This is a very long chapter. Yeah, I know. I write way too much. Anyone who's read Love's such a Drag would know that.
Anyway, enjoy!
-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-
November 11th, Sunday.
Naruto quickly got to his feet twitching and staring down at the fox. He wasn't afraid of foxes, but one with four tails made him extremely suspicious and freak out.
"W-what are you?" He shouted. The fox sat down and merely stared up at him. He bit his lip and swallowed hard. As Naruto ran his eyes over the fox, the orange color, red eyes, and tails reminded him of something, but he couldn't place it.
He shook his head. I-I'll think of this later! Naruto thought as he slowly began to creep away. The fox continued to stare at him not following. Naruto continued to back away until he was a least twenty-five feet away from the fox before turning around and bolting off.
Naruto ran as quickly as he could away from the park, and went straight for the busy streets of Konoha's marketplace. As soon as he was in a place with many people he came to a slow stop and knelt over. He was breathing hard from running. He took as many deep breaths as he could before standing up straight and looking behind him. There were no signs of the strange fox. Naruto sighed and hung his head.
Am I imagining things now? Naruto began to walk biting his lip. It sure… seemed real. What if it was, what if something like that… Naruto's thoughts were interrupted as he ran into someone. He looked up to apologized, but his words caught in his throat.
Next to him, mimicking his surprised expression was Sasuke. Sasuke's face of surprise quickly went to a blank expression. He quickly turned around to walk off. Naruto grabbed his jacket to hold him back.
"Sasuke… Please. Just… just…" Naruto began to panic as he held onto Sasuke's jacket. His mind began to race on what to do, what to say, what to think when his eyes saw Ichiraku on the corner of the street. "Can… we just talk, please?"
"Naruto… I told you…"
"Just one meal of Ichiraku!" Naruto begged. Sasuke sighed and turned to look at him.
"One meal." Sasuke finally gave in and pulled his arm away from Naruto walking towards Ichiraku looking around at the same time. Naruto smiled greatly and followed after Sasuke.
Okay… I can do this. Just get it straight from him. He has to have better reasons than the ones he told me. Naruto nodded to himself as he followed Sasuke into Ichiraku.
"Welcome! Oh, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun. Glad to have you two back." The old man, Teuchi smiled at them as they sat down. "What'll be? The usual?" Both boys nodded. "Ayame! It's Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun!"
As Teuchi and his daughter Ayame began to prepare the meal Naruto turned to Sasuke.
"Sasuke…I um…"
"I know what you want to ask." Sasuke interrupted. "Why are you being persistent? You've been bothering me this entire week." Naruto looked over at Sasuke and gripped his hands.
"Because I'm worried and don't believe you would truly mean what you did!" Naruto was frustrated.
Sasuke remained silent and continued to stare down at the counter. Naruto watched him waiting for him to answer, but nothing came. Ramen was placed in front of them, and they began to eat in silence.
This is ridiculous! Why… isn't this working? Why won't Sasuke talk to me…? Naruto slowly ate his food, but felt as it had no taste. He had a bitter feeling in his stomach. He thought being with Sasuke again would make him feel better, but there was only uneasiness and pain.
With their food finished they sat there in silence. Konoha's marketplace behind them began to quiet down as it was getting later in the night. Both boys didn't say anything for several minutes. Naruto was beginning to get impatient, but he refused to be the first one to speak unless he had to.
Finally, Sasuke gave a sigh and stood up. Naruto reached out and grabbed his arm. "Sasuke, did you really mean it? Those words? You couldn't have, could you? Am… I really that much of a nuisance to you after all these years?"
Naruto's felt Sasuke's body tense up, not in anger, but not in fear either. Slowly, Sasuke turned around with a cold expression on his face. "Yes. You've been a nuisance for a while. I was ignoring it, but now I just can't take it anymore, Naruto. We're through." Sasuke pulled his arm away and left out of the shop. He stopped on the other side of the flaps. Naruto stared at him and gripped his hands as pain flooded his face. "…Goodbye, Naruto…" Sasuke sprinted off leaving Naruto behind.
Naruto quickly ran out of the shop and stared after Sasuke as he ran down the street and disappeared around a corner. Naruto reached up placing hands over his face.
"Don't say goodbye to me with such… a sad voice…"
-oO0-o)
After his encounter with Sasuke that night, Naruto had gone home with even less strength when he began that day. He had hoped that Sasuke was just frustrated and angry at him for the recent fights, but those last words and pierced his heart that maybe things weren't going to get better.
Naruto entered his house and quietly closed the door. His parents were sleeping, so he softly went into his room, but a hand grabbed his door just before he closed it. Looking up, he saw his father with a concerned expression on his face. Naruto turned away not wanting his father to see he had been crying.
"Naruto… you came home late. I was about to call." Minato sighed.
"Sorry, Dad. I went to Ichiraku for dinner. I guess I lost track of time." Naruto tried to smile, but it slipped and he stared at the ground.
"Naruto, what happened?" Minato asked with a soft voice. Naruto shook his head. "Naruto."
"Dad, don't worry about it, okay?" Naruto looked up at his father desperately. He still hadn't told his father what had happened since the night Minato had come to get him from the Hyuugas. He didn't want his parents involved in this at all.
Minato sighed again and let go of the door. "We're here for you, Naruto. Please, if things get bad come to us."
"Sure, will do, Dad." Naruto mumbled as he closed his door. He pulled out the photograph that he had in his jacket pocket before taking off his jacket throwing it to the ground. He stared at the photo as he plopped onto his bed.
It was a picture of him and Sasuke at the end of eighth grade. They were grinning with their arms over each other, and behind them was a bloomed cherry blossom tree. Naruto gave a small laugh as he looked at what he was wearing.
It was his old getup of his black trench coat, collar opened white shirt, black pants, and a black headband. That was the time when Naruto had become such a rebel. It was also the most furious times of his life, but one of the most soothing at the same time. During those times Sasuke had calmed Naruto's inner 'demon', as Naruto liked to call it.
"I still haven't learned my lesson, have I?" Naruto glanced over at his black trench coat. When it began to get colder, he had stopped wearing it to school. It wasn't really meant to be worn during cooler weather as it was thin.
Sighing, Naruto placed the photo down and clambered off his bed. He changed into his pajamas before crawling into his bed to go to sleep. The last thought that crossed his mind was oddly not Sasuke, but that strange orange fox with the four tails…
-oO0-o)
"Naruto! It's time to get up!" A knock on his door and the call of his mother rung in Naruto's ears waking him up. He groaned and turned away in his bed. "Naruto!" He heard the door slowly open. He didn't want to be disturbed so he pretended to be asleep. Soft footsteps came across his carpet with a hand touching his shoulder and lightly moving him.
Naruto inwardly sighed and turned around to face the dark blue eyes of his mother. "Mmm, what…?" He asked as if he had just woken up.
"It's time for school, Naruto." Kushina smiled down at her son before kissing his forehead.
"Okay…" Naruto gave a nod and slowly sat up. Kushina lightly patted his head then hung his school uniform over the edge of the bed before leaving. Naruto turned to look at the uniform giving them a blank stare.
I don't want to go to school… Naruto thought as he grabbed his uniform and reluctantly put it on. Sasuke would be there at school and he didn't want to even look at him after last night.
Coming out, Naruto pulled on his back pack and sat down to eat the food his mother had for him. He ate slowly still pretending to be tired. His father might know he's depressed, but he didn't dare want his mother to know.
Naruto finished his meal and began to head towards the front door. "I'm off!" He mumbled with a fake yawn. He turned to his mother and gave her a hug before leaving. As soon as the door was shut he slumped his shoulders and stared blankly at the ground. "I better get moving…" He mumbled as urged his feet to move.
Soon, Naruto was at the gates to Kitsune High. He stared at them gritting his teeth. He wasn't looking forward to today, and wasn't even sure he wanted to even set foot inside. Then, an idea struck him.
Naruto looked around before walking away from the school. Since he didn't want to go to school, he wasn't about to head there at all.
Naruto found his feet leading him toward the Estate District, and soon he ended up at Hinata's house. He stared blankly at the gate wondering why he was even here. What did he expect the Hyuugas could do for him? He shook his head. He shouldn't bother the Hyuugas with this kind of mess especially that he was troubling them by associating with them. Who knows if the isolation for them had gotten worse now that he had befriended them.
Sighing, Naruto turned away but stopped as he was face to face with Hinata's mother, Hatsuka.
"Naruto-kun… This is an odd time of day to see you." She smiled sweetly at him as she went to unlock the door to the gate.
"Err, yeah. I didn't really feel like going to school…" Naruto replied with respect giving a bow to his head.
"Oh? Why don't you come inside then?" Hatsuka suggested looking toward him. Naruto blinked several times and gave a confused expression. Hatsuka gestured for him to come in. "You must have your reasons, and you've come here of all places to skip school." Naruto gave a tiny smile and followed after Hatsuka closing and locking the door behind him.
Hatsuka went around the home until they came to the tea garden next to the large green field. She sat down on one of the chairs and motioned for Naruto to do the same. Naruto sat down politely placing his back pack down on the ground next to him.
"Would you like some tea, Naruto-kun?" Hatsuka asked softly.
"Yes, Ma'am." Naruto gave a smile as Hatsuka turned to an attendant. He shifted in his seat feeling a little embarrassed that Hinata's mother had caught him wandering about.
"Now then," Naruto looked to Hatsuka as she spoke, "what is troubling you?"
"I…" Naruto swallowed hard looking down. "I'm having trouble with a friend of mine…"
"Did you come to see Neji-kun or Hinata?"
"I came to see…" Naruto blinked slowly as he came to realize why he had come here and he looked up to Hatsuka. "Both of them. I don't know why, but… I feel as if they can help me even though I don't know how they could… Is that weird?" Naruto asked biting his lip.
Hatsuka smiled brightly and took her tea from the attendant. She slowly sipped on it as Naruto waited patiently for her answer. He sipped on his tea as well feeling soothed by the flavor. Finally, Hatsuka set her tea down and looked up to the sky. "I'm glad that such a kind-hearted boy has befriended my dear children." She looked back to Naruto smiling with such a gentle look. "Please continue to watch over them and be their friend."
Naruto blinked. "I…" He stopped. He had no words that could describe the feelings of happiness from Hatsuka's kind words. He took a deep breath and smiled back at her. "I promise to remain their friend for as long as I live."
Hatsuka gave a nod before getting up. "I'm going to let Hiashi know you are here. You may spend some time in the field until they get home." Naruto stood up and bowed his head to Hatsuka as she left the tea garden.
Naruto watched after her and leaned against the chair. "How could anyone think this family was arrogant? There is such tenderness and love here that it's painful to think they are isolated from the rest of the city." Naruto sighed and drank the rest of his tea before heading over to the fields.
He found a weeping willow tree and laid under it. Surprisingly enough, it was not too chilly of a day. Closing his eyes, Naruto began to relax until he had fallen asleep.
-oO0-o)
Naruto woke up with a start. He was breathing heavily with sweat rolling off his brow. He sat up quickly looking around. There were walls around him with no windows. There was a small light on a desk in the corner of the room. He stared at it before looking around the room again. He saw that he was in a Japanese style bed with a blanket over him.
Where am I? Was Naruto's first thought then he remembered he had come to the Hyuuga household, but he knew he had fallen asleep in the fields. How did I get here…? Naruto crossed his arms frowning greatly. Slowly, he got up and opened the sliding door next to him. A shiver ran down his spine making him close the door again.
"Oh… it's cold outside. Someone must have brought me in to make sure I didn't get a cold…" Naruto gave a small smile and sat back down on the bed. He gave a large sigh laying back. He looked at his hand to realize it was shaking badly. He slammed it into the bed biting his lip.
He had had a bad dream. In that dream he was running after Sasuke who was always several steps ahead of him. But when he finally reached Sasuke to turn him around, there was no face. Naruto panicked and fell to ground, which became like quicksand. He was slowly being swallowed into the ground. He tried reaching out for the faceless Sasuke who only "looked" at him as he sunk slowly. Then, all became dark and a malicious laughter echoed throughout his mind. That was the moment he woke up.
Naruto closed his eyes as visions of his dream zipped through his mind. He opened his eyes back up and shook his head to get the thoughts out of his mind, but he couldn't. It felt as if mind was telling him to just give up.
"Give up, huh?" Naruto felt depression wash over him as he again thought of Sasuke. Giving a sigh he got up, pulled on his coat, and left the room. Naruto wandered the hallway until he came to the front gate. He wasn't planning to leave; it was just where his feet had led him. He knelt down next to the pond and stared at the koi fish.
Memories of being in Oto flooded back into his mind. What he did not want, but did not try to push away. He had hated living in Oto because of how everyone treated him. He never knew why either. Although, after he got into middle school he began to make his own conclusions.
Perhaps when he succumbed to his 'inner demon', people saw him as such. That's why they called him disgusting, a monster, someone who should just disappear from this world. They were all cruel words that had pierced his heart greatly. Sasuke being there had soothed it, but now that he was gone that pain was coming back.
"N…Naruto-kun?" A voice, Hinata's, brought him back to the present. He slowly turned to see her there standing in her Konoha High uniform. She had a very surprised expression on her face as she came up to Naruto. "W-What are you doing here?"
"Hinata-chan… I…" Naruto looked down. He didn't want to tell her out here for some reason. Suddenly, Hinata grabbed his arm, pulled him to his feet, began to pull him through the hallways, and until finally they came upon her room which she entered shutting the door. Naruto was speechless wondering what had just happened.
Hinata turned to Naruto placing down her bag. "Naruto-kun… no one can hear us here." She smiled sweetly at him. Naruto stared at her then went up to her and placed his head on her shoulder. He felt her body jump in surprise, but remained still. Tears began to roll down his face as he shook with pain. He felt Hinata grab his hands and slowly made him and herself sit down. He kept his face on her shoulder.
"Hinata-chan… I-I… I don't… know what I'm doing anymore…" Naruto began as he tried talking through his ache. He felt Hinata hug him and hold him close. Her embrace was comforting, something he had wanted for awhile.
"What is it that you think you don't know what you are doing?" Hinata asked softly.
"I… I'm so lost… S-Sasuke is gone, and memories of my past keep coming back to haunt me…" Naruto reached out, wrapped his arms around Hinata, and clenched her back.
"What happened to you and Sasuke-kun?" Naruto felt Hinata place her head gently against his.
"We… had a fight… I, no… I don't know. He got angry… I did something wrong? He was upset at something I did. He thinks I'm a nuisance… he, he… said I was a bother to him. He got tired of being with me, taking care of me…. I… I cause trouble for him…" Naruto gripped Hinata tighter burying his face deeper. "That… was a week ago, I think? I… I saw him yesterday though and he confirmed it… That… no… it couldn't have been true! That… it wasn't…"
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata hugged Naruto closer as she let him cry. He wailed quietly out for several minutes as she lightly rubbed his back. Eventually, he wasn't holding her as tightly, and his breathing was slightly calmer. "What memories of your past are haunting you?"
Naruto swallowed hard trying to focus. "Sasuke… made a promise to me when… something really bad happened… I… when I lived in Oto… I caused a large ruckus by beating up several boys of the village… They… they came at me first though. I don't even remember what got me so angry, but I could… have killed them… Sasuke stopped me and told me he promised to…. Always remain my best friend, to take care of me, to never abandon me, or let me get hurt…. He said he would do that his entire life… But… now… now… Now he's so far away… he's…." Naruto began to shake as he found it hard finding the right words anymore.
"Oh, Naruto-kun…." Slowly, Naruto's face was left up so that he was staring at Hinata. He looked at her face to see such gentle eyes, and soft expression. Instantly, he thought of Hatsuka and of how much Hinata resembled her. Hinata held Naruto's face in her hands as she gave a smile. "Do you truly believe that Sasuke-kun has come to be like this after all you've been through?"
Naruto looked away from her eyes giving a long thought before looking back with a small nod. "I… went to confirm it after all…"
"Naruto-kun, how were you like the day before all this happened?" Hinata asked. Naruto blinked slowly. The question caught him off guard. He hadn't thought about how they were before this happened.
Naruto closed his eyes and tried to think back about how he and Sasuke were before this occurred. The last time he had a normal, friendly conversation with Sasuke was November 3rd, the day he went to visit the Hyuugas. Sasuke had told him cheerfully that he was going to visit the UPFK with Itachi. Naruto had wished him luck telling him that he was also going over to the Hyuugas. Sasuke, in turn, had also cheered him on saying good luck.
He tried to go through the memory of that day until it struck him. That night, Sasuke had been acting really weird with his texts. He was blunt, uncaring sounding, and said words as if his mind was preoccupied. Naruto slowly opened his eyes to stare at Hinata.
"I… we were perfectly fine the Saturday before it happened. That was the day Neji invited me over. Sasuke was rooting for me, so coming here couldn't have been it. He was acting really strange that night as if something had happened…" Naruto looked down feeling a little frustrated now.
"Something must have happened that day that he can't tell you about." Hinata suggested as she let go of Naruto's face. She reached over and pulled up a tissue box for Naruto. Naruto slowly unwrapped his arms from Hinata and began to blow his nose and wipe his face.
"Something he can't tell me?" Naruto sniffed as he stared as his tissue.
"Yes… There must have been something he said to hint that something is wrong… Think back, Naruto-kun."
Naruto slowly began to think of the texts that Sasuke sent. He pulled out his cell and shifted through the texts until he came to the right ones, which read: "That's cool, Naruto. Glad you made some friends." With the next one reading "I'm fine. Today was just really exhausting for me." Naruto stared at the two texts trying to pick out keywords.
Glad you made some friends…Today was just really exhausting for me. Made friends? Exhausting? Naruto hung his head when the only conclusion he could come up with was "Sasuke thinks his friends are exhausting…"
"Eh? Here, let me see." Hinata gently took the cell from Naruto and looked at the two texts. "Glad you made some friends? That sounds as if he is happy you found someone you could go to besides him." Naruto slowly looked at Hinata blinking. "And the next text about him being exhausted. Perhaps whatever made him exhausted made him fearful of the friends he had."
"How… do you really think that?" Naruto asked as Hinata gave him his cell back.
"Naruto-kun, you told me he wasn't one to be like this. I remember when you spoke so fondly of his kindness towards you. I think there is something going on here, something that has made Sasuke-kun push you away from him."
Naruto looked down at his tissue biting his lip. "Something that has made Sasuke-kun…" His eyes widened as he remembered the day at lunch. An important factor was missing.
Suigetsu.
Naruto gripped his tissue tightly then hung his head mumbling. "No… I… there's nothing I can do though even if I knew the answer… I still don't know it."
"Naruto-kun." Hinata's change in tone made Naruto look up at her seriously. "Do you truly believe you can do nothing?"
"I…" Hinata placed a finger over his lip.
"You are a strong, kind-hearted, caring person who came to the rescue of a girl like me. Who cares and worries for his friends and family, even family who isn't related to him. You always stand up for your friends, and you stand up for those who are isolated like Gaara-kun, Neji-niisan, all of your friends…" Hinata lifted Naruto's face up to be more even. "Sasuke-kun is your best friend. He is your first friend, and has always been by your side. Are you going to let it all go? Are you simply going to give up because you don't know the answer?"
Naruto began to gape as the words of Hinata flowed through him. Let it all go? Give up? "No…" Naruto gripped his hands. "No! I can't, I won't! I won't give up! I have turned on the very essence of what keeps me going… Never going back on my word!" Naruto gave a smile as he watched Hinata slowly smile and nod. He couldn't help himself and hugged Hinata tightly making them fall over backwards. He heard Hinata give a light squeal, but giggle at the same time as she hugged him back.
This is what Naruto needed. He needed these words, words of encouragement, reminder, and words of faith. He had lost all faith in himself thinking that he had lost everything that was important to him. But he had forgotten what was truly important: Friendship, family, love, and the guts to never give up.
He should have told his parents what was wrong. They could have given him these words, but he realized that they wouldn't have had that strong of an impact on him. He truly loved his parents with all his heart, but he needed someone who could understand his pain. His parents would forever support and love him, but they had never experienced the pain he had gone through. Hinata was his savior.
"Thank you… Hinata." Naruto said without the -chan giving a large smile that he suddenly felt much relief.
"You're welcome, Naruto-kun."
The sound of the door opening made Naruto turn his head to see an unpleasant sight. A panic expression crossed his face as he saw Neji staring at him and Hinata with a blank expression that slowly turned to anger.
Naruto swallowed hard. I'm totally on top of his cousin in a really bad position!
"Naruto Namikaze…" He heard knuckles crack and then he felt himself being lifted up into the air.
"AAAH! I CAN EXPLAIN, NEJI!" Naruto shouted as he was pulled outside.
"Neji-niisan!" Naruto saw Hinata chase after them as Neji dragged Naruto off towards the fields.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Sasuke-
Next day. November 13th, Tuesday. Konoha High.
Sasuke looked behind him noticing the empty seat of Naruto, again. Naruto hadn't come to school yesterday and it seemed as if he wasn't coming today either. He turned toward the front of the classroom and gave a sigh.
Desperately, Sasuke wanted to call Naruto and make sure Suigetsu hadn't gotten a hold of him. He was afraid that Suigetsu might have seen him and Naruto talking at Ichiraku's Sunday evening. The dreadful words of Suigetsu flooded his mind again.
"…Stay away from him… If you don't listen we'll hurt your friends, and for Naruto we'll have special plans for him." Sasuke slammed his fist against the desk making everyone stare at him.
"Ah… Sorry, can I be excused for the moment, Sensei?" Sasuke asked neutrally. Obito gave a nod to Sasuke who got up and quickly left the room. Once outside the room, Sasuke headed down the hallway and out the door. He sat down against the building and buried his head in his knees. "I was being so careful… I… I really hope nothing bad has happened to him."
Sasuke sighed and pulled out his cell. He went to Itachi's number and began to type him a text asking "Can you… casually ask Naruto if he's doing alright? Don't tell him it's from me." Sasuke pressed send and left his head in his knees. Itachi knew that there was a strife between Naruto and Sasuke, but didn't know exactly why. Sasuke thought of the day he had left his house to go live with his cousin.
-oO0)
"I don't hate Naruto…." Sasuke mumbled as he pulled his suitcase to the door.
"Then why are you avoiding him?" Itachi asked as he came up behind Sasuke.
"I… I can't tell you, Itachi." Sasuke responded regretfully.
"Why can't you?" Itachi turned Sasuke around to see sadness on his face.
"Because if I do, something bad will happen, okay? Just let me handle this… please." Sasuke turned back around gripping his shoulder bag. "I don't want you, Minato, Kushina, or Naruto, especially Naruto, to get involved. That's why I'm going to distance myself from everyone. I will fix this, I promise." Sasuke gripped his suitcase as he opened the door to leave.
"…Sasuke, just don't wait too long. It might cause more damage than repair." Itachi warned as he watched Sasuke begin to walk off.
"I know… Nii-san."
-oO0)
Sasuke felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out to see a message from Itachi. Quickly, he read it and relief flooded his face. It read:
"Naruto says he's at the Hyuugas right now, but that he's fine. You better fix this quickly if even Naruto is leaving his house, and not going to school."
Sasuke gave a smile. You're right, Itachi, but I'm still trying to figure out how… He sighed and clenched his teeth thinking what Suigetsu could possibly accomplish utilizing Obito's powers as a UPFK.
Feeling a little better, yet still frustrated, Sasuke headed back to class.
-oO0-o)
School went by quickly and even Suigetsu didn't really pester Sasuke. Sasuke had been tempted to sit with Gaara and the others, but he thought better of it. Associating with them would risk them getting hurt. He wasn't about to have that.
By the end of the day, Sasuke was sitting on Obito's desk staring blankly into the classroom.
"Sasuke…How long do you plan to keep this up?" Obito asked as he shifted through papers. He was in his UPFK uniform as he was on duty.
"I… until I figure out a solution." Sasuke answered. Obito gave a sigh.
"Alright then…" Sasuke felt a hand on his head making him turn to look at his cousin. There was a smile on Obito's face. Sasuke couldn't help but give a smile back. Obito turned to leave.
"Ah! Cousin Obito!" Sasuke shouted out making Obito stop and turn his head toward him. "I… there's something I want to say…"
"What is it, Sasuke?" Obito gave a friendly face and was being patient even though he had to get back to work.
"I… the main reason I'm staying at your house is that…" Sasuke opened his mouth to say his next words when he froze thinking he saw a flash of Suigetsu's hair pass by the door, but realized it was just someone with a wig. Sasuke bit back the real words he wanted to say and instead said "I really wanted to spend some time with you. Being away from Naruto is a reason too, but that's just to keep him safe."
Obito laughed and shook his head. "I'm glad you wanted to spend time with me, Sasuke, but I do hope in time you tell me what's really going on." Obito left the room leaving Sasuke by himself.
Sasuke slammed his hands into his face. He really did want to tell Obito what was going on. To end this problem with Suigetsu, so he could have his friends back, his life back, his family back, and his best friend back… But he had no idea how much force Suigetsu had besides the five he first encountered.
Sasuke brought his hands down and gripped them. The five that were the force that prevented Sasuke from getting help: Sakon and Ukon the twins, Jirobo who had great strength, Kidomaru who had great speed, and Tayuya who was very cunning. They called themselves the Sound Four, with Sakon and Ukon being considered one person. Each one was a pain to deal with even in normal conversation.
He had to find their weaknesses first in order to stop them, but he didn't know what those weaknesses could be. What could stop a pair of twins, someone with great strength, speed, and cunning skills?
Sasuke thought hard then slowly blinked and gave a smirk. They never said I had to stay away from Itachi… Sasuke jumped off the desk and pulled out this cell calling up Itachi's number. We'll just go out to eat just in case I run into Naruto.
-oO0-o)
Sasuke and Itachi entered the Chinese restaurant later that evening. It was a buffet restaurant, so they could find a place to sit without being disturbed or found. Itachi kindly asked for a table liked that, and they were shown to the corner of the restaurant. There weren't many people here, so it made it easier to be alone.
After they were seated and asked their drinks, they got up and grabbed food. Once they sat back down, Itachi looked at Sasuke seriously.
"Alright, so what do you need my advice for?"
"It's a strategy I'm coming up with to take down five people." Sasuke decided to tell the truth, but only part of it.
"You want to beat up five people?" Itachi frowned picking at his food.
"Not exactly. It's for a project at school, and I'm having a hard time coming up with how to defeat these five people." Sasuke munched on his food.
"Hmm, alright, what's making it difficult?" Itachi placed on a smile. Sasuke gave a half-smile/grin that Itachi believed him. He would be able to keep Itachi out of danger.
"Here's the setup. These five people each have different personalities and strengths, but I can't figure out their weaknesses."
"Oh? You're quite good at this, Sasuke. Why are you having trouble?" Itachi grinned jabbing is fork toward Sasuke. Sasuke rolled his eyes as he stuff sushi into his mouth.
"Because…" He mumbled as he swallowed his food. "I'm not really sure what to use against them. They have strengths that are difficult to come up with a strategy."
"Alright, alright continue."
"The first two are twins. They have the ability to practically do sneak attacks on you with one being able to hide while the other is a distraction. The third is a large one who is very tall and has great strength able to take down many people. The fourth one is kind of tall and skinny and has great speed and accuracy. And finally the last one is very cunning in skill and intelligence..." Sasuke took a sip of his drink as he watched Itachi think.
"Sneak attacks, strength, speed and accuracy, and cunning with intelligence." Itachi placed his fork down and rested his chin on upraised hands. "What you should do is find someone who can match those."
"Match them?" Sasuke frowned not understanding completely. "Shouldn't I find their weaknesses?"
"There isn't much that's weak against such things, expect those that are stronger than them in those areas." Itachi picked up his spoon and fork. "For example, let's say this spoon is the person who is really strong, and this fork is someone who can match them." Itachi began to mash the two utensils together as if they were fighting. Eventually, he had the spoon between the forks points. "And with that, the person who could match them could take them out. That's all there is to it."
Sasuke slowly began to understand. But who do I know that can match everyone in those areas…? Sasuke jabbed at his rice giving a frown. "This really does help, Itachi. I'll just have to think about who could do those things."
"I'm glad I could be of help." Itachi reached over and rubbed Sasuke's head making him give a pouty face.
-oO0-o)
Sasuke opened the door to Obito's house giving a yawn.
"Welcome back, Sasuke!" Obito came up to him grinning. "Itachi told me you already ate."
"Yeah, we had Chinese." Sasuke walked passed Obito and headed into the room he had been using, but stopped when he saw a woman with short, dark brown hair and brown eyes. She smiled at Sasuke coming up to him. "Um, and you are?"
"My name is Rin and I'm Obito's fiancée. It's a pleasure to finally meet his cousin." Rin offered her hand out to Sasuke who stared at it with a gaping expression.
"F…Fiancée?" Sasuke slowly turned to see Obito coming up and grabbing Rin's hand to lead her off. "W-Wait, you're ENGAGED Cousin Obito?"
Obito stopped and gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Sasuke came up to them glaring. Rin gave a small laugh with an amused expression on her face.
"I… uh… well… um…" Obito began stuttering with a high blush on his cheek. "I… no one really knew except Kakashi."
"HUH? Why would Kakashi-sensei know?" Sasuke was getting even more confused at what was going on.
"Because Kakashi, Rin and I grew up together." Obito simply said rubbing the back of his head. Sasuke blinked slowly and stared at the two. Then he looked at Rin and bowed.
"Erm, sorry about being rude."
"It's alright, Sasuke-kun. I understand." Rin smiled then bowed herself. "I'll be heading to bed." She waved to the two before heading into Obito's room.
Sasuke and Obito stared long at each other. Sasuke crossed his arms with a frown still upon his face while Obito tried to avoid looking at Sasuke's eyes.
"When did you get engaged?" Sasuke asked after a few moments of silence.
"A few months ago."
"How long have you been dating her?"
"For about a year and a half."
"When's the wedding date?"
"Haven't really set one yet."
"Itachi doesn't even know?"
"He hasn't mentioned it, but I'm sure he knows."
"Have you two done anything yet?"
"Sasuke!" Obito began to shove Sasuke into his room. "T-That's none of your business!" Sasuke looked up at Obito to see him blushing hard. Obito sighed and shut the door leaving Sasuke to himself.
Sasuke gave a grin and a small laugh rolling his eyes. Clumsy cousin… He stretched as he began to change into pajamas. Eventually, he sat down to think about what Itachi said and this new event that had just happened. Obito is engaged…
Sasuke threw his hands into the air in frustration. "Why didn't you tell me sooner, you idiot?" I know that Obito is fully capable to take care of himself, but whatever Suigetsu has planned it might also involve Rin if they found out! I have to solve this quickly otherwise people are going to get hurt…
Sasuke plopped onto his bed and stared at the ceiling trying to push back Obito and Rin from his mind.
"Gotta focus on what Itachi said…" Closing his eyes he imagined the five troublemakers in his mind.
To counter sneak attacks, he needed someone who was better at them. Who could do that…?
Sasuke sat up and hit himself mentally. Of course! I have everyone I need… I know I don't want to get them involved, but they'll end up bugging me sooner or later…This is for Naruto's sake. I have to protect him. He doesn't need anymore pain.
Sasuke reached over and grabbed a pencil and paper. Quickly, he wrote down many things before looking over it.
Someone who could counter sneak attacks was Kiba and his dog Akamaru. Kiba could also get his friend Shino to help. Kankuro could also assist them.
Someone who could counter strength was Choji. Even though Choji wasn't very tall and didn't look like much. He knew Choji was very strong once it came to his friends.
Someone who could counter cunning and intelligence was none other than Shikamaru. He was the smartest person Sasuke knew even if he was incredibly lazy.
Sasuke nodded slowly then frowned when he didn't have anyone who could counter Kidomaru… He wasn't sure if Gaara would be able to counter someone with speed. He would need someone who used was in martial arts, but he didn't know anyone for that.
I'll find someone eventually, if not I'll just take care of Kidomaru myself. Now then… how to contact them? Sasuke laid back on his bed to think about formulating a plan, but Suigetsu popped to mind making him bolt up. No… I can't involve them no matter what. I have to do this on my own… I have to.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Naruto-
November 14th, Wednesday. Hyuuga household.
"Naruto, this is the third day you haven't gone to school. Missing too many is bad…" Neji scolded Naruto who sighed and hung his head.
"I know… But I can't face Sasuke yet." Naruto mumbled as he gripped his arm. He heard Neji sigh.
"As your Student Council President, I need to get you to go to school. If you really don't wish to talk to Sasuke I can have it where you work somewhere else, but you won't get the lecture from the teachers that way…" Neji tried to convince Naruto who stared blankly.
"Eh… fine, fine! You're right. I've missed five days, now making it seven. I only have eight more before I'm kicked out of school." Naruto laid back against the porch staring up at the sky. He understood the risks of staying out of school. It would also cause his parents problems, which he didn't want. He already had told his dad that he was just going to stay at the Hyuugas house for the time being until he had settled things.
"Decide what you want to do, I'm going to train." Neji turned and began to walk down the hallway. Naruto stared after him before turning to be on his stomach.
"Train?" Naruto blinked slowly then hopped up following after Neji. "Neji! Let me train with you!"
"Huh?" Neji stopped giving a frown.
"Please, Neji… I know how to fight, but it's… reckless. I'm not very good at what I do. I need to learn to be calming and I can't do that on my own." Especially without Sasuke… Naruto begged bowing his head to Neji.
"Why do you want to learn how to fight?"
"I… want to be able to protect everyone." Naruto lifted his head to see a smile on Neji's face.
"Then come this way." Neji began to walk off again. Naruto smiled and followed after happily.
-oO0-o)
Naruto groaned as he got up from being beaten down. He had never met anyone that could best him in a fight… until now. He stared up at Neji who placed his hand out to help Naruto to his feet. He took it gladly and brushed himself off.
"You're really good…" Naruto took a deep breath then placed his fists out again.
"You have so much stamina… It's beginning to tire me out." Neji was breathing a little fast as they had been going at it for awhile.
"I don't know why, but I can last a really long time when it comes to physical exertion." Naruto grinned.
"I have noticed. Let's rest for now." Neji sat down and sipped on some tea that had been left by Hinata earlier. Naruto sat down next to him and looked up towards the sky.
Naruto felt relaxed, which he hadn't felt in a really long time. Being with the Hyuuga family gave him peace of mind, and to help him focus. He reached up and touched the necklace on his neck.
Blinking, he pulled it up and examined its beautiful color. As he stared at it he began to relax even more, as if it was soothing him. How strange…
"What's that necklace, Naruto-kun?" Naruto jumped at the sound of Hinata's voice. She was sitting next to him staring at his necklace.
"Erm um… Where did you come from?" He asked instead of answering her question then he shook his head. "Never mind. Um, this necklace? It was a gift from my father on my fifteen birthday last month."
"It's such a beautiful necklace… Looking at it makes me calm." Hinata smiled as she reached over to touch it. Naruto blinked at her. Makes her calm? I wonder…
"You know… I haven't…turned since my father gave me this necklace." Naruto commented as Hinata was holding the necklace.
"The inner demon you speak of?" Neji asked.
"Yeah. It's weird, but this necklace really relaxes me."
"Perhaps there is something inside of it that does so. Looking at it actually relaxes me as well." Neji admitted.
Naruto gave a smile then sighed. "Neji… what do you think I can do to help figure what's going on with Sasuke?"
"Well… how about getting your friends to help?" Neji suggested.
"My friends?" Naruto frowned.
Neji looked toward Naruto and nodded. "Yes, your friends Naruto. I've seen them at school, worried for you. They even came up to me a few times asking if you were alright. They want to help you and Sasuke out…"
Naruto looked down and gave a small smile. "I'm such an idiot. You're right… Why didn't I ever ask them? Heh…" Naruto gave a nod. "Alright, tomorrow I'm going to get help from them, but for now… will you continue to help me train?"
"Of course."
-oO0-o)
Next day, lunch.
Naruto took Gaara, Kankuro, Shikamaru, and Choji outside where they could privately talk. As soon as he had gotten back to school it was evident that they had missed him. They all bombarded him with questions and even updated him with what was going on with Sasuke and Suigetsu.
Naruto was very happy that he had such good friends.
Shortly, Neji came up with Kiba and Shino. All three of them were in the first lunch hour, so Neji had to pull them out of class.
"Naruto!" Kiba went up to Naruto and grabbed his head. "You mutt, getting out of school and leaving us here to wonder if you had died or not."
"Eeeeeh?" Naruto frowned and shook off Kiba's hand rolling his eyes. "Ahem, now that we're all here… Let's get to what I wanted to talk about. Something is going on with Sasuke. We all know this. Suigetsu is definitely involved in this somehow. Whatever is going on, we have to figure it out."
"How are we going to go about doing that, Naruto?" Gaara asked.
"Hmm, we need to formulate a plan that lets us watch both of them. It can't be me because Sasuke will find out, and I bet Suigetsu doesn't like us together." Naruto gripped his hands.
"Hmm." Kiba placed a hand on his chin before looking to Shino. "What do you think, Shino? Would doing that be a good idea?"
"It is the best way to handle such a solution." Shino answered. Naruto looked between the two.
"Heh, then let's do so."
"Eh, eh?" Naruto placed out his hands. "What are you two talking about?"
Kiba laughed and rubbed Akamaru's head. "Shino and I are very good at collecting information. We'll go after Suigetsu's group."
Naruto gave a smile and nodded.
"I'll help out." Shikamaru suggested. "I may not look it, but I'm quite good at analyzing things. I'll track down Sasuke."
"We'll join you, Shikamaru-kun." Gaara added in with Kankuro nodding.
"This will be quite difficult." Neji spoke up making everyone look at him. "Naruto, continue to stay at my house. I will keep things under control at school so we don't get caught."
"You mean… we'll try this at school, too?" Choji asked. Neji nodded. "What can I do to help?"
"Hmm…" Naruto began to think then grinned. "Choji, you can keep all the information we've collect. It'll be the safest with you." Choji gave a nod and smiled.
"Heh. Naruto… this is actually a solid plan." Neji commented as he looked around at the group of people. "You have… many good friends."
"And you're a good friend too, Neji!" Naruto grinned. Neji blinked then bowed his head. Naruto stood up with everyone doing the same then he placed out his hand. He looked at the blank expression on their faces until Choji understood what was going on and placed his hand on top of Naruto's. Getting the idea, Shikamaru placed his hand on Choji's and everyone followed after. "We can do this. Let's save Sasuke and beat down Suigetsu and his little gang of people."
"Yeah!" Everyone shouted at the same time as the pushed their hands down and rose them up into the air clenching them into fists.
Naruto looked around at his friends smiling greatly.
I really do have good friends…
-oO0-o)
Weeks began to pass as Naruto and his friends gathered the information that they could. Thanksgiving had come and gone. Naruto felt hollow that he wasn't able to spend it with the Uchiha family. They had Thanksgiving by themselves on Sasuke's request, but that only pushed Naruto to try harder.
Naruto spent all the time he could training with Neji. He slowly began to improve. He even fought against Hinata who was just as skilled as Neji. His skills grew and he was soon able to defend against both of them without getting thrown down a lot.
Eventually, a month and a half had passed. Everyone was near an abandoned building looking over the information that Choji had placed together with the help of Shikamaru.
Apparently, Suigetsu's group consisted of himself, his girlfriend Karin, and a group called the Sound Four that was made up of five people. They were a set of twins called Sakon and Ukon with his three followers Jirobo, Kidomaru, and Tayuya. Each of them was very strong and skilled in at least one thing.
Suigetsu and his group had gone around stealing things throughout Konoha. They hadn't destroyed or damaged property. It seemed their main aim was just get things for "free". Sasuke was involved with keeping them safe and out of the UPFK's sight. He had been living with Obito, but was now seen to live with Suigetsu recently.
The hideout that they stayed in was in the Old City of Konoha where no one lived anymore. Gangsters had begun to occupy it making it a highly dangerous place. Shikamaru pointed out that there was a five way fork. Each direction was where one of Suigetsu's, including himself, were stationed at.
"Is that all?" Naruto asked as he looked around at his friends. Hinata had pleaded to come along to assist Naruto while Temari demanded she was to come to look after her two little brothers, Gaara and Kankuro. Naruto agreed and was happy to let them come.
Everyone nodded to Naruto. Naruto gave a smile and stood. He looked at his friends seeing his determination reflect in their eyes. He looked down the street that would lead them where Suigetsu and Sasuke were.
"Let's go!" Naruto shouted as they ran down the street. "Choji, remind us who's going after who."
Choji nodded and pulled out a piece of paper. "Kiba, Akamaru, and Kankuro are going after Sakon and Ukon. Shino and I are going after Jirobo. Shikamaru is going to go after Tayuya with Temari. Neji is going to go after Kidomaru. Naruto and Hinata are going to go after Suigetsu and Sasuke."
Naruto gave a nod and reached for Hinata's hand holding it tightly. He felt her grip back. He looked ahead to see the split in the road that Shikamaru mentioned about. Naruto looked towards his friends and nodded.
Kiba's group went left, Choji's group went right, Shikamaru's group went to the middle-right, and Neji ran to the middle-left. That left Naruto and Hinata to go straight down the middle.
Naruto stopped and watched his friends run in each direction. Be safe… Naruto looked to Hinata and smiled comfortingly at her before racing down the middle.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Sasuke-
Sasuke gripped his hands as he stared at the ground in front of him. He was sitting on the couch that Suigetsu used for outside. He was at Suigetsu's little base of operations. Suigetsu and Karin were sitting on another couch having a little chat that Sasuke completely tried to ignore.
It had been a month and a half of pure horror. Suigetsu used every opportunity he could get to steal things around Konoha. Sasuke had to cover up for him using Obito's knowledge of the UPFK. Sasuke would get information from Obito about the police force. Where they were headed next, where they patrolled, and where they were strict with parts of Konoha. Sasuke used the excuse that he was researching for when he was going to join.
Obito hadn't realized it at first that Sasuke was using him, but he had eventually found out that Sasuke was doing something. Obito had tried to get Sasuke to tell him the truth, but Sasuke said he wasn't about to risk Obito's life especially with Rin there. Obito had been shocked at how far Sasuke was going. Sasuke left after that, taking his things, and began to stay at Suigetsu's house.
Sasuke leaned his head back and sighed at the memories. He had barely seen Naruto around, and hadn't even spoken to him. It had hurt him greatly to treat Naruto like this after all they had gone through.
I… wish I could just speak to him again…
"Sasuke!" Sasuke frowned when he heard Naruto's voice. Am I hearing things? He lifted his head up and looked toward the entrance. He stood up quickly when he saw Naruto there with the Hyuuga's daughter, Hinata.
"N…Naruto?" Sasuke was greatly surprised at what was going on. Suigetsu and Karin came up next to Sasuke with glares.
"What do you think you're doing here, Namikaze?" Suigetsu asked crossing his arms.
"You have no business here you little mice." Karin sneered.
"I'm here to take Sasuke back, and to take you down after all you've done!" Naruto shouted. Sasuke watched as he and Hinata came to stand about fifteen from him. Naruto was looking at Suigetsu, so Sasuke was able to notice Hinata looking at him.
Sasuke stared at her then realized there was understanding in her face. He opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it with Suigetsu here. He gave a small nod to Hinata.
Naruto must have found out. This isn't good.
"Give me a break, Naruto!" Suigetsu growled now using Naruto's given name. "What have we done wrong? And as I told you before, Sasuke came to us on his own free will. He doesn't want to go back."
"That means," Karin added in, "you and your little girlfriend better turn back around and go away."
"We will not!" Hinata voiced in with her shyness. Sasuke blinked at her and swallowed. "We know how you've been using Sasuke to get to his cousin. You've being dodging around the UPFK to steal."
Sasuke's eyes widened when his conclusion was correct. He glanced to Suigetsu who had an unreadable expression on his face. Then he saw him snap his fingers and whistle. NO! Sasuke clenched his hands and waited. The Sound Four did not appear. Suigetsu gave a frown and whistled again. Still, nothing happened.
"Where are those idiots?" Suigetsu hissed. "Fine, whatever. I can take care of you myself, Naruto."
"Bring it, fish face." Sasuke watched as Naruto gently pushed Hinata to behind him. He then saw Suigetsu and Karin approach them.
Naruto… you won't be able to handle this! Sasuke watched as Suigetsu tried to attack Naruto. Naruto twisted around and grabbed Suigetsu's arm then punched him in the side. Suigetsu winced then tried to kick Naruto. Naruto dodged that attack and then finally kicked Suigetsu down.
Sasuke was surprised. He turned his attention to watch as Karin tried to attack Hinata. Sasuke was bout to move to help, but Hinata could handle her own. Using the same movements as Naruto, Hinata was able to push Karin back. Karin yelped and jumped away holding her stomach with a vicious glare at Hinata.
Suigetsu got back up and was about to attack when suddenly Gaara, Kankuro, Temari, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Shino, and Neji came up to the entrance. Suigetsu and Karin stopped and slowly took a few steps away. Sasuke's eyes widened staring at all of them.
Everyone… They came… Sasuke had a soft expression cross his face. His friends were hurt, probably fighting off the Sound Four, but they were alright.
Naruto suddenly pulled Sasuke close and went to his ear to whisper, "Sasuke, remember that promise you made to me? I can protect you just as you protect me, but you forgot something important… We do this together. I'm your best friend after all! I won't let you get hurt or abandon you either."
Reality snapped into Sasuke. He suddenly realized how right Naruto was, and the mistake he had made for this entire month and a half. He took a step back and stared into the bright blue eyes of his best friend.
"Heh. I screwed up this time didn't I, Naruto?" Sasuke mumbled as a smile came to his face. "What was I trying to accomplish doing this alone? I'm not alone. I never was. I have you, Gaara, Shikamaru, Kankuro, Choji, Kiba, and Shino. Why couldn't I just trust all of you?"
"Cause you're too full of yourself." Naruto grinned making Sasuke lightly smack his arm.
"Idiot."
"You know it!" Naruto gave a laugh even making Sasuke laugh. The two stared at each other giving apologetic smiles.
"…Isn't this lovely…" Suigetsu's voice rang out making them focus on the problem at hand. "Just cause you're on the other side now, Sasuke, doesn't mean you've won." Suigetsu whistled loudly and the Sound Four came into view. They were hurt, but still able to move. Sasuke watched as Kidomaru jumped down and grabbed Hinata before jumping back while Tayuya came from behind and grabbed Temari moving to be with Kidomaru. More people that Sasuke hadn't known was part of Suigetsu's little gang appeared as well.
Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, Kankuro, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Shino, and Neji all jumped back and got into fighting positions.
"Just try it, Suigetsu." Naruto goaded. "Just cause you've got more people than us… doesn't mean you can win!"
"Don't get your hopes up, you pathetic piece of trash!" Sakon shouted.
"He's right, Naruto…" Suigetsu came up to the group shaking his head. "We'll win and get what we want. What do you think you nine can possible do against us, especially with your cute little girls in our possessions?"
Sasuke glared at Suigetsu then came up to him. "You want to know what?" Sasuke threw up his hand and punched Suigetsu hard making him fall to the ground. "It's because of our bonds, and the faith we have for each other. It's unbreakable and keeps us strong even when we're down!"
Suigetsu growled and waved his hands. "Get them!" Sasuke jumped back to his friends and prepared to fight.
-oO0-o)
The fight had lasted only for a short while, but they had won. That was, Naruto and his friends.
Sasuke walked up and pinned Suigetsu to the ground with his foot. "I'm sick of what you've put me through. I've had to break my cousin's trust, abandon my friends, and distance myself from everyone just so you could get what you wanted." Sasuke growled. "You probably thought this would make the bonds I had with my friends worse, but you were wrong. They actually became stronger, and now I'm going to thank you for it." Sasuke pulled out his cell and began to dial a number.
"What… are you going to do?" Suigetsu growled trying to get up.
"Oh… Just spill everything to Cousin Obito." Sasuke smirked as his cousin answered the phone and he began to tell everything that had happened.
Half an hour later, Suigetsu and his group were being arrested. Sasuke walked up to the ambulance that had a few of his friends there. Naruto winced as a nurse treated his wounds. He got up quickly when he saw Sasuke and darted over with the nurse following after.
"Easy, Naruto…" Sasuke sighed.
"So Sasuke… how are you feeling?" Naruto asked with a smile on his face. Sasuke gripped the blanket that was around himself tighter.
How am I feeling? After all that I did to you, that's all you ask? Sasuke bit his lip then hugged Naruto.
"What is wrong with you? Why aren't you furious for what I did…?"
"Cause, Sasuke," Naruto started as he hugged his friend back. "I believed in you. It took a bit, but I began to believe in you."
Sasuke gritted his teeth and sighed then pulled back shaking his head. A tear rolled down his cheek. "Thanks, Naruto."
"Anytime and forever, Sasuke!" Naruto grinned. Sasuke grinned back then blinked as Naruto raced around him. Sasuke turned around and saw him approach Hinata. Curious, he got closer, but remained far enough away. Neji came up next to Sasuke and gave a frown.
"Now what are they…?" Neji began, but closed his mouth when he heard Naruto talk.
"Hinata? I want to ask you something." Naruto took Hinata's hands in his. Sasuke saw her face flush up.
"Y-Yes, Naruto-kun?"
"Will you…go out with me?" Naruto asked smiling sweetly with a blush on his cheeks.
"…Eh?" Hinata's face became very red as she gaped at Naruto.
"What?" Sasuke gaped as well.
"You're joking…" Neji mumbled and sighed. "I saw it coming, but of all the places to…"
Sasuke couldn't believe his ears. JUST what happened the last month and a half? I seriously missed a lot.
"Hinata?" Naruto began looking concerned as Hinata only stared. Eventually, she shook herself and gave a sweet smile.
"I… Yes, I want to. I… I um… I just have to ask permission from my father."
"Let me come and do it formally then." Naruto pulled Hinata's face close. "And…um…may I?" Hinata could only nod as Naruto leaned forward and kissed Hinata lightly.
"Naruto Namikaze!" Neji shouted as he went up to them. Naruto gave a panicked expression as he let go of Hinata and ran off back to Sasuke.
Sasuke grinned at him and nudged him in the side as he came up.
"So what's with this asking Hinata Hyuuga to date you?"
"I, whoa! You weren't supposed to be listening in." Naruto blushed rubbing the back of his head.
Sasuke laughed and shook his head. "We have a lot to discuss."
"Definitely, Sasuke. Let's do it over Ichiraku!"
"Ugh, you idiot…" Sasuke couldn't help but laugh as he and his best friend walked over to join the rest of their friends who were waiting eagerly for them.
Mom, Dad. I hope you're watching over me. Look at all the friends I've made. Isn't it wonderful? Now if only… I could find her.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Sakura-
December 21st, Friday evening. A few days after the incident at the Old City. Kitsune High.
Sakura stared at Hinata gaping greatly. Hinata had come over to explain about the boy that had rescued her that fateful day. She had told Sakura and Ino how she encountered the events that followed after involving the boy and his best friend.
What Hinata failed to mention was that those two boys were Naruto Namikaze and Sasuke Uchiha. The two Sakura had been looking for since she moved to Konoha.
Sakura began to shake Hinata lightly with desperation. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"
"I… I didn't know it was important, Sakura-chan." Hinata closed her eyes as she let Sakura shake her.
"Sakura! Be gentle." Ino cut in as she stopped Sakura from shaking Hinata. Sakura pulled back and felt herself shaking.
"I… I can't believe it. They were here this entire time… And I completely missed them! And you," Sakura pointed at Hinata, "have even been asked by Naruto to be his girlfriend of all things!" Sakura wrapped her arms around herself. I even spoke with Sasuke the day after Halloween. I'm so stupid!
"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan… I didn't know you were looking for them." Hinata bowed her head. "A-And with N-Naruto-kun it's not o-official yet. I have to get permission."
"Ah, don't apologize, Hinata-chan! Sakura is just a klutz and very forgetful." Ino gave a laugh. Sakura twitched and punched Ino in the head. "OW! Sakura!"
"It's fine Hinata-chan, I just…" Sakura soon came to a realization and stood up. "Where are they now? Do you know?"
"I think they're headed home, but Naruto-kun told me they were going to go on a trip with their families…" Hinata sighed.
"… Do you know where they live?" Sakura pulled Hinata to her feet and gripped her shoulders lightly.
"I-I know where Naruto-kun lives."
"That's good enough!" Sakura began to push Hinata toward the door grabbing their jackets. "Ino, let's go!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Ino came behind Sakura and closed their dorm door. All three girls raced out of the dorm and headed toward the gates of the school. Hinata took the lead and began to run to the other side where the boys exited out. She ran as fast as she could up the hill leading towards a few homes.
Please let us be there in time… Please… Sakura gripped her jacket as she threw her hoodie over her head. Hinata rounded a corner and Sakura followed. She stopped as she almost ran into Hinata who had stopped herself. "Hinata, what's wrong…" Hinata pointed ahead of her. Sakura looked ahead and what she saw took her breath away.
She took a step forward toward the two boys. They were laughing with each other and giving each other light punches. She took another step with her hand reaching out towards them. Her mouth felt dry, and she could feel her heart begin to race. She took a quick breath and another step.
"Sasuke-kun! Naruto!" Sakura shouted out as tears began to flow down her cheeks. The two boys stopped and turned toward the girls. Surprised expressions laced their faces.
More tears began to fall down Sakura's face as she ran towards them.
-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-
The next chapter will finally be their reunion! (is happy) That fox will also make an appearance, but the chapter won't focus on it. Chapter 12 will be dedicated to that.
If you have a suggestion of something you would like to see happen in this story, don't be afraid to tell me! I would love to write it if it will fit well.
Hope you liked this chapter!