A\N: AHH Gomen! It took longer than I thought.. Enjoy, the last chapter.. Looooooooong! w
A Friend in Demand
A.K.A
Choices
Sayuri stared at the vibrant patch of yellow flowers, not too far away from Kei's apartment. She sighed, backing away and closing the window, sitting back down on Kei's bed.
The blonde stared at the clearly bored girl, "Sayuri, go out.. It's okay.. Just because I'm on house arrest it doesn't mean you are too.." he said, with an encouraging smile.
She looked up at him, "Nah.. I'm okay… I umm… don't really feel like going out…" She said with a fake smile..
Naruto stared at her guiltily, she won't admit it.. But she's too afraid to go out alone.. And it's his fault!
Sayuri pretended not to notice the looks her friends was giving her, she jumped up to her feet playfully, "I think I'm gonna' have some milk!" she said giddily, a very poor act.
Kei stared at her for a moment, then out the window at the greenery.. The poor girl isn't used to being stuck in a stuffy apartment, she's used to be free to walk around the beautiful forest surrounding her cabin. He has to do something about it.
"C'mon let's go" Kei said, standing up.
"Go? Go where?" She looked at him surprised, "Are you forgetting? You're on house arrest.. House.!" she said.
"No I didn't forget.. We're sneaking out.." he said, grabbing his silver windbreaker and slipping it on.
"Kei!" she shouted in a whisper, "Are you nuts? We'll get in trouble!" She added.
"No we won't.." he said with a smile, "We'll sneak out, walk around for 10 minutes without being seen, and then come home.. No harm.."
Sayuri stared at him as if he were crazy, "You're crazy!" she said.
Kei shrugged with a smile, "It's your loss.. I'm going out, if you're too afraid to come with me then you can stay here… alone.." he said that then headed towards the bathroom..
The brown haired teen stared at his back for a moment, surprised as he walked away. "Wait for me!" she said, quickly snatching her peach sweater and hurrying after him.
She found him stopped in front of the bathroom's one window, "Now what?" she asked cautiously staring at the corner of Kei's face.
The teen didn't answer at first, as he inspected the window, then looked out of it at the empty street below. "We'll climb down the drain pipe here, then we can go through the back alleys until we reach the back of an old park" Kei said, pointing out the window.
Sayuri's eyes widened fearfully, but didn't say anything as she stared at Kei's confidant face. The boy stared out the window for a few more moments, "C'mon." he said, singling at Sayuri.
Bobo barked, "Heh not this time buddy, you can't come with us" the blue eyed boy said with a smile.
Bobo grunted and barked again, as if he understood what the blonde was saying. "Kei I really don't think I can climb down" Sayuri said, shaking slightly.
Kei thought it over for a moment, "Then I'll carry you" he said simply, with a smile.
"Are you sure?" Sayuri asked hesitantly.
Kei nodded, then bent down slightly to let her climb on.. "C'mon get on" he said confidently as her hesitation lasted.
Sayuri hesitated once more then wrapped her arms around Kei's neck, and leaned against his back. Kei waited for a second, then stood up, "Hold on tight okay?" he said seriously.
She didn't answer. Kei headed to the window, "Ready?" he asked, and felt her nod against his shoulder.
He took a deep breath before steadying himself on the edge of the window. Cautiously he slipped out onto the outer ledge, breathing deeply as he wrapped his hands tightly around the water pipe. Sayuri tightened her grip on Kei, squeezing tightly with her legs on his sides as he stepped off the edge and began down the metal pipe.
Slowly Kei descended down, very cautiously making his way towards the ground. However the longer he and Sayuri stayed up there, holding both their weights on his arms, the harder it became.. The brown haired teen could feel her heart pound so hard she guessed that Kei could feel it thumping against his back.
As they neared the ground Kei got more and more confidant, but the pain in his arm not letting him forget that he still isn't out of the danger. Finally, Kei's feet settled on the ground. He gently let the girl off his back.. As he flexed his muscles Sayuri lifted her eyes to stare at the apartment window three stories up.. Kei's blue eyes soon did the same, "Kei… we forgot about something" she said seriously, not turning to make eye contact as she spoke.
"Aah" he answered, doing the same.
"How are we going to get back up there?" she asked as if he hadn't answered her in the first place.
A smile formed on Kei's lips, "Well there's no use in just standing round here" he said, "Let's go.." he added taking the girl by the hand.
The two made their way through the empty back alleys, it wasn't long until they reached a rather distant patch of greenery. Once in this small forest like area, Sayuri let go of the blonde's hand, smiling widely as she preceded him deeper into the lively area.
Kei watched calmly as Sayuri skipped deeper and deeper into the area.. Clearly it was an abandoned place…
After about 10 minutes of wandering around Kei decided it was about time to start heading back, "Sayuri c'mon.. I think we should go now" he called out.
Sayuri turned around, pouting, "Ahh not yet!" she said, "I'm having too much fun!"
Kei smiled and was about to reply, when he suddenly stopped, "Sayuri did you hear that?" He asked nervously.
She turned around and stared at him questioningly, "Hear what?" she asked, listening closely.
Kei turned around, searching in all directions nervously, "I don't know.. I heard something.." he said, his brows knotted tightly.
Sayuri shrugged, "I don't hear anything" she said simply.
But just as she finished her sentence they heard the sound again, this time it's clear. Both teens turned towards the bushes, "Kei?" Sayuri said frightened, as she inched her way towards him.
Before the blonde could reassure her, a figure jumped out of the bushes. The two gasped stumbling backwards.
"Naruto?" the figure, who was Shikamaru, said genuinely surprised.
Before the blonde could respond, the black haired boy pushed the two to the ground, shielding them with his arms.
Naruto tied to lift his head, but Shikamaru held him down, "Hey what the.." he began to shout, but was interrupted by a loud explosion relatively close by.
Sayuri's loud scream was over powered by the explosion as she cowered further towards her blue eyed friend. Suddenly Sakura jumped out of the bushes and smoke surrounding them. Without noticing the teens below her, she sprinted across the area. Hot on her trail was a masked ninja in foreign dress. The two females quickly cleared the area and disappeared into the bushes.
Shikamaru instantly jumped to his feet, and then quickly helped the two teens up. "Naruto, take your friend here and go home.." he ordered.
"But I…" the blonde protested.
The dark haired boy interrupted with a signal of his hand, "Now" he added sternly.
The two stared at each other for a few moments before the Chunin turned away, and hurried in the direction the two other ninjas disappeared to.
"Kei-Kun?" Sayuri called, turning to her pal frightendly.
The blonde remained silent for a few short moments, before rubbing the girl's cheek with the palm of his hand, "Everything will be alright" he said warmly.
"Kei-Kun?" she repeated, "C'mon let's leave!" she added shaking.
Kei remained silent for some time, "You stay here.. I have to help them" He said, ushering her towards a tree with a large hole in it.
"No!" she gasped, grasping onto his arm tightly, "It's too dangerous! You're not a ninja anymore!" she said, tears filling her eyes, "Please.. Let's.. Let's just go" she begged.
"You'll be safe her okay?" he said warmly, "Don't worry.. Everything will be alright" he reassured her.
Sayuri couldn't help but obey his calm confidant words, as he helped her into a tree log then covered it with leaves and twigs.. Kei stepped back, taking a good look at where he had hid Sayuri, and making sure it was well covered, before taking off in the direction Shikamaru had went.
He ran aimlessly through the thick terrain of plants and bushes, pushing past their large leafs and maneuvering around the logs and trees. He had no way to know whether or not the ninjas had continued on a straight path or swerved into another section of the area.. He chose to follow his gut feeling and go forward in the same direction.
After a while he could see that the ring of greenery had gotten thinner, and that there was a clearing just past a group of large leafed plants. He heard commotion on the other side.. Kei hesitated for a few moments then walked into the clearing. He quickly glanced around the abandoned area, and noticed a rundown building at the back, the design of it looked to him like an old school.
However he only wasted so little time on the minor details, then focused on the ninja battle that was going on between the two Konoha ninjas, and the mysterious masked ninja.
He saw the ninja avoid a punch Sakura threw at her, then flipped back twice to evade three kunais that headed her way. She then turned around quickly, and ran straight up… thewall? At the same time he saw Shikamaru's… shadow?… chase after her..
Suddenly it stopped, and it seemed that it could no longer continue.. The masked ninja then launched herself off the wall, landing on the roof of the rundown school.
She performed a series of hand seals, "Suiton: Duityuudan!" she shouted. -waterelement:waterdragonmissile-
In front of Kei's shocked eyes rose a large dragon like water creature out of an old water tank. It raised high into the sky for a second then came smashing down, trying to hit the intelligent shinobi.
Shikamaru darted right and left, barely escaping the water dragon, which would clearly land a hit shortly. It was then that Kei noticed Sakura running up the wall, then jumping towards the foe ninja, her right fist baring a punch, "You forgot about me!" the pink haired konoichi yelled, as her punch hit the woman in the cheek.
The woman flew to the right, then fell to the ground skidding shortly before a painful stop. However she quickly recovered, jumping to her feet and launching towards Sakura in total rage. The medic found her self in a taijutsu match with the angered enemy.
She dodged kicks and punches, as she struggled to defend herself let alone attack. Kei felt useless, the urge to defend his friends grew more and more inside of him.. Buthow? He's weak now..
"Sakura-Chan!" he shouted thoughtlessly, seeing her getting defeated.
Her ears caught the distant voice, she turned her head slightly to his direction, "Naruto?" she muttered surprised.
But that second that she got distracted in was more than enough for the other female take advantage of.. She pulled her fist back, then launched into Sakura's face, "Pay back time Bitch!" she yelled contently.
She then whipped around, and kicked Sakura in the chest. The female chunin gasped in pain as she was sent flying back, then let out a pained screech as she landed roughly and tumbled a couple times before her body settled in the dirt. Shikamaru quickly rushed towards her, but the foe ninja instantly appeared in his path. The dark haired boy halted quickly, reassessing his situation.. He's at a clear disadvantage, the woman seemed to be well rounded with her taijutsu skills, where he lacks the most.
He struggled to come up with a plan of action quickly, carefully minding to keep the battle as far away from his now civilian friend. He pulled out three kunais, and threw them at the ninja.
However she simply dispelled them with her own kunai, as those were flicked away in different directions she threw her kunai towards Shikamaru.
Kei gasped, stumbling back as one of the aimless kunais imbedded itself between his feet. Shikamaru noticed that from the corner of his eye, but could do nothing as he jumped out of the way of the long kunai that was sent his way.
He then turned his eyes towards foe ninja who had jumped into the air. A gleam appeared in her eyes as she pulled her hands out of her pouch. She held six kunais between her fingers. Before the dark haired boy could make a move, she threw the three kunais from her right hand, then twirled around in midair releasing the other three from her left.
The six kunais stuck into the ground on either side of Shikamaru. The inelegant shinobi moved his eyes cautiously from his enemy who seemed to be smirking to the closest kunai to him.. It took him a moment before he heard the low hissing sound.
"Naruto! Get down!" he shouted to his dazed friend, as he jumped back as fast as he could, shielding himself with his arms.
The blonde instantly dropped back to the ground, just as six simultaneous explosions went off near Shikamaru. Naruto's ears were ringing as he slowly lifted his head, wiping the dirt off of his face. He stared worriedly at the large cloud of smoke that was slowly disbursing. Suddenly Shikamaru burst out of the cloud of smoke, his arms and torso covered in various singes and burns.
Straight after him popped out the female ninja, she did a vertical flip in the air, kicking Shikamaru in the chest, and sending him plummeting to the ground. As the young ninja hit the ground, the foe ninja landed on top of him, bearing an evil looking kunai in her hands.
The masked ninja sat on Shikamaru's torso letting out maddened vicious laughs as she pushed the kunai towards the boy's neck. The later grabbing tightly onto the woman's forearms, fighting desperately to push them away.
Shikamaru's brows knotted so much they nearly merged, as the kunai got closer and closer.. And he felt unable to stop it. Suddenly, he saw from the corner of his eye a shadow jump out of the tree and bushes, reaching it's highest point right in front of the high sun. Shikamaru squinted, and the foe ninja turned quickly, both straining to see who this shadow was.
"Konoha gorikki senpu!" -Konohastrongwhirlwind- shouted a stern voice.
The foe's eyes widened as she saw a bowl haired ninja come down towards her with a powerful kick. She tried to jump away, but Shikamaru held tightly onto her wrist, preventing her from escaping.
The female ninja gasped hard as Lee's kick hit her in the shoulder, then sent her flying over Shikamaru, and then hitting the ground roughly a fair distance away. The bushy browed warrior helped his dark haired friend up. "You alright?" he asked seriously.
"Aah" Shikamaru replied briefly.
Lee was about to say something, when he remembered his pink haired friend. He rushed over to Sakura's side, kneeling next to her, "Sakura-Chan! Are you alright?" he asked worriedly, unknowingly repeating her same mistake of taking your focus off the enemy.
Sakura smiled lightly, and opened her mouth to say something reassuring, however her eyes suddenly widened, "Lee behind you!" she shouted.
The Konoha ninja whipped around at his high speed, he saw two kunais flying towards him. He wasn't able to move, not because he wasn't fast enough, but because Sakura's right behind him.. She's injured, and won't be able to move away fast enough. So instead, he crossed his arms shielding his body.
The dark haired boy winced in pain as one kunai sunk into his forearm, the other into his shoulder. "Lee!" Sakura gasped.
The boy turned his head in her direction slightly, keeping one eye closed as he tried to contain his pain, "Don't worry Sakura-Chan! I'll be okay" he said with a pale smile.
However just at that moment, he received a strong kick to the head, that sent him flying over the medic and hitting the ground a few feet away.
The whole situation was like a dream.. No.. A nightmare.. One that he couldn't wake from. Kei watched helplessly as the foe ninja lifted her kunai to stab a partially paralyzed Sakura with it, however she suddenly fell forward.. Why'sthat? Oh.. It was Shikamaru who hit her. Sakura is struggling to heal herself, however the green light around her hand is pale and weak, it pulsed a few times as she tried to get up.
Meanwhile the masked ninja was fighting Lee, he landed a couple of hits.. But then failed at getting anymore.. Shikamaru jumped over to Lee wanting to help him up.. However he suddenly falls over on top of Lee, howcome? Oh the ninja hit him. Thisishorrible!
Sayuri walked cautiously through the thick bushes.. Kei told her to stay put.. However she can't bare the thought of letting him be in danger all alone, maybe she'd be able to help in anyway. She could see a less restricted light behind some large leaved plants.. And could hear sounds of fighting.. At that she stopped, fear finding its way back into her heart, and pushing back the determination that brought her this far already.
Kei felt so guilty, his friends were struggling so much to protect each other, but he couldn't do anything.. He's too weak.. His brows curled and he felt a lump in his throat.. Why.. Why can't he help them?
Sayuri watched as the fighting went on, she could see Kei standing to the side.. She hesitated to go any further. She was scared..
The blonde tightened his grip as he watched his friends being beaten up, but at the same time he didn't want to get any closer, he didn't want to be a burden on him. Although, he already was… he turned sad eyes to see the injured Sakura, he had distracted her.. Had he not been here, she wouldn't have gotten hurt. Or if he was any stronger, than maybe he could've helped her, and all the rest of them.
He wants to help, he needs to help them.. But how? What is he supposed to do? He's a civilian now, a good for nothing person that can only weigh them down. They're paying the price for his weakness.
If only Naruto was there.. The stronger person that would've helped his friends when they needed him. Why isn't he there? Is he so afraid of his lonely life, that he decided to turn away from it forever? But his friends need Naruto now! No matter how much it might hurt to come back to the sad pathetic life he lived, they still need…. Him…
Suddenly Kei felt extremely light headed, he staggered a few steps and barely kept on his feet… All the sounds were hollow, every image was distant and dark.. No clear thoughts.. No clear feelings..
"Wh-whoamI?..." he heard his voice say and echo, "M-my name..?... Kei?" he closed his eyes and tried harder to focus, "No.. That's no my name.." he shook his head roughly, "I'm… Naruto!"
Suddenly he felt as if he got a blow to all of his body.. His eyes shot open, and a gasp couldn't reach his lips.. Hundreds of thoughts and memories raced through his brain… as if ice cold water that seeped into the rest of his body.
At that he realized that there was a blurry figure holding onto his shoulders and shaking him roughly, a distant voice calling in incomprehensible words.. Suddenly he regained the ability to hear, and see. It was Shikamaru, "Naruto! Naruto, what's wrong?" he shouted as he shook the previously dazed boy.
The blonde stared at his friends face for a short moment, his expression then changed, "Shikamaru?" he said, unsure whether he was surprised or not.
The intelligent shinobi froze for a moment, "Naruto?" he questioned, as if he had been talking to someone else a few seconds ago.
Naruto smiled, "Aah" he said confidently.
Shikamaru stared at him, everything about him had changed, his manner of speech, his posture. The blonde quickly turned his attention off his pineapple headed friend, surveying the area with his stern eyes. They locked on the pinket who was busy healing her broken ribs.. His brows knotted tightly, "Sakura-Chan" he muttered to himself.
He quickly left Shikamaru's side, sprinting over to his medic teammate, he stood over her for a second, then kneeled down placing his palm on the girl's shoulder, "Sakura, are you okay?" he asked with concern.
The konoichi's eyes widened, "Naruto?" Sakura questioned, in the same manner Shikamaru had previously used.
Naruto smiled in her face, then stood up with determination, "Any one who hurts Sakura-Chan.. I will not forgive!" he said sternly, turning towards where Lee was battling the foe ninja.
Sakura was speechless, as she stared up her blue eyed friend, who now looked like a giant to her.
Naruto suddenly tensed as he saw the masked ninja jump onto a high perch and perform a series of hand seals, stopping on the tiger hand seal, "Doton: Chikyu ochiro" She said in a deep voice. -Earthelement:earthfall-
At first nothing happened, but then the Konoha ninja felt the ground rumble under their feet.. In a few seconds, chunks of that same earth broke off raising high into the sky. Immediately Naruto formed a clone, which quickly picked up his pink haired friend.. Just as the clone jumped in another direction from the original, the pieces of stone and dirt began raining down. Smashing back onto the ground, and only nearly missing the ninjas below.
The foreign ninja let out mocking chuckles as she watched the teenagers struggle to keep away from her falling rocks.. She smirked contently, focusing on making the fall of rocks stronger and heavier so that they'd have no escape. Suddenly she noticed someone approaching from the left. She whipped around, her hands parting and her concentration lost, thus disabling her technique. And causing all the rocks that were hanging in the sky to fall all at once.
The woman found herself facing the blonde Konoha ninja, "Take this!" He yelled, throwing a punch at her.
She let out a laugh as she jumped back and the punch missed its aim. She landed on the roof of the old school once more, Naruto quickly following her. He growled whipping around and trying to kick her, she evaded him with great ease, and another mocking chuckle. She laughed and laughed as if participating in the most amusing game as he tried time and time again to land a hit.
"Shut the hell up, damn it!" Naruto screamed, putting all his rage into a powerful punch.
This time the female did not jump or dodge, instead she caught his fist in the palm of her hand. An evil gleam appeared in her eyes, as she tightened her grip on his and smirked. Naruto nearly lost balance as he stopped abruptly. He then quickly began trying to pull his hand out of her grip.. However her iron hold only got tighter. She then let out a loud chuckle, pulling his fist towards her. Naruto gasped as he suddenly fell towards her, only to receive a punch in the face.
He began to fly back, however she quickly pulled him back, this time her hand launching towards his neck. The blonde let out a chocked gasp as the woman held him tightly by the neck with one arm. He kicked helplessly as she slowly lifted him off the ground, letting out amused laughs.
The blonde dug his fingers into her arm, a chocked gasp barely making it past his lips. "Naruto!" he heard his friend's voice call.
Lee jumped in the air, aiming a strong kick towards the foe ninja. However the later had a very easy, and effective manner to stop him. She merely flung the blonde she held in her right towards the attacking ninja.
The black haired boy suddenly stopped his attack as he saw his blue eyed friend flying towards him. Naruto slammed into Lee, pushing the two of them a few meters back, then plummeting towards the ground. Lee flipped in mid air, landing firmly on the ground, while on the other hand Naruto fell face first into the dirt.
"Itte'….." Naruto groaned, slowly getting up and wiping his face.
Lee stood ready, staring up at their enemy, "Welcome back, comrade" he said seriously without turning towards said person.
Naruto merely nodded, staring at the woman who laughed mockingly from above. "Do you really think that a bunch of kids are going to defeat me?" she yelled, fallowed by a belittling laugh.
"Heh.. We sure are!" a female voice answered from behind her.
The ninja whipped around surprised, wondering how the girl had recovered from her previous injuries. Sakura smirked confidently, adjusting her glove for a short second before lunging at the woman, "Take this! Cha!" she shouted, throwing her fist.
Her punch hit the woman square in the face. She was sent flying off the edge of the small building, then fell a few feet away from where Naruto and Lee stood. The two teens exchanged a brief look, then turned back towards their enemy.
The masked ninja let out a short grunt as the boys approached. She then quickly jumped to her feet, kicking low and knocking Naruto's feet from underneath him. She then leaned back, aiming another kick towards Lee. However the chunin jumped back, then back forward, this time twirling around and kicking the woman in the gut. She let out a short screech, flying back and falling into the bushes.
The teens looked at each other's faces, then smiled in relief. They then slowly walked together towards where the woman had fallen. Suddenly the bushes moved as someone made their way back through. The Konoha ninjas tensed then their brows knotted tightly as the person stepped out, into the clearing… The woman came out, and in her arms she held Sayuri, with a kunai to the girl's throat.
Her mask and attire was torn in many places, revealing her smirk, and various injuries. She slowly walked towards the small group, pushing Sayuri in front of her.
"Sayuri-Chan?" Naruto gasped.
"K-Kei.." Sayuri shrieked with tears in her eyes, extended her hand slightly towards Naruto.
The blonde formed a tight fist, "Don't you dare harm her!" Naruto shouted angrily, "Or else…"
"Or else what?" the ninja interrupted with a spiteful grin, "Stop making empty threats boy!" she added mockingly, pushing the kunai more against Sayuri's flesh.
The teens' expressions grew darker, "It's shameful to take a young girl hostage like that!" Lee yelled dramatically, pointing at the woman.
She stared at him weirdly for a moment, before her expression changed to belittling. While both Sakura and Naruto sighed defeatedly, staring at their idealistic bowl headed friend.. Barely restraining themselves from slapping him upside the head.
"Enough of this nonsense!" The unmasked ninja growled, "Now stand together where I can see you.. Including…"
She suddenly cut her sentence short, "where's that pineapple headed boy?" she muttered, looking around cautiously.
Suddenly she gasped, as her body froze on it's own, her eyes stopped at the furthest corner of her eye, as she strained to turn around as a mocking voice spoke from behind her, "Looking for me?"
"Shikamaru?" Naruto shouted happily.
The dark haired boy smiled at him for a second, before turning his eyes back to his enemy's back. He opened his hand, the woman unwillingly mimicking his action and dropping the kunai to the ground. He then slowly parted his arms, the woman resisting viciously, but in the end doing the same.
The brown haired girl gasped, falling to her knees, then quickly stumbling towards Kei's warm embrace. She cowered in his arms, burying her face in his chest and whimpering slightly.. Naruto rubbed her back comfortingly, "It's okay.. You're okay now, Sayuri-Chan" he said softly.
The teen lifted tear filled eyes staring at his tanned face for some time. Before the blonde gently pushed her to the side, letting her lean onto Lee who was standing next to him.
Naruto then lifted stern eyes towards the female ninja, she winced. "W-What are you going to do?" she shouted shakily, struggling in vein to get her body to submit to her will.
The blonde said nothing, instead he smirked confidently, forming a clone. Without breaking the eye contact, he lifted his hand from his side in front of his clone. The foe ninja stared cautiously as the clone performed a circular motion in the blonde boy's hand. Slowly a blue orb of energy formed, causing uneasiness in the atmosphere of wind and energy.
A gleam appeared in Naruto's eyes as he pulled back his arm, "Rasingan!" he shouted, lunging towards the woman.
"I-i-i-iieeeeeeeeeeeeee" she screamed, trying her hardest to jump away.
Just at the last second Shikamaru let go of her, jumping to the side. She let out a loud scream as she flew over his head, then slammed roughly against a tree trunk.
Sayuri smiled widely, pushing Lee aside, and rushing over to congratulate her friend. "I told you that I wouldn't forgive you.." he muttered to himself, staring sternly at where the ninja had fallen.
Sayuri froze in her steps.. it was for her, his pink haired friend.. He did all of that.. For her and her only.. She felt her heart sink, she saw how hard he fought.. For them, his friends..
The brown haired girl then resumed her walk, at a slower pace. "I see you got your memory back" she said in a low voice, with a soft smile.
Naruto whipped around, staring at Sayuri with concern, "Aah" he answered hesitantly, feeling odd unease.
"Heh.. Congratulations" she added, tilting her head slightly.
"O-o aah.." he repeated, not knowing what else to say, forcing a slight smile to his lips.
They became very silent after that.. "N-Naruto?" they heard Sakura's hesitant voice call.
The two teens, turned around to face her. She exchanged a brief look with Lee, "Did.. Did you really get your memories back?" she asked, worry and anticipation on her features.
Naruto felt like himself again, as he smiled widely, "Aah" he answered confidently.
His comrades' faces lightened, "Yokatta!" Sakura said happily, relief finally coming to her face.
"Yatta‼" Lee shouted, jumping up. -Yokatta/yatta:Ibelievetheymeansomethinglikethankgoodness..They'reusedtoexpressreliefintheanimesso…-
After a few minutes Sakura turned to her blonde friend, "Naruto! Why did you break your house arrest, you could've got seriously hurt!" she scolded.
"Sakura-Chan ! Naruto was cooped up in there with his friend for too long! He had to get to express and enjoy his youth!" Le explained.
Naruto closed his eyes and crossed his arms, "Sou sou" he said seriously, nodding his head. -meanssomethinglike 'that'sright'-
Sakura smacked him upside the head, "That's enough Baka yaro!" -idiot- She shouted at him.
Shikamaru then popped out of the bushes, "Na, do you think we should take this with us?" he smirked, carrying the unconscious enemy on his shoulder.
The teens laughed delightedly.. All but one.. Sayuri..
Naruto spent the next day in the hospital, for check ups, and to treat some smaller wounds.
It wasn't long until his room was filled with his delighted friends.. Those who didn't have any missions that is.. They all seemed so relieved, even Tsunade.. Although she pretended otherwise, and made it sting a little extra when she healed him.
"Oba-Sama?" Naruto said, rolling his sleeve back down.
The blonde woman twitched, she furrowed her brows, "Nani?" she asked, barely suppressing her anger.
"Who was that ninja that we were fighting?" he asked, not noticing her obvious anger.
Tsunade took a deep breath, clearing her throat, "Well, without getting into any details that don't concern you.. She was a wanted criminal.. It was Sakura, and Shikamaru's B-ranked mission.. That was accidentally brought deeper into Konoha.." she said, the started walking away, "Now I have work to do.. I have to explain all this to the council" she said before leaving.
"Na, Naruto?" Tenten said.
"Hmm?" he hummed, turning to her with a smile.
"Do you remember? Not having a memory that is?" she questioned.. All the teens stared.
"Umm well.." Naruto muttered, scratching the back of his head, "I do.." he suddenly added seriously, "But it's weird.. It's as if I have someone else's memories now… like I was gone for a while, and now I came back, and I remember all these things that someone that wasn't me did, but it was still me.."
"…I see.." Tenten hummed, not really understanding, she then looked up at the wall clock, "Okay then, see you later, I'm late for my training"
Kiba automatically mimicked her, looking at the clock, his face suddenly dropped, "Whaaaaaa.‼! I'm so late‼ I'm SO going to die" he shouted, "Na. See you later Naruto!" he shouted, beating Tenten to the door.
Soon after, more and more of his friends left.. Come evening, there was no one there.. Naruto sat in his room that reflected the orange glow of the evening sun.. Two ANBUs guarding his door until he got back to his house, to resume his house arrest.
He leaned his head back against the metal rail of the bed, in thought he closed his eyes. Tomorrow noon he'd be going back to his apartment, Sayuri has to spend the night alone. He opened his eyes, realizing that Sayuri wasn't around for the longest time.. She sought him out at the beginning of the day, but she must've slipped away when his friends came..
He furrowed his brows, he should've noticed when she left..
But he didn't..
Naruto didn't feel comfortable walking to his apartment, escorted by guards as if he were some sort of dangerous criminal. He pushed those thoughts aside, as he opened the apartment door, wondering if Sayuri was there.
"Tadaima.." -I'mback- he whispered, walking into the darkened room.
Sayuri stood up from bed, smiling palely, "Ah K-… Naruto" she said lowly.
Naruto heard the door being closed behind him, but he didn't care as he stared confusedly at Sayuri's bags that were set neatly near the door, he turned towards the girl, "Sayuri.. Your…?" he stuttered.
Sayuri turned away for a moment, then returned her eyes to the boy's confused face, "W-wh… why is your stuff packed?" he asked, stepping deeper into the room.
The brown haired girl flinched, "I… I'm going back to the Haiiro forest" she said sternly, after a moment of hesitation.
"What? Why?" Naruto shouted.
Sayuri flinched again, then lowered her face to the ground, "Kei…" she muttered.
"Why do you have to go back there? You'll be all alone!" he interrupted, "Stay here, with me!" he added.
"I.. I can't" she answered hesitantly.
"Why not?" he pressed, "The apartment is big enough.. We can both live here"
"And then what?" Sayuri suddenly shouted, with tears in her eyes, "You're a ninja now.. So what am I supposed to do? Live here? Alone.. While you go on missions.. And do ninja stuff.."
Naruto didn't know how to answer, she was right, their lives weren't compatible anymore… He can't ask her to stay here just for him, she doesn't have anything that ties her here.. She'd be lonely.. In a place that isn't her home. But if she goes back, she'll also be all alone..
"Naruto.. It's alright.." she suddenly said, a soft smile on her lips, "I'll be okay.. I'm a strong girl" she added, tilting her head.
"But Sayuri…" he started, taking a step in her direction.
"You know why I stopped calling you Ni-San -brother- when we came here?" the teen started, her eyes lost in a memory, and warm smile on her face, "Because that's not how I loved you anymore.." she lifted her eyes, to stare at him in the eye, "It was different.."
Naruto stared at her silently, so she stepped forward… "Don't worry about me.. I'll be okay there.." She said with a smile, hugging him.
The blonde froze for a moment, "Then… then I'll go with you!" He said.
Sayuri instantly pushed him in the chest slightly, her smile disappearing, and her soon-to be-crying expression returned, "No.. Naruto.. No.. It's hard enough like this.. Don't make it any worse" she said, stepping back.
She quickly wiped away a tear that escaped her eye, "Sayuri.." Naruto said, extending a hand towards her.
"Daijubu.." -I'mfine- She quickly said, drawing a smile on her lips, "We've changed Naruto.. We can both sense it.. I'm sure you're a very nice person.. But you're not the same person I came here with, and would do anything for.. You're Naruto.. Not Kei.." she looked him in the eye and seemed more collected, "Kei's gone.. And never coming back" she added to herself.
Naruto stared at her with his brows curled upward, she giggled, "It's okay Naruto, you can smile.." she said, grinning, "It's not like I'm disappearing from existence.. You can come see me at any time.. Okay?"
"Oh.. Aah" Naruto hummed.
Heavy silence came over them for a few moments, "M-my escort should be here any moment.." Sayuri said hesitantly, looking around the room.
"Aah" he hummed, staring at her sadly.
She noticed his stares and blushed, "Sayuri.. I…" he said.
At that moment he was interrupted by a knock at the door, both teens flinched.. "Sayuri-San.. I'm here to take you to Haiiro forest" a voice called from the other side.
"Hai.. One moment please" She answered.
"L-let me help you with your bags" Naruto said, about to walk over to her.
"Iie.. I got it.." she quickly said, picking them up.
Naruto froze in his spot, not knowing what to do.. The girl stood still for a moment, she then walked over to him, and stopped in front of him staring him in the eye.
She then leaned towards him, softly pressing her lips against his. The surprised boy didn't move, even as she pulled back, "Good bye.. Kei" she whispered.
Even then Naruto remained still, staring at her face. She looked away, picking up her bags, and signaling for her dog to follow her. The dog stared at the blonde for a moment, then let out a bark as he hurried after his master. Who opened the door.. The ninja glanced at Naruto who turned to look at Sayuri's back, "Are you ready, Sayuri-San?" the ninja said politely.
"Aah" she answered seriously.
The ninja nodded, then walked past the guards, and down the stairs. Sayuri was about to leave.. She suddenly stopped, and turned to half face the blonde. She stared at him silently for a moment, "Arigato.. Naruto.. For everything" she said calmly, with a warm smile.
She then slowly closed the door behind her, then hurried down the stares. Naruto stared at the closed door as he listened to her foot steps as they left, not knowing the reason that she was hurrying was so he wouldn't see her tears.
He remained still for a while, then turned his eyes to the floor.. He was alone.. Again..
Epilogue
Naruto sat on his bed.. Sayuri had left hours ago, and he didn't do much since.
He stared absent mindedly at the wall.. The room was so much lonelier than her remembered. He looked around, each corner of the room, held a memory with Sayuri. It was as if she was no more than that, a memory.. A memory of a pleasant dream, that he woke from.. Leaving a small good feeling, that would soon fade away.
He touched his lips with the tips of his fingers, he could still feel the dried kiss there.. But even that soft kiss.. Was never meant for him.
He sighed, the room was cold and dark.. Not because the sun was nearly setting, but because the happiness had left it.. When Sayuri did..
Naruto stared at the ceiling, a bitter smirk on his lips..
A dark, cold, and empty room..
A perfect summery..
For a Jinchuriki's life.
End.
9-8-2010 12-4-2011
A\N: Yup, I love sad endings! Sorry! It's not quiet as pulled together s I would've hopped, but this is a re-write.. So it was confusing.. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed it! Pleaseleaveareview! This was the longest story I had ever written at the time.. now I have one that's much longer.. I'm going to take a break before I start posting that one.. It's already finished though..
Oh and the date above is what it originally took me to finish it.. it seems like a lot.. But I had writers block for the better part of that period.
A\N2: I'm going to start working on a drawing of Sayuri and Kei soon, so check for the link on my profile page in a week or so from now.. Also working on a bonus story, 'cause I liked Sayuri.. Probably be finished around the same time..