AN: Hello there guys! It's been like forever, I know, I know. I'm sorry, writers block is a real pain in the ass. And then I started getting busy and started writing for other fandoms...anyway, here is the new chapter. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 12
Prelude to a death
Jiraiya and Tsunade didn't sleep that night.
Actually, they both went out to drink away the thoughts in their heads. Naruto and Shizune had stayed behind, the young woman reminding silent while Naruto asking away what the hell was happening. He didn't obtain a satisfactory answer but a warning. He wasn't allowed to leave the hotel room or to engage two dangerous and very powerful nuke-nins on his own. The first time he had been lucky both men were just playing with him, next time they both would fight seriously and the blond wouldn't stand a chance against them
Tsunade let her eyes wandered around the bar; she could feel Jiraiya's eyes on her, waiting for an answer to the question he posed to her earlier in the day. But, the true was, Tsunade didn't know how to answer.
Going back to Konoha meant facing the memories she so wanted to bury deep inside her mind. It was easier than dealing with them. Dealing with the pain the village brought to her.
Duty and mission meant nothing to Tsunade. She had always done whatever she wanted, no rules or boundaries. It was the way she was raised. A little voice, one eerie familiar voice, reminded her she was also raised to be a leader, to take upon herself the position of Hokage in the same way her grandfather and uncle had done those years ago.
It was in her blood.
But her own hatred towards the position and the people she had lost to that very same position were still fresh in her mind. For a moment she remembered Kushina's words. The meaning behind the woman's speech and what would mean for Tsunade.
You made a promise, Tsunade-sama. Along time ago, you promise Dan and Nawaki you would protect the village.
It was blackmailing and Tsunade was so tempted to just break Kushina's nose for even mentioning. As if she had forgotten about it.
But you ran away…the things I've been hearing…I'm pretty sure Jiraiya-sama can fill you in better than me. But Akatsuki is the less of our problems. Konoha needs changes, needs a leader than can protect it, that cares for its people and the well-being of its ninjas.
Tsunade frowned as she went back over the conversation she had with Kushina. What other dangers could be out there? What could be worse than Akatsuki?
"This is so fucked up." Jiraiya chuckled never looking away from Tsunade.
"You think?" The blonde Sannin turned her eyes to her former teammate.
"Tell me, why should I go back to a village I despise?" Jiraiya pursed his lips in deep thought, shrugging carelessly he turned his body to face Tsunade.
"You may kid people around you, but Tsunade, I know you care." Jiraiya motioned with his hands their surroundings. "Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy to find you, or for you to be so close to Konoha."
"Urgh! What's with everyone trying to analyze me? It was a coincidence! Really! Nothing else!"
"What do you mean everyone?" Asked Jiraiya furrowing his brows in confusion. Tsunade tensed up before evading Jiraiya's face.
"Eh, Shizune said the same thing." Jiraiya nodded unconvinced but decide not to pressure the woman. It was a relief she was talking with him, the man didn't want to say the wrong thing to push her away.
"I don't wanna go back, Jiraiya."
There was a long silence between them, memories of past times, of things they both wish they could forget. Of decisions to be made. Finally, Jiraiya sighed, "I know. I really do."
"But it looks as if I don't have an option." At this Jiraiya straighten up a look of pure shock all over his face. The blonde woman turned wincing as she continued. "Tell me more about Akatsuki and what really brought you back to Konoha and to your Godson."
Ichinose Maki was frustrated.
His hand was holding firmly his zanpakutou as his eyes focus on the black cat hiding behind Naruto. The cat he now knew was Shihoin Yoruichi in disguised. The same Yoruichi everyone thought was dead and, in a way, a traitor.
However, the young master seemed attached to the woman and he was holding his own zanpakutou just as strongly as Ichinose.
"But, young Master…"
"No." His tone was firm and didn't give any way to argument. "She is my friend, she is my family. If you try to harm her, I'll fight you."
And the way his blue eyes gleam and his face hardened with determination Ichinose knew the blond was serious about it. "Sir, I don't think you understand. The woman, cat, she is a criminal."
"She is my friend and has been by my side since I was a baby. If you really are here to…to serve me then…serve me!" Those words felt weird in Naruto's mouth. He was scrunching his nose and forehead at the unusual tone of command in his voice. Yoruichi for her part was partially amused at the expression on both men faces.
"Sir, I have to…"
"No, you don't. I trust Yoruichi-chan with my life and I'll protect her with mine if I have to." There was hesitation on Ichinose's face. "Please, she is family to me. Promise me you won't say anything or do anything to harm her. Promise me!"
"You could always order it to him." Commented Yoruichi jumping up to Naruto's shoulder. Ichinose glared at the cat that started licking her pawn.
Naruto tilted his head and in a loud whisper he replied to Yoruichi, "I can't order him that! It wouldn't be …okay."
Yoruichi shook her head. Naruto was too noble sometimes, he didn't know he could order almost anything he wanted from Ichinose and the man would do it without a glint of hesitation. Or at least not much of that glint.
"What do you say, Ichinose? Promise?"
It was obvious by the way the man kept his eyes on the black cat and his body fidgeted form one foot to the other he wasn't completely comfortable with Naruto's words. He was still doubtful about the whole thing; Yoruichi was supposed to be part of the reason why Minato had left Soul Society. Or so he heard. The specifics were always blurry and explained in a rush way. Never the actual facts but only the rumors.
Naruto did seem to trust her and even risk his life for her. Even to fight against a group of powerful ninjas and himself to protect her. Ichinose sighed; his work was to protect Naruto. He wouldn't fight the boy, but would keep a close eye on the cat and if she does something to break Ichinose's fragile trust, he would dispose of her.
"I…I promise, Naruto-sama. Just know, I'm not comfortable with this." The smile that broke on the blonde's face made Ichinose waver lightly.
"Thank you!" Naruto just moved to his bed and before lying down he turned to Ichinose, "Don't worry, Yoruichi-chan won't harm me. Or you. Everything is gonna be fine."
Just as Ichinose was about to sigh in resignation Naruto turned to the black cat.
"So, there is something I…I have to tell you." Yoruichi tilted her head listening to Naruto's words attentively.
"I…I met my…my uncle."
"Naruto-sama!" exclaimed Ichinose. Naruto glared at the man as Yoruichi tried to conceal her expression.
"What is it this time?"
"You can't…I mean, you can't go and tell everyone about…about this!" was all Ichinose could say taking full care to emphasize the words 'everyone' and 'this'. Naruto huffed irritate, which was a really strange reaction from him.
"I told you, I trust Yoruichi-chan with my life. She deserves to know about this." Said Naruto daring Ichinose to contradict him.
However, whatever the shinigami was about to say was cut off by Yoruichi whose voice was devoid of any emotion. "So, you met Arashi? I guess this has something to do with you going to Soul Society?"
Naruto nodded his head trying to tell Yoruichi without words the doubts plaguing his mind at the moment.
"Yes, he came, just after the invasion." Said Naruto under the incredulous and accusing stared of Ichinose. "He told me…well, that I can go with him, if I want."
"You know that's not a real choice, right?" Commented Yoruichi eyeing Ichinose who had the decency to lower his face in shame. "If he is here it means the higher-ups back in Soul Society have allowed you to go there."
"What do you mean I don't have a choice?" Asked Naruto puzzled. "He told me I have till the end of next week to make a decision."
Yoruichi smiled gently at Naruto and put her paw above his hand. "Naruto, you just awoken your shinigami powers, you're starting to become powerful by the day and soon enough the presence of not only hollows but other creatures hungry for reiatsu would be after you."
Naruto listened carefully as Yoruichi continued, "There are things you still need to learn…"
"But….but you can teach them to me!" Yoruichi chuckled.
"Yes, I certainly could, but you saw the reaction my presence has on some people." Naruto turned to Ichinose who narrowed his eyes at the cat.
"Look, if Arashi is here is because they want you in Soul Society and he had done the impossible to allow your entrance." Yoruichi made sure Naruto was looking at her paying close attention to her words. "It means that if you don't want to go, you will have to fight to stay here."
"But, he told me I have a choice…" Whispered Naruto feeling slightly betray by the man who had identified himself as family.
"And you should be grateful." Said Yoruichi. "If it had been in another time or circumstances he would have taken you by forced, no questions asked."
"You're making it sound as if Arashi-sama has bad intentions." Interrupted Ichinose. "Lord Arashi wants was best for Naruto-sama. This place is not good for him, or his abilities. Besides, his place is with people of his own, not a place that doesn't even like him."
There was silence after Ichinose's words; Naruto seemed to be in deep thought as a frown formed on his face.
"But, don't I get to decide what I want? I mean, I got people of my own in here."
There wasn't a good or a bad answer for Naruto's question. Yoruichi sighed and Ichinose merely lower his face. Finally the black cat put her front paws on Naruto's chest and looked directly into his eyes.
"It is your decision. Whatever it is Naruto, I'll be there supporting you." She smiled kindly at him.
"How would I know if it's the right decision?" asked Naruto not worrying about the consequences or what would happen if he decides to stay.
"You always make the best decision when you follow your instincts and you heart, Naruto."
Tsunade could feel her blood boiling as she thought about the sorry excuse of a Sannin Jiraiya was. The stupid man had left in a hurry, dragging Shizune with him and leaving her all alone with the brat and the cat.
Just as the blonde woman was about to continue she bumped into Naruto who was looking at her with a curious expression.
"What?" No one could ever say Tsunade wasn't pleasant enough to talk to. The woman glared at Naruto who kept watching her with the same curiosity attached on his blue eyes.
"You better keep going and stop staring at me like an idiot before I…"
"You really a Sannin?" Asked the boy suddenly. Tsunade's words were cut short in a rather rude manner as Naruto eyed her up and down. Tsunade stopped herself from hitting the boy and decided to take a deep breath.
"Why are you asking?"
Naruto shrugged as he closed his eyes in a thoughtful manner which made Tsunade gasp at the familiar expression on the boy's face. Naruto opened one eye and pursed his lips before saying, "It's just…you don't look like… you know? A real ninja."
The comment made Tsunade's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, but Naruto didn't stop there, "I mean, if you look closely Hebi-teme and Ero-sennin don't look like these Sannin either."
The blonde Sannin focused her eyes on the boy as she tried to hold on the smirk forming on her face, "Hebi-teme and Ero-sennin. I see you have nicknames for everyone. I can say I agree with the ones you gave my former teammates."
"Thanks, Oba-san!" The punch was unexpected and left Naruto moaning in pain holding his head as he looked up with an indignant expression. The Sannin was smiling down at him.
"I don't appreciate the one you have for me, though."
They stayed in the middle of the street looking at each other as Naruto stood up still holding his head. Yoruichi jumping back on Naruto's shoulder and licking her paws as she nuzzled lazily against the boys' neck.
Tsunade, once again, let her thoughts wander into the realms of memories. The moment she met Minato and Kushina, how the both of them behave and how they grew up. The boy in front of her was a mixture of both of them. And yet, he was just Naruto, the jailor of the Kyuubi no Kitsune, and in his blue eyes Tsunade could see the suffering of such a burden.
Yes, she did need to hit Kushina harder next time she saw her.
"Are you sure you're ready to become a Hokage?" The question was unexpected, it made Tsunade gaped at the young Genin in front of her as said Genin eyed her with suspicion. As if he was determining if she, indeed, was up for the job.
Not that Tsunade had made any decision towards the subject but, she did feel offend this…this gaki would dare to question her. Senju Tsunade. If there was anyone ready for that forsaken job was her!
"What would a gaki like you know anything about being a Hokage?"
Naruto took on a solemn expression as he declared with surprising passion, "Easy, because, once upon a time, being a Hokage was my dream." Once again he eyed her with wariness. "And I don't think you look the type of person to risk her life for your comrades. At least not like the Old Man and certainly not like the Fourth Hokage."
Scratching distractively his whisker marks he made one last, shocking question, "Are you sure you want the position of Hokage?"
Tsunade was left speechless as memories kept bombarding her. Dan and Nawaki coming to her mind and just as she was about to question Naruto about the 'once upon a time' comment the boy's eyes light up.
"Ramen! Come, Yoruichi!" And in the blink of an eye he left her there. Wondering, asking herself what the hell had just happened.
By the time she caught up with him Naruto was on her third bowl, "You want some?"
"What makes you think I already took the position of Hokage?" Was the first question that left Tsunade's mouth. Naruto swallowed the noodles and he looked wide eye at Tsunade.
"You haven't? Why? I mean, it is a pretty cool and important position." Naruto went to his bowl again and proceed to feed the cat beside him.
"Ugh, don't do that! It's not hygienic!" Exclaimed Tsunade who tried to stop Naruto.
"Hey! For your information, Yoruichi is a pretty clean cat. Right?" He asked the cat who, surprisingly enough seemed to be nodding its head.
Tsunade frowned but return her attention to the conversation. "Look, like I said, you're just a Genin; you're not even that experience to know everything about how hard the life of a ninja is much less how hard the job of a Hokage is."
Naruto tensed up, holding the bowl in front of his chest he blinked furiously before turning a sorrowful expression to Tsunade. "I know how hard the life of a Jinchuuriki is. Can't be all that bad to experience the life of a ninja or the life of a Hokage."
Tsunade was about to retort but she didn't know what to say, "You know? The Old Man died protecting the village. It seems all the good leaders died protecting the things they love the most. Why don't you like Konoha? I thought you were the granddaughter of the First Hokage?"
There was a long uncomfortable silence in which Tsunade thought about the reasons she left the village. How bad things kept happening to her every time she found a new reason to fight for Konoha. The people she lost, the emptiness and sorrow the village brought upon her heart. But, inside her mind and even heart, there was the soft, nagging voice that kept telling her Dan and Nawaki and her grandfather and grand-uncle would be disappointed of her. Because she had left to fend itself the place they had given their lives for.
"I am his granddaughter. As to why I don't like Konoha? My reasons are my own, Gaki." Was all the Sannin said before taking the offering bowl Naruto was extending to her.
Naruto nodded his head, as if in understanding, then with a gentle smile on his face, "Then, I'll care and like for Konoha and its people for the both of us."
Tsunade opened her eyes lightly before she felt her lips quirked upwards, "Then I'll take care of Konoha and the Hokage position for the both of us, Gaki."
Naruto's smile grew even and Tsunade couldn't help but chuckled shaking her head. Stupid Jiraiya. Stupid Kushina…Stupid Naruto.
Kushina, you better keep your promise to me or I'm going to hunt you down and hurt you so bad not only for breaking the promise but for leaving your son and giving him the life he had.
"Would you stop staring at me like that?" Said Tsunade irritated by the smug smile adorning the Toad Sannin's face.
"You already knew I was gonna say yes, so I don't know what you keep that idiotic expression on your face."
"Oh, C'mon, Tsu-hime. Aren't you just a little bit happy to go back to Konoha? I really wanna know what he told you to soften you this much" Tsunade decided not to answer that particular question as they continued to follow Naruto and Shizune, the later who was listening carefully to everything Naruto was saying.
"I just don't understand." She mumbled to herself. Jiraiya raised an eyebrow and stared at Tsunade.
"Understand what?"
Tsunade looked thoughtful for a moment before answering, "How can someone be serious and…said some intelligent things one moment and be a total idiot the next?" she went silent for a moment before turning her facer to Jiraiya. "Never mind, I think I CAN understand."
Jiraiya chuckled a little before nudging playfully at Tsunade, "The kid is good with words, eh? He looks just like his father."
"Yes, let's hope he doesn't have the same ethics as his mother." Replied Tsunade.
"What do you mean?" Tsunade shrugged and waved off Jiraiya's question.
"Never mind that, let's move. The sooner we finish this the better."
"Gee, don't sound so enthusiastic for becoming the new Godaime Hokage."
A somber look passed Tsunade's face before it disappeared and a more tender and peaceful one appeared. "Oh, believe me, I'm ecstatic to become the new Hokage. There would be changes that would rock the very foundations of the village. I can hardly wait to see the expression on the Council's faces."
Tsunade threw away the Hokage hat and sat on the chair a few months ago her former teacher sat to complete the paperwork and to rule this village. She let her eyes wander around the room before letting her senses located her personal guard.
Three on the front door, two on each of the windows in the office and if she wasn't mistaken there was only one in the room with her.
Moving her hand to the desk, she put the file Shizune had brought her out of the other pile and decided to read as much as she could. As she gave it a quick glance she noticed every report file under the name of 'Uzumaki Naruto' was either signed by the Third, Iruka or the ANBU Captain Yugao.
Frowning, Tsunade decided to start reading his medical file before going over the stack of papers about everything else.
Naruto for his part had gone directly to the hospital after (finally) he was allowed to see Sasuke and Lee.
He was surprise to know that Sasuke had been attacked by his own brother the day before Naruto's own encounter with the older Uchiha. Apparently, Naruto had been lucky whereas Sasuke had ended up in an almost comatose state.
Sakura was resting her back against the wall just beside the door. She lifted her face and flashed him a welcoming smile. "Naruto." She mumbled and the blonde noticed the sadness in her voice.
"Sakura-chan, are you okay?" the concern was evident in his face and Sakura merely nodded her head before giving him a brief hug.
"Thanks for bringing Tsunade-sama back. I…I don't think Sasuke-kun could…" She trailed off and whatever she was going to say was cut by a soft sob.
Uncomfortable and not knowing what to do, Naruto put a tentative hand on Sakura's shoulder. Afraid of her reaction to such an action but the girl leant closer as she wiped away the tears.
"Is he awake? Can I see him?" Asked Naruto and Sakura bit her lower lip before nodding.
"He is, but Naruto…" Once again the pink-haired girl trailed off. There was something off in all of this, and Naruto couldn't put his finger on what exactly was happening.
"The…the confrontation with his brother left Sasuke-kun…shaken." She said with a grimace. "He was seriously affected. Please! Please, don't fight him! Don't…don't provoke him or say anything that could …"
"Whoa, hold on there! I don't know what…I mean, he just recovered, right?" Said Naruto confused. "I came here to see how he was, not to fight him or anything. Don't worry, Sakura-chan. I bet in a few days he would be better and we can go back to do some missions. Now that Baa-chan had taken over the position I bet we can ask for a pretty hardcore mission!"
Sakura smiled lightly finding Naruto's attitude comforting. She nodded her head and went back to her position on the wall. Naruto tilted his head looking at her curiously, "Aren't you coming with me?"
"No, I think…I think I wait here." She said with her head lowered and her voice trembling a little. Frowning Naruto opened the door and entered the room.
Sasuke was lying down on the bed looking at the ceiling with an unreadable expression on his face. The young Uchiha didn't even bother to turn and see who had entered his room. Naruto put on his best, cheerful expression and went immediately to sit, bouncing playfully, on Sasuke's bed.
"So, you're awake, I see." There was no response and Naruto decided to take another approach. "So, I heard from Baa-chan you can leave this place in two days, maybe…you know? I could ask for a mission. Just the three of us, because I don't think Sakura-chan would appreciated if we leave her behind"
Nothing, Sasuke didn't move or even blink. Naruto was starting to think maybe the Uchiha was sleeping with his eyes wide open, of course that was until he saw a flash of anger crossed his black eyes.
"So, what do you think? It could be so cool!" Again there was no other reaction and Naruto was running out of ideas. "C'mon Sasuke! Say something!"
Nothing.
"So, eh….um…you hungry? Cuz, I can ask Ayame-chan to bring us something to eat."
There was a light movement and Naruto's eyes lit up hopefully until Sasuke turned to the side with his back towards Naruto. There was a long silence in which the blonde turned to look at the door before he went to look at his friend. With a sigh and a made up mind he decided to try one last time.
"I fought him as well." That called Sasuke's attention. The young man tensed up and his head moved lightly as Naruto continued. "Well, No 'fight-fight' exactly more like…well…He seemed rather interest in taking me…"
"Why?" Naruto fell to the floor startled as Sasuke turned completely moving the covers violently and sitting on his bed. "Why would he look for you?"
Naruto shrugged, his eyes focused on his teammate as Sasuke stood up. "I don't know. It was pretty weird. One moment I was in my hotel room and the next, there it was Itachi and that Shark guy and we end up fighting and like…destroying the whole room and then I was running away from them."
"How can you be fine?" said Sasuke through clenched teeth. "Why are you still standing whereas I'm…"
Sasuke didn't finish the sentence as he glared at Naruto who stood up. "I don't know. I just know he was there! I didn't know he had come here and done…this" said Naruto motioning the bed and Sasuke's state. The Uchiha felt his left eye twitched as Naruto kept on talking.
"If…If I have known he came here first and hurt you and Kakashi-sensei I would probably had done more." Said Naruto trying to reassure Sasuke.
However, his words didn't have the expected effect. In a flash Naruto found himself thrown backwards and pinned hard against the wall. Sasuke was holding him with his forearm, pressing tightly on his neck making it difficult for Naruto to breathe. As Naruto tried to push Sasuke off of him he found himself looking directly into Sasuke's sharingan.
"Why was he so interest in you? What is so special about you he decided to dismiss me the moment I try to face him?" Sasuke's hatred and anger was obvious as he spat every word without raising his voice.
"I've been training day in and out ever since…ever since that day and yet I'm thrown away in favor for a loser like you. Why?" Sasuke pressed harder making Naruto struggled against the hold Sasuke had on him.
Naruto tried to speak and move but he was starting to lose consciousness as Sasuke seemed to have grown stronger in the blink of an eye. He was still looking at Naruto with anger as he asked questions Naruto didn't have complete answers for.
"I faced him only for him to tell me you were the key in all of this." Naruto's eyesight was starting to get blurry and inside him he felt the call from Ryuujin. But he couldn't answer back; he was starting to lose it…
Suddenly Sasuke was thrown backwards colliding against the wall and spotting some cuts all over his body. Naruto was breathing hard, holding his neck as he turned incredulous and upset blue eyes to Sasuke whose eyes had returned to normal.
"What…what the hell was that?" Mumbled Sasuke who could feel the cuts all over his body and could see the…energy? Chakra? Surrounding Naruto.
"What…what the hell is wrong with you, Sasuke?"
The air around Naruto was turbulent and the sharp edges of the wind moved eager to hurt Sasuke. Both Genin looked at each other, breathing hard as they tried to understand what was happening. A loud roar could be heard and Naruto's eyes opened wide.
"Ryuujin, stop." He mumbled and the wind suddenly calmed down leaving both teammates alone in a tense silence. Sasuke narrowed his eyes as soon as Naruto said those words and the effect they had on the strange phenomenon.
The door was thrown open letting inside anguish Sakura and a questioning Tsunade. "What the hell happened here?"
"What did you do to Sasuke-kun, Naruto?" Sakura's tone was accusingly while she kneeled beside Sasuke looking at his cuts. The Uchiha waved her away as he stood up and moved towards Naruto with the intent to fight.
He would had been successful hadn't it be for Tsunade who moved to stand between the both of them. It only took Tsunade one raise eyebrow and a twitched of her eye for Sasuke to scowl and return to the bed.
"You in bed, now! You, girl, call one of the nurses to tend to the cuts. And you," said Tsunade finally pointing at Naruto. "Out. To my office. Now!"
Hatake Kakashi looked at his student with curiosity as he played with the food instead of eating it.
It wouldn't be unusual, if it wasn't for the fact the student in question was Naruto and the food he was playing with was Ramen.
"Is something wrong Naruto?" Kakashi watched his student carefully as the boy tensed up, shrugging his shoulders and putting some food on his mouth.
It had been almost two weeks since the invasion and at least a week since Tsunade was back. The Godaime Hokage had been working overtime trying to get the village back to its former splendor that had demised after the invasion.
For what Tsunade had told Kakashi a few days ago, Naruto and Sasuke had fought again and something strange happened. The problem was no one in Team 7 was ready to say anything at all, so the quarrel was kept between the two boys. The woman had made it clear to Kakashi she didn't want anything like that happening ever again. Much less in a shinobi platoon because it would mean the missions could be put in danger.
The Jounin could see there was a soft spot for the new Hokage towards Naruto. Which wasn't surprising really, Kakashi knew whenever Naruto wanted it, he could be a real charmer. Just like his father.
"You don't seem hungry today, Naruto."
"Uh? Eh, yeah, I am…just…" Naruto trailed off and tilted his head. "How…How is Sasuke doing?"
Ah, so that's what's bothering him.
As a punishment for that little fight on the hospital Tsunade had put both boys under different chores all around the village. Keeping them apart and working day at night, helping around the reconstruction or other not so 'ninja' works. Different from Sakura, who had just returned from a mission with Ino and the only Chuunin promoted during the exams, Shikamaru.
Kakashi tilted his head glancing back at Naruto, "He is doing okay. It's been hard for him not to be able to do some 'real missions', as he called them."
"And…how about Sakura-chan?" Asked Naruto already suspecting the answer. Ever since the incident in the hospital Sakura had stopped talking to him and would avoided him whenever he was close.
Kakashi winced before smiling at Naruto, "Oh, well, she is good and quite eager to start mission with the both of you." Kakashi looked over at Naruto before ruffling his hair. "Don't worry; things are going to get better. In a few days Tsunade-sama is going to allowed Sasuke and you to go back to Team 7 and everything is going to be fixed."
"Right, in a few days." Said Naruto whose thoughts went back to the decisions he had already taken. Naruto smiled at his teacher before emptying his bowl in one single drink. "Thanks for the dinner, Kakashi-sensei. I guess I better get going. Oba-san wants me to be early in the office to help her organize her paperwork. Bye!"
And just like that, Naruto was gone leaving behind him a pretty confused jounin. Naruto didn't stop running until he was in front of his building. The place was dark and the blond noticed the front door had been destroyed and some new graffiti's were on the wall. Behind him Ichinose eyed his young master with curiosity; the boy had been avoiding most of the Konoha population and specially his friends. Even those who weren't on his team.
"Are you okay, Naruto-sama?" Naruto turned his head to Ichinose and smiled sheepishly at him.
"Yeah, I just…well, tomorrow is a big day." Naruto shrugged entering his building with Ichinose following him closed behind. "I'm not sure I'm ready for it."
Understanding dawn on Ichinose as he remembered the deadline Kazama-sama had given to Naruto would be up the following day. As they entered Naruto's apartment Ichinose tensed up, scowling at the pink-haired girl that was sitting on the only chair in the whole apartment.
"Sa-Sakura-chan, are you okay?" Asked Naruto who saw tears in the girl's eyes; Sakura wiped away the tears as she tried to smile weakly at Naruto.
"Naruto…I…I need to talk to you."
Naruto frowned confused, wondering what could have possible happen to Sakura for her to be crying and most importantly to come looking for him. Glancing sideways to Ichinose Naruto opened his eyes wide and indicated with a nod of his head the door. Ichinose went to reply but the firm glare on those blue eyes was enough to make him hesitate. Bowing lightly, Ichinose turned around and left.
"Okay, what is it, Sakura?"
The girl started sobbing softly; she moved back at Naruto's attempted to console her. Sakura took a deep breath and turned pleading eyes to Naruto.
"I don't know…I mean I didn't know who I should tell this and you Naruto…" Sakura trailed off. "You're the only one I could think of."
"Sakura, you're scaring me, what is it? What happen?"
Sakura took one of Naruto's hands in hers, "Naruto, you have to help Sasuke-kun."
Naruto frowned, tensing up at hearing the name of his friend. "Is something wrong with him? Is he okay?"
Sakura took another deep breath before replying, "He plans to leave the village, Naruto. He plans to join Orochimaru and…and leave the village." New tears fell on Sakura's cheeks as the girl looked over at Naruto. "Please, Naruto. Help him, help him before he does something that we all regret."
AN: First of all, I want to thank to all of you who had reviwed or put ong your favorites or alert list my story. Thank you guys.
Second, this chapter was hard to write and, I'm going to be honest, I'm still no satisfied with it. But, I really hope you enjoy it. Some of you point out something I'm taking into consideretion for the next chapter. Naruto is strong, way stronger than he showed in other chapters, so next time you can expected the first fight between Sasuke and Naruto, and Naruto's reaction to the fight.
Thanks for reading and, before I forget, I don't have a beta for this chapter so I apologize for any grammar or spelling mistake or any other funny mistake you may found in here. Tell me what you think, but please don't flame. I really want t know what you think, what you want and what you expect.
See ya next time!