-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Naruto-
November 3rd, Saturday afternoon.
"I'm off!" Naruto shouted as he ran out the door pulling over a hoodie jacket. He zipped it up as he jogged down the street. He was headed out towards the Estate District since Neji Hyuuga had asked him to come on by.
It was still a surprise that the arrogant person Naruto had met on his first days wanted to meet him. He did save Hinata, but did that really need so much attention? He wasn't really sure he even deserved it. He had merely saved the life of a girl that no one else was willing to do. He wouldn't have turned his back on her even if there were people who were willing.
Sighing, Naruto quickened his speed and placed his hands into his pockets. It was getting chillier now that autumn was setting in more. He looked up at the trees seeing the beautiful gold, red, and yellow crisp leaves. He really liked this time of the year because it was really gorgeous. Oto's trees weren't quite like this during autumn, but they were still very lovely.
Eventually, Naruto rounded the corner that led toward the Estates. His eyes wandered in amazement as he fully took a look at the homes. Many were quite large and fancy while others had elaborate gates out front. Naruto finally came to a stop in front of the Hyuuga's gate. He observed that while some of the homes were close together, there were none close to the Hyuuga's.
Must be a rich family. Naruto thought as he knocked on the gate. He placed his hands back in his pocket and waited. Naruto realized he didn't really know much about the Hyuugas. He had asked his father, but all Minato had said was "Just wait and see."
The door in the gate opened and someone popped their head out. "Do you need something from the Hyuuga Family, Sir?" Naruto turned to them and nodded.
"Neji Hyuuga invited me over, Ma'am." Naruto responded with a bow.
"Oh! You're the one that saved Hinata-sama. Please, come this way." Naruto blinked and went through the door. His eyes widened in amazement at the beautifully scenery about him. It was something that couldn't be seen through the gate, except maybe the cherry blossom trees. He looked down into the ponds to see fish swimming about before looking up at the Japanese style home. "Neji-sama will be right with you." Naruto gave a nod as the person walked away.
Neji-sama? Hinata-sama? Wow, this family really respects them. Naruto stretched out his arms as he waited. His eyes drifted to the fish in the pond. He knelt down examining them. Hey, these are koi. They're native to Oto, though. I'm surprised they actually have some.
"Naruto Namikaze." Naruto was brought out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Neji standing next to him.
"Yo, Neji." Naruto gave a wave before looking down at the fish again. "Hey, where did you get these koi?"
"Hmm?" Neji knelt down next to Naruto looking at the fish as well. "Ah, I believe Hiashi-sama, Hinata-sama's father and my uncle, had them shipped from Oto."
"Is that right? I thought so… Koi are only native to the Oto waters after all." Naruto stood up and gave a smile. Neji stood up as well and turned toward the steps to the porch.
"Come, Hinata-sama has been waiting." Naruto followed after Neji as they walked around the porch.
Naruto pulled his hood off and placed his hands back into his pockets. He looked around at Japanese style walls as they walked on the edge of the porch. Neji walked in front of Naruto silently as he passed the first hallway, which led into the training grounds, and opened a door at the end. He went inside and indicated for Naruto to follow. Naruto quickly went inside before Neji shut the door. It was an inner hallway. Neji and Naruto walked down it until another doorway. It led outside into a beautiful field that was green and flowing.
Naruto stared amazed that this was actually on the property. He took a step off the porch and knelt down touching the grass. It was soft and cool. He grinned and looked up at Neji who had a soft expression on his face. Naruto blinked several times and sat down on the grass as he stared up at Neji. It was an expression he hadn't seen from the Hyuuga boy yet. There was kindness in his eyes, and a gentle smile on his face as he stared out across the field.
Maybe he really isn't arrogant… He's so… different from that time in the past. Naruto looked toward the grass giving a light smile then he stood up and stretched.
"Hey, Neji? How come it's so quiet here? I haven't heard the noise from people that would be in this home at all. Actually, I've not seen anyone really." Naruto turned his head to look back at Neji who had turned to look at him.
"Ah, only Hyuugas live here, but a lot of them aren't usually at the main house." Neji answered leaning against the railing of the porch.
"Main house?" Naruto asked tilting his head to the side.
"Where we are now is the main house. It's where Hinata-sama, Hanabi-chan, Hiashi-sama, Hatsuka-sama, and I live. There are attendants that take care of the household that live here as well, but they're usually attending to their duties so you wouldn't see them. Otherwise, all the other relatives live in branch houses." Neji finished explaining.
"Oh, I see." Naruto nodded then came back on the porch. "Who are Hanabi, and Hatsuka?"
"Hanabi-chan is Hinata-sama's younger sister, and Hatsuka-sama is their mother." Neji gestured with his head as he walked around the corner. Naruto followed after and turned the corner to see a small garden with tables, chairs, and ponds. Naruto spotted Hinata at one of the tables and waved over at her.
Hinata waved back and stood up, but stayed where she was at and only sat back down when Neji and Naruto walked over.
"Naruto-kun, how are you today?" Hinata asked as Naruto seated himself to sit next to her.
"I'm good, Hinata-chan." Naruto smiled at her making her blush. "What about you?"
"I am good as well." Hinata smiled shyly messing with her hair. Naruto kept smiling at her and almost didn't notice the attendant asking him if he wanted any tea. He gave a nod before putting his focus on Neji.
"So you wanted to see me, Neji?" Naruto asked getting onto the reason he had been invited.
Neji nodded sitting up straight. "I wanted to formally apologize to you and to give you thanks for saving Hinata-sama."
"Ah, I thought I told you didn't have to do that." Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a frown.
"I know, but this is how our family works. It would be disgraceful to not thank someone for something they have done for this family out of the goodness in their heart." Neji gave a light smile and Naruto blinked giving an embarrassed smile.
"I appreciate this. It does make me happy." Naruto looked up at the sky. "I've never been thanked before for good deeds, or even appreciated for the things I've done."
"I've acknowledged that you are a good person when I had thought otherwise." Naruto looked to Neji who bowed his head in an apologetic manner. Naruto placed his hand out with an unsure expression, but gave a silent sigh thinking better than to stop this.
I've been acknowledged by such a rich family. Naruto grinned then frowned slowly coming to a realization about something. "Neji…"
Neji looked at Naruto and tilted his head to the side. "Hmm?"
"Why do I get this feeling no one appreciates you?" Naruto looked at Neji seriously who had a surprised expression on his face.
"What… " Neji stopped himself and closed his eyes. Naruto waited patiently for Neji to get his thoughts straight. After a few moments Neji looked back at Naruto. "How did you come to realize this?"
"It's just a feeling I had. I've seen you and Hinata-chan walking home a lot, but you're never with anyone else. You're the Student Council President, but no one talks about you." Naruto picked up his tea and sipped on it. "Also, your personality is much different than what I've seen at school. Why is that?"
Neji took a deep breath and glanced at Hinata. They shared a knowing look before looking back at Naruto.
"The Hyuuga family is well-known and respected greatly in Konoha. We are the nobles of Konoha and take care many of the affairs for the Mayor. Even with this reputation it is also thought that Hyuugas are quite arrogant because we are higher class than everyone." Neji looked down sadly. Naruto blinked slowly trying to understand, but didn't exactly get it.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata began making Naruto take notice of her, "it is true that many of the Hyuugas seem arrogant, but we are a proud clan of people. What people see as arrogance is not true. Because we are rich and take care of many things in Konoha with pride, people have come to believe that we do not care for others." Hinata gripped her arm and sighed.
"Wait… if you're really not arrogant then why do you act like that, Neji?" Naruto asked looking to Neji.
"If I act the way I normally am, people would verbally assault me more. I have tried it." Neji shook his head. "I act arrogant so that others leave me alone."
"That's just…" Naruto stared at the tea and gave a large frown. Sadness filled his eyes and he thought of his rough days in Oto of having no respect. "It's only at the people in school that do this…"
"Ah that's… Mmm, that it does seem so." Neji agreed.
"Tch, that's not showing respect at all." Naruto pulled his head up. "Hinata-chan, do you get this treatment as well?"
"Yes, but it's because I'm shy and don't talk much. They assume I'm arrogant because of that." Naruto grit his teeth in anger before throwing his hands up in the air. Neji and Hinata stared at him with concerned looks.
"Just you watch… I'll help you out."
"What can you possibly do, Naruto?" Neji asked crossing his arms. Naruto turned toward him and gave a confident smile.
"You saw the isolation I broke with Gaara. I can do the same for you, just watch me!" Naruto gave a nod crossing his arms. Neji stared at him then gave a small laugh. "Eeeh? Don't believe me?"
"It's not that… I've just never seen someone who can think so positively, and give confidence to others with his words and actions." Neji smiled fully. "You're quite special, Naruto Namikaze." Naruto smiled bashfully rubbing the back of his head.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Sasuke-
Earlier that day, an hour after Naruto had left.
Sasuke waved goodbye to Obito as he and Itachi walked out of the UPFK building. Obito had invited Itachi and Sasuke to have a tour of the building. It was both of the boys' aims to eventually work there. Itachi was going to start training soon, and Sasuke would begin his training once he started college.
"They're really well organized, and Cousin Obito actually does well." Sasuke commented as they began to walk home.
"Indeed." Itachi agreed. "It's good to know about the organization before going to it. You really wish to do this? You don't have to follow the family line, Sasuke."
Sasuke stopped and looked to Itachi. Itachi stopped as well and gave Sasuke a curious look. "I really want to do this, Itachi." Sasuke replied with a smile. "I want to dedicate my life to helping people."
Itachi slowly smiled and rubbed Sasuke's head before they continued on. As they rounded the corner of the school, Sasuke heard someone shout his name. He stopped and looked around thinking that it was Naruto, but he couldn't have been back from the Hyuugas yet. Sasuke heard nothing else after a few moments and carried on.
"Sasuke Uchiha." The voice made Sasuke and Itachi stop. Sasuke looked up on the brick wall that surrounded the schools. There, sitting with his legs overhanging the wall, was Suigetsu Hozuki with a grin on his face. Sasuke frowned at him and crossed his arms. Itachi stared blankly as if he couldn't trust this boy that called out to his younger brother.
"What do you want, Suigetsu?" Sasuke asked neutrally.
"Ooh, you know my name. I'm honored." Suigetsu bowed then jumped off the wall to stand in front of Sasuke. "I want to talk to you." Suigetsu glanced at Itachi. "Alone."
Itachi and Sasuke exchanged knowing glances before Itachi began to walk off. Sasuke took a few steps back from Suigetsu placing his hands in his pockets.
"Alright, what do you want to talk about?"
"I want to know what you were doing with my girlfriend." Suigetsu's face became serious with a hint of anger. Sasuke stared blankly at him not having a clue what he was talking about.
"I don't know who your girlfriend is, and even if I did I'd probably never go near her." Sasuke began to walk away. "You've got the wrong person."
Suddenly, Sasuke came to a stop as Suigetsu grabbed his arm. Sasuke turned to Suigetsu glaring. "My girlfriend's name is Karin. She goes to Konoha High. On October 6th, you and a bunch of your friends messed up Jugo's party." Sasuke tensed up.
Great, we've been found out… "What proof do you have?" Sasuke kept his voice leveled to not be caught off guard.
"Karin described you perfectly. A boy with dark eyes and hair that was spiked upward and out like the feathers of a duck's end," Sasuke twitched that his hair was being described like a duck. "who she approached, but then was shoved around roughly by."
"What? I didn't hurt her at all!" The name came back to his mind. "She tried to seduce me…" Sasuke bit back his tongue realizing he had just made a bad mistake. Suigetsu made a laugh and placed an arm over Sasuke's shoulder.
"So it was your group of friends…" There was no denying the truth now. "And you think I'd believe you over my own girlfriend?" Suigetsu shook his head.
A girlfriend who would cheat on you if she saw someone else she liked? Sasuke thought mumbling. How despicable.
"What if she's lying and cheats on you behind your back? Do you know everything she does?" Sasuke challenged. Suigetsu stared at Sasuke then laughed. Sasuke frowned and tried to edge away, but Suigetsu tightened his grip on Sasuke's shoulder.
"Oh, I know Karin flirts with other people!"
Sasuke growled. "And you're okay with her doing that?"
"She's going to do it anyway. It's in her nature, but she always comes back to me." Suigetsu spoke with great confidence making Sasuke sick to his stomach. "Plus… I told her to do it."
Sasuke froze and tensed up. He stared into the purple eyes of this white haired boy. "You… told her to seduce me?"
Suigetsu grinned. "I did." Sasuke shoved Suigetsu away who started to laugh.
"What is wrong with you? You asked your girlfriend to seduce another man? What for?" Sasuke shouted angrily gripping his hands.
"Because you're one of my targets." Suigetsu snapped his fingers and came back up to Sasuke grabbing his arm.
"I… don't swing that way." Sasuke twitched and tried to pull his arm away. Suigetsu stared blankly than began laughing very hard.
"You idiot! I don't swing that way either. I meant as someone I find useful."
Sasuke's eyes widened when he realized what was going on.
Suigetsu had sent his girlfriend, Karin, to come after him. She was pretty, Sasuke wouldn't deny that, and because of her looks she could easily seduce men down. Once they were seduced and became her "boyfriend", Suigetsu could use them to his advantage.
"You're despicable, both of you. Does your best friend Jugo know about this?" Sasuke grit his teeth and was finally able to pull away taking several steps away from Suigetsu.
"Wouldn't matter if he did or not, he approves of what I do." Sasuke wasn't so sure since Suigetsu didn't actually say yes or no. "It seems like you understand what's going on. Well now, I can't let you slip away and telling your brother about it. We'd be reported to the UPFK."
"You bet you would be! There's no way you can stop me…." Sasuke stopped when he felt two hands grab his shoulders. He turned his head around to see two older boys with dark bluish-grey hair with long bangs that covered each different eye. Their bangs were on opposite sides making them only distinguishable from that. "Who are you?" He asked getting angry.
"These two are Sakon and Ukon. I wouldn't mess with them if I were you." Suigetsu came up to Sasuke and grabbed his head.
"So they're your enforcements in case you meet guys like me." Sasuke growled with disgust and didn't try to struggle knowing it would make the situation worse.
"You catch on quick. Here's the deal, Sasuke Uchiha. If you do everything that I say your friends won't be hurt." Suigetsu grinned.
"You can't do anything to hurt them."
"Oh? Well then why don't we find that Naruto Namikaze and prove you wrong?" Suigetsu laughed letting go of Sasuke and began to walk. "I believe he was headed toward the Estate District…"
Sasuke's eyes widened when he realized there were more people here. He saw three others in the shadows, but couldn't identify them. From the corner of his eye he also saw the redhead Karin. He gritted his teeth tightly. "You can't take Naruto down."
"Don't think so? He surely can't take all five of them." Suigetsu gestured with his arms to the three in the shadows and the twins holding onto Sasuke. Sasuke's stomach lurked when he realized Suigetsu was right. He suddenly became weary and stared at the ground.
"What do you want from me…?" Sasuke mumbled.
Suigetsu's face appeared in front of Sasuke; it made his stomach turn with the twisted expression he had. "Obito-sensei is your cousin right? I want to utilize his powers as an UPFK, and Sasuke," Suigetsu grabbed Sasuke's face, "if you don't listen we'll hurt your friends… And for Naruto we'll have special plans for him."
"I…. I understand." Sasuke gave in and bit his lip. Suddenly, he was let go. He felt his head being patted. He looked up to see Suigetsu and his friends leaving.
"Don't tell anyone, especially Naruto. You will also stay away from him, and spend time with us." Suigetsu laughed and waved his hand off as he disappeared around the corner holding Karin close to him.
Sasuke dropped to his knees and slammed his fists into the ground. Tears began to roll down his face.
I'm sorry everyone… Naruto I can't keep our promise, forgive me.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Naruto-
Later that evening.
Naruto bowed his head and gave Hinata a hug as he left the house. "Thanks for everything."
"And thank you for being understanding, Naruto." Neji bowed himself and held out his hand for Naruto. Naruto took it gladly and shook it.
"Of course! If you guys ever need anything just contact me!" Naruto began to walk off.
"Get home safely, Naruto-kun." Hinata shouted after him. Naruto turned and smiled at her before running off down the street.
Naruto eventually reached his house and stopped at the door looking over at the Uchiha's house. I should tell Sasuke! But… Naruto looked at the time on his watch. It's late. I'll just text him. Naruto went inside and took off his shoes as he came in. "I'm home!"
"Welcome home, Naruto." His mother's voice rang from the kitchen. She came out a few moments later to hug Naruto. He gladly returned it. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"Yup! I learned quite a lot today." Naruto grinned as he took off his jacket to hang on the coat rack.
Kushina smiled at him then turned to head back into the kitchen. "Did you get anything to eat?"
"I had dinner with them. It was quite good." Naruto came into the kitchen and stared at the plates his mother was washing. "What did you guys have to eat?"
"Just chicken casserole."
"Aaaw. I missed it."
"Don't worry, sweetie, there are leftovers."
"YES! Thank you, Mom." Naruto hugged his mother from behind before heading into the hallway. He brought out his phone and began to text Sasuke about his day. He went into his room and grabbed his backpack. The least he could do was focus on his homework; otherwise Sasuke would yell at him again.
About an hour later, Naruto heard his cell buzz off. He reached over grabbing seeing a text. Opening it up, he saw that it was from Sasuke, but the contents made him frown.
"That's cool, Naruto. Glad you made some friends."
Eh? That's so short… And he didn't even answer my question about how his day went. Naruto replied back asking if something was wrong. A few moments later the cell buzzed again.
"I'm fine. Today was just really exhausting for me." Naruto didn't believe everything was entirely fine, but he couldn't be sure as this was a text. Another buzz came through before he could respond. "I'm going to head to bed, see you at school Monday."
"Is that all?" Naruto mumbled as he replied back before plugging his phone into the charger. He laid back against his bed with a frown. "He must be tired and busy if I won't get to see him until Monday." Naruto shrugged and got up to take his shower. "Oh well."
-oO0-o)
November 5th, Monday.
Naruto stared blankly at his history book. Sasuke had left early for school, so Naruto hadn't been able to walk with him. Even when he came to school, Sasuke didn't really pay any attention to Naruto. Naruto had tried to ask him what was up, and Sasuke just brushed him off with a "I'm fine, don't worry about it."
It wasn't like Sasuke to ignore Naruto like this, and he sighed greatly as he slumped in his chair. His eyes drifted to outside watching the other boys who were already eating lunch. Naruto's stomach growled making him sigh more
Maybe some food will make Sasuke feel better. Naruto tried to convince himself.
The bell rang and Sasuke left without Naruto as he had done with the other classes. Naruto frowned and gathered his things quickly to follow after him.
"Sasuke, wait up!" Naruto shouted. Sasuke didn't even turn around and continued to walk; he even quickened his pace. Naruto slowly came to a stop. "What the…"
"Hey, Naruto!" Suddenly someone patted his back and he turned around to see Shikamaru and Choji. "What's wrong?"
"Ah… Shikamaru. It's Sasuke." Naruto turned his head to look back in the direction of his best friend. "He's ignoring me."
"Huh?" Choji blinked several times. "That's weird."
"Yeah…" Naruto agreed and sighed.
"Mmm, well I'm sure he's got something on his mind. Let's get to the lunchroom." Shikamaru suggested pushing Naruto to move. Naruto complied, but didn't really agree.
Gaara and Kankuro were already at their table when they entered, but Sasuke wasn't. Naruto went up to the table and hung his head.
"Sasuke hasn't come yet?"
"I have seen him, but he did not come here." Gaara replied. "Is something the matter?"
"Yeah," Shikamaru came up sitting down with his lunchbox, "seems like Sasuke is ignoring Naruto."
"Is there a reason why?" Gaara asked, concerned. Naruto shook his head not knowing.
"Have you asked him?" Kankuro questioned.
"I have! But he just says he's fine and to leave him alone." Naruto moaned and dropped into a chair. "I've asked him all day! I think he's starting to get annoyed by it." Shikamaru patted Naruto's back then pointed behind. Naruto turned his head around to spot Sasuke coming towards them. Naruto spirits lifted, but fell immediately when he turned to head towards a large group of people.
Everyone turned their attention to see Sasuke sit next to… Suigetsu. Suigetsu patted Sasuke's head and laughed before taking the food that Sasuke had placed in front of him. Naruto couldn't believe his eyes that Sasuke was hanging out with him of all people.
"What the…" Naruto gripped his hands and got up.
"Oye, Naruto!" Shikamaru tried to stop him, but Naruto kept going. He eventually came to the table and placed his hands on Sasuke's chair. Sasuke flinched, but didn't turn around. Although, Naruto did get the attention of everyone at that table including Suigetsu.
"Oh, do you want something, Namikaze?" Suigetsu asked with a smirk on his face.
"Yeah, I'd like to wonder why you stole my best friend." Naruto glared at Suigetsu. He felt Sasuke move in his chair, but still refusing to face him.
"Stole? What are you talking about? Sasuke came to us on his own." Suigetsu kept the smirk on his face as he stood up to face Naruto. Naruto took a step back, but kept his hold on Sasuke's chair.
"I don't believe it. Sasuke would never!" Naruto growled and reached for Suigetsu, but was stopped by Sasuke's hand. Naruto stared at him to see Sasuke staring with a cold look in his eyes. "Sasuke…?"
"Naruto, quit it. Go back and eat your lunch." Sasuke said with a chill in his voice. Something Naruto had only heard when Sasuke was looking at those that had hurt Naruto. Naruto couldn't believe that Sasuke had just used that tone with him. He twisted his hand around and grabbed Sasuke's arm. Then, he pulled him to his feet and began to drag him away. "Naruto, stop!"
Naruto wasn't listening. He was going to find out what made Sasuke become like this. Suddenly, Naruto was pulled backwards and thrown to the floor. He looked up to see Sasuke staring angrily at him.
"What is with you, Sasuke?" Naruto shouted as he got up quickly. "Why would you spend time with these guys? You don't even like them!"
"That's none of your business, Naruto! Just stay away from them and me." Sasuke growled. Naruto stared at him then felt anger built up inside. He swung his fist and hit Sasuke in the face. Sasuke fell to the floor with a shocked expression. For an instant, Naruto thought he saw grief, sadness, and regret fill Sasuke's eyes and face, but when he blinked it was gone.
"Sasuke! Tell me what's going on, I can help." Naruto urged as he watched Sasuke slowly stand up. Sasuke looked to him and glared.
"You want to know what's going on? I gave up on you!" Sasuke shouted. Naruto was taken back.
"What are you…?" Naruto didn't get to finish as Sasuke hit him in the face. It wasn't very hard, like Naruto's, but it was enough to make Naruto's anger begin to cool down.
"I got sick of playing these games with you, Naruto." There was an icy chill to Sasuke's voice. "I've always had to take care of you, and now I'm tired of it. You're always getting into trouble, and that gets me into trouble. I can't hope to be a UPFK if I get suspended a lot for your mistakes!" Sasuke turned his back on Naruto.
Naruto stared at Sasuke in disbelief. This wasn't the Sasuke he knew. This wasn't how Sasuke was at all. No matter what kind of trouble Naruto had gotten into, Sasuke was always willing to get him out of it no matter how much blame he had to take on. Sasuke even told him once that no matter how many times Sasuke would get some of the blame, he'd make his dream of joining UPFK come true.
The bell rang and Sasuke quickly ran out of the lunchroom. Naruto didn't move and merely stared at the floor. Gaara and Shikamaru rushed over and tried to get Naruto to talk, but he didn't even hear them. Soon, the lunchroom was empty and Naruto fell to his knees.
"Naruto…" Gaara knelt down next to him with a sad expression. "Naruto! Are you alright?"
Naruto slowly turned to Gaara. "Gaara…" he cast his eyes down staring at his hands. "You heard him, right?"
"We did, Naruto, but surely he's not telling the truth…?" Naruto could hear concern in Gaara's voice. He could also sense that Gaara couldn't believe that Sasuke would turn on Naruto.
Naruto stared down at his hands then placed them over his face. "His voice… it was so cold. It was what he used against the people that threatened me… He never once used it against me, not even as a joke. This…" Naruto smacked his face trying to hold back tears.
"Naruto, c'mon let's get you to the Nurse's office." Shikamaru suggested as he pulled Naruto to his feet and looped his arm over his shoulders. Naruto didn't say anything as Shikamaru and Gaara pulled him along with Choji and Kankuro behind.
-oO0-o)
November 9th, Friday.
The week flew by. Naruto didn't even remember it. When school was over, Sasuke was gone. Naruto didn't even try to follow him. He had tried to get Sasuke to talk to him, but so far all his texts, calls, and going to Sasuke's house had been ignored. Sasuke would be bitter when Naruto tried to talk to him in class, and he even asked to move away from Naruto's seat. Everything had gone downhill since Monday, and it didn't see like it was getting any better.
Even worse, Naruto had noticed that the entire school seemed to be glaring at him. He had seen those cold eyes of hatred that he had experienced in Oto. It was hard to ignore, but he managed to do so. He couldn't understand how it had happened, especially when everyone had given him respect for what happened with Gaara.
The only people that continued to associate with him were Gaara, Kankuro, Shikamaru, Choji, and strangely enough Kiba and Shino, although he rarely saw Shino. Kiba did seem to try to talk to Naruto more. At first, Naruto thought it was out of pity, but then he noticed that Kiba was trying to cheer him up. He took Naruto out on Wednesday, and he, Naruto, and Shino went exploring into Konoha. It had made Naruto feel better, but as soon as he had gotten home the pain came back.
Naruto continued to lie to his parents that everything was alright and placed up a façade of usual happiness. He didn't want them to worry, or to bother Sasuke with something he had to handle himself.
Naruto sighed. He was on his way home from school. He was staring up at the sky as he slowly walked aimlessly around. His intention had been to go straight home, but with his mind not being there he hadn't followed the correct path. Eventually, he stopped and slumped against a wall. A lamp above him flickered on as nighttime slowly approached. Naruto stared down at the ground blankly ignoring what was going on around him. Time drifted on quickly soon becoming late at night. Even when his cell phone began to rang out, he didn't move.
"Hey, you." A voice called out to him. He slowly looked over to see a few boys from his school staring at him. He didn't recognize them and looked away. "Don't ignore us! We're talking to you, you arrogant brat."
Naruto looked back them and stared. Arrogant? When had he even acted arrogant? He couldn't recall what these boys were talking about. "You must be talking about someone else."
"No way." The boys came up to Naruto surrounding him. "You're the kid the Hyuugas gave special attention too." Naruto stood up straight at the mention of the Hyuuga name. His hands gripped inside of his coat pocket.
"They didn't give me any special attention." Naruto said defiantly. The boys rolled their eyes and shoved him a little. He didn't do anything against it.
"I heard you were invited into their house. No one gets to go there! They also gave you permission to come whenever you wanted." Naruto frowned. There were right about that, but what about that was special?
"So what. What does that have to do with this special attention you're saying I'm getting?"
"Tch, don't act like you don't know." Naruto was shoved again and this time harder. He was pushed against the wall. "The Hyuuga family rarely associates with others, much less lets people into their household! To be able to associate with them so easily, you must be arrogant just like them."
"Tch." Naruto gripped his hands tighter. "They aren't arrogant people! Stop making accusations about people you know nothing about!" Naruto shouted angrily. The boys were taken back, but glared eventually. They nodded to each other and grabbed Naruto then began to beat at him. Naruto winced at each blow and tried to defend himself, but was having difficulty doing so.
He was about to throw a punch back when Sasuke's words popped into his mind. "You're always getting into trouble, and that gets me into trouble. I can't hope to be a UPFK if I get suspended a lot for your mistakes!" He stopped and suddenly felt hollow. If he continued to get in trouble that would just cause more trouble for Sasuke and that was exactly what he didn't want.
Naruto fell to the ground and the boys kept kicking at him until a voice shouted for them to stop. They panicked and ran off. Naruto wasn't sure who that voice was, but he felt someone call out his name and touch him. His vision was blurry and he couldn't see who it was. Slowly, he began to drift off.
"Sasuke…"
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Hinata-
The Hyuuga household.
Hinata looked down sadly at Naruto. He was bandaged up and sleeping in the Japanese style beds that the Hyuuga family used. Hinata bit her lip as she remembered when she and Neji had come across Naruto as he was being beaten up by boys. When they got to him, he was hurt and bleeding. Neji was going to take him to Konoha Hospital, but Naruto refused to be sent there. He kept mumbling how it would trouble Sasuke. Eventually, Neji thought it was best to just bring him back to the Hyuugas because otherwise Neji had no idea where Naruto lived.
Hinata knelt down by the bed and softly touched Naruto's cheek. He groaned and mumbled something, but didn't wake. Hinata sighed and took the cloth off Naruto's head placing a fresh one on.
Oh, Naruto-kun… Hinata curled up and was determined to stay by his side. She blinked when she heard a phone ring and looked around. She scurried around when she realized it was Naruto's cell phone. Picking it up, she looked to see who the name was. It read: Dad. Hinata looked to Naruto seeing that he wasn't waking, and decided to answer.
"H-hello?"
"Erm…Hi there." A man's voice, young, but with a small deep tone, answered. "Uh, may I ask who this is? I'm looking for Naruto, I'm his father calling."
"Oh, u-um, this is Hinata Hyuuga…" Hinata replied shyly. "Your son is right here next to me, but he's… hurt."
"What? What happened?" Naruto's father was suddenly serious and concerned.
"I-I'm not sure… my cousin and I found him being beaten up by boys. We were going to take him to Konoha Hospital, but he didn't want that…" Hinata bit her lip.
"I'm going to come on over, is that alright with you, Hinata-chan?" Hinata sighed relief.
"Yes! Please do. We were unsure how to contact Naruto-kun's parents. Do you know how to get here?"
"I do. I'll be over in about 10 minutes. Thank you for finding him."
"You're welcome, Namikaze-san." Hinata hung up the phone and placed it down. She smiled that she was able to contact Naruto's father.
A hand suddenly grabbed her wrist making her yelp. She looked over to see Naruto slowly sitting up and looking weary.
"N-Naruto-kun! You shouldn't be getting up…like…that…" Hinata blinked slowly as Naruto leaned over placing his head on her shoulder. She blushed greatly daring not to move.
"Was… that my dad?" Naruto asked weakly.
"Y-Yes. He's coming over to get you now."
"I see… Please… Hinata-chan." Naruto pulled his head up to look at Hinata. "If I said anything about Sasuke… don't mention it."
Hinata was surprised at the request. She was sure that Naruto had mentioned he was best friends with Sasuke, and that they were always together. "Did… something bad happen, Naruto-kun?"
"Don't… worry about it. I… I can handle it." Naruto eyes were glazed over making Hinata realize that he was holding back pain.
"Naruto-kun…" Slowly, Hinata hugged Naruto and held him close. He placed his head on her shoulder and lightly gripped her shirt. "Naruto-kun, why were you attacked by those boys?" Hinata asked after a few moments of silence.
"Yes, I'd like to know that, as well." Neji's voice rang out as he entered the room. Naruto didn't move to look at him. Hinata looked at Neji sadly.
"It's okay, Naruto-kun. We're here to listen." Hinata softly spoke as she rubbed Naruto's back.
It took a few minutes, but Naruto eventually was able to tell them what the boys had fussed about. It was clear that Naruto didn't fully comprehend why this had happened.
Neji was the first to speak. "This is our fault… It is true that we don't associate with many people besides the ones we do business with. They're probably jealous of you."
"Jealous…?" Naruto looked over at Neji who gave a nod. "Why?"
"Few people get permission to enter this household. Girls are kind of an exception because they are Hinata-sama's friends, but once a boy is involved they think he's been given special attention by the family." Neji sighed and hung his head. "It's a stupid belief that's run deep."
Hinata felt Naruto grip his hands tightly into her clothing. She could understand his anger feeling his frustration herself.
"That's so… stupid." Naruto mumbled out. Hinata nodded and he buried his head into her shoulder again.
A few minutes later, an attendant came in saying that Naruto's father had arrived. Neji told them to bring them here. Moments later, Minato came into the room and knelt by Naruto's bed. Naruto slowly let go of Hinata and stared down at the covers.
"Naruto…" Minato spoke softly and touched Naruto's head. "Let's go home, okay?" Naruto gave a nod and bit his lip as a few tears rolled down his cheek. Minato looked over to Neji and Hinata and bowed to them. "I'm very glad that you were able to find him. He's hasn't been answering our calls, so we were very worried."
"It's no problem at all, Namikaze-san. I'm just happy we were able to help him in time." Hinata bowed her head then got up and picked up a bag of clothing. "Here are his clothes. We gave him one of our kimonos. You don't have to return it."
"I'm grateful." Minato stood up and grabbed Naruto's hand slowly helping him to his feet. He halfway carried Naruto as he walked out of the room. Neji and Hinata followed.
Minato left out of the gate and placed Naruto into a car that was waiting outside. Hinata handed Minato the bag that he placed in the back seat. Minato bowed to the Hyuugas before getting into the driver's seat. The car started then drove away. Hinata watched after it staring sadly.
"Oh, I hope he'll be okay." Hinata gripped her arm. Neji gently touched her head.
"He'll probably heal physically just fine, but mentally? I think there's something there that needs a lot of help to heal…" Neji nudged Hinata back inside the home before shutting the door and locking it. Hinata stared back at the door as she walked back into her home.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-