A/N: The sparring session in this chapter is based off of Shippuden Ending 15, "U Can Do It!", one of my favorite endings ever! I'll link the YT vid here in case you want to watch while reading! - watch?v=L-zw0Zl8uk4
Halfway through the next week, Naruto finds himself awake in the middle of the night. He wore himself out at therapy again, and that combined with Shikamaru's comforting warmth are usually enough to make him sleep through the night without his meds. But tonight, it seems, is different.
He wonders why until he feels it.
The Nine Tails is restless, too.
Closing his eyes, he enters the mindscape without a second thought.
The Nine Tails zeroes in on him instantly. The silence is tense, almost like the fox didn't think he'd feel it or, more likely, care. Brewing suspicion is heavy in the quiet, too, but for Naruto, that's practically background noise by now. He doesn't mind. He didn't expect that to go away so soon, if it ever will (and if it doesn't, well, while not ideal, that's okay, too).
Of course, on that note, Naruto also didn't expect the mindscape to be different.
He hasn't been here in…just shy of a month. He and the Nine Tails have been talking more and more since it's started healing him again—mostly thanking it, estimating his progress, or getting the Nine Tails' own brand of 'encouragement' (which mostly consists of pissing Naruto off enough to make him try again, which he's pretty sure is the point if the fox's amused, he-swears-triumphant laughter is anything to go by).
But now that he's back…he's amazed.
Granted, it's not that different. It's still a labyrinth of connected rooms with pipes along the walls and ceiling and 'water' flooding everywhere. But it's considerably warmer than when Naruto was here last, at least ten to fifteen degrees (he's gotten good at feeling out temperatures over the years, with all the times he had to go without heating or warm enough clothes to be able to eat as a kid), and it's definitely brighter, too. Not by much, but there's a soft kind of glow in two corners, one closest to him and one closest to the Nine Tails.
Naruto isn't sure what could bring on changes like that, especially all of a sudden like this. Although, if it's only been since they've been talking, he supposes it's not really all that sudden, but still. Maybe…it has something to do with how the Nine Tails is feeling, possibly about him—?
Eyes going wide, a silent gasp leaves him as tentative hope fills his chest. If that's true, then maybe he's getting through to it after all, more than he thought, anyway! Maybe he's making a good impression, making it see that at least he's safe (or, you know, getting there)! Of course, that's all just speculation, and he doesn't have anything to base it on besides a hunch, so he could be completely wrong...but still! He can't deny that the possibility makes him feel ridiculously happy!
A low groan snaps Naruto out of his thoughts before he can get too emotional, and he blinks to find the Nine Tails slowly opening its eyes. It sighs heavily, and Naruto thinks its expression looks…resigned, like it's given in to the fact that it won't be getting any sleep, so it's stopped trying. He knows how that feels. The night before his fight against Neji in the Chunin Exams for one, and so many since…since Sasuke left…
So, he offers what he can, what he knows best: empathy in all its shades.
"Can't sleep either, huh, Nine Tails?"
The Nine Tails' great eyes drift to him, and Naruto almost expects it to yawn right in his face. It looks just that done with everything.
Perhaps, if a certain vessel weren't intruding…
Naruto stiffens, filling in the rest in a heartbeat. Shit, it's right! This is its domain! Just because they've been talking more and they both can't sleep, that doesn't mean he's welcome here whenever he wants, that coming here at all was a good idea! Hell, he's lucky the Nine Tails is probably too exhausted from sleep deprivation and healing him to bite his head off right now!
Cringing, he waves his hands in front of him and keeps his voice low and soft. "Y-you're right, sorry! Sleep well, okay?"
Closing his eyes, he starts to leave—
Wait!
Naruto's eyes fly open with a start at its almost-yell to find an equally-bewildered Nine Tails, a single paw half-raised in his direction. They stare at each other as if locked in a kind of shock-stalemate.
Naruto, while thrown, is pleasantly surprised. It…doesn't want him to go? Could that mean…it doesn't want to be alone? That thought brings back memories, so many that are so painful so quickly that air bursts from his lungs in a smarting rush and it feels like a hailstorm's raging in his head. He clenches tight fists in defiance at the way his insides threaten to freeze over. He doesn't want to remember them, all those nights of wishing someone was there to hold him and tuck him in, all those days and months and years of suffocating isolation…
But…if it can help him with the Nine Tails…if it can help the Nine Tails at all, even the slightest bit…
He takes a slow, shuddering breath, digs his nails into his palms enough that it reminds him that he's real, this is real, he's alive and breathing and okay…and then he gathers everything he can. Everything he wished he could have had, but didn't, everything he wanted, but never got, everything he wished someone would have said to or done for him, but no one ever did. Because if he can accept these memories and learn even more from them than he already has, enough to apply here like he does with his friends…
Then maybe…just maybe…
The Nine Tails, for its part, is completely thrown. Fury and shame it wishes it could tear to shreds burn its insides. What the hell? Why is it…reaching out, for a human, its vessel, of all things? It's trying to sleep. Why would it want him to stay? Why does it not mind that he came in the first place? They've been talking more and more while they recover, yes (mostly the child talking to it first or it egging him on), and the brat's come to appreciate its sense of humor and even grown confident enough to toss a line or two back once in a while (the Nine Tails will not admit to chuckling once or twice), but…—!
There's that flash of something it refuses to admit in the back of its mind, and while it would normally lash out…frankly, it's just too damn tired. So instead, it breaks its impromptu staring match with its vessel with a rough exhale, blowing Naruto's hair back and warming his skin.
Naruto gives it a good few seconds more to collect itself, and then he opens his mouth.
But the Nine Tails beats him to it.
I was merely raking you over the coals, brat. Naruto's eyes widen. That doesn't mean you have to leave. Naruto blinks, lips parting slightly in shock, and the demon fox can't help but chuckle, a small smirk on its lips. It isn't sure why either, and if the brat asks, it won't answer. It's confused itself, really. I honestly figured you'd be accustomed by now…
Naruto rubs the back of his head with a sheepish laugh. "Y-yeah, well…I-I just figured this is your territory, and I did come here without permission, so…!" He bows his head low. "I-I really am sorry!"
The Nine Tails stares, brow lifting. The suspicion ever-roiling beneath its skin crackles some. There he goes again. Apologizing to it, bowing to it…being considerate of its space and boundaries… No human has ever come even close to showing it such respect, such common decency, as any of that before, let alone all at once. This brat… So…unusual…and that's putting it lightly…
The fox sighs. It would get stuck with the most unorthodox host, wouldn't it? Well…as long as he's here and it can't sleep, at least things won't be boring.
Yawning, it settles its gaze back on Naruto. He doesn't seem to mind that it didn't answer his apology. He probably figured it wouldn't, so didn't get his hopes up. Good.
Well, you're here now, so you might as well spit it out, it says, and Naruto tilts his head. Isn't there something you've wanted to ask? I've felt it butting up against my territory at the back of your mind for days.
Naruto blinks, then nods. There is something he's been curious about…but it's weird. He doesn't think the Nine Tails has ever mentioned anything about thoughts or questions he's had about or for it pressing against its realm. Maybe it only just realized what they were? Or maybe it didn't think they were important (or annoying) enough to mention until now? Or…could it be another factor of their changing relationship—the closer they are, the easier it'll be to communicate? That last one excites him the most, and while he's not stupid enough to ask which it is (it'll probably just end with him pushed out, and he doesn't want to risk this potential progress), it sure is interesting to think about! He's sure Shikamaru will think so, too!
But even more interesting, he thinks, will be its answer to his question.
"You told me during our first real talk that you lived only for the day you could be free again." A pregnant pause. The Nine Tails holds its breath, a duly-stocked well of rage and fear it will never admit to at the ready if need be. What is he getting at…? "If something ever happened to me and you got that chance…what would you do?"
The fox's well springs a leak and runs temporarily dry. It's frozen with shock, tongue heavy with confusion, teeth gritted. He's...actually asking that? He does know that if it ever got that chance, it would mean that Naruto himself would almost certainly die, Uzumaki vitality or no? Is it just…curiosity? More of the empathy he's famous for? Or…familiar, safe suspicion rolls in its gut…is it something else entirely? Something more nefarious…?
But searching the boy's open face and bright blue eyes doesn't help. If anything, it leaves it even more confused.
Because he means it. He's not asking to judge its character, to punish or hate it if it gives an answer he doesn't like. It's just…a genuine interest and desire, a want—hell, knowing him, a need—to know more about it.
To learn just for the sake of knowing, and hopefully, eventually, growing closer.
The only problem is, the Nine Tails doesn't think it wants any part of it (it pointedly ignores the fact that its answer would've been an unequivocal no a short time ago).Humans have always been nothing but trouble, bringing pain and heartache and sowing resentment and hate until it was all the fox knew. And even if this brat seems different in many ways, even if he is…curious…and endeavors to prove it wrong, even if only about him…as it told him before, trust is earned.
And yet…
It sighs heavily. Maybe it's the sleep deprivation talking, but for whatever reason, it's not opposed to answering this. Neither of them can sleep anyway, and it's not like it's really that personal a question.
So, perhaps…just this once…
"I wouldn't blame you, you know," Naruto tells suddenly, quietly, breaking the long silence that's settled between them. Some clarification never hurt anybody, and the Nine Tails was looking a little apprehensive, so… The fox just listens, not sure what to think. Surely, he doesn't…couldn't mean… Sensing as much, Naruto waves his hands in front of him, tiny smile ashamed of his past and fellow humans' hatred and empathetic toward the Nine Tails in a way that almost frightens it. "If you used it to take revenge on us. Humans, I mean."
The Nine Tails' eyes widen – so he did mean that – then narrow. There he goes again… Trying to understand it, empathize with it, apologize for the way he and the rest of humanity's treated it. He's seeing things from its point of view as best he can, genuinely does feel what he's saying… The Nine Tails has never… No human has ever…
Until now.
Granted, there are still many things the boy doesn't understand. Partly because he's still just a child in the grand scheme of things, barely more than a babe to the Nine Tails in particular, and partly because he's a human. Some of the Nine Tails' struggles and yearnings, he might never be able to understand.
But for all of that, for all that he is and isn't, all he's sworn to become...none of that changes the fact that this human child's capacity for empathy and understanding, for love, first and foremost…they're unlike anything it's ever seen from another of his kind…
And knowing him, the Nine Tails will never see anything like it again.
He's…something all his own.
The other human, Shikamaru, closest to its vessel…he's called him 'something else' a good few times, among other variations. The phrase is relatively unfamiliar to the Nine Tails, but the other boy says it like a good thing…and right now, it's the most fitting descriptor for its vessel. This boy that perplexes it like nothing else…
'Something else,' indeed.
Naruto's fingers curl over his seal.
"I know what it's like to hate."
His voice is softer now, but there's a viciousness in the quiet, an undertone drenched in pain and an idling kind of rage. The Nine Tails' eyes widen. That…is not what it expected to hear. Of course, it knows the boy's felt those things, has encouraged it, cultivated and nurtured and fed into it itself. But to hear the boy express it so openly, drawing on childhood and even a select few recent memories it knows only bring him pain…
"To hate people, humanity, so much, you want to lash out and hurt them," Naruto's fingers twist in his shirt so hard that he'd have torn it and broken skin outside, "even kill them when things get so bad, you can't see a speck of light anymore…" His voice falls to a shaky, hoarse whisper. "Just so you can finally get some peace…"
The Nine Tails can only stare. It knows, intimately, better than anyone else, its vessel's darkness. But it also knows he hasn't been lost in it since he was younger, and after learning of the demon fox's existence, he felt worse things before he came out on top and stayed there (an irrefutable, often irritating, yet admirable habit of his). Before the brat discovered it and finally bridged that 'knowing' gap between his conscious and unconscious mind that opened the mindscape to him, the fox couldn't feed on his fury and despair and other negative emotions like it has since, so it honestly never paid too much attention beyond keeping watch. There was the occasional vague interest here and there (his pranks were genuinely entertaining, mostly due to the bastard villagers' reactions) and moments where it had to use its power to prevent him from dying (poisonings, beatings taken too far, suggestions against darker thoughts).
But because of that, perhaps because it was so close, it never realized…just how closely their thought processes have aligned at points. It's very much unnerving, age-old distrust burning under its skin, terror bubbling in its gut.
"You've made me miserable my whole life…" Naruto's smile is small and pained, vulnerable in ways the fox isn't sure he should be showing in front of it, not unless he wants it used against him later – but more than that are the guilt and apology in his eyes, the understanding and desire to help burning like blue fire, "…but I know just how bad it feels to be at the mercy of your hatred and to feel ruined by it."
The Nine Tails' terror merges with its sudden struck-naked feeling to be rock hard and painful, and it's spitting fire before it even realizes, hackles raised and fur standing on end. Its tails flail.
Don't speak of things you don't understand! it warns, practically snarls. You're just a human child, hardly a twinkle in the eye of a being like me. I have lived hundreds of years, seen worlds born and die, watched you humans destroy each other and yourselves time and time again. I've seen and felt hatred like you could never believe. You can never know the depths of my hate, brat… It holds its head high, coal-red eyes glaring Naruto down in defiance. I am hatred!
Naruto is quiet for a long moment, heart pounding soundly in his chest. His eyes are wide, but cool and contemplative, too, the gears in his head clearly turning. The Nine Tails barely holds in a growl at the sight, suspicion bristling.
"That's…mostly true," he finally concedes, voice stronger. Except for that last part. He can't believe it. He won't. "But that's just it, isn't it? The problem?"
The Nine Tails goes still, tails slowing to a stop. Despite itself, it's…curious, maybe even intrigued. Fury be damned, something in him wants to know what he means. "It's like I said before. You're so far down that you can't even see a speck of light anymore. You're lost in the same numb darkness I was before Iruka-sensei and the others finally acknowledged and accepted me." A heartbeat, two. The Nine Tails' first reaction is white-hot lashings of denial and more rage, but…there's also a flash of something startlingly familiar... "Believe me, I know how tempting it is," Naruto's gaze falls to hands he curls into tight fists, "to want to use all the destructive power at your fingertips to get revenge on all the people who've ever hurt you..." Eyes snapping back to the Nine Tails, he shakes his head vehemently. "But don't you see? That's all wrong! That'd get you nowhere! It'd only prove them right, make you exactly what they've feared and hated all this time!"
Rage crackles under the Nine Tails' skin like lightning, but it holds itself back from reacting just yet. Why, it's not completely sure, but it knows it's thrown and even more morbidly curious than before. Something about this feels familiar somehow, too… A flash of red hair in its mind's eye, and its breath stops. Kushina Uzumaki…? That was the flash moments ago, too…
"You've been with me my whole life. You know better than anyone just how hard I had to hold myself back sometimes, actively stop myself from just…" Naruto clenches his fists till they're white-knuckled and crack, "…losing it on those stupid villagers..." He squeezes his eyes shut. The beginnings of tears burn, but he ignores them. He has a point to make, damn it! "But I did stop myself, and I did it because I knew if I lashed out, things would only get worse. I'd just be proving their assumptions and lies right, so all they'd see when they looked at me was the demon they called me, more than they already did."
Remembering how he felt back then, all the rage and fear and pain, the soul-crushing loneliness, his shoulders quake, and he knows he'd be drawing blood in the real world from how hard he's clenching his fists, but he doesn't care. Right now, the Nine Tails needs him, and he's never been the kind to just leave someone while they're hurting—and the Nine Tails has been hurting alone for far too long for Naruto's liking.
"It—it was the worst feeling in the world, being thought of and treated like that without ever knowing why, wondering why I was even alive, what I was here for…knowing for a fact that no one wanted or needed me…" The heat behind his eyes grows, and he swallows the lump in his throat that's started to wobble his words as best he can. He looks back up at the Nine Tails with a crystalline spark in sapphire eyes. "But I knew that what they said about me wasn't true, that I didn't deserve the loneliness or the hate or any of what they did to me. I knew that hurting them would only hurt me worse in the end, that they'd be the ones left laughing." His eyes flash. "And once I knew that," he drives a fist into his palm, a fiercely determined smirk peeking through, "I swore I'd show them by being better, more than they could ever be!"
He chuckles and beams, spreading his arms out as far as he can. "And look at everything I have now! I have friends I trust and love who love me enough to call me family, and even if the rest of the village hasn't accepted me, probably never will…" his smile gentles and grows, "…as long as I have the people I love, everything's okay!" He fixes the Nine Tails with such a startlingly kind look, voice matching, that a lesser beast might have gaped. "It can be for you, too, Nine Tails. If you let it be. If you just let go of your hatred – that's a part of you, not all – and let love in instead. Just like I did."
The Nine Tails…is speechless, frozen. It almost wants to laugh. This is…absurd. The wildest, craziest, most insane idea it's ever heard (and coming from Naruto Uzumaki, that's saying a hell of a lot). To think that anyone, let alone its vessel, would propose such a thing to a being of its stature, its caliber… And yet, it can tell, feel in its bones, its very marrow and blood and soul, that the boy is completely and utterly serious.
And suddenly, the fox remembers exactly why this is so familiar.
This time, it does laugh. Great, guttural chuckles that make its shoulders quake and ripple the water around it. Naruto just waits, eyebrow raised. Honestly, he figured it'd laugh at him for even beginning to suggest something like this, but he gets the feeling it's not laughing for the reason he thinks.
The fox smirks something fierce. He may have his father's looks, but the boy's personality is virtually all his mother… Kushina Uzumaki let go of her hatred after Minato Namikaze accepted her as a child, just as Naruto did after Iruka Umino and the others let him in—after they both learned to trust and love.
Which, according to Naruto, is what it needs to do, too.
It finally calms as it rests its head on its paws again. These Uzumakis… They're all the same…
I admit, that's the very last thing I thought you'd ever say to me. You're a funny one, Uzumaki...
Naruto shakes his head. "No, but—but Nine Tails, I'm serious!"
I know you are. You're never this passionate about anything you're not serious about. Naruto's eyes widen. Huh. So it does pay attention… It's the most ridiculous, inane thing I've ever heard.
Naruto opens his mouth to protest again, try to convince it. He'll do anything! He just…he wants it to be happy…!
And the Nine Tails, for all its fear and suspicion and hate…it still knows its vessel. He doesn't do anything without putting his whole heart into it, body and soul besides. He wouldn't be putting this much effort into this idea of his to help it if he didn't truly believe he was right. Looking at his life so far, what he's felt and experienced, his mother before him...and then, looking at its own track record…it very grudgingly admits, if only to itself, in its heart of hearts…he might have a point…
But there are only so many things it can handle at once, and knowing that its vessel is emotionally invested in what happens to it, how it feels and views itself, cares at all… No human has ever…its container least of all… Naruto said himself that it made him miserable his whole life, and though it knows he means the idea of it, what the villagers thought of and did to him because of it, the fox has seen him go through so much in its name.
And while Naruto seems to have made peace with that, has come to realize and even appreciate that it wasn't directly involved in his pain…is he really going to forgive it so easily…?! Why would he do that when, for all he knows, it would take him over the first chance it could, escape to freedom and leave him to die without a second thought? Why would he just trust that—?!
—!
The Nine Tails jolts like it's been shocked, mouth falling open.
This brat… At least on some level, he…Naruto…
He trusts it.
It's quiet for a long time, but Naruto doesn't mind. The Nine Tails seems like it's realized something important, so he lets it be. Though he is surprised by how…almost comfortable this feels, talking mostly casually with the Nine Tails like this. It hits him suddenly, in this silence, that if he'd known about the Nine Tails as a kid…well, maybe the loneliness he suffered wouldn't have been as bad, maybe the Nine Tails wouldn't be as hateful, and…maybe they both could have had someone there for them way sooner. Really, when he thinks about it like that…it could have been pretty amazing…
Thank you…
Naruto's breath catches at the barely-there whisper, eyes wide. Did it just…? It's never…thanked him before… Its huge eyes don't leave him, seemingly studying him, but why, he's not sure. He just lets it happen, though he'd be lying if he said his skin didn't crawl the smallest bit. Or maybe that's the giddiness from the thanks. Both? It's hard to tell, really.
It doesn't say anything else after a minute of waiting, so Naruto figures it's safe to nod. "S-sure, Nine Tails. Don't mention it."
The great beast hums to itself, resting its head on its paws again with a tired sigh and closing its eyes. This child truly is a strange one… If I recall, we got on this tangent when you asked what I'd do if I ever got free.
Naruto's blinks. He almost forgot! He nods. "Y-yeah, that's right!" He gasps some, eyes lighting up a bit, and he sits up a little straighter. "Wait, does that mean you thought of an answer?"
The fox almost snorts. Is its answer really so exciting…? Of course, this is the first time a vessel has ever cared about what it has to say, so…it supposes this is the tiniest bit exciting for it, too. Huh… Will wonders never cease with this brat?
If I were ever to regain my freedom, I would run as far away from humanity as possible and stay there.
A heartbeat.
Two.
"That's…it?"
Cracking one eye open, the Nine Tails isn't surprised to see an incredulous Naruto, one eyebrow raised. It growls a bit, but there's something of a chuckling undercurrent there, too. Well, yes. What else did you expect? It smirks. Looks like it gets to toy with him again. That I'd take revenge on you humans? Start with the people closest to you and work my way down? Raze your village to the ground while I'm at it? Letting its eye slip closed, it chuckles for real, barking a laugh as a sudden thought widens its smirk. That's more up the Uchiha's alley these days, wouldn't you say?
Naruto winces at that last bit, but he can't deny the truth in it. He rubs the back of his neck. "Well, I did just say I wouldn't blame you if you did, so…to be honest, yeah. That's pretty much exactly it."
The Nine Tails huffs, almost offended. Of course, then it remembers that he doesn't know…and keeps its mouth shut. If it said anything now, he probably wouldn't believe it, and besides…that's one of the secrets it's kept closest since it was sealed inside Naruto.
Fair enough…
Naruto yawns, and he realizes his eyelids have been drooping for the last ten minutes or so. The Nine Tails hasn't reopened its eyes either, and Naruto can already see it starting to breathe more deeply. Subconsciously, his own breathing starts to sync with it, and Naruto knows they're both finally tired enough to sleep. Thank goodness… Who knows what time it is in the real world? Hopefully they haven't been chatting all night or Granny Tsunade might have his head.
Pushing himself to his feet, he stumbles a bit before one of the Nine Tails' tails steadies him. "Okay, Nine Tails…I'm fallin' asleep, so I'll let you sleep, too. G'night!" He raises a hand in parting with a yawn. "Sleep well…!"
It breathes a chuckle, small smirk still playing. Later, brat…
Closing his eyes, Naruto comes to in the real world just long enough to bury his face a little deeper in Shikamaru's chest. He falls asleep with a tiny smile on his face.
(And little does he know, so does the Nine Tails.)
Around 10 AM half a week later, there's a knock at Naruto's door.
Perking up, he glances at Shikamaru, who shrugs. As far as he knows, they're not expecting anyone. Getting the okay from Granny Tsunade, Naruto calls, "Come in!"
Four people instead of the one he was expecting peek around the door. Spotting Tsunade, they hesitate, but Naruto lights up at the sheer sight of them.
"Neji, Lee, Tenten! And Konohamaru, too!" He laughs delightedly. "What are you guys doing here?"
The group of them stops at the foot of Naruto's bed, and Lee takes the lead with a polite bow. "Good morning, Naruto, Shikamaru, Lady Hokage!" The latter two offer a polite wave and nod, respectively. "Gai-sensei is on a mission with Kakashi-sensei and Captain Yamato right now, so we took the opportunity to visit you before morning training, Naruto!"
Neji smiles softly and nods. "We figured now was as good a time as any. We wanted to come sooner, but with our most recent mission and Gai-sensei training us harder than usual…"
Tenten snorts. "That's an understatement. We ran into this little squirt on the way," she ruffles Konohamaru's hair, making him laugh, "and when he found out where we were going, he gave us the puppy-dog eyes until we let him tag along." She sighs dramatically. "It was just too cute… We were powerless against it…"
All too pleased with himself, Konohamaru is quick to run up and plaster himself to Naruto's side. "I had to come, Naruto! I wanna take care of you, too, big bro!"
Naruto hugs him back all too readily, softening at that last part. "You don't have to take care of me, Konohamaru. That's my job." Holding him a little closer, his smile widens. "But I really appreciate you thinking of me. Thanks so much!" Chuckling, he grins over at the rest of them. "You guys, too! Thanks for coming! I've missed you guys, so this makes me really happy!"
Hearing that warms and lights them up at once. They've missed him, too!
The sun streaming in through the window reminding him of the time, Naruto tilts his head. "Hey, isn't it kinda late for you guys to be just starting training? I thought Gai-sensei usually had you guys out before sunrise."
Neji nods. "Normally, yes. But this time—"
A semi-sheepish, but mostly-proud Tenten raises her hand. "That was actually my fault!" She wiggles her fingers, eyes shining with glee. "I was up late last night perfecting some new chakra strings techniques Kankuro convinced me to try, and since Gai-sensei's not here right now, I…" she rubs the back of her head, "…may have kinda begged Neji and Lee to take advantage of the situation to sleep in for once…"
Naruto blinks. "And it worked?" He looks between her two teammates, Lee in particular. "I didn't think you knew how to sleep in, Bushy Brow."
Lee laughs. "You are right about that! I have been up since the usual time!"
Neji, on the other hand, just shrugs. "With Gai-sensei gone, that leaves me in charge as temporary jounin squad leader. That means I can make whatever calls I see fit, and since we've been training extra hard and going on missions like crazy lately, I decided we could use the break. The body can't get stronger if it's constantly worked to death, after all."
Naruto nods. "That's true." He smiles over at Tenten. "Well, I'm really glad you got some extra sleep," curling excited fists, his eyes shine, "and that you learned some new moves! You really gotta show me these chakra strings techniques of yours someday! If they're anything like Kankuro's, and even if they're not, knowing you, I'm sure they'll be amazing!"
Tenten flushes, happy to have someone besides her teammates take such an interest in her new skillset. "O-oh, um, really?" Naruto nods eagerly, and she laughs, embarrassed, but overjoyed. "A-all right, Naruto, if you're sure! I'd love to!"
He throws his arms in the air. "Yes! All right! Thanks, Tenten! I can't wait!"
Sensing the end of the conversation, Lee turns to Tsunade with an apologetic frown. He bows his head low. "By the way, please forgive us for intruding, Lady Hokage. If we had known you were examining Naruto, we would have waited. We can still come back another time."
Tsunade just smiles and shakes her head, withdrawing her hands from Naruto's shin. Finally done. "Thank you, Lee, but there's no need for that or for an apology. You're Naruto's friends. You're as welcome here as I am. I appreciate you stopping by to check on him like this. It means a lot."
Lee brightens and nods enthusiastically. "Of course! It is the least we can do!" Looking back at Naruto, he gentles. "I hope it is all right, but before coming here, I checked in with Gantetsu to see how your physical therapy was going." His smile grows. "He said you and Shikamaru have basically taken over and are doing so well, you should not need to work much longer!" Curling excited fists at half-mast, empathetic tears sting. "I am so happy for you, Naruto! I wish Gai-sensei were here to witness the power of your youth's resolve!"
Naruto beams. "Thanks, Bushy Brow!" He laughs. "Well, you know," he winks and flashes a thumbs up, "we can always show him when he gets back!"
Lee returns the gesture. "Just say the word, and I will be there to help!"
Shikamaru, who's just been quietly observing, finally snorts. "Let's not get too carried away, you two." He pokes Naruto's cheek. "You know how you get when you're together."
Naruto sputters a laugh while Lee throws his head back, the rest of Team Gai and Konohamaru snickering.
Meanwhile, Tsunade, who'd tuned out to think for the last minute or so, suddenly locks her eyes on Lee. "Sorry to change the subject, but you said you were on your way to morning training, isn't that right?"
Thrown by the sudden topic change, but undeniably intrigued, Lee nods. "Y-yes, ma'am, you heard correctly." He tilts his head. "Is there something we could help you with instead?"
Tsunade softens. He really is sweet. She shakes her head, waving a hand. "No, nothing like that, but thank you. I was actually just wondering…" she spreads her pointer and middle fingers apart to point at Naruto and Team Gai-plus-Konohamaru, "…if you'd mind adding a fifth member to your little sparring session?"
It takes a moment for what she means to kick in, but once it does, six pairs of eyes widen. No one is more shocked than Naruto. A deep, drawn-out gasp leaves him, he curls white-knuckled fists at half-mast, and his eyes practically glow. He's not surprised or ashamed at all when tears prick them, too. "Really, Granny? You mean it?"
A happy smile painting her lips, she chuckles. "Mm hmm!"
Naruto pumps his fists, laughing delightedly. "Yes! Woohoo! Finally!"
Tsunade can't help the way her smile grows, laughter with it. It always does with him. She's long stopped questioning it. "You've kept your word and given your physical therapy your all for a month now. According to your charts and my examination just now, your legs are finally strong enough to handle more than just your therapy. You're a ninja, after all, so the sooner you start training your body for combat again, the better." Eyeing him sternly, she pokes his forehead. "But that doesn't mean I want you to go all out. I still want you to try to take it semi-easy. Otherwise, you'll just undo all your hard work and end up right back where you started."
Paling, Naruto nods quickly. He definitely doesn't want to do that! Never mind Granny and Shikamaru—the Nine Tails'd probably kill him!
You got that right, brat…
A shiver runs down his spine.
Looking to Shikamaru and Neji, Tsunade goes on, "That's where you two come in. Shikamaru, I need you to make sure Naruto doesn't push himself too hard. You know how he can be, but he listens to you, so I know you can rein him in. Neji, I'm counting on you to keep an eye on the chakra network in his legs with your Byakugan. Also, while this may not be an official mission, considering neither of your senseis is around to supervise, I'm appointing you jounin squad leader on this." She looks them both in the eye. "I'm trusting both of you to make sure our resident hyperactive knucklehead doesn't overdo it. Is that understood?"
Twin nods. They'll take their duties very seriously. "Yes, ma'am!"
Beside her, Naruto pouts. "Granny, I'm not a baby. I don't need a babysitter, let alone two..."
Snorting, she ruffles his hair roughly. "Maybe not, but you are my priority, so what I say goes. You got that, brat?"
Naruto sputters a laugh, leaning into her touch with a grin as fond as anything. There's that word again, 'priority'…and coming from her for a second time…! He does his best to swallow the lump forming in his throat. "O-okay, okay! I'll take it easy, I promise!"
Satisfied, she starts to take her hand away, but Naruto surprises her by following it to throw his arms around her. "Thank you so much, Granny!" he exalts softly. "It's only because of you that I've gotten this far, that I'm here at all." He holds her tighter, nuzzling in and reveling in her safe warmth for a long few moments. When he speaks up again, his voice has fallen tender. "I realized the other day I never thanked you properly, so…thank you for saving me, Granny. Thank you so much." A heartbeat. "I love you."
Her own hold on him strengthens, and audience be damned, she buries her face in his hair. "Of course, Naruto," she whispers. Her voice is the slightest bit shaky, and tears sting her eyes, but she doesn't care. This is her boy, damn it! "You never have to thank me for that. You're mine," there's something of a maternal growl in her voice here, daring anything that might wish this child harm to come at her, just like with Orochimaru all those years ago; the significance isn't lost on Naruto for a second, not that she expected any less, "and you know I'll give the fight of my life for the ones I love."
Naruto presses his face a little deeper into her with a nod, breathing her in. He knows, all right. She has the would-be scars to prove it.
They stay like that for several seconds more, and when they finally separate, Shikamaru raises a hand to bring attention to him. He jabs a thumb Naruto's way. "If we're gonna do this, Naruto and I'll stop by his place to let 'im change and gather what he needs. We'll meet you guys outside his apartment building in, say, half an hour?" His eyes flick to Neji. "Sound good, squad leader?"
Neji smirks. Shikamaru knows as well as he does that this is just for fun, but he appreciates the courtesy nonetheless. "Yes, that's fine. We can use that time to change and gather supplies as well."
Konohamaru points at Naruto with a wide, toothy grin. "I am so gonna kick your butt, Naruto!"
Naruto snorts and ruffles his hair. "This is the first time I've been allowed to train in almost two months, so don't think I'm gonna go easy on ya! You'll still need to put your skill where your mouth is!"
Konohamaru laughs and beams. "Oh, don't worry! I'm gonna show you just how much I've learned since the last time we fought!"
A light touch to Naruto's shoulder, and he turns to find Tsunade's signature kiss on his forehead. He relaxes into it, and she smiles softly in sitting back. "Have fun, Naruto!" She points at him seriously. "But I expect you back here by the time your dinner arrives!"
He salutes. "Yes, ma'am!"
About half an hour later, Naruto's clothed in a much more comfortable pair of gray shorts, a black sleeveless tank top with a yellow Uzumaki symbol on the back, and a pair of yellow sweatbands Lee gave him a few years back. It's the first time since he's been in the hospital that he's gotten to wear anything but that scratchy hospital gown, and it feels so good to be in his own clothes again! It's also the first time he's worn anything with the Uzumaki symbol on it since learning the truth about his parents, his Mom is particular, and something about it feels even more right than it ever did before.
This is also the first time he's been allowed out of the hospital at all since being admitted, and he can't believe how much he's missed the feeling of the sun on his face and the wind in his hair! Sure, he always had the window open, but it's not the same! This is great!
Shikamaru's right by his side, a bag of anything they might need on his back.
The others all arrive one by one. They're all dressed much more casually than Naruto's ever seen. Lee, of course, is first. He's wearing a white shirt with green cuffs that takes after Tenten's more traditional style with green pants and a matching green headband. Neji arrives seconds later. As jounin squad leader, he would have liked to be there first to set an example, but Hinata had asked a favor of him he couldn't refuse (not that he would, anyway – he'd do just about anything for his favorite cousin). He's wearing a simple dark grey gi with a light gray waistband, a blue headband, blue bandages on both arms instead of his usual white one, and his low ponytail is tied higher than usual. Konohamaru is next, keeping his normal shirt, but wearing light gray shorts with red cuffs and swapping his usual blue scarf for a red one, headband matching. Tenten is the last to arrive, but just barely. The way she's dressed makes Naruto blush and look away at first, not sure if he should be looking in the first place. She's in a pink off-shoulder pleated crop top and black short-shorts. Purely for the record, Kankuro's one lucky guy!
Actually, come to think of it, their new looks remind him!
"Uh, hey, guys?" All eyes shift to Naruto. "I know how crazy and involved your training usually is, so…" he rubs the back of his head; the last thing he wants is to be a burden, "…are you sure you're really okay with something as boring as this? I know what Granny Tsunade said, but you really don't have to help me out, you know…"
Tenten immediately shakes her head. "Are you kidding?! Do you know how many years I've waited to just spar like a normal team?!" Truly, there are pinpricks of relieved, overjoyed tears in her eyes."It'll be a welcome change of pace, trust me!" A hand to her chest, she sighs in relief. "I can finally get a break from the insanity!"
Neji sputters a laugh at her antics, but nods nonetheless. "Tenten's right. Switching things up would be nice. Besides, it's been a long time since we've all gotten to train together like this. It'll be fun."
Lee nods enthusiastically. "Neji and Tenten are right! Plus, we invited you to train with us when we first visited, Naruto, and this is the perfect opportunity! If Gai-sensei were here, he would encourage us to celebrate the springtime of our youth just like this!" He winks and flashes a thumbs up. "I am one hundred percent certain!"
Not wanting to be left out, Konohamaru curls excited fists at half-mast. "Yeah, big bro! If anything, having you there will make it way more fun!"
Naruto blinks, lips parted slightly in shock. They…really don't mind? They actually want him there that much? A warm, steady hand comes to rest on his shoulder, and he turns to find Shikamaru's firm nod and sure smile. With that last piece of reassurance he needed, Naruto finally settles.
He beams at the group at large. "All right, if you're sure! Thanks, you guys! I'm excited to spar with you, too!" Thinking a moment, he snaps his fingers. "And if it's all the same to you, I think I know the perfect place!"
A fifteen-minute hike into the wooded training grounds, Naruto finally stops at a long-forgotten shed.
"Well, here it is!" he announces proudly, beaming with hands on his hips. "What do you think?"
The others are surprised by how huge it is. It's still in pretty good shape, too, considering how old it must be and how it hasn't been touched in what looks like years.
"How'd you know about this place, Naruto?" Tenten asks.
Naruto moves to unbolt the old door. "I used to hide here from bullies all the time when I was a kid!" His friends wince, Shikamaru clenching tight fists. They all work together to slide the door open, and Naruto's grateful it's not rotten from age or termites. He coughs at the amount of dust inside and waves to clear the air. "They were always too creeped out to stay too long, if they were brave enough to go in in the first place, so if I was really quiet and hid up there," he points at the rafters, "I'd usually be safe!"
Now that there's some decent lighting, he takes a moment to get a better look at everything. The first half of the building's floor is just dirt, while the latter wood half is the area he was thinking they could use for sparring.
But upon closer inspection, he hums warily. "You know, this place is more run down than I remember…"
There are random buckets and wooden planks discarded along the room's edges, graffiti on the walls (some of which are Naruto's from when he was a kid; he's surprised they're still here), and even some metal siding sheets in one corner. A two-foot portion of the roof's caved in on one side, letting a stream of sunlight in to bathe a patch of the wooden floor.
A frown pulls at his lips. He suddenly feels guilty for bringing them here and wasting their time. Turning to them, he rubs the back of his head, an embarrassed flush on his cheeks. "S-sorry, guys! Looks like this won't work after all!" He starts back toward the door. "We can just go to the Training Hall or something!"
Shikamaru catches his shoulder to stop him. "Hold your nin-dogs there, Uzumaki. I think we can make this work!"
Tenten nods. "Yeah! I like the look of this place! It just needs a little TLC, that's all!" She flexes an arm and rests a hand on her bicep with a wink. "Nothing we can't handle!"
Sharp eyes taking everything in, Neji hums in agreement. "It's a large, enclosed space that's hidden away from anyone who might bother us. It could be an ideal training spot for meditation or even just sparring like this. Even the busted ceiling lets in a decent amount of sunlight, airflow, too, if we keep the doors open. It won't be too hot in the summer this way, and in the winter, we can work something out to cover the hole to keep warm. It could be useful if the Training Hall's ever full as well."
Lee moves farther in to get a better look, getting more excited as they go. "If we all work together, I am sure we can fix it up in no time!"
Konohamaru nods emphatically, the possibilities of this place making his head spin. "Yeah, Naruto! Let's do it!"
Naruto blinks. They're serious? Meeting all their gazes, Naruto locks eyes with Shikamaru last, and he's offered an easy shrug with a relaxed grin. Naruto instantly brightens.
"Well, if you say so!" To make it complete, he crosses one index finger over the other. "Shadow Clone jutsu!"
They have the whole shed cleaned up and shining like new in just half an hour. It looks even better than Naruto could have hoped!
Now that that business is taken care of, Shikamaru steps up onto the wooden floor of the makeshift dojo. "All right! Now that this place is in working order, let's lay down some ground rules for this little training bout!" He curls his toes in anticipation. He may not be participating, but he's itching to start, too! "Since this is just a friendly sparring session meant to help Naruto build up his strength, no ninjutsu allowed! Taijutsu only!"
He points at Naruto. "Naruto, that means no Sage mode, Rasengan, or Shadow Clones." He holds up a finger to Konohamaru. "Konohamaru, you're allowed to use a single Shadow Clone because you're still learning how to use them and you need the practice. Naruto's a master, so this'll be the best Shadow Clone practice you're gonna get." Naruto winks Konohamaru's way. He thinks that's totally fair! Shikamaru eyes Tenten's scrolls. "Tenten, hopefully it's obvious, but no chakra strings. However, as our resident weapons master, saying you can't use any would be like saying Lee can't use taijutsu. So, since your weapons don't technically count as ninjutsu if they don't come from a scroll, you'll be allowed a single weapon, so choose wisely." Neji's next. "Neji, this probably goes without saying, but no Byakugan. Also, since Gentle Fist really only counts as ninjutsu when chakra's expelled, cut that part out, and you'll be fine." Lee's last, and Shikamaru gives him a tired, pleading look. "Lee…" he takes a deep breath and presses his palms together, "…I need to get Naruto back to Lady Tsunade in one piece and relatively unscathed or I'm a dead man, so do me a favor and don't kill him, will ya?"
He looks around the group. "Does all that sound fair?"
Everyone nods. If anything, that just made them even more excited! "Yeah!"
Just in case, Shikamaru comes back to Neji. Technically speaking, he is in charge here. "Any objections, squad leader? You get final say."
Neji smirks. Leave it to Shikamaru to be able to plan even this perfectly down to the last detail. He never fails to impress (especially where Naruto's concerned). "None. Nice work, Shikamaru."
Shikamaru shrugs with an easy grin in turn. "What can I say? It's the one thing I'm good at, you know?" Satisfied, he claps his hands. "All right! Then, let the fun begin!" His eyes fall to his charge. "Naruto," he bows out of the way and off the edge onto the dirt floor with a practiced flourish, "knock 'em dead!"
Naruto, done stretching, eagerly jumps up onto the sparring floor and waits for his first challenger. Despite itself, the Nine Tails grins widely and laughs, tails lashing in excitement.
Kick some ass, brat!
Naruto doesn't have to wait long. Konohamaru is the first to jump into the fray. He sweeps a kick for one of Naruto's legs first thing, which simultaneously surprises and impresses Naruto. That's the first thing an enemy would go for, any sign of weakness, so it's good that he's taking this seriously, thinking about it like a real fight. When Naruto sidesteps, Konohamaru tries going for his other leg, but soon switches tactics to roll himself over Naruto's back and go for his chest instead. Naruto retaliates by punching at his head, and Konohamaru flips out of the way. When Konohamaru's next attack comes, Naruto swivels on one hand to kick out against it, and they finally touch when Naruto aims to grab Konohamaru's scarf, but Konohamaru blocks it. It happens again a few seconds later when Konohamaru lands a flying kick on Naruto's shoulder.
They slide and flip around each other again and again like two dragons dancing during a festival parade, and the others laugh and ooh excitedly. Naruto smiles proudly. He doesn't remember Konohamaru being this nimble or acrobatic when they fought last. He's really been training! Naruto makes a dive for Konohamaru's ankles, but Konohamaru just springs off his back. A cloud of smoke appears in midair all of a sudden, and Naruto smirks. He was wondering when he was gonna bring it out! Konohamaru and his Shadow Clone tag team Naruto as best they can, but Naruto is more accustomed to training with Clones than he is. He keeps an eye on both of them, and when one of them goes for him, he jumps off the Clone to aim a kick at the real one's head. Seeing the opening he needs when Konohamaru flinches away and then darts for him, he grabs his scarf and pulls him back until he and his Clone smack backs, then he kicks at them both to corner them, backflipping away when they fight back and ultimately separate.
Once he's upright again, he looks around in confusion. Konohamaru and his Clone just disappeared! He doesn't have time to think about it, though, because almost immediately, Neji's sweeping in with a blow aimed for his face! Naruto dodges, and he and Neji lock eyes and smirk at each other while starting to trade blows. This brings back memories! Neji's moves are scary quick and skin-crawlingly accurate, even more so than Naruto remembers from their Chunin Exam Final fight and the few times they've sparred since then. It's even more impressive when he takes into account the fact that he's not even using his Byakugan! He's glad Shikamaru made that no chakra rule or he'd be in real trouble!
To his credit, though, they're actually going toe-to-toe, meeting each other block-for-block and blow-for-blow, each keeping the other on their toes (or off, as Neji once flips Naruto over his shoulder onto the floor and aims for his head, but Naruto kicks him away until he can flip to his feet again). After a series of blows and blocks that leaves Naruto and Neji both literally spinning, they come back around to face each other and sweep a simultaneous bow. Neji's smirk only grows at the sheer satisfaction he felt in this fight (Naruto is no doubt one of his absolute favorite opponents!), and he tips his head in respect before using what's left of his spin's momentum to jump out of the ring.
Not sure what to expect, Naruto's heart leaps into his throat when a bo staff almost slams him into the ground from behind. Sidestepping just in time, he spins around to face Tenten. Actually, it seems her weapon of choice is a three-section bo staff. He narrowly avoids a sweep for his legs and has to roll to avoid a direct chest hit. Hearing a "Naruto, catch!", he sees a flash and reaches just to the side to catch the kunai Shikamaru throws. It's only a fair fight if he has a weapon, too. Unlike with the others, he keeps his distance with Tenten. She's typically a long-range fighter, and even if these close quarters are something of a weakness for her, her bo staff plays right into her strengths. Plus, he's never actually seen her use this particular weapon before, only ever seen one in books, used in demonstrations in Academy class, and when he's asked about her weapons stock over the years, but he knows she must be skilled with it. She wouldn't bring something she can't use. He'll have to be careful or he could really end up hurt.
Seeing that he's adjusting himself accordingly, Tenten smirks a bit. He's using his head! Good boy! Watching the way she moves with and spins her staff so precisely and effortlessly, blocking and dodging where he can, Naruto knows he made the right choice in staying back. He can barely get near her at all. She's really amazing! She tries to box him in by slamming her staff down on either side of him one after the other and then going straight for the kill, but he flips out of the way at the last second. He tries a spinning kick for her head, but she blocks it with her staff. They switch sides to try to get a better vantage point, Naruto spin-jumping past her and using his feet to block her attempts to swat him out of the air, while she sidesteps his subsequent head kicks and makes to smash his head in. He catches her staff just in time, and using his position to his advantage, he vaults himself over and aims one last kick for her head. They end up both blocking and dodging each other every step of the way. Finally, he lands a good enough blow on her bo staff that she lets it fall into its three sections. He jumps back, keeping his distance again. It's even more dangerous in this form, and that's without her spin-kicking at his head!
She flips out of the way, off the floor, and Naruto doesn't have to wait for more than a second for his last (and arguably most formidable) opponent to literally drop in! Naruto's more than ready for him, and Lee smirks something fierce. This is going to be an amazing show of skill! Naruto returns it wholeheartedly. He knows he's no match for a taijutsu master like Lee, but this is all in good fun, so he doesn't mind! He'll still give it his best shot! Barely any of Naruto's punches or kicks actually land, even the jumping ones, and the few that do are blocked, but to Naruto's credit, it's the same for Lee. They're both so nimble and wiry, it's almost ridiculous. The others can't help but laugh here and there, though they try to keep quiet so they don't disturb them too much.
Finally, one of Naruto's attacks gets him right up close to Lee, which leaves him open for Lee to plant his foot on his abdomen and shove him back as far as he can! Naruto breaks into a run to get around behind, but Lee gives chase, and the two of them clash again and again, faster and faster each time. The whole thing devolves into a wild game of cat and mouse all around the dojo, even on the walls and ceiling, both boys going totally hog-wild. The others are beside themselves at this point. They're not even trying to be quiet anymore. Tenten and Konohamaru are holding their stomachs and leaning on each other while they try to catch their breaths through their laughter, tears streaming from their eyes. Shikamaru and Neji are more polite about it, but it is hilarious! These two are insane!
By the time Lee and Naruto come to a complete stop at last, they're both leaning on their knees and breathing hard. Naruto wipes dripping sweat from his brow with a tired sigh.
The Nine Tails looses a chuckle. Mildly impressive, brat…
Naruto's breath catches. It actually…paid attention? And it's impressed? He can't help but grin, a gleeful little laugh escaping. Gee, thanks!
Righting himself, his smile grows as he turns to Lee. "You really are amazing, Bushy Brow!"
Lee snaps up in surprise, heat rushing to his cheeks, and he rubs the back of his head with a shy laugh. "I-I do not know about that, but thank you very much, Naruto!" He bows respectfully. "You were a truly formidable opponent as well!"
"Thanks a lot!" Turning to the others, he spreads his arms out as far as they'll go and beams for all it's worth. "All you guys are incredible! Your fighting styles are so different, but when you put 'em all together, you're unstoppable!" Affection overflows in his chest, so much that it almost chokes him. "I'm so lucky to have such amazing friends!" He bows as low as he can. "Thank you so much for doing this for me! I'll never forget this, I swear!"
Already glowing from the praise, his friends can't help but soften. He really is so sweet.
"Of course, Naruto," Neji returns gently, a like smile on his face.
"Yeah, no problem!" Tenten waves a hand. "What else are friends for, right?"
Lee nods enthusiastically. "That is right! It is also why there is no thanks necessary! After all, this was so much fun! I hope we can do it again soon!"
Konohamaru and the others all enthusiastically agree, and Naruto lights up at the idea. "W-well, yeah, I'd love to! That sounds awesome!"
Shikamaru, practically oozing adoration by now, shakes his head before coming forward to loop Naruto's arm around his shoulders and wrap an arm around his waist. "Before we get into any future plans, we should focus on right now." He nods toward the door. "Preferably by resting a while in the sun and getting some food in our stomachs." He gives Naruto a look. "You in particular, Naruto. You heard Lady Tsunade. She'll have my ass if you don't take it easy."
Grinning sheepishly, Naruto nods. "Y-yeah, okay, maybe you're right." He sighs. "A break does sound good! I'm exhausted!"
Shikamaru snorts as he starts helping Naruto toward the door (more of a precaution than anything, which Naruto understands and appreciates), the others falling into step beside them. "Well, yeah! You fought four people with widely varying skillsets at differing speeds with no break for at least half an hour. Anyone would be tired after that, never mind someone in your condition." He glances Neji's way. "Speaking of, how's his chakra network looking, Neji?"
Byakugan already activated, Neji grins. Honestly, he's relieved. "Perfect. I'd even go so far as to say it's stronger than ever!"
Shikamaru sighs in relief, subconsciously squeezing Naruto's wrist. "Thank goodness…"
Naruto pumps his free fist. "Yeah! All right!"
The others are thrilled, too, congratulating Naruto as they settle down together in the grass outside.
Digging into his bag, Shikamaru hands Naruto a water bottle and sweat towel, then offers their friends the same. Naruto drinks it in one go, flopping back in the grass with a satisfied sigh, using the towel to wipe at the sweat on his face and neck before draping it around his shoulders.
The others start chattering amongst themselves, and Naruto closes his eyes to listen. It's so nice and peaceful here. The fresh air and warm sun feel amazing, a gentle breeze tousling his hair now and then. Shikamaru's knee is feather-lightly pressing against his thigh, so much that he probably doesn't even register it as he asks Tenten if she brought the storing scroll he requested, saying something about preparing lunch for everyone while glancing pointedly at Naruto. Konohamaru snickers that his favoritism's showing, and Shikamaru locks him in a headlock to give him a noogie, throwing back, "Says the kid who calls Naruto 'big bro'!" Konohamaru squawks and laughs.
It's all so…comfortable. Naruto feels so…happy and safe and loved here with all of them. Hell, if he's not careful…he might just fall asleep from it all…
Saving him from that fate is something that blocks his sun. Opening his eyes, he blinks a few times to let them adjust so he can investigate. He recognizes the mystery item as Sai's sketchbook on sight, and sure enough, he follows the attached arm to his softly-smiling teammate. "Hello, Naruto!"
Naruto's eyes widen in surprise, and then he smiles right back, pushing himself up with a little help from Sai. "Hey, Sai! What are you doing all the way out here?" He points at the sketchbook. "And what's this for?"
"I come out here to practice my art sometimes. It's very relaxing." He holds the sketchbook out to Naruto. "I drew you."
Naruto blinks, raising an eyebrow. "You what?"
Sai points at the topmost drawing. "I drew you. Or, more specifically, you sparring with the others."
Getting it now, Naruto gasps with excitement. "Wait, really?! Can I see?"
Sai's heart thrills at the very thought. He chuckles. "Of course!"
He shows him all the different pictures of all of them he drew, at least fifty, and then, he shows off the best part with a proud grin: letting the pages fall in a controlled flourish, the images flow together and move like an animation sequence from a movie. Naruto lets loose a loud, delighted laugh, stars in his eyes, entire galaxies. "Oh, wow! Sai, this is incredible!"
Sai's eyes widen, and he forgets to breathe for a moment in what he's sure Captain Yamato would call 'touched shock,' but then he smiles brightly, a crimson flush coloring his cheeks. "T-thank you, Naruto! I'm so happy you like it!"
Naruto nods emphatically, a few times. "Are you kidding?! I'd be crazy not to!" He turns to wave the others over. "Guys, come 'ere! Check out what Sai made! It's so cool!"
Knowing they can't pass up whatever's gotten Naruto so excited, they all gather 'round to get a good look.
Needless to say, they're equally as blown away.
Shikamaru whistles appreciatively. "Damn, Sai! That's impressive as hell!" Chuckling, he shakes his head. "You artist types, I swear… You and Ino would get along great…"
Sai can't help but breathe a laugh at that, her mention alone making his heart feel funny in his chest. He hopes he's not getting sick or anything… He even gets the feeling that if he weren't blushing already, he would be now, though he's not entirely sure why. "Thank you, Shikamaru! It would be interesting to work alongside Ino's flower-arranging skills, never mind her talents in fashion and makeup!"
Shikamaru starts a touch before a tiny smile and laugh escape. Oh, boy… Now he gets it… It'll be interesting to see how this plays out…
The others gush similarly, while Shikamaru breaks off to go check the kettle on the fire-ring he'd asked Tenten to bring. Seeing it's just about ready to blow its top, he goes back to his bag to get out the food, coming back just in time. Snatching it up, he pours hot water in seven foam cups.
A few minutes later, the others, Sai included, are rounding out their little circle again when Shikamaru hands Naruto one of the cups. Naruto does a wide-eyed double-take. He thought he smelled something familiar, but he thought his stomach was playing tricks on him! "H-hey, this is…!"
He looks to Shikamaru for confirmation, and he nods while serving the others. "Instant ramen from your apartment." He winks Naruto's way. "Your favorite flavor, too."
It's the one he's seen Naruto eat most often over the years, and it was also the most-eaten flavor in the trash when he went with Naruto back to his apartment. He knows because he took out the trash to help out while Naruto changed clothes.
Naruto can't help but melt. Shikamaru catalogs so much in that genius head of his, Naruto really doesn't know how he fits it all. He knows some people might find it kind of creepy that Shikamaru noticed something like this, but he doesn't. Not at all. The exact opposite, actually. He knows how observant Shikamaru is, always has been, and honestly, if anything, it makes him feel…important, seen, in a way only Shikamaru seems to be able to do. The sheer warmth and intense gratitude that rush through him are more than welcome.
Shikamaru softens right back. "I remembered what you said, about loving ramen best when it's shared with the ones you love, so…" He gestures to the ramen spread out among them as he plops down at Naruto's side again. "Hope you don't mind I brought enough for all of us."
Naruto shakes his head. "Of course I don't mind! It's great, amazing!" He's smiling so hard, his cheeks actually hurt. "You're amazing, Shikamaru! Thanks so much!"
Shikamaru blushes and looks away with a shy, happy smile. He chuckles. "You're welcome. Just enjoy it, okay?"
"You got it!"
They all end up talking while waiting for their ramen to cool. Lee tries to make his cool faster by blowing on it as hard and fast as he can and ends up lightheaded, making them all laugh. Naruto cuts himself off mid-laugh when his sharp ears hear someone coming through the bushes.
He relaxes when he sees a familiar face.
"Hey, Sakura!"
Sakura breathes a laugh at her teammate's enthusiasm (he's waving at her like a madman) and waves much more calmly right back. "H-hey, Naruto! Hey, you guys!"
The rest greet her as well, and she sits in the spot Naruto pats between him and Sai. "How'd you find us, Sakura?" He pouts a little bit. "Did Granny send you out here to check on me?"
Sakura can't help but snort, smirking at him with a raised brow. "If you haven't noticed, you're not exactly quiet. And no, she didn't. She mentioned you were training with Team Gai and Konohamaru," she shrugs, "so once I finished helping her for the day, I came to the training grounds and kept walking until I heard teasing and laughter."
The group laughs. "She has us there!"
She chuckles. "When I heard it was your first day back at training, I wanted to see how you were doing, Naruto. I trust Shikamaru to take care of you, of course," she offers him a warm, grateful smile, and he nods, "the rest of you, too, but it's also been a while since I've seen you, and I wanted to see your progress for myself!" Rubbing the back of her head, she turns sheepish. Honestly, she's disappointed. "Guess I kinda missed everything, though, huh?"
Naruto feels kinda bad for her, coming all this way for nothing. "Yeah, kinda…" But then, he remembers something. "Oh! Wait, Sai!" He turns to their teammate. "Sai sketched us sparring, Sakura! You can see that way!"
Sakura blinks as Sai's sketchbook appears in front of her, and she watches in wonder as the pages turn and images flow together. By the time it's all done, she's as starry-eyed as the rest of them were. "Wow! Sai, this is phenomenal!" Flushing happily, Sai thanks her. She smiles widely at Naruto. "You looked so great! You've really gotten stronger thanks to your therapy!" She's so relieved! She's been worried about him, about the possibility of him never being a shinobi again because the damage was just too severe. Thank goodness for Lady Tsunade! Happy tears prick her eyes. "I'm so happy for you!"
Flushing a bit, Naruto beams. "Aw, thanks, Sakura!"
Riiiip!
The sound of several paper ramen tops tearing reminds Naruto of his own. That's right! They should be cool enough to eat by now!
Gently taking Sakura's hand, Naruto presses his cup ramen into it. "Here, Sakura! Dig in!"
Sakura blinks, startled. "Uh—! W-wait, Naruto! Isn't this…?" She absently takes the chopsticks he hands her. "W-what about you?"
Naruto shrugs. "I went hungry all the time as a kid. Don't worry, it's no big deal."
Sakura pales and opens her mouth to protest (the others are just as stricken, about to split their ramen with him), but Shikamaru beats them all to it. Yeah, like he's just gonna let that go. Right…
"You need to keep your strength up, sunshine," he reminds, pressing his own ramen into Naruto's hand. It's Naruto's turn to protest, but Shikamaru just pulls an extra cup, already cooling, from around the fire. Naruto's mouth drops open in a silent question, and Shikamaru shrugs, a lazy-fond smile on his face. "Knowing you, I figured at least a few extra friends would show up, so I brought and made a couple extra, just in case." He smirks. "After all, a ninja's always prepared, right?"
Naruto beams. That's his Shikamaru for ya!
"Right!"
As promised, Naruto is back at the hospital in time for dinner. Saying goodbye to everyone at the gate and thanking them for the amazing day, Naruto delights in five tight hugs as they wish him well, promise to visit soon, and then go on their way.
Sai is the only one who hangs back, though Naruto's not really sure why until he starts talking.
"I wanted to give you some new information on the redheaded woman who was with Sasuke."
Naruto's heart plummets at Sasuke's mention, right arm twitching reflexively. He…with everything going on, he hasn't really thought about Sasuke since…—!
Swallowing, he shakes himself out of it. That's not important right now. The woman is. He's been hearing bits and pieces about her from Sai, Captain Yamato, and Kakashi-sensei since he woke up, but they haven't been able to tell him much. Hell, what they've already told him would probably get them in trouble if Granny Tsunade knew. (All the same, Shikamaru watches him with quiet concern. He predicts a possible Sasuke talk in the future.)
"Okay, so…what is it? What'd you find out?"
Sai looks vaguely disappointed. "As usual, not a lot, but at least it's interesting. It turns out she's not actually a woman at all, but a teenager like us. In fact, she's only a little older than you are, Naruto."
Naruto's eyes widen. "W-wait, really? She's that young?"
Sai nods. "Mm hmm."
Taking that in, Naruto lets his gaze drift to the ground between his feet with a thoughtful hum, an empathetic frown tugging at his lips. "So, she's just another kid…" his hand curls in his shirt over his seal, "…caught up in this crazy ninja world, huh…?"
Sai nods, expression grave. He understands the weight of what Naruto's saying better than most. "It would seem that way, yes."
Just like every other time he's heard about this girl, Naruto feels his heart go out to her. He hasn't even met her, doesn't even know her name or what she looks like, but…if she's already gotten caught up with the Akatsuki at such a young age…it makes him want to know what her life was like before, what would make her turn to them, of all people. He knows the Akatsuki are mostly outcasts-turned-rogue ninja from the various Hidden Villages, and knowing there's a huge chance she was treated even a fraction of the way he was, that beaten down and heartrendingly lonely… It's…it reminds him of how he used to feel…how he might have turned out if…if things had been just a little bit different…
If anything, this makes him even more determined than ever to meet her. He just prays he can convince Granny Tsunade when the time comes.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto finally looks up and flashes Sai a smile. It's not lost on either of his friends that it's not nearly as bright as it was just a minute ago. "Thanks for telling me, Sai. I really appreciate it."
Sai's heart skips in what he's pretty sure is a good way to see Naruto so appreciative of something most would take for granted. That's one of the things he likes best about Naruto: he's so easy to please. It makes things much easier for him. Still, the fact that something about this redheaded girl also greatly upsets Naruto doesn't escape even his novice notice. He'll have to ask Captain Yamato about that later. For now, he offers a small smile of his own. "No problem!"
Bright blue eyes find the Intel Division's headquarters. She's being kept there, at least last he heard.
A girl around his age, huh…?
A/N: Series notice: Since I have ideas for other fics set in this AU's universe (mostly standalone oneshots, but a possible sequel as well - like the writer!Naruto idea I hinted at in ch 14 and will be hinting at again in ch 17!), on AO3 (my username there is Shizuku749), I'll be setting this up as a Series called Turning Point AU ( /series/2348101)! I'll be posting the same fics here, and I'll make it clear they're set in the same universe in the summaries in case anyone wants to read them, but I just wanted to let everyone know! Won't be posting them for a while yet, not till this fic is done, at least, but still! Thought it could be fun! I have many other Naruto fics besides them that will be coming, too! :D
April 30th was the one year anniversary of this fic! Wow! Doesn't feel that long, but thanks so much for sticking with me! You guys are the best! I love you all!
Tenten's three-section bo staff is called a sansetsukon in Japanese! I just figured the translated name would be easier for people to know/remember! lol. (It's also been almost ten years since I've written a fight scene, let alone a sparring session, so I really hope the sparring session in this fic is okay! I did my best! :'D)
I sneaked in a few more Kankuro/Tenten and Ino/Sai hints because I can! As always, feel free to ignore if not your thing!
Kurama's "I am hatred!" and Naruto's "You've made me miserable my whole life…but I know just how bad it feels to be at the mercy of your hatred and to feel ruined by it" are both from Shippuden episode 277, "Unison Sign".
Naruto's line about accepting and learning from his painful childhood memories enough to help the Nine Tails is modeled after Momiji Sohma's line in the "Fruits Basket" reboot s1e14, "That's a Secret".
I actually meant to have Naruto's birthday in this chapter, too, but this chapter (hopefully obviously, lol) ended up being way longer than intended, and I didn't want to kill you guys with a 16-17k+ chapter, so I cut it! It'll be basically the whole plot point of the next chapter! After that, I promise it really will start getting into the heavier stuff! I am so excited to start the Karin Uzumaki stuff, holy shit! But at least this way, I don't have to watch how long that section is, and I get to go ham with the feels! (Plus, I get a three-parter like the three books in ATLA! Woo! lol.)
Thanks so much for reading!