Chapter 15

Konohamaru ran off the ferry boat, grateful to finally be on land. He would rather be thrown in the air a thousand times than to ever ride any boat ever again! Sasuke stepped off the boat, eyeing Konohamaru from the corner of his eye. The boy was strange, and who would ever expect him to be kin to the former Hokage or Asuma. Somehow just thinking about Asuma made Sasuke twitch involuntary.

Asuma Sarutobi was hiding, and nobody knew where he was beside Kakashi and Guy-sensei. When the Third Hokage died, everything went chaotic. Asuma was announced a traitor for trying to conspire against Danzo. A hefty bounty was set on his head, dead or alive. It was apparent he was trying to eliminate anyone who would make people question his position. Konohamaru wouldn't have to worry about being marked a traitor as he was a wee child, but the Sarutobi clan suffered in silence.

"Oh my, it's so warm," Sasuke heard Hinata say.

He tilted his head back to look at the sun slowly setting.

However, none could compare to the Hyuga clan, the ultimate betrayal. Sasuke looked briefly at Hinata, who was talking to Naruto, then he looked at Konohamaru. A question always pondered in his mind, what if it had been his family? What if it was Itachi and he who survived? Suddenly, a very dark thought came to Sasuke's mind.

"Eh. Why are you doing that twitching thing with your eye?" Naruto questioned.

All senses came back to Sasuke, and he shot Naruto a glare. "What twitching thing?"

"That eye twitch you do when you overthink," He pointed out. "I can only imagine how frightened Konohamaru was with you during those days."

Of course, Naruto would notice something like that. Although Naruto was clueless in areas of his own circle, he was very observant of others' habits. Perhaps that was scary in its own sense.

"Why don't we get something to eat before we find a place to lay our head?" Naruto suggested, briefly looking at Hinata, then Konohamaru.

Sasuke nodded in agreement as he silently followed behind Naruto and Hinata. During those three days, it seemed they had grown closer than before as they were side by side; their clothes briefly touching one another. He looked at Konohamaru to see how the little guy was doing, and he could tell Konohamaru had noticed too. There was a surprised look on his face with a hint of sadness.

They entered a small restaurant; Naruto and he had been countless times. It wouldn't be their first time going to the Isles as it was a good location to clear their mind; however, something seemed amiss. Sasuke felt an uneasy knot settle in his stomach, almost as if something was forewarning him. That feeling was almost too familiar.


Konohamaru sighed softly as he watched the raindrops fall freely from the sky. Within the hour they had been here, a sudden storm emerged out of nowhere, and it rained nonstop. They barely made it to a hotel close to the seashores when the rain loaded down on them. If that wasn't the worst case, the four of them had to share a hotel room because there were no extra rooms available. And to spend time looking in this weather was not the best idea.

Bolts of lighten danced through the sky every so often, followed by rolling thunder. The sea below looked both terrifying and ferocious. Its once clear blue water had turned into a nasty gray color, slamming against the shores.

"Do you think it's going to last long?" Konohamaru questioned; disappointment was evident. He really had high hopes of exploring the Isles. Everything looked so tropical, as Sasuke described it, during their alone time. Although he'd never seen tropical, it did look exotic. Konoha looked different from the outside world. People were much friendlier, and everyone roamed around happily. Perhaps they weren't affected by the war like they were. If that war hadn't happened, would they be the same way?

"The weather has been acting up lately," Sasuke stared outside the window, his eyes gazing at the rolling sea. "Times are strange. Maybe we should wait a few more days than originally planned, Naruto," He said, turning to face him.

"I was going to say the same thing. It's too dangerous right now to continue our travel."

Hinata pressed the tip of her nose against the cold glass, and her gaze froze on the stormy sea. How did something once tranquil become like this? A slight shiver traveled down her spine as a sudden foreboding feeling washed over her. Why did the ocean look as if it would swallow her whole?

Sasuke caught Naruto glimpsing at Hinata, and he could only shake his head. He wondered when the dobe would inform the Hyuga girl of his love for her. "Let's play mahjong."

Konohamaru approached Sasuke eagerly. "Can we?"

"You know how to play?" Naruto asked, eyeing him.

"Yes, sir!" Konohamaru said, making his way around the table. "Grandpa loved mahjong."

"Hinata?"

"No, thank you," She answered softly. Her eyes were still focused on the ocean crashing against the shores.

The three men glanced at one another before they sat around the table, getting ready to play. While they played, Hinata stared out the window, unfazed by the flashing lights. She was perfectly fine before, but for some odd reason, she felt very strange. In the back of her mind, something kept telling her to leave, and it did not stop. It wasn't this way when they ported, so why now?

Hinata looked down at the small fox, who placed his paw on the top of her hand.

"Do you sense it too?" She whispered to the fox.

The fox jumped on her shoulder, nuzzling his nose on the side of her neck. "We'll be fine," She mumbled, scratching his tiny head. "I'm sure we will."

Outside began to calm down, but little droplets continued to fall from the sky. Konohamaru had fallen fast asleep on the sofa after returning from the lobby. Sasuke had dozed off a few minutes ago on the extra bed.

Naruto was still up, reading the manga he'd received from Shin; however, he wasn't as focused. He felt overwhelmed. Now that he understood his feelings for Hinata, how would he express them? He glanced over his shoulder and watched her put together the miniature yukata she was making for the fox.

Sensing someone looking at her, she glanced in Naruto's direction, and they instantly turned red. Clearing his throat, he pushed himself off the ground and walked to Hinata.

"Still making him that yukata?"

"Yes. I should be done in the next day or so," Her voice turned quiet. "Naruto?"

"Hm?"

"Don't you feel strange?"

His heart instantly skipped a beat. "Strange? No…. What do you mean?" He questioned, looking away from her gaze.

Sighing, she placed down the unfinished yukata and stared out the window. It was pitch black outside, and that only made her shiver. There was no visible moon or stars in the night sky. Was that even normal?

"Hin—"

"I just had this strange feeling wash over me, is all. I think I'll be fine by tomorrow morning."

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

She shook her head.

"Why don't we take a late stroll?"

"It's so dark out, and not to mention it's still sprinkling outside. We'll get wet," Hinata looked down at her lap as she tried to calm her beating heart. Being alone with Naruto for the past few days only made her love for him overflow.

"I promise you we won't get wet." He said, holding out his hand.

Looking over him briefly, she put away the yukata and took hold of his hand. "If I get wet, what shall I do to you?"

"Anything you desire," Naruto smiled. "Come on."

The rain fell from the night sky, quietly hitting the sand below. Hinata trembled as she clutched onto Naruto's hand as they made their way onto the hotel's patio. Above them was a covering so no rain would soak them, but Hinata felt eerie. Sensing how uneasy the girl was, Naruto wrapped his arms around her, embracing her gently.

"There's no need to be afraid, Hinata. I'm here." He whispered. "I'll always be here."

Hearing him say that made the eerie feeling disappear. Nodding, Hinata placed her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

"Naruto, why does your heartbeat so fast?"

"Apparently, my heart always beats this fast when I'm around you." He mumbled.

In his mind, he contemplated how he should go about confessing to Hinata. He wanted her to know that he was in love with her and wanted to be with her. He wanted to take her hand in marriage, give her the life she deserved and grow old together. Yes, he wanted all this, so how would he tell her? How would she react?

Naruto almost chuckled as he could hear Hinata now rejecting him.

"Have you lost your mind, sir? A maid and master can never be!"

What sense did the title make when love was involved? Hinata Hyuga was the woman for him, his woman. However, the question remains would she accept his feelings? If she did not, would she leave? That feeling upset him greatly, but nothing could compare to those months of being foolish about his desires.

"It looks like you're tired, Naruto," Hinata said, tilting her head back to look up at him. "Why don't we get some shut-eye?"

Naruto shook his head. "No, I- I must tell you something, Hinata."

She stood there, waiting for him to speak, yet the words did not come out. Worried, she quickly felt his forehead when she saw how red his face had gotten. "Naruto, we've been traveling for quite some time. Perhaps, you need to rest."

The words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat. Now, he was panicking. How should he go about this confession? Was he making this difficult? I love you! Why were those words so hard to come out?

Before he knew it, Hinata was leading him toward their shared room. "We won't be able to sleep in the same bed since we're all sharing a room."

He focused on the back of her head and watched as her hair swayed left to right as she moved freely.

"Naruto, when are you going to name Mr. Fox? It's a tad shame he doesn't have a name." She glanced over her shoulder. "Hm?" She tilted her head to the side.

"Huh?" Her beauty had gotten the best of him that he didn't realize she was talking to him.

"Do you feel strange, Naruto?" She questioned, letting go of his hand.

Yes, he did!

Before he could say anything, she sighed. "This place is beautiful, but I feel there's something wrong. I didn't feel this way a while ago, but now I can't shake this feeling that something bad will happen."

Hearing that made Naruto alert. "What kind of feeling is it?"

"It's hard to describe. Maybe I'm overthinking," She laughed nervously.

Deciding now wasn't the time to discuss feelings, he rested his hands on her shoulder, which made her stare into his dazzling eyes. "Let's get some rest tonight, and we'll see if you're still feeling this way tomorrow, okay?"

She nodded. "I shall miss you sleeping next to me. When we return to Konoha, I suppose it's back to the maids' quarter, huh?" Although she smiled, there was a hint of sadness within it.

Now that she and Naruto had gotten close, returning to their "normal" way felt odd in a way. Those few days together would be questioned, and to tarnish his image was not in her book. He wanted to tell her no, but now that she had asked that question, many questions entered his mind. Things he hadn't considered were beginning to show.

Smiling, he took her by the hand. "Let's get some rest."

And so, they went back to the room to rest. When Hinata finally fell asleep, Naruto sat on the empty chair, staring outside the window. The fox had jumped on his lap, burying his head into his chest.

"Things aren't going as I planned," Naruto mumbled. The fox glanced at him, then nodded. Sighing, he glanced at the fox. "What shall I name you?" Naruto poked the fox's paw when he raised it to him. "Are you supposed to be telling me something?"

Little noises came from the fox, which Naruto interpreted as him saying, "yes."

"You're so strange," Naruto hummed. "Did your mother abandon you?"

The fox jumped on Naruto's broad shoulder, wrapping his tail around his neck. "Your fur is starting to turn reddish," He pointed out. His neck tickled when he felt the fox's cold snout press against him. "You're probably sleepy too, huh?"

It remained quiet throughout the night as Naruto sat on the chair, watching the darkness outside. He had always had issues sleeping ever since his mother passed away, and he refused to keep taking those sleeping pills given to him by Tsunade. With Hinata by his side, he found sleeping to be easy.

"How long do I wait before I tell her?" He sighed.


Mother nature was not on their side as it poured continuously down on the Isles. Sasuke didn't want to spend another day, but the rain had stopped them from making any movements. Alas, they were confined to their room, imprisoned from moving anywhere.

Konohamaru was disappointed because he genuinely had hopes of exploring with Hinata. But he was confined to watching her create the red yukata for the fox.

This wasn't how Sasuke expected it to be, but that bad feeling remained.

"If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I say we leave," Sasuke said. "There are other places to explore before we return to Konoha."

Hearing that made Konohamaru disappointed. The people were warm and friendly when they ate, and he wanted to know what other things were here to explore.

"Do we have to?" He whined.

"Yes, we do," Sasuke replied sharply, although it was not his intention.

Naruto raised his eyebrow once hearing the sharp tone from Sasuke. That was strange.

Hinata could only agree with Sasuke as she, too, wanted to leave. "I think Sasuke is right. The weather has been terrible since we arrived."

"Okay. We'll leave tomorrow if the weather is clear. We can always visit next time, Konohamaru."

Konohamaru knew he couldn't object when Naruto spoke, so he remained quiet, brooding in his thoughts.

The rain came to and fro, making it difficult for them to travel. However, the sun came out on the sixth day, and the blue sky made its presence known. They were packing their belongings and getting ready to leave when Naruto noticed the poor fox was not acting like himself. He stuck to him like glue and wasn't his usual self. Seeing this made Naruto realize something was wrong. No matter how many times he tried to get under the fox's skin, he did not react how he should have.

"Is it because I haven't given him a name yet?" Naruto asked Hinata.

The door creaked as Sasuke opened it. In his hand was a letter he'd clutch onto. He had returned from the post office, and a grim expression lay on his face. It would be an hour before their departure, and he contemplated telling Naruto the news.

Shaking her head, she picked up the fox cuddling it. "I think it's best we leave," She mumbled.

"I know. We will," Naruto said. "Do you want to get some coconut water with Konohamaru first?"

"Can we just go?" Hinata asked shyly.

Looking at her face was paler than usual, and there was a frightened look upon her.

"Is everything okay, Hinata?" Konohamaru asked once, hearing how her voice trembled.

"What's going on?" Sasuke questioned, grabbing his bag from the ground. He quickly glanced at Hinata.

"I—" She shook her head, then looked at the carpeted floor. She didn't want to ruin everyone's fun, but her feet felt glued to the ground. The tears swelled in the corner of her eyes, and she tried to wipe them before anyone could see, but they all did.

"Hinata, we're leaving now. We should be gone within the hour," Konohamaru said, trying to cheer her up.

The fox cuddled against her trembling legs when seeing how shaken up she was.

Sasuke looked at Naruto, and he glanced at him.

"It's okay, Hinata. We can go." Naruto said, patting her shoulder. "There's no need to be frightened. See," he said, grabbing her belongings. "We're leaving now for our next destination."

Feeling relieved, she nodded.

The fox's ears stuck in the air, which Naruto quickly noticed. He stopped abruptly in his tracks when he began to run in circles around his legs, causing him to stumble. "Hey! You!" Naruto snarled. "Be careful!"

"What's the matter?" Hinata asked, staring at the fox worriedly.

"Is he sick?" Konohamaru questioned.

Just as Sasuke was about to say something, the room shook violently. Every mirror and picture frame was thrown off the wall, shattering entirely on the ground. The fox jumped on Naruto's head and shivered uncontrollably as the man tried to regain his balance, but he fell over. Hinata yelped when the lamp smashed next to her feet, making her fall backward onto the ground.

Konohamaru and Sasuke dropped to the floor, covering their heads as the building shook viciously. Tears swelled in Konohamaru's eyes, and he crawled to Sasuke for comfort. Seeing the boy hold on to his shirt, he hovered over him, shielding him from anything that might have fallen on him.

Screams rang throughout the building, and there was a slight shake every so often. Konohamaru held onto Sasuke tightly, peeping through one eye only to see Hinata, whose back was pressed against the wall. Suddenly, everything died down, and the room stopped trembling.

They looked at one another as everything froze around them. Not even the people screaming for help from the rooms could snap them out of their fearful thoughts. They weren't strangers to earthquakes, but when was the last time they had experienced one?

The fox looked at Naruto worriedly. Blood seeped through the carpet where he had fallen. His right arm had landed on the glass shards from the mirror.

Hinata gasped when seeing how bloody his arm looked. Konohamaru quickly jumped to his feet and ran to Naruto's side.

"Naruto, are you okay?" He panicked. There was just so much blood!

"I'm fine," He winced in pain. The glass had pierced his hand and sliced at his arm, causing blood to drain.

Hinata tore a piece of her kimono to wrap around Naruto's arm. "W-w-we n-need to f-find a doctor." Her eyes stung her as she tried not to cry for a second time. "Hurry up! Get up! Sasu—"

With his back pressed against the wall, Sasuke stared at Naruto. He was speechless, although he did not look as such.

"Let's go," Sasuke mumbled, scattering to his feet. "Now!" He urged.

As he attempted to open the door, it only budged a little. "What the fuck?" He mumbled. He tried again but was met with no luck. "I think we're trapped."

Hinata could see the red blood soak the kimono, and she panicked. "Naruto," She whispered.

"I'm fine, Hinata. Let's worry about this later," he said, standing up. Hinata quickly caught him as he almost lost his balance from being on the ground too long.

The fox jumped on top of his head, whining. Naruto wrapped his hand around the door, slamming into it. It cracked a little, but doing that made him feel faint.

"Window!" Sasuke said, grabbing a chair. He threw the chair into it, shattering the glass. "Let's go!"

"Come on, Hinata!" Naruto said with urgency.

Sasuke carefully hopped through the window. Konohamaru stood silently, watching Naruto. He was afraid the man would collapse at any time.

"Hinata, come on," Naruto said, helping her.

Sasuke took hold of her hand, and she landed on her feet outside.

Surprisingly, it was bright outside, as if they hadn't just experienced something awful. Konohamaru yelped when the ground shook somewhat. Hinata got on her knees, and Sasuke held onto the wall for support.

"Konohamaru, come on," Naruto said, nudging him. "Come on," he said in a softer tone. "It'll be okay."

Konohamaru couldn't understand how Naruto could be calm after being cut. Shouldn't he worry about himself?

"Why don't you go first?" Konohamaru whispered.

"I want to ensure you're safe first," Naruto replied. "Now, do not argue with me and go."

He held Sasuke's hand as he helped him out the window.

Naruto grabbed the bags and threw them outside the window. There was a slight shake, but he regained his balance.

"Naruto!" Sasuke shouted.

"I'm coming," He grumbled. They stepped back from the hotel they stayed in and couldn't help but stare in horror upon seeing what had happened. The hotel had split right in the middle, and the right side had completely collapsed.

Konohamaru threw up everything they had that morning, and Hinata shook in fear. Screams were coming from the right side of the collapsed building, which only made Hinata's heart tremble. The fox jumped on top of Naruto's head for safety; his ears remained up.

This was bad.

The locals all gathered around, helping anyone they could. Hinata felt lost as to what to do. She held Naruto's hand, fearing he may faint, and Konohamaru stood nearby to help.

"We're too close to the shores. We need to leave now!" Sasuke urged.

"B-but what about Naruto?" Konohamaru inquired.

"I'm fine," He lied. Right now, he was feeling nauseous.

"He needs a doctor!" Hinata cried.

Sasuke chewed on his bottom lip.

"I'm fine," He repeated. "Sasuke is right. We're too close to shore, and we've already been a few minutes in."

"But-but!" Hinata shook her head. "You look sweaty."

"The quicker we can get inland, I'll be fine." Naruto tried to reassure her. "We need to move. Now!"

Konohamaru's heart was trembling, and there seemed to be a lump lodged into his throat. Hearing Naruto and Sasuke say they needed to move to shore made every nerve in his body scream, "Run!" Hinata felt stuck, and even with Naruto's presence, she couldn't move.

"Hinata, Konohamaru, I know you're frightened, but we must keep moving." Naruto ripped a few more inches from Hinata's kimono so she could move freely. "Konohamaru, you hold onto this," he said, giving him his bag.

Konohamaru wanted to say something, but the sharp glare Naruto gave him silenced him.

They quickly rushed up the land, ignoring the pleas and screams of others. It didn't feel right, but what could they do?

"Help! Please! Help me!" A voice screamed out.

"Help me! I'm stuck!"

Hinata's eyes looked left and right as they ran up to the road. Hotels and food stands were crushed or collapsed. Even the restaurant they had eaten at during their arrival was utterly demolished.

Countless voices rang throughout.

"Naruto," She mumbled, her eyes blurred. She was so afraid.

Those screams seemed to chase after her, and she felt so selfish. She felt selfish for leaving, for not helping, but surely there had to be a reason she could only think about escaping. Naruto was injured, so wouldn't it be selfish to tell him to stop to help others?

Konohamaru ran alongside Naruto and grabbed his right hand, forgetting that he was injured. When he felt the warm blood on his hand, he went to apologize, but Naruto only tightened his grip.

"We should head up the hill. It's better to be safe than sorry," Naruto said, glancing at Sasuke.

"I was thinking the same thing," Sasuke said, adjusting his bag. "I don't like how the ocean is looking right now," He mumbled, but it was loud enough for them to hear.

The fox held tightly onto Naruto as he ran. It seems the other residents felt how Sasuke felt because many ran upwards. Others, disoriented, stayed on the side, watching those either run up or down the road. Vendors abandoned their shops, and others went to help whoever they could, leaving the tourist confused about what to do.

Konohamaru couldn't say a word as he was genuinely terrified. The tears threatened to spill, but he quickly wiped his eyes as he looked ahead. He had every reason to feel fearful.

An inhumane sound wailed throughout the land, causing people to either stop what they were doing. Naruto's grip tightened between the two, and his eyes met Sasuke's temporarily. They knew.

Looking over their shoulders, they could see how the ocean pushed forward toward them. It brought back a hunting memory of how fearful mother nature could be.

Sasuke picked up the seashells on the ocean floor, and he couldn't help but stare at them strangely. They were here yesterday, basking in the sun while Kakashi was doing some business for Danzo. Still, he had never seen these exotic shells. Naruto wiggled his toes in the sand, then stared at the sparkling ocean.

"Let's see how far I can throw you, Sasuke," Naruto suggested, approaching him.

"Throw me, and I'll kill you," He stared darkly at the boy. "Oi, dobe." for some reason, he was getting this funny feeling in his gut.

"Teme!"

Sighing, Sasuke stood up and stared at the receding ocean. "The ocean," He paused, "doesn't it look different?"

Naruto stared out to sea but couldn't find anything different about it. "Looks the same," He mumbled. Looking back at Sasuke, he looked worried. "Why don't we head back inside? This sand is making my ass itch."

When he didn't get a smart-ass reply from Sasuke, Naruto grabbed him by his arm and led him back to the hotel they were staying at. Something was amiss.

As he was walking back with him, Sasuke stopped abruptly. Looking over his shoulder, Naruto spotted the boy's pale appearance. "Sasuke?" He tilted his head to the side.

"Run!"

Naruto looked towards the ocean; his eyes widened in shock. A huge wave was hurdling towards them. The two boys ran with the rest of the onlookers. Screams erupted throughout as they panicked to escape the massive body of water chasing them.

In the distance, Sasuke spotted Kakashi waving at them urgently.

"Ow!"

Sasuke looked back as Naruto fell on his stomach. The sole of his right foot was bleeding badly as he had stepped on a glass shard. Running back to Naruto, Sasuke helped him up. They tried to run toward Kakashi, but the water was quickly approaching.

"Kakashi! Leave!" Sasuke shouted. The sound of the ocean hurdling towards them sounded so ferocious.

"Sasuke, leave me," Naruto said. "Just go!"

"There's no way I'm going to let Kushina hunt my dreams for the rest of my life!" Sasuke shouted. He was never one to fear, but this situation was not ideal, and it frightened him.

Kakashi cursed under his breath as he looked down at the boys trying to escape the tidal wave. Sasuke knew there was no way they could outrun this thing, so he quickly ran with Naruto to one of the posts holding up the hotel and wrapped his arms around it.

"Hold on tightly, Naruto!"

Sasuke didn't know how they survived that day, but they did. The deep cut on Naruto's right foot was a reminder of how beautiful yet frightful nature could be.

"Whatever you do, do not look back," Naruto commanded Konohamaru and Hinata. "Do not!"

Shaking in fear, they nodded. Hearing that frightful sound behind them sent them over the edge, but they did as they were told. They didn't look back. They trusted Naruto. They knew he didn't want them to see what he and Sasuke were seeing. Maybe that sight would traumatize them more than the screams for years to come.

Konohamaru felt tired, and his legs were burning him, but no matter what, he couldn't slow them down. People ran past them, and the screams followed behind them. It felt as if the earth shook for a second time, and despite everything happening, the sun still shined on them as if nothing was happening. As if they weren't trying to escape for their life.

The fresh smell of salt water swept the air, and the water crashed into anything in its path, dragging everything they had worked for into its body. Hinata felt tired, and just as she thought she was about to collapse, Naruto wouldn't let her.

"Naruto, we need to get to high ground!" Sasuke shouted. He could feel the water under him and knew there was no more running they could do.

Naruto scanned the area, then shouted, "Over there!"

There was a high building with a flat roof that was not destroyed by the earthquake.

"Hinata, you go first!" Naruto said, letting go of her hand.

As she was about to look back at him, she stopped as she remembered what he had told them. Sasuke had his hand outstretched to help her into the building. When he turned to look back at Naruto and Konohamaru, his eyes widened when he saw the roaring water rushing toward them.

Naruto held onto Konohamaru's hand tightly as they tried to push past the number of people, forcing their way into the brothel.

Konohamaru bit his lip when someone crashed into him, and he felt Naruto's grip loosen.

The roaring wave slammed into them, causing him to lose his footing. However, Naruto quickly grabbed him. Water quickly filled up the brothel's first floor, so many ran up the stairs that turned and turned.

"Konohamaru!" Naruto yelled, which caused Sasuke to look back. Hinata froze and was forcibly shoved by the people running past them. She almost fell over when Sasuke grabbed her by her arm. "Come on, Hinata!" He urged.

His nostrils burned as the salt water dipped him under. Konohamaru felt his life flash before his eyes, and all he could think of were the things he could not do. The water suffocated him, and he kicked and trashed around, trying to catch some air.

Just as he felt the last bit of strength he had left within him, he took a big breath of air as he was forcibly grabbed and thrown up the wet stairs.

He gripped the wooden railing, looking down only to see Naruto be swept under. It was like the sea had swallowed him and the many people who kicked and screamed to break free from the force.

Konohamaru outstretched his arm to take hold of Naruto, but it was too late. He was gone. His chest tightened, and he screamed out, "Naruto!"

Hinata collapsed to her knees as they had made it a safe distance from the water down below. Sasuke fell on his bottom, and that's when he snapped his head up.

"Naruto!"

His heart sunk to the pits of his stomach.

Hearing his name made Hinata get up and run down the stairs, pushing past the people who had made it safely. The more she went downstairs, the water made its way to her waist, but she didn't care. She didn't know how to swim, but that was the least of her worries. Naruto was in trouble, and he needed help! Tears began to blur her vision, and her heartbeat quickened when seeing Konohamaru.

"Konohamaru!" She shouted to get his attention.

Shakenly, Konohamaru held onto the railing, climbing the stairs. The water weighed him down, but his heart felt heavier than anything. When he finally approached Hinata, he broke down once seeing her face.

Her voice came out in a whisper as she looked past him, hoping to see that unruly blonde hair she had come to love. Furniture and even broken trees floated around, yet there was no sign of life. No sign of struggling. No sign of him. Her heart shattered. "Where is Naruto?" She questioned.

"He's g-gone," His voice cracked. Tears streamed down his cheeks at what had occurred. He couldn't save Naruto like he saved him. His master, his brother, was gone.

Sasuke came in time to hear what Konohamaru had said. His eyes scanned the water, but there was nothing.

Naruto wasn't anywhere to be seen.

Those who could get into the brothel in time were lucky as they could climb the steps that would take them to the flat rooftop. Onlookers look at the scene below, and the damage left by the ocean was anything but good. They spotted some people holding onto objects while they floated in the water. Screams rang out, and they felt thrown into a warzone.

Sasuke stood by the edge, scanning the area in case Naruto could be spotted, but no luck. This was his tenth time searching for his friend from high above, hoping for a miracle. Why didn't Naruto make it? He was right behind them! This wasn't their first tsunami, and they survived the first time! Why now?

That feeling… he ignored it for a second time, and this was the outcome.

Hearing Naruto struggling to breathe as the water slammed into him repeatedly was hunting. His head had gone underwater several times, and Sasuke could not help because if he had, he would have been swept away.

Eventually, they did make it out, thanks to a man in a boat, and they could make it back to Kakashi. Maybe it was on that day that made them callous to death. Perhaps that is why they spoke so freely of dying, who knows, but Sasuke knew that day brought him and Naruto closer than ever before. Losing his best friend would've probably been worse than death itself.

Konohamaru felt responsible for Naruto's disappearance because if it wasn't for him being slow, Naruto would have still made it. That weighed heavy on his heart; even Hinata's touch couldn't deter this feeling. Disappointment and guilt were many things to describe him. How could he look Hinata in her eyes? Why was she comforting him as if she hadn't lost someone who loved her?

"The dobe is probably somewhere hanging onto a tree," Sasuke approached them, taking a seat next to Hinata. "The water looks like it's receding. We need to get to the inner land."

"What about Naruto?" Konohamaru snapped his head in his direction. "He's probably looking for us now!" His voice trembled as he gazed into Sasuke's eyes. "D-don't you care about him?" He choked. "It's my fault," He squeezed his hands, looking down. "He saved me, and I killed him!"

Hinata wrapped her arms around Konohamaru, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Don't fret, Konohamaru." She whispered, stroking his hair. "Naruto isn't going to let something like this take his life away,"

The poor boy trembled, sobbing uncontrollably. That water had swallowed him whole! He refused to believe he had made it.

Without any words, Sasuke stood up and walked closer to the edge. He was sure he would spot Naruto. Right?


Saltwater was all he could taste as he tried to lift his head above the water. He tried his best to grab onto anything, but they all slipped from his hand. He closed his eyes as he was shoved down the water for a third time and trashed his arms frantically.

A loud gasp escaped as he pushed through to get his head above the water. His eyes, which stung, looked back and forth for something to hold on to. Seeing a longboard drift by him, he grabbed it and climbed on top.

The sun beamed down on them, but he still shivered. His chest raised up and down as he lay down, trying to catch his breath. Suddenly, he shot up, rocking the board slightly, before vomiting all the salt water he had consumed.

Then his eyes widened when he noticed his companion was not on his head anymore! He crawled to the edge of the board, looking down at the water in search of the yellowish-red fur. A panic settled in the pits of his stomach when it dawned on him that he was probably swept away when they tried to run into the brothel for refuge.

For some strange reason, Naruto's heart shattered. That damn fox he had disliked, yelled, and swore at was gone.

It felt silent, drifting away on this raft of a board. Naruto didn't know how long he floated, but it was long. His tongue felt dry, and the cut on his right arm hurt him more than ever.

Unexpectedly, he patted all over his soaked shirt and only calmed down once he felt it. Sighing, he pulled out the circular gold locket and stared fondly at it. It took him a few tries to open it, but he felt his heart melt when he did. In the locket was a picture of him and Hinata on the island's first night. (Chapter 10)

His eyes drifted to the building he floated by, but there wasn't a red rooftop. Hinata had to be safe, he tried to convince himself. Her, Konohamaru, and Sasuke had to still be there. Closing the locket, he put it over his neck, hiding it under his shirt.

He needed to get to the inland.


Days went by, and they had little sleep. The water had receded to the ocean, and everything was in disarray. News quickly traveled about what happened in the Isles, so many people from the inland and neighboring borders came to help, assisting those affected or injured.

Konohamaru and Hinata followed quietly behind Sasuke, who was still searching for Naruto.

"Don't look down and keep your head straight," He commanded them.

He had passed countless bodies, and if one of them was to be Naruto, he didn't want them to see that.

The back of Konohamaru's throat tickled, and he was forced to let out a cough. He couldn't sleep, and he couldn't eat what the locals gave. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Naruto struggling in the water. He had heard countless stories of tsunamis, but to experience one was something he would not wish on his worst enemy.

Hinata didn't mention anything of Naruto. She was focused on making sure he and Sasuke were taken care of. Perhaps this was a way to distract her. He wouldn't dare ask her how she was feeling.

When they had reached the inland, Sasuke found them a place to rest after being checked out from the clinic.

"We'll stay here until Naruto arrives," Sasuke commented.

Konohamaru bit his lips to hold in what he wanted to say. Alive? How could Naruto be alive after being swept away? It had been five days now! If that water didn't drown him, that slice on his forearm would have done it.

Sasuke clicked his tongue. "Some of our things got swept away." He sighed. "You two stay here, and I'll search for some items." He didn't wait for a response as he was already out of the room.

While he was gone, Hinata did anything to distract herself by cleaning a ready-cleaned room. Konohamaru huddled in the corner, gripping the bag Naruto asked him to carry. This would be his only memento of the man. It was still wet, but he didn't care. Naruto entrusted him with it.

"Konohamaru," Hinata spoke. "Your hair is getting long. Would you like me to cut it?"

His big brown eyes stared at her, and he was caught off guard by her smile. He looked down and nodded.

The room was quiet, except for the scissors that snipped through Konohamaru's hair. His grip was tight around the bag, and water from it drained on his trousers. Noticing, Hinata spoke, "Konohamaru, are you sure you don't want to let the bag dry? It's getting you wet."

He shook his head. "H-Hinata," His voice softened. "N-Naruto is going to be fine, right?"

"When's the last time you slept, Konohamaru? You should get some shut-eye." She piped up, ignoring his question. "I'll prepare your futon."

The sound of her footsteps disappeared when she went into the bedroom.

To suffer so many times was becoming unbearable. How could life hate her so much? Losing her family to war was the start of her demise, and just when she did find happiness, he was swept away. Her eyes began to water, and she cried silently, fearing she would wake Konohamaru and Sasuke up.

Falling asleep was hard because she felt she didn't deserve it. Naruto died because of her. If she had been faster or had just said she wanted to leave the Isles sooner, they might not have had to go through this. They probably would have still traveled, laughed, and been alive.

She closed her eyes and let the tears stream freely. She didn't want to think of the horrors the earthquake left, seeing her family bones not buried, or seeing Konohamaru break down because Naruto was gone. All she wanted to think about was Naruto lying beside her, holding her, cheering her on, but she couldn't. Her dream came true.

Her eyes snapped open when she heard a loud wail come from Konohamaru, and she quickly crawled to his side to hold him. Sasuke got up swiftly, in a battle stance but slightly relaxed when he realized it was Konohamaru. Turning on the lights, he spotted Hinata cradling the weeping boy.

"It's okay, Konohamaru. It's just a nightmare you're having." She soothed him.

"N-no," He hiccupped. "Naruto's dead, and I killed him!" He gripped the sleeves of her kimono.

Passing his fingers through his hair, Sasuke sat down on his bottom, waiting for the boy to calm down. Eight days had passed since they saw Naruto, and although he didn't admit it aloud, he lost hope.

They always planned ahead, and Naruto knew where to go inland if they ever split apart, but the passing days were becoming a slim hope he was alive. Five more days…. He would wait five more days until they needed to move to the next destination. Hopefully, Naruto would be there waiting for them.

Konohamaru had finally fallen asleep, but he would occasionally twitch in his sleep.

"You should get some sleep," Sasuke said.

"I'm not sleepy," She mumbled.

Sighing, Sasuke looked down at the futon. "Naruto knows where to meet us." He said, trying to cheer up the girl, but his voice came out stoic like usual.

Hinata felt a pain in her chest, so she pushed her knees against her chest and held her legs tightly. "Y… you've experienced a tsunami before, huh?"

Silence embraced the room before he mumbled, "Yeah."

"Could we have done something differently?" The corner of her eyes watered. "I had this bad feeling," She squeezed her eyes shut. "I'm sorry."

Sasuke wanted to say something, but he wasn't the best at comforting someone. "The dobe is probably eating ramen as we speak. It'll be a matter of days before he shows up."

She sniffled, nodding her head. "He does like ramen."

The corner of his lips curled slightly, and he nodded. "Yeah, he does."


The numbness spread throughout his body, and soon he couldn't feel anything. The bag Naruto had once carried had finally dried, but he refused to part with it.

In the morning, he would slide open the wooden door and sit on the wooden floor, staring at the sun as it rose. Around his eyes could resemble a panda as the on-and-off sleep had become a routine.

His heart had never felt heavy like this, but despair quickly fueled it. At night, he would wake up screaming for Naruto as his dreams plagued him of what happened. The taste of salt water was still there on his palate, and at times he could feel his eyes sting as they did in the water.

Two more days. In two more days, they would have to leave in hopes Naruto would be at the next destination.

Hope.

That's all Sasuke and Hinata held onto, but his hope was swept away with Naruto.

He could tell Hinata had been crying silently as there was always a trail of tears stained on her cheeks. Sasuke, he was quiet, and he couldn't tell what he was feeling. After all, he had lost his best friend.

Thinking about this made his chest tighten. What about the fox? It had been on Naruto's head! He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to breathe as the many questions rang throughout his mind. Naruto wasn't the only one lost due to those vicious waters. How many families were lost? How many people were crushed? Was there a way to foresee this? A warning?

He held his head tightly, trying to get rid of the thoughts.

"What could I possibly do? I couldn't even save him. How could I have saved anyone else?" Konohamaru cried, rocking himself back and forth.

His family was taken away from him, and just when he found another, they were gone! Once they return to Konohana, Hinata would have to find another master, and he would have to go his separate way, roaming the streets like before.

With the money he did manage to save, it would only be so much until he would be on the streets again! No one would want to hire him because he was a screwup, clumsy, and could barely do his job right.

Due to his deep thought, he did not sense or hear Sasuke walking toward him. The poor boy was shaken, and it was understandable. Not everyone was built the same.

He took one more glance at him before walking back inside. What words could he possibly say to comfort him? Naruto would have been better suited to ease this situation.

The travel to their next destination was unusually quiet. Naruto would be given a few more days before they had to turn to go home to report him missing, something Sasuke was dreading.


Konohamaru and Hinata walked side by side, neither saying a word. They didn't even look at the new scenery or friendly people trying to catch their attention. This new world was just a reminder of everything that was not meant for them.

His brown hair tickled him slightly as he stared at the wall. All he could think about was how he did not deserve to live. Hinata would probably blame him for killing Naruto, and he didn't want that. He couldn't bare these responsibilities.

When everyone was fast asleep, he snuck out in the middle of the night. He was dead to the world. Everything felt so unreal to him. The pebbles from the ground that pierced his skin didn't hurt him. Coldness from the wind that lashed out didn't feel chilly. And the water from below didn't frighten him.

His grip tightened around the red railing of the bridge, and he closed his eyes, embracing the death that would soon come.

It was the only honorable thing to do.

Memories of Hinata and Naruto flooded his mind. Their house, Naruto sitting in the parlor, Hinata bringing in sweets, their laughter, the fox fussing with Naruto, every memory he shared returned to him, but the one that stuck out the most was Naruto being swept away.

No Earthquake or tsunami could compare to witnessing that.

The pain was becoming insufferable, and his chest tightened again. He had to do it. He had to kill himself. It would be easy. He didn't know how to swim.

Naruto died by water, and so shall he.

He closed his eyes, falling forward, and for once, he felt at peace. The world would be a better place if he no longer existed.

Strange. Nothing was happening. Konohamaru opened his eyes, and his heart nearly sank to his stomach when he saw the calm water below.

"Please stop making hasty decisions when I'm not around."

His vision blurred, and his bottom lip trembled when hearing his voice.

With one pull, Konohamaru was on his butt on top of the bridge. Naruto slipped his fingers between his hair, sighing.

Konohamaru trembled as he occasionally rubbed his eyes to see if they played tricks on him.

No! They weren't.

Naruto almost stumbled backward when Konohamaru slammed into him, burying his head into his chest. The poor boy cried and cried. He cried so much that Naruto's shirt was soiled with tears and snot. He cried harder than the day his grandpa died. He cried loudly when Naruto wrapped his left arm around him, embracing him.

"I'm sorry!" Konohamaru wailed. "I'm sorry!" Those words kept leaving his mouth, and he couldn't say anything more.

"Why are you apologizing, Konohamaru?"

"I killed you! I killed you!" he shook his head repeatedly.

Amuse, Naruto patted his back. "How did you kill me if I'm still here?"

Konohamaru chuckled while he cried.

"Listen to me, Konohamaru," Naruto said, getting his attention.

Sniffling, Konohamaru looked up at him. "Whatever happens, promise me you'll never seek death if it is not your turn. Do you understand me?"

"B-but it wasn't fair. I survived, and you and so many died!" The tears started to gather back.

"I understand how you feel, Konohamaru," Naruto responded truthfully.

"Y-you do?"

"I do." Naruto smiled. "For a long time, I asked myself why I survived the war. Why did my mom die from an illness and not me? That wasn't fair. For a long time, I had that thought." Naruto said. "I would carelessly put my life on the line because I felt it was wrong that I survived, but then I got to know Hinata and you. I want to protect you and her. I want to create a world where you and others will no longer struggle. It took me a long time to understand why father chose to give his life for Konoha, but I realized it was so I could survive and do the same for those I cared for."

Konohamaru covered his eyes, trying to hold in his tears.

"When it is your time, then it'll be your time, but don't you dare do something so rash again. Do you hear me?" Naruto questioned, his frown noticeable. "Why would you even think to do such a thing?"

"Because I thought I had killed you." He whispered.

"Yet you didn't. What if I had come a second later. Didn't Sasuke tell you I would meet you sooner than later?"

Konohamaru's face turned pale. "I had lost hope."

Sighing, Naruto looked down before he gazed into Konohamaru's teary eyes. "You know Konohamaru. I had lost hope, too. I thought I would never see you, Hinata, or even Sasuke again, but knowing that you three had survived made me welcome death with warm arms. Even if I had died, I want you to survive. Don't you ever blame my death because of something you've done." Naruto said, ruffling his head.

Konohamaru nodded, then he embraced Naruto once more. "I'm sorry. I-I'll do better next time."

"I know this situation isn't going to pass overnight, but just remember what I told you. Now, let's go home."

Nodding, Konohamaru went to grab his right hand until he noticed the palm of his hand and arm were covered in a white wrapping.

He chewed on his bottom lip, lowering his head. "Mr. Fox didn't make it, huh?"

A sad smile formed on Naruto's lips. "I… I'm not sure. Come on, let's go."


-Review-

AN: RIP to those countless lives lost in Turkey & Syria.

This chapter was written before the incident. I wanted to write this chapter to show how quickly life could flip upside down. My apologies if it wasn't what you expected.