Tayuya woke up. A snore next to her made the young woman grin, really for a tough ninja her patient looked ridiculously weak while asleep. Even so she couldn't help nudging him awake. It was already the fourth day and his condition improved dramatically. All wounds almost healed, truly his healing abilities were frightening.
"Get up blondie."
As expected, Naruto groaned, grunted and finally turned sideways, showing his back in defiance. His behavior strangely reminded Tayuya of a child. However annoying, childishness suited him well. She pushed him once more.
"Come on punk! Time to move out!"
As a reflex, his palm slammed the cave wall, fingers clamped hard on stone, another sign that the blonde was improving, almost back to normal.
"I hate you man..."
Without hesitation she grabbed his arm and lifted him upwards, a smile full of amusement on Tayuya's lips:
"Ya. Ya I hate you too blondie."
For once the yellow head snickered. Amusing. Yet this didn't surprise her. For some reason she never expected something less. Her actions brought life back into him. Life back. That was comforting.
"Before leaving this damn cave. Have you figured something out? What do you want to do?"
Out of the blue Naruto shrugged. Of all times he shrugged, clearly still lost. As though all answers escaped him. However his expression was full of confusion, lips clenched, closed, refusing to let any emotions through.
"Let's go, blondie. Just make a decision damn it."
His eyes shined bright once more. Something clicked and surprisingly he chuckled. Tayuya could imagine her partner thinking and wondering about. Maybe about him, what would be the best course of action. Finally blue eyes looked into hers, deep. A glimmer of hope.
"I had an idea. But it's pretty stupid."
This amused her, his lack of self-esteem was annoying and cute. It was so not fitting with the information she learnt about him. Nothing she had learnt by being with him so far seemed to match what Kabuto or Orochimaru told her. In honesty this ninja confused her.
"Well..It's better than nothin... Spit it out idiot."
Suddenly Naruto became silent. Not nervous but distant, thoughtful. His body tensing up, arms shaking uncontrollable, making his fingers twitch constantly. Truly his body was full of odd gestures, movements. Yet strangely attractive.
"I want revenge. I want to teach Sasuke a lesson. For leaving me to die, for wanting revenge and failing his dreams. "
Her jaw clenched. Not out of disappointment but amusement. This jackass, a revenge scheme... Really that sounded plain idiotic, impossible and suicidal. But why was she bothering with that guy? Not out of concern but sheer entertainment. Her eyes stared upwards towards Naruto. Really, an idiot indeed. But full of fire.
"Come on blondie. That sounds dumb as shit. Let's go."
In one swift moment she grabbed her partner's arm pulling him forward, outside of the cave, far far away from everything. Their destination is Konoha. Her destination is unknown. Just as her thoughts circled, one idea played over and over in her head…
Naruto is an idiot..A cute idiotic...And damn interesting idiot.
"So idiot, what's your revenge plan? You're gonna turn Sasuke into a frog or something?"
Naruto's expression lightened up once more, a smirk forming on his lips, slowly but surely growing large into a grin of madness:
"That's actually not such a bad idea, Tayuya."
Her mouth dropped in disbelief. Not sure if this fool was joking or not. But truly he was unpredictable. Tayuya couldn't understand him. She looked upwards to the sky. Maybe that was for the best.
"Blondie, you really are crazy...Not boring… Just a lot crazy."
Out of all statements she could've said, this compliment or friendly statement made Naruto chuckle loudly, truly entertained. Not many spoke to him this way, as an equal. Not many called him this way. Tayuya treated him as someone alive, with dignity and determination, not a punching bag or a nuisance, but a partner, a true equal, someone worth protecting, someone to be proud of. Well, she did bully him a bit but nothing too harsh, only friendly taunts. Really her personality made his lips form into a wide, cheeky smile of amusement.
"However, before going back to Konoha. I'd like to go somewhere first. I just thought of it." She said.
Naruto glanced over curiously, wondering about Tayuya, what scheme or thoughts were forming. Really whatever plan this kunoichi came up with. It was probably not dangerous. At least she seemed trustworthy so far.
"And where are you planning to go redhead?"he replied back curiously, eager to hear an explanation."
"Robbing one of Orochimaru's hideouts."
Naruto's eyes widened. Really this kunoichi was the opposite of predictable. She really was full of surprises. He didn't expect something this foolish and unplanned. Not logical, without much thinking. However his expression wasn't one of confusion or criticism. But amusement, utter, unfiltered amusement.
"Robbing Orochimaru?. Ya. That sounds dumb. We might die..."
"Blondie. I know that sounds idiotic..But Orochimaru has tons of secret treasures and crap...Who knows? We might find something valuable or badass jutsu scrolls. Don't tell you don't want some cool new techniques?" She explained in all seriousness yet with still a bit of cheekiness in her voice."
Naruto pondered this plan. To rob Orochimaru was insane. But finding a new jutsu? Having new ideas and improvements seemed exciting. Suddenly all objections and warnings were thrown away, out of the window, nothing of use or good sense.
"You have a point,redhead..Ok fine. Let's go to that place."He agreed with her crazy idea.
Tayuya even scratched her chin while speaking. Now and then she glanced back, an eyebrow raised, full of arrogance and a bit of nervousness.
"Don't worry. The snake isn't in this one and if we find the cool stuff maybe we can rob some other of his places?"she teased.
Naruto nodded in understanding. He did his best to comprehend everything. For some reason he decided to follow this redhead. Truly her personality and bravado inspired him, made him question himself. Made him think he could change his fate. Make things better, get revenge in a different way. This Tayuya brought back his drive, hope, determination. Really Naruto Uzumaki wondered about her, if her behavior came from desperation, helplessness or if this was how she used to live. Not that any of this mattered. This adventure, this partner...Made him smile, strangely she made him happy.
"Tayuya...What's your dream?"he asked out of the blue."
The kunoichi shrugged. Her mind elsewhere, focused on other thoughts and schemes.
"Blondie. Stop asking questions all the time..My dream is to piss Orochimaru off and steal his junk."She smiled at herself; these words coming straight through the heart, no hesitation whatsoever
Naruto saw it clearly, she spoke the truth and this goal sounded a lot more inspiring than any revenge scheme. Finally, his body relaxed. Truly after all that happened, all the betrayals. He trusted this redhead. For once he would follow, explore and change himself, maybe try her path, maybe just try not giving up, like Tayuya. Maybe one day she would become his goal..One day her behavior and decisions might become his motivation.
"Tayuya...Thanks.." He muttered to himself.
- Konoha-
The meeting was serious, more than usual. No jokes. No fidgeting about, just eyes dead silent, waiting. All of the clan heads were present as well as the council elders and Shikamaru Nara. Until the Hokage Tsunade decided to speak, voice determined, emotions drained, clearly worn. Her presence alone could make anybody fall quiet when they saw how tired she looked.
"Neji Hyuga, Choji Akimichi and Kiba Inuzuka are stable. Uchiha Sasuke as well. He is guarded by Kakashi Hatake and Asuma Sarutobi. Their condition will improve quickly enough without complications," She declared. Then continued talking again: "Naruto Uzumaki unfortunately succumbed during his battle against Sasuke Uchiha last night…"
Danzo raised an eyebrow hearing those names thrown around while desperately holding down laughter inside himself. His lips curled upward slightly inwardly pleased upon seeing such reactions among people who called themselves ninja. He decided to speak.
"My man secured the heir of the Uchiha. You should be more grateful, Tsunade. It's a shame that we lost Kyubi, however we secured the sharingan. I believe some words of appreciation are welcome."
The blonde Hokage flinched at hearing that comment, clearly irritated with being pushed aside, anger flaring yet eyes now looked downcast, refusing to make eye contact with anyone around the table as though something else caught her attention; she whispered softly: "...Naruto..." Shikamaru glanced over towards Danzo, staring intently into his only visible eye; letting out a snort full of disdain the Nara suddenly began rambling at Danzo, shocking everyone who knew his temper.
"Tchh You want thanks, you creep? Fine, here it is...You're disgusting. Konoha lost Naruto. He was our comrade and friend while Sasuke Uchiha…Naruto was family yet he died at his hands! Thanks, you say? For doing what? Sitting your ass safely while we were giving our all?!"Shikamaru's outburst caused tension to rise up significantly within the room. Danzo however seemed unaffected as he simply smirked at the young ninja before replying nonchalantly: "You can belittle me all you want, Shikamaru. Who cares? All your rambling won't bring him back from the dead."
Everyone noticed Shikamaru tightening fists trembling uncontrollable causing knuckles turn white while veins pop out angrily upon hearing Danzo speak, the words that came next cut through air with razor sharp intensity: "Shut up old man! "he sneered at Danzo as though seeing him as dirt before looking down sadly at table top before speaking once again:"Just…Shut the hell up! You weren't out there fighting or even trying."
Tsunade stood up and put her hand on Shikamaru's shoulder, sighing heavily while staring right ahead straight at Danzo who seemed unfazed yet she replied back with slight disappointment: "Calm yourself down Shikamaru..."
Shikamaru grumbled underneath breath; Shikaku put his arms around his son pulling him close to him so that Tsunade could continue on without anymore interruptions allowing her to continue onward:
"I agree with Shikamaru...Sasuke's acts can't be defended. I would normally ask that we vote for his execution...However..As an act of respect for Naruto's sacrifice..I'll skip the vote and proceed with Sasuke remaining in jail until his last breath. Is there any objections?"After those last few words spoken Tsunade paused looking up once more at Shikamaru who kept his eyes locked on Danzo.
_Sasuke's cell_
Sasuke was sitting on the cold floor of his cell in Konoha's prison, his head down as he reflected on everything that had happened. He heard footsteps approaching, and when he looked up, he saw a pair of long dark pants, a dark top as well, a gray ponytail and glasses. He remembered that guy's name, Kabuto..
"What do you want, Kabuto?" Sasuke asked in an irritable tone, not sure he had the energy to put up with this right now.
Kabuto smirked in amusement, a few gray strands falling over his face, not bothering to put them back. He looked the Uchiha dead in the eye, his gaze not even flinching:
"Just checking up on you Sasuke..See if everything is to your liking, prison must be dreadful." He explained with sarcasm.
Sasuke remained silent, his head dropping back downwards, lost in thoughts, far far from this cell, away from everyone. Kabuto kept smirking. There was something satisfying in seeing Sasuke like this, miserable, pathetic, weak.
"Though...I'm curious. How does it feel? Killing your best friend?" Kabuto asked bluntly."After everything you have been through? How does that make you feel Sasuke...How do you look at yourself in the mirror after doing something like that...Oh...You probably can't look at yourself in a mirror here though..I'm sorry..Must be hard."The gray-haired shinobi chuckled.
Sasuke didn't answer, too tired and defeated, everything hurt, his body, heart and mind. Nothing would ever make it up, his actions were unforgivable..How could he have killed his friend? His teammate..Out of what? Out of anger and revenge. Everything felt wrong. He felt sick, tired. He could almost hear Naruto's laughter in his head, his teasing, his stupid jokes and pranks. A reminder that he would never experience these moments with the blonde. Sasuke was alone..He felt cold and empty...
"Sasuke...You killed your own teammate...Oh...I'm sorry.. Must be hard realizing the reality of your situation, the fact that you did something unforgivable to your best friend. Truly...Even I did not expect such a betrayal, I mean..Naruto did not do anything wrong really. What a tragedy."Kabuto kept teasing.
This time Sasuke lifted his head, glaring at Kabuto. He felt hatred rise up inside him. Not at Kabuto but at himself. How could he? He really killed Naruto for what...He was no better than Orochimaru, not better than Itachi. Nothing seemed worth fighting for...
"Say..."Kabuto continued."How is Konoha going to punish you, my dear Sasuke? You really broke every rule..Betrayed everything and everyone, well..The Uchiha were known for being traitors in their own way too..That's comforting at least. Leaving up to your legacy."The gray-haired shinobi almost cracked at his joke.
Sasuke felt sick, a deep, painful pang in his heart, his body couldn't take the guilt, the pain..He would never be forgiven, never. Naruto died because of him...And no amount of repent would bring him back. Nothing could make up for his crimes, he killed his teammate. The Uchiha wanted to die, to end everything, forget himself, everything he lost, everything he did and wanted to do. He was truly alone..And miserable, defeated, tired...Nothing but a shell.
Suddenly Kabuto left the cell, chuckling:
"Oh..Don't be too hard on yourself Sasuke..I will be back another time...Maybe we could chat? But for now, rest, rest like a good boy in your little cage."Kabuto almost purred.
As soon as the gray-haired shinobi disappeared. A wave of emotions hit the Uchiha. Tears formed in the corners of his eyes, a stream of regret, guilt, sadness, everything. He could feel his eyes burning, turning red. His sharingan, activating, spinning, unable to deactivate. Sasuke's vision blurred, the world around him dissolving into a maelstrom of colors and shapes, the pain so intense that it threatened to engulf his entire being. The iconic, swirling design of the Mangekyou materialized, spinning in front of his eyes, slowly, unchanging, and then, his tears evaporated, turning into steam, disappearing into nothing. Sasuke could feel his sharingan reacting before deactivating themselves, as if the seals placed on him were reactivated. His eyes had reacted to something he was unable to control..His emotions, all these feelings, so much guilt, regret..How could he...The Uchiha hugged his knees.
- Some words -
I want to give a big thanks to everyone who reviewed the first chapter. It means a lot to me. So much that it made me work much sooner than I expected on this chapter. I hope you like it.
I think that this story will be quite long!
Tayuya is a character who didn't do much in the manga so I thought to redeem her and make her and Naruto form an unlikely team up and also explore Tayuya's different personality than her manga version.
Now, onto the story. I don't have plans for this, not really. I'm pretty much working on this on the fly. Feel free to suggest anything that come by your mind.
What do you all think Tayuya and Naruto will find in one of Orochimaru's lair?~
Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a review !
