A soft but persistent knock echoed through the early morning quiet, rousing Naruto from a deep, dreamless sleep. He groaned, sinking further into the cool, silky sheets as he turned over, determined to steal just a few more moments of rest. His hand instinctively reached toward the other side of the bed, searching for the warmth of another presence, but it met only the emptiness of chilled linens. Naruto's eyes snapped open.
Sasuke was gone.
A surge of panic shot through him, jolting him fully awake and upright. His heart raced as his eyes darted around the dimly lit room, but just as he threw off the blankets and his legs swung over the edge of the bed, his gaze landed on a familiar silhouette out on the balcony. Sasuke was there, seated in one of the lounge chairs, wrapped in a blanket. The early morning light framed his figure, and the breeze tousled his dark hair as he stared out silently at the sprawling city below.
Naruto let out a quiet sigh of relief, his fingers combing through his tousled blond hair. Of course Sasuke would be up before him—he always was. He wondered how long Sasuke had been sitting out there, lost in his own thoughts, when another knock came at the door, this time more insistent.
With a groggy grunt, Naruto dragged himself out of bed, the plush carpet soft beneath his bare feet as he stumbled across the room. He rubbed at his eyes, still bleary from sleep, and fumbled with the door handle. When he finally opened it, the sudden burst of light from the hallway caused him to squint.
An impeccably dressed attendant stood at the door, bowing slightly with a polite, serene smile. Behind him, two waiters wheeled in silver carts, the scent of fresh coffee, warm pastries, and savory meats filling the air, causing Naruto's stomach to rumble.
"Good morning," the attendant greeted with practiced grace, his eyes briefly taking in Naruto's rumpled appearance without a trace of judgment. "Compliments of the Velvet Lotus. Breakfast has been prepared for you and your companion. Additionally, Haku-sama has provided fresh attire for your day."
Naruto blinked at the early intrusion, only half-listening as the waiters efficiently placed the food on a table near the window. His eyes drifted again to Sasuke, who remained still on the balcony, seemingly untouched by the morning commotion.
"Uh… thanks," Naruto muttered absently, stepping aside as the attendant moved with practiced care, laying out two sets of immaculate, tailored clothes. The garments were elegant but understated, clearly designed to blend seamlessly into the sophistication of Hōkaito's elite. For Sasuke, a sleek black ensemble that was sharp yet refined, with intricate embroidery stitched along the sleeves and collar in dark silver. For Naruto, a deep, midnight blue tunic with subtle gold accents, paired with fitted trousers that complemented his build. Both sets of clothes were light and breathable, perfect for a hot day while maintaining a polished look.
The waiters finished their task without a sound, and, after the attendant ensured everything was in place, they all bowed slightly and left, the soft click of the door closing signaling their quiet departure. Naruto stood there for a moment, letting the quiet settle back into the room, the aroma of breakfast mingling with the cool breeze from the cracked balcony door. His stomach growled louder this time, but he hesitated, his gaze shifting back to Sasuke's distant figure.
Naruto swallowed and scratched the back of his head, torn between letting Sasuke have his space and dragging him in to eat. After a moment, he sighed. "Guess I should probably see if he's hungry…"
He quietly made his way onto the balcony, sliding the door open just enough to slip through. The cool tiles beneath Naruto's bare feet sent a gentle shiver up his spine, grounding him as he approached Sasuke. The air out here was crisp and fresh, contrasting with the warmth of the room behind them.
"Morning," Naruto murmured, his voice low so as not to startle him. Sasuke didn't turn, his gaze remaining locked on the sprawling city below, but Naruto caught the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips—an acknowledgment, though subtle.
"Morning," Sasuke echoed, his voice barely above a whisper, carrying on the breeze. His posture was relaxed, but Naruto could feel the tension lingering just beneath the surface, the stiffness in his shoulders betraying the calm he tried to project. "Did you sleep well?" Sasuke's tone was casual, almost dismissive, but Naruto didn't miss the strain woven into the words.
Naruto blinked, caught off guard by the question. It was so ordinary, something friends might say to each other in passing, yet from Sasuke, it felt weighted. Heavy. "Yeah... I did," he replied softly, studying the other man. "What about you?"
Sasuke gave a single, stiff nod, his gaze never leaving the city. "Fine."
But the dark circles beneath Sasuke's eyes told another story. He looked exhausted, as if he'd been carrying the weight of something that ran deeper than just a restless night. Naruto shifted, his eyes tracing the hard line of Sasuke's jaw, the sharpness of his expression. It hurt to see him like this—so distant and frayed.
Naruto's hand twitched with the urge to reach out, to touch Sasuke's arm in reassurance, but he stopped just short. Sasuke wasn't the type to accept comfort easily; even the smallest gesture could push him away. Instead, Naruto's fingers curled into a fist at his side, the unspoken tension lingering in the space between them.
"Sasuke," Naruto started, his voice low and careful, the name heavy with unspoken concern. "Is everything… alright?" The question lingered in the air, soft yet pointed. He didn't know how far he could go, but he wanted Sasuke to feel his presence without stepping over a line that would make him withdraw even more.
Sasuke's fingers tightened around the blanket, his knuckles paling beneath the fabric. Silence stretched between them, heavy and unspoken, as Naruto waited, sensing that Sasuke needed time. The distant hum of the city floated through the quiet, faint and muted, as if the world beyond the balcony barely existed in that moment.
Finally, Sasuke spoke, his voice so soft it almost disappeared into the wind. "I had a dream last night," he confessed, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "It was… unsettling." His tone was measured, controlled, but Naruto could hear the faint tremor, the crack just beneath the surface of his calm demeanor.
Naruto's breath caught at the admission, and before he realized it, he moved to sit beside Sasuke on the lounger, turning to face him. His gaze traced Sasuke's profile, searching for the fractures in the mask he wore. "What happened?" he asked quietly, his voice low and careful, not wanting to push but hoping Sasuke would let him in.
Sasuke hesitated, his gaze flickering toward Naruto for a brief moment before returning to the cityscape below. The morning light highlighted the sharp angles of his face, but there was a softness in his expression—a vulnerability that he rarely showed. "I can't say..."
Naruto frowned, his concern deepening. "Come on, Sasuke," he urged softly, leaning in just a little. "If it's bothering you, talking about it might help—"
"No." Sasuke interrupted, though there was no sharpness in his tone, only quiet resignation. His dark eyes met Naruto's again, holding his gaze for a beat longer before he clarified. "I mean… I don't remember."
Naruto blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Sasuke exhaled slowly, his shoulders sinking as though the admission itself was a burden. "I can't remember the details... just the feeling it left behind. When I woke up, the dream was gone, but the unease… it stayed." He looked away again, his expression unreadable, but Naruto could hear the frustration lacing his words.
Naruto's stomach twisted uncomfortably. Something was clearly gnawing at Sasuke, and the fact that he wouldn't—or couldn't—share it with him only made Naruto feel more concerned. "But it's still bothering you," Naruto said quietly, trying to find the right words to offer comfort without overstepping.
Sasuke didn't answer, but the silence that followed spoke volumes. His eyes flickered with unease as Sasuke gave a small, almost reluctant nod.
"It's a side effect of the Sharingan... sort of," Sasuke answered cautiously, his words deliberate. "It's not common, and only happens when..." He trailed off, his expression hardening as though he was debating whether to say more. His fingers briefly tightened around the blanket before he shook his head, dismissing whatever thought had crossed his mind. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it," Sasuke said abruptly, standing up with a sudden, final movement.
Naruto's reaction was instant. He jumped up, stepping toward Sasuke. "What do you mean, 'it's nothing'? Sasuke, if something's going on, don't you think—"
"It's none of your concern, Naruto," Sasuke cut him off, his tone sharper now—a clear warning. His dark eyes flashed briefly, betraying his unease. "My Sharingan is just… changing. I guess."
Naruto's brow furrowed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "You guess …? That doesn't sound like 'nothing', Sasuke."
Sasuke's expression darkened, his scowl deepening. "Never mind," he snapped, irritation creeping into his voice. "It's not a big deal, and it won't affect the mission."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest again, but Sasuke spoke first, his voice steely. "Naruto, please. Just drop it."
The firmness in Sasuke's tone was enough to make Naruto pause, but it was the tension in his posture—the rigid set of his shoulders and the way he refused to meet Naruto's gaze—that made him hesitate. There was something more going on, Naruto could sense it, but pushing Sasuke any further would only cause him to shut down completely.
"I'll bring it up to Itachi when we get back," Sasuke said after a moment, his voice quieter, more measured. "But for now, just… forget I mentioned it, alright?"
Naruto stood there, his mind spinning with a dozen things he wanted to say, but the weight in Sasuke's voice told him the conversation was over—for now, at least. With a reluctant sigh, he gave in. "Alright, if you say so. But if you change your mind, or if you ever want to talk about it, just let me know. Deal?"
Sasuke gave a brief nod, still refusing to meet Naruto's gaze. "Deal," he muttered, though the tightness in his voice betrayed that he wasn't entirely at ease.
Naruto watched him for a long moment, feeling the unresolved tension still hanging between them. He wanted to press the issue, to get Sasuke to open up, but for now, he decided to let it go. Instead, he smiled and motioned towards the table inside filled with food. "Breakfast is served, if you're hungry."
Sasuke nodded and followed Naruto inside. The warm scent of freshly baked bread and savory meats filled the room, reminding Naruto just how hungry he was. The two of them sat down at the table, the tension, while not prevalent, still lingered in the air. Naruto glanced at Sasuke from the corner of his eye, but neither said a word. Instead, they ate in silence, only the sounds of the soft clinks of silverware against the plates and the occasional rustle of fabric as they shifted in their seats.
Once he was finished, Naruto leaned back in his chair and stretched out his arms. "Well, I guess we should freshen up," he muttered, glancing at Sasuke.
Sasuke, having already pushed his plate aside, stood and made his way toward the bathroom without a word. Naruto watched as the door closed behind him, the soft sound of running water following soon after. While Sasuke took his time in the shower, Naruto remained seated, his gaze drifting toward the fresh clothes laid out for them. The rich fabrics and intricate designs were far more elegant than anything he was used to wearing, but at least they seemed comfortable.
After several minutes, Sasuke emerged from the bathroom, steam trailing behind him as he stepped out into the suite. The soft robe he was wearing hung loosely around his frame as he towel dried his damp hair, paying little attention to Naruto as he crossed the room.
Without exchanging words, Naruto stood and made his way toward the bathroom, casting a brief glance at Sasuke. After closing the bathroom door behind him, he turned on the hot water, letting the steam rise as he stepped in the shower, allowing the heat to clear his mind and refresh his body. After washing up, he toweled off and grabbed one of the dark robes and put it on, eager to get dressed.
When Naruto stepped out of the shower, his gaze immediately found Sasuke, now dressed in sleek black attire with silver embroidery. The way the fabric hugged Sasuke's lean frame caused Naruto to pause, his breath catching for a brief moment. A familiar tightness formed in his chest, an unspoken pull that he tried to ignore. He swallowed hard, forcing his gaze away, though not before the warmth of a blush crept up his neck.
Naruto grabbed the midnight blue tunic and began dressing, but as he worked his way through the layers, he struggled with one piece—the intricately tied sash that seemed unnecessarily complicated. "What is this even for...?" he muttered in frustration, twisting the fabric awkwardly in his hands.
Just as he was about to give up, a quiet chuckle broke the silence. "You're really out of your element, aren't you?" Sasuke remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, a small smirk playing on his lips as he watched Naruto wrestle with the sash.
Naruto huffed, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, well, I don't usually wear stuff like this," he mumbled.
Without waiting for Naruto to ask, Sasuke stepped forward and took the sash from his hands. With practiced ease, he tied it properly, adjusting it as if it were second nature. "There, Usuratonkachi," he said, stepping back to inspect his handiwork. "Now you won't embarrass yourself—or me—while we're out."
"Shut up," Naruto said as he chuckled softly, a small smile lingering as he caught Sasuke's gaze. For a brief moment, there was a quiet air between them, a pause whether neither said anything. Sasuke wasn't sure what it was about these little moments, but they felt…significant. Like maybe, just for a second, things weren't so complicated between them.
Sasuke was the first to break the moment, stepping away and moving toward the lounge area where his knapsack was resting in a chair. He reached down to rummage through his belongings when the phone on the nightstand rang.
Naruto blinked and shot Sasuke a curious glance before moving to pick up the receiver. "Uh, hello?" he answered cautiously.
"Good Morning, sir," came the polite voice of the front desk attendant. "I'm calling to inform you that your guides have arrived. They'll be waiting for you in the lobby."
Naruto blinked in confusion, glancing over at Sasuke, who came to stand nearby. "Guides?" Naruto repeated, puzzled. "We didn't—"
"It was arranged by your benefactor," the attendant interjected smoothly, as if anticipating Naruto's question.
Naruto's brow furrowed, the pieces slowly falling into place. He glanced at Sasuke again, who raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry. Naruto covered the receiver with his hand, lowering his voice. "Guides. Apparently they were arranged for us," he explained, watching Sasuke's expression darken slightly as the realization hit him.
"Tobi," Sasuke muttered, his tone dripping with disdain.
Naruto sighed. Of course. "Alright," he said into the phone, his voice resigned. "We'll be down soon."
After the phone call ended, Naruto and Sasuke finished getting ready, securing their belongings before stepping out into the hallway. Naruto glanced sideways at Sasuke as they walked, curious about how he felt about the upcoming escort through the city. As always, Sasuke's face was unreadable, his expression locked in its familiar, calm stoicism.
But as they continued down the hall, something else caught Naruto's attention—the way people stopped to look at them. Or rather, at Sasuke.
It started with a few passersby pausing mid-conversation, their eyes widening as they caught sight of the young Uchiha. Then, it seemed that more and more people couldn't help but stare. Women glanced over their shoulders—some with barely concealed admiration—while men whispered quietly, their gazes lingering on Sasuke's refined appearance. His outfit suited him too well, and it was obvious to anyone who cared to look.
Naruto's stomach twisted with a familiar unease. He knew exactly why seeing all those eyes on Sasuke bothered him—why it had always bothered him. It wasn't just the admiration in their gazes; it was the fact that they were seeing what he'd seen all these years. The way Sasuke carried himself with that effortless confidence, the way he drew attention without trying—everyone noticed it now. And deep down, something possessive flickered inside Naruto. They didn't know Sasuke like he did. They weren't supposed to see him like that.
His gaze shifted to Sasuke, who seemed oblivious, walking with his usual graceful stride, completely unaffected by the attention. Of course, Sasuke didn't care. He never did.
Naruto, however, did care—a lot more than he was willing to admit.
As they reached the grand staircase leading down to the lobby, Naruto felt the weight of the gazes intensify. People below were looking up, watching as Sasuke descended the steps, and Naruto's discomfort grew. His heart pounded a little faster, a knot forming in his chest. His brow furrowed as they continued down the staircase, and before he could stop himself, Naruto felt an odd compulsion to do something.
Without thinking, Naruto hurried ahead of Sasuke, his feet carrying him faster than his thoughts. By the time he reached the bottom step, he turned and did something entirely out of character—he extended his hand toward Sasuke, offering to help him down the last few steps. His face was set in a serious expression, like he was making the grandest of gestures.
Sasuke froze mid-step, his dark eyes narrowing in confusion as he stared down at Naruto with a furrowed brow. He glanced at the outstretched hand, then back to Naruto's face, clearly trying to process what on earth was happening. "What the hell are you doing?" Sasuke asked, his voice flat but with a clear edge of disbelief.
Naruto blinked, realizing the absurdity of his gesture as the moment stretched out awkwardly. His cheeks flushed, but instead of retracting his hand, he dug his heels in, determined not to make the situation any more embarrassing than it already was. "Just… go along with it," he mumbled, his voice barely audible, trying to ignore the onlookers who were probably just as confused.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed further, looking as though Naruto had truly lost his mind. He let out a slow, disbelieving sigh, shaking his head as he brushed past Naruto without so much as acknowledging the hand. "Can't you get through one day without acting like a complete idiot?" he muttered under his breath, his irritation palpable.
Naruto let his hand drop awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as he watched Sasuke descend the final steps and walk away. His face burned with embarrassment, and he quickly followed after him, glancing around to see just how many witnessed his bizarre attempt. "Worth a shot…" he mumbled, silently cursing himself for acting on impulse.
Meanwhile, Kurama had thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle.
Bravo, Casanova—I'm sure that left him swooning, Kurama jeered, his deep voice dripping with sarcasm, laughter bubbling up immediately after.
Naruto scowled inwardly, his cheeks still flushed from embarrassment. Oh, just shut up, you damn fox! he snapped, though he knew Kurama was too busy rolling in laughter to care. The sound of Kurama's booming amusement filled his headspace, making it impossible to ignore.
What was that even supposed to be? Kurama wheezed between laughs. A romantic rescue? A desperate cry for attention? You're hopeless.
Naruto's eye twitched as he tried to block out the fox's taunts, but it was no use. I said shut up!
Kurama's laughter only grew louder, leaving Naruto to silently endure the humiliation, both from his own failed attempt and Kurama's relentless teasing.
Sasuke and Naruto made their way to the front desk, where two figures stood waiting for them. One of them was instantly recognizable—Deidara, with his distinctive blond hair and arrogant smirk. However, the other figure with shaggy red hair was unfamiliar. He stood with his arms crossed, his posture relaxed but exuding an air of quiet authority. His face was expressionless, almost cold, and his eyes held a dispassionate gaze as if nothing interested him in the slightest.
Deidara, unsurprisingly, was the first to break the silence."Well, well, look who's all dressed up," he sneered, his gaze locking onto Sasuke with thinly veiled animosity. "What's this, hm? Trying to audition for one of Haku's 'flower' positions?"
Naruto tensed, glancing at Sasuke, whose eyes had already narrowed in anger. It was clear he was seconds away from lashing out, but before anything could happen, the other man—silent until now—spoke up.
"Enough, Deidara," he said coolly, without so much as glancing at him. His voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge.
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden command, and even Sasuke's posture shifted slightly, his attention now drawn to the unexpected voice. Deidara, who had been poised for a verbal battle, immediately shut his mouth, grunting in frustration but saying nothing more. Both were taken aback by how quickly he had backed down. Whoever this guy was, he was clearly the one in charge, which was something neither of them had anticipated.
The man, unfazed by their surprise, continued with an icy calm. "I'm not bailing you out if word gets back to Itachi-san that you've been picking on his little brother."
Deidara's sneer returned instantly, his gaze turning venomous as he looked at Sasuke. "Oh, so the baby Uchiha can't fight his own battles now, huh?"
Sasuke moved to step forward, fury evident in his eyes, but the other man—unbothered—cut in once again, his voice bolder and sharper. "I mean it—shut up, now. "
The air between them grew thick with tension, but once again, Deidara thought better of pushing further. He muttered something under his breath and turned away, his anger evident but he stayed silent.
"Let's get this over with," the man said before finally acknowledging Naruto and Sasuke, his expression as indifferent as ever. "I'm Sasori. Tobi insisted you get the lay of the land before going off on your own."
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a brief glance, still a bit taken aback by how effortlessly Sasori had silenced Deidara. But there was no time to linger on it. Sasori, his cold gaze indifferent to their reactions, turned toward the exit, while Deidara trailed behind with a huff of irritation, clearly unhappy at being dismissed so easily.
Stepping out into the bustling streets of Hōkaito, Naruto and Sasuke were immediately struck by the city's vibrant, yet unsettling energy. The streets pulsed with life, a chaotic mix of locals and visitors weaving through alleys and open markets. The noise, the movement—it all felt like a sensory overload, but there wasn't time to adjust. Sasori was already threading through the crowd, completely unfazed by the commotion around him.
Deidara let out a grunt of annoyance, giving Naruto a shove. "Don't just stand there—get moving," he snapped, his frustration obvious.
Naruto and Sasuke followed their guides closely, taking in their surroundings as they walked. At first, the city seemed like any other—the chaotic mix of movement and sound, with vendors calling out their wares and locals going about their daily routines. However, as they ventured deeper, Naruto couldn't help but notice a few passing glances—curious, some even cautious. It wasn't until they entered Kuroya District, though, that those looks became more frequent.
The narrow streets of Kuroya were different from the lively markets they had passed earlier. The people there moved with more purpose, their eyes lingering longer on Naruto and Sasuke than anywhere else in the city so far. It was subtle at first, just the occasional glance or a shift in posture. But as they continued to walk, Naruto became increasingly aware that several pairs of eyes were watching them closely.
Naruto shot a look at Sasuke, who was clearly aware of it too, his eyes flicking to figures in the alleyways and doorways. More than once, it seemed like someone was about to approach them, their steps purposeful as they moved toward the group. But just as quickly, they would pause, warily eye Sasori and Deidara, then turn the other way without a word.
This pattern repeated several times—someone would notice them, start to move closer, then freeze and change direction. The more it happened, the more obvious it became. Naruto couldn't help but frown, a sense of unease creeping over him.
"Hey, is it just me, or—"
"They're avoiding us." Sasori cut in before Naruto could finish, his tone flat and unbothered. "Or rather, they're avoiding Deidara and me."
Naruto blinked, surprised at how matter-of-fact Sasori sounded about it.
Deidara let out a sharp laugh from behind them. "Tch, yeah, normally they'd be all over fresh meat like you two," he sneered, clearly enjoying the tension in the air. "But no one's stupid enough to mess with us. Consider yourselves lucky."
Sasuke furrowed his brow, glancing at Sasori. "So that's why no one's trying anything?"
Sasori nodded once. "Hōkaito is full of people looking to take advantage of newcomers, especially here. But now that they know you're affiliated with Akatsuki, no one will bother trying…unless they have a death wish, that is." His tone was indifferent, as though he found the whole situation tedious.
"Just imagine, though," Deidara added as he crossed his arms with a snide glance at Sasuke, "if we weren't here, they'd be all over you by now. And I'd love to see how our little 'Uchiha Princess' handles that." Sasuke shot him a withering glare, but Deidara's smirk only widened, clearly enjoying himself. "You should be thanking us, really. We're saving you from a lot of trouble."
Naruto sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah, thanks," he muttered sarcastically, though a part of him couldn't deny the truth in what Sasori and Deidara had said. The presence of the Akatsuki was clearly keeping them out of trouble, even if it wasn't the kind of 'protection' either had in mind.
The group continued onward, heading in the direction of what was known as the Entaiyō District. Just as they were about to step over the threshold, Sasori's hand moved to his side, retrieving a sleek mobile from his pocket. He glanced at the screen before answering, his expression unchanging as he brought the phone to his ear.
"Tobi," he said simply, his voice flat. There was a brief pause as Sasori listened to whatever Tobi was saying on the other end. His eyes narrowed slightly, though his overall demeanor remained indifferent. After a moment, Sasori sighed. "Konan can't handle it herself?" Sasori's tone held a faint hint of annoyance. "Fine." Another pause, and Sasori's expression grew more disinterested. "Of course," he muttered. "I'll deal with it."
With that, Sasori hung up, pocketing his phone as he turned to face Naruto, Sasuke, and Deidara. "Change of plans," he announced, his voice clipped. "We're heading to Nemurine. Konan needs assistance with a client."
Deidara scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Tch, what—Konan too delicate to finish the job herself?"
Sasori's eyes briefly regarded Deidara, his gaze characteristically cold. "Apparently the client is being exceptionally difficult," he said, though his tone suggested he didn't quite believe that story. "In truth, she just doesn't feel like getting her hands dirty."
Sasuke frowned, looking between them. "What exactly are you planning to do?"
Sasori's lips twitched into a faint, humorless smile. "You'll see."
At that, Naruto's eyes widened slightly, confusion and wariness in his gaze. "Wait a minute—why are we coming along?"
"Tobi's orders," Sasori replied dismissively. "He wants you to get the 'full experience' of the city." He then turned and started walking, leaving little room for further argument.
Deidara smirked. "You're in for a real treat," he quipped with a wink before motioning for them to follow as he trailed behind Sasori.
Naruto and Sasuke shared a wary glance before falling into step behind their guides.
As they ventured further toward what they surmised as the Nemurine District, the surroundings changed dramatically. Unlike the bustling streets they had walked before, this part of Hōkaito seemed forgotten by time. The buildings here were smaller, crumbling at the edges with rotting wood and peeling paint, their foundations barely holding together. The air was thick with the smell of decay and something far more toxic—the unmistakable stench of illicit substances being used openly in the streets.
Naruto's eyes drifted to the alleyways, where disheveled figures lay slumped against the walls, their bodies limp and lifeless. Some were passed out, others looked like they'd overdosed, but no one bothered to check. In fact, no one paid them any mind at all. People shuffled by with glassy eyes, some staggering, others murmuring incoherently, while a few darted from shadow to shadow, clutching small packets close to their chests.
The atmosphere was thick with neglect, and unlike the other districts in Hōkaito, where there was at least an illusion of order, Nemurine had none. This place was truly lawless—each man for himself. It was clear that survival here came at the cost of everything else.
"This place is a dump," Deidara muttered, kicking a discarded bottle out of his path. He wrinkled his nose at a man who lay sprawled in the gutter, unconscious or worse.
Sasori's cold eyes swept the area, unmoved by the decay around them. "Keep moving. We're not here to sightsee."
Naruto swallowed, feeling the weight of the district's chaos pressing down on him. The stench of decay and the eerie stillness of the half-conscious bodies scattered around made the whole place suffocating.
Kurama's voice rumbled in the back of his mind. I don't like this place. It smells of death and rot. Stay alert, Naruto—don't let your guard down for a second.
Naruto's heart raced at the warning, and without thinking, his hand shot out to grab Sasuke's. The action was instinctive, protective, and immediate—and in that instant, both of them froze, the air between them thick with surprise.
Sasuke turned sharply, his eyes wide, not with anger but with shock. For a moment, they just stared at each other, neither able to process what had just happened. The intensity of the situation seemed to fade into the background, eclipsed by this small, unexpected gesture.
Realizing what he'd done, Naruto quickly released Sasuke's hand, his face flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry," he muttered under his breath, barely able to meet Sasuke's eyes, already kicking himself for crossing a line.
But before he could fully pull away, Sasuke's hand reached back, grabbing his in return. "It's fine," Sasuke said, his voice surprisingly calm, almost gentle.
Naruto blinked, startled by the warmth of Sasuke's touch and the quiet reassurance in his tone. Feeling the steadiness of Sasuke's hand grounding him, the anxiety eased in his chest. He gave a small nod, deciding not to argue, even as a part of him felt strangely comforted by the gesture. They continued walking, side by side through the decaying streets of Nemurine, their hands still linked, the simple contact holding a weight neither of them had words for.
Approaching a dilapidated building, Sasuke's eyes caught sight of a woman standing by the entrance. Her posture was composed, arms crossed, completely at ease despite the squalor around her. Her gaze remained fixed on Sasori, unflinching.
"About time you showed up," she said, her voice steady as she addressed him.
Deidara let out a snicker. "Well, hello to you too, Konan."
Sasori shrugged, his expression unchanged. "We had other business to attend to." His eyes flicked toward the building's entrance. "Is the client inside?"
Konan ignored Deidara's remark entirely, her attention fixed solely on Sasori. "Him and five 'bodyguards.' There could be more hidden inside."
Sasori sighed, clearly uninterested in the details. "Let's get this over with," he muttered, his gaze shifting toward the building.
It was then that Konan's eyes finally landed on Naruto and Sasuke. "Shouldn't they wait outside?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Deidara snorted, clearly amused. "Tch, good luck with that."
"They're coming with us," Sasori said flatly, not even bothering to elaborate. "Tobi's orders."
Konan's expression didn't waver; she gave a small shrug. "Fine. I'll take the rear." She stepped aside to let Sasori lead, with Deidara following close behind. Naruto and Sasuke fell into step silently, the pressure in the air thickening as they entered the building.
As soon as they stepped into the decaying building, the stench of rot and chemicals was an assault on their senses, thick and oppressive. Past the dimly lit foyer, they found themselves in what appeared to be a makeshift parlor that looked and reeked of stale neglect. To one side, a ragged seating area had been arranged—worn chairs and tattered sofas occupied by people either passed out or completely strung out on something. Their glassy vacant stares told the story of the den's true purpose.
Naruto's gaze swept the room, taking in the sight of a few men slumped against the walls, others laid out across couches. Their skin was sallow, eyes half-lidded or rolled back in their heads. It was hard to tell if some of them were even alive. Meanwhile, the 'henchmen'—easily distinguishable by their build and menacing postures—hovered near the back of the room. One of them, with rotting teeth, eyed the group suspiciously.
Making their way to the back, one of the large men stepped forward to block Sasori's path. His hulking frame and scarred face radiated intimidation, but Sasori didn't even blink. The larger man faltered, his gaze wavering as he struggled to meet Sasori's eyes. The cold, unreadable expression that greeted him sliced through whatever bravado he had left, and without a word, he stepped back, his posture shrinking as he moved aside.
Sasori didn't spare him a second glance, continuing toward the backroom as if nothing had happened. Deidara followed, his smirk widening at the henchman's obvious fear. Naruto and Sasuke walked behind, with Konan following closely. Naruto kept his senses sharp, his hand still lightly gripping Sasuke's.
When they reached the door to the backroom, Sasori didn't hesitate before pushing it open. Inside, the space was dimly lit, furnished with shabby chairs and a table scattered with empty bottles and crumpled paper. A man sat at the center, clearly the client—his greasy hair slicked back, his posture relaxed but guarded. Around him, a handful of men—his presumed 'bodyguards'—stood at attention, though their jittery movements betrayed their nervousness.
The gangly man looked up as the group entered, his eyes narrowing slightly at Konan. "Back for more, I see," he sneered, though there was an edge of uncertainty in his voice. His gaze briefly flickered over Naruto and Sasuke, clearly not expecting to see them.
Sasori ignored the comment, stepping forward calmly. "We're here for the payment," he said flatly, his voice cold and emotionless.
The client leaned back in his chair, a slow smirk creeping across his face. "Payment, huh? Funny, because like I told your little girlfriend over there… I don't have it." His grin widened, clearly testing the waters. "See, I figure—being Akatsuki and all—you'll get by just fine without it. And if you don't…well, I don't see how that's my problem."
Naruto sensed a shift in the air, his instincts warning him that this wouldn't end with a simple transaction. The tension was palpable as the client's bodyguards shifted uneasily, their hands twitching toward their weapons.
Deidara chuckled darkly, stepping beside Sasori, the grin on his face betraying his eagerness for things to escalate. "You sure about that? Might want to rethink your options, dumbass."
The client's smirk faltered for a split second, but he quickly covered it up, standing from his chair. "I'm not rethinking anything!" he barked, more bravado than certainty. "You can tell that asshole boss of yours he'll get his money when I feel like paying!"
Without a word, Sasori's hand flicked toward the nearest guard. Razor-thin wires shot out with terrifying speed, wrapping around the man's neck and limbs before he had time to react. A moment of shock passed before the wires tightened, slicing through flesh and bone as if they were paper. In an instant, the man's head dropped to the floor with a sickening thud, blood spraying across the room.
Naruto jerked back instinctively, his grip tightening on Sasuke's hand as he pulled them both away, barely avoiding the spray of blood. "What the hell?!" Naruto hissed, his voice raw with disbelief, eyes wide as he processed the brutal execution.
Sasuke's reaction was immediate—his body stiffened, his breath catching in his throat as he stumbled back. Though he didn't say a word, the shock was clear in his widened eyes and tense posture. This clearly wasn't what either of them had expected.
The other guards flinched, eyes wide with horror as the body crumpled to the ground. The client staggered back, his face pale, the earlier bravado draining away under Sasori's cold brutality.
Konan stepped forward, her foot landing in the pooling blood without a second thought. "Now," she said calmly, as though nothing unusual had happened, "ready to talk about payment?"
The client's face twisted in horror as he took in the carnage before him, his resolve collapsing in the wake of Sasori's brutal display. "Do something!" he screamed at his remaining men, his voice cracking with fear.
In an instant, the remaining goons sprang into action, weapons drawn, charging at the group. Sasori moved with practiced ease, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he unleashed another set of razor-sharp wires. The first two men barely had time to raise their weapons before they were sliced apart, their bodies falling in grotesque heaps. Sasori's cold eyes glinted with a hint of glee as he dispatched them, savoring the brutality.
Naruto and Sasuke barely had time to process the situation before the sound of footsteps echoed from behind them. The door burst open as more men rushed in, clearly high on something, their movements erratic and violent. Naruto's hand shot up, kunai at the ready, deflecting an incoming blade.
"Dammit, we didn't sign up for this!" Naruto exclaimed, frustration clear as he locked eyes with Sasuke for a brief moment before they both engaged the attackers.
The room erupted into a fury of chaos, but despite the madness around them, the two Konoha shinobi avoided killing their opponents. Their movements were precise, each strike calculated to incapacitate without fatality. Sasuke spun to disarm one man, sending him crashing to the floor unconscious, while Naruto swept another off his feet with a powerful kick. Neither of them wanted to kill, and their blows were aimed to knock their attackers out or leave them writhing on the floor. But the relentless assault was catching up with them.
One of the men, pupils blown wide and movements jittery from whatever drugs were coursing through his veins, lunged at Sasuke with crazed aggression. Sasuke sidestepped, but the man was relentless, his unnatural strength nearly overpowering. Sasuke barely had time to register the next attack as the man lunged with wild strength, his knife flashing toward Sasuke's throat. He dodged again, but the man was quick—far quicker than he should have been.
Before Sasuke could fully block the attack, the force of the blow slammed him into the nearby wall with an audible thud. Pain flared in his back, sharp and immediate, but there was no time to dwell on it. The attacker charged again, his crazed eyes fixated as he prepared to drive Sasuke through the wall. But just as he was about to strike, the man lurched back, a blade piercing through his chest from behind, dead center in his heart.
The man crumpled at Sasuke's feet, revealing Deidara behind him, a smug smirk curling his lips as he retracted his weapon. Before Sasuke could react, Deidara's hand shot out, grabbing his arm and yanking him away from the wall. The sudden closeness made Sasuke tense, their bodies almost brushing as Deidara pulled him close.
A grin spread across Deidara's face, but there was something darker behind it this time—something more than his usual amusement. His eyes flickered with a glint of challenge, lingering on Sasuke just a little too long. The air between them thickened, charged with an unspoken tension that felt far more dangerous than the fight they'd just survived.
"Tch, what's the matter, Princess?" Deidara's voice dipped, taunting but with an edge that hinted this wasn't just the usual jab. "Too clean to get your hands dirty? Or does the sight of blood make you nervous?"
Sasuke stiffened, his heart thudding in his chest—not from fear, but from something else, something that gnawed at him as Deidara's gaze held his. The way Deidara looked at him wasn't just mocking—there was something unsettlingly… inviting there.
"You seem like the type who enjoys getting messy," Deidara continued, his fingers brushing against Sasuke's arm. The touch sent an unexpected jolt through him, a sensation he couldn't quite place. "Bet you'd be good at it."
Sasuke's pulse quickened, the closeness between them unnerving, but he refused to back down. His gaze narrowed, and he smirked coldly, his voice dripping with icy disdain. "And you seem like the type who can't tell the difference between confidence and arrogance. Keep pushing, and you might regret what you find."
Deidara blinked, his grin faltering for a second, but the glint in his eyes only darkened, as if Sasuke's defiance piqued his interest even more. "Maybe that's exactly the plan," he mused, his voice lowering with an almost predatory edge. "To see how far I can push you before you break, yeah?"
A tantalizing thrill crept up Sasuke's spine as he recognized the dangerous game Deidara was playing. Before he could respond, though, his eyes caught another attacker rushing toward Deidara from behind. Instinct took over—Sasuke grabbed Deidara's arm and yanked them both out of the way, just as the attacker barreled past, narrowly missing them by a hair's breadth.
The man spun around, preparing to strike again, but before he could take another step, a kunai whizzed through the air. Sasuke's aim was deadly, the kunai lodging squarely in the middle of the man's forehead.
The attacker collapsed with a dull thud, lifeless.
Deidara's eyes widened in genuine surprise, the playful malice in his gaze momentarily giving way to something deeper. His grip on Sasuke's arm tightened as he leaned in from behind, his breath ghosting against Sasuke's skin.
"Not bad, Uchiha," Deidara murmured, pulling Sasuke just enough so that his back brushed against Deidara's chest. His hand slid slowly up Sasuke's arm, fingers lingering with intent. The other hand drifted lower, settling on Sasuke's waist, the touch firm, deliberate. "Looks like you're not as squeamish as I thought."
Sasuke whipped his head back, ready to respond, but froze when he met Deidara's gaze. The usual taunting was gone, replaced by an intensity that hadn't been there before. Deidara wasn't just teasing anymore—there was something raw in his eyes, an undeniable attraction. And to Sasuke's own shock, he couldn't help but feel the pull of it.
Caught between the lingering high of battle and the sudden intensity of Deidara's attention, Sasuke's pulse was racing. The proximity ignited something dark and unfamiliar inside him. His mind screamed to snap out of it, to shove this obnoxious asshole away. Yet, there was another part of him—dangerously curious—that was drawn to the turn of events. Deidara leaned in closer, but Sasuke didn't pull back, too intrigued by the unspoken challenge.
Deidara's grip tightened slightly at Sasuke's waist, the air between them heavy with an electric charge. But before the moment could go any further, a sharp voice pierced the haze.
"Sasuke!" Naruto's shout rang out, clear and urgent, shattering whatever spell formed between them.
Sasuke jerked back, breaking free from Deidara's grip. He turned toward Naruto, who stood a few feet away, his brow furrowed, confusion and vexation written across his features. Naruto's gaze shifted between Sasuke and Deidara, his breath still heavy from the fight, but there was something more in his eyes—something that made Sasuke's chest tighten.
Deidara chuckled softly, clearly amused. His eyes lingered on Sasuke for a beat longer before he turned away, as if savoring the moment that had slipped away.
As the chaos died down, the bodies of fallen henchmen littered the floor, either dead or incapacitated. The only one left standing was the client, cowering in the corner, trembling as he stared at the bloodied remains of his men.
With the fight over, Sasuke stepped away from Deidara, moving toward Naruto. The moment he got close, Naruto's expression shifted, his anger barely contained.
"What the hell was that?" Naruto snapped, his voice sharp with accusation. His eyes darted between Sasuke and Deidara, clearly unsettled by what he had witnessed. The frustration in his tone was unmistakable, simmering just beneath the surface, ready to boil over.
Sasuke's expression hardened as he dismissed the question with a wave of his hand. "It's nothing. Drop it."
Naruto's anger flared. His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. "Nothing? You call that nothing—"
Kurama's voice rumbled in Naruto's mind, a low growl that halted his next words. Calm down, kid. Now's not the time to lose your head over this.
Naruto hesitated, his breath coming in shallow, angry bursts. Kurama's presence steadied him, pulling him back from the edge. Focus, Kurama urged. You can deal with whatever that was later. Right now, you need to keep your head in the game.
Naruto exhaled sharply, still seething, but he swallowed his anger, forcing himself to listen. Kurama was right—this wasn't the time for a confrontation. They had bigger problems to deal with.
For now.
As the room fell silent, the only sound left was the labored breathing of the client, still huddled in the corner. Konan stepped forward, her movements calm and measured as she approached the trembling man. Tilting her head slightly, she fixed him with a cool, unblinking gaze.
"So," Konan said evenly, "care to reconsider your earlier position?"
The man's eyes widened with terror as he frantically scrambled to a small safe beside him. His hands shook as he fumbled with the combination, finally yanking it open. He pulled out stacks of bills, throwing them at Konan's feet. "Th-this is everything!" he stammered, his voice trembling. "Every last bit!"
Konan's eyes flicked over the disheveled pile of money. Her brow arched slightly, her expression unreadable. "This is short," she said calmly, her voice devoid of emotion.
The man's face drained of color. "I-I can get the rest! I just need more time!"
Deidara laughed from across the room, the sound sharp and mocking. "Tch, you think that's how this works?"
Ignoring the man's frantic stammering, Konan bent down and calmly gathered the money, stacking it with practiced precision. She rose and walked back to Sasori, exchanging a few quiet words before taking her place behind him once more.
Sasori shifted his attention to the client, his voice unnervingly calm. "Konan has calculated that you're 15% short of the agreed payment," he stated flatly. "As per our contract, we'll be retrieving the rest by… other means."
The client blinked, confused but desperate. "Wh-what do you mean…? Wait, you… y-you mean drugs, r-right? I can get you anything—high-grade, top-quality stuff! Just let me know what you need, and I'll—"
Deidara's dark laughter cut him off. "You're way off, pal. That's not what we meant."
Before the man could respond, Sasori's hand twitched, and his deadly wires shot out. In an instant, they coiled around the man's left arm, tightening with lethal precision. With a sickening snap, the wires sliced through flesh and bone, severing the arm completely. Blood sprayed across the floor as the man let out a guttural scream, collapsing in agony.
"There," Sasori said, his voice as cold as ever. "15%."
As the man writhed on the floor, blood pooling around him, Sasori turned away, ignoring the screams. "We're done here," he announced coolly. "Let's go."
Naruto and Sasuke stood frozen, their eyes wide with horror at the brutality they had just witnessed. The cold efficiency of it—the sheer indifference—was unlike anything they had experienced before. Though deeply disturbed by their unwitting participation in the carnage, they kept their thoughts to themselves, falling in line behind Sasori and Konan as they headed for the door.
Deidara, still chuckling to himself, followed behind, his amusement only adding to Naruto's growing irritation.
As they made their way toward the exit, Deidara's voice rang through the crumbling building, loud and taunting. "Oi! Anyone left inside who wants to keep breathing should get out now! Last chance!"
After a moment's hesitation, a few stragglers and half-conscious addicts scrambled to their feet, fear propelling their sluggish movements as they staggered past the group toward the exit. Naruto furrowed his brow, uncertain of what Deidara was getting at. He exchanged a glance with Sasuke, who seemed equally wary. Whatever Deidara was planning, it wasn't good—that much was clear.
Then, just out of the corner of his eye, Naruto thought he saw something. A flicker of white, small and fast, scurrying along the floor. He blinked and turned his head, but it was gone, vanishing before he could focus on it.
Naruto leaned closer to Sasuke, his voice low. "Did you see that?"
Sasuke barely glanced at him, his expression indifferent as he shrugged. "See what?"
Naruto frowned, unsure if it had been his imagination or something more. But the unease gnawed at him, lingering as they continued forward.
The group stepped outside, the district air still heavy with grime but far better than the foul stench they had left behind. They moved a short distance from the entrance, the weight of the moment easing as the dilapidated building loomed silently behind them.
After a few steps, Deidara came to a stop and turned to Konan, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation. "Can I?" he asked, almost like a child waiting to set off fireworks.
Konan glanced back at the building, considering it for a brief moment, before giving a slight nod. "Go ahead."
Deidara's grin widened with excitement as he reached into his pouch, pulling out a small, white spider-like creature. With a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed it toward the entrance. The creature skittered across the ground and disappeared into the shadows inside.
Sasuke, now curious, opened his mouth to ask what it was. Before he could, Deidara draped an arm over his shoulders, pulling him close. "Just keep walking, Princess," he teased, nudging Sasuke forward. "You'll see soon enough."
Naruto bristled instantly, his irritation surging at the sight of Deidara getting so familiar with Sasuke. "Get your hands off him!" he demanded with a glare.
Deidara snickered, clearly enjoying the reaction, sticking his tongue out at Naruto while giving Sasuke a quick squeeze. What made it worse was that Sasuke didn't pull away—he didn't even seem bothered by it, which only fueled Naruto's frustration. "Hey, what the hell do you think you're—"
A deafening explosion suddenly rocked the air behind them, sending a shockwave through the streets. Naruto and Sasuke spun around, startled, just in time to see flames and debris tearing through the building. The structure collapsed, engulfed by a raging inferno that scattered debris in every direction.
"What the—?!" Naruto shouted, his eyes wide with shock.
Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on the destruction, his mind racing. The little white spider Deidara had tossed—it wasn't just for show. It had been a bomb. Naruto, equally stunned, connected the dots, realizing that the white thing he'd seen earlier was the same—a bomb waiting to go off.
Deidara chuckled, clearly enjoying their dawning realization. He gave Sasuke one final squeeze before letting go. "Told ya," he muttered, satisfaction dripping from his voice.
Naruto's scowl deepened, his frustration with Deidara growing as he shot the blond a sharp glare.
The group continued walking away from the wreckage, the flames behind them casting long shadows along the streets. The smell of smoke and debris lingered in the air, but Naruto barely noticed. His mind was fixed on Deidara, and more importantly, on the sudden familiarity he had with Sasuke. It gnawed at him—the way Deidara had thrown his arm around Sasuke, and how Sasuke… hadn't cared.
Naruto's fists clenched at his sides, tension building inside him. Deidara's constant teasing, that stupid nickname— Princess —Sasuke used to hate it. He'd bristled at it every time before, but now? Now, Sasuke seemed completely unfazed. It made Naruto's stomach churn, his irritation growing with every step they took from the destroyed building.
Naruto, you need to calm down, Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind, though there was a hint of confusion beneath the usual gruffness. What's eating you more—the fact that this guy's pushing your buttons, or that the Uchiha brat doesn't seem to mind anymore?
Naruto bit back a growl, but Kurama's words only made things worse. Sasuke had clearly hated being called Princess yesterday—and even earlier that day. But now? He was practically letting it slide. What changed? Why wasn't he flying off the handle like before?
Naruto's eyes flicked toward Sasuke, frustration simmering beneath the surface. He couldn't figure out what had shifted between them, but whatever it was, it had him on edge. Every time he glanced at Deidara, that smug grin only made his blood boil hotter.
Kurama sighed. You keep this up, and I'll have to step in before you lose it, brat.
Naruto exhaled sharply, trying to calm himself, but the anger bubbling inside refused to fade. Not with Deidara lingering so close to Sasuke. And certainly not with Sasuke acting so indifferent.
The air still crackled with lingering tension as the group moved forward, the remnants of the explosion fading into the distance. Sasori and Konan led the way, their steps purposeful, while Deidara lingered behind.
"We'll head back to Kuroya," Sasori said flatly. "Tobi's waiting."
Deidara grinned, turning to Naruto and Sasuke. "Guess that means I'm stuck escorting you two back to your hotel, huh? What a drag."
Naruto's expression darkened further, his irritation boiling over after everything he'd witnessed. "We don't need your help," he snapped, his voice sharp with barely controlled anger. "We can find our way back on our own."
Deidara raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Naruto's outburst. "Hm, looks like someone's jealous."
Naruto's fists clenched, the anger bubbling to the surface, threatening to spill over. "What did you just say?!"
Before things could escalate, Sasuke stepped in, his hand pressing gently against Naruto's chest to stop him from moving forward. His voice was calm but carried a firm edge. "Enough, Naruto." He turned to Sasori, ignoring Deidara's taunt. "We can head back on our own—there's no need for an escort, right?"
Sasori glanced back, considering for a moment before giving a nod. "Once you're out of Nemurine, you should be fine. You've been seen with us, so no one will bother you."
"Still, just in case…" Konan stepped forward, her hand glowing faintly as she reached for Sasuke's wrist. With a light touch, she pressed her fingers to the inside of his wrist, leaving a faint Akatsuki symbol behind. "This will last as long as you're within the city limits. It'll show anyone who sees it that you're under our protection."
She repeated the gesture for Naruto, who looked down at the symbol, a mix of curiosity and frustration flickering across his face.
Deidara snorted, crossing his arms as he glanced at Sasuke. "Too bad, though. I was hoping we could spend a little more time together, considering... our new understanding. "
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "Not interested."
Deidara chuckled, shooting him a sly look. "We'll see about that, little Uchiha. Trust me, we'll be seeing each other again—soon, I'm sure."
Growing tired of the chatter, Sasori turned on his heel. "Let's move," he said curtly, prompting the rest of the group to follow.
They walked in silence until they reached the edge of Kuroya. Then, Konan paused, pointing down a side street, her calm gaze steady. "Botankō District is that way. Stay alert."
"Thanks," Sasuke muttered, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
Turning to leave, Deidara leaned in close to Sasuke, his voice low and suggestive. "You sure you don't want me to walk you back, Princess?"
Sasuke ignored him, but Naruto shot Deidara a stone cold glare, his resentment at a boiling point. Deidara laughed, sticking out his tongue, clearly enjoying himself.
Sasuke sighed, grabbing Naruto by the arm and pulling him along. "Let's go. Just ignore him."
As Sasuke and Naruto walked farther from Kuroya, the streets grew quieter, the oppressive atmosphere of Nemurine fading behind them. But the silence between them was thick with unspoken tension. Naruto's fists remained clenched, his eyes flicking between the road ahead and Sasuke. His frustration simmered, barely held in check.
After a few moments of tense silence, Naruto finally spoke, his voice sharp with irritation. "What the hell was that back there, Sasuke? Why didn't you—" Naruto cut himself off, his fists tightening as he searched for the right words. "He was messing with you. Why didn't you stop him?"
Sasuke kept his gaze fixed ahead, his steps steady. He knew Naruto's anger wasn't just about Deidara—it ran deeper than that. "Why should I care what Deidara does?" he replied after a moment, his voice cold and measured. "He's not worth my time."
Naruto's scowl deepened. "Yeah, well, he's not worth mine either, but the way he was acting around you…" Naruto's face twisted in frustration.
Sasuke glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "You think I didn't notice? Trust me, I know exactly what Deidara's doing. But getting angry about it won't solve anything."
Watch it, Kurama's voice was cautious as it rumbled in Naruto's mind, sensing the anger flaring up. You're teetering on the edge here. Stay in control.
Naruto shook his head. "That's not the point, Sasuke—he was messing with you, and you just let him!"
Sasuke's gaze hardened, his tone still controlled. "What would you have had me do, Naruto? Start a fight with him? That's exactly what he wants. He's just trying to get under our skin—that's all."
Naruto's jaw tightened, the simmering frustration threatening to boil over. "So we just ignore him? Act like it doesn't bother us?"
Sasuke sighed. "Yes, for now. Besides, we've got bigger things to worry about."
They walked in silence for a few moments before Naruto muttered under his breath, "You're way too calm about this."
Sasuke smirked slightly, as he scoffed, "Someone has to be."
Naruto's temper flared again, his voice louder this time. "Oh, so that's it? You're just too good to be bothered by a jackass like Deidara? Like none of his deliberate taunts matter to you? Yeah, that's bullshit, and you know it!"
Careful, brat, Kurama warned, the edge in his voice sharper now. Don't say something you'll regret.
But Naruto's restraint was slipping. "What changed, huh? Yesterday you hated him calling you 'Princess,' and now you're just letting it slide? You're not even trying anymore!"
Sasuke stopped walking, his calm demeanor beginning to crack. His gaze shifted, scanning the street to see if anyone was listening. "Naruto, stop," he said quietly, his voice still steady, though his patience was wearing thin. "We're in public."
Naruto scoffed, unconcerned. "What, you worried about what people think now? You weren't worried about that when Deidara had his arm all over you."
Sasuke's eyes flashed with irritation, his voice growing harder. "What the hell is your problem? I told you, I'm not giving him the reaction he wants."
Naruto stepped closer, his frustration boiling over. "Yeah, well, you're giving me a reaction—and I'm not buying it. What the hell happened to you?"
Sasuke's eyes flashed with irritation as he looked away, the tension clearly rising. "Drop it, Naruto," he muttered, turning on his heel and starting to walk again.
But Naruto wasn't done. He followed quickly, his anger spiking even higher. "What, you think you can just walk away!?"
Naruto, cool it, Kurama's voice rumbled, sharper now. You're crossing a line you don't want to cross.
Naruto ignored the warning, his pace quickening as he caught up to Sasuke. "You used to care! Now it's like none of it means anything to you anymore—why!?"
The argument was starting to attract attention. Onlookers slowed their pace, catching snippets of the heated exchange. To them, it looked like a lover's spat, the intensity between the two unmistakable.
Sasuke's composure finally snapped. He stopped abruptly again, spinning around to face Naruto. "Would you just shut up about it already!?" His voice was louder now, the restraint he'd been holding onto slipping away. "Stop acting like a goddamn child!"
"Oh, I'm acting like a child?" Naruto shot back, his voice just as loud, any pretense of calm completely gone. "Maybe I'm just the only one here who still gives a damn!"
Sasuke opened his mouth to snap back, but as he caught a glimpse of the number of eyes now on them, he quickly reconsidered. This uncharacteristic spectacle was drawing far too much attention. "Now is not the time for this," he muttered under his breath. "Look, can we please just get back to the hotel? Hurry up…" He started walking again, clearly trying to put some distance between them and the crowd.
Naruto followed, but the frustration simmered inside him. The tension between them hadn't dissipated—it only grew heavier with each step. Even walking side by side, nothing felt resolved.
As the silence stretched on, Kurama finally spoke up. What's your angle here, brat? he asked, his voice more irritated than curious. You really think pushing Sasuke this far is gonna fix anything?
Naruto let out a low growl, glancing sideways at Sasuke. I don't care if it fixes anything. Something's off, and he's not saying what.
You're just pissed because he's not reacting the way you want, Kurama replied, his voice cool and slightly smug.
Naruto clenched his teeth. That's not what this is about! He's acting like he's suddenly fine with everything Deidara says and does—and I know that's bullshit!
Kurama scoffed. Maybe he's Sasuke's type.
Naruto's heart skipped a beat. …What?
Just an observation—nothing to get worked up about, Kurama added nonchalantly. Look, Sasuke probably shifted his strategy dealing with it. Or maybe he's finally learning to keep his cool… unlike somebody. Kurama shook his head. Either way, pushing him now's only gonna drag you into deeper shit.
Naruto heard Kurama's explanation, but his mind stayed fixated on the first thing Kurama had said…
Maybe he's Sasuke's type…?
Naruto glared at the ground as they walked, trying to temper the heat rising in his chest. That's ridiculous. You saw him earlier—he hated being called 'Princess.' He almost decked the guy last night when Deidara first said it…
Kurama chuckled. Like I said, maybe Deidara figured out how to push Sasuke's buttons in all the right ways. Some people like that kind of thing… could be, Sasuke's one of 'em.
Naruto stopped dead in his tracks, his frustration snapping into full-blown anger. "What the fuck does that mean!?" he burst out, much louder than intended.
Sasuke, hearing and seeing Naruto's sudden halt, stopped as well and snapped his gaze toward him. His eyes narrowed in exasperation. "What the hell are you talking about now?"
Naruto's glare was sharp, the tension between them surging as onlookers began to glance their way. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you actually liked the attention you got from that creep back there."
Sasuke's expression darkened, his voice dropping dangerously low. "What did you just say…?"
Even Kurama seemed taken aback. Now, hold on, Naruto. I was just teasing—
But Naruto pressed on, his anger bubbling over. "You didn't exactly tell him to back off, did you? Just stood there, letting him get all… close."
Sasuke scoffed, his voice cutting like ice. "Because getting into a fight with him would've made everything better, right?"
"That's not the point, Sasuke!" Naruto's voice rose, his temper flaring. "The way he was acting, and you just—ugh! It's like you didn't even care. Like you liked it!"
Sasuke's eyes widened, and for a split second, the mask of his usual cold composure slipped. There was a flicker of something—uncertainty, guilt—that Naruto caught. It was subtle, but it was enough.
…Oh, Kurama muttered, a low rumble of realization that reverberated through Naruto's mind.
Sasuke quickly tried to deflect, his tone hardening. "You don't know what you're talking about."
Naruto wasn't going to let him get away with it. "Don't I?" he shot back, his voice sharp with accusation. "You think I'm blind? You didn't push him away, you barely even reacted! What the hell was that about, Sasuke?"
Sasuke turned his head away, his jaw tight. The tension between them was thick, drawing more stares from people passing by. But Naruto wasn't backing down. He stepped closer, his voice biting. "If you didn't like it, you sure as hell didn't do much to stop it."
Sasuke's eyes widened, and he whipped around to face Naruto. "You think I enjoyed that? Don't be stupid!"
"Oh, I'm still the stupid one, huh?" Naruto shot back, his voice rising in frustration. "At least I don't stand there letting people practically hang all over me!"
Sasuke's jaw clenched, his temper slipping as the tension between them reached a breaking point. "Right. Because you're such a saint, Naruto. Like you weren't gawking at Haku the entire time we were around him."
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! That's completely different, and you know it!"
"How is it different!?" Sasuke fired back, his voice now matching Naruto's in intensity. "You've been staring at Haku every chance you get!"
"I wasn't letting him drape himself all over me!" Naruto shouted, his voice cracking with the weight of his anger. "I wasn't—"
Naruto, calm down! Kurama said with urgency, trying to cut through the rising storm. Now isn't the time—!
"Shut up, Kurama!" Naruto snapped, his temper flaring even hotter. "I'm dealing with this right now—stay out of it!"
Kurama had finally had enough. Oh, for the love of—! His voice thundered through Naruto's mind, a growl so sharp it felt like claws raking across his chest. You better shut it down now, you damn brat, or I'll make you! Knock it off—NOW!
Naruto flinched at Kurama's intensity, but before he could snap back, Sasuke threw his hands up in frustration. "I've had enough of this!" he shouted, his voice raw with exasperation. Without waiting for a response, he turned sharply and started storming off toward the hotel, just visible in the distance.
Naruto wasn't about to let it go. "Get back here, Sasuke!" he yelled, charging after him, his voice carrying across the street. Sasuke didn't slow down, and the two continued to argue, their shouts echoing off the buildings around them.
People in the Botankō district had stopped what they were doing to watch the exchange. Some pointed, others whispered to each other as they passed by, gawking at the sight of what looked to be a 'couple' arguing so loudly and publicly. It didn't take long before the gossip spread like wildfire through the crowd.
"You don't get to just walk away from this!" Naruto's voice cut through the murmurs of the onlookers as they reached the hotel.
Sasuke whipped around, his eyes blazing. "I'm done, Naruto! Just leave it!"
They stormed into the lobby, and by now, their shouting was so loud that everyone inside turned to look. Staff, patrons, and bystanders alike stared in stunned silence as the heated argument spilled over into the hotel. Their voices echoed through the lobby, drawing even more attention from those nearby.
"What the hell is your problem!?" Naruto's voice cracked as he yelled. "You act like none of this matters! Like you're willing to give that bastard—someone you just fucking met!—a chance you'd never give anyone, not even me! What's he got that I don't, huh?! Why him and not me?!"
Sasuke's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and shock. His voice came out cold and biting. "What does it even matter!? We're not together—we're never going to be together—so why do you care so fucking much!?"
Naruto froze, his breath catching in his throat as Sasuke's words hit him like a blow. For a split second, he almost said it— Because I love you, dammit!
Before those words could escape Naruto's lips, the sharp sound of a clap echoed through the lobby. A cold chill swept over both of them, as if a wave of ice had flooded the room, instantly cooling their rage. Naruto and Sasuke turned, their argument fading as they saw Haku standing there, his hands pressed together.
Haku's expression was serene, though the faint amusement in his eyes suggested he had been listening for quite some time. "I trust your walk was… eventful?" he said, his tone polite but with a subtle edge of curiosity.
Naruto and Sasuke stood frozen in the middle of the lobby, the weight of their surroundings suddenly settling in. All eyes in the lobby—and even those just outside—were locked on them. The realization hit like a tidal wave of embarrassment, a red flush creeping up both their necks as they became painfully aware of the audience their 'pent-up frustration' had drawn.
Haku's calm gaze flicked between them, clearly unfazed by the spectacle. "Apologies for interrupting," he continued smoothly, "but I thought you'd both want to know that a rather fortuitous opportunity has presented itself. Although…" He cast a glance between Naruto and Sasuke with a faintly raised brow, "considering what I just witnessed, I wonder if it's an opportunity you should entertain..."
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a glance, the tension between them now overshadowed by their curiosity—and the embarrassment still clinging to them.
"What kind of opportunity?" Sasuke asked, his voice measured.
Haku's lips curved into a small, cryptic smile. "That, I will explain soon enough. For now, might I suggest we take this conversation somewhere more…private?" He gestured faintly, his eyes flicking toward the crowd still watching them with wide-eyed interest.
Without another word, Haku gestured for them to follow as he turned and began walking, leaving Naruto and Sasuke standing there, uncertain of what to make of his vague answer. Naruto shot a glance at Sasuke, the fire of their earlier argument still simmering beneath the surface, but Haku's words now hung between them like an unanswered question. For now, the anger had to take a back seat.
Finally… damn brats, Kurama grumbled under his breath.
With a shared, unspoken truce, they followed Haku, their footsteps echoing in the now-quiet lobby. Neither knew what awaited them next, but whatever it was, they had no choice but to set their differences aside and focus on the unknown that lay ahead.
For now.
