Permission To Seek

MOVING FORWARD

~Sasuke’s' Warning~

Sasuke stood near the exit to the Hot Spring Village, wondering if the pervert and idiot would pass by soon. He decided not to wait in the hotel because it gave him the creeps; believing Naruto would show up intending to settle the score. He had no doubts he would prevail against Naruto, but the longer he’d waited the more anxious he was to get it over with; he smirked to himself remembering the tantalizing encounter. ‘After I kick his ass I’ll take him again,’ he thought mildly; gazing around the now crowded streets.

It was mid-day hungry and ready to give up the wait spotted Kakashi walking alongside Iruka on the far right. “Yo!” he called to the men.

Kakashi and Iruka looked in his direction, “Oi, Sasuke-kun, let’s get some lunch!” Iruka called back gesturing for Sasuke to join them. “Where is Naruto-kun?”

He scowled deeply; ‘I am not that idiot’s keeper.’ He wanted to shout back; but with his Sensei right next to the Chuunin, he said nothing, as he walked toward them. He did not notice the blonde ninja and his white haired companion on the opposite side heading in his direction.

Naruto looked up from the ground at the sound of his name. That was Iruka-sensei talking to Sasuke; he stopped walking eyeing the Uchiha darkly; he barely noticed his companion had left his side.

Kimimaro closed the distance between himself and the dark haired boy in seconds. He scarcely noticed the Jonin moving just as quickly.

Sasuke froze as a pale white face leered over him, a hand under his chin, something sharp digging into his flesh. He never noticed the man until he was over top of him, pale green eyes as cold as death burning into him intent to kill vibration causing him to quake in fear. “I am glad I have your attention.” Kimimaro whispered.

His face was familiar; with a shudder he remembered this man approached him after Naruto yelled. “Get the F*** away from me!” he hissed, every word caused the sharp object to dig deeper in his chin.

“You will be getting out of his face now!” said the Jonin, with a kunai pressed against the throat of the pale man. It cut slightly into his flesh as he leaned closer to Sasuke, pushing the boys chin higher his eyes searing into the dark sockets beneath him.

Kakashi watched as blood oozed down the kunai blade cutting into flesh as he pressed himself closer to Sasuke. He held the blade in place hoping the ninja would cut his own throat in his effort. “I don’t know what you want; but if you don’t get out of his face now….”

“Kakashi don’t!” Iruka voice cut through his threat.

He eyed the Chuunin whose gaze focused on the opposite hand of the pale man; Kakashi understood another weapon; held down out of site, from where he stood.

“Please I won’t harm him; really.” Kimimaro whispered. Sasuke’s eyes huge with fear, did not feel he could get far enough; fast enough before the man cut him with the knife under his chin.

“Kimimaro please don’t!” Naruto yelled coming up behind the trio.

“Naruto stay back!” snapped Kakashi.

Kimimaro smiled sweetly at Sasuke the corners of his mouth curling up, seductively.

Kakashi felt the kunai press against something hard like bone; the knife was only a quarter inch beneath the skin, not deep enough for bone. He became nervous, what kind of Nin-Jutsu did this person have to block his kunai.

“Well, let me make this perfectly clear Sasuke-kun;” Kimimaro spoke softly. “Naruto is now a friend I will kill for. If it were his wish you would be dead now but being as I am a true friend, I will not go against his wishes.” He leaned in closer mere inches from Sasuke’s face. “I could kill you too easily and this Jonin would be powerless to stop me. Hurt him in that capacity again and death will not keep me from you.” He continued to gaze at the boy moving back slowly, finally withdrawing his fingers from the boys chin.

Sasuke jumped back the instant he removed his hand, grabbing at his chin, gasping and trying to regain control of the fear that gripped him. Glaring at the pale man as he put the two elongated fingernails in his mouth and smiled at him; sucking the blood off. Sasuke clenched his jaw, willing himself not to attack.

Iruka spoke although the man now faced Kakashi who he perceived the greater threat. “What the hell do you think you are doing?” Iruka stepped forward, his own hands holding a kunai.

Kimimaro turned his gaze away from Kakashi’s red eye and dark eye glare. Looking now on the bronze ninja he had seen around the village several times this week.

“You are very handsome, would you like to have lunch with me and Naruto-kun?” He asked in an amused simper.

Iruka’s faced flushed as he glared speechless at the white haired male. “WHAT THE F***!” He yelled, so loud that all the men took a step back from him.

Kakashi’s eyes snapped on the small Chuunin, impressed at the intent to kill just from a request for a date. ‘That’s my boy.’ He thought fondly.

“More importantly;” Kakashi spoke over the Chuunin before he managed another word. “Why did you attack my soldier? That will not go unpunished.” He glared at the man.

“Kaka-sensei, Iruka-sensei this is Kimimaro-san, he is a friend of mine.” Naruto ran forward before another confrontation occurred. “I’m sorry he’s just a little over protective; Sasuke and I got into a fight and Kimimaro patched me up, so it’s no big deal.” Naruto eyed Kakashi nervously; the Jonin did not look at him.

“I will ask once more, why did you attack my solider?” Kakashi’s voice now a deadly calm the air vibrated.

Kimimaro looked in Kakashi’s mix-matched eyes; “Oh so you are Copy Ninja Hatake Kakashi we have a mutual acquaintance.” He smiled warmly as if this were introductions of old friends. “I will not apologize for my threat, as I intend to fulfill them if needed.” He looked at Sasuke who still appeared shaken. “It is as Naruto informed you if this is not good enough, I suppose I could kill you and let your lover mourn your passing before your time.” He smiled at the Jonin.

Iruka inhaled a sharp breath, he could see that Kimimaro was beyond his level; a fight with him would be very dangerous and Naruto stood too close to the potential battle. Because of that, he forced himself forward between the two ninja.

“There will not be any fighting, this is over. Naruto lets go!” He snapped, reaching out a hand and grabbing the blonde ninja.

Kimimaro pouted. “I thought the three of us could enjoy a nice…” He stopped eyeing his golden haired friend.

Naruto shook his head warningly at Kimimaro, telling him silently not to push the Chuunin any further. Iruka gripped the collar of the orange jacket, dragging the young ninja away from the others.

“Sasuke!” Iruka snapped. Sasuke jumped slightly eyed Kimimaro darkly and followed the other two.

“He is some kind of man; I should have asked him out before he got such a negative opinion of me.” Kimimaro said wistfully.

“It would not make a difference; he belongs to me.” Kakashi still eyed him with every intention to attack.
“What happen to Naruto?”

“Why don’t you ask him yourself, or do you not believe the story he just concocted?”

“I am asking you, what happen?” He pressed glaring at the man.

Kimimaro looked up at the bright sky, then back at the Copy Ninja; “It is not my place, I will not betray my friend. If he chooses to share the events with you then, you will need to speak with him yourself; contrary to what you believe, I am not an enemy. If I were, you would be dead.” He looked back towards his home.

“Overly confident men often die the fastest.” Kakashi mused. “I grow weary of men saying how easily they can kill me for once I’d like someone to state that after they have accomplished the task.”

“Now who is being over confident?” Kimimaro lifted his eyebrow at the Jonin. “I have been a weapon most of my life. I left that life behind; now that I finally meet one of my potential victims, it is ironic that Naruto help me realize a person should not allow others to use them. Nor take advantage of a person because they are weak. I will not be used by the one that employed me; so you may leave with your life and I am happy to have met you.” He turned and walked away.

Kakashi eyed him for several seconds “Who, was your employer?”

Kimimaro stopped he glanced over his shoulder. “Our mutual acquaintance Kuni-te-sama he asked if I would consider killing you. I never agreed and he did not compensate me, so I guess calling him my employer is a stretch.” He turned around to look at Kakashi fully. “When I see him again, I will tell him we met and I am fond of your soldier Naruto, so I could not just end your life. I think he will understand, Naruto said Kuni-te-sama invited him to tea. It’s amazing how quickly that boy makes friends.” He smiled at Kakashi, nodded and walked away.

Kakashi watched him until he was out of sight. ‘So the old bastard is trying to hire people to take me out. I wonder if that guy will have an accident for not doing as he was told.’ He lowered his headband, he needed to talk to those soldiers he wanted answers.


~Naruto’s Threat~

Naruto sat nearest the window with Iruka on the outside of their small booth at the restaurant. Across from him, he glared at the Uchiha who glared back. Neither boy spoke as Iruka ordered the food without asking what they wanted. Iruka still felt angry over that Kimimaro flirted with him in front of Kakashi. He did not think the boys would talk about the incident, and he did not want to push he knew when Naruto was ready he would explain what happen in his own way. The server placed his cup of sake on the table with a small bottle; he snatched it up immediately pouring himself a cup.

“Bastard.” He hissed causing Naruto to look in his direction nervously.

“Sensei,” Naruto said in a small voice. “I’m sorry about this, it was a misunderstanding.” He glanced at Iruka tentatively.

Iruka looked at the innocent wide eyes; “It’s not your fault; at least I do not believe it is.” He looked at Sasuke with a slight frown, he really did want to know what the Uchiha had done that would make someone vow to kill him, if Naruto was hurt “in that capacity” again.

“Stop eyeing me like that!” Sasuke snapped he did not like the way the Chuunin kept looking accusingly at him.

“You freaking idiot!’ Naruto yelled. “Don’t talk to Iruka-sensei like that I’ll punch you in the mouth!” Naruto attempted to stand up at the table, but Iruka shoved him back down. Every head in the restaurant turned.

“Yeah, bring you ass over here and try!” Sasuke shot back leering across the table. Hoping Naruto would jump over so he could kick his butt.

“That is enough!” Iruka shouted his face blotchy with rage. “One more word and I’ll knock you both out!” His voice carried across the small dinning area; out through to open bamboo curtains, and into the nearby streets causing, passers by to peer in.

Both boys quailed, looking at the Chuunin as if he was about to blow his top. Sasuke shot him an evil glare daring him to try, although he remained quiet. Naruto began to mumble, about being sorry, he would not let happen again, and how very sorry he was. “Be quiet Naruto.” Iruka snapped. His patience gone, he poured himself another drink and glared at the Uchiha with distaste.

“Please tell me, I did not hear you speak harshly to Iruka-sensei.” Kakashi stood at the edge of the table glaring at both boys as if the day of reckoning had arrived.

“Kakashi-san, I have ordered why not just take a seat so we can eat.” Iruka spoke up, his voice softened as he addressed the Jonin; not wanting the incident to go any further.

Kakashi cracked his knuckles ominously fixing Sasuke with his dark eye. “You will tell me everything that occurred between you and Naruto from the time I left you.” He reached forward slowly to grab the trembling Uchiha.

A hand closed over his wrist, he looked at Iruka. “Kakashi, may we talk outside.” Iruka saw the dark eye narrow slightly, he let go of the wrist, “Please.” He said, knowing he was crossing the line by interfering.

Kakashi stood up straight eyeing both boys.

“Iruka-sensei may I use the toilet?” Naruto spoke up before the Jonin made him stay at the table with the Uchiha.

Iruka allowed Naruto to pass, his eyes fixed on Kakashi, ‘just get him away from the kids before someone gets hurt.’ He thought.

“Sasuke, you are not to move.” Kakashi told him as Naruto left for the restroom, and he and Iruka headed toward the exit.

Sasuke glared out the window; ‘no matter what that pervert does he would never admit what happen. That idiot better keep his mouth shut.’ He thought darkly. After a few minutes, he decided it was best to have a conversation with the idiot before Kakashi got back. He stood and headed toward the restrooms.

“This is dangerous ground you are treading Iruka-kun.” Kakashi said slowly. He did not want Iruka telling him how to train his soldiers.

“I am aware of that, but please hear me out.” Iruka lowered his voice to almost a whisper; hoping to calm the angry vibes, he felt coming from the Jonin.

Kakashi nodded, but said nothing.

“Naruto can be very stubborn; if Sasuke is anything like him then your threat is only going to make it worse. I have taken care of Naruto for years now and I know when he comes to terms with whatever happen he will talk about it. Can you see what I am getting at? Just give them time, they will open up.” He looked hopefully at the Jonin, wondering if he could at least meet him in the middle on the issue.

“Or it will give them time to determine not to talk about it; ever.” He glared stubbornly back at the Konoha teacher.

Sasuke walked into the men’s room as another guest exited; with only two stalls, he knew Naruto and he were alone. As the door closed behind him, he flipped the lock and leaned against the wall waiting.

Naruto exited the stall wondering if Iruka could really save them from certain torture at the hands of Kakashi. He stopped short as he saw Sasuke standing near the door; their eyes locked glaring at one another.

“What do you want?” Naruto snapped, walking to the sink to wash his hands but keeping his eyes on Sasuke in the mirror.

“Are you going to tell him?” Sasuke said flatly.

“I already told him what happened stay away from me.” Naruto tore his eyes off the Uchiha, looking firmly down in the sink.

“Really?” Sasuke smirked.

That caused Naruto turn and glare at him he hated that sarcastic face. “Yeah, and don’t think I told Kimimaro to attack you! He did that on his own! I’m going to punish you, myself!” he spat.

Sasuke glared at him, ‘that prick thinks he can punish me?’ “Oh!” Sasuke launched himself at Naruto grabbing him by the collar of the jacket slamming him against the sink counter.

He did not prepare for Naruto to thrust back just as hard heaving him around in a circle until his back crashed into the sink. With a yell, Sasuke activated his Sharingan; ramming Naruto across the bathroom floor hurdling him into the stall. The flimsy wall gave way before it fell apart completely Naruto used it as a springboard to propel Sasuke back towards the sinks. Expecting that reaction Sasuke pivoted on one foot using Naruto’s own momentum to throw him in a 180 degrees turn back towards the sinks. Naruto unable to stop collided with sink counter, this time the ceramic shattered crashing to the floor, hot and cold water shooting towards the ceiling.

Naruto yelled as chucks of ceramic cut into his back and hands as he tried to prevent himself from falling. Hollering with rage, Sasuke attacked striking Naruto in the face, knocking him to the floor. He immediately pounced throwing two more punches at Naruto’s face one connected the other bashed into the tile floor as Naruto jerked his head to the side; causing Sasuke to flinch in pain. This gave Naruto a two-second advantage in which he bucked Sasuke off him and threw himself on the Uchiha, determined to hit him in the face. Sasuke caught the fist before it could make contact bearing his own weight against Naruto causing both to fall rolling over each other. Finally, Sasuke got the advantage having pinned Naruto under him while he sat on his chest gripping both hands over his head.

He grinned down at Naruto the water spraying toward the ceiling had both ninja soaked. “See, no match for me baka.” (Idiot) He moved his face closer to Naruto dripping water from his hair and face on him. “This reminds me of the shower Naruto. You do remember that time we shared right?” He said in an amused tone, locking eyes with the blonde ninja increasing his grip on the hands that pushed to get free. “I tell you what Naruto;” a sinister gleam in his blood red eyes. “Now that you got me excited I will take you again.” He said, sneering at the angry blue eyes beneath him,
laughing.

‘Why am I so weak against this guy?’ Naruto’s mind raged; ‘I should be stronger!’
‘…you are an excellent ninja....’ ‘Why can’t I beat this guy?’ ‘…you should be proud of your growth.’ The anger in him swelled higher as Sasuke continued to glare and snicker in his face. Naruto felt a burning pain in his stomach; his vision took on a red tinge.

Sasuke noticed the change in Naruto’s eyes from enraged blue to fierce red he barely had a chance to react before Naruto threw him off his chest causing him to crash into the wall behind him and crack the high window. Immediately Naruto attacked him pummeling Sasuke with rapid punches; at a speed, he never displayed to his comrade.

Sasuke’s Sharingan allowed him to block every punch; but the force pushed him back hard against the window. The bamboo walls could not take the pressure and collapsed outward. Sasuke overbalanced as he crashed through the wall; before he could regain his stance Naruto jumped and kicked him out the opening.

“What was that?” Iruka who stood talking to Kakashi looked on the far side of the restaurant where several people were running to investigate.

Kakashi left in a blink, knowing it had to be his soldiers.

Sasuke stood up looking at Naruto who stood thirty feet away he griped a kunai, he had pulled tighter in his fist. ‘When did he get this strong? What happen to his eyes?’ Sasuke prepared himself to attack.

Naruto continued to glare, he did not know what was happening but he understood one thing; if Sasuke knew what was good for him he had better keep back.

“That’s it!” Kakashi stood near Sasuke; “put that away, now!” He said firmly.

“Sasuke” Naruto said in a gravely voice. “If you ever say that to me again; I will rip you apart.” The voice firm deep and clam, every word intended to punctuate the intent.

Kakashi who had focused his attention on Sasuke turned at the tone of Naruto’s voice; he knew that dark chakra very well. The boy’s eyes red like the Nine Tails Demon.

“Do your best!” Sasuke spat glaring at Naruto as if he wanted to kill him.

Iruka landed behind Naruto’s shoulder reaching out a hand to touch him. “Iruka stay back!” Kakashi shouted.

Iruka looked at him then down at Naruto who turned to look at the Chuunin. He got one glimpsed of the red eyes, as they turned blue then rolled up, as he fainted. Iruka caught him before he hit the ground.