Hey guys! Finally finished the chapter lol though im not really sure how I feel about it. Ill be frank with you guys, this chapters a bit shorter than the first and Im not the best when it comes to writing fights, i know, it sounds kind of dumb since im writing a fanfic about an anime with alot of fighting lmao but its pretty hard, not to mention a bit boring for me.
Ive decided to forgo a fight scene this chapter so yall can let me know what you think. Should i try my hand at fighting scenes? Or should i focus more on the story? Leave a review and let me know your opinions! Dont forget to leave any ideas you guys have too and ill try and consider them!
A few more things from reviews: when I said I'd try and follow close to cannon, I meant, canonically. As in things matching up to the past (Anime) info, not that it would continue to be canon; Oh, no. I have ideas that come from certain non cannon fillers, movies, games.. But alas, its a process.
I also want to point out, Im not bashing Sakura or Sasuke (Who will come into play soon). I feel like there does need to be an appropriate amount of shade thrown their way, though. They did something pretty messed up afterall. We'll just have to see if they'll be forgiven or not lol
Some may believe Sasuke to be OOC, but if you think about it, not only did he get with Sakura in cannon; but he was also intoxicated. So not only is it realistic that they did what they did but even more so while under the influence. I think everyone can agree people make questionable decisions when drunk (atleast if youve been drunk before yourself lol).
Along that note, at that time, they totally were terrible friends. realistically, even the people closest to you can do some messed up things to you, even if its an accident. However, this story will have character development with multiple characters; not just the main ones.
Okay! Now all things aside, my medical problems have been getting better but in no way am I 100% again. Ive had thoughts of handing the story off; but im finding it hard as I really like the concept of this story.. Not to mention I have a vision, and im not sure anyone id hand it off to could write it out, yknow? Anyway, sorry for the long AN & the wait; hope you all Enjoy!
"I request to enlist into the ANBU black ops."
(Line Break)
Tsunade gaze the blonde a level gaze at his request, however internally the request shocked her. "Now what would make you want to do that, gaki?" The Hokage asked skeptically.
Without missing a beat "I think it would be best to keep my skills sharp" the blonde says equally.
Tsunade just gave him a blank stare, which he readily returned. Tsunade let out a frustrated sigh. "Naruto, tell me whats going on. Asking to enlist into ANBU is no small decision, what about your studies?" She said carefully.
Even in the state he was in right now he knew he couldnt lie to the Hokage, and part of him didnt want to.
So he told her. He told her everything. To say her blood was boiling was an understatement, how could they do this to Naruto? She didnt have to look very hard to see the young man in front of her was broken. To have everything slip out from under you like that would do that to you.
What he needed right now was to heal, and considering that was what she was best at, it frustrated her that she knew this is something she simply cant. This isnt some physical injury that can be dealt with, he needs time.
With a sigh and a hand to her forehead she replies "Alright Naruto, I will accept your request. Though since ANBU is meant to be anonymous, there are some rules and regulations." She paused making sure he understood. After receiving a curt nod she continued.
"Well for one, Kurama is too known for his chakra to be used. Therefore you are forbidden from using it except in dire circumstances. The last thing is your hair, Its too unique and stands out too much; especially with your unique skillset. You dont need to cut it or grow it out, however, you'll need hair dye for your duration in ANBU. Do you understand?" She finishes with a serious gaze.
All the busty blonde got was another curt nod, which made her sigh once again; she missed the ray of sunshine he once was and hoped she'd see it again someday soon "Good, that being said you can choose the color. You have one week until the paperwork is filed and you meet with your squad, meet me here after the weeks end and I will tell you where to meet them." Tsunade said with an air of finality.
"Hai, Hokage-sama" He said emotionlessly to which Tsunade twitched her eye. Pulling out a porcelain mask and an ANBU uniform from one of her drawers. "Cut the crap gaki, when its just us call me what you usually do" she grumbled, making the edges of Naruto's curl upwards ever so slightly "From now on you will go by Kitsune, kind of ironic eh?" she said with a glint in her eye. (1)
Naruto nodded and accepted the mask "Hai..Baa-chan" he said with some uncertainty. Getting up from her desk she walks over to the younger blonde and gives him a bone crushing hug "I know it hurts gaki, but if anyone can get through this, its you" she says with a smile, letting him go from her embrace.
Naruto gives her a small nod with an even smaller smile, thankful for her trying to cheer him up. "Hai, thank you Baa-chan. Im going to go train, Ill see you later." The younger blonde mumbles out. Tsunade nods and watches him turn and walk out.
Plopping back in her chair her mind wanders, Thinking about the younger blonde, she knew what he was trying to do. Subconsciously or not, he was trying to close himself off. It was understandable, but she didnt like that one bit. Left alone again her mind wanders to Sakura. Seething, she smashes her fist into the desk; breaking it down the middle. She was going to have words with her very soon. Sighing with her hands rubbing her temples to ward off the coming headache, her eyes widened as an idea popped into her head.
(Line Break)
Walking mindlessly through the village our favorite blonde is deep in thought. Was ANBU the right choice? It didnt matter. Right now he wanted to disappear for a while, and what better way to do that then join ANBU? Not to mention, he wouldnt have to see..- Shaking his head from those thoughts, a different one pops up.
Naruto changes direction and walks towards the Hokage Monument. Upon reaching the top he walks deeper behind it, not long after he reaches a rather nice looking one story house. This was what his parents left to him. Pulling out the key, which had small scribbles that he assumed was fuinjutsu on it, he unlocked the gate and walked onto the grounds.
They were rather big, there was a large training ground with a small river going through it. Off to the other side of the house there looked to be what were remnants of a rather large garden as well. Around the garden itself was beautiful, it was surrounded by stones lining the plot, with the river close by.
There was even an off shoot from the river that looked like someone had dug it out, it passed by the garden in a series of small waterfalls and led back into the river down stream. The thought that one or both of his parents shared a hobby with such passion made a smile grace his lips. The garden itself was in disarray, but its nothing a bit of hard work couldnt fix, he thought to himself.
Walking closer to the house, he stepped through the door and this time a small smile did spread across his face. From the looks of it nothing had so much as been touched since his parents passed away, if all the dust said anything.
Walking around the house he mentally appraised it, and he had to admit, it was very nice. It was a one story house with three rooms and what looked like a study. The living room, and kitchen were a decent size while the dining room wasnt large, it was quaint. The house didnt feel like just a house, with all the decor it looked like a home.
Deciding not to waste any more time he quickly checked out the study, figuring there may be some important things in there considering it was a study. Walking in he began looking through all the books and scrolls and was surprised at what he had found.
There were many unfinished fuinjutsu scrolls among the shelves, as well as training scrolls. Looking at one of them gave Naruto a sense of nostalgia. "Fuinjutsu for dummies by Jiraya of the Sannin" He almost chuckled, remembering how the old perv had given him this exact book on their trip to get him to learn some fuinjutsu.
Though he never did, and it always weighed on him. Why not? He figured, Jiraya, his mother and his father were all sealing experts; he might not have had the attention for it when he was younger, but now, why not try to pick it up for them? He may not become an expert, but it wouldnt hurt to have some knowledge on the subject, right? He filed the thought away for later.
Looking through some more scrolls he found some wind ninjutsu, which surprised him, one of his parents must have had a wind affinity. Continuing on he found some taijutsu scrolls and more fuinjustu scrolls. Kami there were so many fuinjustu scrolls. He was about to give up when two scrolls caught his eye.
These scrolls were different from the rest, one was a metallic crimson, the other a metallic gold. Picking them up he noticed there were seals on the outside as well. Confused, the blonde tried to open them but they wouldn't budge, letting out a small growl he threw one at the wall; just for it to bounce back and crack him in the nose.
Cursing in pain with a loud sigh he wiped the little blood from under his nose and picked the scroll up again. Upon contact the blood was absorbed into the seal making it glow brightly before dying down.
Naruto looked at the scroll blankly 'Was it really that easy?' when the scroll unfurled he let out another irritated sigh. Sitting down on the chair in the study the blonde cracked a window and lit up a cigarette while he read through the first scroll.
After looking it overhis eyes widened a fraction, it was a kenjutsu scroll. His mothers kenjutsu scroll. Storing that away in his pocket for later training he pricked his finger and wiped his blood on the golden scroll and unfurled it.
What he saw made his eyes widen again, this time almost out of his sockets; regardless of how he's been feeling he couldnt help the corners of his mouth tugging into a grin.
(Line Break)
One week later Tsunade was doing paperwork in her office, waiting for Naruto to come get the information on where to meet his squad for initiation. A swirl of leaves interrupted her thoughts and what she saw made her blanche.
Naruto was standing in her office but he looked remarkably different. Instead of his normal mop of blonde hair it was a deep crimson, a bit longer with the beginning of bangs growing and framing his face. His clothes had changed as well. Instead of his usual orange clothes he wore the usual black shinobi sandals but with tape around his ankles, binding the hem of his pants. He wore a deep crimson pair of slightly baggy pants, with a long sleeve black jacket adorning a crimson band on his left bicep with the Uzumaki swirl and on his right bicep he had the metal plate from his headband. On top of that he had a re-vamped version of his sage cloak, with shorter sleeves, a collar, and instead of a light red its a dark crimson, matching the rest of his outfit and hair. (2)
Tsunade was shocked to see his new look, which made the now redhead briefly smirk. "Better, Baa-chan?" He drawled, breaking the Hokage from her stupor. Tsunade smirked and shook her head, he did look damnably handsome.
Getting back on track Tsunade spoke up "Looks better, Gaki. You will meet your squad in training ground twelve; Make sure to have your mask and uniform equipped." She finished with a serious gaze.
She watched him take the uniform and leave, which made her sigh. She hopes the precautions she took will help the blonde-now-redhead go back to his usual self.
(Flashback)
Tsunade was sitting behind her desk staring at the platinum blonde in front of her. Naruto was teetering on a dangerous edge, and whether he knew it or not he needed support right now. "Im sure you're wondering why i've brought you here." She said, getting a nod of confirmation from the confused Yamanaka. She continued "Then i'll get to the point. I know you just returned from a long term A-rank mission, but I need you for another assignment. Ill let it be known, this is also a long term, S-rank mission and information can only be given if you were to accept." Ino looked at the Hokage with shock.
An S-rank mission was extremely serious business, not to mention a long term one. Tsunade locked eyes with Ino and after a few moments of deliberation the younger blonde nodded "I will accept the mission, Hokage-sama" She spoke with determination. The Hokage Smiled ever so slightly, With a quick nod Ino was motioned to sit across from her.
Sitting down across from the Tsunade, An anbu uniform was out on the desk and Ino was handed an vanilla folder. "Your mission is to get close to, and to keep an eye on a new ANBU recruit, codename Kitsune. To do this you will need to join ANBU, in the folder are your enlistment papers. He will join a squad tomorrow, you will join him at training ground 12 and will keep an eye on him for the foreseeable future." The Hokage said professionally.
Ino was a bit shocked at the thought of having to join ANBU but eventually brushed it off, instead she spoke her mind "If I may ask, Hokage-sama, what's so important about this person that its an S-rank mission? On that note, why ask for me specifically?" She asked curiously. Tsunade stared the Yamanaka in her eyes "..That's.. partially classified; for now." Ino sweatdropped "However I will say, they are important to the village. Because of certain, circumstances, they've become emotionally compromised and should be observed by someone specialized in the human psyche. That being said, they are not to find out your purpose on the squad; understand?" She finished after a small pause.
Ino nodded, filling out her enlistment papers. When she finished she handed them to the Hokage. After looking them over with a nod Tsunade pulled out a porcelain Cat mask. "From now on, when you wear that mask your codename will be Neko" She spoke.
"Hai" Ino said in affirmative and began walking out. Tsunade watched the door close, silent and seemingly in thought 'Though, its not technically classified, you will find out who it is eventually; try not to be to be too surprised Yamanaka-san' The Hokage thought with an amused smirk.
(Flashback end)
She chucked once again thinking about the Yamanaka's face when she finally finds out as she pours herself a cup of sake. She was a bit reluctant at first, but the young Yamanaka was not only friends with Naruto, but was also a Yamanaka; someone who had extensive knowledge of how the brain works.
She was a bit torn on explaining the situation or not, on one hand it would have helped the young yamanaka with her mission, but on the other hand it was her surrogate sons business; not necessarily hers to tell. Putting the cup to her lips she took it all in one gulp. Tsunade knew it wasnt exactly a mission for the village, it was personal; and she couldnt help but hope this all worked out.
(Line Break)
Naruto walked onto training ground 12, upon entering he saw another figure. Judging by the curves of their body, he could assume it was a woman. He couldnt really describe her due to being in the full ANBU uniform, except for her blonde hair neatly pulled into a bun.
The said woman turned around after, he assumed, feeling his presence. The now crimsonette nods to what he can only assume to be another recruit. Ino returns the gesture whilst keeping a close eye on the man; Kitsune. He was an enigma to her even after reading his file, mostly due to the fact most of it was redacted. That in itself was the most interesting to the young Yamanaka; because he must either be very important, or has done very important things.
They both continued to stand in the training ground with Ino stealing glances at the disguised blonde for another ten minutes, before she began getting impatient. It wasnt for long before that ended and a dozen shuriken suddenly hurdled towards each of them respectively. Ino sensed them and immediately dodged to the side, simultaneously pulling out a kunai. Glancing towards the objective of her mission her eyes widened ever so slightly under her mask at the sight in front of her.
Standing a few yards away was kitsune, in the same place seemingly to never have moved. Yet at his feet is what surprised her; all the shuriken were jaggedly cut in half. 'Hes fast' She thought. She heard the clicking of his tongue as he muttered unintelligably to himself before focusing on her surroundings.
Out of instinct she dodged backwards just as another barrage of shuriken littered where she had just been. 'Damn it' she cursed as she barely dodged another barrage of sharp metal. Landing on her feet again she prepared for another rain of shuriken, but it never came. Before she could even question it two figures blur into existence in the middle of the training ground.
Naruto, noticing there isnt any more immediate danger, began walking towards the two. Ino noticing the same followed his lead.
Getting up to the two anbu Naruto got a good look at them, both were in standard anbu garb; the only difference was the masks tho two had on. The anbu on the left was female with long purple hair and wore a Taka mask, where the one on the right was male and wore an Inu mask. After their immediate appearances Naruto immediately recognised them by their chakra signatures. "Oi- what was that about, Yamato-sensei, Yugao-san?" The redhead said with slight indignation toward his teacher and senior; meanwhile Ino gives a suspicious glance to the former blonde.
The now identified Yamato facepalmed and let out a sigh while Uzuki let out a chuckle. "You know our identities are supposed to be classified right, Kitsune?" Putting emphasis on his codename, Yamato says with exasperation. "I guess it cant be helped now, we may as well introduce ourselves seeing as we'll be a squad until further notice" Yugao said with hidden mirth at the situation.
Yamato let out another sigh "I suppose, its not very traditional but its a bit late for that now seeing as our identities were exposed" He said giving Naruto a deadpan, to which all he got was a shrug of the shoulders. Taking off his mask he looks at the rest of the group "I am Yamato, I like gardening, and I specialize in Suiton, Doton, and Mokuton jutsu." He says before slipping his mask back on. Taking the initiative Yugao took off her mask "I am Yugao, I like training and the moon. I specialize in kenjutsu and sensing," Putting her mask on once again, she motions for one of the two new members to go next.
Shrugging his shoulders Naruto slipped off his mask, which made Ino's eyes go wide "Im Naruto. I like training and ramen, I specialize in Futon justu, Kage bunshin and sensing. Ive recently picked up kenjutsu as well." He finished in a monotone, fastening his mask back over his face.
Meanwhile Ino is lost in thought throughout his explanation. Naruto is the one she is supposed to monitor? It now made sense why so much of his file was redacted as the hero of the fourth war but he seems fine to her, if not more subdued. So why would the hokage have her keep an eye on him? Why not ask Sakura? All these thoughts were flying around her head before she noticed a hand waving infront of her face.
Blinking out of her thoughts she noticed everyones attention was on her. After blushing a bit in embarrassment she took off her mask as well to get a surprised look from Naruto. "Im Ino, I like flowers and gardening as well. I specialize in torture and interrogation, as well as Yamanaka clan jutsu." she finished, giving a wayward glance towards our favorite former blonde.
Giving a slight nod Yamato spoke up "Good, now that introductions are now over lets get down to business. Today was a bit of a test, standard procedure with a bit of our own twist. Now that its over with lets start going over formations, these will be ingrained into your memory by the end of the day" He said getting a chorus of confirmations.
(Line Break)
It was late in the afternoon by the time Yamato called off training. Naruto was walking towards his apartment but was stopped by a voice from behind him. "Naruto! Wait up" Ino said jogging up to him, turning around he regarded her with a raised eyebrow "Oh, hey Ino; is there something you need?" Ino stopped in front of him and bent over to catch her breath.
Finally doing so she straightened up giving him a small glare "Is there something I need? Yeah Naruto, there are plenty of things I need. One of them is you telling me what's going on with your hair, and what you're doing in ANBU? I know for a fact Sakura wouldnt want you doing such long term and dangerous missions" She finished with her hands on her hips.
A flash of pain came across the redheads face before he schooled his features. He looked Ino in her eyes with a blank face. "First off, Hokage-sama told me I needed to dye my hair as its a very prominent feature. Second off, I dont need to tell you why I joined; and finally, Sakura's concerns dont concern me anymore." he said with a hint of bitterness before promptly disappearing in a shunshin, leaving Ino fuming.
'That baka! How dare he just blow me off like that!' she thought, now thoroughly annoyed with the now redhead before everything he said caught up with her. Not only was he a bit rude, which is totally unlike him, but also the part about Sakura was concerning. They were dating, so what was that about? A creeping suspicion came to the back of her mind but she shook it off. After a moment of thought she decided to find her longtime friend seeing as said friends boyfriend blew her off. She was definitely going to tell Naruto off later, though.
Taking off from the training field she heads for the hospital where her friend should be off from soon.
(Line Break)
As the blonde Yamanaka was approaching the hospital she noticed Sakura walking out of the front door 'Perfect timing' She thought with surprise before landing near her friend. Sakura noticing the blond walking towards her waved her hand "Hey Ino-pig, how was the mission?" she asked with a smile which into returned "Not too bad billboard brow, it was a bit long for my liking, but it was pretty easy" Ino said, now walking beside her.
"I did have a question, though" the blonde started, getting the pinkettes attention "Is something going on between you and Naruto? He was acting really strange when I ran into him earlier." She finished curiously, not noticing Sakura flinch at the mention of her former teammate.
Quickly regaining her composure, the pinkette nervously spoke up "Ah, sorry, I totally forgot Shishou told me to meet her at her office after my shift. I got to go, i'll talk to you later pig" she said as she waved and hurriedly sped off, leaving a very confused Ino behind.
Looking at the back of her retreating friend, Ino frowned. 'Well that was definitely weird.. Too weird. Somethings up, and im going to find out what' the blond thought while crossing her arms, her frown deepening. After a moment of thought she lept onto a roof, deciding to follow Sakura in hopes of gathering some information.
(line Break)
Sakura released a sigh of relief having remembered a way out of that conversation. She was jumping across roofs deep in thought. She was definitely not ready for anyone to find out what she had done. It had been about a week since the incident and she had been trying to deal with the fallout. Nothing had gone the way she had planned, and the guilt has been eating her alive.
Sasuke has been there for her though it all, which just makes her feel even worse. Over the last week she had been racking her brain for any solution to fix this, any way to recover the relationship in any form but still, nothing comes to mind. The pinkette thought about confronting him, trying to apologize and recover their friendship; but she cant even think about looking him in the eyes. Just thinking about it makes her feel like emptying her stomach.
Before Sakura realized it she was at the Hokage tower. Shaking her head from previous thoughts she walked inside. Waving at the receptionist as she walked by, the pinkette made her way to the Hokage office; knocking on the door as she reached it.
Tsunade was expecting her student and told her to come in. The blonde was resting her head on her hands as Sakura came through the door. "Sit" Tsunade spoke, a slight edge to her voice. Sakura winced ever so slightly, but complied and sat in front of the Hokage.
The silence was palpable as the master stared at her student. This was the case for the next few minutes, but for Sakura it felt like hours. The Silence was suddenly broken as the busty Hokage slammed her fist through her (new)desk, once again sending splinters through the room and startling the pinkette.
Cold fury ran through the Hokage as she stood up "You fool of a girl!" she shouted, her words echoing through the room. Sakura flinched back, her blood running cold as the realization hit; her master knew. She tried to speak but Tsunade quickly silenced her by continuing "Do you have any idea what you've done? What pain you've caused him!?" She berated the young pinkette.
Sakura could do nor say anything as Tsunade continued once again "Naruto risked his life for you! He did everything for you, treated you like royalty! Never have I seen anyone more devoted to loving another being as i've seen him love you. But you, you took that trust, that loyalty; and you stomped on it. What do you have to say for yourself?" Tsunade demanded, tears pricking the corners of her eyes at the thought of what her "son" must be feeling, what he must be going through.
Sakura was much worse off, tears actively leaking from her eyes. She looked at her teacher, opening her mouth, then closing it again. Repeating this process, trying to get the words to come out. Eventually they bursted out and she told Tsunade everything, from her perspective.
Tsunade said nothing as she listened. From beginning to end she had an emotionless expression; once Sakura was finished a thick silence followed. Soon the older blonde sat back in her chair with an aggravated sigh, though still intensely staring at her pupil. "I see" She started "So this all started with you wanting to protect him, and you did so by manipulating him with his feelings for you. You then dragged him along, still making him believe you loved him; all for his protection. And you thought this was okay!?" Tsunade said, starting off calmly but getting more aggressive as she finished.
Sakura could only nod with her head down in shame. Silence once again permeated the room as the blonde hokage sat in deep thought. The silence was once again broken by said Hokage "Sakura.." she started with pause "Ive loved you as not only my apprentice, but eventually as the daughter I never had. Its no secret that Naruto is someone I hold very dear to me as well. However, You did something shameful, something selfish and disgraceful to him, you and myself. You've betrayed him, youve disgraced yourself, and you have made me ashamed to call you my pupil. As your master I thought I had taught you better; youve shown me that your loyalty can be waivered. I have already taught you everything I know; But as of this moment I am no longer your master." She finished, disappointment dripping from her words.
Sakura stared at her now former master with eyes widened in shock. She started to speak up but was cut off by tsunades raised hand. "Theres no use in trying to change my mind. Maybe one day things could change, if Naruto ever decides to forgive you. Until that day, you are just another kunoichi under my command; understand?" She questioned, getting a small nod from the sobbing kunoichi "Good, you may leave" The Hokage stated, letting out a sigh as the pinkette got up.
As the pinkette left the room a sudden noise caught the blondes attention. Quickly looking towards the window she saw nothing but the retreating form of a small bird. Shrugging her shoulders with another sigh she got back to work, though still obviously upset about the prior ordeal.
(Line break)
Awakening in a lurch from atop a building, Inos mind was running a mile a minute. She decided the best form of action was to listen in via using her mind transfer jutsu on a small bird; and boy did she hear things. She couldnt believe what she had just heard. 'All of that actually happened? How could Sakura have done that to him!?' Ino thought incredulously.
A small part of her felt bad for her friend, but everything else in her knew the pinkette deserved it; she had made a horrendous mistake, afterall. It explained everything though, Sakura acting weird, Naruto acting even weirder. Naruto. She remembered. Quickly getting up she went to go look for said red head, wanting to make sure he was okay.
Making her way up to his old apartment, she knocked on the door. No response, so she knocked again. This process repeated for a few minutes before she huffed to herself. She walked over to the window and took a look inside, just to find the place completely empty. Feeling a bit embarrassed she decided she would just talk to him tomorrow during training. She walked home that night with her thoughts plagued by a certain redhead.
(Line Break)
The next day came quickly and the team was currently in the middle of executing drills. Ino had gotten there early to try and catch the elusive redhead before training, but it was to no avail as he had gotten there right as training began.
It was during this she began noting the differences in the formerly blonde man. He was subdued and more calculative, totally contradictory from his older, more vibrant self. 'Its kind of expected though' she thought to herself, considering what she had heard just the day before. He was heartbroken, betrayed, yet he was pushing it all down. That was probably the unhealthiest thing someone could do, especially if that someone was a shinobi.
Training lasted for a couple hours, repeating formations and teamwork exercises; trying to become perfectly in sync. Every newly created anbu squad had a week long training period to learn one anothers strengths and weaknesses before they went into the field. Soon enough practice was over and Yamato released them for the day.
Naruto stretched his arms, trying to loosen the tensed muscles from training. Nodding to himself he was about to leave before he felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking behind him he saw Ino smiling it him with a small wave of her hand "Hey, I tried looking for you at your place yesterday but I couldnt get ahold of you" She said, subtly inquiring for his whereabouts.
Naruto eyed her warily "Uh, sorry about that. I actually moved about a week ago." He informed her. The young Yamanakas eyebrows shot up "You moved? Oh, thats cool! You should let me come over and check it out!" she said with a bit of excitement, thinking of the prospect of possibly helping (or taking over) with decoration.
The redheads eyes widened a bit in shock and a small blush dusted his cheeks at the somewhat suggestive sounding statement. When she noticed the blush the blonde she blushed a bit herself and slapped his shoulder "Not like that, baka. I just wanted to see what your new place looks like" she reiterated.
Understanding flooded Naruto's face as a small chuckle broke out of his mouth "Yeah, I knew that" he started with the corners of his lips tugging upwards "No problem, is now a good time for you?" Ino stared at him with a deadpan expression before a smile of her own graced her lips "Im sure you did, but yeah, im free for a bit. Lets go" Naruto just chuckled again as he motioned her to follow.
The trip there was relatively quiet, with a bit of small talk here and there. Eventually they reached the house and Ino blinked in surprise. "Wow, this place looks really nice. How did you afford it? Rob a bank?" she asked playfully, getting yet another chuckle from the redhead.
She noted off-handedly this is the most she'd heard him laugh in a while. "Yes, Ino. I robbed a bank and bought a house, I also stole the Hokage position" the redhead said, sarcasm dripping from his words. She just rolled her eyes as he continued "No, my parents actually left it for me. Now, would you like to take a look around?" He questioned, looking at her over his shoulder with a small smile.
She looked at him with an expression that just screamed 'duh'. He showed her around the property a bit until her eyes landed on the large barren, but refurbished, garden. She turned to him with excitement on her face "That gardening plot is beautiful, Naruto! If youd like I could help you plant some flowers or herbs in there" she said with a grin, giddy at the possibility of using such a large and beautiful garden.
Naruto looked at her in surprise "Uh, sure Ino, that would actually be really helpful of you" he said in appreciation. After that he showed her around the house, minus the study, as that area was a bit private.
Overall Ino was impressed by the house, it was no mansion, but it wasnt small by any means. It had a nice homey feeling to it. She was currently in the living room, admiring the decor as Naruto came out of the kitchen with some tea. Handing her a cup the redhead sat on the couch, with Ino following suit.
There was a small pause, a comfortable silence as the two sipped on their tea before the Redhead spoke up "So" he started "What do you think?" he said curiously; Ino turns to him and smiles "Its a very nice home Naruto, better than I expected, if i'm being honest." she said with some embarrassment. Naruto simply chuckles "Yeah, its a step up from my old apartment, thats for sure." he says, then pauses before speaking up again "Not to be rude, but we dont really talk, or hang out often unless we're with our friends. So, is there any reason you wanted to come over today?" He said nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
Ino on her part, was surprised by the question. She didnt realize he was so perceptive, was he always? A lot has changed since the sakura Situation; did he change this much too? Or was he always like this, deep down? She shook off those thoughts as she remembered he was still waiting on a response. She didnt know how he would react if she told him the truth; but she didnt want to lie either. Sure, the eavesdropping was wrong. However, wanting to be there for your friend definitely wasn't.
Mentally prepared, she finally spoke up "I heard about what happened, with Sakura, I mean." she paused, noticing his expression and deameaner suddenly change at those words. She cringed a bit internally but continued on "I know its probably not something you want to talk about; but I just wanted to see how you were doing. I wanted to let you know that I think what happened was fucked up, and that Im here for you. We may not have always got along, or been the closest, but I wanted to say that Im here whether you want to talk about it or just want a distraction" she finished, sincerity deeply present in her voice.
Naruto on his end, didnt know how to feel. He wondered how she found out, did sakura tell her? Regardless, he really didnt want to talk about it; but he was genuinely touched by her actions. Over the past week he had a lot of time to organize his emotions. At first he felt totally numb, he felt like it wasnt real; like he was having an out of body experience. Then came the anger. He couldnt remember a time he felt as enraged as he did then. After a few days that faded away as well. He had accepted what happened.
After he had accepted that fact, he felt as if there was a hole on his chest. He felt sad, betrayed, and alone once again. He hadnt told anyone what happened, as he didnt want anyone to worry about him, and he didnt want their pity. He had assumed Sakura wouldnt tell anyone either, for obvious reasons. If anything, he had half a mind to think she might have moved the blame onto him. Though, here comes Ino. She found out about it, somehow, took time out of her schedule to see if he was okay; and the genuine sincerity in her voice touched him, It left a warm feeling spreading into the metaphorical hole in his chest. It showed him she really, actually cared. That was the straw that broke the camels back.
Ino was expecting a number of reactions. Anger, appreciation, yelling, accusations of how she knew, just to name a few. But in all the scenarios in her head this was one she wasnt expecting. She watched as the man in front of her began to break. She watched as the tears began to well up and poor over, she watched him try to fight the shaking of his shoulders and a sob that came from his mouth.
In all the years shes known Naruto, she only remembered seeing him cry once. They werent close, they didnt talk often, she barely knew much about him. They were more like friends of friends, aquaintences more than not. However, seeing this one vibrant, powerful, cheerful person look so broken and weak left a wrenching feeling in her chest. When she had brought it up, this was the least expected and the last thing she thought would happen.
Not knowing what to do, she went out on a limb. The young Yamanaka got up from her seat and kneeled next to the sitting redhead, and embraced him. She felt him go completely stiff as a board. Ino spoke up "Its okay. I know youre hurting. You havent let yourself properly grieve, baka. You can let go, just for tonight. Ill be right here." she spoke softly, feeling horrible for the man in her arms. She felt bad it wad her "best friend" that did this to him.
It seemed as if her words had an effect on him, because as soon as they registered she felt his arms wrap around her. A light embrace slowly growing tighter, as Naruto slowly realized he had someone to help shoulder his pain. Even if it was just for tonight, he would gladly let the weight fall.
End AN:
Alright, wow that took a while. Sorry for a bit of a cliffy, though now I want to point out I'm not going to rush them together, this is just the beginning of their friendship. As the story progresses as will their relationship. Anyway this is the true beginning of the story. I do believe things will start picking up from here, anbu can get into crazy situations eh? Guess you'll have to wait for the anarchy to ensue ;)
Kitsune, because it just fits. I like it lol
Okay, so for his appearance. Imagine his outfit in "the last" But instead of all the orange its a deep crimson, and it has the metal part of his headband stitched into his right bicep. His pants are also a bit longer but taped at the ankes, leaving his pants a bit baggy, And along with the sage cloak, it has shorter sleeves; almost sleeveless. For his hair, imagine menma from "road to ninja" but a crimson as well.