Their first training session was the bell test. But because there were four of them they had been spilt in teams of two. Sasuke with Naruto and Gaara with Sakura. In the end though it was still Naruto who ended up being tied up. He knew well what he had to do. It was teamwork. It was always the answer. Never leave behind your friend. Because if you do then your lower then scum. Sasuke had been the one to offer his lunch first and then Sakura and Gaara just shoved noodles in his mouth (Naruto believed Gaara tried to kill him and accused him. Really Gaara was getting him back for being unable to eat breakfast). Kakashi had poofed in and passed them. Of course he had to explain to them why they passed.
Soon after that though they began going on small missions here and there. Often times Naruto would put himself in danger and be the one to rescue Sasuke and Sakura. Gaara had the sand as protection and Kakashi was skilled. Some missions were too familiar and Naruto would lose control. Screaming at their attacker and losing control. Everyone was concerned though didn't show it.
Then it came for Gaara to go back to the sand. Naruto knew it was coming; he was after all the one who planned it. Gaara would "team" up with Orochimaru in order to attack the leaf village. But first Gaara had to gain his trust. This would take several months perhaps a year at most.
When he left they went on a mission and came across Zabuza. This would also be the mission that Sasuke would start using his sharigan. Itachi hadn't known this; Naruto had decided to keep the older Uchiha in the dark. He knew too much already. He was kept busy with missions and that helped Naruto. He knew he was too close to Itachi already. He was scared about being the older raven; he can admit that. He wasn't use to having the affection. Well that type of affection. Sure he remembered Hinita having her crush on him and acting like a love struck girl when he was close but he never felt anything about it. But when it came to Itachi everything in his body was set off. He knew what he felt but he couldn't accept. He chalked it up to teenage hormones and the need of wanting that type of affection when he was younger and still in his teens.
Sakura was busy keeping the bridge builder safe while he, Sasuke and Kakashi were fighting the demon assassin. Naruto had vowed to "never give up". He felt nostalgic when he spoke. Because even now he refused to give up. He would keep going until he won. But the war was something he couldn't keep fighting by himself. He couldn't keep letting the lives of others die and families be destroyed. Only more hate and destruction would come from it.
It was then when Kakashi had his eye showing and Zabuza against the tree did Haku come out and "kill" him. Naruto felt the air rush out of him at seeing the other boy. He wanted to save them...give them another chance. His eyes lit up slowly.
I can give them another chance...
His thoughts were stopped as his team watched Haku take the body away.
"Come on. We better keep going." Kakashi instructed as they walked still on alert.
When they reached the old man's house, well someone's house. Naruto met the same little boy who lost his father. He forgets if it was his sister or his mother that was looking after him. But it was also when Naruto and Sasuke tried to beat each other by climbing the trees. Really Naruto knew he would win but it was fun to rival with Sasuke again. To wear themselves out to the point of exhaustion and helping each other back to the small house. God Naruto felt like just hugging Sasuke. He had missed his brother so much and it was painful to re-live the happiest moments in his 'past' life.
But the most painful one was the one he was re-living now.
"Splash the water Naruto up in the air!" Sasuke shouted to him as they were trapped in Haku's ice mirrors. Naruto was already scratched up and needles in him as he did what he was told. He knew Sasuke was starting to see the patterns. Where Haku was crossing and his speed. Predicting his next move. Some mistakes though are made twice and Naruto had tried to run out of the mirrors but Haku had blasted him back causing him to groan.
It was then that Haku aimed his needles at him that Naruto eyes widen. His heart sped up and his body shook as he saw Sasuke standing in front of him protecting him.
"W-Why..." Naruto asked his voice shaky.
"I didn't ask for your help!" He watched as Sasuke smirked as he fell his eyes showing some relief.
"My body moved on its own...dobe." Naruto saw everything in slow motion. His teammate falling to the ground. He knew he was alive now but the memories resurfaced and all the feelings rushed back to him. The agony, the hopelessness. Being angry.
Naruto held Sasuke's head in his lap as he grew angry. His eyes spilling hot tears.
"It hurts losing him the second time..." He whispered as the red chakra swirled around mixing with the blue. His eyes fading to red and his nails growing longer. His teeth turning sharp.
"But...I forgive you..." He had control of the fox demon in him but he occosionally turned into the second form. Soon Naruto attacked breaking the mirrors. Haku went flying out of them his mask cracking and then falling off when he stood up his eyes on Naruto.
"Why do you protect him huh? Why!" Naruto growled out as he forced himself to calm down.
"I am his tool." The recognition of those words made Naruto calm down. His eyes turning back to their blue hue.
"Kill me. I'm no use to him anymore. I deserve to die now that I can't be useful to him." Naruto took a step back.
"I can't." Haku moved forward forcing Naruto's hand around his throat.
"Is that all you think you are? His tool? Your more than that Haku. Your more than a tool." Naruto heard his own voice. He was pleading with him. Even now.
Haku gave a sad smile. He told his tale and Naruto could just see it play in his head. He realized that he had opened a link but this time it was Haku's memories he was seeing. He felt everything Haku did and he knew that Haku would make a good friend. But even if he couldn't see it he knew Haku was in love with Zabazu. But the link was gone. Haku was gone and Naruto realized he was crying again.
"At least he will realize what you mean to him." Naruto rushed forward though and winced at what he saw. Kakashi's hand in Haku's chest and Zabuza safe. His arms useless.
Kakashi took his hand out and watched as Haku fell. It was then the 'lord' came. Naruto felt his anger spike when he come over and kicked Haku's face.
"Are you going to let him do that to him?" Naruto shouted to the other demon who said nothing.
"He sacrificed himself for you! How could you let him do that? Do you know what you meant to him huh?" Naruto shouted as he was held back by Kakashi.
"You were his life! He lived for you! His last seconds of living and he wasted it for you, you-"
"Shut up..." Zabuza spoke finally.
"Just...please shut up." Naruto fisted his hands but knew what was going to happen.
"Haku...a stupid little kid...all he was a tool. To me...at least I told myself that. He was more. So much more." Zabuza was crying but soon his face bandages were ripped.
"Kakashi I know you have to but give me one of your weapons." Kakashi didn't hesitate as he tossed one. Zabuza catched it in his mouth and soon he was off.
Naruto watched as the other was stabbed and beat as he finally killed the lord and then the villagers coming out to help them fight. When the other rouge ninjas were driven away, Naruto moved over to the two bodies while the others were distracted.
"I'll explain everything later...for now keep hidden." He whispered as he preformed hand seals and began to heal them. Well more like practically revive them. It took a lot of his chakra too restart Haku's heart and keep Zabuza's beating.
"Brat...what are you doing?" Muttered the demon and Naruto gave a weak smile.
"Giving you two another chance. I'll send you somewhere safe. Wait for me to meet you there. Haku won't wake for a few days but when he does he will be very sore." Naruto himself was growing weak as he used another burst of chakra and preformed a jutsu. Sending the two to a safe area.
Afterwards no one questioned where their bodies went. They stayed until the bridge was done and as they walked on at that finished bridge Naruto couldn't help but smile.
"Oi! Next to time don't jump in front of me bastard!" Naruto suddenly shouted at Sasuke who smirked.
"Why? Don't like knowing your weak?" Sasuke shot back. Naruto snorted sticking his tongue out.
"Just don't like seeing my best friend hurt." He said with a wide grin causing Sasuke to roll his eyes.
"As if loser." Naruto laughed and Sasuke hid his smile.
"Admit it. You like being my best friend. Never a dull day!" Naruto exclaimed happily and Sasuke this time snorted.
"No it's always a dull day with you."
"Asshole."
"Dobe."
"Bastard."
"Screw you."
"You offering?"
"Naruto!" Naruto laughed again as Sasuke chased after him a little pink on his face.
These are the memories I cherish...don't change Sasuke. Don't leave with him...please...
After getting back they reported their mission and of course Kakashi telling them that the mission was actually ranked higher than a C mission. More like an A rank with them almost dying.
Itachi unfortunately was there when they were making their report. Of course he fussed over Sasuke but the same night he came to Naruto showing his concern. Asking him why he didn't tell him and just wanting to know if he was really alright. Naruto just smiled.
"I'm fine Itachi. Go home okay?" For a second Itachi seemed hurt but he didn't want to push Naruto and nodded.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" Naruto had to think. He was spent and needed rest. His chakra level was low. He wasn't even sure if he would wake up tomorrow.
"I'll come see you tomorrow. I'll come by I promise." Naruto forced a smile to his face yet again the same hesitant feelings returning.
After he left Naruto took a shower and went straight to bed. He was to tired to think.
Time Skip - 6 months
Naruto POV
Okay...so let's see. It's been almost been five years. Well four and a half. Gaara should be making plans with the snake. Kakashi has taken Sasuke to train. Neji is still being a prick but when I fight him I'll show him.
Shikaku confronted me weeks ago about what Shikamaru saw. Two smart people is never a good idea. Then again this village is full of them. Haku and Zabuza have now joined Madara who thank freaking god is still alliance to us. Well me.
Then there's Itachi who is walking towards me? Wait what?
I knew I should have been paying attention.
"Naruto?" I felt myself tense when he came closer.
"Hey 'Tachi." I sounded so fake. I knew Itachi knew it too.
"Why have you been avoiding me Naruto?" How did we get into the alley? Was the question I wanted to ask after he spoke. But I knew it wasn't the time.
"I haven't..." I sounded so sure of myself but it came out pathetic.
"Naruto I wasn't born yesterday. Your avoiding me. You have been for almost a year." I winced. Was it that long? Only 6 months since the Haku thing. I guess it has been a year.
"I'm sorry..." Why do you make me feel this way Itachi? It's wrong...I shouldn't want this.
"Naruto..." Every time he says my name I feel like I'm flying. Like the air has rushed out of me and the butterflies have moved into my stomach. I hate this feeling because I know it makes me happy. But I'm not here to be happy...I'm here to save everyone I love. Everyone I cherish. I felt my eyes burning but I shut them quickly I couldn't stay there with him.
"I have to go." I said in a rush as I walked out of the alley.
"Naruto?" I looked up when I heard a voice. A bird mask. ANBU. But I knew the voice.
"Sai what are you doing here?" I asked in quickly.
"We have more information as instructed I came to tell you." Sai and I were now sitting on the heads of the Hokage. It only took a small amount of chakra to transport them to another area.
"The hokage doesn't know." Sai added and I nodded
"He won't. Tell me what's going on." I ordered softly knowing that Sai was still trying to get use to using his emotions and his actions.
"Orochimaru has killed the Kazekage and is planning to impersonate him. Unfortunately Gaara...is part of this." I nodded. Gaara wasn't actually part of it. But I didn't tell them this yet.
"It's like you told us. It seems they will attack during the exams. I'm not sure when though." I nodded again sighing lightly.
"If Gaara is apart of it then most likely during or after his match. Is that all Sai?" I asked making sure but what he said surprised the hell out of me.
"Well Orochimaru seems to be wanting someone. When he attacked a few years back. You stopped him from putting the curse mark on Sasuke. It seems he saw something and is planning something involving you."
"W-What?" It was different. Had I really changed history? Had I really...re-written it?
"We don't have anything on it so I can't tell you anything else." It was the choice I had to make. The one I had been waiting for. I let out the breath I was holding.
"It's fine. Don't focus on that. Let's just get through the exams." He left me slipping back his mask and I sat there thinking.
"I saved you Sasuke...I got it right." I smiled up to the sky. "I wish I could have saved you in the first place but I couldn't. I didn't know how I could at least..." I felt a few rain drops fall on me. I let it out. I started crying but this time I was happy.
"You have a family. Itachi is teaching you how to perfect your eyes...you have the life you wanted. You're not hateful...not miserable. You're happy..." I couldn't help but laugh at myself still crying as the rain came down harder.
"Why am I talking as if your dead? Your alive and happy! Why wouldn't you be?" I knew it. I was going crazy. Again I kept laughing.
"But now I have to make a choice Sasuke. I wish you knew. Maybe you could help me make one." I was now crying because I was sad.
"...where do I belong Sasuke? I told you before you left after you used chidori and me rasengan again on each other. For the second time...I told you we could see what we felt in hearts. That I was taking you back to the village. Home...one way or another I was going to stop you from destroying yourself. One of us or both us were going to die. But if you died...I would go along with you. To set us free from our fucked up lives. But now your life isn't fucked up Sasuke...I'm...alone again." I remembered that. It was when Sasuke actually saw inside me. Saw what we both knew what was true.
"Pain won't attack the village. I won't be a hero. Then again I guess I was never meant to be one...baba will hopefully still become Hokage after I leave-" I froze. I already made my chose without even thinking. I had to go...had to betray the village...Sasuke and Itachi.
"Sorry Sasuke...Itachi. I guess I won't always be there for you." I muttered before finally leaving the stone heads. By the time I got back to my apartment I was soaked. I peeled off my clothes and just crawled into bed. I could feel another adventure coming up and this would determine the whole future...
Yet again.
Okay so that was a rather bad ending. I'm debating on making a few more chapters. At a loss for the ideas. So please message me about what you would like to have! I actually want to hear your ideas.