Disclaimer: Still don't own, will never own. Oh, by the way, writing another Naruto story! It's called "Trapped," first chapter's up now! You should totally check it out. And be totally surprised when you read this chapter! And understand the slight evil of your narrator. Oh, and by the way, thank you so much to all of you reviewers! You really made my week! But, I'm all better now, so I'm back for writing! Well, plus, I have a funeral to go to tomorrow, but whatever. Enjoy this while you can!

Chapter 6

Last Chapter:

Kyuubi glanced up when he realized Naruto was just standing there, and stood to investigate. He, too, stilled when he saw who it was, and heard the name that passed Naruto's suddenly cold lips.

"I-Itachi...?"

Present Time:

"Um, Naruto, are you alright? Who's Itachi?"

Naruto jerked and glanced quickly at Kyuubi, who looked just as shocked as him.

Standing before them wasn't Itachi Uchiha, it was Neji Hyuuga, with his hair down, wet from standing in the rain so long. Behind him stood Tenten, who was smiling hesitantly.

Naruto shifted his eyes to the left, hiding his emotions behind a fake smile. "No one. Sorry, it's just that in the dark, with your hair down, you looked like someone I used to know. Um, what are you two doing here, by the way? It's like, midnight."

Neji nodded, accepting the explanation. Tenten answered for him.

"Well, we came to tell you something we heard from Kiba, who called us just a little while ago. That kid you're trying to be friends with, you know, Gaara?"

Naruto nodded, still looking off to the side, and Neji continued; Tenten couldn't go on.

"He was just taken to the hospital. Apparently his brother, Kan-something, found him earlier, half dead from what seems like blood loss, and took him there. He's in intensive care now. I thought you'd want to know."

Naruto's eyes widened. Gaara? In intensive care? Blood loss? He couldn't speak; he just stood there, frozen. Kyuubi finally spoke when it appeared he wasn't going to.

"Thank you for telling us. You can go home now, or you can stay here and wait out the rain. Whichever. Naruto, if you want, I'll drive you to the hospital." Naruto nodded instantly. "Alright; go grab a coat. And some shoes. I'll tell Kakashi-dad where we'll be, and why."

Naruto hurried to do what Kyuubi said, while the other motioned the two inside. They came in after a moment's hesitation, and stood standing akwardly as Kyuubi turned to knock on his adopted father's door.

Kakashi opened it after a few minutes, standing in only a pair of boxers. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

Kyuubi nodded. "Neji and Tenten, Naruto's friends, just came over. That kid that was here yesterday? Gaara? He's in the hospital right now, in intensive care. I'm driving Naruto over so he can see him."

Kakashi was instantly alert. "I see. Take him there, and stay, if you can. I'll watch the two, Neji and Tenten, did you say? And I'll call Naruto off school for tomorrow. Well, I guess it's today, now."

The orangeish-reddish haired kid nodded. "Thanks. And, come by later on, like noonish. I know Naruto's gonna want to bring Gaara home with us; I have a feeling Gaara's family is the one who did this to him. And I know they'll probably fight for Gaara, not because they care but because they don't want this out. Having you there will work in our favor."

The father nodded, accepting this logic. "I'll get dressed, then. You're leaving now? Don't forget an umbrella."

The teen nodded again; it seemed like he was doing that a lot lately. Shrugging, he made his way back down the hall, noticing Naruto standing impatiently by the door, next to two dripping teens.

"Hey, you two. Kakashi-dad's getting dressed. You can ask him for a pair of Naruto's old clothes to wear so yours can dry, if you want. There's also extra towels in the bathroom, which is just down that hall. Don't just stand there, though. Go sit somewhere. It's more comfortable."

"Kyuubi! Hurry up!" Naruto nearly shouted, impatient.

Kyuubi merely grinned, making sure to grab an umbrella when he took his keys off the key rack. Waving to the two kids who were still standing in the hall, he walked out the door with his adopted kid brother.

The long ride to the hospital was silent, with only the music of ACDC playing in the background. It wasn't soft, but "Highway to Hell" seemed to be appropriate for the moment.

There were many cars in the parking lot when they got to the hospital, but Kyuubi just drove up to the entrance to let Naruto out. He went and parked the car, and entered to find Naruto arguing with the receptionist.

"What do you mean, you won't let me see Gaara?!"

The receptionist sighed, getting a little annoyed. "I'm sorry, but I just can't allow you to see him. He's in intensive care, and only family can see him now."

Kyuubi stepped up, putting a hand on Naruto's shoulder when he was about to object once more.

"Calm down, Naruto. Let's wait here until Kakashi-dad shows up. He'll be able to tell her to let us see him."

He could tell Naruto didn't want to listen to him, but a glare in his direction forced him to cooperate. He led the younger man over to the uncomfortable looking chairs, and sat down with him, before making a phone call to get Kakashi over to the hospital.

He arrived within the hour, and quickly used his "charms" to sweet-talk the receptionist into allowing Naruto to see Gaara. She agreed after a while, but only Naruto was allowed to see him. They all agreed instantly, and Naruto recieved the room number of the redhead.

Naruto gulped as he stood outside the room that held Gaara, a little hesitant to go inside. He was almost afraid of what he'd find when he entered. But then he straightened his back; no matter what he'd find, he was still Gaara's friend. And as his friend, he needed to face whatever it was that he faced, no matter how bad it was.

So composing himself, Naruto nodded, and quietly knocked on the hospital door. To say he was surprised when it opened suddenly would be an understatement.

Before him stood a man a little older than Kyuubi, with short brown hair and weird purple tattoos covering his face. He was wearing black pants and a white t-shirt. He had a dangerous aura about him, much like Gaara, so Naruto figured he must be part of the "family."

"What do you want?" The kid demanded, glaring at him.

Naruto smiled a little. "I'm here to see Gaara, of course. I'm his friend, Naruto Uzumaki. His classmate, too."

Kankuro eyed this kid who said he was a friend of his little brother, and decided to step back to allow him entrance.

"He's still sleeping right now. You've got ten minutes."

Naruto nodded and stepped up to the hospital bed, looking down at the bandaged face of the boy he'd grown to care for. It wasn't a pretty sight, and he started to get angry.

"Did you do this?" He growled, turning to Kankuro. His voice deepened, and Kankuro took a step back.

What is this fear I feel? He wondered, shivering slightly. There was something...almost wrong with this kid. Something even more dangerous than his father.

And there it is! Did I make you mad, having made you think it was Itachi, only to find out it was Neji? Whatever. Anyway, Gaara's finally going to leave his home! Aren't you happy? I sure am! Please review!

Ayame