see it might be some regret from his past life.
We have progressed, but not that much.
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Sakura's idea to train with the demon was amazing!
Because the damn fox is in my head, it can train me wherever and whenever. It says it knows all of my old moves, and with an added bonus of its special techniques, I'll be invincible! I can't wait! Sakura says she'll be there in case I do something stupid like I always did. That's why, on the first day of training, she stood to one side dressed up in case I do something.
The first thing I was gonna learn was my old techniques. According to Kyuubi, I was better before because I was more brash and arrogant, and stupid. So it says I should be more, loud. Whenever I am, Sakura shouts at me, and Iruka-sensei laughs at me. I also saw Kakashi-sensei reading some really weird book. Though I can't wait till I become a Hokage!
Did I mention? I'm gonna be the greatest Hokage of all time!
--
The sky was raining with needles again.
I can't forget that day I realized my attraction to Naruto was more than just brotherly. That day, we were both being showered by ice needles. I hadn't thought I might actually save the moron, but my body just moved on its own. I jumped in the way, and got hit. I'll never forget how Naruto came up to me, the glazed look in his eyes, the worry. I knew I had struck big-time. I was in love with that dobe.
Haku was my enemy back then. He had been trying to kill us, and Naruto injured him so bad. He died protecting the person he cared for most, Zabuza. Today, just like before, Haku is throwing his needles from those mirrors. The same structure that no one but Naruto has broken out of. I know how now, but it still makes him powerful. However, this time, Haku isn't just doing it for this reason. He is going to develop another part to this jutsu, a very important part. How to stop the mirrors. Haku had explained how it might work, but I still have doubts about it.
I'm learning to control the Sharingan again. In three years, I'll complete years of practice. Naruto isn't here, I know, but he's in my heart. He's in Haku's heart too. And some day, he'll really be with me. Once Sakura is out of the equation.
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"Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors Explosion!"
Sasuke's eyes widened as the mirrors exploded. Haku had explained that the buildup of heat in the mirrors, added to with jutsu seals, would allow the mirrors to explode. In that fashion, it had turned into a jutsu Haku intended to create. Sasuke never thought it would work. Haku was already ANBU level without this; his fighting was extraordinary. But with the addition of this jutsu to his arsenal, he would be a tough enemy.
Just as the mirrors exploded, Haku slipped out of them and jumped to one side. With agility only Haku had, he landed standing, and the mirrors exploded. It was raining shards of ice again. Sasuke had to cover himself to keep the ice from hitting him. Haku, on the other hand, merely stopped the shards of ice. Sasuke was fortunate they weren't enemies anymore.
"Was that good, Sasuke-san?" Haku asked. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, as he nodded momentarily. "I have much to develop, but over three years, I'm sure I will," Haku smiled. Haku had much unfertilized talent, Sasuke knew. He died so young, that these jutsu remained undeveloped. But now he had a chance to enhance his abilities. Haku was a powerful fighter, and doubtlessly, he could match up to Sasuke.
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"SEXY NO JUTSU!"
Sakura blinked as a busty blond appeared in place of Naruto. So her crush just happened to transform into a girl, even in his second life. God, why now? Naruto winked at her and flaunted 'her' hips around. "Don't I look pretty, Sakura-chan?" she asked in her high pitched voice.
Sakura sighed and tapped her pen against her forehead. "I'd suggest you stop doing that, or I'll punch you to the ground, Naruto," she said. At her words, he transformed back and grinned sheepishly.
Unbeknown to him, Sakura sported a blush on her cheeks. That really reminded her of Temari, whom she had a small fling with when they were twenty.
--
It was a tiring battle.
Haku was able to act quicker than me, always up ahead. But I could keep an eye on him, and I was quick too. We were clashing, over and over. Every once and a while, Haku would use his Thousand needles of Death, or try to. I was able to stop it a couple of times, and once it hit. Thankfully, I still had more strength.
He had developed another technique. His ice needles would turn much larger, and become twin blades. I could block one weapon, but not two. The needles were ice hard; I couldn't break them. But he underestimated the power of the Uchiha clan. I used my fire techniques to perfection.
Thought he battle ended because night approached near, Haku admitted I was the victor. Only I could save my Naruto. For the rest of the night, I stayed awake near our fire and kept thinking of what Naruto might be doing. If Sakura were to touch him in a more than friendly way, she will pay, dearly.
--
Sakura couldn't hold back a tear as Naruto was made into a member of Konohagakure at last.
His blue eyes lit up, as he smiled at Tsunade. Tsunade smiled back, still proud of what Naruto had accomplished. It showed how much one boy can do. He was strong now, maybe at his old level, higher even. Kyuubi had done much for Naruto. But she couldn't get him to get rid of Sasuke's headband. It was still on his forehead, showing the world he still held a connection to his past.
But he's mine, she thought. After Tsunade stepped off stage, Naruto waved to her. She walked on-stage and smiled at him. Three years of continuously waiting for him to be someone else, and he finally was. "Everyone, I want to introduce my wife in my past life, and soon-to-be in this one, Namikaze Sakura," Naruto announced. Most people in the village whispered amongst themselves.
Sakura couldn't be happier. Even if she wasn't Uzumaki Sakura, she could still be Namikaze Sakura. It was more than good enough. "But Naruto… Sakura-san was just your teamma-" Kiba began, to find Sakura's glare directed at him. He shut up, and Naruto continued to grin happily. You lose Sasuke. I'm finally getting rid of you.
--
Sasuke looked over at Haku, who was slipping his ninja outfit on after three years. Now, finally, they were ready to sneak in and speak to Naruto. I still doubt he remembers. Is this how we'll go see him? He frowned when he saw Haku's mask. Once more, he saw a different person. He saw the masked ninja that attempted to take his life once before. But it was the person Haku really was.
"If you're thinking just as I am, we have to make him remember before we corner him," Haku said. Haku was right, Sasuke knew that too. But what would the best opportunity to remind him be. How would they remind him? "Maybe, you can reenact how you two died," Haku suggested.
We died on opposite ends of the field. I was with Akatsuki, Naruto on Konohagakure's side. So how, how do I fight them? He didn't want to relive that nightmare. Losing Naruto once hurt enough, but again? "Just think, Sasuke-kun. If he remembers, he will know he was yours. He will leave Sakura for lying," Haku said. And for a moment, Haku looked at the ground, guiltily. "And maybe he will forgive me, for almost killing him in the past," he added.
Sasuke fisted his hands. Naruto would remember.
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NOTE:
The next update may take a while. Depressionist-Obsessionist are currently lacking inspiration and are trying hard to get inspiration back. Meanwhile, if you really need some SasuNaru, really long, lubbing, just go ahead and read Whether We Are written by Depressionist-Obsessionist.
So, until the next chapter, sayonara.
- Obsessionist (Depressionist-Obsessionist)