Hi, I had trouble making this chapter because it was hard getting sasuke's character to actually break down his cold shelter! Now I didn't like how the chapter went but I sort of think that things will progress better with the upcoming chapters.
By the way, I got idea's about this chapter with a friend... "JEANA REI CORTEZ" yup she helped me get idea's in this chapter and for future she will be providing some ideas...kinda like fillers or something but don't worry...it won't stray from the real plot I tell you! She's a big help to me with this chapter because I was so mentally blocked.
With her help and idea's I was able to come up with a chapter, she will be my PARTNER in this fanfic from now on, whenever I need help, I consult to her brilliant idea's! XD
Hope you like this chapter and if SASUKE was Oc like, I'm sorry! XD hope that some of the comedy here is alright... XD anyways...read on! SORRY FOR THE WAIT!
JEANA REI CORTEZ and NAKO13YEH 3
(morning came in Konoha)
Hinata paced inside her room, worried whether or not she should wait in front of the village gate for Naruto's return. She had lied to her friends but she was sure that it was the only way to keep her friends from interfering with Naruto's mission to save Sasuke. Hinata gave a brief thought about the situation and quickly took her ninja tools and headed outside of the Hyuuga compound.
"I just hope he comes home today~"
Neji stopped her before she could exit the compound completely. Hinata looked at Neji for a moment spacing out but then snapped and smiled at him. Neji was a little confused and asked her what was going on for her to leave so early in the morning, they were the only ones awake inside the compound and Neji see to it that he get a valid reason for her leave .
"Why so early Hinata-sama? Nobody else is awake yet." Neji wondered. "Is there a mission that you need to attend to?"
"There's no mission...I simply want to go to the village gate and wait there..."
"Wait?...wait for whom?"
"I needed to see if Naruto-kun is back in the village yet." Hinata honestly said. "I think that it could already be finished by this time of the day, though I am not that quite sure. I wanted to be there for...his...arrival."
"Strange..."
"What do you mean?"
"I think I agree with Shikamaru-san on this one Hinata-sama, yes I am speaking out of term..." Neji sighed. "But, you definitely have to hear this from me...rather than from Sakura-san herself if she ever comes to agree with me..."
"But..." Hinata was about to talk when Neji raised a hand to keep Hinata quiet.
"To get this out of my mind, I need to tell you this. My suspicions are that going to Suna in such a short time, you would be running all day and night to reach Suna and back. It is fairly impossible to go to Suna in just the whole night, it is possible for six hours but Naruto-san didn't have Gai-sensei with him...like before it was a faint chance of getting there..."
"Right...it is possible for Gai-sensei but...not possible for others...but this is...Naruto-kun we are speaking about. To him such words are out of terms and...to him it's not a problem to whip stand such occurrences and obstacles...He is the Hokage...and I know he can do it...if he places..his mind to it., he will succeed."
"That is true, even within this time of our generation, he is still the most unpredictable ninja in...perhaps history. There is no telling whether or not he'd do something so idiotic and strange. Even I couldn't predict that he would go out with you, he'd usually take Sakura-san, but that's over talking everything..."
"Hmm..." Hinata nodded fighting the blush streaming across her face. "If I am allowed to go now, I am in quite a hurry."
"Is there something that you are not wiling to tell us yesterday Hinata-sama? Your friends and I are very worried with your sudden behavior yesterday, it is the most likely reason we were intruding on such personal basis. I am speaking in terms with the others on this. I hope it did not cause to much discomfort."
"It's nothing Neji-sama...ummm...I don't mind what our friends have said yesterday, I know how much each and every one of us are affected by Naruto-kun, and his absence to attend the event was the one that probably caused a lot of stress to overflow...that could be a reason to it..."
"I'm sure that it could be that..."
"..."
The awkwardness flowing around them was too much and Hinata couldn't think of anything else she could say to make Neji stop questioning her. She took a deep breath and tried to speak up.
"umm...Neji-sama?"
"..."
"Can I go now? I simply...want to check on Naruto-kun, it's too soon yes but...I'm worried too."
"Very well then, if it's not too much to ask, Can I accompany you then?" Neji asked. "I have nothing better to do seeing to it that the people in this house are still asleep within this period of time."
"You can't..." Hinata snapped, blushed and hid her face with her sleeves.
"Is there something wrong with my sudden urge to join you?"
"No it's not that..." Hinata fiddled with her fingers. "It's just that I am fairly worried and want to be alone for a while after everything that's happened yesterday. Do you mind if I refuse your offer and head to the village gate alone? If it..isn't too much...of a stretch..."
"Not at all..."
Before Neji could speak any further of what he wanted to say, Hinata dashed off to the village gate awaiting the return of Naruto, whether or not he was with Sasuke. Hinata ran and ran and dodged most of the people passing her by. She had been trying to avoid Sakura for as long as she can because she was sure that from yesterday's events, Sakura wanted answers.
Finally after walking or rather mostly running, Hinata reached the village gate. She stood there not minding the guards that were looking at her, she placed her hands to her chest and awaited his return until someone spoke to her.
"I knew you'd be here...this is the first place I thought that you would come to."
"huh!" Hinata was startled.
Hinata turned around to see Shikamaru walking towards her. He looked like he hadn't slept for a few good hours and the fact that he was there it must mean he figured something out, as usual things don't always go in plan. Hinata was shaken, her entire body started fidgeting as she was thinking of yet another excuse.
"I...this isn't what you think...it's that...I..."
"I didn't come here to accuse you of lying to everybody last night which I figured I'd forgive, seeing to it that nothing happened." Shikamaru said with a straight face. "I'm here as a worried friend to you and for the sake of Naruto. The real reason I'm here is because I stand by what I said yesterday that it is impossible for Naruto to be sent on a meeting with the Kazekage."
"It is true...but..how...?" Hinata wondered.
"How did I find out? It took me the rest of last night to figure everything out, as I said there are many reasons as to why your plan didn't affect me. You said there were problems in Suna, but I would be the first to know that since I have a close relation with one of them. If there ever were problems, Temari would tell me and I would be the one reporting to the Hokage, rather Naruto, and not the ANBU. It's not the job of the ANBU to be a messenger from Suna, most likely never."
"It was a great plan that you were able to pull off and If it were me to be the one to do it, I wouldn't handle it. It was alright that you were able to fool the others but with me thinking, I guess it didn't work on me. I'm just as worried as you are with Naruto and I couldn't help but think every little detail through."
Shikamaru continued as Hinata stood there quietly listening.
"Guarding his belongings were out of the question either since Naruto's the Hokage, it's mostly the ANBU who would guard his things rather than a friend. There was also the time where the ANBU coming almost broke your plan, ANBU don't just gather when they give a message, even if it is an important one. And for Naruto to simply say that he'll come back is out of place as well."
"..." Hinata bowed her head.
"The next one is Naruto himself, he wouldn't be that eager to resolve such problems within Suna even if there is one. He would take about a day or two to get there and he would take his time to answer back even though Gaara is a friend of his. This has something to do with personal matters to him...and in fact..I'm close...am I right?"
"Yes, very close to hitting it..." Hinata smiled. "I guess lying to you and the others is pointless, I should have told you."
"Not pointless at all, you did it for good reasons and those good reasons are why everyone of us is still alive and not arguing with you and Naruto. I understand you completely, Naruto trusts you enough to tell you what's going on with his life and his missions. This problem is mostly to himself and his previous team. This involves Sasuke in way more than just one reason?"
Hinata nodded.
"You did it for us and for him Hinata...no need to go through the trouble in pushing yourself to your limit, if Naruto found out you were punishing yourself like this, he won't like it and he'd get all of our heads for it. You're not alone, I'll help you keep this a secret for how long it takes until Naruto figures out a way to tell the others, with that spoken, I won't interfere any further unless I'm told to or have to with drastic measures, which I prefer not to do since it's such a drag."
"Thank you Shikamaru-san, I wouldn't be able to do it alone." Hinata smiled at him.
"-sigh- Guess there's no other way than to just believe in Naruto now, if he can't get Sasuke back then no one can." Shikamaru sighed. "What a drag, going through all the trouble to bring back the guy, it's been years, that guy should get it by now that Naruto won't stop at nothing to get him back here. Let's just hope that bringing him back won't ruin chances of people surviving in Konoha."
"Shi...Shikamaru...Shikamaru-san..." Hinata looked at him. "You wouldn't...tell this to the others will you?...If they find out, Naruto-kun will have...difficulty in...fixing such...events..."
"Trust me Hinata, I won't tell." Shikamaru chuckled a little. "It would be too troublesome to talk to everyone, besides it's not my problem and not yours either Hinata...since you were dragged into it and now that I am in this too must mean that Naruto trusts you well enough to know that you can help him with this one. The guy can't wait can he?"
"No..." Hinata chuckled. "He can't..."
"Hope he comes back alive...say Hinata, he won't be back for a couple of hours, he's probably still asleep by this time so why don't I treat you to some breakfast. I haven't eaten since last night so, what do you say? "
"Sure I'll join you..." Hinata turned to leave with Shikamaru but glanced right back to the gate.
"We'll check back with the village gate later on, there's no use waiting with an empty stomach as Chouji always says..." Shikamaru smiled. "He'll be back, he always comes back."
"I hope so..."
(in the Hidden rain, early in the morning)
Naruto jolted awake and saw Sasuke fast asleep in his futon, he wasn't sure wether or not he should wake the Uchiha up. He thought for a moment but later gave up, stressed and tired of thinking so much about it. He decided to leave Sasuke sleeping for a little while longer.
Naruto yawned and quickly got up fighting the exhaustion sweeping over him, giving another glance at the sleeping Uchiha, Naruto went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and take a nice hot shower which he had longed for. While doing that Naruto was thinking whether it was a good idea to get Sasuke back home.
Now that he was able to convince the guy, he wasn't sure anymore what to do with him. He started thinking about what they discussed last night about talking with the Shinobi council, he was in for lots of trouble after they get back to Konoha.
Not only does he have to deal with his friends and the people of Konoha, he now has to deal with the Shinobi council and the other countries wanting Sasuke dead and have the authority to do whatever they see fit.
"Sasuke had to be the number one criminal missing-nin in the entire shinobi world, Why couldn't he just be plain old Sasuke of the Uchiha clan, now I have to deal with criticism and lots more complains when we get home." Naruto sighed.
Today was going to be a very busy day and he wasn't eager to get back, the only thing making him go back fast enough was Hinata, worried about what's happened with her. Naruto brushed of the thoughts and it took him a while to get dressed as he wore his now clean and fixed clothes, all thanks to the villagers wiling to help them out.
He wore his orange and black flamed cloak, his black shirt and his white pants. He yawned a few times when he got out of the bathroom and stopped to see that the once laid on futon was now empty. Sasuke was gone, not in bed and nowhere to be found in sight. Naruto looked around to see that the clothes Sasuke wore before was still there and everything else was intact only that Sasuke was nowhere inside the room.
"Damn it!" Naruto thought. "Not now! He chose such an awful time to leave!"
Naruto thanked the owners of the house and they gave him a black hooded cloak that he asked for. He ran outside and focused his Sage mode to sense Sasuke, when he did, he deactivated it and turned around lazily. He was startled to see what was behind him.
He saw Sasuke staring at him and leaning against the wall with his emotional face and cool look. Naruto was about to say something when Sasuke looked away leaving Naruto to stare, when the silence became unbearable for the two of them, Naruto decided to speak out his desired words to the Uchiha.
"I thought you left...but I'm just glad you didn't."
"..."
"Hey Sasuke, should we get going?"
"Hn..."
"Talk more will'ya, it's hard enough to understand what your telling everybody with that 'Hn' this and 'hn' that."
Sasuke eyed Naruto until he eventually looked away not wanting to meet his eyes. Great back to old unsocial cool guy style. Naruto didn't care though at least Sasuke didn't mean to leave at all. He was lucky that the guy had decided to stay true to his words that he doesn't want to run any longer.
"Wear this," Naruto handed the black cloak to Sasuke.
"..." Sasuke scowled.
"Before you give me another death glare, this cloak is for your disguise, I don't want the villagers to know that I've taken you back home. It would only ruin chances of you getting a real life. Without anymore arguments can you at least take it and not take it off when we get there. It's a better chance to keep you alive for the rest of the journey home."
Sasuke hesitated for a moment but had no choice as he snatched the cloak away from Naruto, grunting in the process and then wearing it. He looked at the way it's similar to the Akatsuki's cloak just that there were no red clouds and that there was a hood. Sasuke crossed his arms and looked at Naruto spacing out.
"Dobe..."
"Huh! What?" Naruto snapped out of his deep thought and turned to Sasuke. "Right, we need to get a move on if we want to get back early. How about let's take the other short cut. I suppose that would cut us a few hours better than the short cut I took last night."
Sasuke didn't look like he cared and started walking away.
Naruto gave an apologetic look and started walking out of the hidden rain village as well. The walk was very quiet and Naruto decided not to talk too much to irritate the Uchiha, on the other hand, Sasuke thought it was strange for Naruto not to talk. He was sure that Naruto would have been telling him stories and adventures or even stories from their past and their childhood.
Sasuke walked behind Naruto who was still deep in thought. Sasuke kept eying him, thinking about a possibility or even a reason for him to turn out that way. Most likely it was Sasuke himself that could be the reason but he didn't want to blame such things on himself. He wasn't willing to admit that he was a little bit worried for the blonde either.
Little did Sasuke know that Naruto was thinking of ways that he can get the Shinobi council to his side without much argument and even fighting to occur. He was planning every move, every possible way to avoid such non-political matters and place it aside. He would have o take drastic measures and even personal views to get the Shinobi council to agree.
The other thing bothering Naruto was Sasuke's return, if he were to tell others about this, it would most likely result to argument and death in some parts. He wanted to keep it secret but he knew that the Uchiha won't want to stay too long in his house, alone even. His mind is on the brink of destruction from over thinking every detail.
Sasuke suddenly spoke. "What's wrong?"
"Huh?" Naruto turned to Sasuke.
"..."
"Wrong? Oh it's nothing, just thinking about everything else in the world. Don't mind me. I'm only thinking about plans and other hiding spots for you. It's true, it's been bothering me ever since last night."
"Hnn..." Sasuke looked away.
"Seriously, that has to stop." Naruto growled. "You should at least have a good conversation with the person talking to you, listening alone won't help. -Teme, the first thing I'll have you do is send you back to social schooling."
Naruto spent the rest of the walk to Konoha complaining about Sasuke's bad attitude and his behavior status over all. Sasuke didn't speak a word to Naruto which only made him more intimidated with the Uchiha until they reached a certain path.
"Stop." Sasuke went to Naruto's side and blocked his path.
"What's wrong?" Naruto wondered. "Did I say something that discomforts you oh Pain holder that can't even get a good conversation with a person that's willing to risk everything for the sake of a friend?"
"Will you knock that off?"
"What complaining? I can complain all I want. Your such a hard headed emotionally challenged person."
Sasuke was now rubbing his temples, he wasn't sure if he can keep putting up with Naruto's talkativeness and annoying attitude at sometimes but he was willing to shut down part of him that wanted to kill.
"You said we were taking another short cut, better than the one you chose before." Sasuke saw Naruto nod and give a confused look.
"What about it? I made myself clear that time." Naruto said. "I take words seriously when it comes to situations like this, I'm not fooling around, this is the exact way to head to Konoha the safest and it's most used road in history."
"This is the main road to head back to Konoha and were going to pass it, right?"
"Yeah this is the main road and were going to pass it, why?" Naruto repeated.
"..." Sasuke looked sideways.
"Oh I get it, you think were taking the long way...well you see the short cut is through a sort of detour outside of the main road. I learned it from the other Hokage's notes and maps of the place. So, why are you so bent out of shape? It's not like it's booby-trapped, is it?."
"Be careful."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Idiot." Sasuke muttered and turned to Naruto. "You took the other short cut to get to me."
"So what if I did? I had to get to you..."
"I rigged the main road with explosives ready to go off in a mere movement mainly to stop you from getting near me. Seeing to it that everything's still in tact then nobody has gone here and died, and seeing to it you were able to get me, is you obviously didn't take this road and died. Does all of this explanation answer all you stupid questions and make you shut up?"
"You were going to kill me with a sort of sneak attack? What the hell? That would resort to your death even more! To kill a Hokage?"
"I already attacked the Shinobi council once, who's to say I won't do it again..."
"And you nearly died because of that stupid attempt."
"..." Sasuke didn't answer.
"Fine, let's leave it at that."
"..."
"Now, I took the other way around, I wouldn't have noticed the place would go off because of you. Damn your such a sneaky bastard, you know that..." Naruto scowled and crossed his arms. "Well, we need to get past this whole trap to get to Konoha, everyone's probably asking Hina-chan about me."
"Don't care..."
"You don't care because you don't understand me and Hina-chan's relationship, Che...figure it out on your own. Now you should know every traps you set up, now how do we get around them?"
"...Hn..."
"Does that mean you'll lead the way or I lead the way? Or perhaps we go another direction and take the long road, which I don't want to take or even think about deciding on it...your choice..."
Sasuke interrupted Naruto as he crossed the main road with ease, he simply jumped sideways and jumped away and reached the other end unharmed. Naruto couldn't keep up with the Uchiha's movements and he was still on the other side. Sasuke shook his head, turned around and started walking.
"Hmn!"
"Sasuke-teme!" Naruto grunted. "He did this on purpose! Now how am I suppose to get back to the village now before he does? Damn it! Think, your the Hokage! Such traps are nothing compared to the damage I took in the 4th war!"
Sasuke hid his smirk under his hood and walked away from Naruto. Perhaps he did it so that he won't have to put up with Naruto talking about friendship or pain with him on the way. Or it must be because he was hiding the fact that Naruto was starting to grow back that bond with him and he's hate to admit it even to himself.
After a few minutes Naruto was back with Sasuke walking behind him trying to catch up. Sasuke glanced at Naruto, he looked just the way he was and there were no scratches whatsoever and there were no explosions either. When Sasuke glanced another look at Naruto he saw that he was grinning like mad holding on to explosives.
"Thought you could stop me from getting you back home." Naruto chuckled. "Won't work, your facing the Hokage on this one. More over tricks like these won't work on me anymore. Even if you have agreed with me to take you back you still hesitate..."
Sasuke shook his head and kept walking ignoring Naruto. T'was true then~ Naruto won't just let explosives ruin his day and neither was he going to make Sasuke do the was going to break that icy stare and that cold gestures he makes. Heck, he plans on breaking everything else to make the Uchiha start socializing again.
Naruto pointed out where they were suppose to take the short cut, passing by a few trees along the way and reaching another road that will take them to Konoha in a matter of an hour perhaps less or more, this road was only taken when serious emergencies have occurred. From the looks of the walk, Naruto was making no progress in making the Uchiha talk to him and more over it was the Uchiha himself leading the way to Konoha.
Naruto didn't want to make matters worse by talking so he stayed silent.
About a few minutes of walking, Naruto was starting to feel uncomfortable and he could also sense Sasuke feeling the same way although he doesn't show it. His large amount of chakra was bothering him, it was as if something was disrupting it's flow on purpose and he could also sense some people around, he suddenly had a feeling something was constantly trying to delay his return to the village.
As the Hokage of Konoha, he was alone with Sasuke who is still named as a criminal and missing-nin and he has no guards whatsoever to defend him even if he doesn't need it it's still valuable. He was vulnerable to say it at that means something was up and not just under any normal circumstances as people refer to it.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto shouted and then complete silence erupted. Sasuke stopped walking and glanced behind him only to see Naruto in sage mode holding out a chakra blade, Sasuke turned to look in front of him to see 5 thugs ready to attack. There was a leader wearing a protective vest and covered with nets around his arms and legs.
The 5 thugs each had a different mask on, hiding their identity. And they all seem like they were ninja's from a village unknown because of their stance and the chakra building inside the 3.
"Who are you?" Sasuke coldly said.
"None of your business, kid! Were here for the Hokage of Konoha!" The leader said. "We plan to kill him and take over the entire Hidden Leaf village and carry on with instructions! We serve the almighty Uchiha Madara, we believe in his words and stay true even if we are silent watchers and listeners."
"You look like bunch of idiots to me." Naruto withdraw his Chakra blade and placed it back inside his small bag and released his Sage mode. He wouldn't waste it for a bunch like these, who seem wait out of their league.
"You plan on killing the Hokage?" Naruto smirked. "Isn't that a little ambitious? You do know the punishment for crimes like these, it would result to no mercy with the decision of the Shinobi council, And how could you possibly defeat me?"
"We already set up traps everywhere in this area, you won't be able to take a step further to get to Konoha." The leader laughed. "This place is rigged with explosives and other death traps. We can't take you on in a head on battle so we might as well resort to something like this."
"Damn!" Naruto frowned. "And I thought that I already took away the traps in this area. Thanks Sasuke, I think they got the trap idea from you. Any plans to get out of here."
"Hn...one." Sasuke smirked and took out a kunai.
"Your insane..." Naruto pouted. "You still haven't healed yet and yet you want to fight, Your still that arrogant teme that I always know! Hey you 5 thugs, why turn up now? Why not attack the entire village? Why corner me?"
The thugs turned to Naruto and Sasuke. The leader stepped forward and threw a kunai at their feet laughing hysterically. These thugs mean business but they don't seem to take the situation seriously, they feel so sure about their traps to go off.
"The reasons are top secret!" The other thug said. "Besides, you are alone. Without ANBU guarding you, we can kill you here when we want to and we are sure that we can capture you and give you to Uchiha Madara! Then we can get whatever we ask for."
"You do know that Uchiha Madara is weak at the moment?" Sasuke said.
"So? He asked us to..."
"He resorts to hiring you 5 to take us on? You're a bunch of idiots waiting to die."
Sasuke threw a kunai at them with an explosive tag rigged to it along with a string attached. Sasuke pulled the string and it turned the kunai around circling and trapping the 5, they struggled to get out but Sasuke pulled harder tightened his grip. Naruto just watched Sasuke do everything else seeing to it that getting in the way would only result to more ignoring on his part.
Sasuke made a hand seal and said 'release'. The tag suddenly exploded and the 5 thugs went flying, he turned to Naruto who had his arms crossed shaking his head which he ignored and walked away. Sasuke almost tripped but Naruto was able to grab his hand and pull him out of the way before a giant wooden log with spikes almost hit them.
Naruto stepped into another sending Kunai's flying towards them which Naruto took the liberty of propelling it away. They didn't move for a moment, they weren't sure what would come next if they do. This was a work of a great master trap maker to Naruto's knowledge, Sasuke's traps weren't as hard and hidden like these were.
"What now?" Naruto sweat dropped.
"Don't ask me dobe." Sasuke just stood there eying the whole place, they were in the middle of the road not moving. Sasuke heard a sound coming from the bushes as he saw one of the thugs come near them but a gust of wind just blew him away. Naruto and Sasuke were surprised and looked to see who did it.
A girl with blonde hair walked to the middle of the road with her giant fan hanging behind her back. It was Temari and followed by Kangkuro who was staggering to keep up.
"Temari!" Naruto grinned. "Glad you're here..."
"I'm glad you're here too Hokage-sama!" Temari smiled.
"Finally, it's a good thing we got here! Good timing that Naruto's here too!" Kangkuro laughed.
"Yeah, you guys alright!" Temari walked to them. "You two look like a mess, what happe...!"
"Wait don't move!" Naruto warned them.
"What's the matter? Are there more thugs? I only sensed one of them."
"That thug you just took out trapped us in a circle full of traps, if we step on a trap we won't know where it's coming from. We can'y jump out of the way either, they might have strings attached above. Would you be able to find the traps and disable them for us?"
"Sure...I'll get to it!"
"Kangkuro, hurry and be careful!" Temari said as Kangkuro was disabling the ground traps."Look we'll save you two."
"It's important that we get to Konoha and back to Suna immediately," Kangkuro snickered. " Those thugs that trapped you guys went to Suna just a few days ago and caused a riot but Gaara seems to have calmed them down, we don't know what happened at all. By the way who's the hooded guy behind you Naruto?"
"Not important..."
Sasuke brought his hood down even more to conceal his face. Naruto told her that it wasn't important at the moment and he eased down when Kangkuro said that the traps were gone and it was safe to move on.
"Alright! It's okay to move now, I've disabled every single trap ready to go off, and I took out the strings attached as well, it's safe for everybody to pass now."
Naruto started walking to Konoha followed by Sasuke, Kangkuro and temari. Naruto thanked the two for showing up and that it was great timing that they did get there in time. Temari suddenly stepped on something and an explosive went off sending Temari crashing in front of them, her hair was a mess and she got dirt all over he clothes.
"That's a nice look for you Sis'." She stood up a little dizzy and glared at Kangkuro who was now backing away.
"You idiot!" She shouted. "You said the traps were gone!"
"You also said you'd save us..." Sasuke muttered.
"What was that hoody?" Temari started shouting complaints at Kangkuro and Sasuke as Naruto ignored them and started walking again like they did before. When the fighting was over for Kangkuro and Temari, she apologized to Naruto for their behavior. Naruto didn't care and smiled and reassured them that it was okay.
Sasuke walked quietly listening in to their conversation as Kangkuro was suspicious about the black hooded figure walking with them, but it wasn't his place to ask.
"So tell me more about these thugs?" Naruto wondered.
"We were sent here by Gaara to warn you that their after you but it seems that it's too late now. They attacked and caused an entire village into a riot and said that Uchiha Madara will come for them. Gaara was able to spook the 5 thugs and he stopped the riot by talking to the people. It seems that they have been spreading rumors about Uchiha Madara's return after the 4th war."
"Seems like that's the case then."
"We came here to share information on what your shinobi in commands can dig up. We'd also like to stay in Konoha for a few days to settle the matter with you and your people. It's seems that Gaara wants another alliance to settle between the two villages."
"There's already an alliance between the two villages, go tell him that. If Suna needs help then Konoha will be happy to give them whatever things they need and we will provide help."
"Thanks Naruto for all the help you've given Suna and Gaara."
"No problem."
Kangkuro snickered and Temari glared at him. "You just want to stay in Konoha and act pretty to get Shikamaru to ask you out on a date again, you are so predictable, me and Gaara know already that..."
Temari hit him. "Shut up!"
"So what were you doing here?" Kangkuro asked.
"I was with this guy..." Naruto pointed at Sasuke, who didn't seem to care. "It's just a mission I did on my own. It was to take this guy back, just don't tell anyone what I did. It's not important to go into details but I don't want anyone else to know about this."
"Is it that important, if it is I won't ask anymore."
"Were nearing the Konoha gate, I hope everything's fine." Naruto mumbled and Sasuke crept up to his side and started whispering at him careful not to get caught by the two following them.
"You know your an idiot for doing this..."
"What do you mean?" Naruto's eyes widened.
"You should stick to saving the village because your not entitled to keep rescuing me from something I'm glad to take. It's your mistake for bringing me back here. I never wanted to be saved."
"Nonsense... I'm the Hokage, and I keep my people safe and my friends closer. You don't differ from anyone I know, I'm entitled to bring you back and stay a friend to you. Saving the village is one thing and saving a friend is another...you should know that by now...Sasuke."
"Hnn..."
(inside Konoha)
Sakura and Ino were talking about the events that happened last night and how things didn't go according to plan. Sakura told Ino that the way Hinata was acting was awkward and that she was having doubts about Naruto's sudden disappearance.
"Sakura, I know your worried but seriously this is getting out of hand. We've been doing this for like...morning! I'm tired! Hinata's not going to meet up with Naruto for a while so give it a rest."
"I know...I just want to know if it's true whether or not the Kazekage is involved with everything Hinata said! I just don't believe her even if it sounds so real when she said it, trust me okay!"
"Well can we stop following them or at least can I stop!"
"You promised you'd help me!"
"That was before I knew what plan you were doing, we look so ridiculous. I mean if Naruto found us like this, we'll be demoted! I don't want to be a GENIN!"
"That won't happen, Naruto's not that harsh!" Sakura retorted.
"Fine, he's not harsh but look at it this way Sakura. All I see is that Hinata was speaking with Neji about something, she waited for Naruto at the gate and then Shikamaru showed up and she was treated to some breakfast with Shikamaru, it was just a friendly gathering or some sort but's that's it, let's stop and let's go shopping."
"Can't, just wait and see if Naruto pops up we can catch him, I swear this won't go in vain. He's hiding something and he's not like that to hide something, heck...Hinata's not like that!"
"She's in love with Naruto, Sakura. Get real!"
"I know Ino, that's the reason why!"
Ino pouted. "What the hell? What do you mean?"
"She's in love that she can't refuse a favor coming from him. Trust me okay, Naruto's up to something that only he wants to do without my help and I've dedicated myself to start being of some use to others. I haven't been much help to Naruto so now...he might need me!"
"Fine, I get it..."
Sakura saw Hinata and Shikamaru walking with each other and Hinata as always was shy and didn't talk much, neither did Shikamaru. Sakura followed the two and Ino had no choice but to follow as well.
"What are we going to...?" Ino was interrupted.
"Shhh! Let's wait and see..."
Hinata and Shikamaru were done eating and they were now waiting near the village gate. Hinata was shaking and was worried badly, she started pacing around the place and she couldn't keep herself restrained.
Shikamaru was just standing there shaking his head, he tried to tell her that Naruto will return and he tried comforting her but he only made things worse.
"Calm down Hinata" Shikamaru said. "I'm sure he'll be back anytime soon, stop worrying."
"But...it's been 2 hours and he still hasn't come back...I'm worried that something might have happened to him...I..."
"So what if he's a little delayed. It's such a drag...calm down! Your going to give yourself a heart attack, the only thing we can do now is wait for him to return, there's nothing else we can do."
"You're right..."
Hinata took a deep breath and stared at the gate seeing whether someone was going to walk there, she'd been standing there and watching and it seems like forever. Then she saw a shadow emerge from the clearing and it made her jump, she could see 4 people walking towards the gate. There were two blonde's and two black figures.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata ran.
"I can't believe it!" Shikamaru's jaw opened. "Is that Temari and Kangkuro? But I thought...it was all..a joke?"
When they reached the gate Naruto could see Hinata running to him, he opened up to the embrace and she jumped on him and hugged him, he returned it. Temari and Kangkuro shrugged and walked towards Shikamaru while Sasuke stood behind Naruto watching feeling out of place.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata pounced on Naruto.
"Hina-chan!" Naruto hugged her and then let go.
"I'm glad your safe..." tears started forming in her eyes.
"Sorry It took me a while. I had a bit of problem to solve and then obstacles got in our way and it seemed to have delayed us a bit."
"I just happy your safe..."
Naruto seemed to have forgotten Sasuke and everything else as he gave a quick peck on Hinata's lips. Hinata blushed and tried to refuse and Naruto suddenly caught what was bothering her, he looked to see everyone there staring at him. He blushed pure red just like Hinata and rubbed the back of his neck grinning.
"Hey Shikamaru." Temari hugged him. "Hey...so...what's up?"
"Hey to you too Shikamaru..." Kangkuro mumbled.
"Hey guys, I didn't expect to see you here...what's your business with Naruto anyways." Shikamaru said.
"Thugs...they gave problems in Suna, Gaara wants Naruto's help." Temari said within hearing of the others.
"Wait..." Hinata walked towards them. "Is that true?"
"Why look surprised Hina-chan?" Naruto grinned, Hinata gestured Naruto to lean closer as she whispered her idea on how to hide the events of last night. Naruto's eyes widened.
"What?" Naruto shouted. "I can't believe that this coincidence occurred, at least Hinata's story matches with whatevers happened here. I owe her a lot, but what should I do..." Thinking about the whole thing made him grin.
Sakura and Ino watched to see Temari and Kangkuro with some other black hooded guy. Sakura couldn't believe what she was seeing, she was so sure that Naruto was doing something else.
"I knew Hinata and Naruto are together! They just kissed...not really but...pecked!" Ino jumped in excitement.
"But...but...how can that be?"
"I knew it!"
"No not that, the part concerning Gaara and Suna! That can't be real!"
"I told you Sakura! I told you that it was all too real!" Ino muttered. "You never listen, it's obvious Hinata's telling the truth! Oh we got to tell the others about Naruto's return!"
"I could have sworn..."
"Give it a rest...let's go."
Ino pulled well...rather dragged Sakura away from the village gate and both of them left without another word on the matter, like Ino said, it wasn't theirs to meddle with. Sakura felt a wave of guilt, hoping she might make it up to Naruto and Hinata somehow.
Sasuke walked closer to Naruto giving him a little nudge and he eyed Naruto for moment, Hinata saw this and was dazed in amazement. Naruto nodded at sasuke and gestured Shikamaru, Temari and Kangkuro over.
"What's wrong?" Temari asked.
"Shikamaru, see to it our guest get whatever they need to apprehend the thugs. Give them all access to information, I'll assign you to them, so you will able to give authority to others in my command."
Shikamaru nodded.
"As for you two," Naruto pointed at Temari and Kangkuro."You follow Shikamaru, he'll show you your rooms and provide what you need. If you need me, I'll be at the office if not then I'm at home, Shikamaru knows where and all my other friends so ask them about it if you have trouble finding it."
"Right..." Kangkuro nodded.
"Hey Naruto..." Shikamaru said. "Hinata will tell you everything else, I'll do what you asked for and it's nice to see you back in the village again. Good luck with whatever your doing. And don't worry."
"Huh?" Naruto scratched his head and then turned to see Hinata tugging on his shirt. Naruto nodded and he and Hinata walked to his estate leaving Sasuke to follow the two. The walk was quiet on Naruto and Sasuke's part but Hinata was dying to know what happened.
"Naruto-kun, are you sure you're not injured in any sort of way?" Hinata asked in a low voice so that only Naruto would hear.
"Hina-chan, thanks for worrying about me and helping me out with my problems and that excuse you made was awesome." Hinata blushed. "Who knew you would sort of predict what was going to happen."
"I didn't do much...Shikamaru found out..."
"What?"
"He figured it out that you were after...Sasuke-san...I'm sorry..."
"You did you're best and I have a feeling that Shikamaru probably wants to help out and I'm making him help out besides he and Temari should get together and so do we, like I promised to do. Remember..."
"N-n-naruto-kun! " Hinata blushed deeper. "But...what about...Sasuke-san, is he...?"
"Well...he's..."
DUN DUN DUN! cliff hanger...sorry I had to cut it...I need some sleep and I really wanted to update tonight! XD I didn't like how the chapter went but it went just fine. I didn't really love how everything went and I had to change drastic parts to make the story flow, skipped a few non important parts to really important ones.
I was surprised that bringing Temari and Kangkuro to the story brought life to what Hinata was saying and I swear I didn't plan that! XD
Also about Sasuke, I hope he's in character this time because that Uchiha guy was so hard to right. The emotions flowing from him are hard, I swear I'll do better next much action on their part but that will probably end up somewhere soon.
With the 5 thugs and Uchiha Madara in the story, I'm going to bring them to life even more with the upcoming chapters so their mention and part wasn't so much in vain or forgotten.
Sakura and Ino, I'm sorry I'm making Sakura so paranoid, I'ts just that she's so worried and confused about what she feels for Naruto and Sasuke. She just can't let things go because she's been together with Naruto for so long and she just can't think of what to do.
The part that I loved was Hinata pouncing on Naruto! there you have it...
Hope you like it despite it's not so much good part but all is well...
PLease review and tell me what you think!
JEANA REI CORTEZ is my helper, partner, consultant, idea giver...
Me...I'm the story maker and I'm considering awesome Idea's given to me... XD
Please review thanks for reading!