Chapter 3 Training with the sanins
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto I really don't.
Authors Notes: once again thank you all for the reviews I am very happy to know that you guys like the story so far, the upcoming chapters will be about Naruto and Sakura's training under the sanins and how they feel about each other after the incident in the hospital, before going to the time skip. Now enough of that its time to see the results for the pairings poll so far.
Naru/Saku- 17
Naru/Saku/Ino- 11
Naru/Saku/Ino/Hina- 19
Keep voting people because soon I will close the poll, now on with the chapter.
Bold letters are inner Sakura or Kyuubi.
Somewhere in fire country territory
Jiraiya and Naruto were continuing their journey across the fire country, right now they were traveling in a forest they so far they haven't stop to a town and right now he didn't have the money to afford an inn or to be with women. But to Jiraiya there was one thing that had him more worry than not having any money to spend on women, it was the fact that after a couple of days traveling he hasn't heard anything coming out of the mouth of the blond genin Naruto. He already knew how Naruto behaves; he was the loudmouth hyperactive ninja he was always bugging him about teaching him a cool new jutsu, or to train him but none not one word came out of his mouth. Maybe he was sick, was he having some kind of fever that prevents him from talking it must be one hell of a sickness to make the most talkative ninja to prevent him from saying even the shortest sentence.
One thing was for certain to the toad sanins, this wasn't the Uzumaki Naruto he has known he look like a complete stranger like someone he has meet for the first time in his life. He gaze at the blond who was still quiet, not a single smile on his face saying that he was so looking forward to the big training schedule he has for him for the upcoming years, so he can start his new position as a Konoha mercenary. They continued walking while Jiraiya was finally reaching his limit; no doubt that something has happened to his student when he was back on Konoha, why else would he be dead silent without looking all cheery and happy.
(What in the world is wrong with him? He hasn't said a single word since we left Konoha)
The toad sanin has finally given up and stop walking while Naruto was still walking not realizing that his teacher has stop, Jiraiya grab his shoulder getting the blond ninjas attention" all right Naruto let's rest up here for a bit before heading out again"
Naruto nodded as he got seated to a large rock next to the toad sanin, he was still quiet without showing any emotion in his face and Jiraiya finally sighed in defeated he needed to know what was wrong with his student" Naruto you've been awfully very quiet since we left the village is there something wrong?"
Naruto didn't answer he was still quiet, Jiraiya sighed again" look Naruto I don't need to be a genius to realize that something is wrong with you, I mean you haven't said nothing since we left Konoha staying quiet it's not you, you are a loudmouth brat you haven't called me perverted hermit and you haven't said a thing about me teaching you a new jutsu so tell me what's wrong with you?"
Naruto still didn't answer instead he turn his head away from him looking at the opposite direction, he sighed once more he knew now that this was a serious matter whatever reason that had Naruto acting like this, it could mean that he has experience something terrible although he hope that it wasn't too serious to get so worry over.
He got seated on the rock with him because it was wide enough in size, he touch his shoulder" Naruto you might feel better if you tell me what's wrong, were going to be traveling together for a long time might as well start opening up to me so what do you say? Are you going to tell me what has you so down and quiet?"
Naruto sighed in defeat there was no way he was going to evade this, Jiraiya will eventually keep bugging him about it so might as well tell him and finally get it over with" something happened after we all made it back from the mission to retrieve Sasuke….." he try to erase that horrible memory but it got back to haunt him.
"Oh yeah everyone was safe some of them were injure, however thanks to Konoha's medical team they are finally fine and feeling well don't tell me that's what has you all depressed you're blaming yourself for what happened to your companions"
He shook his head" no that's not it, I know now that it wasn't my fault we all fought hard to rescue Sasuke and I am happy that I brought him back to the village I fulfill my promise to………" he couldn't dare say her name it remind him of her hurtful words and his horrible outburst towards her" it happened at the hospital we were waiting outside of Sasuke's room then…she came with Ino"
"She?" asked the toad sanin with a raised eyebrow" who are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about my other teammate" he said softly hating himself as the past events that occurred back at the hospital kept repeating in his head over and over again.
Jiraiya smile knowing now who he was talking, although he find it strange that he didn't said her name" you mean the girl with the pink hair what was her name again let's see….oh that's right Sakura"
Hearing the name of the pink haired kunoichi Naruto flinched like he was just stab by something very sharp, Jiraiya saw his reaction and now he had an idea what was going on judging from his reaction from hearing her name and not mentioning her name" Naruto did something happened between you and Sakura?"
The blond jinchurikki slowly nodded not looking at the toad sanins, he gaze at the blue sky" before we left to go rescue Sasuke I promised Sakura that I was going to bring him back, it was a promise of the life time I did fulfilled that promise I was hoping that she was going to be so happy with me because I brought him back to her but that's not what happen"
Jiraiya watched as Naruto tightened his fist in anger remembering that horrible day" she turn me down she rejected me because I brought him back injure, even if he tried to kill me she didn't care about that she only care that her Uchiha was hurt and she yelled at me because of that. I understand that she was upset because she loves him very much, but she should've at least shown some concern for me even when I showed her the wound on my chest that I received by Sasuke she didn't care at all"
"Ever since that day when we return to Konoha with granny and she healed Sasuke, when Sakura hug him and cry on his shoulder the wound I received on my heart was painful but on that day I've made up my mind. From that day on I chose to dedicate myself to make her happy, the most important thing that will matter is to make her happy no matter what and now I have failed her in that completely"
Jiraiya still didn't know why he was so upset until he saw it something he thought he will never see in the blond ninja, tears were forming at the corner of his blue eyes" at the hospital I snapped at her, I yelled at her I insulted her I told her words that were so cruel and cold it was the most horrible thing I have ever done in my entire life. I rejected her in the worst way that no person should reject another, I broke her I crushed the one girl I promise myself to make her happy no matter how much it will hurt me it didn't matter to me because my heart is already destroyed by her"
Naruto looked back at him with tears falling from his eyes" you know the worst part of this, that the one girl I have truly love in my entire life since I was a kid after what I did to her hates me with all her might and I deserve it she hates me now she despises me so much…….why why does this have to hurt so much WHY damn it……why" he couldn't hold it anymore and broke down crying hard.
Jiraiya took the sobbing blond into a conforming hug feeling sorry for him, to think he has experience a true heartbreaking moment something so terrible that will destroy him emotionally. He was pretty amaze himself, after experiencing such breakdown he manage to hold his emotions for days any other person would've broken down in the first day but not Naruto. After a couple of minutes of crying Naruto started calming down, Jiraiya broke the hug seeing that he was drying his tears he gave him a friendly slap on his back.
"I'm sorry that you have to go through such a hard situation, I can't blame you for snapping at Sakura like that you finally broke down you couldn't hold it anymore Naruto it was going to happen sooner or later"
"I know, I know she has always hated me even if I try to make her like me at least as a friend but I couldn't even do that and after what I did she hate me till death"
"No that's not what I'm talking about Naruto, I'm talking about that you're the kind of person that holds your personal emotions within you, you see you don't show any anger towards the people of the village who used to hate you instead you will suppress it within you and didn't let it get to you the same goes when you were feeling like crying you would just hold the feeling not paying attention to it. It wouldn't be long before all those emotions that you have bottle up within you would've overloaded your system, and eventually you will unleash your frustration and anger on someone in particular"
"So you're saying that I snapped at Sakura at a bad time just when my emotions have finally gotten the better of me, I know I didn't meant to say all those horrible things to her but I felt so angry like I…..I couldn't hold my anger anymore"
"Exactly so you've finally realize the truth, Naruto you have always being the kind of person that will help others no matter what especially if those people have become precious to you however you have never try to help yourself. You always focus on others because you're reliable, but you have never focused on yourself or your own problems. You're always helping other people but you have never thought of how to help yourself to become a more emotional Naruto" he smiled at his student.
"Um….what do you mean by that?" he ask not having a clue what he's talking about.
Jiraiya sighed" I'm talking about if you feel like crying then cry if you feel like laughing then laugh, if you feel angry then be angry but don't try to hold your emotions like you usually do because if you do keep it up then another incident like the one at the hospital with Sakura might happen again. As my student I hope you take my advice to heart"
Naruto was in deep thought after hearing the toad sanins words, he has never being selfish in his entire life always caring for his friends not thinking about himself not even once. He thought about all the times Sakura had rejected him from going on a date with him and the punches she has given him, it didn't matter to him at first but on the inside he was really upset always hiding his true emotions over a fake smile. His teacher was telling the truth he has been hiding his emotions all along, without realizing that he has learned to suppress all of his emotions into a powerful barrier ignoring what he truly feels and continue to live his life to the fullest.
Naruto gaze into the distance not looking at any place in particular" I guess you're right perverted hermit, I didn't realize myself that I was holding my emotions so well I mean every time Sakura rejected me and hit me I felt so angry with her but I pretended to be happy like nothing has happen she didn't have to treat me like that instead of saying no, I just don't understand women at all"
Jiraiya chuckle giving him another friendly slap on his back" yes understanding women is one of this world's biggest mysteries, I the toad hermit have learn a lot about them over the years so let me shine some knowledge about them to you. You see Naruto girls at the age of Sakura don't know what they want in a boy and they chose to follow the crowd, so she chose to like Sasuke because of what the people thought about him since he was the last of the Uchiha clan and they praise him as a hero, eventually Sakura along with other girls like him because of his reputation and his mysterious attitude but they didn't like him as a candidate to find true love it's just a silly school girl crush. So this is the truth young girls they don't know what true love is until they find out when it's too late, there with this knowledge I have given you I hope you past it on to the next generation of men so they can understand women better"
Naruto was impressed at the toad sanins words, it really makes sense his eyes widened in realization" no way….perverted hermit are you saying that Sakura doesn't love Sasuke" a hidden spark of hope was reflected in his cerulean eyes.
"Well judging at the way she used to admire him and looked at him…..in my personal opinion yes, what Sakura had for Sasuke was just a crush eventually she didn't realize it that it turn into an empty obsession she's to blind to realize the truth"
The blond nodded (if its truth what the perverted hermit says then I hope Sakura realize the truth soon) "I guess what you say makes sense, everyone in the village respects Sasuke and looked at him like he was all high and mighty so it never surprise me why all the girls in the academy were after him including Sakura" he chuckle at little" after this I think I feel a little better thanks perverted hermit"
The toad sanin sighed" Naruto would it kill you to call me sensei or Jiraiya sensei any of those but not that one"
Naruto gave him his fox grin" nope I think perverted hermit suits you better you really are one"
Jiraiya sweat dropped but he smile (looks like he's getting back to normal but he will need time to heal his mind and his heart) "by the way Naruto, about Sakura I don't think she hates you like you say"
Naruto was shocked at his comment" how can you say that after everything I told her she must hate me with all the anger in the world, of course she hates me a lot…."
"Listen to me Naruto I believe Sakura has realize her mistake at the things she told you at the hospital which lead you to unleash your anger on her, it might take her some time to finally realize that she did the wrong thing in hurting you like she did for all we know she might be regretting what she did to you as we speak"
"So what are you saying? That Sakura is not angry with me for snapping at her the way I did, I find it impossible to believe"
"Believe me then, I think Sakura is hurt because she finally understood that what she said to you was a horrible mistake and it was completely uncalled for. Naruto I know that you are very hurt because of this but I am certain that Sakura is very hurt too just like you"
Naruto was at a loss of words he gaze at the toad sanin with a pure disbelief look in his eyes" I just can't believe it she's hurt too, perverted hermit how….how could you know I really want to believe you and all but I don't know if it's the truth"
Jiraiya stood quiet for a moment, he felt like opening an old wound from a very long time" I know it's true because the same thing happened to me a long time ago"
"What do you mean?" ask the blond in confusion not knowing what he was talking about.
Jiraiya sighed turning his gaze to the trees ahead" a long time ago back when me and Tsunade were jounins, it happened a month after Dan died….." his eyes softened remembering the day.
"Dan….I think I heard that name before Shizune-san told me about him wasn't he granny's boyfriend or something?"
"Yes he was anyway we both went to one of the village taverns to have a couple of drinks of sake, Tsunade had too much to drink and she was obviously drunk I on the other hand wasn't so drunk and I heard her sobbing telling me about her life how sorry she was. The point is that she started saying how much better Dan was compare to me, that he was the perfect man and I was a total loser that wasn't worth any woman's time, and that's when I snapped at her because of the influence of the alcohol in me"
Naruto gasp hearing that but he was more shocked when he notice the look of sadness in his eyes, he could tell that he was really hurt the same way as himself no words escape from his mouth he only waited for his teacher to continued telling the story.
"I was very angry with her I shouted at her and insulted her, I caused a scene at the tavern that the ANBU have to take me away but I will never forget the few words I remember from that day that to this very day I regret saying them to her over and over again"
Naruto watched in shock seeing that a few tears escape from the toad sanins eyes" I told her that she's destined to have all of her loved ones to die because of the Hokage's necklace and she deserves it for all the times she has rejected me and treated me like crap, I told her that I wasn't going to die since I wasn't one of her loved ones with the way she treats me I was such a fool. When the ANBU took me outside of the tavern they were going to take me to an ANBU prison cell for disturbing the peace, all of the sudden Tsunade comes running to me her face full of tears and you will be surprise what she told me"
"What did she told you?" ask the shocked Naruto who was giving all of his attention to the story.
Jiraiya dried the few tears that fall from his eyes" she told me that I was one of her love ones because I was her most precious person in the entire world and she will never forgive herself in something happens to me, after that she throw up and passed out one of the ANBU took her to her home. I knew she was telling the truth I mean drunken people never lies, so you see Naruto even if she was drunk Tsunade realize her mistake and the hurt it caused me I also know my mistake and the hurt it caused to her on that day"
Naruto stood quiet shock at the story he just heard, a few tears fall from his face realizing that his teacher has also felt his pain he wonder if Sakura was feeling the same way" perverted hermit I'm sorry you feel this way because of me you have to remember that horrible day I'm sorry"
"No Naruto don't blame yourself it's not your fault, I haven't forgotten about that day and I will never will, Tsunade on the other hand doesn't remember a thing because she was too drunk on that day to remember anything things weren't so bad I was bailed out from the ANBU prison thanks to Sarutobi sensei though"
"I have no idea that you have experience something so horrible I'm really sorry" Naruto said while looking at the ground.
"Well that was actually the second most horrible thing that has happened to me, the most horrible thing that has happened to me is when I try to peek at Tsunade when she was in the hot baths she beat the living hell out of me I had almost every bone in my body broken and I thought I was going to die. Of course I had to stay in the hospital for three months to recover, that was one hell of an experience I was never going to forget ever"
Naruto gulp in horror thinking about Tsunade beating his teacher like she was murdering him, for a moment he thought if the same thing happen if it was him the one who peek at Sakura when she was at the hot baths. He tremble in fear thinking the horrible punishment the pink haired kunoichi would give him, he try to erase the fearful thought from his system.
Jiraiya finally got up from the rock" well we better get going we have already wasted time let's go Naruto"
He nodded while getting up from the rock and they continued traveling, the toad sanin gaze at him and he could see that he had a small smile on his face it seems he was feeling a little better, but it will take more time for him to be healed from his hurtful experience.
"Naruto one more thing"
"What is it?"
"About Sakura….do you still love her?"
Naruto was surprise he wasn't expecting to hear this; he remained quiet and thought about everything Sakura has done to him. No matter what he do he couldn't get her out of his mind, it was like she had him wrap around her finger he was never good at lying so he will be honest as he has been in his entire life.
He looked back at his teacher with nod" I guess I still do I know it sounds crazy after everything she has done to me even if it's hopeless"
"Now wait a minute I thought it was your way of the ninja to never give up, so why do you sound like you just did?"
"I never give up perverted hermit I only think that Sakura will never like me like that"
"I don't have an answer to that one the only advice I can give you is to give it some time, who knows after five years Sakura might be interested in you like that"
The blond ninja chuckle at his comment" yeah right that will never happen, Sakura will never love me that will be wishful thinking from my part"
"Like I said give it some time because it's just like they say only time will tell"
"That's nice I guess I will give it a try thanks perverted hermit"
"It's sensei or Jiraiya sensei" the toad sanin said with frown.
"Whatever you say perverted hermit" Naruto said with his fox grin.
"Brat" he muttered.
They continued traveling while Naruto was in deep thought (I wonder will I be able to face Sakura ever again?)
Konoha training field
Tsunade and Sakura were walking heading to one of the training fields Shizune and Tonton was also with them, today was Sakura's first day in training with the Hokage and she was going to make sure she did her best to prove herself to the female Hokage to be a worthy candidate as her student. Tsunade gave a quick glance at the pink haired genin and smirk, she could tell she has change so much in the last couple of days her determination to become Naruto's friend once again has transformed her into a new and improved Sakura . She was really impressed when she told her that Sasuke has escape from prison thanks to Kabuto, he was obviously with Orochimaru by now expecting that Sakura will break down and cry her heart out but that's not what happened. When Sakura found out about Sasuke she stood calm and she snorted like she didn't care for the Uchiha anymore, at this Tsunade was proud it seems she has truly change to a better person.
They reached the middle of the training field while Shizune and the pet pig were in a safe distance knowing this training was going to get ugly, Tsunade gaze at the pink haired kunoichi the determination in her jade eyes were was even stronger than the determination Naruto usually shows in his eyes. She couldn't help it she was still upset with Sakura after what she did to the poor blond back at the hospital, as much as she wanted to beat her to death she couldn't she did promise her to train her as her apprentice but she still going to enjoy the training a lot. She couldn't live with herself to kill her, every time she looked at her it reminded her so much of how she used to be when she was Sakura's age, how foolish she was and immature and all the mistakes she made in her life.
Shizune was nervous, she knew Tsunade better than anyone and she could tell that she was still angry with Sakura she was hoping she didn't killed her knowing how dangerous her temper is. The last thing she wanted is for her teacher to become a murder of a twelve year old genin, she watched carefully along with Tonton who was nervous like her.
(Tsunade-sama please be careful go easy on Sakura, don't do anything you might regret)
Tsunade focus the chakra in her hands so she can suppress all of the chakra in her body in order to cut her insane strength in half, this was training after all and she didn't wanted to go overboard with the genin even if the thought of killing her was still in her mind" are you ready Sakura?" she gave a playful smirk.
She nodded nervously trying to remain calm but she couldn't, this training was going to be the hardest thing she has ever faced in her entire life as a ninja. She took a battle stance she couldn't lose, this training was very important to her in order to become strong and regain her friendship with Naruto she wanted to proved to him that she can be a worthy ninja to protect the village like a true ninja of Konoha. Yet here she was about to go one on one with one of the legendary sanins, either she was insane or she has a death wish the only thing she did is to take a kunai from her hostler ready to face the female Hokage.
(I am so screw)inner Sakura said while trembling.
"Here I go Sakura" Tsunade said charging at her with great speed.
Sakura froze to dodge the attack because of the speed but she took a blocking position with her kunai, Tsunade punched the ground destroying it sending Sakura flying to the ground. Sakura got up only to see above the ground launching an attack with her leg, Sakura ran for her life as the blond Hokage used her painful sky leg to create a crater however Sakura was caught by the force and send her back to the ground. Sakura quickly threw a her kunai Tsunade dodge it and she counter throwing a senbon needle hitting her, Sakura gasp as soon as she was hit by the needle she felt her left arm numb and she couldn't move it.
"What's going on? Tsunade-sama, why can't I move my arm?"
"That senbon needle I hit you with had a special poison that paralyses the muscles; you won't be able to move your left arm for a while"
She gasp seeing the disadvantage she had against the slug sanin" what Tsunade-sama you can't expect me to fight you like this I don't stand a chance even more like this"
"This is also part of the training Sakura endurance is one of the main elements to survive in a fight" she took more senbon needles ready to fire them.
Sakura was quick as she took another kunai with her right arm since her left was numb thanks to the poison Tsunade used on her, she quickly block all of the needles with her kunai but she didn't saw the blond woman charging at her with a punch. Tsunade punch the ground causing another crater, the force of the attack send her crashing to the ground she tried getting up but it was useless she was in too much pain. She has only been sparring with her for a couple of minutes and she has already reach her limit, she was truly weak she should at least last a little longer against her but then again she was a sanin and she was only a genin. Sakura was hit by one of Tsunade's punches and she was send flying hitting the ground a few feet away, Shizune gasp along with Tonton she was hoping that she didn't go overboard but looks like she was wrong. Tsunade went to the injure Sakura who could barely get up after receiving that punch, she was bleeding and she had a lot of bruises she could clearly tell that she couldn't continue anymore.
"What's wrong Sakura, are you done?" she asked in concern expecting that she will give up.
To her surprise the pink haired genin was slowly getting feeling the pain of her injuries, she gaze at her new teacher with the same determination reflected in her jade eyes" no….I'm not done yet Tsunade-sama please let's continue…"
"You're kidding, Sakura look at you you're a complete wreck you can't fight anymore your injuries are too severed this training session is over Shizune take her to the hospital"
The raven haired woman nodded as she went to the fallen genin's side" Come on Sakura-san"
"No"
Tsunade and Shizune looked at the pink haired kunoichi who was now back at her feet, she try to stand up so she can continue with the training" I can still fight I won't give up"
"Sakura I won't repeat myself again you can't continue anymore you're in too much pain and your injuries need medical attention the training is over for today Shizune please get her out of here"
"Yes you're right Tsunade-sama I am in pain, but this pain is nothing compare to the pain I inflicted on Naruto all of the rejection I have given him and the times I have hit him I have broken his heart so many times, that pain is worst than this pain I'm feeling right now. I realize now the great pain I have given Naruto in his entire life and I truly regret everything I have done to him, I deserve this pain and more and right now I want to become strong so I can be worthy of the title of a Konoha ninja"
"I want to show Naruto that I can become a strong ninja, I want to redeem myself to him and someday I wish to be his friend once again and his forgiveness. I had no right to hurt him so badly like the way I did he was always being kind to me and he was only trying to be my friend, that's why I want to forge my bonds with him once again so Tsunade-sama I will never give up I want to continue with the training"
Shizune was shock but she felt happy at Sakura's words while Tsunade was smiling at her apprentice (so she has already realize the hurt she has put Naruto through because of her childish attitude, maybe there is some hope for her after all)
"Sakura that was a heartwarming speech but there will be no point to the training if you end up dead in the process we will continue with the training once you're all healed"
"Oh" she said feeling relief" then I guess I can take a little nap" she then fell unconscious on the ground.
Both women went to her side" let's get her to the hospital immediately" Tsunade said while Shizune nodded.
They left the training field while Tsunade smile at Sakura's determination (her first day of training and I'm already proud of her I have a feeling that she will become even better than me)
Forest (somewhere in fire country territory)
Jiraiya and Naruto have finally decided to stay for the rest of the day, they couldn't afford an inn to stay since Jiraiya didn't have any money and Naruto didn't have enough to afford a room much to his annoyance. He wasn't happy he always reserve some money from the share he received after completing a mission, unfortunately eating a lot of bowls of ramen from Ichiraku's can empty his toad wallet in no time without realizing it, so he didn't have a choice but to spend the day sleeping in the great outdoors. Since it was still in the middle of the afternoon Jiraiya decided to begin the big training schedule he has in store for the blond, and what better way to start with a sparring match.
They were a couple of kilometers away from their camp site, both were standing off staring at each other, Jiraiya smirk wanting to see what Naruto true potential is of course he knew he didn't stand a chance against him but it was worth to have a match with the blond ninja. For Naruto this sparring match was very important to him, he has been dying to fight the perverted sanin for a long time now. Having the idea that he was going to hold back he was going to make sure that he fights him everything he has, he took a fighting stance ready to fight one of the legendary sanins Jiraiya the toad sanin.
"Well Naruto I hope you're ready I have to see what you're capable off if I'm going to teach you everything I know" (I have to be careful though if he waste all off his chakra then he might use the Kyuubi's chakra, if that happens things will get complicated)
"You bet I will show what I can do perverted hermit but you have to promise me that you will go all out"
Jiraiya smirk at his comment" fine but don't whine if I beat you badly"
"You're on perverted hermit" he made a cross hand seal" SHADOW CLONE JUTSU"
Jiraiya saw ten Naruto clones appeared he smirk this is how he always fought (using the shadow clones jutsu is not a bad move kid, but if you used it too often the enemy will find a way to find your weakness)
The clone charge at him throwing their kunai but he block them all out throwing shuriken, Naruto use shadow clone jutsu again making another ten clones. Jiraiya wasn't intimidated by the sheer numbers, until he saw that ten clones have transform into a giant shuriken the other ten clones took the shuriken and they throw it at him.
Jiraiya smirk at his tactic (not bad kid but not good enough) he made hand seals" EARTH STYLE EARTH WALL JUTSU"
The ground lifted high creating a tall wall, the shuriken hit the earth wall however it wasn't going to stop Naruto. The real Naruto climb the wall with his feet using the his chakra to climb the wall, he was thankful that Kakashi taught him the tree climbing exercise even if that was the only thing the mask jounin taught him, he was also thankful for the closet pervert Ebisu who taught him the water walking exercise. He reached the top shocking the toad sanin a lot not expecting him to come here, he launch a punch but Jiraiya dodge it and with a grin he made hand seals.
"NINJA ART NEEDLE JIZOU"
His long white hair turn into the skin of a porcupine with, Naruto's punch hit the sharp needles and he started screaming pain he was wide open wide open for an attack Jiraiya punch him sending him falling from the earth wall. Jiraiya dispel the earth wall seeing that the blond was still in the ground with a goofy look on his face seeing stars; however Naruto snap back and got up facing the toad sanin.
"Not bad Naruto you're holding up against me well so far"
"He you haven't seen nothing yet perverted hermit" he made a cross shape seal.
"Not this time kid" he quickly formed hand seals" NINJA ART DARK TOAD SWAMP"
Suddenly the whole ground was destroyed and it was replace by a dark water lake, Naruto fell on the water unable to make his shadow clone jutsu he gasp seeing that he was sinking into the water.
"Hey what the… what's going on? I'm using my chakra on my feet to stand on the water and instead I'm sinking why?"
Jiraiya smirk" sorry kid but this isn't ordinary water, this is the dark toad swamp the substance is very sticky completely different from water no matter how much chakra you focus on your feet you won't be able to stand. You see Naruto standing on the dark toad swamp is a lot complicated then standing on water; I have no problem standing because I have mastered the exercise, you are in a big disadvantage here you can't mover properly making you a big target for any incoming attack"
(Damn it) Naruto growl (he's right no matter the amount of chakra I focus on my feet I'm still sinking damn I can't lose)
He was snap from his thinking as he was hit by a couple of shuriken thanks to Jiraiya, he vanished replace by a wooden long.
(A substitution jutsu? He was able to perform one with the dark toad swamp not bad, so where is he?) he finally spotted him a few feet away trying to stand on the dark swamp, he grin (it's hopeless if he can't move freely he can't get close to me, looks like this match is almost over)
(Damn it I have to find a way to get close to him so I can finish this but how... That's it) he made a cross hand seal" SHADOW CLONE JUTSU"
This time he made two clones and they were also sinking into the dark swamp.
(What is he doing? The shadow clones can't stand on the swamp either his only wasting chakra) "Naruto just give up, you can't get close to me without sinking into the swamp this match is over"
The blond ninja gave him his fox grin" I thought you knew me better than that perverted hermit, I never give up I will beat you"
Jiraiya smirk (same as always I have a second Minato)" fine brat but it's not my fault if you get injure"
Suddenly one of the clones started forming a rasengan on the real Naruto's right hand, looks like he was planning to win the match with the A rank jutsu the toad sanin taught him.
(Rasengan eh fine by me) Jiraiya grin as he formed a rasengan on his left hand" that's great Naruto that you formed a rasengan but how are you going to get close to….." he trailed off as his eyes widened at the sight.
The second clone that Naruto created grab his free hand and threw him right at him, the toad sanin was shock (he use one clone to create a rasengan and the other to push him forward, that's how he figure out how to get close to me) he didn't wasted time seeing that Naruto was heading straight at him with rasengan in hand.
It seems the match was going to end with a collision of two powerful jutsus.
"RASENGAN"
"RASENGAN"
BOOM
An explosion occurred at the collision of the two powerful jutsus, Naruto was send flying far away from the toad swamp hitting the ground. Jiraiya sighed as he dispelled the toad swamp and went after his student; he was smiling at the performance of the blond.
(He was able to hold on against me for a while he's strong but he can get even stronger, this sure brings back memories he's just like Minato)
As he reached the fallen body of Naruto he smile again feeling very proud of him, before he went to pick him up he vanished in a cloud of smoke shocking him a lot (what impossible that was a shadow clone, but I beat the real one then he must've switch places with a clone before landing on the ground, then where could he be? No BEHIND ME)
When Jiraiya turned around he saw Naruto forming a hand seal" I win TRANSFORM"
Naruto has transformed into his sexy older naked female version, Jiraiya obvious reaction was falling on his ass with a nose bleed that look like a fountain.
Naruto changed back giving the victory sing" ha I DID IT I WON I BEAT THE PERVERTED HERMIT, I knew I was going to beat you with my sexy jutsu it was my trump card from the very beginning"
Jiraiya was still recuperating from watching the arousing sight of the naked girl Naruto, he was feeling so embarrassed who would've thought that Jiraiya the toad sanin and one of the legendary sanins would be defeated from watching a naked woman. Of all the possibilities this wasn't the defeat he was expecting to happened, then again Naruto is the most unpredictable ninja in Konoha.
(Damn brat how could I lose like this, I will get even with him for this at least I know one thing for sure Minato would've never used the sexy jutsu to beat me I know it very well what would he think of me if he was alive, I know that he will be laughing his ass off)
Konoha hospital
Sakura was in one of the rooms, after four hours of being unconscious she finally woke up feeling very hungry but unfortunately the food of the hospital was horrible and she didn't like it one bit. She was thankful that Ino and Hinata came to visit her since the rest of the rookie were still ignoring her and didn't care if she was injure, she ask them to bring her some food and here she was waiting for them to arrive. She felt terrible that no one else came to visit her, there was nothing she could do she deserve it for treating Naruto badly not to mention slapping him twice follow by a rejection speech for hurting the Uchiha traitor which he has escape and left the village again. She wonder if she could gain their trust once again, she needed to redeem herself to Naruto and everyone else and the only way to do that is to become a strong ninja then maybe someday she can be forgiven for her mistakes.
The door to the room open revealing Ino a paper bag and Hinata with a flower, Sakura smile at her friends but kept her eyes on the paper bag because that's where the delicious aroma of food was coming from.
Ino sweat dropped seeing her best friend drooling like a dog with huge hunger" here forehead I brought you the food, just don't complain I didn't have enough money to buy you a fancy meal"
"Give me give me give me" Sakura said like an eager little kid in Christmas morning.
Ino gave her the paper bag and Sakura rip it open revealing a big bowl of ramen from Ichiraku's, for a moment she stood still staring at the bowl of pork ramen. Her eyes soften a little, just staring at the ramen reminded her of Naruto she remembers the night Sasuke was going to leave the village she was at Ichiraku's with Naruto. She admitted that she had fun with him at the ramen stand; she has enjoyed it secretly not wanting to admit that she had fun eating with the blond. However she was snap from her thought from the sound of her stomach growling in hunger, without thinking twice she grab the chopsticks and started devouring the ramen while Ino and Hinata sweat dropped at the scene.
Hinata put the flower she brought her to the crystal vase next to her bed" here Sakura-san I hope you like it"
Ino shook her head seeing the pink haired genin eating the ramen like there's no tomorrow" forget it Hinata I don't think Sakura can hear you she's only focus on stuffing her face with ramen"
"Oh thanks for the flower Hinata I really appreciate it that you're taking your time to come and visit me since everyone else don't care that I'm here" Sakura said with her mouth full of noodles.
Both kunoichi's sweat dropped" for crying out loud Sakura don't eat with your mouth full" Ino said.
"Oops sorry" she said while some noodles fell from her mouth.
Ino sweat dropped (and she calls me pig, she's the pig no….she's the forehead pig oh that is hilarious I have to write that one down) she was chuckling a little while Hinata looked at her confuse not having a clue what she was thinking about.
Sakura finished the bowl in a matter of seconds, she felt so happy while she accidentally burp causing the kunoichis to sweat dropped at her manners.
(Oh yeah that hit the spot baby damn that ramen tasted so good no wonder Naruto is so addicted to it)
"Want another bowl forehead?" Ino ask with a smirk.
"Oh no thanks I'm full yeah I really needed that, anyway thanks again for the flower Hinata at least someone actually cares for me"
"Don't worry Sakura-san Ino-san also cares for you" the Hyuga heiress said.
"What do you mean Hinata I'm still angry with forehead for what she did to Naruto, I'm just supporting her because she's my best friend that's all"
"And I really appreciate it Ino pig, I knew training with Tsunade-sama wasn't going to be easy just look at me my first day and I almost got killed"
"Tsunade-sama said that all of your injuries have been healed but you will have to stay here for a couple of days before continuing your training with her" Ino said.
"Yeah those are good news I just hope I don't end up in the hospital again every time I trained with Tsunade-sama, if that's true then I'm really going to have a hard time with this training"
"Well I believe you can do it Sakura-san you are strong" Hinata said with a smile.
The pink haired genin smile" thank you Hinata, it's a miracle you don't hate me like everyone else for what I did after all you like Naruto I thought you will hate me the most"
The Hyuga heiress shook her head" no I don't feel angry I can see now that you have regretted everything you have done to Naruto-kun in the past and present, you have realize your mistakes and now you are trying to find to correct them"
"The only way for that to happen is if Naruto forgives you" Ino said.
Sakura sighed" I wonder if he will ever forgive me, if I was Naruto I would've never forgive for everything I have done to him"
"But you're not Sakura-san I think Naruto-kun will forgive you, he's not the kind of person to hold a grudge with anyone especially if it's you he just needs time to think these five years he'll be away from the village is the time he needs to think when he returns he will forgive you" Hinata said.
"I know that you're being positive Hinata but with the way he snapped at her I don't think he will forgive her so easily, I mean you were there when it happened even if you fainted Naruto was really angry and I have never seen him so angry in my entire life" Ino interjected.
"Ino-san aren't you supposed to be Sakura-san's best friend you have to believe that Naruto-kun will forgive her" the Hyuga said in a scold.
"She's right Ino pig you're supposed to be positive with me" Sakura said with a sweat dropped.
"Hey didn't you hear me before I'm still angry with you and I haven't forgiven you for rejecting Naruto"
"I understand Ino" she said while sighing, she started staring at her empty bowl of ramen and smile thinking about the blond ninja" I wonder, Naruto must be screwing up on his training as usual but I know he always works hard I believe he can do it"
Hinata smile at her comment while Ino was shock, she was still not used to hear her best friend supporting Naruto instead of supporting a certain traitor. It was really hard to believe that she has change already from a crazy Sasuke fan girl to a kunoichi who wants to regain the friendship of her blond teammate whom she used to mistreat and reject; now here she was trying to get strong in her training to prove herself to Naruto.
"Yes Naruto-kun is always training hard to become strong" Hinata said with a faint blush on her cheeks.
"And speaking of Naruto's training you must be really going crazy Hinata not seeing Naruto in five years"
Hinata's eyes softened" I guess you're right Ino-san but I know he will be back, besides I'm not going to stand and do nothing while Naruto-kun is training hard I'm also going to train hard and become strong for him"
"Yeah don't forget to ask him on a date when he returns" Ino said with a smirk.
Hearing that Hinata blush bright red while Ino laugh, she gaze back at Sakura but she notice that she had a hurtful expression on her face because of her comment" hey you okay Sakura?"
"Huh, oh yeah I'm fine" Sakura smile while she smirk back at the blushing Hinata" just make sure not to faint when Naruto returns"
Hinata twiddle her fingers a little" I'll try it won't be easy"
One of the nurses enter the room" Sakura-san your mother is here to see you"
"Mom is here okay tell her to come in"
The nurses nodded and left the room, Mrs. Haruno enter smiling at her daughter" oh there's my sweetie I heard what happened to you I came as fast as I could"
"Hello Mrs. Haruno" Ino greeted the older pink haired woman.
"Hello Haruno-san" Hinata said with a bow.
"Oh hello girls glad to see you visiting my daughter"
"Well Sakura I have to go back to the flower shop I'll see you later" Ino said.
"Me too I have a team meeting I don't want to keep Kiba-kun Shino-kun and Kurenai sensei waiting bye Sakura-san" Hinata said.
"Bye guys" Sakura said seeing that the two kunoichis have left the room.
Mrs. Haruno was still smiling at her daughter" look at you I'm very proud of you, who would've thought that my own daughter would be training under the Hokage I know you will become a great medic ninja just like Tsunade-sama"
"Thanks mom, I have realize that being a ninja is a serious job and I have learned that as a ninja of Konoha it's my duty to protect the village and give my life for its safety"
"You have learn so much sweetie I am the proudest mother ever, first you finally reject the demon and now you become Tsunade-sama's apprentice"
Hearing the first part Sakura's jade eyes hardened like stone" what are you talking about?"
"You know sweetie everyone in the village knows it, I'm very proud that you put that demon in his place for hurting the last member of the great Uchiha clan I can't believe the council won't take action and execute him he is nothing but a threat to the village he should be dead since he was born he……"
Sakura has finally had it she knew very well who her mother was talking about, ever since she was little her mother kept telling her to stay away from Naruto that he was nothing but a demon and he was evil, although she doesn't know why they called him demon.
"I wish that demon finally dies" Mrs. Haruno said proudly while her daughter was glaring at her with a pissed off look.
"Mother SHUT UP"
Mrs. Haruno looked at her daughter shocked at her sudden outburst" what's wrong sweetie?"
Sakura glared at her" mother if you EVER disrespect Naruto again in my presence I will never forgive you do you hear me"
Mrs. Haruno was upset" you….how can you defend that….that…DEMON"
"He is NOT A DEMON, he has a name its Naruto he is a ninja of Konoha and my teammate and he has proven to be a worthy ninja of this village so I suggest you show some respect for him"
"NEVER" she shouted shocking the pink haired genin" I will never respect him I'd rather die"
Sakura was still shocked" why mother? Why do you hate him so much? What did he ever do to you for you to hate him so much, you have always told me to never get near him, that he was a demon and he was evil but you are so wrong. Over the years that I got to know him better I realize that he was a great person and a friend, I was the fool because I was never worthy to have him as my friend in the first place"
Mrs. Haruno stood quiet not believing what she was hearing from her own daughter, for a moment she wanted to tell her the truth about Naruto who he really was. It was tempting but she couldn't do it, no matter how much she wanted to tell her the truth so her daughter could hate him too she couldn't break the law of the third Hokage.
Instead she crossed her arms in a arrogant matter" I just hate him because I feel like it, I'm not the only one the entire village hates him too"
"I know mother I'm not stupid, I can tell by the looks the villagers used to gave him but you know what ever since Naruto defeated the sand monster at the chunin exams the village has started respecting him and accepting him as one of our own, oh that's right I almost forgot to tell you that sand monster was about to kill me and you will be surprise who was the person that saved me from the monster it was Naruto the demon you despise"
Mrs. Haruno's eyes widened" What….that impossible he saved you….but no it's not true it wasn't him it was Sasuke you told me so…."
"Oh please mother I lied I was in denial to accept the fact that it was really Naruto the one who saved me and I was such a fool to believe that, I hate that Uchiha so much…"
"What you hate Sasuke it can't be why, you told me you loved him" the older Haruno said shock at her daughters comment.
Sakura snorted" oh please mother Sasuke could give shit about me, I hate myself for being too stubborn and not realizing soon that he never care for me in the first place he is nothing to me but a traitor the one person who has truly care for me like a friend and maybe more than one was Naruto and rejected him so badly"
Mrs. Haruno growl in anger" what about him? He has rejected you too I heard about the horrible things he said to you, and yet you defend him like nothing has happened"
"I deserve it mother" Sakura admitted with a hint of guilt" after everything I have done to him, and every single word he said to me was true every single one. I'm going to become in the best medic ninja in the village I will surpass Tsunade-sama, I will also gain Naruto's trust and he will be my friend if it's the last thing I'll do"
Mrs. Haruno was shock" so that's it, you're doing all of this because of HIM"
"Yes mother I am, I want his acknowledgement to see me as a strong ninja and his friendship and maybe….just maybe……" she whisper something but her mother couldn't hear it.
"I can't believe you're doing this because of him he is not worthy Sakura"
"He IS worthy mother and much more I have finally realize that a little too late and now I'm paying the price with guilt and loneliness" a few tears escape from her eyes.
"Sakura I…."
"Please mother leave I need rest"
The older Haruno nodded and left the room she was still upset (Sakura if you knew the truth that demon is the reason why you're father is dead)
Sakura sighed as she lay on the hospital bed; she was feeling upset for her mother to feel so much hatred towards the blond ninja along with the village. Now she has been wondering why the villagers hated Naruto so much, she was really happy that a lot of the villagers are starting to like him and respect him. But why did they hated him in the first place, she knew he used to be the village prankster but his pranks weren't something that would make someone hate him to death. She calm herself as she relax on the bed, trying to think about it was really frustrating her she push those thoughts aside and close her eyes trying to get some sleep.
Naruto was in a dark room, everywhere he look there was nothing but darkness until he saw a familiar figure in the distance. His eyes widened seeing Sakura on her knees, he felt his heart shatter when he heard that she was sobbing loudly he slowly walk towards her feeling scare. Was she crying because he ended up injuring Sasuke to bring him back to the village, if that's the case then he will have to keep his distance Sakura may want to yell at him and she will probably slap him again.
"Naruto" Sakura said between sobs" why….why do you hate me I thought you were my friend" she finally lifted her face to him making the blond gasp in shock.
Sakura was crying tears of blood" why do you hate me Naruto….I didn't meant to yell at you for hurting Sasuke so please help me…………."
Naruto stood still too shock to say a word, he was too shock about her blood tears it was impossible for a human to cry blood" Sakura I….."
"I see…..you hate me I can't blame you for hating me so much I understand….then I will disappear forever Naruto"
Naruto gasp seeing that Sakura took a kunai pointing it to the location of her heart, he felt his heart reaching his throat in pure fear" Sakura what are you going to do?"
"Since you hate me Naruto I will make you happy by disappearing from your life forever…..goodbye Naruto…." She lifted the kunai ready to pierce her heart.
Naruto ran to her scare for the well being of the pink haired genin" NO SAKURA STOP"
But it was too late Sakura stab her heart with the kunai falling to the ground dead.
"SAKURA" shouted Naruto with tears falling from his eyes.
He went to her body seeing the pool of blood surrounding her body, he gently pick her body crying before he finally broke down.
""
Naruto woke up from with a startle his heart beating rapidly along with his breathing, his face full of sweat he finally realized that it was just a horrible nightmare. He was back at the camp fire with Jiraiya snoring a few feet away from him, he sighed in relief the nightmare felt so real and he didn't wanted to come true. But what if it was a sign that this could really happen to Sakura because he eventually thought that he hated her, after the things he said to her back at the hospital anyone will believe that he hated the pink haired genin. Silent tears fell from his eyes thinking about her, if she kills herself because she believes he hates her and kill herself he will never forgive himself.
(I don't hate her….but Sakura believes I do what am I going to do I can't turn back time and change what happened at the hospital, yet I can't face Sakura I'm not ready to face her yet and even if that's the case I don't want her to try and end her life because she thinks I hate her damn it why does this have to be so complicated?)
Suddenly he heard an evil chuckle in his mind, he recognize that chuckle and voice very well it was the demon sealed in him the voice of the Kyuubi.
(You truly are pathetic kid)
(Go away fox I don't want to listen to you)
(Why are you so depressed? Is it because of her, that pink hair bitch deserved it)
(SHUT UP, I won't let you insult her in my presence)
(It's the truth kid, what you told her was the truth everything you told her was true and she deserves it for all the hell she has given you she is not worthy, she is the most pathetic human I have ever met)
Naruto growl (I'm warning you fox stop insulting Sakura)
(After everything she has done to you, yet you still defend her you are pathetic just like her even for me a demon knows that you have been too kind to a human like her who didn't deserve or was never worthy of your kindness she hasn't even said thank you to you for saving her life from being killed by Shukaku's vessel or when you saved her from drowning)
Naruto stood quiet for a moment knowing that the words of the fox demon were true, while the Kyuubi was very amuse he wanted to continue to push his buttons.
(What about when you brought her the Uchiha back to the village, did she said thank you to you NO she slap you TWICE and called you a dead last and that you were inferior to the Uchiha, just face it kid she hates you a lot you could be the last man in the world and she will still hate you)
(SHUT UP NOW, I don't want to hear you anymore)
(I can help you how about killing her that will fix your problems hehehe….)
(LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE)
He finally broke the mind link with the demon fox, the last thing he heard was the Kyuubi's evil laughter he got up from the camp fire and walk out to get some fresh air. He reach a small clearing in a grassy field, he gaze at the night sky it was filled with stars just looking at it reminded him when he used to look at them when he was in Konoha. He saw the full moon it was big and beautiful, looking at it made him felt relax at least he felt more calm curing his anger and frustration caused by the Kyuubi's cold words. He gazed at the pale moon; only one person came to his mind just by looking at the moon.
(Sakura)
Only thinking about the pink haired kunoichi he really missed her, even if he couldn't forget her harsh words from back at the hospital.
(I don't want to listen to you I ask you to do one simple thing and you screwed it up, can't you do anything right you really are a dead last no matter what you do Sasuke-kun will always be better than you he's superior and you're inferior he will always be above you)
A couple of tears escape from his eyes as he put his left hand where his heart is, feeling the painful blow of her words.
(Next time I won't ask for any favors from you Naruto because you will always screw up, some friend you turn out to be)
He let his tears fall while gazing at the full moon, trying to ease his pain.
Konoha hospital
Sakura has woken with a startle while her whole face was full of tears, she couldn't sleep she just had another dream about Naruto and it was really horrible. She dreamed that he was on his knees crying in tears of blood repeating that why she hated him over and over again, the mere sight broke her heart while feeling so much pain for the blond. The nightmare became worst when Naruto picked a kunai and stabbed his heart, he told her that his life had no meaning if she wasn't his friend there was no point in becoming Hokage if he didn't had her friendship. She ran to him quickly but it was too late, he was dead his body cover by a pool of his own blood.
She dried her tears while gazing at the window seeing the full moon shining bright, ore tears fall from her jade eyes remembering Naruto's cold words from the hospital.
(I am so sick of your screw Konoha as long as I have Sasuke attitude you are weak useless nothing but a burden to the team, the real dead last is YOU everyone on the team knows it even Kakashi sensei knows it, everyone in this rooms knows very well that the real reason you became a ninja is so you could be with your precious Sasuke-kun not so you could serve your village like a proud ninja of Konoha)
She closed her eyes as more tears fell and she open them again looking at the big moon.
(You will never become a strong ninja because the only thing you care about in this village is HIM)
(You could give shit about me let's face the facts here, Sasuke could be right here and I could lying next to you dying and you would just let me to die)
(I really like you Sakura I would do anything for you I would sold my soul just to see you smile I didn't care if you will never like me back, the only thing that matters to me more than my dream of becoming Hokage if your happiness)
(I finally realize that you're not worthy of my attention)
(Haruno Sakura I HATE YOU)
(Naruto) she thought while more tears escape from her jade eyes (how foolish and pathetic I was with you I don't deserve your forgiveness but at least I can do is try for you I must) she gaze at the full moon with a sad smile thinking about him.
(He must really hate me)
(She must really hate me) thought Naruto while gazing at the moon his face full of tears (I don't deserve your forgiveness Sakura I understand if you don't want to see me or hear from me ever again)
With one final gaze at the full moon Naruto finally left heading back to the camp fire while Sakura went back to sleep trying to get some rest hoping that this time she didn't dreamed another nightmare about the blond.
Both of them are hurt, their hearts broken into pieces for their sudden outburst of anger and frustration to one another without doing it on purpose. The only question they could ask themselves is will they be able to form their bond of friendship once again?
To be continued
This chapter was a bit sad, but I wanted to focus on Naruto and Sakura's feelings about what happened at the hospital. I also believe that Jiraiya and Tsunade were exactly like Naruto and Sakura when they were genins they had the same kind of relationship, that's why I wanted to make the part where Jiraiya tells Naruto about the incident he had with Tsunade at the bar. Please read and review, also don't forget to vote for the pairings poll farewell until next time.
Next chapter: Revelation and bad meditating exercise