Soon the two remaining weeks passed as Sasuke was entered into the chunnin exams. Passing the main exam with flying colors he was moved on into the final rounds, immediately coming out on top against his opponent. The following week he'd be titled as a new chunin which was an extreme accomplishment for him. Naruto on the other hand was in a meeting with the Hokage, which to Sasuke seemed to last forever. Finally Naruto walked out of the office, a smile on his features. "You are looking at Konoha's newest Jonin!" he beamed, fist pumping the air as Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Congrats to you too" Naruto said before perking. "Also, Tsunade said you're free to leave my apartment anytime now" the blonde smiled, beginning to leave the Hokage building. "Wait what, I can live on my own now?" Sasuke asked, running up behind Naruto. "Yep, since you're a chunnin you're trusted enough" Naruto said, causing Sasuke to stop in his tracks.
Outside Naruto was greeted by Kiba, Ino, Shikamaru and Iruka who all praised him on becoming a Jonin. "Now you'll be able to go on missions with me!" Shikamaru laughed, patting Naruto's shoulder. "Well, I'm being sent out on a mission later on tonight" Naruto said, his hands proudly on his hips as Sasuke watched from a distance. "Seriously?" Kiba asked, curious to know about it. "Yeah, gotta watch over some lady while she heads back to Gaara's village" Naruto said, explaining the purpose of his mission. "Apparently there's some tough guys after her so, Tsunade appointed me as the one for this mission" he smiled, receiving high fives and hugs before the crowd scattered. "You're going on a mission.. Tonight?" Sasuke asked Naruto as they headed back to his apartment. "Yeah, why?" the blonde responded as Sasuke shook his head. "Just wondering, but uh.. Is it okay if I stay at your place until I can find one of my own?" he asked and Naruto nodded.
"Well, I'm off" Naruto said, adjusting his clothes as he double checked for his kunai, shuriken and scrolls. "I'll be back in about a week's time!" he said and left with no other words. Sasuke sat in silence for hours, the apartment seeming like a jail cell. "Idiot.." Sasuke sighed then stood up, sneaking down the hallway and into Naruto's room. Once in the blonde's room he looked around silently, his slate eyes coming to rest on three pictures. One was of the old team 7 while the other two was a picture of the Fourth Hokage and some lady with Orange hair. "Huh.." Sasuke said, eying the two pictures carefully until a loud pounding on the front door shook him from his thoughts. "Sasuke!" a voice screamed as he flew open the front door, coming face to face with Shikamaru. "Shikamaru, what do you want?" Sasuke blinked as the other male barged into the apartment. "Listen, Naruto is in serious trouble" he said, his eyes wide as Sasuke immediately listened.
"The shinobi who are going against him are after the Nine Tails within him" Shikamaru said as he and Sasuke leapt from tree to tree. "What, the Akatsuki?" Sasuke growled and was surprised at Shikamaru's answer. "No, we aren't quite sure as to why they suddenly changed their plans" Shikamaru said, his tone flickering with worry. "They were waiting, knowing Naruto would be promoted to a Jonin" Sasuke said, immediately cluing in to the situation. "Whoever reported this mission must be in on the scandal.." Sasuke growled softly, his speed picking up as they disappeared through the trees. "Naruto Uzumaki, hurry it up!" the female called to Naruto who sighed, pulling the cart up the hillside in silence. Far behind Shikamaru and Sasuke were fighting off some shinobi who were ordered to keep a look out fo any who dared to interfere. "We have to hurry.." Sasuke said, slicing the throat of one guy as he began to run again.
As the night grew Naruto eventually reached the top of the hill, his blue eyes locking on to what seemed to be a shrine. "Naruto, can you please deliver this scroll to the monk inside?" the female asked and he nodded, oblivious to what was to follow. He entered the shrine quietly, his eyes adjusting to his now pitch black surroundings until he heard a snapping noise. In an instant candles lit, his vision blurry for a moment until he adjusted to the bright room. "What the hell?" he blinked, rubbing his eyes until a dark haired male appeared before him. "Hello, Jinchuriki.." the male grinned before vanishing, leaving Naruto stunned until the walls became covered in random symbols. "Hey!" Naruto yelled, running over to one wall as he pounded on it. With no response he growled, creating a shadow clone before forming a rasengan. Quickly he slammed it against the wall but blinked, watching the wall repair itself immediately.
"Narutooo!" Sasuke called as he stopped at the top of the hill, breathing hard as a group of shinobi, including the female and unknown male looked to him. Shikamaru eventually came up beside the raven haired male before gazing to the shrine. Inside Naruto continued trying to get out, though clearly it was pointless. Now as the symbols scattered amongst the floor beneath him he grew weaker, his blue eyes flashing red before the world around him went dark. Inside his conscience he was face to face with Kyuubi, his hands clenching the seal's bars. "Naruto-kun.. We meet again" the Fox laughed darkly, remembering the interuption from Minato two years ago. "I want you to remove the seal this time, set me free.." Kyuubi purred. "Naruto!" Sasuke yelled, trying to get into the shrine as Shikamaru finished off the remaining shinobi, thankful for the moon's light.
"How in the hell do I get in there?" Sasuke growled, looking for a way in until beginning to think. "Hey listen, I think I know how to get in there.." Shikamaru said, scanning over the shrine carefully. In a moment the shrine's roof exploded, a red glow coming from within it as Sasuke and Shikamaru jumped back in a panic. Quickly reacting the male Uchiha jumped up, his sharingan activating as he took in the sight below. "Naruto.." his voice dimmed, Shikamaru jumping up next to him as he gasped. "Oh crap.." he said, eying Naruto's body becoming wrapped up in the Demon Fox's chakra. "Stupid Fox.." Sasuke sighed, though worried he acted as if it were nothing serious. Jumping down next to Naruto he gently placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, his eyes falling shut until he opened them - eying both Naruto and Kyuubi. "You.." the Fox growled, it's eyes flashing red as Naruto turned to look at Sasuke.
Immediately Sasuke leapt at Naruto, a kunai in his hand before slashing at the coiled up chakra. In an instant Naruto stopped himself from removing the seal, his body growing weak. "You damned Uchiha!" Kyuubi roared until Sasuke removed himself from Naruto's mind. Moments later Naruto awoke to Sasuke lightly patting his face, his eyes still possessing his sharingan. "Naruto?" Sasuke asked softly, staring down into the blonde's blue eyes until he fell unconcious. "Let's get him back to Konoha.." Sasuke said as Shikamaru nodded before they both took off in a hurry. "I'm going to hate what the Hokage has to say about this.." Shikamaru sighed, shaking his head as he kept his pace slow for Sasuke - who was so generously carrying Naruto on his back. "Looks like I'll have to keep an eye on this idiot until he's better" Sasuke chuckled softly, though secretly glad.
Back in Konoha Tsunade went about her tantrum, both Shikamaru and Sasuke putting up with it until she calmed down. "Is he okay?" she asked, settling down in her chair as the two nodded. "I'll keep watch on him until he's better" Sasuke offered as Tsunade snorted, nodding her head. "I'm counting on you, Sasuke" she said before dismissing them. "Narutoo.." Sasuke called to his friend lightly, watching him sleep as he sat on a chair next to his bed. "Mm.." Naruto grumbled, rolling over onto his right side before falling from the bed. Sitting up in a flash he blinked, blue eyes wide as Sasuke snickered softly. "Sasuke!" Naruto pointed a finger, growling lowly. "Why in the hell am I back at home?" he asked, standing up but wincing soon after. "Take it easy idiot, Shikamaru and I just saved your ass.." the Uchiha responded rather coldly.
"So, that's what happened huh..?" Naruto said after Sasuke was done explaining. "Yes" he responded with the nod of his head. "We almost lost you" Sasuke said, standing up from the chair as he walked out of Naruto's room. "Also, hurry up and get changed into something fancy.. Lee has invited us to a private party.. He says it's important" Sasuke then said, entering the bathroom to change into something decent. Naruto blinked, tilting his head slightly before moving over to his closet. From there he pulled out a black pair of dress pants followed by a white dress shirt. He eyed his forehead protector resting carefully on his side table, deciding to wear it regardless. As he adjusted it he grinned, fixing his hair a bit before gazing back in his mirror. "Sasuke.." Naruto said his friend's name almost breathlessly while his body turned to face the Uchiha.
"What..?" Sasuke blinked, looking down at himself. He had on a pair of black dress pants, followed by a dark blue dress shirt that so perfectly went down into a v-shape near the collar. To top that all off he had his clan's symbol on a necklace in the area which exposed a teasing amount of his collarbone. "You look.." Naruto cleared his throat, straightening up. "Hot?" Sasuke grinned as he watched Naruto twitch and turn away. "Let's go, idiot" Sasuke laughed, slipping on his pair of dress shoes while Naruto took his time in finding and putting his own on. The two walked side by side, their hair rustling in the gentle summer breeze until they reached Lee's house. Not long after they were inside, taking in only a small amount of people - all of which they knew. "Guys, so happy you could make it!" Lee said happily, his eyes gleaming as Gaara came up behind him. "Yes, welcome you two" Gaara said, smiling a bit.
Naruto began to chat with Ino, Kiba and Hinata while Sasuke watched from a distance, his eyes not leaving the blonde male. Though in a short amont of time everyone gathered in front of Lee and Gaara, excitement and confusion lingering within the household. "We want to thank all of you for showing up, it means a lot to us" Lee said, giving everyone a thumbs up. "Just get on with it already!" Naruto said, some people laughing as Gaara smirked. "Okay, to say things bluntly.. Lee and I are engaged" Gaara said, the room going silent. "Whaaaat?" Naruto said, confusion stabbing him in his somewhat useless brain. "They're getting married, idiot" Sasuke said, smacking him gently as Lee nodded. "Dude, woah.. woah.. Awesome!" Naruto said, now cluing in as he gave the two thumbs up. "I call being the bride's maid!" he said prancing about. "So, you want to wear a dress and hold a bouquet of flowers?" Sasuke asked, his slate eyes flashing almost lustfully before the room broke out into laughter.
"I cannot believe you two hooked up!" Naruto said, chatting with Gaara off to the side as Lee was surrounded by the girls. "Yeah, we started seeing each other back when we tried bringing Sasuke back the first time" Gaara said as Naruto nodded, still taking in the information. "I honestly pictured you marrying Sakura.." Gaara said, causing a pain in Naruto's heart to churn his stomach. "Nah.. She dumped me" Naruto said, Gaara's expression immediately showing sympathy. "Sorry Naruto, though I heard you're quite the catch around here.." Gaara laughed, pointing to Kiba who was eying him up. "Uh.. OH" Naruto said, coughing as he looked away from the brown haired male. Kiba soon approached the two and Gaara slunk away quickly. "Hey, Naruto" Kiba smiled as Naruto leaned back against the wall slightly. "Uh.. Hey Kiba" Naruto said, a smile on his face. "Wanna go out for ramen after this?" Kiba asked as Sasuke shot Naruto a deadly glare. "Um.. Uh.." Naruto stuttered, his blue eyes meeting Sasuke's slate ones until Kiba grabbed his attention again. "Oh uh, yeah sure Kiba!" Naruto said, feeling Sasuke's eyes on him once again.
After the small party Naruto left with Kiba, the two walking side by side as they approached Ichiraku Ramen. Akamaru had followed behind them and took to sitting outside of the shop as they ordered their ramen. "It's my treat" Kiba smiled as Naruto's eyes gleamed with happiness. "Thanks!" he said and began to pig out as Kiba smiled once more, beginning to eat his own ramen. Sasuke walked past the shop casually, eyes gleaming with what seemed to be jealousy until he smacked into Kakashi. "Kakashi!" Sasuke said, jumping back as he looked to Iruka who was extremely red in the face. "Oh god, Naruto's drunk talk was right wasn't it..?" Sasuke said as Kakashi blinked, raising a brow in question. "We..Were you two making out?" Sasuke said, his eyes twitching as Iruka hid his face quickly. "Oh boy uhh.." Kakashi looked to Iruka who hid behind him. "Yeah" Kakashi then answered plainly, watching a shiver move through Sasuke's body. "Seems Kiba and Naruto have that mastered too" Kakashi said, looking to the ramen shop.
Sasuke twitched, bolting into the shop as he eyed Kiba and Naruto - not making out. Instead they were posing for a camera, their heads touching as they made faces. "Sasuke?" Naruto blinked, looking to where the raven haired male once stood. "Okay then.." Naruto said as Kiba scowled. "Hey Naruto, can I tell you something?" Kiba asked the blonde who blinked, looking back over to him. "Sure, go ahead" Naruto smiled as Kiba cleared his throat, tugging at his collar. "Well uh.." he stuttered, looking down at the counter before looking back to Naruto. "Truth is.. I've uh, had a crush on you for two years now.." Kiba said, Naruto's blue eyes widening in surprise as he shot up from the stool. "What?" he said, backing up some as Kiba immediately frowned. "You're.. disappointed aren't you?" he said, his tone hurt as Naruto shook his head. "No, no.. Just, surprised" he said as he sat back down, his chest raising and falling as he calmed down.
From outside Sasuke growled, his slate eyes flashing red before he headed back to Naruto's apartment. There he curled up on the uncomfortable couch, too annoyed and disgusted to change out of his clothes. He didn't exactly know why he was so messed up over this stupid problem, but he hated this growing feeling in his heart. It felt like he was being weighed down by extremely heavy rocks beneath the ocean's surface. That night Naruto didn't return home, nor did he until the following night. "Kiba and I are dating!" he said when he finally returned home to a creepy and gloomy Sasuke. "How sweet" the Uchiha responded and stood up, his things packed in a bag. "I'm moving in with Kakashi until I can find a place of my own, thanks for allowing me to stay here" he said and with that, left - slamming the door behind him.