Disclaimer: Inuyasha & Naruto and their characters are properties of Rumiko Takahashi & Masashi Kishimoto, Shogakukan, Sunrise, Shueisha, Pierrot Studio, etc. Meaning, that I do not own them and I don't make any money out of this. This is written for pure fan entertainment and to the fans all around the world!

Characters: Kagome, Naruto, the Higurashis, Hinata and others being mentioned. (Pairing: Sasuke x Kagome)

Rating: K+

Category: short fic, drama, general, crossover, AU

Fiction note: Sequel for the previous fic, "Reason He Travels". As promised, Naruto shows around Konohagakure. While eating at Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto asks Kagome, how she and Sasuke met.

An Inuyasha & Naruto Short Fanfic

Reason He Travels:

"Differences Completes"

Written by k-tiraam © 2016

A month had passed by since the Higurashi family arrived to Konohagakure. They had finally settled in nicely to their new lives. The Higurashis lived with Sasuke, since his new home was too big for him. Sasuke made the decision not to live in any of his clan's houses. The Uchiha clan's area brought too many painful memories. It was better to start a new life with a new house – with a new family.

As promised, once the family had settled down, Naruto took Kagome for a tour, to see more of Konohagakure. Hinata told him that she would join them later on. Since the first time Kagome met the blonde ninja, she had gotten known of him more – and others too. The blonde ninja was funny, a real people's person and bit loud. Still, Kagome enjoyed his company.

So far, Naruto had showed the things that were important to him; the mountain with the faces of previous Hokages, the academy, the training grounds and last but not least, his favourite ramen place, Ichiraku Ramen. Since there was still time before Hinata's arrival, they decided to eat something while waiting for her. It was already Naruto's second serve of ramen. No matter how often she had seen him eat, Kagome was a bit dumbstruck at his huge appetite for ramen.

"Ah, Naruto-kun, you sure love ramen, don't you?" Kagome chuckled nervously.

"Hmph?" Naruto slurped in the noodle. "Of course! Ichiraku's ramen is the best, datte bayo!"

"I have to agree with you," Kagome took a sip of her green tea, "the food here is really delicious."

"Isn't it~?" Naruto grinned. "Umm, Kagome-chan? Where's Sasuke?"

"Oh, he had a meeting with Kakashi-sama," she answered. "He told me he would join us a bit later. Why?"

Naruto tried to look indifferent. "Oh, nothing. Just curious." There was a moment of silence between them; only the voices of other customers were heard. Kagome kept sipping on her tea, while Naruto emptied his ramen bowl. "Umm, Kagome-chan? How did you and teme met?"

Kagome paused for a second, glancing at Naruto. 'Ah, that's why he asked where Sasuke-kun was. Waiting for a right moment to ask that.' Naruto kept staring at her waiting for her reply. "Well, I met him when he stepped a foot to our family shrine, during one of his travels. I shot a warning arrow at his feet."

"Woah?!" Naruto gapped in disbelief!

"I thought he was one of rogue ninjas, but he convinced me that he wasn't." Kagome sipped her tea again.

Naruto hummed thoughtfully, eyes closed and his arms crossed over his chest, nodding at her cautious action. "I would've done the same, if a possible enemy came close."

"Our town was tiny, so I knew everyone who lived there. Sasuke-kun was complete stranger, so I had to be cautious of him." She placed the empty mug on the counter, still holding on it with both hands. Memories of their first meeting came sweeping into her mind.

Roughly five years ago.

Kagome was sweeping the yard off from the trash and dead leaves that had flown with the wind. There were many things to be done, so she thought to begin with the easiest task. Her mother was at the market, her grandfather and brother, Souta were somewhere nearby. Their grandfather was trying to train Souta with his spiritual power. Key word: trying.

'If only grandpa would admit that, he's way of teaching is no good anymore – especially when his spiritual powers have become weaker.' The young woman sighed deeply, pausing from the sweeping. At that moment, she felt an aura approaching to their home, very powerful one. It didn't feel anything like hers, no. It felt more like a warrior's aura – dark but not evil.

The young priestess became alerted and was on guard. None of the townsfolk held such aura, so whoever the person was, he or she was an outsider. Kagome went to fetch her bow and arrows, and then quickly she hid herself. She didn't have to wait for long time; soon she saw a dark figure coming closer and closer. Kagome drew an arrow, aiming at the ground in front of approaching person. When the time was right, she released the arrow and then quickly drew another right after the first one.

The person, no, a young man jumped back, taking out his katana, getting ready to battle.

"What are you doing here?" Kagome questioned him. "We are a small community, so I know you're not from here!"

Soon as she said that, Kagome stepped forward, arrow pointing at young man in dark clothes. Her face was stern, ready to defend if he meant to harm her small family. Of course, now she understood his aura; he was a ninja. From the look of him, he looked like he had been travelling for some time now.

The man exhaled deeply, re-sheathing his katana. His body became more relaxed, as to show Kagome he meant no harm.

"It's true. I'm not from here. I'm just wandering around, looking for a place where I can rest for a night." He finally answered to her, keeping the eye contact with her.

Kagome could see his eyes more clearly; his right eye was really black, however, his left eye… was something she has never seen before. Purple with rings within them; a curse or a clan's bloodline? No, that was not important now. What was important was to find out why a ninja – like him – was doing here?

The young priestess lowered her bow and arrow, but kept a close eye on him. "So, you don't plan to do anything? I heard there was a great battle going on. In fact, we felt the effect of the battle all the way here."

The man sighed, closing his eyes for a second. "True, there was a huge battle, which concerned all of us. Not just ninja nations, but everyone. You don't need to worry. I've no hidden agendas or any intentions to harm anyone here." His remaining hand was up, showing her he really didn't mean any harm.

Kagome stared at him, still doubtful. However, she looked into his aura, searching for lies and deceptions. She found none. He really meant what he was saying. She exhaled and finally relaxed her hold on her weapons. "Okay. I believe you – for now. The town is bit far from here…" She noticed his frown deepened. 'Ah, not much of a people person, is he?' She cleared her throat. "Of course, you can stay at our home for the night in our guest room."

He bowed down with gratitude.

"My name's Kagome Higurashi. As I said, this is my home. I'm this town's priestess. Well, one of them. There's Kaede-sama who also lives with us." Kagome told him. "So, what's your name? If I've to introduce you to my family, I can't keep calling you "stranger"."

He hesitated before he answered, "Sasuke."

"Hm? No last name?" Kagome wondered. But he didn't reply to her questioning, so Kagome let it be. "Oh well, come on in. My family should return home soon, so this is a good time for you to settle in."

Sasuke nodded, following her. He didn't want to tell her his family name. There were no certainties, if she – or her family – knew the reputation of the Uchiha clan. For now, he played it safely; there were people who might (or might not) know few things about the Uchiha clan. Other than the Sharingan. He wanted to start from the beginning, without the heavy burden of Uchiha clan.

~ 0 ~

Since the moment, she welcomed Sasuke to her home – and taking a risk of it – Kagome became slightly curious of their house guest. And yes, he stayed at their home a bit longer than just one night. Kagome's mother insisted, after noticing the condition of his clothes and health. (The last Uchiha couldn't say 'no' to a mother, no matter how old he was.)

As to show his gratitude to the Higurashi family, Sasuke offered to help them out as much as he could with his single arm. Then again, he used some of his copy-ninjas to assist him, such as repairing their house and doing the heavy work. Grandfather had become weak within the passing years, and Souta was still too young to do any heavy work around the house.

More days passed by; Sasuke still hadn't left from the shrine. Why? What was it about this place that drew him to come here in the first place? He observed his surroundings in the backyard, where he was currently located at. This really was a peaceful place; just being here calmed his soul. Never before he had felt such peace at any places he had been. The winds gently blew the tiny bells hanging from the porch. The leaves rustled within the trees. No one was there – other than the family he had just met. Usually, he would avoid other people while travelling around.

And yet, here he was, still remaining at the family's house. All because of a young woman, who had a facial resemblance of an Uchiha – except for her eyes. Whenever he was close to her, Sasuke felt his mind being at peace. In fact, he hadn't thought much about his past when she was around.

A thoughtful frown made its appearance over his brows. Perhaps now was the time for him to leave, before he got too close to the family. A traitor like him didn't deserve such kindness from them. Just like he didn't deserve Naruto's forgiveness and friendship.

"Kouga-kun, no matter how often you ask, the answer still is no." Sasuke heard Kagome's voice coming from the front yard. Apparently, she had some company and from the sound of her voice, she was not happy about it.

"But Kagome, we've known each other since childhood! With Inuyasha gone, I thought you would give me chance!" A male tried to reason with her. Sasuke's eye brow twitched slightly; he didn't like the sound of that. Not one bit.

Wait a moment, why should he care about with whom the young priestess would date? He was an outsider; he shouldn't take any part of this conversation. Sasuke frown deepened. He should just walk away from this and ignore it.

He heard Kagome's tired sigh. "Kouga-kun, I see you no more than a friend. Besides, what Inuyasha got anything to do with this? Sure, I loved him and I've mourned for his passing. But it is my decision whom I want to be with – and unfortunately that isn't you." Ah, she also had lost someone precious to her, and yet, she had managed to find peace to calm her injured soul. Maybe that was the reason why he wanted to be close to her, wishing to have his soul healed from a similar agony – and guilt.

"Kouga-kun! Let go of my arm!"

Now that didn't sound right. Sasuke hurried with his walk to the front yard. Soon enough, he saw a young man with a black hair tied up in a high ponytail, wearing chest armour, some fur, traditional gi and knee-lengthened hakama and boots that only covered his shins. However, he wasn't wearing any shoes or even sandals; he was on his bare feet. Ignoring the man's unique choice of clothing, Sasuke's only concern was Kagome and how the man held onto her arm.

"Oi, is there a problem here?" He asked, scolding at the man, this 'Kouga', as Kagome called him.

"Ah, Sasuke-san! Nothing to worry about, Kouga-kun was about to leave," Kagome gave the young man a hard look, telling him she was not amused of his behaviour. "Right, Kouga-kun?" Kouga's body jolted with a slight panic. "Remember who I am, Kouga-kun… also remember what I can do to you, if you keep doing this all the time you come to visit."

For a moment, Sasuke thought Kouga wouldn't let go of her arm and was about to make a move, when finally Kouga loosened his grip on Kagome's arm, letting it go. Kouga was about to leave, but before that he took a quick look at Sasuke, snorting at dark-haired ninja. "So, you're interested of him, Kagome?"

Once he said that, Kouga felt a slight shock from behind, causing him to yelp in pain. He turned to look for the cause of it, only realizing it was Kagome herself, who had just "zapped" at him with her spiritual powers. And her so-called smile was scaring him the most!

"Kouga-kun? Please leave."

Without much ado, Kouga left. As Sasuke saw him leave, he kept imagining Kouga being a dog or any canine-related. The man looked like he had his tail between the legs. (If only Sasuke knew that he was not far from the truth.)

Placing her hands over her hips, Kagome took a deep breath and then let it out of her lungs. Of all the time Kouga chose to make his appearance! Kagome had known him since they were children; Kouga's family liked to travel from one country to another, always exploring and meeting others. One day, they stopped by to their shrine, introducing themselves to the small family. Once Kouga met the tiny girl, he claimed Kagome as his 'girl' – only getting beaten up by Inuyasha who was also visiting the Higurashi family. Since Inuyasha's death, Kouga tried persuade her to become his 'woman'. The word 'no' did not belong to his vocabulary.

Now their guest had to witness one of Kouga's visits and his behaviour.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. Kouga-kun can be quite handful." Kagome scratched her cheek with a finger, a sign of her embarrassment – at least one of them.

"He does this often?"

"Only when he's around here. He travels a lot with his family." Kagome explained. "When he does come here, well… you saw what happened." Kagome made her way to the house. "Kouga-kun has a special bloodline. Perhaps not quite like you have." Now it was Sasuke's turn to jolt mildly, but not in panic more like in surprise. "But it's still special, which was how I could give him a little shock to remind him of it." Kagome couldn't tell him that Kouga was a descendant of a wolf demon clan. No matter how annoying he could get, she didn't want to break her promise to him and his family.

With that, Kagome went inside. Sasuke remained to his place, feeling a bit unease. If she could do that to anyone with a bloodline such as him, he better be on guard. All the calmness he felt around her, was gone.

However, he had to admire her spirit; she knew how to handle things. She might not be a ninja, but she sure was a crafty one for being a priestess.

Kagome stopped with her story of how they met; Naruto was speechless.

"B-but, when did you began to date?! How did Sasuke ask you become his girlfriend?!" Naruto could feel his head starting to ache; the suspension was killing him! He wanted to know!

A tiny hue of pink made its appearance over Kagome's face. "Well, I admit, it was a slow process for us. Sasuke-kun only came to visit us whenever he was on a mission or when he had the time. The second time he came, I thought he wanted a place to stay for a night again. But as months passed by, his visitations became more often. Well, he visited at least four times a year."

'Woah, that's quite a lot for him!' Naruto thought. "But, that still doesn't explain how he made his move on you…"

Naruto felt someone giving him a quick slap on the back of his head. The blonde ninja let out a shout of pain, holding onto his head. "Oi! What's the big idea-?!" Naruto turned around, only finding himself being glared at by the very person they had been talking about. (Kagome waved at Hinata, who had also just arrived to the ramen place.) Naruto gulped in fear, recognizing the famous Uchiha glare.

"If you really want to know, dobe, I just asked her when I went to see her – and her family again the next year." Sasuke sat next to Kagome, receiving a quick peck from her. He might not want to show affections to her in public, but he didn't want to stop her from showing hers.

Naruto pouted in disappointment. "That's it? You just asked? No heroic deeds to impress her?"

"Hm." Sasuke ordered a tomato soup.

Kagome giggled. "It went something like that…"

About four years ago.

It happened during a festival, held by the locals of Kagome's hometown – and Sasuke happened to come to visit them. Mrs. Higurashi suggested they should go out and have some fun. At first, Sasuke tried to think of a way out, but the mother of the family had her ways to persuade him. She even let him lend one of her late husband's yukatas. It fit perfectly on him; dark in colors, with dark red "bubbles" by the hem, cuffs and the collar.

Kagome was dressed into a kimono, this time she chose not to be in her priestess outfit. The kimono was light pink with white and red flowers on it and her obi was green, also flower-patterned. She had a flower ornament placed in her hair, which matched perfectly with the kimono. When he saw her, Sasuke thought she looked gorgeous; admitting the choice of colours suited her better than any dark clothing the Uchiha clan once wore during the festivals.

"We are leaving now, mom!"

"Okay, have fun you two!" Mrs. Higurashi smiled for them – but Kagome knew better. She stared her mother with a suspicious look over her face. Her mother was up to something. Lately she had been hinting about missing the sound of a small child's cheer and laughter. Even though some mothers did brought their children to the shrine for a pray.

Hours passed by. Both of them were enjoying their time together; perhaps Kagome more than Sasuke. But at least Sasuke could relax a little, since no one knew him here – other than being the regular guest at the shrine. The whole time Sasuke was being a gentleman to her. He bought the food, the treats she wanted, also kept the unwanted people away from her – mainly Kouga, who decided to visit again.

Time for the fireworks was near. They went to the bridge to watch them. Sasuke didn't care for them that much, but Kagome was having great time at the festival so he didn't want to spoil her fun. During his visitations, they have gotten to known more of each other; about their past, likings and families. Sasuke had gotten known of her family, but for him to tell anything about his family was still difficult. He really didn't want to share about them. Not yet. Kagome understood, telling him to take as much time he needed. She could wait.

Kagome couldn't remember when it happened, but little by little, she began to fall in love with him. Sure, he was calm and thought things through before he acted – which was something that Inuyasha never did. Yet, there were some small similarities between them. She could see he was loyal, brave and helpful. Not only he had helped them out with their house, Kagome had seen Sasuke training Souta, teaching her younger brother some self-defence.

So here they were, looking at the fireworks. They stood closely each other, their shoulders almost touching. Sasuke placed his right hand onto the bridge's handrail. Soon Kagome placed her hands as well; her left hand briefly made contact with Sasuke's right one. When it happened, her heart skipped a beat and she began to feel warm.

Kagome was about to draw her hand away, when Sasuke took a hold of it. That only made her to gasp in surprise. After gotten known of him during his visits, Kagome never thought he would make such a move. Not for a million years!

"Sasuke-san…"

"I'm not a man with many words." Sasuke interrupted. "I really don't have any experience on this… Most of my life I spent training and battling enemies. So I'll go to the point." Sasuke looked at her. "Will you go out with me?"

It seemed like dumbstruck look was to stay over Naruto's face. Hinata had a tiny blush over her cheeks, while Sasuke was frowning at Kagome. If it was for him to decide, he wouldn't have said a word to the loud-mouthed ninja – or to anyone!

"Geez. You really went to the point, huh, Sasuke-teme? No sweet talks? Besides, you already were on a date!"

"Shut up, dobe."

"Um, I think that's part of your personality, Sasuke-kun." Hinata pointed out shyly.

Kagome beamed at Hinata, leaning a bit forward to be able to see the Hyuuga heir over the the blonde ninja. "That's what I thought so too!" She turned her gaze at the frowning Uchiha. "And I wouldn't want him be anyone else."

Sasuke remained silent, gazing back at her with much softened look in his eyes.

Naruto shivered in fright from the sight; that was so out of character of him. Love sure changes a person; even the ex-avenger like Sasuke.

End of story.

First draft: February the 10th – 11th, 2016

Author's note: Ack. It took me a longer to write this than the previous fics. That's because I got another call for a substitute job. (I'm unemployed, but I'm on a substitute workers' list – in case if one of the regular workers calls in sick and is unable to go to work.)

Not to mention that I had too many ideas to choose. In the end, I liked this version the most. Oh boy, I like Sasuke x Kagome and all… but when it comes to Sasuke alone... Geez! What a difficult character to write about! (That's why I wrote mostly from Kagome's view.)

Anyway, I hope you liked reading this. I'm off to write more! Catch yah later!