Behind the Mask
Rated: T for language and violence
Disclaimer: Naruto characters (c) Masashi Kishimoto
Summary: We all wear masks. But that only makes it harder to tell the difference between truth and lies.
Note: Thanks to Joele and Starfire201
011: 父母
(parents)
"Naruto...Naruto."
"I'm coming I'm coming." Grumbled Naruto as he swiped a hand across his forehead. "Jeez Sakura..."
"Naruto...Naruto..." Sakura kept calling.
"Where the hell..." Naruto started to say when he finally spotted Sakura a few feet in front of him. He stopped short, his mouth spreading into a grin. "Finally..."
Sakura leaned forward, her complexion paling and her pink hair turning long and black as it swarmed around her.
"Come out come out little fox, can the Kyuubi come out to play?" Jeered Orochimaru, his face inches from Naruto's.
Naruto gasped and fell back against the ground. Naruto's blue eyes were round and tense as Orochimaru materialized out of Sakura's body and he cradled Sakura's limp body in his snake like arm.
"Did you think that you could protect her?" Asked Orochimaru, his tone mocking as he raised an eyebrow questioningly. He ran the back of his white hand down Sakura's cheek and Naruto frowned, his hand shooting out toward them as if to protect Sakura.
"Or him?" Questioned Orochimaru as his left arm, now a slithering snake extended out into the darkness and retracted, bringing a limp Kakashi into view.
Naruto opened his mouth to speak in protest and yell, but he found no words could come out. Suddenly, he felt a sickening tearing feeling in his chest. Orochimaru yellow eyes were sparkling in delight and amusement as Naruto tore his frightened eyes away from Orochimaru to look down. His chest was tearing open, an odd rust color aura leaking from it. With trembling hands, Naruto tried to close the gap but then it burst open.
"You will be the one to destroy them!" Orochimaru yelled, his face wild with delight as Naruto exploded in a scream, leaving a giant snarling fox in his wake.
Orochimaru tossed Sakura and Kakashi to the fox's giant feet where the fox ate them both in one large gulp.
"I want them...where are they?" The fox snarled, looking at Orochimaru with hungry eyes.
Orochimaru only laughed before disappearing into the darkness. His laugh still echoed around the fox as two more bodies fell to the fox's feet. The fox only recognized the blond hair of the man and woman before he ate them both.
"Now it is complete." The fox said in a satisfied voice.
Is this what gives you nightmares, kit?
Naruto let out a yell as he jolted upright in his bed.
His breathing was loud and rapid and he could feel his irregular heart beat hammering away inside his chest. Naruto eyes quickly adjusted to the still dark room as he bent down his hands quickly feeling his chest. He let out a sigh of relief and his heart started to slow as he could detect no tear within his chest underneath the black cotton shirt he slept in.
Naruto shook his head and slipped his bare feet onto the cool wooden floor.
Do I scare you that much?
Naruto froze and his breath hitched as he cringed away from the dark booming voice within his head. Naruto took a moment to regain himself before speaking again.
"Shut the hell up. Don't speak to me." Naruto said out loud, his eyes tightening as he put as much venom in his voice as possible. Saying the words out loud seemed to strengthen them.
Naruto focused on the floor as he tried to push Kyuubi back where he belonged, in the farthest corner of his mind, behind as many barriers as he could imagine.
I'm a part of you, remember that.
Kyuubi's voice echoed throughout his brain, though it was much weaker than before. Naruto's nightmare must have left his brain more susceptible than usual.
"Go back where you belong." Muttered Naruto darkly. "You will never be me."
There was a ghost of a laugh. Just don't fancy yourself with the idea that, that's what happened to your parents.
Naruto exhaled a breath as he tipped his head back to the ceiling, finally feeling that Kyuubi was gone. He shuddered at the idea of Kyuubi getting that far out of bounds. He looked over to Sakura's bed; half expecting that she would have jumped out of bed at the sound of his yell. But all Naruto found was her rumpled sheets. Naruto eyes widened as he quickly crossed the room. Did something really happen to Sakura and Kakashi? Was Kyuubi just distracting him?
When he reached Sakura's bed, he found a small note on her pillow. Naruto picked it up and studied it with scrunched eyes.
Naruto,
Glad you managed to find this because I know how clueless you are. Anyways, I've gone for tea and breakfast with Laoshi and Sifu Tsunade. Please come and meet us at the tea house - the one that's closest to Tsunade's estate.
Don't be late.
P.S. I'll make the bed later
Naruto crumpled up the letter and tossed it behind him. He started grumbling as he looked for some clothes to change into. Stupid Sakura, almost gave him half a heart attack.
Glossary:
Sifu – Master
Laoshi – Teacher
Naruto cupped his hands together and blew a warm breath into them before rubbing his hands together as he stepped inside a small tea house. It was a bit warmer inside and the wooden floor creaked under his sandals. He saw Sakura's waving hand from around a paper wall partition. He made his way towards the back of the tea house and closed the paper sliding door closed as he reached the table.
"Oi, Tsunade-nainai, surprised to see you here." Greeted Naruto, as he slid into a seat between Sakura and Kakashi.
Tsunade gave him a dry look.
"So the sleepy head finally decided to join us." Joked Sakura as she ruffled Naruto's hair.
Naruto swatted her hand away playfully, hoping that there weren't any signs of his recent nightmare showing on his face. "Well Kakashi, I hope you are paying because I am hungry." He said, pushing the thought away and grinning as he patted his stomach.
Sakura rolled her eyes.
"The weather is changing quickly." Said Tsunade looking outside the window adjacent to them. "I expect the first snow fall won't be too far off."
Sakura's nose wrinkled in disgust. She did not enjoy the cold weather or the snow that typically accompanied the Peking winters. Her mother always joked with her as a child that when she got older, she would move out to the Gobi Desert. With winter quickly approaching, she was definitely considering it.
"Yeah, it's nippy out there today." Complained Naruto as he rubbed his hands quickly on the tops of the legs. "We better ship Sakura out to the desert then." He joked.
"Ha ha." Said Sakura dryly.
"You're food is here." A waitress called out before the paper door slid open and she scurried over, passing around their first round of tea.
A second one came in as the first one left, placing a few select dishes of food down. The door closed as Tsunade turned to Kakashi. "So Kakashi, you dragged me out of my office, just what did you have to tell all of us?"
"You weren't doing much in your office anyway." Said Kakashi under his breath.
Naruto let out a laugh, almost choking on his tea. "Ah, too true!" Sakura took a sip of her own tea, wise enough not to agree, but still secretly smiling.
"When did you become such a smart ass, Kakashi?" Tsunade complained as she scowled at both Kakashi and Naruto. "Just get on with your story."
Kakashi cleared his throat and got down to business. "You all are aware of Sakura's theory about Feng Temari and the Tian Tang Jian." Said Kakashi looking around the table.
Naruto nodded his head quickly as Tsunade dipped her head. "A wise assertion that none of us could have made." Agreed Tsunade.
"And I sure Sakura is correct. She'll give the sword back." Said Naruto with a wide grin as he slammed his fist into his palm.
"Well last night, I was in Sifu Tsunade's study when the thief returned." Said Kakashi.
There was a small plop as the dumpling that Naruto had been grabbing with his chopsticks fell back on the table. His mouth was wide open as he stared at Kakashi. Sakura removed her mask, setting it on her lap as she stared at Kakashi with wide eyes.
"For real?" She exclaimed. "Temari returned the sword?"
Kakashi ducked his head slightly. "Well...not exactly. If it was Temari, and I believe it was, you must have gotten to her. She intended to return the sword."
"But she didn't." Stated Tsunade. "What happened?"
"I confronted her." Explained Kakashi. "I admit I wanted to know her reasons for stealing the sword. Aristocratic children do not go around stealing swords for fun, nor do they even possess the slightest skill to do so."
Sakura nodded in agreement. "And Temari can fight…" She said, recalling her own battle with the blond woman.
Kakashi nodded her head. "I fought her and she possesses amazing skill for someone not brought up as a shinobi. She can even perform jutsu."
Naruto dropped his chopsticks this time. "How is that possible?"
Sakura tapped a finger against her lip. "Well…if she was working for Orochimaru, then the answer to that question would be quite obvious. I wonder what Orochimaru would want with a girl like Temari…" Sakura mused, her mouth turned in a slight frown.
"I don't think it is Orochimaru, per say," Interjected Kakashi while he rapped his fingers against the wooden table. "When I confronted her about Orochimaru, she became angry, causing her to flee with the sword."
Tsunade pursed her lips together. "So, this at least let's us know that there is no way that the fact that both Temari and Orochimaru attempted to steal the sword on the same is a coincidence." She concluded. "There is a definite link between the two."
"Hmm…a third party." Kakashi turned to Sakura. "Have you ever met anyone who seems to keep a close eye on her?" He asked.
Sakura thought for a second, but then shook her head. "No, both times I have met with her; she has been alone, which now seems kind of odd…"
"He's been avoiding you."
All heads turned to Naruto who had removed his mask and was now successfully chewing on a dumpling. He quickly swallowed so he could explain. "Orochimaru is a shinobi, so it might be safe to say that his accomplice is well aware of the shinobi world. He…or maybe even a she is avoiding any confrontation with you."
"But what I don't get," Said Naruto, reaching over for a BBQ pork bun, "Is why she would even get involved in this way. Her father is Governor Feng, she can get anything she wants, what does she have to gain in training in the shinobi arts?"
"Not everything…" Whispered Sakura. Naruto took a bite and raised his eyebrows.
"I know that she hates the fact that she has to marry Uchiha Sasuke." Explained Sakura. "I think she feels restricted by her lifestyle."
"Humph." Naruto mused, stuffing the rest of the bun in his mouth.
Tsunade shrugged her shoulders. "It is possible. Governor Feng does expect much from his children."
"I'm sure," Said Sakura looking out the window, "That Temari feels conflicted between living the lifestyle she wants and honoring her father."
"So now we're sticking up for the thief?" Naruto questioned, looking at Sakura. "It's either one or the other."
Sakura's face started to heat. This was so unlike Naruto to object to something so profoundly."I'm sure it's not that easy…" Sakura pressed. "Maybe the concept of parents is a bit hard for you…" Said Sakura softly.
Naruto's face twitched and he looked away. "It's not like that. Parental experience has nothing to do with it. I'm positive I would still think the same way…" Naruto couldn't help but think back to the blond man and woman that were thrown to the ground at the fox's feet. He suppressed a shudder.
"Or maybe not." Sakura reasoned. "I mean, I'm sure you have wondered what your parents were like…" Said Sakura.
The topic of parents was always something that Sakura tried to avoid mentioning around Naruto. It was kind of odd that after all these years that it never came up, but Naruto never showed that it bothered him. They were never around Sakura's own parents much for Naruto to feel awkward. But that was a good thing, however. Sakura loved her parents but she just couldn't stand the way they acted when she mentioned Naruto. She hated the misjudged preconceptions and prejudices that people, including her own parents had around Naruto. She wanted to spare him that at all cost. Now however, Sakura wondered if his odd attitude had something to do with a parent complex.
Naruto shrugged, indifferent. "What's there to wonder about? They put me up for adoption, so I can assume they were too young or were just flakes. That's all I need to know." Naruto was almost surprised by the own words that came out of his mouth. But as he grudgingly thought back to his dream he realized it could be the truth. His snappish attitude suddenly made himself not feel too good. He quickly stood up and placed his mask back on his face.
"Where are you going?" Asked Sakura alarmed as she looked up at him.
Naruto took another BBQ pork bun. "Thanks for the food Kakashi. I think I'm gonna go explore the town or something. Maybe train. See you later Sakura."
Then Naruto turned and walked out the sliding door. Sakura blew out a breath and raised her eyebrows in slight shock. She pushed it too far.
"Ah shit." She sighed. She stood up after a moment and placed her mask back on. "Later laoshi…bye Sifu." Sakura slowly shook her head as she left.
Kakashi leaned back in his chair, slightly confused about the events that just occurred. "I never thought…I never thought he developed such harsh views of his parents after all these years…" Kakashi ducked his head and ran his hands through his hair. "Maybe I was wrong to have kept his parents identities a secret from him."
Tsunade shook her head sadly and placed her hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "You weren't the only one who wronged him..." Was she an idiot for not explaining to Naruto what he needed to know after all these years? Did an oath to the Hokage matter after all these years?
Glossary:
Nainai - Grandma
Sifu - Master
Laoshi - Teacher
Tsunade brushed back her bangs with a swipe of her hand as she collapsed into a chair. She rested her hands on the chair arms as she tilted her head back and tightly shut her eyes. Then she heaved a tremendous sigh and her face contorted as if she were having trouble breathing. Her throat felt hard like it had a rock lodged right in the middle of it and her hands started to shake.
The medic tent that had been hastily constructed the night before was finally silent, but Tsunade could still hear the yells and the cries of pain echoing throughout her head. Physically and mentally she felt drained.
So many people, so many bodies, so much death.
The image of Dan's dead body was flitting through her tormented mind as was the thought of Nawaki's. She cringed at the thought of her little brother and a tear slipped down her cheek. Deadly, disgusting images contorted the image of Nawaki whenever she thought of him. She was forever plagued with the mystery of how he looked when he died for Orochimaru had sinisterly advised her not to look at her brother's mutilated body.
She snapped her head up when he heard the sliding of a chair and a mug being set on her lap. She found her former teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, easing down into the seat across from her. He gave her a sympathetic look as she slowly put her hands around the cup. Its warmth brought her some comfort.
"You look almost as old as I do." Sarutobi stated solemnly.
"How are things laoshi?" Tsunade asked quietly.
Sarutobi didn't answer right away. He instead looked around them, at the rows of patients lying on rolled out cots and tapped his fingers against each other.
"They aren't well Tsunade." He finally answered. Tsunade lowered her head. She knew they wouldn't be.
"The damage…it's being cleaned up. The bodies…you saved who you could Tsunade." Said Sarutobi sincerely.
"It's never enough, laoshi." Said Tsunade in a low voice.
"I just came here to tell you on behalf of Konoha and myself that we consider ourselves forever in your debt that you came back." Explained Sarutobi finally.
Tsunade shook her head as she traced her finger around the mug's edge. "It's not like that. I am first and foremost a Konoha shinobi…but I'm not staying."
Tsunade started down at mug, at the steam that was curling around the surface. She loved Konoha and she loved its people, but she could not bear the death and destruction any more. The past events had been a perfect example of such. Sarutobi looked away at Tsunade's answer but nodded his head.
"I understand." He said in a firm voice. "But perhaps you would like to stay for the joint funeral we will be holding…" Suggested Sarutobi.
"No." Said Tsunade. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I can't look at the faces that I…" Tsunade choked on her next words and bit back the tears welling in her eyes.
Sarutobi saved her by shaking his hand at her. "You are not responsible for anyone's death. Please Tsunade, don't think that way."
Tsunade took a breath in attempt to clear her mind. "I will pay my respects to Minato before I leave." She stated simply.
Sarutobi's face visibly contorted with grief at the mention of his deceased successor. He turned his head away from Tsuande.
"I'm sorry laoshi." Tsunade whispered.
Sarutobi turned his face back and gave Tsunade a weak smile that looked more like a grimace. "He was a great man and shinobi whose life ended much too early." Sarutobi conceded.
Tsunade could see that Minato's death had added an extra strain to Sarutobi that time would not heal. "Will you choose another successor?" Tsunade questioned.
Konoha was in a very fragile state right now. They were considerably weakened and other enemies could take advantage of this and choose to attack. A new Hokage would be needed in order to pull the village through this tough time.
"I do not think I can bear to choose another." Answered Sarutobi. "With the Emperor's approval, I plan to leave the position to my eldest son. He is an able shinobi and when the time comes, I know he will pass it to the next rightful Hokage."
Tsunade nodded but didn't respond.
"Well…" Said Sarutobi raising his eyebrows, "Enjoy your tea." He said as he slowly got up.
"Laoshi," Tsunade called out after a moment, "What about the boy?"
Sarutobi shut his eyes before answering. "There…is a lot of tension right now. Jiraiya is there guarding him now. His room is under high security."
"What will you do with him?" She asked, her eyebrows knitting together with concern.
"He will be a normal kid." Sarutobi surmised. "Minato wanted us to view him like a hero and savior of Konoha, so he shall be."
"But do you really think that will happen?" Tsunade challenged.
"Only time will tell." Said Sarutobi. "But, certain precautions must be taken."
"What are you saying?" Asked Tsunade, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"I want no one to know of the boy's parents, not even him." Said Sarutobi.
"Laoshi!" Cried Tsunade alarmed.
"He will find out, when the time is right…but at such a young age, how do you think he will see his father sealing a beast inside of him? He will not see it as you and I see it. I can't bear the boy hating Minato for something he doesn't yet understand."
"Yes…" Agreed Tsunade, furrowing her eyebrows in attempt to focus, "But to leave him in the dark…"
"I'm sure he will be fine" Said Sarutobi. "The less people know the better."
Then Sarutobi turned around to leave. "Just remember Tsunade," He called out. "The will of fire still burns strong."
Glossary:
Laoshi- Teacher
Naruto blew out a hearty breath and it curled in the air, spiraling, arching higher and higher in the bitter cold air before slowly dissipating.
"You really screwed things up this time you idiot." He muttered to himself, whipping his arm back before flinging a kunai high up into the air. He watched it, his blue eyes unblinking as it soared higher and higher into the endless blue sky.
"Why'd you have to go snap at them anyway? They were only concerned for you; Sakura was only concerned about you." The kunai had begun it's decent down and Naruto snatched it out of the air, with a deft flick of his wrist as it approached him.
He spun the kunai around his finger, his eyes following the movements. "Does the fact that you don't have parents bother you?" He murmured to himself, his eyebrows creasing.
Naruto bit his lip. The kunai stopped spinning around his finger and slowly, his arms dropped loosely to his sides. Confusion at his own question filtered through his mind, washing way his previous anger at himself like bad memories. For once, he felt at a loss, his mind empty and dark. Did it bother him?
Naruto dropped down to the ground where the grass; which had long ago died and turned a brownish-yellow color. He placed his hands down and his fingers absentmindedly entwined in the grass, ripping out the small blades before releasing them into the wind. Would life be different if his parents had never died in the Kyuubi attack? Naruto realized with some amount of dismay that he couldn't even accurately comprehend this question as he had never even witnessed what parents were supposed to be like.
He saw happy glimpses of families in Peking and in Konoha where mothers, fathers and small children would all hold hands, smiling and skipping along as if everything were right in the world. He saw when children misbehaved and they would suddenly get scolded by a parent, the child's face crestfallen and dismayed, eyes shimmering like two large pools of water as the parent looked on with concern, hidden behind the mask of temporary anger. Sakura had parents, although it was a fact that was easy to forget since she spent so much time away from home.
Sakura claimed that she didn't get along with them and Naruto had an inkling that he had something to do with it. Sakura was constantly had odds with her parents, and it happened more so when he was around. The first time he had walked her home, after their very first training session with Kakashi, he could hear the sounds of Sakura's mother berating her for bringing him home long after their house was out of view. After that, Sakura politely told him that he could no longer walk her home, but that she appreciated the gesture. As they got older, Sakura neglected to bring Naruto around her parents and even went out of her way to do so. At first, Naruto was rather disappointed. He desperately wanted to meet Sakura's parents; whose only memory he had of them was the foreboding image of Sakura's mom yelling at Kakashi. When Naruto finally understood her reasoning, he couldn't help but respect her decision, not because he wanted to be spared the argument and subsequent bashing he would receive, but because it was a testament to how much Sakura truly cared about him.
Naruto's thoughts were interrupted by a gurgle from his stomach. Naruto quickly put his hand over his abdomen, as if he were trying to quell the sounds that sounded like an irritable lion growling. Perhaps if he had actually ate his fill when he was in the café instead of becoming angry, he thought sullenly.
A shift in the atmosphere alerted Naruto and he suddenly gripped tightly onto the kunai that he had been playing with only seconds ago. He tensed, feeling out the chakra that had suddenly become undetectable. A smirk then flashed across Naruto's face and he relaxed, the muscles in his shoulders uncoiling.
"You can come out now." He called casually.
There was a rustle of leaves and suddenly, Kakashi was standing before him, hands tucked in his pockets. "How'd you know it was me?" He asked.
Naruto stood up, wiping off any grass remnants from the back of his pants with his hands. He expertly spun the kunai around in his hand before sticking it back in his holster. "Please Kakashi, I think I've learned how to detect you by now."
Kakashi tilted his head. "Guess I'll have to try something new then." He murmured.
"And I thought they said you couldn't teach an old dog new tricks…" Mused Naruto.
"Old dog?" Said Kakashi, rightfully sounding miffed. "I'll have you know that I'm in the prime of my youth right now."
"Prime of your youth?" Naruto questioned with a snigger. "Should I buy you a green jumpsuit with that comment? Besides, I don't think that nearing the big three…"
Kakashi quickly clamped his hand over Naruto's mouth. "I think a green jumpsuit would look lovely with my complexion, I'll have you know. And don't ever mention my age out loud. If anyone asks you, I'm twenty-five."
Naruto pried Kakashi's finger from off his mask and took a step back. "I didn't realize men were so sensitive about your age. In any case, I'll oblige your request since I respect you." Said Naruto jokingly.
"So," Said Kakashi tilting his head back. "Are we going to train?"
Naruto smiled lightly at the question. It was Kakashi's age old way of asking Naruto if he wanted to talk about his problems. When he was younger, Kakashi used to drag him to the training grounds and beat him into talking about whatever was bothering him. Who was it that made him cry that day? Why was it that he refused to eat his lunch? What had Sakura whispered into his ear before she left? As time passed, Kakashi hadn't needed to beat the answers out of him, but training still provided a way for Naruto to vent his problems out.
Did Naruto really want to vent his problems out? Was he troubled by the fact that he still had no answer to his question? "How about…fishing?" Said Naruto.
Kakashi lightly smiled beneath his mask. Now that he was always up for. "You know I'm always ready." Said Kakashi.
"How about…whoever gets the biggest fish gets treated by the other to yuntun mian." Suggested Naruto, his mouth already salivated over the thought of his most sacred meal.
"I know something more appropriate." Amended Kakashi. "The loser has to buy the other the new boxed edition of the Icha Icha Paradise collection."
Naruto snapped out of his fantasy and was dignified enough to give Kakashi a look of disgust, although concealed by his mask. He made a gagging sound to be sure Kakashi caught his drift. "But that's unfair; it's not a prize that I would enjoy!" He complained loudly.
"Ah." Said Kakashi raising an eyebrow. "What makes you so confident that you will win?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes. How cocky his teacher was. "You already have the whole series." Naruto challenged.
"But these have pictures." Kakashi added, not even bothering to hide the giggle that escaped with his comment.
Naruto groaned and almost slapped his forehead. "You really do take perverted to a whole new level…"
"But they say Sifu Jiraiya drew these himself."
"I take that back."
Glossary:
Sifu - Master
"Temari! Temari-xiaojie!"
Sakura waved her hand in attempt to get Temari's attention as her feet thundered down the garden path way.
Temari turned, her face settled in a pleasant smile when she saw Sakura running toward her. "Wu He, it's a pleasure to be seeing you today. Ni hao ma?"
Sakura nodded her head in greeting. "Temari-xiaojie, do you mind if I speak with you in private?" She asked, nodding toward the maid who stood a few paces back from Temari.
"Of course." Temari turned toward the maid and nodded her head, letting the maid know it was ok to leave.
The maid bowed before continuing down the garden path ahead of them. Temari beckoned for Sakura to join her before she continued walking. "Tsunade-furen has such wonderful gardens, doesn't she? I want to enjoy them thoroughly before moving out."
"Temari-xiaojie, I have to discuss something with you." Sakura asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"What does my mei mei want to discuss?" Temari asked playfully.
"I know that you tried to return the Tian Tang Jian last night."
Temari's steps did not falter, her face did not betray a single emotion. "I'm sorry Wu He? Do you mean the sword that got stolen? Why would I be returning it? I don't have it."
"Please Temari." Sakura quickened her step to come to a stop in front of Temari. "I know that you were the masked bandit. I am aware that you possess skills that the rest of the world could not even imagine you have."
Temari narrowed her eyes. "What would make you jump to such rapid conclusions, Wu He?"
Sakura noticed her harsh tone. "A shinobi is trained to notice these things. The subtle details. Don't play me for a fool Temari-xiaojie. My teacher told me about how you tried to return the sword last night. I want to know why you didn't. You intended to, didn't you? The offer that I gave you…it still stands…"
"Don't honor me with your offers." Temari spat. "Despite the fact that even Tsunade-furen believes that I stole the sword, my father would never believe it."
"You would…dare try to keep the sword? It does not belong to you! It belongs to my teacher!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Wo Lang was giving the sword up to Tsunade-furen anyway! Wouldn't it be better suited with a person who is actually going to use it?" Temari questioned, her eyes glinting dangerously.
"That is beside the point!" Exclaimed Sakura once more. "The fact is, you stole it, it was never given to you. You have to return it."
"Does it even matter to you why I stole it?" Temari asked, her face almost admitting a hint of disbelief and disappointment.
Sakura hesitated before responding. Was she being baited by Temari? "I…would love to hear why once it is safely returned in Tsunade-furen's study." Said Sakura, choosing her words carefully.
Temari's face steeled itself once again as she responded. "Fine. Then I hope you never get your precious sword back if it means that much to you." And with that she spun around and continued down the garden pathway.
Sakura was left thinking that she didn't choose her words wisely enough.
Glossary:
Ni hao ma-How are you?
Mei mei- Little sister
Xiaojie – Chinese honorific, equivalent of Miss
Furen – Chinese honorific, used for high rank women
Kakashi stood with Naruto, overlooking a small creek where they had set in their fishing poles. Naruto was bending down, adjusting the string on his pole. A content smile was on the boy's face as both of their masks were off and laying on a rock.
Kakashi's eyes, however, held no joy in them. "Does it bother you that you don't know your parents?"
Naruto froze, Kakashi's voice echoing in his head. Those were the same words he had asked himself moments ago. Did it? Did it bother him? His hands fell away from the string he was adjusting and he slowly stood up.
"You knew them." He said. It wasn't a question, but rather a statement. And it was a double edged sword. If Kakashi told the truth – if he told Naruto yes, then what would that make him? A liar and a coward, among other things. But if he told him no, he would remain a liar and it would only come to bite him in the ass at a later date. His face betrayed no emotions, but his hands were trembling slightly in his pockets. He didn't want to hurt Naruto, but he certainly didn't want to be hated by him either.
It was then that Naruto's face broke out into a broken sort of smile. "I don't want to know right now." He said softly, his eyes almost wistful. "I know…I know that you'll tell me when the time is right."
Kakashi smiled lightly, although you couldn't really tell from under his mask. Naruto was taking a huge leap of faith.
"Right now…" Said Naruto nodding his head, "I have a mother and a father. And I don't need anyone else." A bright smile broke onto Naruto's face and he gave Kakashi an honest smile that almost dazed Kakashi by the brightness of it all.
He meant every word. Kakashi had always been there for him. What did it matter if he wasn't a birth parent? Kakashi was more of a parent to Naruto than any other real parent could have been and perhaps it had taken Naruto a while to realize that, but he was true to his word now, and he knew Kakashi would be as well.
Naruto then went back toward the poles, checking the lines as Kakashi stood there, in a rather warm haze. The weight, the burden that he had been carrying on his shoulders for some time now miraculously lifted and his heart felt a bit lighter. The fear that had been clouding his judgment subsided enough for him to feel that maybe he hadn't failed Naruto after all. He was still basking in the warm glow when Naruto started yelling rather incoherently.
"Kakashi! Shit Kakashi your line!" Naruto yelled, grasping for the pole and dropping his own pole into the stream in the process. He scrambled to his feet, tugging at the pole. "Kakashi! Get your ass out of the clouds! This sucker is HUGE!"
Kakashi's eyes drifted over to Naruto lazily. Everything would be ok now. "What?"
"YOUR LINE!" Naruto bellowed as he yanked the pole back and flinched at the sound of splintering wood.
Kakashi's eyes popped open as he took in the predicament. "Oh shit!"
The Tsuchikage tower felt cramped and stuffy despite the cold weather outside. The meeting room, while ornate in decoration, was windowless. The only light came from a charcoal brazier in the middle of the room as well as from the lanterns that were hung around the perimeter. The sliding paper door was shut, but the figure of the ANBU guard barring the doors could be seen through the thick paper.
Asuka – known as she was for not caring much for decorum – had her feet up on the wooden table. She had clad once more in a sleeveless shirt and dark brown tactical vest and her dark hair hung loosely around her shoulders. She was sitting to the right of her father who wore elaborate white robes befitting of his rank of Tsuchikage. All around the table sat members of Iwagakure's elite shinobi.
"All I'm saying is, who is to say that Konoha hasn't been biding their time since the Kyuubi attack?" Said an elderly kunoichi. She had dark hair that was streaked with grey and a lithe form. "Maybe they want us to perceive them as weak."
"Bullshit." Scoffed a boy, no older than Asuka. He has risen recently within the ranks of Iwa's shinobi after single handedly defeating a large group of Boxers that were disrupting the peace in Sinian. Asuka had once found the boy's courage and confidence attractive, but now found that his ego had swelled far large for her liking since his recent rise to fame. Asuka still wasn't sure why he was even promoted to the war council.
"Nothing spectacular has come from Konoha in years," Continued the boy, "We shouldn't trouble ourselves with thinking they have somehow risen up out of the ashes to become stronger than they once were."
Asuka rolled her eyes, but said nothing.
"The Tsuchikage is right." Proclaimed an older shinobi who was known for being hotheaded. "We owe vengeance to Konoha! Not only did their infiltrators almost burn Iwa to the ground, but Tsuchikage Onoki was personally slain by Huang Shan Guan on the battlefield!"
"War," Said a wisened elderly shinobi, "Should not be based on vengeance. That would be a surefire way to get destroyed on the battlefield!"
This caused the table to breakout in a heated discussion as those who agreed and disagreed with the shinobi broke out into argument. Only Asuka and her father remained silent. Asuka knew that she had spoken her peace and that nothing said now would change that.
When Daichi finally had enough of the arguing, he brought his hands down on the table. "Silence!" He commanded, his voice strong. Everyone in the room immediately fell silent.
Daichi smoothed his robes. "Each of you has brought up many good points." He said, "And that is commendable."
"Many of you have mentioned vengeance. We all seek it, even I. The Third Great Shinobi War will never be forgotten; Iwa's destruction will never be forgotten. But there are more pressing matters at hand."
Asuka narrowed her eyes. Her father had not mentioned any 'pressing matters' to her when she had confronted him in his office. What was he playing at? Or was he still keeping her in the dark?
"The foreign devils push in on the Land of Rivers," Continued Daichi, "And while United Trade Alliance denies them now, what happens when they falls? What's to stop them from coming here, to the Land of Earth? And what about the rumors circulating in the Land of Wind? That someone powerful moves in to conquer the provinces and destroy the Hidden Villages?"
Asuka shifted uneasily. She immediately saw what her father was playing at and she wondered if the other war council members would as well. It was true – rumors had been circulating in the Land of Wind up to the north that someone very powerful was making the necessary arrangements to move against the Hidden Villages and wipe them out and that they meant to unite the provinces.
Furthermore, the United Trade Alliance, which acted in the interests of the entire country ever since the Period of the Warring States began, were under a lot of foreign pressure to not only release the foreign hostages they were holding at Canton, but to also open the entire country to trade. If Canton and the Land of Rivers fell to the foreigners if negotiations went south, who was to say they wouldn't make a play for the other provinces?
"Then how does raging war against Konoha help us?" Asked the elderly kunoichi.
"If we wait any longer, then either the foreign devils or this elusive conqueror will wipe us out before we can get the chance. If Konoha succumbs to our power, then we may have a chance yet." Explained Daichi.
Mumuring rippled across the table. Asuka could see that some who had previously disagreed with Daichi were not nodding their heads. Asuka gave a sigh. Was it really for the best?
"Konoha and the Land of Fire will finally pay their price." Agreed the elderly hotheaded shinobi. "But tell me, Tsuchikage-gong, can we really hope to take them?"
"Perhaps." Said Daichi, bowing his head. "After our defeat at the end of the war, we have wasted no time growing stronger. But, I will take no chances. I have already entered into negotiations with both the Raikage and the Amekage. Given your consent, I will proceed."
Asuka's eyes widened and her feet lurched off the table as she sat up. Mumuring once again rippled through the table. There it was. The secret that her father had been keeping from her. What was he thinking?
"Father!" She said out loud.
A few at the table turned to look at her, but she was otherwise ignored by the war council who were heatedly discussing their own opinions.
"Asuka!" Daichi hissed, his eyes narrowing at her. "Keep your opinions to yourself here!" His voice could not be heard above the growing chatter.
Asuka clamped her mouth shut, but she didn't know how long she would be able to do so, especially if her father planned on throwing the country into another civil war.
Glossary:
Gong - Chinese honorific, equivalent of lord
Note 2: Boxers, as they were known by foreigners, were a secret Chinese society that was spiritual in the sense that they regularly practiced martial arts, dieted and said prayers. They believed that spirit soldiers would descend from the heavens to purify China from foreign influence. Their uprising took place from 1898 to 1901.
Note3: Infiltrators are shinobi who are trained to find and infiltrate an enemy Hidden Village during times of war or unrest.