Chapter 4: Life in the Land of Waves
Chapter Summary: Team 7 adjusts to a foreign land.
By the end of the sunset, Team 7 and Tazuna reached their destination.
They had walked through a wooded area and up to the porch of a house just outside the outskirts of town.
The door opened, and greeting them was a young black-haired woman, along with a little boy hiding behind her leg.
Tazuna greeted, "Evening, Tsunami.".
The woman reciprocated, "Good evening, Tazuna.".
She looked at the team, seeing Kakashi and Sasuke battered, held up by Naruto and Sakura, and asked, "This is your... Security?".
The old man chuckled. "Two of them are sick; they don't look like much, but they're honest.".
Naruto pouted. "What do you mean, 'not much'? Didn't I just--"
Sakura nudged him with her elbow. She gave him a glare that told him to keep quiet, and he figured it was on account of not scaring the boy.
So, Naruto continued, "I just picked up a bag that you dropped, and that you would've forgotten...".
Tsunami opened the door to let everyone in, as Kakashi commanded, "Don't bother making dinner for me or my raven-haired fellow, we're going to sleep - - he's already ahead of me on that...".
A Few Hours Later
After having showered, Naruto, Sakura, Tazuna, Tsunami, and Tsunami's son sat at the dining room table - - Sasuke and Kakashi had been moved into a small guest room to rest.
Dinner tonight was rice with meatballs.
Tsunami stated, "I should apologize, I usually whip up something fancier.".
Sakura was quick to reply, "Don't be; this is good food. Right, Naruto?".
She nudged the blonde next to her, whose eyes suddenly went wide.
His mouth was full of food, so he tried his best to swallow quickly and affirm the sentiment.
As soon as he did, he said, "Oh, yeah. My guardian Anko taught me to cook but even I can't do it this good! This one time I tried to make rice and meatballs, but I boiled the meatballs and roasted the rice...".
The group laughed, forgetting their troubles for a while.
.
After dinner, Tsunami offered - - and proceeded - - to take the plates and clean them up. Tazuna rose and left for the living room, leaving Naruto and Sakura alone with Tsunami's son, who sat across the table.
Naruto asked, "So, what's your name, kid?".
The child answered, "My name is Inari Aono. I'm ten years old.".
"I'm--"
"I don't like you!".
Inari sped out his chair and ran upstairs.
Naruto and Sakura stared at each other.
"That was weird.".
They simultaneously rose from their chairs, and Naruto followed Sakura into the living room.
They saw Tazuna sitting on the couch watching TV, and he told them, "By the way, kiddos, I told Tsunami o'er the phone to set up the guest room for ya. So if ye don't like the local TV, you can watch some movies.".
Sakura bowed, "Thanks, Tazuna.", and led Naruto upstairs.
Upon finding the guest room assigned to them, Naruto was amazed at how spacious it was, as was Sakura.
This is even bigger than my room! There's even a couch and a coffee table in here!
The genin plopped onto the couch at the foot of the bed, primed and ready to watch the massive TV, whose speakers were booming.
They flipped through the channels.
Soap opera... Soap opera... Soap... Opera... Boring movie... Boring documentary... Terrible cartoon... Terrible sitcom... Infomercial... Static... Static... What a terrible day to watch TV.
Naruto tugged on Sakura's sleeve.
"There's nothing to watch.".
Sakura rolled her eyes.
"I know. But it looks like Tsunami left some movies for us in the shelf next to the TV.".
She stood up and walked to the shelf - - again, with Naruto following - - and looked at the available films.
The Notebook?
She adorned a devilish smile as she decided, "We'll watch this!".
Naruto protested, "What? Come on, it looks like sappy garbage!".
Sakura argued, "Well, I don't see you picking out a film.".
Naruto groaned as he conducted his own search.
Terminator 2... Extended Cut!
Naruto flaunted the movie.
"I wanna watch this!".
Sakura grumbled.
"Fine, but only after we watch my movie!".
.
2 Hours Later
Sakura was bawling her eyes out, blowing her nose into a tissue.
"It's just so beautiful!".
Naruto wasn't impressed.
"If I ever find myself acting like that guy, I'm gonna jump off a cliff onto a bed of nails.".
Sakura scoffed, wiping her tears.
"Whatever. Let's just watch your preferred nonsense.".
"With pleasure...".
Two and a Half Hours Later
Naruto and Sakura were both bawling their eyes out.
Sakura handed Naruto a tissue, and both of them blew their noses.
"It's so beautiful!".
Sakura cried, "I-- I didn't expect it to be so touching!".
Naruto added, "Me neither!".
.
Near Midnight
Naruto and Sakura were lying in bed, though the two of them were on complete opposite ends of the bed, with no physical contact - - a demand made by Sakura.
Though both were wearing their pajamas and donning the large fur blanket provided for them, and though the windows were closed and the heat in the house was running, it was astonishingly cold.
Though Sakura put on a front, lest she embarrass herself, Naruto was openly shuddering - - the absence of a healthy amount of fat on his body was undoubtedly working to his detriment.
It was made even worse when Sakura, approaching the sleep-state, yanked the blanket off of him to hog it for herself.
The dilemma presented to Naruto now was whether he should tell her about it, and risk a scolding, or silently suffer in the perceived subzero temperatures of the Land of Waves.
He opted for the latter.
No point pissing her off, right?
Thus, the boy resolved himself to the cold. He curled up, rubbing the sides of his chest, shaking on and on. He could feel wind entering through every open space in his outfit, circulating throughout his body, and leaving only to be replaced by an even colder wind.
I... I can't bear this any longer!
He swallowed his fear, and bounced to roll over.
He hadn't expected that he'd be face-to-face with a very stern-looking Sakura.
He sheepishly chuckled. "So... Guess you're awake?".
She sighed, and replied, "Yeah. Obviously. I turned around a while ago and noticed that I'd pulled the blanket off of you. Sorry.".
Naruto insisted, "What-- no, there's no need to be sorry! Jus' gimme my side of the blanket. Not that I'd do anything bad if you didn't. I-- I mean-"
"Quit overthinking it, dweeb.".
"Y-yeah, sure...".
After the blanket had been returned to Naruto, he asked, "So... You said you'd turned around a while ago... Why didn't you return the blanket then?".
Sakura's cheeks flushed as she answered, "I think I kind of wanted to see if you would say anything. I was going to give it back regardless...".
"Oh... Well, I did good turnin' around, then, didn't I?".
"Yeah, I like people who address their problems like that...".
Now, Naruto's cheeks went red.
"Oh, so you... Like me?".
"We've been over this already. You don't piss me off, and I don't crush your skull.".
Okay, maybe I could've said something nicer than that...
Naruto pouted.
Darn.
Sakura changed the subject.
"Anyways, it's really cold tonight. I was thinking that maybe, possibly, it wouldn't be inappropriate for us to share our body heat..."
Naruto stammered, "Oh, I- yeah, sure. I fell asleep on the boat 'cause of that, didn't I?".
Sakura giggled. "Yeah, you did.".
She inched closer to the middle of the bed, where Naruto had found himself after his dramatic turnaround.
She cleared her throat. "Remember, we're never to speak of this to anyone else. Unless I say so.".
Naruto nodded, "Yeah, sure, the usual deal...".
Sakura then brought her arm around Naruto's shoulder under the bed, as she brought the other one under his other arm. She then guided him to a mirrored position.
Hesitantly, she pulled him in close - - eliciting a small "Eep!" from him, making both their cheeks somehow redder - - and took a deep breath.
However, her hopes of getting to sleep soon were crushed by the jackhammering of Naruto's chest against hers.
She whispered, "Hey, calm down?! I'm trying to sleep!".
Naruto, drowning in embarrassment, squeaked, "I- I dunno how!".
Sakura ordered, "Take some deep breaths! And don't. Speak . A. Word. Of. This.".
While Naruto did as he was told, Sakura made an observation about his posture.
This kid's whole body is stiff as a board! Why does he still have his guard up?
She subtly verbalized her concerns, whispering, "Naruto, calming down includes the act of not freezing up like a clam...".
Not understanding the metaphor, Naruto replied, "How can I not be frozen up? It's like a negative billion degrees here!".
Sakura let out a hefty sigh.
This is going to take a while.
She expanded, "I mean, it doesn't seem to me like you're relaxed. At all.".
"I don't get it...".
"Oh my God, just go 'boneless'!".
Sakura felt Naruto's realization, as he jerked unexpectedly.
He let out a short strained groan, before going completely limp.
He squealed, "I'm at your mercy, Sakura!".
Sakura giggled, warming the boy's heart.
Naruto felt the tiredness of the day coming over him.
Man, the shit I been through! How come it takes all that to get me this tired?
Just then, Sakura inadvertently delivered the killing blow.
She further closed the gap between her body and his, while bringing her leg around his to lock them into place. Sakura then took the liberty of catalyzing Naruto's descent by lightly rubbing his back with an open palm.
This led to the consequence of Naruto, his mind gone completely blank now, sinking deeper into Sakura's shoulder, giving her mixed feelings.
Well... I'd be lying if I said this wasn't comfortable.
Naruto on the other hand, felt something much simpler.
Man, I really needed this... Sakura's a Godsend!...
For the first time in a long time, Naruto had a fruitful sleep.
.
When Sakura woke up, her vision was blurred, red sunlight was pouring through the window, and she felt a warm figure that she was grasping onto. In her blind comfort, she nuzzled into the large bag, squeezing it tighter.
What a nice, warm bag. Wait a minute... Since when do I sleep with a bag?
She rubbed out some eye crust with her thumb's knuckle as she began to remember what had transpired the night before.
Right... Not a warm bag, a warm person.
Sakura diverted her attention to the wall, analyzing the clock.
6:30 A.M.? Thank God, I don't need to be out of bed for a while!
She brought her gaze back to the boy in her arms. She stared at Naruto for a while, admiring his soft features. She noticed that his hair had been growing longer, as he hadn't had it cut in a while, and that it was approaching the awkward phase.
He may be annoying, but I'd be lying if I said he wasn't kind of adorable... Something about him being so vulnerable just speaks to me.
Sakura brought up her hand to gently whisk away a lock of hair that had made its way into Naruto's forehead.
However, when she actually moved the hair, he jolted awake.
Sakura was just as shocked as Naruto, who was siren-eyed for a few seconds before realizing where he was.
Sleeping... Hugging Sakura... This one's going in the memory banks!
He asked, "S-Sakura... What time is it?".
The girl responded, "Just go back to sleep, Naruto. It's 6:30; we don't need to be up for a few hours.".
She shuffled back into her former position, ready to go back to sleep.
Unfortunately for her, Naruto had other ideas.
He squirmed around and rolled over, such that his back was now facing Sakura.
Without a word, he shuffled backwards and grabbed Sakura's arm, guiding it around his waist like a seatbelt and then hugging it, before promptly dozing off.
Sakura was dumbfounded.
Idiot, I didn't say you could do that!
.
Later, in the Morning
As Naruto and Sakura, having completed their morning ablutions, put on their day-clothes, Sakura took the opportunity to ask, "Hey, Naruto, do you remember how I accidentally woke you up earlier?".
Naruto was perplexed.
He replied, "No...? I slept all the way through since last night, didn't I?".
Sakura answered, "No, you didn't- never mind, it's not important.".
Naruto continously tugged her arm and pestered, "Come onnnnnnn, tell meeeee!".
She snapped, "I said it's not important, okay?! Just stop being stupid!".
Naruto grumbled, "Oh, fine! I'll just go and bother someone else, then!", and stormed off into the hallway.
Running in toe, Sakura shouted, "Naruto, wait!".
Darn it, why's he gotta be so hot-headed?!
As Sakura burst into the other guest room, she bumped right into Naruto, who had been standing still.
Though she initially intended to chastise him for this, she decided against it when she noticed his sudden change in demeanor.
In response to having been bumped into, Naruto had politely stepped aside, staring at his feet as if in shame, quietly asking, "O-oh, Sakura... Sorry... You alright?".
Wanting to lighten the mood, Sakura gently pushed on Naruto's forehead with her finger, guiding him to stare at her directly.
She questioned, as she poked him, "Why were you standing here like that anyways?".
Effectively under a spell, Naruto answered, "I- I was gonna talk to Kakashi-sensei, but he's asleep...".
Just then, a voice from side announced, "I'm wide awake.".
The genin turned their attention to the voice, finding that Kakashi had risen into a seated position in the mattress he was provided.
He beckoned, "Come here, and wake up Sasuke; he needs to hear this, too.".
Sakura shied away from the latter task, gently pushing Naruto to the other mattress.
Naruto's first instinct was to wake Sasuke up with a violent act of some sort.
Maybe an elbow drop? Nah, I shouldn't annoy him like that, especially when he's all bedridden. Wimp.
Instead, Naruto kneeled, placing one hand on Sasuke's shoulder, and the other on the far side of his chest.
He shook the boy with haste, demanding, "Wake up, Gayboy, Sensei wants to say something.".
Sasuke was audibly frustrated, as he growled a bit before opening his eyes and turning to Naruto.
He responded, "There's only one fag in this room, and he's got blonde hair.".
"Yeah, well--"
Kakashi bellowed, "Enough! I need to speak to all of you.".
The joys muttered, but obeyed as Kakashi explained, "That man we fought yesterday... His name is Zabuza Momochi. He's an A-class rogue ninja, born in the Hidden Mist. He... He murdered every single one of his classmates before he abandoned his village.".
The genin shuddered.
We really lucked out, didn't we?
Kakashi added, "Team, I want you to take heed of what I'm about to say.".
The genin concentrated their attention on the man, as he continued speaking.
His face turned cold and stern. "What Naruto did yesterday - - directly disobeying my orders - - was at best insubordination, and at worst grounds for suspension from shinobi activity. If I ever, and I mean ever, give an order like that again, just leave me and obey.".
Naruto protested, "But you're the one who told us the team matters more than the mission!".
Kakashi argued, "It was a damned foolish thing to say; it could've gotten you killed.".
"But no one died-"
"Enough, Naruto! I won't let you, nor Sasuke, nor Sakura, sacrifice yourselves for me!".
"O-oh yeah, well, if we did run, we would've gotten caught by that other guy that showed up, and we really would've died, then!".
"Did you know he'd show up?".
"What's that matter?!".
"Based on the knowledge that you had, it was a suicide mission to try to free me!".
Naruto's voice began to crack. "I didn't just try, though, did I? I got it done!".
Kakashi remained adamant. "In defiance of a direct order!".
The tears were spilling. "Damn your orders, they don't mean shit to me! I'd rather die than follow anyone blindly!".
Naruto stormed out of the house, skipping breakfast, running straight into the deep forest.
Throwing respect to the wind, Sakura growled, "What the Hell, Sensei?! You know Naruto's sensitive!".
Kakashi laid back down, answering, "It's a test of his resolve. I need to know if he'll stick to his principles, even if he's ordered to betray them.".
Sakura hissed, "Some test this is, you're just hurting his feelings!".
"Yes, his feelings have been hurt, and his pride is wounded. But he stood his ground and refused to relent... The greatest test of one's principles is when those principles are challenged by authority - - whether it's society, or a superior like me.".
Kakashi then changed the subject.
"Now, Sakura, you have some work to do.".
"I do?".
"When you're done with breakfast, put on your coat and go to the bazaar, buy Naruto something he'll like - - he'll surely be back by sundown - -, then keep watch over the bridge until the workers leave or until I tell you to - - whichever comes first.".
Sakura obeyed, albeit letting out a small "Hmph!" to show her disapproval of her sensei's behavior.
I hope Naruto's alright...
.
A Few Minutes Later
Being sure that Sakura was gone, Sasuke decided to rip off the bandage of a certain conversation with Kakashi.
He openly asked, "Sensei, are you the one who murdered my family?...".
Kakashi numbly asked, "What possesses you to ask me that?".
Sasuke told him, "You have a Sharingan eye... The man who killed my family has the Sharingan, too.".
Kakashi questioned, "But wasn't your own testimony the definitive piece of evidence that revealed your own brother was the killer?".
Sasuke answered, "Yes, but... It still doesn't make sense.".
Tears began to spill.
"My own damn brother, murdering everyone I love?! That's insane! I know it's true in my heart, but I'd rather accept anyone else, anyone but him!".
Kakashi stayed silent.
.
.
.
In the Town
Even through the heavy coat that she had donned, Sakura felt the harsh wind of the Land of Waves beating against her body. Luckily, she found the bazaar with ease, as it was the most populated area in the Land of Waves, with a small crowd all the way through.
She hopped into a general store, wondering if Naruto would like some sort of trinket.
There's barely anything here!
The general store was little more than a counter, four shelves, and local decorations - - including a firearm on the wall, bells hanging on the shelves, and a porcelain fish.
Sakura spotted a necklace out the corner of her eye, and made a beeline towards it.
It was a bright, faux, hexagonal sapphire, with a simple black thread keeping it in place.
Would Naruto really like this, though? Besides, couldn't I always just as easily get the real thing in the Hidden Leaf?
She opted to approach the counter instead.
She asked the clerk, a very lanky old man, "Excuse me, could you please help me find something to buy as a gift?".
The man croaked, "Of course... For whom, may I ask?".
Sakura answered, "It's a boy, I don't like him or anything, but that's beside the point.".
The man pressed, "Well, tell me about him. I might come up with something.".
The girl told him, "Well, he's kinda hyper. He's impulsive, brash, and sometimes irresponsible. But he's also kinda smart in his own rite - - and he can be deceptively sweet.".
"Uh huh...".
"I don't like him!".
The old man nodded. He suggested, "You were eyeing the sapphire earlier; a girl like you must know it's fake, but isn't it the thought that counts?".
Sakura questioned, "Hey, what do you mean by 'a girl like me'?".
The man replied, "With all due respect, you stick out like a sore thumb here. Anyone and their dying blind mother could tell you're from somewhere better-off.".
Sakura sheepishly responded, "Well... I'll just buy the necklace and get out of your hair.".
.
After stepping out of the store, Sakura began to make her way to the bridge, taking note of the people around her.
Everyone else is wearing simple, clean clothes that fit. Aren't I doing the same? Though I guess cashmere isn't the norm here... Not that it's everywhere in the Hidden Leaf, either.
As she was lost in her thoughts, Sakura suddenly felt a hand groping her bottom.
Her first instinct was to turn around and lambast the assailant.
"Hey, what do you think you're-- Oh.".
The supposed groper was actually a much smaller boy, disheveled and pleading, begging for change.
I can't just ignore a little kid, but isn't this a pretty common scam around these parts? Guardians sending their kids to pretend they're poor and squeeze money out of unsuspecting pedestrians...
Just then, Sakura was poked on the shoulder by a girl only a few years older than her.
The older girl told her, "Hey, you should watch out for this one - - he and his mother scammed fifty ryo out of some underdessed, orange-clad blondie.".
"Wait, what?".
"It's crazy, I know. I asked the guy about it and he just said, 'That's alright, at least it means he isn't actually sick and poor!'. Kid's got no sense of fiscal responsibility!".
Sakura thanked the girl for the warning, and each child parted ways.
Underdessed, orange-clad blondie... Come to think of it, Naruto was just wearing his normal vest when he ran out... And wasn't fifty ryo the exact amount of money he got as a bonus from the hokage? I can't believe he just gave it away like that!
Sakura imagined the sight of Naruto taking all that money out of his frog wallet, and a warm smile overtook her face.
Well, off to the bridge. Can't wait for them to finish for today...
.
In the Forest
Naruto dragged his feet through the woods as he cried.
I'm so stupid! Stupid stupid stupid! I could just die! It's so cold, I just might!
As he encountered a clearing in the forest, he felt the presence of another person nearby.
After pushing aside some shrubs, he noticed a young woman bent over next to a basket, picking plants in a wide, open plain.
All she's wearing is sandals and a summer robe, with no sleeves! Is she crazy? Then again, I don't think I'm any better... But how should I have known it was gonna get this cold here?!
Not wanting to come across as impolite, Naruto approached the girl.
He asked, "Hey, Miss, can I help ya?".
The girl turned around, and quickly hid the shocked expression upon seeing Naruto.
She answered, in a voice as feminine as could be, "I'm a boy.".
Naruto's eye twitched.
That's a guy? He's even girlier than Sakura! Is he... Gay?
The boy announced, "And no, I'm not gay. I'm straight as an arrow.".
Naruto blushed.
He cleared his throat and asked again, "W-whatever. Can I help you, sir?".
The mysterious boy replied, "I think 'sir' is too formal. Just call me Haku - - it is my name, after all.".
Having calmed down a bit, Naruto squatted next to Haku, inquiring, "Alright, Haku. What're you lookin' for?".
Haku told him, "Yarrow. It's a plant used for medicine, though too much can make you sick. Look for a flower that's white or pinkish, and put them in the basket.".
Naruto responded, "Alright, yarrow...", as he kneeled to search for and pick the plants.
Yarrow... Yarrow. Yarrow? Why's it called 'yellow' if it's pink?
Haku broke the silence with, "I know, it's funny that it sounds like 'yellow' when it's white or pink.".
Naruto pouted.
Is this guy readin' my mind? Is that a gay power or somethin'?
Haku added, "And no, I'm not reading your mind. I'm just good at guessing what people are like, and in turn, what they're thinking.".
Naruto dismissively countered, "Yeah, I figured. If you could read my mind, you would've also had to tell me that it's not a gay power.".
Haku scoffed. "I'm not gay, Naruto.".
The blonde argued, "I bet you've got mags of naked guys under your bed.".
Haku shot back, "I sleep on the floor.".
Naruto retorted, "Then you're probably hiding them in the gay guy's secret compartment!".
"Oh, yeah? Well... You, uh...".
"...".
"Darn it, I can't think of anything.".
"Too busy having gay thoughts?".
"No, violent thoughts.".
"Violently homosexual!".
Haku stifled his laughter. "You-- just pick up the plants, man!".
Both boys shared hearty laughter, as they placed a few more yarrow into the basket.
Haku cleared his throat and stated, "Alright, I think this is more than enough - - take a handful, I think you could use some.".
As Naruto obliged, Haku rose. He was handed the basket by Naruto, who asked, "Hold on, who do you need the yarrow for?".
The older boy answered, "Someone I care about deeply.".
"Huh. Alright then, bye-bye!".
"Bye, Naruto.".
Naruto watched as Haku went his way.
I never told him my name, but he's said it to me twice. And how does he know I've got someone sick to take care of? I should've put a flying thunder mark on him, but where? And how would I cover up the bleeding hand? Maybe it's better that I didn't try anythin'.
Naruto's blood silently boiled.
I have the resources to blow this thing wide open, but I'm just too weak for it! God, help me!
Naruto's thoughts conflicted as his eyes went to the yarrow.
Don't really care for the bastard, but maybe Sasuke could use some of this.
.
.
.
Noon, on the Bridge
The bridge under construction was three-quarters of the way done, on both ends. One wide, long gap was left to build, and bridging it was the last task that needed to be accomplished.
It would have been done sooner if Tazuna, who was supervising, wasn't having some labor issues.
A nervous man in his thirties approached Tazuna.
"Hey, Mr. Aono, I was thinking it was just about time for a break...".
Tazuna replied, "So? I'm no tyrant, you know you're free to go.".
The man responded, "Mr. Aono, I meant 'break' as in...".
"I kno' what you mean. Just go.".
The younger man bowed, said, "I'm sorry, Tazuna.", and scurried off.
Sakura asked her client, "Tazuna... What was that?".
He answered, "These men, they have families to feed, and my money isn't puttin' food on the table fast enough. So, they leave. I've lost track of how many times it's happened.".
Noting that Tazuna was digging into his palms with his knuckles, Sakura further questioned, "A-are you okay, Tazuna?".
He told her, "Oh, 'course not! I jus' wish me men would have a modicum o' faith in meself. Kills me to see them givin' up.".
Sakura soaked his words in.
What has this place gone through?...
Shorter chapter makes for quicker update :)
Let me know if you guys like it this way. I'll be doing this for the next few chapters at the very least as a test.