Upload Date: 09/16/2024
AN: Some sexual content.
Chapter 17 – Uzumaki
The days after he'd begun his travel had been cold and wet, the rain following him as he'd headed towards the port.
Naruto rested his eyes, leaning against the thin walls of the carriage as it kept moving incessantly, already beyond distressed and irritated at how lengthy this trip was.
"Captain?"
Naruto turned and scowled. "What is it, Jugo?"
Jugo merely glanced passively at him, ignoring his angry tone. "We're due to arrive soon. Best not to sleep until we're aboard."
Naruto grunted in reply, but kept his eyes open, focusing instead on the night view outside.
It hadn't been a long time since Jugo had joined him, likely only three years or so. And in those three years there had been no instance that he could recall that had made his captain this sullen and withdrawn.
Not even when he'd first laid eyes on him…
Jugo had hated him when they'd met. He'd been on a rival pirate ship, his fellow crew members had been killed upon their refusal to join Naruto's crew and Naruto had swung his sword at him, eyes red slits through the fox mask, looking upon him with mild interest, as he held the sword in front of his face.
"Death or brotherhood?"
"Death, you piece of shit." He'd spat, scaring his bird and sending him squawking.
Naruto had paused, looking intently at the bird as it landed back on Jugo.
"Are you a shinobi?"
"Fuck you."
"Well, that's not fucking polite," Naruto had grunted, pushing Jugo's face against the dirty ship deck, smeared with wet blood, "Last chance. You want to make something of yourself or die, choking on your own blood?"
Jugo had been about to ask for death again before seeing the bird he'd kept as a pet seemingly fly away…
And land on Naruto.
Jugo wasn't a shinobi. He'd been born with minimal chakra that he sometimes harnessed into attacks that were mostly self-taught, but often unreliable.
No, his true power came from a different area.
He'd always been specially connected to animals. Birds in particular, loved him and he could understand what they were saying, his energy radiating with their joyful melodies, melodies that kept him calm when he was angry.
Angry at having to leave his friends behind and never finding out what happened to them. Angry at being forced into this life of thievery. Angry at having to kill innocents. Angry at having to deal with his idiotic crew members who tried to kill his bird every time they drank too much.
Here his bird was, conniving with the enemy as he perched himself on Naruto's shoulder as if unafraid that Naruto would slice him.
If Jugo died, he'd have to leave his bird behind and that realization pained him more than he dared to admit.
"Can I keep my bird?" Jugo groaned out.
Naruto blinked, his red eyes turning blue, catching Jugo off-guard, as he yanked Jugo to his feet and cut the ropes tying his hands together.
"Not a problem. What's your name?"
Jugo coughed and warily eyed him. "Jugo."
"And the bird?"
The bird's name? Jugo was momentarily stunned as he struggled to speak, "Taka."
Naruto had simply laughed and shoved Jugo onto his ship.
It turned out Jugo's bird, and other animals, were a good judge of character for his new captain. He found that he had that same quality of having random beasts want to be near him, something that signaled great connection with nature's energy.
Slowly, but surely, Jugo began to warm to his captain's character. It helped that Naruto was jolly and everything that had bothered him about his previous captain was the exact opposite to how Naruto and his crew functioned.
They didn't kill innocent people, only ones who deserved it.
They only stole from the rich companies and noble families, and gave that money to whatever poor bastards they found in their travels.
They were always permitted to keep a percentage of their loot for themselves, split almost evenly amongst everyone, even Naruto.
Even the crew members personalities were refreshing.
Idate would frequently tease the others and bring women aboard for nights of fun that elevated everyone's spirits.
Guren would yell and hit the younger members of the crew while they roared in laughter at Yamato's awful singing.
Utakata and Sai were like him however, who preferred to amusedly look on as the rest had their fun.
Despite them, he preferred to enjoy the solace of nature's company. Naruto respected his wishes for the most part and it was rare the occasion that Naruto requested for him to accompany him inland.
And Jugo had never looked back. Never dared too really. Not even permitting himself to think about his lost friends, his dead family, or his decrepit homeland.
With Naruto, he could only look forward.
Jugo thought of it all as he stared at his, sometimes annoying, most of the time reckless, captain as he glared out the window.
The newfound damper on his captain's mood was certainly an unwelcome change of pace. Ever since Jugo had met him outside of the Leaf Village's borders, he could count on one hand the amount of words Naruto had spoken.
He couldn't guess what had made his captain so angry.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself."
"What's not to enjoy? They both seemed completely in tune with each other, though I doubt either one realizes it." Ino smirked.
Sakura hummed nonchalantly as she sipped her tea.
"They both deserve happiness," Sakura murmured, "But you and I both know that is not possible for them."
Ino rolled her eyes as she leaned back in her chair, watching the people pass by as the mid-morning sun shone brightly.
She clutched her thick shawl tighter over her body. "Even an heiress is entitled to a bit of fun," and turned to look at Sakura, "Or perhaps you do not want your teammate to be happy?"
"It'd be a scandal."
"A rich one indeed. A small price to pay for their happiness."
"Not at the cost of Hinata's family. You know that as well as I do."
"Yet you seem happy about the progression of events, do you not?"
Sakura sighed, pressing her fingers to her forehead. "Perhaps you're right. I may be a hypocrite after all. Their joy gives me joy, no matter what consequences it may bring."
Ino shook her head. "You're far too aware of society's standards, Sakura. I'd love nothing more than the chaos them running away would bring."
There was a long silence between them as they rested in their chairs, the bell from the door continuously ringing as more customers entered the tea shop, the both of them still the only customers who dared to sit outside on an unusually cold day like today.
"You live for the thrill of the scandal, Ino. I doubt very much you think of either of their happiness." Sakura finally spoke, as Ino put down her cup to gape at her.
"Forehead! Do you think me that cruel?"
"Not cruel, but I don't necessarily see you risking your status for them either."
Ino shrugged, a smug smile over her lips. "Attention would be diverted to the lowly merchant and the Hyuuga heiress. I'd love the opportunity to engage in a bit of fun again."
Sakura rolled her eyes as Ino grinned at her, the soft tendrils of her blonde hair flickering over her red cheeks.
Ino had been unusually attuned to Hinata at Neji and Tenten's wedding. Now, she was well aware of the same fact that Sakura had been made privy to…
That there was potentially something more than friendship between Naruto and Hinata. And Ino had no wasted time in scheming amongst them and imagining future trickery.
It was all Sakura could do to keep her friend's loud mouth shut, despite every bone in her body wanting to do the same, to see just how deep their feelings ran for each other.
"Perhaps the merchant should just steal her away." Ino swooned, mockingly pressing a hand to her forehead as Sakura stifled a loud laugh.
"Not even Naruto is that foolish."
"You'd be surprised. His emotions were teetering on rebellion that night, I promise you." Ino warned.
Sakura simply shook her head, ignoring her friend's incredibly vivid imagination.
"Perhaps that's something you would do instead, Ino?"
"Run away?"
Sakura nodded, looking intently at her friend.
Ino pressed her lips together. "No…I care too much about my family's business to leave it behind forever."
It was unexpected and Sakura's delay in answering made Ino chuckle.
"Despite how I act, I do love my family and our business you know."
"Perhaps you have not met the right man yet."
"Oh, out of all the men I've met I can guarantee you that I've probably met my future husband. And I certainly hate him already."
Sakura could only grin as Ino laughed.
Ino was a lovely friend, unconventional certainly, but she was honest in her thoughts and opinions. Hinata's father did not disapprove of their friendship, which worked out perfectly to Hinata's advantage.
Over the next several weeks, Hinata would visit Ino under the guise of receiving confidence and beauty lessons. The very idea was ridiculous, but her father believed it wholeheartedly, glad that his daughter was finally embracing the idea of courtship.
And as their classes would go long, and as how the Yamanaka lived so close by, eventually Lord Hyuuga relented on the guard duty.
They would walk to the hospital to meet with Sakura, who would then show Hinata only the things that would be impractical and inefficient to read about, giving her practical experience where she needed it most.
It was after such a training that Hinata gathered her books and parchment notes while Sakura cleaned the room afterwards.
"It appears I have to leave for Tanzaku Town in the near future."
"What is the occasion?"
"The medics have requested assistance as there are quite a few sick people in that town. Lady Tsunade has requested that I go there personally."
"Tanzaku town," Hinata murmured to herself, scrunching her forehead in thought, "How far is that?"
Sakura shrugged. "Perhaps a couple of days? I'm not quite sure, I haven't ever been there myself."
"I will miss you terribly."
"Why miss me, when I am inviting you come along with me?" Sakura replied cheekily.
Hinata stilled. "Are you…certain?"
"I do not jest Hinata. Your presence and company may be quite helpful."
"I do not believe my father would allow it. And he's unaware of my collaboration with you…"
"It is within our land's borders, scarcely a couple of days traveling. You may even bring your family's guard if you wish."
"Even if I present those facts to him, I am not sure that he would allow that."
"Well, then perhaps there is someone there that would enjoy your family's silks. Lady Tsunade is quite friendly with the local government there and your family silks are oh so desirable after all." Sakura posed, her pretty green eyes shining.
A gleam went into Hinata's eyes.
"Yes. A request from the Hokage is hard to refuse."
The Land of Frost matched its name all too well.
Idate and Guren bit back complaints as they lifted the chests filled to the brim with materials onto the carriage. Naruto was still scowling into the darkness as they traveled further inland than their ship could allow, the night moon barely rising above the mist of snow that engulfed the travel of their scrawny horses.
They arrived the following afternoon to Shimogakure, the frost seeping into their skin and clothes like a crystal layer that as hard as Idate and Guren moved, they could not shake.
This was a quiet village, barely noticeable across the mountains that loomed in the distance and the trees that decorated their path. It was only because they had been here several times that they could even find their way through the white landscape.
Naruto was the first to disembark and did so quickly and silently as Idate tamed the horses outside of the village head's establishment, the guards welcoming them in upon recognizing them.
"I appreciate the exchange, Mr. Uzumaki." Lord Ichiro Yuki expressed, his smile one of gratitude.
"It's my pleasure." Naruto replied gruffly, signaling Idate and Guren to deliver the cargo to their new owner.
It was a great mixture of mineral ores, salt crystals, and woodwork that Naruto delivered, for the first time in a long time with almost total legitimacy.
"If you can extend your kindness, there is another trade I would like to propose to you." Lord Ichiro murmured.
"Name it." Naruto responded curtly.
"In the Land of Fire, there is such a clan known as the Yamanaka, correct?"
Naruto was intrigued. "There is. I'm friendly with the lady heir."
"I would like to ask if it was permissible to have a shipment of flowers sent here."
Naruto raised his eyebrows. "I'm afraid the Yamanaka don't allow any of our native flowers to be planted anywhere else. They're quite particular."
"We would not need the flowers to be planted, dried would be permissible. We would be amenable to any type of flowers really, if you could please ask, Mr. Uzumaki?"
The request was close to impossible and Naruto felt himself bite back a harsh reply, before he cooled himself. It was not Lord Ichiro's fault he was perpetually brooding these days.
He was almost acting like Sasuke of all people.
"What exactly are the flowers for?"
"My wife," Lord Ichiro replied fondly, as he looked down to his wrinkled hands, "She and I visited Konoha decades ago and she fell in love with the flowers she saw throughout your land. As she is no longer well enough to travel, I wanted to show her the flowers once more."
Naruto had been so absorbed in his thoughts he had not noticed the absence of the lord's wife. She had been sick throughout the years, but despite that she had always offered their crew a warm meal and lodgings for their time in town.
It did not appear she would be able to extend those same niceties ever again.
Naruto looked down at the ground in shame, swallowing hard as he cursed his own anger.
"I will send one of my men inland to inquire. I cannot guarantee anything with the Yamanaka, but if anything can be arranged, we will let you know."
"I would be most appreciative, Mr. Uzumaki."
It had been a long shift and Sakura tried to massage her aching shoulders as she fixed her worn dress over her slender frame.
She had been busy readying staff for her absence, instructing Miss Rin and Miss Shizune on what items were still pending so the day had gotten away from her until the moon had risen in the sky.
A soft knock sounded at her door and Sakura called out, "Come in!", hearing the door open slowly as she finished packing her things.
Turning she saw not Shizune, but her solemn teammate, his eyes dark and elusive in the candlelight.
Every time…every time she saw him her heart would palpitate erratically, either in anger or love, she was never sure anymore.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you." He responded simply; face impassive.
"Well, I'm terribly sorry Lord Sasuke, but I am quite busy-"
"I've told you to call me Sasuke."
"And I've told you that that's not possible."
They looked at each other, Sakura growing heated at his seemingly calm expression, the anger vibrating in her chest as her cheeks flushed.
He fell silent then, his unspeakably dark eyes contemplating her expression, unable to tear himself away.
In the daylight hours, Sasuke had kept himself busy, distracted even, with the daily endeavors as he handled most of Itachi's affairs.
But in the evenings, in the quiet hours when the moon rose in the sky, he was restless, unable to find solace in sleep as he thought of her and only her.
Sakura had embedded herself into his skin, into his blood it seemed, and even into every illusion Sasuke cast with his eyes.
Today, the dam holding his strength had broken and here he was. Sasuke was grateful that in the thick veil of the evening she would not be able to see his face so clearly.
And he could still see hers perfectly.
"Why are you even here?" She voiced, the question coming out more as a whisper as he stepped forward slowly, the footsteps barely audible amongst the silent room.
"Because I wanted to see you."
"And do what?"
"Apologize."
She froze, his words ringing in the air between them, hanging so heavy that she thought she would suffocate on them, "Apologize for what exactly?"
In the distance they could both still hear quiet voices, but they were numb to them as the candlelight danced against their faces.
The memory had torn at him, the way he'd dishonored her. He had taken advantage of her affection. Affection that had died and was buried in the ground with the rest of his family. That much was evident by the continued vitriol in every word Sakura uttered his way.
"Everything." he breathed, unable to stop himself from gazing into her jade eyes, wanting her to see straight to his soul.
She would never know just how much he hated himself for hurting her.
Her face flamed but she said nothing, her eyes spilling over as she wiped away tears.
"I'm sorry," Sasuke repeated, the words beginning to rush out of him, "I took advantage of your affection for me and dishonored you-"
At that Sakura raised her face, scrunching her eyebrows together. "You did not take advantage of me. I willingly let you touch me-"
"But I knew better-"
"As did I." she reiterated, pressing her palm to her chest, willing her heart to slow.
He swallowed and his hair brushed over his eyes as he stepped forward cautiously, getting close enough to smell the faint soap on her skin.
It was healing, to have it out in the open, despite their mutual embarrassment.
He had felt guilty this entire time for taking advantage of her? That was the one part of their encounter that Sakura did not regret. She had felt embarrassed yes, but never regret.
He had treated her like nothing afterward, as if she were anyone instead of his close friend and teammate. That was had hurt her so.
Now Sasuke was here in front of her, looking ashamed and remorseful, but refusing to back down as he spoke his truth and it was her turn to hold her tongue as she gazed at the man he'd become.
They'd exchanged no more than a handful of phrases since they'd seen one another and it was as if she was looking at him clearly for the first time in years. The true Sasuke Uchiha, the one she'd always known and cared for. Talented, introverted, no-nonsense, slightly arrogant Sasuke she'd known for years underneath the outwardly bitter mask he wore now.
The mask that was slowly slipping as his brow furrowed in confusion, his lips parting as he spoke.
"You do not hate me for what I did?"
"What we did," she clarified in a whisper, "Was out of affection and pain for each other. Your words afterwards were what hurt me."
"I was angry," he confessed, eyes turning red as his Sharingan awoke, "Angry at the world for taking almost all of my family from me. And I took it out on you."
The illness had spread too fast among Konoha. Lady Tsunade and Shizune had been away at a summit and Miss Rin had practically died in chakra exhaustion from trying to save everyone who had become sick.
In the end, she'd only been able to save Itachi and Izumi from the Uchiha clan, the rest of Sasuke's family joining the hundreds of others in the village who had died.
Sakura opened her mouth to protest Sasuke's words once more and he pressed his thumb on her lips to stop her.
The numerous candles around her office illuminated half of their faces, dark shadows covering parts of their bodies.
Her thoughts yearned for a dangerous direction, the candles in her office forming shadows across his handsome face. Goosebumps pebbled her arms as she felt the warmth of his body etch itself onto her skin.
It was intimate. Too intimate. Too close.
"Forgive me," he insisted, "For the cruelty I displayed that night."
He didn't remove his thumb from her lips immediately and he had to breathe slowly before remembering to separate himself from her
It did not feel like relief, to have his touch leave her. She ached for him, desperately, but Sakura would rather die than show him that she was still that lovesick teenager.
Instead, she nodded slowly, wiping the last of her tears from her face, most of them already dried.
"I forgive you…Sasuke."
She had taken a long time to mull it over, what she would do if he ever apologized formally. And she suspected that if she had answered no then perhaps, he never would've brought the subject up again, as he was not one for humiliation.
Sakura had cursed him in her memories, until they left nothing more than dark streaks across her mind, anger clouding all of the beauty that had been there before it had all happened.
And in the end, she knew that she would forgive him, even if for her own peace of mind.
The corners of Sasuke's mouth turned up, in what she recognized as one of his rarer smiles.
She allowed him to walk her home again, the distance between their bodies slightly smaller as they walked in silence, the evening dark and cold.
"You're headed to Tanzaku Town?" Sasuke probed, causing Sakura to warily glance up at him.
"How on earth did you know that?"
"Then it's true."
He was as elusive as ever. Some things did not change after all.
She hummed noncommittedly. "It is."
"Would you like me to accompany you?"
Sakura stiffened. "You think me that weak?"
"I think a lady traveling unaccompanied will spread undesirable rumors. It's best to travel with a shinobi."
"I am a shinobi." Sakura reminded him.
"A capable one, but the point still stands." Sasuke countered.
Sakura paused and thought of Hinata as an idea popped into her mind.
"Perhaps your presence can be useful in persuading Lord Hyuuga to let Hinata accompany me."
Sasuke didn't question why Sakura wanted Hinata to accompany her and he did not probe, choosing instead to nod once in agreement.
He knew that Sakura and Hinata spent a lot of time together. It followed that this was a special favor and he knew it meant a lot for her to ask, considering their relationship was as frail as her patients.
"I shall see to it that he agrees."
Sakura smiled softly in gratitude, shifting her eyes downward.
It warmed him. Her mere presence was a beacon amongst the darkness, a light that softened him, even just slightly.
"Thank you." she responded and turned to head inside her home without bothering to wait for a response. At the last moment, Sakura hesitated for a brief instant before waving goodbye at him, without turning to see his face again.
Sasuke stood still until she was safely inside of her home before he briskly walked away.
A heavy weight had lifted from Sasuke shoulders as he saw Sakura wave at him before entering her home.
She may have forgiven him, but as for the awkwardness that remained, that would take some getting used to.
And perhaps they would never go back to the way things were. Not after the way they'd touched each other so wantonly and tasted each other's lips. But that was alright, both of them had voiced what they needed to tonight.
Sakura recognized perhaps now, they could finally both start healing instead of hiding and running away. Now, they could at least attempt to be friends again.
He'd missed having that, most of all. He had wanted Sakura's strength and happiness around him in all this time. Time in which his heart had ached for her and only her.
Sasuke had not felt this peaceful in years.
He would make sure not ruin their relationship again.
Her beauty was unmatched, her pale eyes twinkling as he looked upon her face, her lips puffy from his hunger and he could feel her body heavy on his fingertips as he groaned against her hair, pushing her legs against her chest, pushing himself deeper into her.
She was warm, so warm, perfectly fitting against him as she gripped at his shoulders wildly, her mouth open as her pretty eyes looked up at him. She moaned his name and he nearly broke, thrusting against her harder, his lips loud against her ear as he grunted her name.
Hinata…Hinata…Hinata
The screech of a faraway door opening forced him awake and Naruto looked around, confused at where he was, anxiously turning to the side to confirm that he was indeed alone, in the lodgings Idate and Guren had secured for the night.
Now it was barely daylight, the gray sky beginning to illuminate his small room
Fuck. It had been a vivid dream.
He dragged his calloused hands over his face, willing his heartbeat to slow as he tried to steady himself.
Hinata had gone from friend to lover in his dreams and his cock was still hard as he remembered how vividly he'd fucked her. How she'd liked it and begged him for more.
Naruto groaned and shook his head, willing himself to shake the thoughts of his friend from his dirty mind.
Perhaps the Pervy Sage had been more an influence than he'd realized, he bemused as he stood up to dress himself.
One of the first things Naruto had done after concluding his business with Lord Ichiro was to find the company of women and that had quickly transformed into a bad idea when he'd found only dark-haired beauties amongst the few taverns.
Women who looked too much like her and yet not enough for him, for while they may have had her hair, none of them had her eyes.
He washed his face, droplets running down his skin as he stared at his reflection wondering if he was going mad.
No woman had ever taunted him this way. It was almost as if she'd bewitched him, as if she had lured him in with those eyes and soaked her words in honey that caressed his skin like a gentle whisper.
It had to be true, for he found no other reason why she stood behind every thought and every dream.
His toad suddenly jumped up near the water basin and he croaked, tilting his head slightly as Naruto raised an eyebrow before extending his hand.
The toad uncovered a message from his throat before disappearing into a poof.
November 14, 1677
Dear Naruto
Is the weather in the Land of Frost, really…frosty? It's always something perplexed me. I was not sure if the name was meant to be an ode to the weather or a truthful indication.
Neji and Tenten departed on their trip north. They will likely spend much of the next few months traveling from hot spring to tourist attraction. I'm sure he is not too eager to set sail on a ship again, not after what happened last time.
I have begun working with Sakura as a volunteer medic. I thought about what you said about not finding my passion and I decided to help people with my gift, the way you help people in your own way. It's grueling work, I don't think I'll ever have the patience to be a full medic, but it makes me feel accomplished and seeing Sakura's gratification is pleasing.
Sakura says your inheritance has been compiled. Three large chests of it. I'm sure Sasuke has informed you of this by now, but I just thought I would mention it.
I hope you find everything you search for.
Hinata
Her timing was utterly uncanny.
Despite his frustration he could not help but be amused at her words. She could be so humorous sometimes without even trying, her curiosity innocently prickling at his heart strings.
The news of her studies with Sakura was a bit surprising, but he remembered telling her that she needed to find her passion. And she had taken his words to heart it seemed. He could only imagine how happy it must have made Sakura to have Hinata join her.
It was a wondrous chance for her to learn more about the world from beneath her father's thumb.
It had taken much of his strength to keep her away from his thoughts, failing often even in dreams now. He hadn't wanted to write to her, hoping that she would stop writing on her own, but he could see that she was not interested in halting any communication with him.
What a stubborn woman, he thought letting a small smile cross his face.
"No."
"Father-"
"I said no Hinata. Or shall I remind you of what happened the last time you decided to travel?"
"It is a special request from the Hokage."
"One that I will deny, much to my displeasure. You do enjoy involving the Hokage in our family affairs." Hiashi sneered, anger brimming at the surface.
Hinata refused to back down. "It is a simple request father. Our kinsmen can come along and provide all the protection you desire for me-"
"Lord Hyuuga, Lady Hinata, a pleasure to see you both."
The younger Uchiha heir had caught the Hyuuga by surprise, dressed in dark clothing, a thick coat covering most of his body, as he tilted his head ever so slightly downward.
Hinata and Hiashi bowed at him. "Lord Sasuke, a pleasure." Her father remarked as Hinata remained silent.
"Miss Haruno let me know that she was heading towards Tanzaku Town for a missionary endeavor and that there some families there who wanted to buy some of your silks as well."
Sasuke had spoken the words with such earnest expression that Hinata wanted to believe his appearance was a happy accident, but Sasuke never did anything without purpose.
And it was this that made her uneasy.
The encounter had in fact not been sheer luck. Sasuke had been privy to the talk of the townsfolk, placing himself within the district that Lady Hinata and Lord Hyuuga would be passing through, seamlessly eavesdropping on the Hyuuga's conversation and sought the perfect opportunity to make good on the favor Sakura had personally asked of him.
Perhaps this could end up working to continue his unique goal with the older Hyuuga.
"Yes well…" her father hesitated, "Lady Fifth wanted my daughter to accompany Miss Haruno, but as you understand I cannot possibly allow that."
"I happen to have business in Tanzaku Town with a lord seeking investment opportunities," Sasuke spoke up, eyeing them sternly, "I'd be more than happy to accompany the ladies there and back to ensure their safety. Unless you think your kinsmen are sufficient enough to protect Lady Hinata?"
He'd laid the groundwork, now to watch Lord Hyuuga squirm.
Lord Sasuke had somehow insulted his clan and offered them a compromise with one statement. Hiashi could almost respect the man for his bravado and clenched his tongue and stared back at him.
There was a long pause as the Lord Hyuuga studied him, wondering how best to respond until the realization hit him straight in the face.
It was so clear, so obvious, the Uchiha was interested in his daughter. Thank the heavens such a man was making a move at last!
"I daresay that may be an acceptable solution." Hiashi responded curtly, hiding the elation in his voice. "In that case I will trust the safety of Lady Hinata to you on this trip. Hinata, do you have a problem with this arrangement?"
"No, Father." She did not, but she did not care for the careless way Lord Sasuke had shown out of nowhere to offer his help. He did not offer to help for her sake. She knew very well he could not care less about her safety.
Was it for Sakura then? That made sense, but it was going to be a very long trip if he was in the carriage with them.
In the horizon the Land of Whirlpools was visible, and even without bringing the ship to port Naruto knew there was likely a fight waiting for them on the rocky shores.
His crew ported the ship a short distance from the beach, Sai the only one chosen to accompany him inland.
"All of you know what to do if anybody tries to board."
"Aye captain!" they responded quickly, snickering as they saw the rogues in the distance, the glint of silver weapons still evident against the dying daylight.
Naruto brazenly walked forward, wading through the shallow icy waters without flinching as the people on the beach began to yell, brandishing their weapons, itching for blood to be spilt.
Rogues, just like Hinata had mentioned. They were taking full advantage over the fact no one was left to claim this island as their own.
Sai merely looked on, his expression as stoic as ever as he searched among them. None of the men looked particularly strong. Perhaps even a fight could be avoided-
The men on the beach began to run towards them while Sai sighed, glancing at his unruly captain.
"If you think you can win, come on then!" Naruto yelled at them, eyes flickering between blue and red, extending his chest forward, his arms spread apart.
It seemed his captain was still in a foul mood. So much for not fighting.
One rogue came forward swinging a sword and swung hard at him, Naruto stepping quickly to avoid being cut. He pulled out his own sword and swung it forward, slashing the man across the chest in a harsh warning that splashed imperceptible wet streaks of blood onto Naruto's black clothes.
The man fell on his back, sword falling out of his hand while Naruto straightened himself, holding the sword over his back tauntingly as he surveyed the rest of the crowd.
"Anybody else dare to make a move?" he asked, this time in a lower tone as the group of rogues was hushed by the blatant display of strength.
Nobody responded.
"Then out of my way," Naruto sneered, his eyes flickering into red slits, his beast aura leaking enough so that those not familiar with him immediately stood aside, not daring to face him.
Sai followed Naruto's rushed pace through the white sandy beach into the thick jungle, the trees heavy and large. The path was overgrown, but not eroded completely and it didn't take long until the both of them found it.
The ruins of the Uzumaki.
For a moment Naruto froze, looking upon the sight with a strange mixture of melancholy and anger.
A prosperous clan, brought to ruin through nothing more than fear and greed of enemies.
Such a sad, pitiful fate.
Naruto walked through the destroyed buildings, some of stone long-since crumbled, and some of wood that were rotten to the core.
There was nothing of value left here, he knew that. Any valuables were stolen long ago.
And unfortunately, by the looks of it, there was nothing else here, dust having settled across the insides of buildings that still stood, the years of weather destroying anything else.
All his crew knew was that he needed to arrive to the Land of Whirlpools to gather important documents. He had not told them much else…
Except for Sai. He had told Sai exactly what he was searching for. He had been with him the longest after all.
"There isn't a lot here to find," Sai voiced, raising an eyebrow at the deplorable state of the village.
"There has to be something." Naruto insisted, glowering at the decrepit buildings.
"Then I will look further ahead," Sai suggested, making a quick sketch that made the images he drew come to life, small ink creatures that could fit where no human could.
Naruto kept overturning the broken pieces as the ink creatures darted through the buildings and disappeared from sight. "We keep going until we find something," he ordered, his eyes focused on the sights in front of him.
Sai merely shrugged as he kept searching, glancing briefly at his pocket watch to note the time.
"It will take a while."
Naruto merely grunted in acknowledgement.
Sai hummed as he turned over several stones to find nothing more than broken glass and torn pieces of cloth. "I do wish we had that Hyuuga woman with us."
He missed the obvious way Naruto scowled.
It seemed the lord from the Land of Snow had not been enraptured by Ino's beauty.
Or her words, or her demeanor, or even her vast fortune.
He had left her home sans proposal. This was something she usually had to fight for…not something denied to her.
She had given him a somewhat friendly welcome and he'd been polite, asking appropriate questions of her family's business, appearing interested in conversation with her, and even extending an offer for Ino to visit the Land of Snow to show her around if she was ever there.
She had accepted with grace that dignified a lady heir, surprised by his candid and friendly nature.
This was one suitor that did not seem awful. One that Ino would have gladly accepted if he had sought her father's permission.
But he had not, and it left a bitter taste on her tongue as she had scrutinized herself in her mirror.
Was her appearance unsightly?
Did he think her horrid?
No…that couldn't be it, she reasoned, clutching her dress tightly. Perhaps it was something else. Perhaps something had been lacking with him…
Her father had interrogated her, asking what she had done, but the truth was there was nothing wrong. Not outwardly in any case.
"You should marry soon," her father insisted as Ino bit her lip so hard she thought she might bleed.
I wanted to marry this one…
"Our fortune should be in the hands of a capable man by the time I pass."
My son or husband, but never myself.
"Of course, Father." Ino replied dryly.
While concerned that the lord from the Land of Snow had not proposed, it was not something to ponder over heavily.
The issue that did have Ino wondering however, was Genma's lack of response. For as long as she'd been seeking his company, he had never delayed much in responding to her.
His silence…now that was troubling.
"Anything?"
"Not yet, though I do see my little rodents returning now."
Sai put down his paper and the ink from his animals settled in, describing a path forward, deeper amongst the jungle.
"They say we should head northeast. There's a small monument there."
Naruto wasted no time in walking forward, forcing Sai to sprint to keep up through the overgrown greenery in their path.
It took another half hour or so before they reached their destination. A group of four tall, half-broken stones and a smaller round statue in the middle.
"That's a spiral." Sai realized, touching the ridges with his fingers. There was nothing out of the ordinary, but it was an unusual sight. The ugliness of the imbalanced structure unnerved him.
"That's the spiral emblem that shinobi wear," Naruto muttered, scrutinizing the monument. It was the very symbol that every ninja from the Land of Fire wore. "I suppose it came from the treaty Konoha had with this land."
Sai turned to look at Naruto, his expression neutral. "What do you want to do now?"
"We turn back. It's too dark to continue." Naruto ordered, looking up at the gray sky threatening rain. "We come back tomorrow to search further."
Naruto hadn't written to her in weeks.
Hinata wasn't sure what had made him so distant, but it left her feeling restless. Restless and concerned enough that those two emotions far outweighed any shame she had in writing to him first.
She trusted that by now he'd probably already read her letter, but there had been no response from him.
The best thing about the past couple of months had been becoming his friend, and now…she was slowly being shoved away.
Hinata had decided to write to him again soon, as soon as they arrived at Tanzaku Town.
They'd left two days ago on her family's carriage, that was probably a bit too ostentatious for their travels, she thought with slight chagrin.
Sakura was in front of her, fast asleep clearly exhausted from the past couple of weeks she'd had at the hospital. Hinata didn't have the heart to wake her yet and instead looked outside at the nondescript landscape full of trees that blocked any hope for seeing any sights.
For anyone without a Byakugan at least.
She activated it seamlessly, and saw with relief that they were close to arriving, the town visible in a valley that was covered by stone with a large castle towards the north side.
She had been grateful that Sasuke had chosen to ride on a horse next to their carriage that Hakaru was leading. Hinata had anticipated silence and abrasion from both of them and was not looking forward towards their travel, but she had been pleasantly surprised in the recent developments. He had been nothing short of gentlemanly during their journey and perhaps it was just her imagination, but she could feel that Sakura and Sasuke were on slightly better terms, despite any conversation they had being limited by the constant presence of her and Hakaru.
Something had changed.
Sakura no longer pulled away from his presence and his temperament was not quite as sullen as before.
She wished she knew what had happened between them, but such knowledge would have to be gathered in a different place when they arrived and settled at their destination.
It didn't take much longer for them to arrive in Tanzaku Town where Sasuke stopped at the nicest looking inn to secure lodgings for the four of them. Hakaru took the time to secure a pair of stables for the horses to rest.
Sakura winced as she stretched her back, her eyes still filled with sleep as she peered around.
"Busy little town, don't you think?"
Hinata had already been enraptured by the crowds, an intense amount of people occupying the dirt roads as they meandered along the shops around them.
"Quite different from how I imagined." Hinata affirmed, keeping her eyes on the numerous shops, trinkets, and foods being sold left and right.
Sasuke came outside, a curious expression on his face.
"I've carried your luggage to your rooms. Would you like to rest for a bit before we explore?"
"I'd like that very much." Hinata responded as Sakura nodded, her eyes beginning to shine with excitement.
"Before that I'd like to check in with the hospital and see what the situation is like."
Hinata saw it then. The slight flicker of his pupils as he relaxed ever so slightly into Sakura's words. It was a flicker, lasting little more than a fraction of a second, all but imperceptible to someone with normal eyes.
But she saw it, and she knew that there was something there. Perhaps something a little more than fondness for his dear teammate.
The both of them began early, when the sun rose above the horizon to search again.
This time Sai stayed behind to search in the ruins of the village, while Naruto went ahead to where the rodents had led them previously, to the strange Uzumaki spiral structure.
He had looked in every spot, near every stature and had toppled over the crumbled stone to reveal nothing, not a sliver of information that would be useful to him.
Every structure was worn down, except the spiral that he now focused his attention on, running his hands over the ridges of the spiral.
It didn't move, didn't react, but it was built more structurally sound than the others…why was that?
Curious, Naruto gathered his chakra in his palm, the light from his Rasengan covering his hand entirely as he brought it close to the statue, the screech of chakra against the stone loud and unbecoming.
It did nothing. It did not seem to respond to destruction.
Naruto's eyes narrowed as he gathered chakra throughout his whole body and pressed his palm to the center of the spiral.
At first it did nothing and then, just as Naruto was about to retreat his hand, the spiral unlocked, the stone falling open ever so slightly as he looked on warily before prying it open completely.
There was a small chest inside, the wood still beautiful and healthy. He opened it slowly and found a handful of parchment, covered in rich leather meticulously tied together.
There was nothing else inside.
And at once Naruto understood fully why no one had ever discovered this specific treasure.
It was meant for an Uzumaki, an Uzumaki with the power to wield chakra.
He was overcome with a thrilling feeling, one that hadn't appeared since he'd begun following in Jiraiya's footsteps.
Adventure. The promise of adventure was calling to him once more.
He barely heard Sai emerge from the dense jungle as he unraveled the parchment, taking great care to not damage the already yellowed pages.
There was a long list of jutsu written on it, jutsu that Naruto realized he'd never heard of or seen in practice. There were detailed instructions for a few of them, and he stiffened as he realized these were probably jutsu specific to his clan.
Incredible, he thought, wordlessly searching through the first few pages before turning to face Sai.
"What did you find?"
"A letter," Sai answered, pulling out a worn and half-torn piece of parchment. "Read it yourself."
Naruto clutched the worn letter, analyzing each word, feeling his heart quicken as he clutched it tightly.
It was more than he could've hoped for.
It was a letter, from an Uzumaki clan member, describing her family's journey to a different land, where perhaps prosecution would not be so blatant.
Kyouko Uzumaki.
Naruto placed the letter inside the chest alongside the rest of the parchment and closed it tightly, signaling Sai to follow him back.
For now at least, he'd found what he was searching for.
He returned to his ship and spent the next few hours looking over his loot, careful to look through each document.
He had all but finished, when he saw another letter, this time from a village elder describing an Uzumaki family journey that Naruto quickly realized was different from the one he had read before.
This family had also fled, many years before Kyouko Uzumaki, and had a higher status within the Uzumaki as expressed by the village elder's disdain that they would flee rather than stay within their land.
Naruto leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as his head spun with knowledge, sweat trickling down his chest as the cramped room became too hot to bear.
He opened the door to his cabin, calling out to Utakata.
"Gather everyone." Naruto asked and Utakata wordlessly obeyed.
It did not take long for his men to gather, ever the efficient crew as they awaited his orders, the night sky beginning to douse the heaviness that had gathered in the air.
Everyone on his crew was silent, their eyes focused on the map that their captain was staring at. All five of them perfectly fine to travel anywhere that Naruto ordered.
After a long silence, the impatient Idate was the first to speak. "Captain? Where do we head first?"
The documents Naruto had found highlighted the two villages quite plainly. There were members of his family, distant members, but family members nonetheless who had left the Land of Whirlpools before its destruction.
Family who could still be alive.
The villages were spread apart, weeks of traveling between them. Both of them unknown and foreign to him as they were far inland and so a mixture of unease and excitement crawled up his spine.
An equal opportunity for both of those villages to have what he wanted.
Slowly Naruto raised his head, eyeing all of his team.
"Here," he pointed on the map, looking up at his crew. "Utakata. Idate. You both come with me."
AN: Thanks everyone for your patience, reviews, faves, and follows! Next update should be in a month or so.
