Sasuke wasn't worried about his friend, not even a little, he wasn't bothered by the fact that Naruto could be hurt, not for a second did he think about it, he just went to train and found Naruto, nor did he sigh with relief just seeing training wounds, nor did he feel a strong desire to protect him when Naruto told him that the one with him was a boy, of course not.
They trained all day and when they finally mastered it Naruto shouted from the highest branch of the tree - yes! - She dropped her aching arms, Sasuke hid his small smile of victory.
- Are we going to the house? - Sasuke asks agitatedly and Naruto nods, the smile still not gone from his face.
-Naruto, it's rude to lie on the table like that - Sakura scolded Naruto, but at this moment the blonde felt like a dead weight or a fish in a frying pan, she noticed how Sasuke tried to hold his own neck trying not to lean against the backrest or let his head fall on the table.
-It's okay Sakura san, you must be exhausted - Tsunami said looking at the blonde who was resting her head on the table.
As a drop fell, Naruto raised his head and became confused when he saw the eight-year-old boy's face full of tears, it reflected sadness, but at the same time, he heard a murmur that he didn't understand, raising an eyebrow he asked - What did you say? - Naruto didn't expect an explosion from Inari after that, the boy hit the table angrily, the chopsticks that were on the plate bounced at the sudden movement, before Inari looked at Naruto angrily.
- All that stupid training is useless! - she shouted and Naruto stepped back a little not knowing what he had done wrong to turn the boy against him - Gatō has an army and he will defeat them all and then destroy them, all those nice things they say mean nothing, no matter what they do the strong always wins and the weak always loses! - If that were the case for Naruto, she wouldn't be here, she wouldn't fight for what she believes in, she believes that she can be stronger, that one day she will be Hokage and that she could be an incredible magician like her classmates at Hogwarts, Naruto didn't care about being bad at first because she knew she could be strong if she tried, if she tried hard enough.
-You can believe it all you want, but that won't change anything - Naruto says, his head still resting on the table - that's not my case, you know? -
- Stop talking, listening to you makes me sick! You don't know anything about this earth, you're just a busybody! Playing and laughing at everything - Kakashi knew what the boy was going to say next - You don't know what it's like to suffer and be treated like trash! -
Naruto inhaled and held it at the words, a window shattered, Kakashi shielded the builder from the glass as it fell to the floor, Naruto stood up from his seat.
- Naruto! - Sakura exclaims thinking that Naruto would hit Inari, but instead she had almost climbed on the table and grabbed Inari's face between her hands.
The boy could only see Naruto's blue eyes to know that his words were not true, Naruto wrinkled his nose and he did not need to say a word, his whole face said it " I know "
Inari jumped out of Naruto's grip, slapping his hands together before running out of the place. Naruto looked at Tsunami and gave her a small smile -thanks for the food- and walked away, but she didn't go to Sasuke's shared room and instead stayed by Inari's bedroom door. She knew the boy wasn't there, but she still waited for him.
Inari thought about Kakashi's words as he walked back to the room, surely Naruto hated him, or so the boy thought before entering the room and seeing Naruto sitting where Inari usually sits to watch the sea and... cry -you have a nice view from here - she turns around and looks at the boy who jumps a little at Naruto's lack of resentment towards him, Inari smelled the earth and sweat that Naruto gave off but he really didn't care, it wasn't so strong or so annoying that he would pay attention to it -I understand why you like to see him so much ttebayo -
-It's not that I like it- Inari says quietly, looking at the ground.
-I think that if you like it… it's a good place to think -Naruto comments, remembering something- I have a friend who likes to look at the stars when he's pensive –
- Why… why didn't you hit me? - Inari asks, his tone still low –
- Because I think you have your own way of seeing the things that happen around you - Naruto answers - and even though I was angry, I felt so sad about how you saw things, that your father abandoned you -
- But he did it! - Inari explodes - he knew he couldn't win and yet he decided to fight and it's... it's - his eyes feel heavy, he didn't want to cry anymore.
-Unfair -for the first time Naruto found the words for someone else- the only unfair part Inari is that he didn't win, he fought like a hero and died like one, I'll ask you a question, if your mother or grandfather were in danger wouldn't you protect them? -when the question was followed by a silence Naruto continued -then with the answer that you won't give me ttebayo, do you think that your father Inari, wouldn't protect you with his life?... -Inari finally raised his head.
She felt her eyes filled with unshed tears as she looked into Naruto's childish and perhaps too blue eyes, they were half-closed, those golden slits made one think that the blonde might be angry but it wasn't like that because of the way she smiled softly, such a pretty smile.
-I-I… I-I'm sorry - she lets go in a soft squeal as the tears finished spilling out and she slowly approached, through her tears she could see Naruto's hands, there were scratches from training, she had despised the way Naruto saw the world because it was too similar to the way her father did.
-You don't need to say I'm sorry... although I... I'm sorry too - that makes Inari turn his head slightly in confusion - "I blew up the window" - he thinks before getting up and walking over to the boy and puts a hand on his shoulder - well I think I should go now - that makes the boy wipe his tears and realize something.
In a high pitched shriek as Naruto was walking away she exclaims - you! - that startles Naruto herself who looks at what Inari points out only to see her chest in her buso tunic - you have...! -
That makes Naruto turn his head a little like a confused kitten - What? You expect me to wear those bandages all day? That's tiring ttebayo! - Inari blinks rapidly while speaking softly.
-You're... a girl - that makes the blonde snort, and she answers with a happy laugh.
-I don't understand your surprise, but it's funny -Naruto opens the door -see you tomorrow Inari-…
Sasuke woke up when he felt a weight beside him pressing on the old mattress, he doesn't want to open his eyes but frowns at a strange itch on him, sighing he turns and sees those blue eyes staring at him, the smell of Japan flooding his nose as he watched Naruto's hair soak the only pillow they had, he wrinkles his nose and whispers -you could have dried your hair- that makes Naruto's eyes darken in fake annoyance.
From there there was a small silence, it wasn't uncomfortable or strange, it was familiar between the two, but at the same time not completely normal since the blonde was always commenting on something without expecting any response.
-I want... - Naruto whispers and Sasuke sees a huge doubt in his friend, as if he didn't know how to ask whatever he was asking him -w-well I... - the way he hesitated made the Uchiha want to get the question out of the blonde right away, but he couldn't do it... instead he waited as patiently as an Uchiha could - What was your family like? -
The question left a silence that accompanied it, but unlike the first one, this one was as uncomfortable as it was strange, surrounding Naruto in a small anxiety - why... Why do you ask? -
-I... I did it because, I've seen Inari's family and I'm curious how it feels, was your family the kind that sat together to eat? Or did someone give you piggyback rides? Or. Ah! - Naruto startled when Sasuke sat up, straightening completely, shoulders tense, then Sasuke let out a shaky sigh and stood up, the mattress echoing from the boy's footsteps on it.
He fell to the ground -I... I need a second- Sasuke walks to the window and Naruto loses sight of him when he opens it and climbs onto the roof.
Naruto felt anguish... but he knew it wasn't his, he placed a hand where his heart was before pulling the blankets and moving to the window and jumping.
The cold night air whipped through his wet hair and his bare feet felt the dirt of the roof with the cold it emanated, he saw Sasuke sitting on the edge, it seemed like he was looking at the sky but Naruto knew better than anyone, seeing those dark eyes that his question had opened an old wound one that left Sasuke deep in painful memories -yes - Sasuke suddenly says and his somewhat empty eyes clash with Naruto's too full ones -I was taken to... no, I was carried on the back before - Naruto slowly walks up to Sasuke and sits on the edge next to him.
Sasuke knew that if Naruto was anyone else, he wouldn't dare ask who it was, because no one wants to mess with the Uchiha's pain... with his clan, but then again... Naruto wasn't just anyone. -Who?-
-My older brother -Naruto looked at Sasuke questioningly for more than just that small and simple statement -He used to be with me… as much as he could, I remember that one time he took me and showed me the way he threw shuriken, I was amazed -Naruto thought Sasuke looked like a little child… "was" was not correct… "is amazed" was more correct… maybe Sasuke hated the one who massacred his clan but… at some point he had separated Itachi from the murderer he became -I tried to repeat what he did but I tripped and twisted my ankle… -A laugh escapes Sasuke, one so soft that it made Naruto smile -I was sulking the whole way home -Then everything stopped, the laughter and Naruto's smile… everything sank as if Sasuke himself was trying to stifle the memories.
- And your parents? - Naruto asks, cutting the mood, Sasuke's attitude changes immediately and it seems like he didn't have such a bitter memory when he spoke.
-My mother liked to comb my hair- that makes Naruto blink a lot and look at Sasuke's hair. Yes, it was still a duck's tail for her -When she was in a good mood and healthy she used to make braids with these strands- Sasuke points to the ones he had right in front of his ears.
- When was she in a good mood and healthy? - Naruto asks turning his head and sees Sasuke thoughtful, but not in a bad way at all.
-My mother had depression -Sasuke explains-… my brother had explained to me -Sasuke seemed to swallow deeply as if he had eaten something very bitter when he said "my brother" -that our mother had been depressed since the attack of the kyubi -that made Naruto's shoulders tense-she lost a friend who was almost a sister and that wasn't the worst -Sasuke frowns-my mother's friend had just had her daughter and they didn't let her adopt her… maybe that was what finally brought her down-
She knows it's not her fault, but she can't help but feel that way when they now talk to her about the being sealed inside her like that -… don't you think it would be weird, to think that you would have a sister -
-… I didn't think about it much, honestly. Surely when I was five or six I would have said that I was "happy" not to have a sister, because my father really almost never paid attention to me and if I had a sister I would have to give her a part of what was supposed to be mine. - Naruto was happy with what Sasuke was telling him. - And you? -
- ¿eh? - Naruto mira a Sasuke confundida.
-If… your parents were alive… would you have liked to have a brother? –
Naruto didn't take long to answer, with a big smile he says - Sure! But not just one, I would have loved to have many of them - she moves her legs on the edge and shakes her arms - it would have been fun... I wouldn't be alone - she finishes... erasing the smile a little.
-And... What do you know about them? - Naruto frowns and the smile disappears completely, Sasuke was regretting it a little when those eyes full of life fade a little but then Naruto looks him in the eyes.
- Red - she says almost in a coo - my mom had red hair… or so I think - then she laughs - if I had brothers surely many of them would be redheads -
-You have a red-haired family... you would be the yellow sheep - Sasuke's mockery makes Naruto puff out his cheeks, but he ends up laughing at it.
- Yes! Although… I don't know what my dad ttebayo looks like, but… the way some people look at me I must look a lot like him - Naruto doesn't know whether to smile or just shake his head… he doesn't know who they were and maybe they weren't good people like the third hokage always told Naruto they were.
But the mere thought of his parents being bad people created a strange burning sensation in his throat…
The next morning, Naruto was sleeping like a log when Sasuke was already ready to leave with the rest of the team - are we going to let him sleep? - Sasuke asks as they put on their shoes to go out.
-Yeah, Naruto must be really tired- Sakura was confused at the way Kakashi called Naruto like he was a girl, but she always let it go.
-Don't worry, I'll tell him that you left - Tsunami told them as she said goodbye to her father…
- I'm back! -Arthur says making Ron jump, since he was the one stuck next to the window- Are you still reading? -Ron nods, as he already said Naruto's handwriting is a riddle, between misspelled words and wrong pronouns -You know it's impossible that-
-Let's go to dinner - Molly calls her children before seeing her husband and greeting him.
In the middle of dinner, Ron swallows before asking, "What was impossible?"
-Oh right, Konoha is a myth that roams around in the books at the Ministry, it can't be real - Arthur says with a laugh, he remembered when he had taken Ron to the station for his first day at Hogwarts, he saw the little girl and knew that she was most likely a very imaginative girl, Ron on the other hand raises an eyebrow.
-But I once heard Headmaster Dumbledore talking to Naruto about something like... the hidden land or... Konoha, I doubt he made that up -Arthur drops the spoon, causing everyone to fall silent -What's wrong dad? -Ron asks.
Molly gives her husband a look -w-well if that was the case, it's not a good place to live- the twins were the most interested in their friend.
- Why? - Fred asks – Arthur frowns.
-In the hidden land, according to what I have heard and read, there have been three wars, not counting the fights that exist, military children and -Arthur stops, this was not appropriate.
-That makes sense now- Ron mentions and the twins agree -Naruto is always fiddling with pointy weapons and acts like he's always in danger-
-Living in constant fear, poor thing - Molly says, she has seven children and she wouldn't want any of them to go through that - Didn't you say she was coming? - Molly asks Ron, she wanted to see how the little girl acted in a place where she didn't have to fight.
-I wrote to him a few weeks ago and received it -he picks up a pile of papers- this, I still can't find out if he accepted it or not - The twins laughed, Ginny was curious about Ron's friend, she remembered a blond, but at that moment her eyes were fixed on the boy with glasses and black hair...
- Stop! They won't take her away! - Inari shouted, standing in front of the ninjas who were going to take his mother hostage.
-Oh, the little one came to save his mommy - the ninja mocks, but Inari, although he trembles, doesn't move, he wasn't going to allow it, not again.
When both subjects were about to attack him, he closed his eyes waiting for the pain that would come next, but instead he felt himself being lifted up and when he opened them, he could see orange and oh how he liked that color now -the hero always comes in at the last minute, right, Inari? - She let go of him and Inari could see the smile on her face.
-Naruto Nee san -Inari smiled back, before the ninjas attacked again, Naruto threw two shuriken, none of them hit, but that was okay.
-Try something else- one of the ninjas scoffs.
-I already did it - Naruto narrows his eyes and his smile looks darker - fools~ - She sticks her tongue out at them and the clones that were once shuriken hit them.
-wok -Inari looks at Naruto again -you're like a real ninja -Naruto almost trips.
-Inari, I'm already a real ninja Ttebayo -she smiles- and you're already a hero - Naruto softens his gaze, watching as the younger boy's eyes crystallize before he shakes his head and smiles, although tears do fall.
-You'll call me baby if I keep crying, moh! I promised I wouldn't do it anymore - Naruto ruffles his hair before looking towards where his team is supposed to be and knows he should go help.
-crying is okay even if it makes you a baby -Naruto turns around -I have to go help, being a hero is complicated dattebayo-
- Dattebayo! -Inari repeats with a smile as Naruto walks away….
She sees from a distance the crystals surrounding Sasuke, Kakashi fighting Zabuza, he was about to launch himself
- Draco! - The boy, who had goosebumps on his skin, jumped when his mother called him, dropping and scattering the leaves on the ground.
- Mom! I'm reading - she apologizes, she hadn't heard the child all day and she was worried.
He searches for the sheet of paper he was reading, but finds some words that marked him and he couldn't help but read, - my partner Sasuke threw himself in front of me and... -
Naruto had entered the mirrors being scolded by Sasuke, the plan would have worked if Naruto had stayed outside but no, he had to go in, it was exhausting to dodge the needles and Naruto was already giving him quite a few, but when she couldn't take it anymore another one would stop in the air and fall to the ground losing her momentum -I will fight and fight until I have no strength left, one day I will be Hokage dattebayo- Naruto created clones and they launched themselves towards the crystals, he didn't need much time for Haku to destroy them and another avalanche of grease to hit them.
When a scream echoed outside the ice mirrors, Sasuke and Naruto knew who it was, neither of them knew exactly what was happening, only that at this moment they were injured and were burning Chakra like crazy to try to get out.
Sasuke began to protect Naruto when he saw that the younger girl had received more needles than him and Haku knew he was doing it.
It was when Sasuke lifted Naruto up, that Haku could see him, red eyes with a tome on the left side and two on the right side, Naruto also felt the Chakra surge that Sasuke had made.
She moved under his hold but couldn't help but shudder when he dropped her to the ground, her muscles burning, burning and she could only hear the voices in the background and when everything finally became clear again she hated the sight she was given -you always get into trouble, Naruto- she sat up her body burning even more at the sudden movement but she could feel how the greatest pain was seeing her teammate full of buzzes and when he fell on top of her, she didn't know what to do, she could see Haku's body on the ground, Sasuke did know why he had protected Naruto, why he looked at her in class even though they didn't get along or because she was his best friend he would always save her if he had the chance -my body moved on its own, n-Naruto- she shuddered, Sasuke's head was pressed against her shoulder as he whispered in her ear, she bit her lip, Sasuke shouldn't die like this -don't you die too, l-live and b-become a g-great h-Hokage -Naruto shuddered at Naruto when he heard Sasuke stop breathing..
Everything stopped when Naruto stood up, his body was burning as his magic cooled things down and everything exploded, red and the ice crystals did too, the floor shook under his feet -I will not forgive you- Naruto growled, his blue eyes changed to red and his pupils became sharp points like an angry animal showing its fangs, although Haku thought Naruto looked more like a lion.
Kakashi felt Naruto with strength mixed with the Kyubi – "the power of Naruto and the Kyubi together is... terrifying" - Kakashi thinks while fighting with Zabuza.
Sakura is shocked by the explosion of crystals and protected the builder
Dumbledore suddenly stopped, it was very slight, almost no one should have noticed, but… the ground shook and a small glass broke. "Naruto," he whispered before continuing on his way…
Nothing could stop Naruto, the sebon appeared and disappeared when Haku tried to attack and the reddish Chakra tried to burn him when Naruto hit him with everything he had, making him retreat into the mist, when his mask fell he thought the girl would give him the final blow, but when he saw the eyes that he expected to be red, they were blue again and had surprise in them -you were the pretty boy- Naruto hesitated.
- Will you not keep your word? You swore that you would avenge your friend, remember? - Naruto trembled and growled before hitting his face, causing him to fall hard against the ground.
She had had an accident again with magic, it had been a mistake, listening to Haku tell her story only helped Naruto not want to hit the boy again -how can you be with someone who treats you like a weapon- Naruto hated when he started to see the look in his Hokage Ji chan's eyes, he looked at her as if she were a weapon to keep and protect, there was still affection, but also something else.
-He gave me everything- Haku says and Naruto can only look into his eyes for a few seconds before looking away -Now fulfill your mission and finish me, a useless weapon- Naruto clenched the kunai before launching himself.
But in the background he heard electricity clashing with electricity and Haku stopping it - w-what? - he saw how the boy made a symbol with one hand.
-Thanks for listening, Naruto- the boy smiled at her before disappearing, away from Naruto, when she heard a squeaking sound and she had to cover her ears.
Kakashi's arm had gone through Haku's chest, the mist dissipated leaving him in full view of everyone, Naruto swallowed heavily, seeing that even on the brink of death he was faithful to Zabuza, preventing Kakashi from removing his hand - Naruto! - Sakura screamed and Naruto couldn't look her in the eyes and even less when she asked about Sasuke - huh? No, him - Sakura searches with her eyes, but only sees the body of her other companion lying with grease all over his body - Sasuke kun! - Her scream was heartbreaking when she and Tazuna passed by Naruto to get to Sasuke.
And when he heard her cry, Naruto broke down, although his eyes barely managed to water, he hadn't truly cried since Mouse's death, that was his breaking point, he had forbidden himself to cry.
- Ginny! - Ron shouted as he saw his little sister crying while reading one of the pages.
- Love isn't real! -Everyone was shocked when the youngest said that as if her heart had broken -I-I've been reading Naruto's letters and now his partner is dead-
(Naruto leaves out a lot of things since McGonagall explained to him that a lot of people can be sensitive, he avoided talking about the Kyubi and said he had used accidental magic, he hadn't described anything bloody or much of the tree climbing training, maybe a bit of the battles, without giving too many names or using them too much)
Molly approaches her daughter and Ron takes the sheets from Ginny's hands -oh my... seriously, I hadn't gotten to this part!-
The Weasleys were worrying about Naruto when Ron started reading again - ah! - he said relieved - nope, he's not dead Ginny - the girl stopped and looked at her brother before trying to take the letter from him - it's not a letter for little girls - Ron left that place looking for somewhere to find privacy so that Ginny wouldn't steal his letters…
Kakashi was winning, he had buried two kunai in his arm, leaving him completely immobilized, when a knock of wood caught everyone's attention.
-I have to say I'm disappointed- Naruto could say the same when he saw who Gatō was, he was small and had a ridiculous mustache and was followed by a lot of people.
-Ninjas are expensive, more expensive than a lot of mercenaries or thieves, so I decided that I no longer need your services, look at you, fog demon, you look more like a wet kitten –
Kakashi was standing on his hind legs next to Zabuza who just gave him a look -since I don't work for Gatō, Tazuna is safe now, there is no longer a dispute between us-
-Yes, I guess you're right - Kakashi answers looking at the approaching mafia man.
- Stop! - Naruto shouted as the man slammed the staff into Haku's bruised face, before standing in front of Kakashi and glaring at Zabuza - You're not going to do anything! -
-Calm down, you fool - Naruto froze upon hearing it, Haku had spoken of her -Haku is dead, what does it matter? -At that moment Zabuza could feel the ground crack a little -"So this was partly the power that defeated you, huh, Haku" - Naruto was too angry.
- What does it matter? - Kakashi tried to stop her as she got closer to Zabuza - Haku was your comrade, the person who gave his life for you! And you say a simple what does it matter… you are an ingrate, you didn't deserve it and yet…. And yet Haku loved you so much, he said you gave so much for him - Naruto clenched his fists at the boy she met in the forest and the one who lay dead in front of her - I don't see that person and if he was, that person would do something alone - Naruto was suddenly silenced.
- You talk too much! - Zabuza exclaims and Naruto could see drops falling at the man's feet and all she could do was stay still while Zabuza raised his head - Your words hurt me deeply, more than any knife - Zabuza looked back at the floor - Haku while he was fighting with you, his heart was breaking, Haku was always very gentle and kind, he felt guilt and pain, now because of him I feel it too - Zabuza looked at Naruto - He talked about you , even though they only talked for a few minutes, Haku said so much… and I'm satisfied that it ended like this -
-If you are human- Naruto whispers as he hears the bandages on Zabuza's face tear, he hears the man mock.
-Yes, I am, even shinobi are. - Zabuza turned around and walked up to Naruto. -No matter how much we try to escape or swear that we will never cry again, we will always return to the same place. - He leaned down enough so that Naruto could touch his face if he wanted. -Give me your kunai, girl. - Naruto pressed his lips together before grabbing his kunai by the edge and extending it towards the mist ninja's face, who took it between his teeth before turning around.
Naruto jumped when Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder "That's all Naruto" Kakashi whispered, when tiredness invaded Naruto's body, Kakashi stopped his fall by putting a hand around his abdomen, his eyes were half closed, listening to the sound of weapons clashing and at the end of the path a scream when Zabuza returned.
- Naruto, here! - Sakura's scream alerted her again, this was going to be a habit, when Kakashi let go of her she could see something she didn't think possible, the atmosphere changed completely.
Sasuke raised a hand and Naruto ran. "Sasuke!" she screamed as he pushed himself into her personal space. "H-how?"
-Hey, we're not leaving here without receiving our pay - the mercenaries spoke and Naruto looked into the distance at Kakashi.
-Do you have any super cool Jutsu that will get us out of this? - Naruto asks and Kakashi would give him tenderness if it weren't for the fact that everything hurt him, he was too tense to laugh.
-No - Naruto swallowed heavily, it was okay she could still fight, the wounds she had before had disappeared during the battle against Haku.
-Okay, okay - Naruto took a deep breath - Sasuke, how are you ready to fight? - Sasuke pointed at himself and Naruto hissed - I understand, you will really die if you do this -
-Attack- one of the mercenaries shouted, but they were stopped when an arrow fell in front of the leader, sticking into the ground with force.
-The village people. Inari -Tazuna muttered as he saw the village people being led by Inari.
- Inari! - Naruto shouted, a smile appearing on his face for the first time since he thought Sasuke was dead.
-We heroes arrived at the last second, right? - Naruto narrows his eyes in amusement.
-It's okay "I can't stay behind" Kage Bunshin no Jutsu -she exclaims and creates five clones, the fights had left her a little... low on reserves and she was making a great effort by making five clones at least the mercenaries retreated.
-I think I have enough Chakra to help with that- Kakashi tells Naruto, who gives him a smile as hundreds and hundreds of Kakashi appeared, the mercenaries looked pale -They still want to fight- all the Kakashi said in unison, the mercenaries retreated towards the ship.
- We did it! - Inari exclaims as he watches the mercenaries leave, the people applaud and celebrate, Kakashi is able to undo his clones as they walk away, Kakashi approaches Zabuza, Naruto watches the scene from a far distance without really hearing what they were saying, but the blonde understood, even if just a little when Kakashi picked him up and carried him to Haku, snow begins to sprout, although it was still too early for that.
-Haku -Naruto whispers, as if in farewell, as Zabuza was placed next to Haku -Zabuza san -Naruto moves a little closer, the man only makes a sound in recognition -You said you couldn't be with Haku, but I think… Haku is too loyal to you that he wouldn't be able to abandon you -Zabuza lets out a sort of laugh before saying "it's true" ….
Naruto sat for a long period of time in front of the graves of his once rivals, but he never had anything else to say except the first time he said that he was glad they could have been buried together.
-Get up- Sasuke calls Naruto the day they have to leave- you're not dead, you're still here as you should be- Naruto got up almost landing a punch to the Uchiha's private parts- idiot!- Naruto let out a laugh.
-Mah, I guess you're right... although you're still a child with ducktail hair - Sasuke pushed Naruto when he started walking, but a smile appeared on his face, Sasuke looked one last time at the two graves that are actually weapons or symbolic things, there were white flowers placed on each side of the graves.
Sasuke turns around and walks towards Naruto –"those flowers will fly away" – he thinks before completely leaving the area….
-Without you we would never have been able to build this bridge, I can't put into words how much we're going to miss you - Tazuna smiles as he watches Naruto ruffle Inari's hair, who cries saying that he's not a baby, that child had a heart.
-Thanks for having us- Kakashi says before his gaze shifts to Naruto- We have to go Naruto! -She nods and runs to her team.
-I'll be back, you don't have to be sad Inari -she laughs -it's a promise Ttebayo -Inari sniffles before nodding, smiling like Naruto.
As they began to walk away, the ninjas who saved his home Tazuna couldn't help but feel sentimental -but Tazuna san the bridge still doesn't have a name- a person says and Tazuna nods.
-I had already thought about it and -Tazuna saw the blond boy walking in the middle of his two companions -the great Naruto bridge-
-Nee san will love that name -Inari says with a laugh, people were confused, Naruto was a boy why did Inari call him Nee san? -Oh, Naruto Nee san is a girl didn't you know grandpa? -
…- What?! -Tazuna shouted.
The four ninja looked back in confusion, but could only see Tazuna speaking quickly to Inari, before continuing to advance.
Naruto sighed -Koh is going to be crazy when I tell him the story oh! I have to tell it to - at that moment Naruto began to think to herself, she will avoid the embarrassing parts - What's wrong? - Naruto asks seeing Sakura thoughtful.
-You're leaving... When? -Oh, Naruto had promised Ron that I would stay a week before entering Hogwarts so.
-I'll be leaving in two weeks- Sasuke and Sakura had lost track of time and now Naruto would no longer be there.
- When are you coming back? - Naruto really thought about it, she would be back no later than December 22nd.
-In December, the twenty-second or before but I'll only be here until January twenty-sixth - Kakashi ruffled Naruto's hair.
- Do you like traveling to that place? - Naruto nods vigorously - Do you have friends there waiting for you? - She nods again - Don't worry, I don't have any missions planned for team seven for a while and then we go back to boring D rank "and when you come back, the chunnin exams will start" - Naruto nodded and decided to enjoy his return home...
- Aha! - Ron finally finished reading the letter that seemed more like an action story, finding that Naruto would arrive on Wednesday of next week no later than Thursday night.
- Well? - Molly asks.
-He'll be coming next Wednesday or Thursday- Ron had to ask him so many things that Naruto hadn't written in his letter, Who was Sasuke? What was a Jutsu? Why were there parts in an unknown language? Everything was strange to Ron.
Sakura could hear footsteps behind her, surprising her a little at how they seemed to be following her, she got a little scared before seeing who her pursuer was -oh, hello Naruto- the blonde jumped not expecting Sakura to see her.
-I... well you already know I'm leaving soon so... - Naruto pressed his lips together and wrinkled his nose, Sakura had by this point already turned around completely standing in front of the blonde who was wearing the hood of that now so characteristic coat, she moved back and forth before opening her mouth again - do you want to train with me? - Sakura didn't think that would be Naruto's request, she thought he would ask her to go on a date or something else, not suddenly train, it was almost night.
"I guess it's okay," Sakura murmurs, her heart wrinkles a little when she sees how Naruto didn't seem to understand her words, she had caused this pain, this fear of rejection.
-I know that, if you don't want to, but we are... mmh? -Then Naruto caught it, his eyes opened and sparkled and a smile lit up his face - REALLY! Are we going to train together? -She jumped to her feet and got even closer to Sakura -Come on! Come on! -Naruto exclaims and Sakura sighs, but this was much better than Naruto's look of disappointment when he rejected her all those years ago.
-together - Sakura corrects as she walks next to Naruto, she raises an eyebrow and turns her head like a confused kitten, then the pink-haired girl smiles and walks in front of Naruto leading the way.
Sakura didn't want to believe that she was weaker than Naruto physically, but... it was true, although Naruto was smaller than her, he was much faster and stronger, although Naruto was a boy that must be why Naruto was stronger... at least that's what the pink-haired girl told herself.
The pink haired girl breathed heavily as she looked at the blond who barely looked a little tired, stretching slightly as he gave Sakura a smile - I'm sure you'll get strong very soon if you train more ttebayo! - Sakura didn't expect to become muscular, the thought of having the strength to destroy a rock tormented her, she wanted to look delicate and beautiful towards Sasuke nothing more than that.
-Y-you're fast Naruto - Naruto just nodded lightly before letting out a laugh and showing a foxy smile.
-I've been told that a lot, also that I have a lot of energy to burn- then he stands on his hind legs and looks directly at Sakura with those beautiful blue eyes… Sakura wanted to deny that those eyes were pretty too -but Sakura is pretty and very intelligent-
Sakura had to say something good about Naruto... and it was his ability to not look down on you even if you were on the ground, he gave off warmth and it was something so undeniable that Sakura just let that warmth filter into her and smiled at the blonde.
-And tell me Naruto… would you defend me? - the blonde in question looked at her questioningly - I mean, if we were in danger, would you go rescue me? -
Naruto wiped the smile off his face and his light blue eyes turned to a deeper, more serious dark one - of course - Sakura was surprised by Naruto's tone of voice, he had left that usual serious tone and had become soft, but... Amazing then Naruto realized something and shook his hands in front of her - I mean... we're partners and... and! - then Naruto trailed off a little and blushed softly - friends? -
Sakura also did not hesitate to affirm -we are friends Naruto- then Naruto's face lit up with joy again and continued.
-We are partners and friends, I will protect you, even if they hurt me, I promise - she affirms and Sakura knows that Naruto would not be able to protect her, but… she appreciates Naruto's promise -and… would Sakura protect me if I was in danger? Would you fight to protect me? -
So the pink-haired girl didn't want to hesitate, but... she realized that she doubted even more that she could protect them, she was weak... it was what she wanted in front of Sasuke... but was it the right thing to do as a ninja? She couldn't do much to protect them.
Naruto was met with silence, but instead of getting angry she just softened her smile and shook her head before standing up. "Okay! It's time to go home." Naruto then extended his hand to help Sakura up, before hesitating, thinking that Sakura wouldn't want any contact from him. "Oh me." She tried to pull her hand away, but it was grabbed tightly and everything calmed down in Naruto's mind.
-Come on, I think I'll accompany you half the way -….
- Ino chan! - A loud voice that Shikamaru recognized caught the attention of both Chouji and himself and when they looked to see what was happening, they saw Ino smiling at Naruto.
It had been a couple of weeks since they had become genin and they hadn't seen the blond since graduation, but that wasn't the surprising thing, it was that the two blonds were talking to each other like casual friends.
-No, no, listen, I planted those seeds you gave me a week ago - Ino brightened.
- And how are you doing? - Naruto smiled and jumped on his feet.
-I can already see some green roots coming out- at that moment both Chouji and Shikamaru disconnected from the conversation.
They could see Ino laughing at how excited Naruto looked talking to her about the plants he had in his apartment.
-It seems you like Naruto -Chouji mentions with a smile, while Ino was still waving goodbye.
-That's nice, I hadn't really thought about that at the academy -Ino smiled at them.
-It is- Chouji says, but Shikamaru quickly realized that there was more depth to it than Chouji wanted them to know….
-Naruto shines -we blinked and looked at the owner of the voice that had said those words.
Team 8 and 10 had been able to meet to talk or well if you can say that, Kiba was bragging about what he was learning about his clan and how he was going to defeat them all, when the shy Hinata said some words that maybe she wasn't even thinking about saying.
She blushed when she saw that everyone had heard her -w-well a-ah I… - Hinata lowers her head and plays with her fingers -n-Naruto a-always l-looks bright and I'm not just saying that because of his clothes, it's more because of his way of being and -h-his e-eyes - Shikamaru has to agree with the Hyuga Naruto was shining too much.
Shikamaru had always noticed something strange about Naruto since the academy, although it was not so noticeable that he paid attention to it.
But when they graduated at age twelve, that thorn that they barely remembered had been stuck again.
Naruto had long, thick eyelashes and a round face, Shikamaru had always noticed that but now there was more to it.
While Shikamaru had started to get a little firmer and broader shoulders Naruto still seemed to have softness and smallness, it wasn't that Naruto didn't look strong and tough just that he was softer than Shikamaru.
Although the young Nara had dismissed it for a while, thinking Naruto was just a late bloomer.
- Where are you going? –the third hokage asks as Naruto had arrived commenting to his office that he was leaving early –from what I know, the academy starts in about two weeks according to what you told me-
-To Ron's house -Naruto explains calmly and the hokage just raises an eyebrow.
- With what permission do you plan to leave? - That paralyzes the cheerful blonde for a second, that joy goes from a hundred for seeing her friend again to zero for what her grandfather figure had told her - Kakashi kun reported that during the mission you lost control for several minutes - Naruto shudders and looks anywhere but at his grandfather, staggering forward nervously - It could be simply fatal if you go and... they discover what you carry... that they can use you -
- " Use me ?" Why would they use me Jii chan? -Naruto shakes his head -I am not an object-
The third frowns - you are a jinchuriki… an asset to the village Naruto chan, we can't just afford to lose him –
The weight of the words dug into Naruto's heart, it was as if Hiruzen had thrown a kunai at him, it didn't go all the way through his heart, but it cracked it horribly, one more wound to heal in a heart already hurt too many times - Are you listening to me? - the third one says and Naruto comes out of his thoughts and looks at the hokage - You can't tell anything, it's risky and... I think you should already know that -
Naruto thought about those last words and… maybe the third hokage was right about that, telling everything that had happened during his mission… but it was too late.
It was a bitter pill to swallow to think that maybe for the third hokage Naruto is an object... a valuable weapon, but that made him think of something else... What was the fourth hokage thinking when he decided that?...
-I want to go- Naruto whispers and the third was surely going to respond in a negative way so she continued - I want to go- she repeated her eyes half closed in front of the hokage - you can't lock me up -
-I don't, I just think it's dangerous because of what happened on the mission, wait until I really -
-I'll be alone with my friends... there won't be anything bad, nothing that will make me... l-lose control - Naruto ends up muttering -please - he asks, he sounds too pleading.
The third one sighs and tries to refuse again, but… he is unsuccessful in front of those blue eyes -I'll let you go - Naruto jumps, his joy was not that much, but enough to let out some happy squeals -but -that stops her dead -first I want to know… Who are those Weasleys -….
-Sasuke - Naruto was impatient that morning, she had to leave now or never, but Sasuke had sent her to sit down holding a roll of bandages in his hand.
-Naruto, I want to be clear, they are noticeable - Naruto blinked in confusion, can you tell what? - Your chest is noticeable now - Sasuke blushed, but Naruto understood.
-Oh, and? -She didn't understand the problem, of course in the practice fights she had been doing with Sasuke, it was uncomfortable that... they moved... okay, she hated it and it hurt, but she refused to let them scratch her back and the bands underneath itch.
-You can make support bandages- Naruto was not clear.
-Do you want me to wrap this around my chest? - Sasuke nods and throws the bandage to Naruto.
- Wait! - Sasuke shouted as Naruto had started to remove his diving robe, he turned around and waited, listening to Naruto move around before he could turn around and look at Naruto, the bandages were doing a good job, you could still see some of it but it was minimal, instead Naruto jumped a few times looking amazed before taking a deep breath and exhaling - it lets me breathe and jump, how come I didn't discover this before!? -
-Whatever, I'm going home, come back - Sasuke clarified before leaving...
Naruto placed his clothes back on top, he had said goodbye to the Hokage before going back for his luggage so it was fine…. She walked with her trunk to the door before asking herself, Where is Ron's house?