Chapter 5 The Prediction can pain create a powerful friendship
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto why am I not surprise.
Village (somewhere in lighting country)
Naruto was not having a good day today as soon as he and Jiraiya arrived at the town he told him the same excuse he always tells him, to do some chakra exercises while he gathers information. It really annoyed him why does he always have to leave him hanging dry while he goes women hunting, the purpose of this trip is to train him to become strong not to waste the little money he had on women and sake. Now here he was searching in the tow for his perverted teacher, he walked the busy streets were a lot of people were selling their products while he notice that there were a lot of nice places to eat and cheap too it was a good offer indeed. Suddenly he heard the sound of laughter familiar laughter, Naruto knew it was Jiraiya it was coming from a bar next to him. When he enter the bar he sweat dropped, the toad sanin was laughing and grinning like an idiot while having two beautiful women wearing tight dresses revealing their gorgeous bodies.
Naruto frowned it didn't surprise him to see his teacher playing pervert as usual, although he admitted it that the two ladies were Jiraiya was very lucky. He sighed while heading his way, seeing the look of the two ladies faces they were obviously a little drunk from drinking sake.
"Oh Jiraiya-sama you really know how to spend a good time" one of the women with long blond hair and green eyes said while leaning closer to him.
"Of course sweet heart I'm the definition of fun" he grin again while perverted thoughts crossed his mind.
"More sake Jiriaya-sama?" the gorgeous read head with brown eyes said.
"You bet it is never enough to have sake" he smiled while the lady poured sake on his glass.
"Hey pervy hermit can we go somewhere else" Naruto said annoyed.
Jiraiya saw his student looking at him like he was very annoyed, while the two ladies gaze at him with a smile.
"Jiraiya-sama who's that?" asked the red head.
"Oh this is my student Naruto I'm teaching him everything I know"
The blond giggle" he's cute"
Naruto blushed at her comment while the red head wink at him causing him to blush even more, at that moment some indecent thoughts crossed the blond ninja's mind.
"You know Naruto-kun if you were a little older I would've been all over you by now" the red head said while Naruto blushed twice as much for her comment.
Jiraiya chuckle (well well looks like Naruto can become just like me a true ladies man) he clear his throat" Naruto let me introduce you to my friends the blond is called Kaoru and the red head is called Mako say hi to my student ladies"
"Nice to meet you Naruto-kun" Kaoru said while winking at him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Naruto-kun" Mako said while blowing him a kiss making Naruto looked more nervous.
The blond gulp while trying to erase the impure thoughts that were invading his head right about now" um…hey pervy hermit come on let's continue with the training"
"Oh come on kid quit it already we can resume with the training tomorrow let me enjoy myself for a while" he pulled the women closer to him while he was able to take a long look at their cleavages.
Naruto was really annoyed by his comment" look pervy hermit I am sick of you always being a pervert, but were in this is a training trip so I can become strong not so you can spend time with women and get drunk with them"
Jiriaya was ignoring him completely while Mako left his side and got close to Naruto making him blushed" oh look at you, those whiskers make you look so adorable you are so cute" she gave him a peek on his cheek shocking him a lot.
Naruto was stun for a moment, as soon as he felt the red head lips on his cheek he got a sudden reaction coming from his pants while the two young ladies were giggling at his reaction. Jiraiya was smirking in amusement at the sight of his student all flushed by being kiss by a beautiful woman he could tell that this was the first time someone very beautiful has kissed him, aside from Tsunade kissing his forehead even if she's not so young like she used to be. He wanted to continue enjoying the show of Naruto being embarrassed but he thought otherwise, he got from the table while looking at the two ladies.
"Well ladies it's been fun spending my time with you two lovely gorgeous women but I have to go, I am after all on a training trip with my student here even if he's very annoying" he frowned while looking at the blond ninja and Naruto gave him a look like he didn't care.
"Oh Jiraiya-sama do you really have to go?" Koaru said in a pout.
"Yes you don't have to leave so soon are you afraid of us we won't bite…much" Mako said with a giggle.
"Yes I must but don't worry I will be back, I just hope you two beautiful women will wait for me" he winked at them while they blushed and Naruto was confuse at what he just witnessed" come on Naruto let's go bye ladies"
"Bye Jiraiya-sama bye Naruto-kun" they both giggle wanting to spend time with the toad sanin and the blond ninja.
The two left the bar while Naruto was still puzzle at what just happened, Jiriaya just wink at them and they both went gaga over him how?. He looked at him and wonder he did that, did he made some kind of genjutsu to made them crawl and worshiped like he was some kind of god just like that. Jiraiya sweat dropped noticing his blond student staring for a while he was a little cranky because of him he had to break his time with the two hot beautiful women.
"Congratulations Naruto once again you have interrupted my time to be with the ladies, you really are an annoying brat"
"Whatever" he replied with a frown.
"We have plenty of time to continue with the training there's no need to rush it, so you can't stop being such a party bopper"
Naruto didn't answer him because he was still thinking about what happened with the two ladies" hey pervy hermit"
"What?" he reply annoyed.
"There's something I've been wanted to ask you for a while" he paused as they continue to walk the streets of the village" how did you do that?"
"Do what be more specific"
"You know you make the ladies like you a lot how do you do that?"
Jiriaya was surprise by his sudden question but he still felt very proud" Naruto I am glad that you have ask me such an important question, the answer is quite simple my boy"
"Did you cast a genjutsu on them making them like you a lot?"
The toad sanin sweat dropped at his comment" no you brat it's because I am a ladies' man, I Jiriaya the great toad mountain hermit my great charming personality makes all the women to bow down to my feet and worshiped me as their god they desire me all the men are jealous wanting to be me"
"You forgot to mention world's greatest pervert" Naruto said with a sweat dropped on the back of his head.
"That's part of my reputation Naruto" he said like he wasn't insulted he considers himself a super pervert" but the secret behind why all the women want me is because I know how to talk to them and pick them up"
"What do you mean by that?"
Jiriaya stop walking seeing the ramen restaurant where he bought the ramen for Naruto when he was training at the waterfall" I will tell you but first let's have some ramen"
"Now you're talking my language pervy hermit let's go" he gave his fox grin.
They entered the restaurant and it was a little bigger than Ichiraku's, taking their seats they were greeted by an older man they ordered their bowls of ramen as the older man left to prepare their meals.
"So you want to know how to pick up women huh? I knew you will eventually ask me you are in that age where you're start getting curious and you want to know more about them, now listen up to my wise information Naruto. Women are very sensitive when it comes to their looks they are always constantly making themselves look very attractive just for the reason to get a compliment from men"
"But what if they get complimented by another woman?" ask the blond ninja.
"It's completely different when a woman compliments another woman, they desire the compliment of a man because it will make them feel more happy well… that is if they are lesbians um..forget about that last comment. Anyway that's why they are always making themselves more beautiful to earned compliments from men, especially if it's coming from a man they like a lot remember that first impressions is important to win over someone's heart"
Naruto nodded understanding what he his teacher just said, he knew it was true remembering when Sakura was always trying to gain Sasuke's affection always looking herself attractive, like fixing her hair putting some make up like blush and lipstick. He blushed remembering a time when Sakura put on some make out to gain the Uchiha's attention, she was wearing some pink lipstick matching her hair perfectly and some blush her face resemble that of an angel. Sakura really got his attention that day but she didn't got Sasuke's, as always he ignore her and left her hanging while Naruto told her that she look very beautiful. He growl in anger expecting that she was going to say thank you but instead she punched him that punch really hurt, and he left angry with her he never saw that her cheeks were blushing from the compliment he gave her.
"I guess I understand what you're trying to say pervy hermit it makes sense"
"Of course it makes sense it's the truth, now since women are always trying to make themselves look attractive to get compliments from men we as gentlemen have to obey their call by giving them the compliment by saying you look very beautiful or you look gorgeous. Giving them the right compliment you will win them over, you will know they have approved of your comment by blushing or smiling at you once that you have done ask them if they want to go somewhere nice like taking her to eat or a place to drink sake they really enjoy those kind of things. And once she has enjoyed herself she will ask you to take her to an inn and……." he blushed while having a nose bleed.
"And then what?" he asked not knowing why his teacher was acting perverted.
"Um….you will know when you're a little older Naruto"
Naruto didn't wanted to know he had a feeling that it was going to be something perverted knowing his teacher, the older man returned with their bowls of ramen and they picked up their chopsticks and started eating.
"Naruto how about you practice what I told you, once we finished eating I will take to a place where you can meet a nice girl your age and you will give her a complimented and then you will ask her out"
"What?" Naruto said shocked while his mouth was filled with noodles" you want me to ask a random girl out on a date?"
"Yes the girl will be random but you will get to know her once you take her on a date, that's what having a date is all about"
"I….I don't know pervy hermit I don't think I'll be able to go through with this"
"You must and you will this will be part of your training so you have to passed this exercise" (and besides I want you to become a ladies' man just like Minato every woman that he meet gave themselves to him they were so many cat fights just to have him, until Kushina came she tamed him) he chuckle a little.
Naruto sighed in annoyance" fine pervy hermit I'll do it but after were done with that I want to start with the real training"
"Sure I have no problem with that"
Konoha Hokage's office (fire country territory)
The four jounins were standing in front of Tsunade's desk Kakashi, Asuma, Gai and Kurenai were called to an emergency meeting by the Hokage. They were serious at the situation, for Tsunade to called them to an emergency meeting must mean that something urgent has happened so they immediately accepted the call to come to the office. Tsunade gaze at the four jounin with a serious look, she felt a little bad to called upon them base on a emergency meeting but she needed to fix a certain problem that has been bothering her for a while. Shizune was next to her she couldn't help but sigh, to her calling for an emergency meeting at such high scales was not really necessary, however she couldn't help it knowing her master she was doing to help a certain someone that she's very concern with.
"Hokage-sama what's the emergency?" ask Kakashi.
"It's very urgent I only want to talk to the four you" replied the blond Hokage.
"So what's the situation are we going to war?" ask Asuma.
"War what are you talking about Asuma?" Kurenai asked the Sarutobi.
"But Hokage-sama has called this emergency a level A emergency so it's extremely urgent, I believe it has to be that were about to enter at a state of war isn't that right Hokage-sama?" Gai said.
Shizune sighed again while Tsunade was looking a little nervous, the raven haired woman was nodding her head in a negative matter like she her master has done a mistake.
The four jounins stood waiting for her answer but she was looking rather nervous like she has done something bad, none of them didn't had an idea what was going on they are called for an emergency meeting and now their Hokage seems not to say what was going on.
"Um…Hokage-sama is there something wrong?" ask the copy ninja Kakashi.
"What do you mean Kakashi?" Tsunade ask with a sweat dropped.
The four jounins sweat dropped at her comment.
"You did call us here for an emergency right?" Asuma said sounding more puzzle than upset.
"Well you see there is an emergency and it's a little urgent"
"Only a little" Kurenai said while raising an eye brow.
"It's not something drastic like going on war it's more like something difficult" Tsunade said.
"Are you going to give us a very hard S rank mission?" ask Gai hiding his tone of excitement.
Tsunade sweat dropped while Shizune sighed" Tsunade-sama I think you should tell them already"
"Right, everyone I apologize for giving you all a level A emergency call but there's isn't such"
The four were quite surprise at the revelation.
"There isn't?" Asuma said.
"I don't get it" Kurenai said.
"Let's calm down I'm sure Hokage-sama has a reason to called on a high level emergency meeting right Hokage-sama" Kakashi said.
"You're right Kakashi the reason I called all of you here is because of Sakura"
The four jounins didn't know what she was talking about Kakashi however he had an idea what she wanted to talk to them about.
"Excuse me Hokage-sama but you called us on a high level security meeting just to ask us about a genin" Asuma said trying not to sound too upset.
"I know I did wrong Asuma but to me this is an emergency I am worry about her and I think she's isolating herself from the rest of the village because of past events, I'm sure that you all know by now what happened at the hospital between Naruto and Sakura three months ago"
The four jounins nodded they have heard from the villagers spreading the rumor like wild fire, some of the villagers were saying that Naruto had it coming others just didn't care.
"And I'm sure that you're all aware that some of the genins in your teams have been ignoring her and even mocking her because of her actions towards Naruto"
Asuma nodded" yeah Shikamaru and Chouji have been avoiding her ever since, Ino is the only one who's talking to her and yet she's not happy with Sakura for what she did"
"Shino has been quiet more than usual and he has been avoiding the topic of Sakura and Kiba is still upset with her he has been a bit hostile with her, Hinata is the only one who's still talking to her treating her like a friend" Kurenai said.
"My team is feeling the same way, Lee hasn't said a word about her ever since he found out what Sakura did and he feels disappointed for her he's doesn't feel any youthful, Neji doesn't want to know nothing of her and Tenten feels the same way as Lee I guess they don't like her such unyouthful behavior" Gai said.
"I believe they did the right thing" everyone turned to the mask ninja Kakashi" they are upset for what Sakura did to one of her teammates because of her own selfishness she has made a terrible mistake for what she did to Naruto, but now she has realized her mistake and now she has paid for it I think it will be wise if we give her a proper apology for their current behavior on her"
Tsunade nodded in agreement" yes that is exactly the reason why I have called the four of you on this emergency meeting, I want all of you to talk to your teams and convince them about their actions towards Sakura, afterwards we will meet again at the meeting hall here and they will apologize to Sakura"
"Hokage-sama you're asking us to talk and convince our teams to forgive Sakura it sound a little impossible to achieve" Asuma said" we can't oblige them to forgive her and I don't think they will hear to reason they are not happy with her in the least"
"I will have to agree with Asuma Hokage-sama, we can't make them think otherwise about Sakura the right thing to do is to give them time until they decided on their own whether to forgive her or not" Kurenai said.
"Yes we should let them decided on their own, we will have to trust them to make the right choice forget and forgive is part of the youthful power of friendship" Gai said.
Kakashi looked at the three jounins then back at Tsunade while sighing" I really want them to forgive Sakura but maybe we shouldn't rush things, like Kurenai said we should give them time so they can make the right decision"
"Tsunade-sama" Shizune said looking at her master waiting for her response.
The female Hokage sighed" I knew you were going to say that and its true, we should let the genins made their decision on their own whether they want to forgive Sakura and accept her back as a friend or to never forgive her and let her continued to suffer for her mistake. However Sakura's behavior during these past three months have changed so much, she's no longer the same person she was before Naruto left the village I'm concern that she might get depressed during her training that's why I'm asking all of you to try and convince your teams to see it in their hearts and forgive her"
"It won't be easy, they may have already made up their minds but I'm going to give it a try" Asuma said.
"Yosh me too Hokage-sama I will give it my best to talk to my team" Gai said.
"Same here maybe Hinata will back me up since she's still care for Sakura as her friend" Kurenai said.
"Thank you everyone" Tsunade said.
"I already made the arrangements on the meeting room, the food should be arriving soon" Shizune said.
"I just hope the food doesn't go to waste if the genins don't change their minds" Kakashi said.
"They better be or I will be very upset the food cost me a lot, so do your best to change their minds are we clear?" the slug sanin said through clenching teeth.
"Yes Hokage-sama" they said in unison.
"Kakashi I want you to talk to Sakura and tell her to come to the meeting room at exactly four hours from now"
"Yes Hokage-sama" the mask jounin said.
"Good that will be all you're all dismissed"
They nodded before leaving the office Tsunade took a small bottle of sake from her drawer and poured some on a glass.
"Will they forgive her?" ask Shizune.
"I hope so, no one deserves to live and isolated life and suffer for a terrible error even if that mistake caused Sakura her friendship with Naruto"
(Tsunade-sama is very worry about Sakura because she sees herself in her, now that I think about it her relation with Jiraiya-sama it's the same as Naruto-kun and Sakura-san) Shizune thought.
Tsunade sighed while drinking the sake (I hope Jiraiya gets the message I send him soon)
Village (lighting country territory)
Jiriaya and Naruto were in the village square, Naruto was about to start his new exercise as part of his training trip well according to the toad sanin. Naruto thought that this was a waste of time just how in the heck he was going to become strong by doing this, to him it was completely pointless. He has aksed himself plenty of times how does complimenting women on their looks will help him become a strong ninja, he was so annoyed knowing very well this wasn't real training the perverted hermit was only wasting his time to train. Jiraiya looked at all the potential candidates walking by the streets they were a lot of beautiful women they all look like they were in their late teens or early twenties, He drooled while having a small nose bleed he loves his women young, most of them have nice bodies like a nice butt, legs and the most important of them all to the toad sanin chest.
He grinned seeing the perfect girl for Naruto's test, he spotted a girl who seems to be around eighteen with brown hair and blue eyes she was wearing a purple kimono. He had a small nose bleed seeing that she had a nice body at least a nice chest and legs, yes she was perfect for his student to begin his exercise.
"I found you the test subject Naruto" he said getting the attention of the blond ninja.
"Where?"
"She's in front of you the brunette with the purple kimono now go to her and give her a nice compliment"
Naruto gasp seeing her" hey pervy hermit she seems older than me are you sure, didn't you tell me that I should find girls my age"
"Just do it Naruto remember to be polite and don't do anything that might make her nervous or mad now go"
He nodded and gave a look of determination to his target and went to her, he reached her ready to call to her remembering everything that his teacher told him.
"Excuse me lady"
The eighteen year old brunette looked at him" yes can I help you?"
"Um….you're very pretty" he smile at her it was a very genuine smile.
The brunette teen blushed a little while smiling" well aren't you a polite boy thank you what's your name?"
"It's Uzumaki Naruto remember it believe it" he gave her his fox grin.
"Uzumaki Naruto don't worry I will and my name is Tsubaki Mai"
"It's nice to meet you Mai-chan" he smile while she blush at the suffix, he gaze into her eyes" whoa Mai-chan you have very beautiful eyes"
The brunette blushed again at his compliment and smiled at him making sure he looks at her" Naruto you really are quite a gentlemen, you're kind of cute and those whiskers make look adorable I will like to get to know you better"
Naruto blush while he was cheering in his head (hey this is pretty easy than I thought and it's kind of fun no wonder the pervy hermit likes to do it a lot)
Jiraiya was watching with a satisfactory grin feeling very proud of his student (looking at him he's already a pro like Minato of course he still needs more experience if he wants to become like me)
Suddenly Mai chuckle" well Naruto I'll see you later"
"What…hey wait a minute I though you said you wanted to get to know me better?"
She giggle as she was ready to leave" yes I did, but when you're a few years older then I we'll be interested in getting to know you better"
Naruto was dumbfounded" wait I.." he took a step before he trip and landed in front of Mai.
Jiriaya grin seeing the most amusing sight ever, Naruto did landed in front of the brunette face first on her chest. Mai blushed feeling the blond's ninja face on her breasts she has never felt so embarrassed in her entire life. Naruto has taken his face of the brunettes' chest, he gulp while she was glaring at him anger taken over her system.
"Wait Mai-chan it was an accident"
"YOU PERVERT"
SLAP
Naruto's left cheek was hit hard by the slap from the angry brunette, she left not even giving him a second glance however he never saw that Mai giggle in the distance. He rubbed his cheek in pain having the bright red mark from her hand, he notice that some of the women that were passing by were giving him disgusted look he had it coming for his clumsiness. He sighed in relief, thinking if he did that to Sakura she would've punched him hard putting him in a coma thank goodness Mai wasn't like his pink haired teammate.
Jiriaya sweat dropped at the scene that just occurred (looks like I spoke too soon he has a lot to learn before becoming a ladies' man, well I am going to do my research before Naruto starts looking for me) he vanish in a cloud of smoke.
Naruto looked at the direction where Jiriaya was, he growl realizing that he was gone (ah damn it he did it again he left me hanging, I have to find him so we can continue with the real training I'll have to search the whole town to find him) he knew an easier way to search for him, he made a cross hand seal" SHADOW CLONE JUTSU"
Ten Naruto clones appeared" all right everyone split up and find the pervy hermit"
"Roger" the clones said in unison.
Yakiniku Q restaurant Konoha (fire country territory)
Team ten were eating in their usual eating place, at least for Chouji it's his favorite place to eat bbq pork. Asuma looked at his team they were all acting like they usually do, Shikamaru was sighing muttering that he wanted to go cloud watching and saying troublesome too, Chouji was stuffing his mouth with the bbq pork. He chuckle three months ago he was almost at the brink of death getting all injure while he was on the mission to retrieve Sasuke, thankfully he manage to pull through and get better now he was back to normal eating like there was no tomorrow. He gaze into the person next to him Ino who was eating her bbq pork, well she wasn't eating just gazing at her meal with a daze off look. He could tell what was wrong with her, she didn't look like it but she was worry for her best friend's change in the past three months and it was obviously bothering her. Even if she was still upset for what Sakura said to Naruto at the hospital she was still worry about her, it couldn't be help Sakura was her best friend since they were kids and she felt terrible for throwing away her friendship with the pink haired genin for the Uchiha traitor.
He cleared his throat to get the attention of his team" everyone I have something important to tell you all" he remember the meeting with Tsunade.
The three ninjas were waiting for their jounin captain to speak up not knowing what it was about" everyone we must talk about Sakura"
"What about her Asuma sensei?" ask the Yamanaka.
"Well I'm sure you have all notice her sudden change in these past months right?"
"I guess she has been dedicating her time to her training with the Hokage a lot, I don't see what's the big deal is, she must've realize that she wasn't as strong as she thought so she decided to get stronger" Shikamaru said.
"Yeah I think she has change for the better so there's nothing wrong with that" Chouji said while taking another bite of pork.
Ino frowned at her teammate's comment while Asuma sighed taking a cigarette and his lighter" that's not what I'm talking about Chouji, this is about the treatment you all have been giving her for the past months"
Shikamaru and Chouji stopped on their actions and gaze at the jounin while Ino nodded in agreement she was very relief to hear her teacher say that, looks like Asuma was finally going to shine some reason on her two teammates about their treatment towards her best friend.
"Asuma sensei we haven't said a word that will insult her" Shikamaru said.
"I know but you have been ignoring her, whenever you see her you will just turned and walk the other way instead of talking to her and asking her how she was doing" Asuma said.
"She seems to be all right with me Asuma sensei" Chouji said.
Ino growl not liking the Akimichi's comment" listen Chouji she is NOT fine at all, she is taking all of this very hard I can tell she's in pain and hurt I understand that after everything she has done to Naruto she deserves this kind of treatment but enough is enough she has learned her mistake now it's time we apologize to her, I mean Naruto is our friend isn't Sakura our friend too?"
Both Shikamaru and Chouji were shocked at her sudden outburst tears were forming at the corner of her eyes.
"Ino…." Asuma said shock too he knew that she was still talking to Sakura, but he wasn't expecting her to defend her friend so highly.
"She's really suffering….a lot she has change, she's not the same Sakura I once knew it's like she has become into a whole new different person hurt by the pain of guilt we have to do something"
"I agree with Ino that's why I want the two of you to apologize to Sakura, Hokage-sama has order a meeting with the rest of the genins and the jounins to apologize to her" Asuma said while looking at Shikamaru and Chouji.
"So we are going to give her an apology party will there be food?" ask Chouji as always thinking with his stomach while the rest sweat dropped at his comment.
"Yes there will be food Chouji but that's not the point, the point is I want you and Shikamaru to apologize to her"
"Troublesome" the lazy chunin mutter" look Asuma sensei I don't know if I'm ready to forgive Sakura yet, she has hurt Naruto's feelings back at the hospital and not just at the hospital but almost in his entire life I think we should give her more time so she can understand the meaning and pain of hurting someone else's feelings"
"But she has realize her mistake and pain Shikamaru didn't you listen to what I just said, she's really hurt for what she did that she has dedicated herself to become a strong ninja to serve the village and maybe gain Naruto's trust once again" Ino said.
"I'm with Shikamaru Ino" Chouji said as he resume to eat the bbq pork" you don't know how it feels to have your feelings hurt I know that quite well, it's hard to forgive those who have mistreated you in your life" his eyes soften remembering the past when the children used to picked on him and teased him because of his weight.
"You're one to talk Chouji, you forgive Ino for that prank she pulled on you when we were younger" Shikamaru said while Asuma smirk.
Ino gasp while Chouji's eyes remembering when they were little, Ino pushed him to a puddle of mud, he felt like crying he remembered the children laughing at him and calling him pig like he was a real one rolling on the mud. Ino felt terrible with herself, she remembers that day like it was yesterday and how much she regretted doing that to him since he has become a good friend and teammate. She was expecting Chouji to get angry with her, to glare at her and not even wanting to see her face but she was wrong. She gazed at the Akimichi to see the anger on his face, but he was calm while he stopped on devouring the bbq pork in front of him.
"Chouji I…." Ino said.
"It's okay Ino I'm not angry at you like Shikamaru said I forgave you for doing that to me" he said as he resumed his eating.
The Yamanka smile" thank you Chouji"
"Of course I forgive you after all you're my teammate and my friend……" Chouji's eyes widened in realization while Shikamaru nodded, figuring out his friends' reaction.
"Yeah Chouji you forgave Ino because she's our friend even after what she did to you, the same goes to Sakura she's one of us and our friend" Shikamaru said.
Asuma chuckle" well looks like you two have realize the meaning to forgive a friend, Chouji you could've hate Ino for what she did to you years ago but you chose to forgive her because you knew she didn't mean no harm"
"Yeah I know what you mean Asuma sensei its true I was hurt and angry with Ino when she did that, everyone was laughing at me it really hurt" Chouji said.
"Then imagine how Sakura must be feeling right now" Asuma said.
Shikamaru sighed" we now understand what you're trying to tell us Asuma sensei but I still don't know whether to forgive her or not"
"Shikamaru" Ino said in a scolding tone she wanted him to forgive her best friend.
"It's all right Ino, I am not obliging you to forgive Sakura I only want you to think things through you're good at that Shikamaru"
The lazy chunin sighed again" man this whole thing is so troublesome, fine I'll think about it"
"Me too I think Sakura deserves a second chance" Chouji said.
"Good then you two have until this afternoon to decided if you want to forgive her we'll be waiting for her at the Hokage towers meeting room"
"What about you Ino?" Shikamaru said.
"What do you mean?" ask the bleach blond.
"You know forgive Sakura, even if you're still talking to her you still haven't forgiven her for what she did you told me that"
"You're right I guess I won't forgive her until Naruto returns and she forgives him, but I'm still going to be supporting her she's still my friend"
Asuma smile (at least I have those thinking things through maybe they will forgive her sooner than I think)
In a dango shop
Team eight was having some dango, Kurenai has invited her team to eat and she didn't do it because she has to talk to them about the meeting with Tsunade, but she also likes treating her team to eat. Kiba was enjoying the dango while offering some to his dog Akamaru, Shino was quiet and eating and the same with Hinata. She hoped that she could convince them to forgive Sakura, at least Hinata will take her side since she's still talking to the pink haired genin maybe it wasn't going to be so hard after all.
(I hope this works) she thought while clearing her throat to speak" all right everyone I have something to tell you, it's something important so I hope you listen to what I have to say"
"What is it Kurenai sensei?" ask Kiba.
"I know that you have been ignoring and disrespecting Sakura during these past months" she gaze at Kiba hearing about what happened at the library a few days ago" I want you to think about forgiving Sakura"
Kiba was surprise along with Shino and Hinata has a small smile expecting that her team will agree to forgive her.
"Why would we do that?" ask the Inuzuka and Akamaru bark in agreement with his master.
"I know that what Sakura did to Naruto at the hospital was wrong and uncalled for, but I think it's time that you all think about her own feelings Naruto is not the only one who's hurt but Sakura as well"
"Are you asking us to forgive her?" said a shocked Kiba.
"Yes I don't want to oblige any of you in making up your mind to forgive her, however I want you to think about Sakura's feelings how she must be hurting her sudden change in the past months"
"No way I am not apologizing to her" Kiba said while crossing his arms and Akamaru bark in agreement.
"Kiba-kun how could you?" Hinata said not sounding happy for her teammate's response.
"Hey its true why should I apologize to her she has always caused Naruto nothing but pain and yet he let himself to be played by her like it didn't bother him, until he finally stood up to her at the hospital I will respect Naruto's decision for what he did to her so my answer is no"
"It was wrong for Sakura-san to say those mean things to Naruto-kun but now she has regreted saying those words to him I can tell that she has realized her mistake, right now she's training hard to prove herself worthy to become a strong ninja and someday she wishes for Naruto-kun to forgive her" Hinata said.
"My answer is still the same" the Inuzuka grumble.
Kurenai sighed looking at the other genin in her team" well Shino what about you?"
The Aburame took a piece of dango from his stick and swallow it, before looking back at his teacher and teammates" I agree with you Kurenai sensei"
"WHAT?" shouted the shocked Kiba" what do you mean you agree Shino, you want to forgive Sakura?"
"We all make mistakes Kiba, Sakura is one of us a ninja of Konoha and our friend since she has realized her mistake and she's suffering from it I think the least we could do is to give her a second chance don't you think so?"
Kurenai and HInata were both smiling happy to see the Aburame agreeing to forgive Sakura after all they know Shino is not the kind of person to hold any grudges with anyone, Kiba was annoyed at this everyone wanted to apologize to the so called cold hearted bitch.
"Looks like you're the only one who doesn't agree to forgive Sakura Kiba" Kurenai said.
The Inuzuka looked at his dog Akamaru and he was looking at him with an expression that said that maybe you should reconsider your decision, he sighed looking at his team" look I….I don't know okay I can't forgive her after everything she has done to Naruto, always treating him like he was trash after everything he has done for her not to mention almost getting kill by Sasuke along with me and everyone that went to go rescue him"
"Kiba I appreciate that you're defending Naruto so highly but, correct me if I'm wrong but I remember when we were at the academy you used to laugh at him whenever he did his pranks or when he got detention and you also used to called him dead last along with everyone else including Sakura. You used to be like Sakura back at the academy don't you feel guilty like Sakura too?"
Kiba gasp remembering the times at ninja academy, all the times he made fun of Naruto after all everyone used to called him dead last and the times he laughed at him. For a moment he felt guilty of making fun of the blond, he though how Sakura must be feeling for everything she has done to him. He thought about the things he did to her, ignoring her and calling her names maybe he did felt guilty for what he has done to the pink haired genin.
He sighed" okay maybe I kind of….feel guilty I was no different than Sakura back at the academy but still, I don't know if I should forgive her just like that"
Hinata sighed expecting that he will agree to forgive her but it looks like that wasn't going to happen.
"That's quite all right Kiba if you can't decided yet you still have time until this afternoon, Hokage-sama has decided to have a party dedicated to Sakura it will be the best event to apologize to her the rest of the genin teams will be there too" Kurenai said.
"A surprise party to Sakura-san like a birthday party" Hinata said smiling.
"No Hinata I already said it's a party with the purpose to apologize to Sakura and have her back as our friend" Kurenai said.
"An apology party" Shino said while the red eye jounin nodded.
KIba stood quiet and decided to continue eating his dango stick, the rest of the team watched him hoping that he will change his mind even Akamaru soon before this afternoon only one way to find out.
In a training field
Team nine has reunited at the center of the field they just finished their daily training routines, Neji finished his sparing with Tenten and Gai finished their daily schedule running five hundred laps around the village. Gai has called his team to the training field to discuss about Tsunade's party for Sakura and their behavior around her, once Gai saw the expressions of his team waiting to tell them what was this team meeting about he smiled to them.
"All right team I have called all of you here for a very important reason"
"Yes Gai sense!!!!" Lee said in his usual energetic tone.
"Well this concerns about your behavior around Sakura"
Once Gai said that the team changed their expressions to disappointment and anger, the taijutsu master saw his pupil Lee who was staring at the ground Tenten was trying to avoid the topic and Neji was upset.
"Now team I know that you're all quite disappointed and upset for what Sakura did to Naruto a few months ago, but she been acting quite unyouthful and I believe it's time that we should give her another chance"
"You mean like forgive her" Neji said in a cold tone.
"Yes now how about we welcome Sakura back with our flame of youth" Gai said while looking at his team Neji and Tenten look like they were not interested in the least, he gaze at his student" come on Lee don't you want to forgive Sakura, isn't she the girl that you like don't you want to show her your youthful love?"
"Gai sensei I….." Lee paused he knew how he felt about Sakura now and he couldn't have her as a girlfriend that is, he was too disappointed with her and he didn't know whether to forgive her or not.
"Lee" Gai said getting worry for his student.
"Lee no longer likes Sakura like that Gai sensei" Tenten answer for her teammate" after what she did to Naruto at the hospital he figure out that she's not worthy of him isn't that right Lee?"
Lee nodded slowly while" yeah…..that's right I'm sorry Gai sensei"
"That's quite all right Lee I know you're a little disappointed in Sakura but we should give her another chance"
"Why should we?" ask Neji in a anger tone" it's pretty clear that Sakura doesn't treat her teammates the right way putting Naruto aside while she cling to a traitor, she didn't even care when Naruto got injure at the hands of that traitor she could care less what happens to him. I'm sorry Gai sensei but I won't forgive Sakura I don't think I will ever will"
Gai sighed while looking at the only girl from his team" what about you Tenten?"
"I'm with Neji what Sakura did to Naruto is unforgivable, and that's not all she has never taken priorities in her ninja duties it was always Sasuke this and Sasuke that she should really focus more on her training than trying to impress someone who has become a traitor to the village"
"And right now she has learned her lesson and she has probably regretted everything she did to him, as fellow Konoha ninjas I think it's our responsibility to help out one of our own let's help her and give her another chance what do you say it's the youthful way" Gai said while giving the nice guy pose.
Neji and Tenten didn't pay attention looks like they have made up their mind, suddenly look back at his teacher" Gai sensei I've made up my mind"
"So you have eh then what it will be Lee?"
"I may not like Sakura-san like that anymore but she's still my friend, I will forgive her after all that's the youthful way" his eyes were burning with his flame of youth.
"Yes that's the way Lee I'm proud of you"
"GAI SENSEI!!!"
"LEE!!!"
"GAI SENSEI!!!"
They hugged each other creating the scenery of a sunny beach while Neji and Tenten sweat dropped.
"Well if this has been settle then I believe this meeting is over I'm leaving" Neji said as he started to walk out.
"Wait Neji" Gai said stopping the Hyuga prodigy in his tracks" Hokage-sama will held a party in the afternoon at the meeting room of the Hokage tower it will be dedicated to Sakura everyone will be there"
"Is that where they will apologize to her because I already said I'm not interested in apologizing to her now if you'll excuse me I'm leaving" he started walking out.
"Wait for me Neji" Tenten said while following him.
"Well Lee looks like you and me are the only ones who will be coming to the party" Gai said.
"Yes Gai sensei I am looking forward to go to the party"
"All right since we still have time before the party starts how about we give a hundred laps around the village as a warm up exercise"
"Yosh I'm up to it Gai sensei"
The two left the field running at high speed.
Near the library
Kakashi watched as Sakura was leaving the library carrying a couple of books no doubt she has been concentrating a lot on her training even if training with Tsunade was hard because of her strict attitude. He went to her hoping that she will accept the invitation to go to the party, of course he needed to lie about the party and tell her something else instead. One thing he has realize from the pink haired genin she was now showing a fake smile to hide the pain she was feeling, it reminded him so much of Naruto to hide his suffering from the hatred of the villagers. Now it was Sakura the one who was suffering because what she did to the blond, he even wonder if she will return back to normal it will all depend when Naruto returns to the village.
Sakura saw her teacher and went to him giving him her fake smile" oh Kakashi sensei how are you doing?"
"Yo Sakura I'm doing fine, you seem to be busy"
"What else is new Tsunade-sama is keeping me busy with the training I just left the library with more books about medicine I hope I had the time to read them, because later I have a shift at the hospital"
(She has really taken her training seriously, looks like Naruto's words have really motivated her to become strong if he only knew) "Sakura I know you are very busy but I must tell you something important, Hokage-sama will be having an important meeting at the meeting hall of the Hokage tower and she has told me to tell you that she needs your presence at the meeting"
The pink haired genin was really surprise by the information" what are you sure Kakashi sensei, usually those kinds of meetings that Tsunade-sama holds are for members of the council why would she want me to be there?"
"I really don't know myself, she hasn't let me in on all the details but she only told me that it was very important and she is requiring your presence at the meeting I suggest you go"
"I see, but what about my shift at the hospital?"
"That will be all right Sakura I'm sure Hokage-sama won't mind since she wants you to be at the meeting, she will assigned you to work at the hospital another day"
"All right then I will go"
"Good the meeting is in the afternoon so you still have some time before the meeting starts, well that would be all I'll see you later" with that said Kakashi vanished in a cloud of smoke.
(I wonder what does Tsunade-sama wants to talk to me about at the meeting, it must be something very important I still have time to read a couple of the books before the meeting begins) she started walking to her house while Kakashi was watching from the roof of the library.
(Well so far everything is going according to Hokage-sama's plan I hope it works and helps Sakura from her pain)
Village (lighting country territory)
Naruto has been walking around the town for hours and he still couldn't find any trace of his perverted teacher anywhere, his shadow clones have been up and down and they still haven't found him yet. He wasn't so annoyed at the toad sanin, instead of focusing on his training he was focusing on his so called research or maybe it was to be with women and drink sake with them. He took another turn in a corner of the street it was the same full of people and lots of shops and restaurants no sign of Jiraiya yet. After a couple of minutes he groan in annoyance, he finally gave up and dispelled the clones wherever his teacher was he wasn't going to find him that easily knowing that the village was quite big. He sighed and decided to wait for him at the inn they are staying, once he returns to their room he will let Jiriaya have it for leaving him to do his perverted research.
While walking the streets he notice something in a dark gutter, when he enter the gutter he saw a blue colored tent with stars and moons designs he really didn't know what kind of shop it was until he saw the sing at the entrance. He read it and it said "fortune teller she knows everything try one reading for free", he got curious for a moment not that he actually believe in such things as people who can predict the outcomes of the future. He entered the tent and saw a young beautiful woman who seems to be in her late twenties with blue eyes, she was wearing a blue headband covering her hair and a blue and green gipsy outfit she was seated on a small table with a crystal ball.
The gipsy smiled at him" welcome Uzumaki Naruto I've been expecting you please have a seat"
"Okay" he was about to get seated until he freak out" hey WHAT THE how….how do you know my name I haven't even introduce myself to you and you already know my name…."
The gipsy giggle" my crystal ball told me you were coming here to visit me, it seems you have come to me looking for some answers"
"As a matter of fact I do, all right if you do know everything then tell me where's the pervy hermit?" he smirk in his mind (this will prove if she really knows everything like she says)
"All right" she started roaming her hands through the crystal ball" yes I can see him, the one you called pervy hermit is Jiriaya one of Konoha's legendary sanins I guess it's pretty obvious why you called him that with his personality"
Naruto was shocked while looking at the crystal ball trying to see something but he couldn't (no way how did she knew that, it must be a fluke yeah that's right I mean the pervy hermit is very famous and all so I will continue to test her) "whoa you got that right lady, so how about telling me where he is?"
"Very well" she roamed her hands once again on the crystal ball while the blond was looking at the sphere annoyed.
(What's the big deal I don't see a thing)
"Yes I can see him Jiriaya is currently at the hot baths in this village, he's peeping at the women" she said with a sweat dropped on the back of her head.
"Of course I should've known he was going to be peeping at the hot baths, why I didn't thought about it before he will always be a pervert" he was in awe at the skills of the fortune teller (wow she really do knows everything she's amazing) "thanks for telling me lady you really know everything, well I better go and find that pervy hermit before he gets in trouble"
"Actually he has already gotten in trouble" the gipsy said while sweat dropping" right now he was caught peeping and the women are chasing him like there's no tomorrow, however he will get away from them and hide to safety"
"Wow I can't believe you saw all that, that pervy hermit will never change he really had it coming, well thanks again for telling me I have to go"
"Wait Naruto you still have something else to ask me I know"
"I guess I do but I don't have any money in me right now sorry"
"That would be all right I can charge you for free"
"What, are you sure because the sing outside says one reading for free"
"Yes I am I will charge your readings on the house but only for today" she smile at him.
"Okay thanks" he finally got seated watching the crystal ball.
"So what do you want me to tell you Naruto?"
"I don't know you're the fortune teller you tell me" he smirked while she giggled.
"How true very well, you want to know about your life when it comes to money health and love is that it?"
"Right on the nail lady"
"All right let's see when it comes to wealth, you don't have that much of money but I can see it in the near future I can see that you will inherited a lot of money, your very lucky Naruto" she roamed her hands through the crystal.
"Really I' m going to be rich that seems a little hard to believe from who I will inherited that money from?"
"I can't tell you but you will know someday"
"What, oh come on you can't be serious I thought you were supposed to tell me everything I want to know why won't you tell me?" he said annoyed.
"Sometimes it's best to know when the right time comes and right now this is not the time I'm sorry Naruto"
The blond crossed his arms in annoyance" fine whatever what else you are going to tell me?"
"Next is health, since you're a ninja of Konoha you are in top shape and very healthy even if you're the jinchurikki of the nine tails fox"
Naruto's cerulean eyes widened" so you knew I was a demon container too"
"I do know everything Naruto" she winked at him.
"Yeah I forgot for a moment" he smirk he didn't know why but for some reason he felt comfortable around the fortune teller, he had this feeling about her not knowing why though.
"And finally we have love, let's see" she continued roaming her hands on her crystal ball" well what do we have here this is quite interesting"
"What is it?" he asked in pure curiosity he already knew that the fortune teller's powers were real after all.
"I can see her Naruto your soul mate your one true love, she's very pretty too" she smile looking at her crystal ball.
Naruto stood quiet for a moment, there was actually one girl he thought that will qualify as his one true love and he knew it was all just a dream it will never happened at least to the girl he was thinking about, a certain pink haired kunoichi.
The fortune teller was a little surprise gazing into her crystal sphere" this is quite unexpected, it seems that both of you have suffer a lot you both have been in so much pain "
"Who is she?" Naruto asked wanting to kill his curiosity already.
She smiled at him" why Naruto you already know who I'm talking about, the girl with the pink hair the one person you have held so close in your heart"
The blond jincurikki's expression was so shocked he couldn't believe what he just heard, there was only one girl with pink hair that he knew" it can't be….you mean"
"That's right Naruto I'm talking about your teammate Haruno Sakura she's your one true love and your soul mate"
"No that can't be…..it's not possible she can't be my soul mate she hates me why would she be in pain?"
"You will be surprise Naruto, sometimes the heart can deceived a person misguiding them from their rightful path but once that person finds her path once again he/she finally realize the errors of their past ways and the only thing that is left is pain and guilt"
Naruto didn't believe what she was saying after all why Sakura would be in pain, she hates him she had her precious Uchiha back she should be feeling like the happiest person in the world she has her Sasuke-kun back and the annoying idiot who keeps bugging her asking her out on dates is finally gone from her life for good.
The fortune teller gave a warm smile gazing at her crystal ball" I can see it, both of you are in so much pain but that pain won't last for long in fact that same pain will help the two of you become closer than ever. This pain will be the fuel that will turn your friendship into a powerful bond both of you will be very happy, after all they say that after the storm ends a new shinny bright day is born wouldn't you agree Naruto?"
Naruto wanted to believe her words so much, he felt like crying was she really telling the truth would he and Sakura after what happened at the hospital will they become great friends once again. He knew very well that he and Sakura will never be together as couple it was impossible to achieve, even for someone like him he knew when he had to give up he will never had the heart of the pink haired genin.
The fortune teller turned her gaze from her crystal ball and back to him with a smile" well that will be all about what you want to know"
The blond ninja slowly nodded his head still remembering her words" yeah I guess that's all thank you for telling me even if it was a lie I feel a little better"
"That was no lie Naruto, everything I have just told you it's the truth in time you will understand"
"Well I guess I better get going I have to find the pervy hermit, thanks again for telling me my fortune um…lady……I don't know your name" he scratch the back of his head, it was strange that she knew his name and he didn't knew hers.
She smiled at him" please don't call me lady my name is Kushina"
"Okay thanks Kushina bye"
He left the tent leaving the alley into the streets of the village, he started thinking about everything the fortune teller told him thinking if it was really true (why would Sakura be suffering, she's happy with Sasuke she loves him and she hates me right?) he pause on his thinking, there was no reason to continue pondering such things since he has made up his mind not to return to Konoha.
"Ah there you are Naruto"
Naruto growl recognizing the voice of his perverted teacher, he glare at him" hey pervy hermit you shouldn't have left me so you could go peeping into the hot baths, what about my training?"
"Hey you're forgetting that I'm also a writer and I constantly need to do my research so I could get my inspiration to write my next book"
"And you called that a good excuse to left me hanging, at least things weren't so bad I'm glad I found that fortune teller to keep me busy while you were being a perverted as usual"
This caught the toad sanins attention" what do you mean a fortune teller Naruto?"
"Yeah there's this fortune teller her tent is ahead of this alley" he pointed to the end of the dark alley.
"What are you talking about, there is no fortune teller here I know this town like the back of my hand and I have never heard of a fortune teller being here"
"Fine then I'll take you to her tent is this way come on" he enter the alley while Jiraiya followed him.
When they reached the end of the alley Naruto gasp in shock, the tent was gone the alley was empty the only thing present was a couple of trash cans.
Naruto was in disbelief" what….what's going on where's the tent, I'm telling you pervy hermit her tent was right here I swear that the fortune teller's tent was here I'm not lying to you"
Jiriaya sighed" looks like all the training must be getting to your head, Naruto I have come to this town for years and I have never heard of a fortune teller I think it will be better if you get some rest"
"I am not going crazy I'm telling you her tent was here I talk to her and she told me my fortune and all"
"Fine whatever you say kid, how about if I take you to eat some ramen"
"That sounds good like a great plan now let's go" he left the alley all cheery.
(Well that was fast) he thought in amusement while looking at the alley (a fortune teller yeah right that has to be the biggest joke I have ever heard)
Jiraiya catch up to Naruto and the blond was in deep thought (what's going on was it all just my imagination, maybe I was caught in a genjutsu but it felt too real to be a genjutsu maybe pervy hermit is right and I do need some rest)
Meeting hall Hokage tower (Konoha)
Everyone was present at the room ready to begin the secret party dedicated to Sakura, everyone except for Neji and Tenten who chose not to go. The rest were Kakashi Gai ,Lee,team eight, team ten, Shizune Tsunade and even Iruka who was informed about the party and he couldn't refuse. The chunin teacher finally got a break from his job at the academy, he wanted to help his formal student in any way he could after hearing what happened at the hospital between her and Naruto. In the room there was also a large table with lots of different treats, which Ino and Shikamaru were holding back Chouji because he was ready to devour the tasty food. Most of the people in the group were ready to forgive the pink haired genin others wanted to just help her feel better, while some were still thinking if they should forgive her for her actions towards Naruto.
Tsunade was hoping that this party will work to help Sakura feel better and finally put a stop to her pain, first she has decided to help her no matter what and second she will be very upset if the food for the party will be for nothing after paying a lot of money for it. Shikamaru and Chouji have decided to forgive Sakura, and give her a second chance however like Ino they were expecting her to apologize to Naruto when he returns to the village. Kiba was probably the only one in the genin group who has not made up his mind if he should forgive the pink haired kunoichi, he was still upset with her behavior towards Naruto and still believe that she deserve to be ignore and hated. But after listening to Shino's words back at the dango shop, maybe it wasn't going to be a bad idea to forgive her after all.
Suddenly they all saw the door to the room open and came their guest of honor, as soon as she saw the whole group she wasn't really puzzle not expecting to see the genins present but she definitely not expecting the next thing.
"SURPRISE!!!"
Sakura was really taken back by the statement" what…what's going on, what's all of this?"
Tsunade came to her" welcome Sakura now that you have arrive we can finally begin this special party"
"What, party but I thought you said that there was going to be a meeting here" she was still clueless of what was going on.
"Sakura this is the meeting, well sort of I have decided to throw a party in your honor and everyone else agreed on it" Tsunade said while the jounin nodded.
"But why are you doing this, it's not my birthday so why would you guys bother to throw me a party?"
"Like I said this is a special party and we are dedicating it to you, there are a few people who have been treating wrongly through the months and they are here today to say something to you" she turned to the genins who nodded.
Lee was first" Sakura-san please forgive me for ignoring you, I know you were feeling terrible and I apologize for that so please if it's all right with you can we become friends again?"
"Yeah what he said I'm sorry for not saying a word to you can we be still friends, there I won't make my speech long because it will be too troublesome" Shikamaru said while everyone sweat dropped.
"I agree too we all make mistakes so I hope you accept us back as your friends" Chouji said not really paying attention to his speech because he was focusing more on the delicious food on the table.
Kiba sighed" look Sakura I'm sorry….about what happened at the library and…"
"No" she said suddenly shocking the genins and everyone else present in the room" please don't apologize there's no need to do that" she said in a sorrowful tone.
"What are you talking about Sakura we made this party with the purpose that they apologize to you and welcoming you back as their friend isn't that what you want?" ask the shocked Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama I thank you and everyone else for agreeing to make this party, I really didn't expected this but I can't accept this there is no reason for you guys to apologize to me because I deserve to be hated by all of you"
Lee, Shikamaru, Chouji and Kiba were surprise at her comment, and they weren't the only ones the Jounins and everyone else were quite shocked at her comment. Usually they will expecting that she will smile and accept their apology and they will start the party, hopefully Sakura will change back to normal to her happy self but this was an unexpected turn that they never saw it coming.
Finally Iruka step forward" Sakura I heard what happened between you and Naruto at the hospital a few months ago and I'm really sorry, I know Naruto better than anyone and I'm sure he didn't meant to snapped at you like that he must've been frustrated we all get frustrated. I'm sure he doesn't hate you he cares for you a lot"
"Even if he didn't meant it Iruka sensei I deserve it, we all make mistake but my mistake is too great to be forgiven I have mistreated Naruto since I was a little all because I followed the rest of the village and even when he became part of our genin team I still treated him badly when he was always treating me with so much respect and affection" she gaze back at the shocked group with her fake smile" so please everyone if you hate me then continue to hate me I won't hold it against you" she turn heading to the door.
"Sakura wait!!!" everyone turn to looked at Kakashi" please don't do this to yourself let us help you, nothing good will come if you believe that you deserve this pain that you are going through don't shut us down"
"Kakashi sensei I do deserve this pain more than anyone, Naruto never deserve the treatment he was given by the villagers and myself he has been through worst I do know that now" she thought about Tsunade told her a few days ago, the great burden he was carrying within him" so even if Naruto doesn't hate me I hate myself a lot, Tsunade-sama I have a shift at the hospital I'll be leaving now"
Tsunade could only nod as her student left the room, a huge silent fell on the room for a moment. They were all shocked at what just happened once again they weren't expecting something like this to happen. Some of the people were hurt and worried because of Sakura's behavior among them were Kakashi, Tsunade, Shizune. Iruka, Ino and Hinata.
"What in the world is wrong with that girl?" ask a shocked Kurenai.
"She's punishing herself for what she did, I don't think she'll be the same ever again" Tsunade said.
"Well so much for the party" Asuma said.
Gai had tears in his eyes" Sakura's attitude it's so unyouthful"
"I know Gai sensei" Lee said while joining his teacher in crying like sissy girls.
"I thought this was going to work" Kakashi said.
"You're not the only one who thought about that" Shizune said while Tsunade nodded.
"I feel so bad for Sakura-san" Hinata said.
"I know I feel the same way I have never seen her act like this before" Ino said.
"Troublesome" it's all that Shikamaru said.
"I wasn't expecting her to say something like that, I thought she'll be glad that we were forgiving her" Kiba said while Akamaru bark in agreement.
"Apparently Sakura is too hurt to accept any forgiveness from us, I believe the only one person she will accept forgiveness is from Naruto" Shino said.
"So are we going to eat?" ask Chouji while everyone sweated dropped at his comment.
(Oh well at least the food won't go to waste) Tsunade thought feeling relief that she didn't wasted money for the food.
Village inn (lighting country territory nightfall)
Jiraiya was ready to go to bed it was an interesting day indeed, another day of doing research for his next novel too bad he got caught peeping at the women at the hot baths. He has changed to his blue pajamas ready to call it a night he gaze next to him to find Naruto, already sleeping it couldn't be help after eating so many bowls of ramen these were the results to expect. Suddenly one of messenger's toads appeared to him, he opened the pouch of the small toad taking the messenger scroll and opened it ready to read it.
Jiraiya:
I'm glad to hear about Naruto's progress on the training, I know he will be just fine and become strong. I must informed you about something important, three months ago Uchiha Sasuke left the village again we believe it was Kabuto the one who bailed him out of prison so yes he's with Orochimaru now. I know that Naruto won't be happy with this piece of information, I have dispatched the hunter nins to searched for him he is now an S rank missing nin but there's been no luck in finding anything that will lead us to Orochimaru, knowing that he's always moving from one hide out to another.
I trust that your spy network will find some information on Orochimaru's whereabouts I suggest that you focus more on Orochimaru than Akatsuki, since we only have three years for him to change bodies with Sasuke. Another important matter that has me concern is Sakura she hasn't being herself since the incident at the hospital with Naruto. It's like she has become into this completely different person who only wants to feel the pain of guilt and regret, she has also focus a lot on her training with me not to mention her sudden isolation from the rest of the village. It's kind of scary when I think about it, I never thought I would see someone changing so much in just a couple of months but anyway please tell Naruto about this. You don't know how much Sakura misses him, she wants his forgiveness and his friendship once again I don't want Naruto thinking that she hates him.
I will send you another message in upcoming months.
Tsunade
(Yeah Naruto won't be happy when he finds out about Sasuke after everything he went through to bring him back to Konoha I think I will keep this a secret from him, but maybe he'll be happy when he finds out about Sakura she doesn't hate him)
The messenger toad vanished while Jiraiya lie on his bed and drifted to sleep, knowing very well that tomorrow will be another day of training with his student.
Naruto gasp in shock seeing the bloodied body of Sasuke in front of him, he looked at his hands full of the Uchiha's blood. He couldn't believe it he has just killed his formal best friend and brother, tears started falling on his eyes how could he do something like this it wasn't supposed to end like this. He went next to his body seeing the horrible wound he received at his hands, what was he thinking why did he do it.
"No this can't be happening no I couldn't have done something like this no….Sasuke…NNNOOOOOO"
"SASUKE-KUN!!!"
His eyes widened in terror at the source of the voice, he gaze at Sakura who was shocked and her eyes full of tears seeing the dead body of Sasuke. She rushed to his side while crying his name in pain, she embrace him letting her tears fall while Naruto was crying too feeling the same pain. She suddenly glare at him with so much anger and hatred, Naruto has never seeing her so angry before but he deserve it after what he did to the Uchiha.
"Sakura….I…."
"You did this to him……how could you do….now I see what you are, what you truly are look at you you're a monster"
Naruto noticing that he had his claws, his face had the Kyubi features his cerulean eyes were blood red he couldn't believe Sakura has seen him like this. he gaze back at her and she was still glaring at him with all her anger.
"Sakura I…"
"SHUT UP I don't want to hear nothing from you, you are a MURDER and a mindless beast I HATE YOU"
Naruto woke up on a startle his heart was beating rapidly, he realize it was all just a dream he was back at his room on the inn while next to him was the sleeping Jiraiya. He calmed down and went back to sleep thinking about the pink haired genin, even if she hated him for what he did to her he will keep on loving her no matter what.
(Sakura) he thought while drifting to sleep once again.
Haruno residence Sakura's room (Konoha)
Sakura changed to her pajamas ready to sleep, she needed to wake up early tomorrow was going to be another day of training and she needed the energy. She took a look at the picture of team seven minus Sasuke, on her nightstand,she really missed those days when they were together. Of course she was thinking how much better the team would've been better without the Uchiha traitor, suddenly she remember a very important part of her life one she could never forget.
The first time she met Naruto.
(Flashback to Konoha six years ago)
A six year old pink haired girl wearing a lavender shirt with a red skirt and blue sandals was watching from behind a tree a couple of children her age playing at the playground, she wanted to play with them but she was afraid she was going to be tease because of her forehead. That's why she started acting shy, she was afraid that they will make fun from her, it was always the same whenever she try making friends but maybe today was going to be different for once. Gathering some courage she went to the playground to meet the children, the kids saw her heading their way before she looked at them with a smile.
"Um…hello my name is Sakura…um can I play with you?"
Suddenly the children were shocked looking at her, maybe it was because they have never seen a girl with pink hair but it was the other way around. She has a bad feeling about this, she was hoping that they didn't tease her like usual.
She was wrong seeing that the kids started laughing.
"Wow look at that"
"Yeah her forehead is so big" a girl said.
"It's bigger than her face"
They laughed again while the little Sakura had tears on her eyes" no…please don't…"
"Forehead girl forehead girl forehead girl…." they continued teasing her while laughing.
Sakura had enough she left the playground running while crying, the children were still laughing but she never notice that a lonely boy her age just watched the tormenting scene. Sakura stopped running sitting on a tree, she continued to cry why this does always has to happen to her she hated so much having a big forehead, why couldn't she have a normal size forehead like everyone else. She hugged her knees and continue to sob, suddenly she felt someone near her she obviously thought it was one of those kids to make fun of her.
"Go away leave me alone"
"What's wrong why are you crying?"
"Those meanies made fun of me, don't look at me I'm hideous"
"Why?" the young voice said full of concern.
"Because….my forehead is so big I hate it so much, everyone makes fun of me I don't have any friends I am so lonely"
The little boy stood quiet of course he was very familiar with the word lonely after all he has always been lonely since he was born, everywhere he looked the people were always giving him hateful looks like they hated him a lot even if he didn't know why.
"Don't worry I won't make fun of you, I'm lonely too"
At this Sakura finally rose her head to meet the boy, he had messy blond hair and cerulean eyes he also had whiskers marks on both of his cheeks. He was wearing a white shirt with the leaf symbol of Konoha printed on the shirt he had black shorts and blue sandals.
He gave her a big smile" I'm Naruto"
"Um….I'm Sakura aren't you going to make fun of me"
"I told you I wasn't going to make fun of you"
"But look at me my forehead is so big don't you find it hideous?" she dried her tears while more started coming out.
Naruto looked at her forehead and it was very wide, he only smile at her" so what if you have a big forehead I think it's very cute"
Sakura gasp while her cheeks blushed slightly, this was the first time someone has said that her forehead was cute" you….you really mean that?"
"Yeah its very cute, Sakura-chan you should show it proudly so everyone can see the very thing that makes you different from the rest"
Sakura blushed again and smile feeling all her sadness vanishing completely she dried her tears" thank you Naruto you will be my friend right?"
"Of course I'll be your friend as long as you're my friend too"
"Yeah"
(One week later)
Sakura was playing at the playground with her new best friend Ino she had short blond hair and aqua eyes she was wearing an orange dress with blue sandals they were both enjoying themselves, not to mention that they were so much alike it was no wonder why they became friends in the first place. So far Ino has defended her against the other children who were always teasing her of her forehead, Sakura was very happy to have Ino around to scare her bullies away. Suddenly Sakura saw someone familiar heading to the playground, she smile recognizing Naruto she was about to ran to him happy to see him until Ino stopped her in her tracks.
"Ino what are you doing?"
"Sakura don't go near him, he's bad my mommy hates him all of the adults hate him they say he's a monster"
"But Naruto is my friend"
"No he's not, ignore him okay he's mean my mommy also told me to hit him if you have the chance"
"But Ino I…"
"Don't worry if you pushed him around no one will scold you because you did wrong" Ino said while smiling.
Sakura was in deep thought until Naruto came to her wearing a big smile, Ino however glare at him which the blond ignore.
"Sakura-chan I'm so happy to see you want to play with me?"
Sakura looked at Ino who only shook her head negatively then she looked back at Naruto who was still smiling, suddenly the unexpected happened to the blond Sakura glare at him just like all of the adults.
"Stay away from me you're annoying" she pushed him to the ground hard.
Ino laugh" good job Sakura let's go back to my mommy's house to play with my doll collection"
Sakura smile while nodding they left the playground leaving a heartbroken Naruto behind, when he got back up a silent tear fell from his left cheek.
(End of flashback)
Sakura was sobbing hard remembering the painful memory, she lie on her bed and hugged her knees feeling the pain in her heart getting worse. She started thinking all the things she did to Naruto after that day, never in her entire life has she felt so miserable how she wished that Naruto was here to tell him how sorry she felt. But she knew it wasn't going to happen knowing that he won't return for five years, the only thing she could ask herself is will he forgive her after all the pain she has caused him.
(Naruto I'm so sorry)
To be continued
Well Sakura hates herself and she feels miserable, can she feel worse than she is now I think she will. Please remember to review I hope you guys enjoy this long chapter(15,568 words). I'm so happy that Hinata is not dead hopefully by next chapter Sakura will heal her yeah so go Sakura, the only thing that really has me worry is Pain's secret technique I hope it doesn't stop six tail Kyubi Naruto I guess we'll find out next week.
Next chapter: To Mt. Myobokuzan the realm of the toads
IMPORTANT NOTICE: to all the fans of the story I have decided to keep the pairings poll a while longer, exactly to three weeks so everyone can have their chance to vote for the pairigns of his/her choice thank you and see you next time.