Distractions

Title: Distractions
Author: Redwitch05
Rating: NC-17
Genre and Pairing: yaoi, NaruSasuNaru
DISCLAIMER: Naruto does not belong to me. ……...Damn T^T
Author’s Note: I hope you’re all still with me here
italicized ~ Emphasizing a word or recalling the past or what they’re thinking.
æææææææææææææææææææææææææ ~ Separates Naruto’s and Sasuke’s POV.
-----------****----------- ~ Scene breaks

Updated: July 20, 2006

Sakura001 - Thanks Haily. Prologue? So, this story seems more of an introduction to you? I guess you can say yes, this is more like an intro. And I know what you mean when you say that the story seems all like a rush. Because a lot has happened and it was all jammed in the very FIRST chapter. As for who’s Beniko and if Sasuke and Naruto are alright, you’ll just have to wait and see.
Karlita Shepard - Dude. I think I’ve bugged you most in the past than anyone ever has. How many times has it been since I’ve pestered you with a fanfic, huh? My story befuddles your poor miniscule mind? No surprise ^^ Just kidding. It’s the first chap, chick. Give it some time. I don’t just spell things out directly.
DevilLived - Thank you so much. I’m pleased that you are liking the plot. About the missions interlinking between Neji/Sakura’s and Naruto/Sasuke’s …..hehe. Don’t wanna spoil anything, so all you’ll need is some patience.
i hate you - Firstly, I did not say anything about anyone being Gay. Secondly, a whore is a prostitute. And I have you know that I am far from being anything of the sort. Thirdly, this is an Adult site. If you cannot act like one, then please keep such adolescent comments to yourself. Fourthly, try and shove anything up anywhere of mine and you will be granted the most unpleasant torture that I can possibly assemble, just for you. Commenting something that you have not even taken the time to read just makes me belittle you. I see you as the type that will judge a person before you even take the time to know them. And that quality in people is one that puts me off completely. Fifthly, as hard as it may seem, try and understand that variety comes in wide packages. Therefore, there will be all kinds of groups, and fan girls are one of them. And I have you know that threatening to blast them with a firearm such as an Uzi for being what they are just makes you sound like an acrimonious character that harbors anger issues. Lastly, you obviously lack imagination. So why are you here leaving disgusting comments for readers that will just retaliate by portraying your crude nature through a review? Next time, try reading a story before assaulting it. You may just find something interesting about it rather than judging the cover. Good day ^^
Cassie - I’m so sorry that I confused you. ^-^* I’ve made a small time line just so you and my readers won’t be behind on the story.
*Naruto and Sasuke are on a mission. Sasuke didn’t want to be on the mission to begin with and was reminiscing back when he and Naruto had been assigned the job. That part where you said that Naruto was talking to Sakura, that was in the past, 7 months ago. We are brought back to the present where Sasuke is wondering where Naruto went. He discovers him beaten up really bad and is trying to awaken him from his unconscious state when all of a sudden . . . . Dun dun dun. Yeah, let’s not go into detail what happened. That’s what THIS chapter is for ^^ And yes, Sakura and Neji are on a mission and are on their way back. ^^
SakuraXSasuke_4Life - Thanks for the humorous comment ^^ and yes, I very much agree. Empty threats. That’s exactly what it is. So, you wanted to know if you can make requests? Well, I HAVE emailed you, but incase you have not received the message, you know where people post ‘Challenges’? That’s normally where requests are held. If you’d like, I’ll write you a SasuSaku story. I love that couple as well. ^^ I’ll work on it on my spare time. If you’re lucky, because I’m not good at making stories short, then the fanfic will be long rather than a one-shot. ^.~
Matt - -.-’ you’re so slow. I’m disappointed in you. Nah, jk. I’m surprised that you even read the story. You’re just like Shikamaru. Everything is too ‘troublesome’ for you. And last time I checked, fanfics were ULTRA troublesome. But I’m not pushing. I’m rather flattered that you read my first chapter. And if I were you, I wouldn’t be talking about deaths so early into the story. ^^ You might end up foreshadowing your worse fear.
Mija - I enjoyed your comment ^^ Such an enthusiastic reader. I love suspense, so I intend on adding as much as possible. But as for confusing people, I hope I don’t do that too much ^^ You know how it is. I don’t want anyone to start making guesses on what’s going on. Patience is something that I lack when it comes to stories. So hopefully my updates won’t take too long.
Michelle Fabian - You haven’t seen anything yet ^^
GlassVortexW - Wow. Thanks? ^.^’ Love your name, Victoria Leblanc ^^ ummm, sorry that my update took forever. I’ve been kept VERY busy. I’m glad you enjoy the suspense and all.
FirePeleKa - hehe ^.^’ about those time lapses, don’t worry. It won’t be something that you’ll have to be bothered by throughout the fanfic. It’s only in the beginning that it’s a bit confusing. But like I told Cassie, I made a timeline so my readers won’t get confused about vital/general occurrences.
tariray - I love you. I really love you ^^ *huggles* As soon as I finished reading your comment I felt like I had to make my second chapter a little longer. And as for your second comment, Thank you. I really appreciate it when people like you defend Authors. Well, in this case, Fan girls ^^ You are so awesome. Btw, what does “pwn” stand for ^^*
Jennifer - Thanks Jenn. Although yes, this is my first fanfic, I do not have an excuse for grammatical errors. That’s just a definite no-no for me. I’m way too strict to allow myself to pass by on such things. So please, of you will, point out my mistakes ^^ But keep in mind, that small speech between Sasuke and Naruto, Naruto was supposed to be talking with blurred spelling because he’s in pain and his jaw is broken.
ss - You were glued? Comments like this make me so happy =^.^= *huggles*
redcloudangel - Sometimes I feel that if I add too much obscurity in my story that my readers won’t be able to keep up. Hopefully that will not happen. I’m pleased that my story has gotten you hooked. And I agree, the chapter was REALLY short. And I SHOULD update quicker if my chaps continue being this small. Thank you ^^ However, what with school, work, and having other sibs that are always on the computer, it’s hard to find time for myself.
Deion - Dude, you haven’t seen anything yet ^^
Assassins_Kiss - Don’t worry, and you’ll see *.~
kirafics - Thank you so much. ‘Broken’ is off the chain. I always read other ppl’s comments over the story. And thank you so much for recommending a KakaIru story. I’ve just started on it. If you have any more, then please tell me =P *huggles*
rogue - I’m sorry that it took me forever to update, but no worries. I have NOT neglected the story at all. It’s going to kinda take awhile to know what’s going on because I’m still kinda getting in to the story, but again, no worries. This story will NOT be left stranded. I promise this to EVERYBODY
Sakura-Laurel - It makes me so happy when people tell me to email them as an alert when I update my story. That’s such a wonder comment to read. Thank you ^).(^
sadistickiss - Glad you like it so far. And LOVE the name.

Much thanks to all the hits and reviews ^^ It is very much appreciated. I’m very strict/stubborn against grammatical mistakes and spelling errors. So those who come across such mistakes, please point them out for me. Everyone, I’m so so so SO sorry for the long update. But allow me to explain por favor. The first couple of weeks after my first update, I was so depressed over something and its kept me from writing. Every time I was going to write about something, it always ended with a few ppl dying. And of course, by ‘ended’, I mean after like 20 chapters. I plot ahead by a LOT. Moving on, I wanted to be subtle on the suspense, add some humor, drama, and adventure. To those that care, I AM going to school. And what with that, working around the house, and having three brothers it’s really hard to get on the computer.

~Recap~
Sunday- Sakura was questioned by people she is unfamiliar with about the affairs of her objective. Later on, while training, she realizes that someone has been following her.
Monday- Naruto is found by Sasuke in a very bloody state. While he is continuously urging Sasuke to leave him, Naruto blacks out into an unconscious state. Later on, Shika and his team come by to their meeting point to collect a report from both Naruto and Sasuke. However, rather than finding the two, they discover signs of fighting.
Thursday- Tsunade is going through reports and Raido presents her with a scroll from Sakura and Neji. The Hokage seems to be harboring a few hunches of what may be going on (perhaps between Neji/Sakura’s mission and Naruto/Sasuke’s?)
Friday- Shika, Kiba, and Tenten report their findings about Naruto and Sasuke, whom are now presumed missing.

Chapter Two - Journey Back


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*Early Sunday Morning*
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A silver haired Jounin crouched against a tree holding a kunai in hand. His breathing was slow and steady; ears were open for any movement. Sweat trickled his brow and he leisurely lifted a hand to wipe it away. He etched his free hand down to the holster wrapped around his thigh and pulled out a small chipped glass.
Pulling up his Hitai-ate, he moved the glass at an angel to see his surroundings behind him. Reflected in the pocket-sized mirror was two hidden Shinobi’s blending in the trees. Sighing softly, he concealed the hand glass into one of the many pockets of his Jounin vest. Is that all you’ve got? Really now, my students can do better than that. Just as the words crossed his mind he heard a rustle from above. Three? I guess I missed one. His hand swiftly began to form a few seals, but before he could finish his body completely froze in place. Staring down, he noted that a shadow was keeping him held in place. He frowned at the shadow just as a masked Shinobi dropped from the trees above and landed beside him.


The Jounin winced at the way the shadow forced him to dip low before it released the hold it had on him. “Nara?”


The newcomer stood from his crouched position and folded his arms over his chest. He looked the man over as he pulled up his deer Anbu mask.


“Is there a reason why you interrupted me from my training session with the newbies?” He angled his head to the side, denoting the masked Anbu behind him. The Shinobi released themselves from their genjutsu and appeared from their camouflaged state and approached their sensei.


Shikamaru kept quiet as he studied the man in front of him. Throughout his few encounters with the ninja, he could never tell whether he wore a face of seriousness or of boredom such as the one he’s so used to. The mans face was covered by a cloth that concealed his features from the nose down to the neck. He wore a hitai-ate that dropped to the side to conceal his left eye. Despite his age, being in the early 30’s, he was still as fit as a teenager.


“Something wrong?” he asked the quiet teen.


The brunette sighed. Che, too troublesome. Might as well get it over with. He cocked his head to the side, motioning the now nearing Anbu. This was classified information. Only a few chosen Shinobi will hear of it.


Having understood his message, the silver haired Jounin raised a two-finger solute into the air. “Let’s call it a day, guys. Genma won’t be expected for another hour, so see this as an opportunity to spar with one another.”


The Ninja’s complied and disappeared off into the trees, leaving their sensei and Shikamaru to talk alone.


Shikamaru didn’t want any delays, so he went straight to the point. “By orders of the Godaime,
you are needed back in Konoha.”


Completely taken off guard, Kakashi stared, puzzled by the sudden call back. “What happened? I wasn’t expected back till another three months.”


“Naruto and Sasuke have gone missing. Tsunade-sama’s orders were to inform you and the Kazekage.”


The Jounin froze at the revelation. “Naruto and Sasuke?”


“I’m to recruit two Anbu squads and search for them.”


“Naruto and Sasuke?” he repeated, not quite sure if he heard correctly.


The brunette sighed before answering. “Yes, Naruto and Sasuke. Two Anbu squads are to be assembled and search for the two. I would like you to be the squad leader that will direct them into the Coppice Chi. It has now been 6 days. We don’t believe that they’ve been captured, but Hokage-sama would like them to be located as soon as possible. Their disappearance was discovered on Monday by my own trio.”


“Where is your duo?” asked Kakashi, having just realized that the brunette was alone.


“Tenten is awaiting for Neji’s arrival back at Konoha. Sakura and he are due back sometime today. And as for Kiba…. well, he’s comforting Hyuuga-san.”


“Hinata Hyuuga? What happened?”


“During our conference with the Hokage, Hinata had overheard about Naruto and Sasuke’s disappearance.”


“Oh no.” he winced. Kakashi knew the Hyuuga’s feelings towards his former student. It was no secret that she adored the blonde with everything she had.


“She went hysterical.” Shikamaru shook his head lightly, frowning at the recent event that had taken place the day before. “Tsunade-sama was forced to inject her with a sedative to keep her pacified.” He paused for a moment as he stared into the obscured sky. “She is not to tell anyone what she heard. Sakura is not to know either.”


Kakashi nodded in agreement. He knew what his former student was now capable of. She would, without a doubt, go after the boys.


“Given under different circumstances, the disappearance of the two wouldn’t be taken so seriously. However, we have reasons to believe that they might at least be quite injured from the evidence that we’ve come upon.”


“Evidence?”


Shikamaru watched the dry sky, annoyed that there were no clouds in sight. “That’s why we need you, Kakashi-san. The Showering Chi is a very dangerous forest. I couldn’t risk Tenten and Kiba’s safety.”


“What evidence though?” asked the confused scarecrow.


The brunette yawned, scratching his head as he turned his eyes towards the Jounin. Even as he blinked, he could still see the events that had happened. He may not have been there, but from the information that he himself alone had gathered, he knew that Orochimaru had done something to the blond. And after further investigation, he believed that a summoning was conjured. It would explain the blood. The copious of blood that came from many people. But he didn’t tell the Godaime this. She was already worried as is about her little brother. That and she threw her desk at them to get the hell out of the office when Kotetsu and Izumo reported that the Feudal lord in Birds had gone ballistic and demanded the best shinobi to come and retrieve him and some cat.

-----------****-----------



“It’s nice and quiet. I love it like this.” Naruto admired the stretch of land they were on, taking in the scent and beauty. “If it weren’t for the fact that the forest itself was a danger zone, then I’d come here all the time. Of course, I’m not the one to fear a forest, just saying. Safety precautions is all. Sakura would love it here.” There was a short pause as he thought of his friend. “I miss her. Hope we get to see her soon.” He stole a quick glance at his friend and continued in the same cheery voice, “I’m proud of her. She’s become a Jounin. I guess it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, but she worked so hard. And after all, we do have Kakashi; One of Konoha’s best. After ero-sennin that is.”


“Hn.”


“She’s great, you know.” he continued. “Always trying her best to keep up with us. And she’s really strong. Ne Sasuke?”


“Hn.”


“Always working really hard and never giving up. Just like you, right?”


“Hn.”


The blonde frowned at his friends’ lack of vocabulary before shrugging it off. “As soon as we’re done with this mission, we can get you a girl.”


“Hn.”


“No seriously, Sasuke. You need a woman in your life. You’re so stiff. And there’s a plus side.” he added brightly. “You need to have lots of babies, to resurrect your clan and all.”


“Hn.”


Naruto rolled his eyes. “I can picture your kids. Chibi Sasuke’s with bad attitudes. All fighting off fan girls and trying to obtain the sharingan eye before the other. And of course, sparring with my future kids.” The blonde shinobi took the time to picture his future life with his best friend by his side. A brief image of little kids with dark raven hair ran through his mind as he saw them trying to murder his little blonde children. “You know, I think I’ll try and have as many girls as possible….just to be safe.”


Sasuke quirked a brow in which Naruto just grinned. “Maybe my girls will fall in love with your boys. And then you’ll have an even bigger clan.” The blonde smiled. “They’ll have the Uzumaki blood, so they’ll have all the energy in the world to keep up with your boys and tire them out.” He blushed after a moment and gave a sheepish grin. “I don’t think that came out right. Anyways, I know the perfect girl for you.” He scrunched his face into thinking mode as he pondered on the personalities that best fit his stoic comrade. “You need a mate that can handle your attitude and doesn’t mind having to start conversations with an introduction, body, and conclusion.”


A small blonde bird chirped in agreement as it flew to Naruto’s shoulder.


“Well hello, girl. How are you?” he asked his guest.


The bird happily sang, attracting four other birds from a nearby tree.


“Awww, it’s so nice to know that I have so many positive responses. See Sasuke? Even they agree.”


“Hn.”


“Don’t mind him,” he muttered to the birds, “He just has a stick up his ass.”


The raven teen shot the blonde a dirty look and presented him with one of his Uchiha death glares.


“I’m far from immune to that look.” Naruto yawned and scratched at the collar of his neck. “You know what? Sakura would have to be the one for you. She’s one of the few girls that you can stand anyway. Unless she’s with Neji now. God I hope not. I mean, I love the guy but….oh wait, never mind. I almost forgot; Tenten and him hooked up about a week before we left on this mission.” He smiled thoughtfully and rubbed his chin.


The Uchiha prodigy ignored the other while he surveyed the grounds.


“Gods Sasuke, it’s not like someone is going to just jump up here outta the blue. We haven’t seen anyone, much less a shinobi, for the passed week.” Naruto narrowed his eyes in his frustration. “Try and relax or something.”


“Hn.”


“Dammit, these birds talk more than you. I have better luck finding Itachi and starting a conversation with him.”


“Hn.”


Naruto let out an exasperated sigh before throwing on another goofy grin.


“Ne, Sasuke, what kinds of things do you like?”


“Hn.”


“Is that a ‘Hn, let me think about it?’ or a ‘Hn, what is the quickest way to dispose of you?’”


“Hn.”


“C’mon Sasuke, what kind of things do you like? I know you can’t possibly hate everything. I mean, you ARE human after all. Last time I checked anyway.”


The teen in question grunted and gave a half shrug. He sighed at the blonde’s desperate attempt at a conversation with him, when he clearly wasn’t interested in what the idiot had to say.


“Well, I know you like sparring, beating the snot out of people, being a hard ass, and stuff like that, but what do you like ? What makes you happy?” Say something dammit; I’m getting bored. “Talk dammit. The quiet is getting on my nerves.” Actually, it was making him nervous. Ever since that day, a few weeks back, he’s been getting the cold shoulder from his former team mate. But he couldn’t understand why.


The Uchiha spared him a brief glance before returning his gaze to the area around him. He was too tired to pay any heed to the blue-eyed blonde.


“So what, are you just going to ignore me?”


“Hn.”


“Am I really bothering you that much?”


“Do you really need to ask?” he asked dryly.


“Why can’t you talk for a change?”


“And why would I want to waste my time by speaking with someone like you, dobe?”


Naruto frowned at the comment, masking his hurt with a little anger. “It’s not my fault that I’m stuck with you as a partner, you insensitive jerk.”


“I wouldn’t be the one complaining, Usuratonkachi.”


“TEME.” The blonde growled before turning his head away from his former teammate. “If you didn’t want me as your partner then you should have said so rather than being an ass about it.”


“I thought you already knew that, stupid.” he retorted. “I didn’t want you as a partner. Now fuck off. You’re annoying the shit out of me.” His face remained impassive with a hint of coldness in his voice.


Naruto pinched the end of the raven teen’s nose and gave a sorrowful pout, “Just trying to keep you company,” he muttered, before jumping off the tree Sasuke and him were perching on. Upon landing on the ground, he padded through the trees and out of sight.


The blonde kicked some of the loose branches and rocks in his way as he strolled away from his campsite. He frowned and began muttering to the ground. “Stupid Sasuke and his stupid grumpy nature. ….doesn’t even know the meaning of friends.”


The Uchiha let out a long sigh once he felt his rivals’ chakra fade. He kicked his legs out from under him to sit more comfortably on the limb he was perched on. To his side, hung over by a branch, was a small navy blue bag. He reached over and took hold of it, immediately taking out the scroll that the Hokage had assigned to the two Shinobi. Having memorized the names off the list long ago, he grabbed a pen and began jotting down notes next to each person.

Aguri - Male - Last spotted- 2 months ago in a rented cabin in the woods of Sunakagure.
Arata - Male - Last spotted- works mainly at night. He’s been detected 3 months ago in the land of waves.
Enya - Male - Last spotted- a small village hospital in the Land of Vegetable approximately 3 months ago.
Hiraku - Male (Can be mistaken as a female) - Last spotted- Hidden Mist (Constantly resides somewhere in the Mist village.)
Arisa - Female - Last spotted- A month ago in the Coppice of Showering Chi.
Sana - Female - Last spotted- Wasn’t seen at all throughout the mission.
Naomi - Female - Last spotted- Hidden Rock Village.
Tsukasa Kaiyza - Male - Last spotted- Hidden Star Village about 3 months back.
Tsukiya Kaiyza - Male - Last spotted- Within the walls of Sound, 2 and a half months back..
Tsurugi Kaiyza - Male - Last spotted- Within the walls of Sound, 2 and a half months back.
Beniko - Female- Last Spotted- ?

As he finished recording a few notes, he stole a glimpse of his surroundings. Honestly, the blonde was right. There haven’t been sightings of anyone for the passed week. Almost two weeks even. He stretched his arms out in the open and rolled his shoulders. Maybe a little meditation will help him relax. He opted to just stretch his self on the trees’ limb and have his back against the bark. Just three more weeks, Naruto. Three more and we’ll be back home. Closing his eyes and concentrating on nothing but emptying his thoughts and keeping his breathing steady, he didn’t even register the sleep that took over his comfortable state.


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æææææææææææææææææææææææææ
Pain is slowly pulling me away from sleep. I feel like shit. My head is throbbing and my body is cursing as oxygen is forced into my burning lungs. My ribs ache and wave after wave of nausea is threatening to overtake my body. As the pain of exhaustion and hunger course through my body, I hear the ticking of a clock. Time . What time is it? And …where the hell am I? I can’t seem to open my eyes, so I begin to map my surroundings with my achingly sore hands. Why do I feel so weak? I feel a bed. So I’m resting. Hn. Well, I know I’m not in a hospital, even though the scent of sterile medical tools is wafting to my nose. Maybe it’s the fireplace that I hear roaring somewhere off into the distant part of this room. I try and sit up and am rewarded with a painful back and spine. Why do I feel like I’ve been stoned? I need to know where I’m at. Shouldn’t I be in the forest? I remember running like hell. Maybe that explains my sore muscles. I was moving at a constantly fast pace for a long period of time, after all. But what happened after that? I massage my aching head when all of a sudden an enormous pain awakens. I immediately withdraw my fingers. What the fuck was that? I run my left hand through my wounded scalp and hiss. A large portion of my head is sporting crusty blood.


“Ouch.”


And that’s when it hit me… Naruto. He was injured. He needed help. I was trying to awake him, but I got distracted. Something really sharp had scraped against my head. Maybe. . .hell, I don’t know. I think a fucken rock was thrown at me. I remember blacking out and feeling someone kicking the shit out of my body. Hmmm, well, I guess that explains why I’m in a murderous mood. My musings almost distract me completely from something important. And besides that being that I should get my ass moving, I almost forgot about the dobe. Where the hell is he?


“Naruto?” I call out.


I immediately jump out of bed and fall very unceremoniously onto the hard wooden floor.


“Son of a…”


Where the hell am I, in a cabin? I push myself off the ground, ignoring my horrendous headache pleading me to crawl back in bed, and try to open my eyes. Nothing. Why the fuck won’t my eyes open? This is beyond pissing me off. I feel cranky, stressed, and I’m most certain that I’ll murder the first thing that comes through the door. Speaking of which, where the hell is that damn thing? As if my thoughts had summoned someone to me, I hear the sound of a doorknob rattling before it’s opened. I grit my teeth angrily as I get into a fighting stance. I don’t know where the hell I am, half my body feels numb and useless, I’ve got a headache the size of Jupiter, and . . . and . . . .HOLY FUCK. I hastily pat myself around my body as I hear someone gasp. I am as naked as the day I was born. And had that not been a feminine gasp, I’m sure that I would have struck them dead. I strategically retrace my steps and make a desperate grab for the bed sheets. As of now, I really hope that whoever is in this room does not know me. I can’t sense their chakra. So either she’s a young kunoichi and I just blinded her for life, or she’s a young villager and I just blinded her for life. How the hell did I not realize that I was naked?


“Y-you’re up.” came the timid voice.


Yeah, lucky me. I wrap the sheets around my waist and try to maintain some semblance of posture. “Where are my clothes? Why am I naked? Where the hell am I? Why the fuck can’t I open my eyes?” Yup, posture in check. I mentally pat myself on the head.


“What’s the hold up, Risa?”


That voice is slightly more mature than the one I just heard. I hear some steps out in the hallway, and as they draw nearer I tense. I feel slightly vulnerable to the outside world in this position. Can you blame me? I can’t open my eyes and I have no clothes on. Sheets don’t count. I can’t just have my winger dinger flashing out for everyone to see. That’s just embarrassing. How many people are here? Am I safe? I try and relax as the door opens, signaling the arrival of a second person.


I hear an intake of breathe. “He’s up.” Came the bold voice.


The sheets around my body tighten by pure impulse as I stare off in what I believe to be their direction.


“I was afraid that you wouldn’t wake up.” Came the timid voice that belonged to Risa.


“Mhmm. It’s Sunday. You’ve been out for 6 days. But you weren’t dropped here till the day before. I was beginning to worry that you’d be just like Blondie.”


“Naruto?” I ask, in a silently questioning way.


“Poor guy. Definitely the unfortunate one.” said the bold sounding girl.


Something, and I’m not sure what, but something triggers off in me as the girl said those words. Unfortunate one? Does that mean that….what does that supposed to mean?


“I’m terribly sorry,” said Risa.


“What happened?” I ask. I know that I must look strange to them. What with my mouth partially open and my eyes closed.


“W-what happened?”


“Is he alright?” I find myself chewing on my bottom lip as I desperately walk towards the two. I’m in so much pain, but I don’t care anymore. I don’t care about anything. “Is he okay?”


One of the girls seemed to have sensed my panic and spoke-


“Yes. Don’t worry. He’s sleeping.”


Those words brought immediate relief to me as I allowed a sigh to escape my lips. Kami. I sigh again as I rub my forehead. I’m in desperate need for a warm shower. “I want to see him.” I shake my head, remembering that I can’t open my eyes. Oh crap. A horrible thought just came to mind. What if something’s wrong with my eyes?


“Sure thing.” I can’t tell who said it, but the voice came from my right side. “But, you may need to get some clothes first.”


I nod. Clothes sound really good. “Wait. Why don’t I have anything on?” I ask.


“Oh, well,” came Risa’s voice again, “After you guys were dropped from the hospital, you were left clad in only a long shirt. But the shirt was in the way whenever we had to administer a shot to you or check on your wounds. It kind of came to the point that your clothing became bloodied up. So we had to throw them away.”


“Where are we?” I feel that I should try and calm down and try to figure a few things out. The condition that I’m in right now will only serve by stressing me out if I don’t get some questions answered.


“You are in a small village town, approximately 45 miles from where you were found.” came the bolder voice again.


“Who are you guys?” I really want to know. More importantly, I want to know who saved us. 45 miles is a helluva long way away from the forest.


“My name is Saki.”


I feel someone grab a hold of my hand and shake it in greeting.


“And my name is Risa.”


I feel another hand, a hesitant one, shake mine. I tighten my left hand over the hem of the sheets wrapped around my waist as I shake each of their hands. I really have to use the restroom.


“Oh, sorry. The restroom is this way.” came Saki’s voice.


I frown. I didn’t think that I had said that out loud. I feel a hand grasp my wrist and someone begins to lead me away.


“Why can’t I open my eyes?” Please tell me that my eyes are alright. “Is something wrong with them?” I mentally plead and hope that I’m not blind or anything.


“Oh yeah. I almost forgot,” came Risa’s shy voice. “Stilmayra had a Jutsu used on you to keep them closed. She didn’t want you to accidentally attack the either of us while you were here.”


“Who’s Stilmayra? How many people are here?”


“Firstly, we are the only people here. That is, me and Risa. Stilmayra is out on a mission right now. She’s constantly gone, but she should be back soon.”


Mission? “What village do you work for?” I ask.


“We don’t work for any Shinobi villages.” said Risa.


“We’re just your average villagers.” came Saki’s voice. “Stilmayra is the one that saved you and Blondie.”


Saved me and Naruto. “A girl single-handedly saved us?” That’s highly strange. Not that I think that woman are incapable of doing extraordinary things, but . . . .but what? There were a lot of people. I sensed maybe about five Shinobi. Did this Stilmayra character fend off everyone from killing us?


“She wasn’t alone.” replied Risa. “Lulu was with her.”


“They make a great team.” added Saki.


Lulu? A team, huh? Speaking of team- “Hey, where are you taking me.” I almost forgot that I was being dragged through what I presume to be hallways.


“The washroom.”
æææææææææææææææææææææææææ


A girl with a black bandana wrapped around her head guided the Uchiha passed 4 doors before taking a right.


Sasuke sniffed the air. A delicious smoky scent poured into his nose as he passed what he assumed to be the kitchen. His stomach chose that moment to growl, reminding the teen that he was very hungry.


A long-haired brunette giggled as she spoke. “We’ll take care of that just soon as we get you some clothes. Saki and I were cooking before I came to check on you.”


The raven teen nodded as his guider, who he believed was Saki, brought him to an abrupt stop.


“Here’s the shower room.” said Risa. She gave him a slight nudge in the back, telling him to go on ahead.


Without hesitation, Sasuke entered the room, closing the door and immediately mapping his way to his dear friend, Mr. Toilet.


Both Saki and Risa departed in different directions as they allowed the Uchiha some privacy.


-----------****-----------


“You can relax now, Sakura.”


The kunoichi turned her head, eyeing her friend. “I am relaxed.”


“Are not. You’ve been tense for the passed 36 hours,” said the raven youth, smiling slightly under his eagle Anbu mask.


Sakura sighed, still turning occasional glances to her right and left. They were nearing the Konoha gates, and Sakura couldn’t be happier. She’s been having that feeling. The feeling that someone has been watching her again. Following maybe. She hadn’t been able to sleep for the passed week because of this feeling. She was scared. But telling Neji seemed almost ridiculous. “I’m just….well, you know-.”


“-a bit paranoid ?” he added.


Sakura smiled a bit nervously as they turned onto a different path. “Just worried. You know how it is.” she said. “Can’t be too safe-.”


“-because once you relax, you fall into a trap.” he nodded. “I know, Sakura, I know. But there is no need to worry. I’ve been using Byakugan for awhile now.” And sure enough, his eyes were activated and surveying the perimeter around them. “Nothing can escape a Byakugan.” he said reassuringly. “Second thought, I take that back. There is a person who can attack me and still catch me by surprise. The only person that I know that has no problem passing by my eye is Shikamaru. But you don‘t need to worry about him attacking us.”


“Shika? Really?” She found that bit of information interesting and tried distracting herself by thinking of her other friends. She quickened her pace, more than eager to go home.


“Yes. He has this technique where he can blend with the shadows. My Byakugan can’t detect it because he practically masks his body as a shadow. It takes up quite an amount of chakra to pull it off properly. And also, he moves at an incredible pace. Great guy. Lazy, but a genius.”


Sakura nodded. “Yes, always a genius.”


“No need to avoid the situation, Sakura. Try and relax. And look at the bright side; you’ll be seeing Sasuke and Naruto-kun soon.” He smiled. He missed both his comrades. More so, he yearned for Naruto and his energetic smile. There hadn’t been a day that passed that he didn’t think of his blue-eyed friend.


The kunoichi instantly cracked a huge smile, illuminating her tired face greatly juxtaposed to her earlier strained one.


Neji turned to her, noting her sudden smile. “Much better. I like your smiles, Sakura. Sadly though, I haven’t seen much of them during the passed few months we’ve been together.”


Sakura blushed at the comment. It was true. Her paranoia has gotten the best of her, leaving her quite stressed and frigid.


A sudden movement from the left was caught by their attention, and Neji immediately swayed, blocking Sakura as he hooked a finger securely around a kunai. Seconds later and a figure collided with him.


“NEJIIIIIIIII. You’re back, you’re back, you’re back.” The figure hugged the raven teen tight, smiling brightly. “I’ve been waiting forever. Lee and I were about to come look for you. You’re finally back. It’s been so lonely without you. You’re back, you’re back.” The kunoichi giggled, tightening her hold around the firm figure.


Sakura laughed at the scene. Neji was still holding the Kunai and balancing himself on the rugged ground as he held on to the excited girl in his arms.


“Tenten,” chocked Neji.


“You have no idea how much I’ve missed you. I was on the verge of coming to see you on the mission if I had to wait any longer.” She cried happily over his black vest.


Neji rubbed her back soothingly as he spoke, “Tenten…..…air.”


The brunette reluctantly released him, pulling up his mask to stare into his pearly white eyes. His eyes sparkled like the most beautiful jewel, and his skin was still as soft as she remembered. A silver glow almost seemed to be eliciting from that wonderful sheath. He obviously shaved; his face was as smooth as a baby’s behind. She looped an arm around his neck as he raised a hand to hold her chin high. He studied her as he drew his face closer, guiding her to a chaste kiss.


Sakura stood behind them, smiling at the scene. She felt slightly off, however. Like she was a third wheel intruding on a private moment. She felt somewhat dismal for not having someone be able to greet her back like Neji.


Neji pulled away with Tenten still staring deeply into those big white eyes. He stared back as he wiped her tears away, giving her a warm smile. She gave him a quick peck on the lips as she laced her fingers with his. They began walking as she told him of the on goings in Konoha.


“You’ve missed so much Neji.” She smiled as she jostled their entwined hands together back and forth. “We have a few new Shinobi who’ve become Jounin and Anbu. It’s awesome. But they’re not here. Everyone is out on missions. But still, Konoha is at peace. Lee and I made it a constant habit to go sparring everyday. We have suspicions to believe that Gai sensei finally settled down with a girl.” she batted her eyes knowingly, positive that it’s true. “He’s always disappearing off and we don’t know any more than that he is always gone training outside the Konoha gates. He’s actually one of the few Jounin that are still here. Tsunade-sama won’t allow him to leave on any missions. He got too excited on that last one that he was on when he was with Kakashi. Something about trying to prove the importance of youth to a stray of violent teenage girls.” The brunette giggled. It was hard to believe that her former teacher had found his self in such a chaotic mess involving females.


Neji smiled. “What was their mission?” If it had anything to do with girls, then he knew without a doubt that it was tough. The girls that he encountered on his mission left him exhausted. He’d had to go as far as make out with one just so she’d stay quiet about him being a Shinobi. She wasn’t a bad person, but very persistent nonetheless.


“Hmmm, now that you ask, I’m not sure. I’ll make a mental note to ask him later.” She tapped her bottom lip in thought. “I swear I had a lot of things I was going to say, but now that you’re here, I forgot everything.” She frowned at her own fault, scratching furiously at her temple. “Let’s see….A new restaurant just opened last month. Za Mikkusu. It’s a very nice, romantic place to dine.”


“Then we’ll have to eat there sometime,” he said calmly. Using his still activated Byakugan, he saw that Sakura had her head down, following them absently. He gave a slight tug on his arm so Tenten would slow down as she spoke. Seeming to understand, she slowed down and allowed for Sakura to catch up. The moment the kunoichi fell along their side, Neji placed his arm around her shoulders, keeping her from bypassing them.


“Huh?” Sakura stared at the two, not even noticing that she had caught up.


“And where do you think you’re going?” he asked, still looking ahead.


“I just…..well…. I mean, …..you just….-”, she stuttered for the right words that failed to come.


“We missed you so much, Sakura.” beamed Tenten. “Don’t think that you can get away that easily.”


Sakura returned the smile as the three approached the gates. Two Anbu guards stood on either entrance, nodding their heads in greeting.


“This is Momo and Rini.” said Tenten. She indicated the Anbu with swirly markings streaking her mask as Momo, and announced the other Anbu with rabbit ears as Rini.


Both Sakura and Neji exchanged a quick glance at the other before smiling at the two women. Tenten then led them away, finally passing the gates. Once they were safe within the walls of Konoha, Neji’s lip twitched, attempting to stifle a smirk. Sakura, however, allowed the laugh to escape. “That’s so cute.” exclaimed the strawberry haired blonde. “Don’t you think that it ruins their image with those kinds of names?” (Authors note: Momo means ‘peach’ and Rini means ‘Little bunny’)


Tenten tittered, agreeing with the two. “I know. But you have to hand it to them. They are very serious about their job, and they do keep Konoha safe.” She yawned and turned to her right. “Sakura?”


Said girl quirked a brow, “Yeah?”


“Tsunade-hime would like for you to go straight to the Hospital. She said that they’ve been having quite a tough time without you. And what with her being the Hokage and me an Anbu, it’s really hard to find people to help out. Neji will go straight to the tower and report, so no worries.”


Sakura nodded after a moment. “Alright. But-” She was interrupted from finishing by the brunette.


“-She also said first thing in the morning you need to go and see her. Right now she’s really busy with work and missions. But tomorrow morning will be clear for just the two of you to talk.” She looked over at Sakura, who still had a questioning look lingering in her green eyes, and added, “There has been quite a rush of missions coming in these passed two weeks. It’s ridiculous I tell you.”


The kunoichi nodded again in understanding. “Okay then. I guess this will be my stop.” Sakura made to leave, but Neji tightened his hold around her shoulders.


“Allow me to walk you.” he said.


When she looked into his eyes, slightly startled, he smiled. It was a friendly smile. Their relationship progressed immensely while together those passed several months. He didn’t want to let her go just yet.


“Arigatou, Neji. Anou… if I need to go now….” she tried indicating how Tenten worded what the Hokage had said, but failed.


“Don’t worry. At least allow me to escort you to the Yamanka’s Flower Shop. That’s not far from where the tower is anyway. And it’s just on your way to the hospital.”


“Oh, that’s right.” Sakura smiled. “And I could see Ino.”


They walked near the right of the curb to avoid the children that were playing in the middle of their path, when Tenten spoke-


“Ino just came back from a mission this passed Friday with Hinata. We haven’t really seen her.” The brunette frowned inwardly. She loved Sakura, but she wanted to spend some quiet time with Neji before they had to go see the Hokage. “She probably needs company though. Not even Shika had time to drop by and say hello.”


The strawberry blonde smiled. “Alright then. I’ll see her as soon as I can.” Sakura made another turn and stopped at the wonderful sight of a beautiful restaurant. “Oh wow. Is this the new restaurant?” Breaking loose from Neji’s hold on her, she beamed bemusedly at the huge diner. The building was fortified with thick walls and resembled that of a castle. The cones that topped the structure were a sheer and beautiful red while the walls were a creamy white. The grass around the building was a very healthy green, and flowers, no doubt from the Yamanaka’s, adorned the grounds. There were several long, green tinted windows, which encircled the beautiful palace. A sweet pleasing scent educed from the construction before her, almost drawing her in to this beautiful edifice.


Tenten giggled at her reaction as Sakura absently walked towards the building. “It does that to people.” She reached out to grab a hold of the kunoichi when something green flashed right by her in a blurry rush.


“SAKURA-SAN.” Lee had to progress all his will power to not choke his object of affection in an overbearing hug. In the meantime, said teen was clutching at her heart from a near heart attack.


“Gomen, Sakura-san. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” he said nervously, all the while still enthusiastic by her appearance.


Sakura recovered quickly and laughed at Lee’s excited state. She could almost swear that his deep chocolate eyes held dancing flames as he gave her one of his bright smiles. “It’s great to see you, Lee-kun.” And she surprised him when she jumped into his arms for a long embrace.


Lee couldn’t hide the huge smile that graced his face at being able to hold the beautiful kunoichi. He missed her from the very day she left.


“Well Sakura, it was nice seeing you. We’ll be leaving now so you can spend some time with Lee. Ja.” Tenten said this really fast as she tightened her grip around Neji’s fingers. With a last quick wave the raven teen was able to give to the strawberry blonde, he disappeared along with Tenten. He may not have walked her off to the Yamanaka’s, but at least Lee was with her.


“Sakura-Chan, there is so much to show you. It would be my honor,” Lee handed her beautifully wrapped Sakura blossoms as he spoke, “if you would come with me to Za Mikkusu. sometime. I will be the perfect gentlemen, or I promise, on the statues of the Hokage’s before me, that I will run 500 laps around Konoha.”


Sakura smiled. Already things were looking up.


-----------****-----------


The Uchiha stood in the bathroom, waiting for the water in the shower to get warm. His muscles were very sore, and he just finished unwrapping all the bandages that covered 35 percent of his body. He tried to pry his eyelids apart by using his fingers, but it only earned him more unwanted pain.


“Fuck.” he hissed.


He tried desperately to think of a Jutsu that’d help remove whatever this ‘Stilmayra’ person had inflicted on him, but truth be said, he was scared that he was going to make his self lose his eyes. It was best to wait till she came and removed what was done. He dismissed the troublesome situation from his mind and stepped into the shower, glad that the water didn’t agitate his still visible wounds.


Searching unsurely with his hands, he found a bar of Pine scented soap and began working it with a washcloth. His breathe caught every time the cloth ran over his injuries. Suddenly, his mind drifted to a certain blonde.


“As soon as we’re done with this mission, we can get you a girl.”


He sighed. It wasn’t the same. Why couldn’t he understand that?


“You’re so stiff.”


He chewed his bottom lip. Even he can admit that yes, he has been very firm.


“So what, are you just going to ignore me?”


“…why would I want to waste my time speaking with someone like you, dobe?”


He scrubbed harder.


“It’s not my fault that I’m stuck with you as a partner, you insensitive jerk.”


Guilt overcame him. It was true. He was purposely mean to the blonde. And Naruto didn’t even know why. How would he?


“Too…tired.”


He gritted his teeth.


“I… hurt, …Sas-ke.”


He clenched his fists, rubbing his skin with such force that he opened up his wounds and began bleeding. But still, he continued scrubbing.


“I… hurt, …Sas-ke.”


Growling exasperatedly, he rested his forehead against the tiled wall, dropping the sponge and feeling the blood seep out of his now burning lacerations. The showerhead shot fully at his throbbing head, soaking it thoroughly and making the bangs cling to his face, obscuring his closed eyelids from view. He didn’t care about the pang that surged through his head, forcing his body to shudder with sudden dizziness. He now lost his appetite. He sighed as he turned the spigot, shutting the water off and listening as the drain swallowed the rest of the liquid.


He tested the floor as he took a step out, not wanting to slip on the tiled surface. Mapping his way around the bathroom, he found the discarded bed sheet and dabbed at his soaked body, effectively wiping some blood away.


He sensed someone nearing the bathroom door, followed by a knock.


“E-excuse me.” came Risa’s voice. “Just so you know, there’s a towel hanging right outside the doorknob.”


“Thank you.” said Sasuke. He discarded the worn out sheets, dropping them over the sink where his stained dressings lied. Unbeknownst to the Uchiha, just a few inches away from where he stood was a towel rack, holding a long, thick whip, tipped with glass shards.


He heard retreating footsteps and sighed again. It could not be healthy to sigh so much. He settled a hand over the sink and made his way to the door, using the wall as his guide. He turned the knob, gasping as cold hair hit his still warm body. Wrapping the towel securely around his midsection, he patted around for some clothes that may have also been set on the floor. To his dismay, there were no garments. Grunting unpleasantly and still freezing, he walked out and focused some of the little chakra that he had and guided his body to the nearest source of body heat.


“Risa?” he called out unsurely. He kept a hand on the wall, using it to navigate his way through the halls.


“Hai?” he heard her reply. The young girl tuned to face the older teen, blushing at his state. He had water beads trickling down his muscular torso, and his hair was much longer now wet. She unconsciously noted that his hair surpassed his shoulders by a few inches, and that his bangs reached his collar bone.


“Do you have anything that I can wear?” he asked quietly.


The girl stared up at him, frowning when she recognized that many of his cuts were open. “What did you do?


A thin dark eyebrow rose, not sure of what she was referring to. He was suddenly aware that someone was behind him, and tensed as something was lightly applied to his skin.


“You really should try and keep those closed.” said Saki, lightly dabbing a cotton soaked ball over his bleeding welts.


He slowly relaxed his body, allowing the pain to override some guilt. Tsunade had clearly stated that they should never separate for a long period of time. Let alone go to sleep when one is gone. He ignored the fact that he was naked and asked where Naruto was. He wanted to see the dobe.


“Okay.” Said Saki, grabbing a hold of the ravens’ hand and dragging him down the hallway he just came from.


The Uchiha heard Risa running from behind him, catching up to the two.


“Here’s a robe,” she said, draping something cottony-soft over his taut shoulders.


Due to her surely short size, the Uchiha had to adjust the warm kimono. He tied the sash loosely while directing some chakra around him, making sure to not knock into anything.


“That feels so cool.” said Risa.


“Hn?”


“Your chakra,” she stated matter-of-factly. “It tingles like butterflies.”


Sasuke didn’t know what she meant by that, but he took it as a compliment. He liked this girl. She sounded shy and innocent. “Thank you,” he said, more softly than he’s ever believed to have spoken before.


“Stilmayra’s chakra is cool too.” she said.


“Yeah, literally,” said Saki, smiling as she took a right and passed through a curtained area. “He’s in here,” she said as she tightened the black bandanna around her head.


Sasuke took a deep breathe as he wet his dry lips, passing cautiously though the parted curtains that were made for a door.


æææææææææææææææææææææææææ
I walk into the room, clearly noticing that it is much toastier than the one I resided in. It’s very welcoming after just coming from the cold hallways. A thought just came to mind. Why weren’t we in the same room? What was the need in parting us so far apart? Maybe because these are guestrooms? I don’t really know. It feels like it. But this room is much more comfortable. I feel a warm carpet rubbing against my feet rather than the wood that was in mine, and the scent in here is very lively. Like Strawberries and cream. I smile. That reminds me of Naruto. I faintly remember smelling such a scent when we were forced to sleep side by side in a very crowded room with Kakashi, Neji, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Lee. It was actually a very memorable moment. Naruto was dead exhausted, not even paying attention that I had been sniffing his hair for the remainder of the night. When he woke up the next morning, growling because my nose was buried in his hair, I told him that the room reeked and I couldn’t go to sleep. It was the perfect thing to say to avoid any troublesome questions from our friends. That was probably a year ago. I enjoyed cuddling against him. Thank the heavens for missions that require you to snuggle against your teammates. I mentally chuckle. Naruto could be such an innocent dunce. But he’s my dunce. My soft smile lingers for a moment before I shake my head. Not anymore, I tell myself. Not anymore. My thoughts abruptly drift away as I hear something rumble outside. Was that thunder? Why does it seem that it’s raining everywhere?
æææææææææææææææææææææææææ


“Is it raining?” asked the Uchiha. He felt one of the girls directing him to sit down in a chair. There was a footing, so he realized, after blindly stepping on the bar, that this was a stool.


“Shouldn’t be, but I’m not complaining. I’ve been hoping for some rain,” said Risa, smiling at the older teen as she threw a towel over his still soaking head. “Dry yourself off. We wouldn’t want you catching a cold.”


Saki eyed the teen curiously as Sasuke stretched a hand out to feel where he was. She grabbed his wrist, pulling it gently towards a mattress. “Don’t try and wake him,” she whispered. She knew that the attempt would be futile, but chose to warn him anyway.


The Uchiha prodigy nodded, hands searching until he felt fingers. He licked his lips almost hesitantly, standing slowly as he grabbed his friends’ hand.


“I need to send a report.” said Sasuke.


Both girls nodded, understanding that he wanted to contact his village.


“There’s a place,” began Saki, “where ninja from numerous villages come to gather reports from the feudal Lords and villagers to take on missions. I’m sure by tomorrow that someone from Konoha will come. I‘ll go and bring you a blank scroll right now”


For a moment the Uchiha was struck, not sure how they knew what village he and Naruto were from. He was just about to question them when something was thrust into his hand.


“And this one belongs to your friend.” Risa pushed another hitai-ate into his waiting hands, smiling when he made a possessive fist over the two headbands.


“We’ll leave you two alone,” said Saki, smiling as she pulled her friend away.


æææææææææææææææææææææææææ
I distantly feel their presence fade and hear soft steps retreating in the hallways. I place both headbands into the pockets of my robe before directing my attention to Naruto. I wish I could open my eyes. I want to see him so badly. I’m standing over his form, softly running my fingers over his bare arm. I don’t have to be able to open my eyes to know that it’s Naruto. Even though I’d love to. I know it’s him. I can tell just by the way his skin feels. Sure, it seems a bit cold, but that doesn’t surprise me. He’s probably still trying to refresh his own blood supply that he’s lost. I hear another distant rumble of thunder as I move closer to the bedding. I feel the mattress touch my lower abdomen. I’m not that tall, but wow. That’s pretty high off the ground. I place my fingers within one of his hands, smiling when I feel a small response.


“You’ll be okay, dobe.”


I bring my free hand up and map my way to his chin. My smile only lasts for a moment when I cup his jaw. It feels broken. I frown angrily. He’s still hurt. Even after a week, he hasn’t healed? I stroke my thumb over the side of his face and try to communicate with him through my voice.


“You’ll be alright, Naruto. Don’t worry. You’ll be just fine. We were lucky this time. No one got to us. To you.” I added.


“You don’t have to worry about anything. Just ……stay resting and I’ll get in touch with Konoha. And then they’ll send someone for us.” I nod believingly, knowing that the moment Tsunade hears from me she’d have people over. I’m most certain that she’s gone ballistic by now. It’s been a week and she has not received a word from us. I’d be almost surprised if she herself does not come waltzing into the village for her precious Naruto.


“Everything will be okay.”


I find myself leaning down as I continue murmuring my words of comfort.


“I didn’t mean to be so mad.” I say. The words come out almost randomly. I guess my tongue has a mind of its own. “I didn’t.” I lean down until I can feel my lips make contact with his jaw. I press a soft kiss there as I ghost my lips over his mandible.


“I didn’t mean any of it. I was just angry. Upset, frustrated, whatever you want to call it.” I flick my tongue over a tender area of his skin, smiling when his hand clenches tighter over my own. I trail my tongue down to his ear, nipping softly on the earlobe.


“I give my consent. I’m sorry that it took so long to say that.” I whisper.


It’s a bit awkward to try and maintain my balance in such a way, so I pull back and clutch on to the edge of the mattress. I raise a foot and settle it on the border of the bed so I can hoist myself up and sit beside Naruto. It’s not as easy as I thought, but using a little of my chakra combined with my arm strength, I’m able to get my whole body up. I feel utterly exhausted, but my pained body is making sure to keep me awake. I can’t complain. I slept far too long. I settle both arms on either side of Naruto’s head and lean down, brushing my lips on his forehead. I smile, pushing back a few stray lock’s as I lick my way down, stopping to give him an affectionate peck on his nose before I pull away again. I rub my thumb over his cheek, sighing when the pad of my finger comes in contact with a few scars.


My thumb trails to his lips, and I softly run my digit over the chapped area. I want to….so badly, I want to press my own lips against his. I shouldn’t. It’s wrong. And he’d be angry if I did so. But I…..I gave my consent. I still want him to know, even if I gave him my approval. I lean down, cupping the side of his face as I bring my face closer.


“I just wanted to be with you,” I whisper.


I feel his light breathe hit my lips as my bangs fall over my profile. Just as my nose grazes his, I’m interrupted-
æææææææææææææææææææææææææ


“Anou, I have….some-thin..”


Risa parted the silk curtains as she strolled into the room, eyes going wide at what awaited her. She was just about to gather a scroll for the Uchiha and send it off when a small note came in from one of her messengers.


“I-I’m s-so sorry.” she stuttered. “I d-did-didn’t mean to …to interrupt.” she blushed furiously, hiding herself behind the small note.


The Uchiha reluctantly pulled away from Naruto, a dismal look gracing his hidden features (compliments of his bangs), as he turned to the shy girl.


æææææææææææææææææææææææææ
“It’s okay,” I say, even though it’s not necessarily true since I was unable to obtain my kiss. I was so close. Just a millimeter and it would have been success. I sigh as I rub my forehead, frowning lightly as I jump off the bed. The moment my feet touch the ground I hiss. I shouldn’t have done that. My ankles still feel wobbly and I just added unneeded pain to my sore limbs.


“What’d you need?” I ask.
æææææææææææææææææææææææææ


Risa thought that the raven teen would be angry at her for intruding on such an intimate moment, so she was more than prepared to just run out. But the moment he spoke allowed her to breathe in relief. He didn’t sound mad.


“A message just came from Stilmayra.” she said. She walked closer to the teen when he focused his face directly at her.


“A message for me?” he asked. “Why? I won’t even be able to read it.”


“I know. I read it.” she said, trying to look through his heavy, still wet, bangs. “She said something about being held up and that she was going to be late.”


“Go on.” he said, nodding as he made a mental note that it might take longer till he’ll have the Jutsu removed from his eyesight.


“Ummm. I’m not sure what it means,” she said nervously, “but the note stated, The Dawns coming. Leave.’”


……………………………….............................................


Saki walked down the hall, turning towards the source from where another thundered rumble was heard. Her face was that of confusion when she stood in front of the slide door leading to the outside. It wasn’t raining. She frowned. It wasn’t raining, there were no clouds lingering in the sky, yet there was an unearthly quake that suggested rain at any give time. Just as she opened the door, a blonde bird flew towards her. A small squeak escaped her lips at the feathery creature.


“You scared me, Nikkou-chan.” she hovered a finger in the air for the bird to settle on as she calmed her breathing.


=Chirp. Chirp. Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp.=


The brunette rose a curious brow, staring intently at the yellow bird.


“I don’t understand. What’s wrong?” she licked her lips, shaking her head as the bird proceeded chirruping.


=Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp. Chirp chirp.=


Nikkou directed a wing towards the outside, warningly snapping her small orange beak for the girl to stay back.


“But why?” she asked, holding the handle of the door to close it. Just then, her eyes grazed over the grassy expanse of the ground, noticing a few stray blue feathers.


“What in blazes-” she gasped, opening the door wide as she stepped out.


The blonde bird chirped ominously as it flew away into the protection of the mansion.


“Tsuki?” Saki’s eyes roamed everywhere, her sight catching more and more feathers. There were black, blue, orange, red, green, gray, and various of others that were still falling from the sky.


“Kibou? Umi? Sora? Eikou? Shi? Kiseki?” Her head darted from right, left, front, back, and up in the sky. What happened?


Her breathing came in quick pants as her feet retreated. Surprise attacks weren’t something she was so keen on. She knelt to the ground and swiftly unsheathed a kunai. Narrowing her eyes, she crouched against the wall of her home.


Who or what could have done this to the Seven Guardians?


The ground suddenly began to quiver from beneath her, making it difficult to maintain balance.


“So you’re under me?” she whispered, a tad bit frightened that the scoundrels were beneath her. “I’m going to kill you for what you did to my friends.” A habit at sounding bold but still feeling very insecure, she chewed her bottom lip as the quake vibrated through the full length of her body. She grabbed a syringe from her sleeve and a small bottle filled with a dark, black liquid from her pocket. Stabbing the needle through the cork of the jar, she allowed the medical instrument to consume as much of the contents’ fluid as possible.


She was just about to stab the syringe into the soil when the ground began to rise, completely knocking her off balance.


“Holy Sh-”


Saki’s body rolled over the terrain, body collecting dust and rocks scraping against her skin before she recollected herself and stabbed the ground with her kunai, effectively stopping her tumble.


“Oof.” Her body slammed against the hard floor, slightly hurting her ribs in the process. She ground out her frustration as she made to inject the poison into the ground, only to be thrown into the air as the lump under her erupted.


“GYAAAAAAA.” Her eyes widened as she was hurled into the air. She quickly grabbed a scroll from within her dark robes, unclasping the seal with a flick of her fingers before exposing the kanji sealed contents through the sky.


“DORINKU NO JUTSU.”


The moment the words left her mouth she came eye-to-eye with the most enormous and freighting yellow eyes she’d ever seen. The serpent hissed at her, eyes dancing with venom.


“Little girl,” it hissed, “do you think that you could take me on?” The slithery creature revealed fangs as it aimed to take a bite out of her body. “Your foolishness will lead to your demise.”


“SHIT.” She screamed as her feet latched on to his thick skin, successfully drinking in some of his chakra.


“Cut it out, Manda. I’m not interested in this wretched girl. Child, if you bear any knowledge of who I am, then leave.”


The brunette girl paled at the appearance of the two men that were standing over the snake’s head.


“I should eat you and be done with it, Orochimaru.” he jeered. “I don’t get nearly enough meat.”


The silver-haired shinobi that stood beside the legendary sannin gulped nervously towards the large basilisk. It was always worrying when the creature acted so….venomous.


“You can eat her once we collect what we’ve come here for.” Orochimaru offered.


“I can do whatever I damn please you pathetic excuse for a monster.”


Orochimaru frowned disapprovingly, flashing the boss basilisk with one of his own deadly glares.


I need help, thought Saki. Yes, she was quite aware who Orochimaru was and she was beginning to panic just a little bit from the disadvantage she was bringing on herself. She debated on calling out to Raven, but he was awfully injured and there was no doubt that she was better off against them than the battered teen. She abruptly clasped her hand, tightening her fist when she reminded herself that she still held the precious poison in the syringe. She was just about to puncture the beast when an abnormally long tongue encased her body and flung her in the air.


“I said leave, you worthless wench.”


“GAAAAAAAAAAAH.” The impact of the air forced both the syringe and the kunai to drop from her hands as she went sailing high. She quickly went through a few Jutsus in her mind to stop her escalation.


“Furo-to no Jutsu,” she gasped, partly chocking on the dusty particles in the air. Her body immediately froze, leaving her floating in the sky. She was a little over 100 feet above the gigantic snake, with no immediate intention of striking just yet.


“Fuyashi mimi no Jutsu.” she muttered. Chakra surrounded her ear before attacking her eardrums and intensifying her hearing.


“Kabuto?” The name came out slow, almost savoring the syllables as they passed through the pallid mans’ thin lips. “I want you to go inside and bring Sasuke-kun to me.”


“And the fox?” he asked.


The snake sannin licked his lips hungrily as he nodded. “Naruto-kun will also be coming with us.” His face graced the most sickening smile a person can wear.


“Not if I have anything to do with it,” snarled Saki, nervously going through a few seals as she curled herself into a ball. Knowledge be damned. She was not going to allow those jerks into getting near Risa.


“Genwaku meramera no Jutsu.” Her body instantly glowed to that of the sun as she began reeling down and directed her form against the snake.


Manda hissed at the gleaming light, turning his head to protect his sensitive eyes.


That’s a good sign, she thought. Especially since she never had the chance to perform such a Jutsu before.


“Does it hurt?” The girl taunted. “Then you’ll surely love this.” Her body surged faster and faster, mixing her blue chakra with the borrowed demons that she had obtained from her drain sucking Jutsu. Her body again educed an orange hue as she continued murmuring words under her breathe.


“Sansan no Jutsu.” Her body twirled so fast she could almost feel her insides blend together as her figure radiated a brilliant tangerine pigment. “Urutora Supa-ku.” Her chakra began to spark demonically, drawing out a flaring flicker all over her glowing form like fireworks in a jar.


The enormous fiend wailed in pain as it threw both Kabuto and Orochimaru off its back.


Kabuto readily landed on the ground with the snake sannin, carefully avoiding the wild snake’s attacks as it moved uncertainly across the uneven ground.


Does she have no sense? thought Kabuto.


Saki’s body lit into a ball of fire as she continued striking the eyes of the slithery beast. “You’re the one that should leave.” she said defensively. “This is my home.”


Orochimaru scowled at the idiotic girl. “Stop being so pathetic, and maybe I’ll allow you to live.” She had notability for her gutsy actions, but she was only allowed jeers for her stupidity against opponents that so obviously outranked her.


“Stop being so pathetic, and maybe I’ll allow you to live.”


Saki could feel her body slowing down as she continued to drastically spend her chakra just to perform her ball of energy.


Just leave, she thought.

“Stop being so pathetic, and maybe I’ll allow you to live.”


“KAASAN?! KAASAN?!”

The brunette mentally shook her head.


Orochimaru formed a tight rope using the thick branches off the tree. Holding it tightly with chakra and slowly pulling it back by a chakra cord, he shot out the weapon like an arrow and aimed at the females’ roaring body. It didn’t matter where he hit. As long as he was able to do something to keep her from making such a chaos would be fine.


Dirt was beginning to rise from the ground as Saki prepared for another attack. She hadn’t tested this one before and she had doubts that it would work properly, but nonetheless, she was more than ready to find out.


Manda ducked into the ground, planning to attack from under when the girl stopped moving.


The moment Saki aimed to follow the serpent, a body-striking blast shattered through her form. The air was completely knocked out of her lungs as her eyes went wide. She couldn’t scream if she wanted to. Instead, her mouth was open in a silent scream from the pain that just overrode everything she had been focusing on. Her head was pushed back far with no strength at all to lift and her body was floating in the sky from the chakra that her body just released. She didn’t know what happened. She couldn’t think, breathe, move, nor make a sound. All she could feel was unbearable pain ripping her in two.


“Hurting little girls; Is that your new angle, unn?”


Kabuto tensed at the voice. There was no way that he was here. He heard Orochimaru seethe to his side, and he faintly registered Manda shooting up from the ground to strike the immobile girl in the air.


“Deidera. How nice to see you.” greeted the sannin, a mawkish sort of smile gracing his pasty white face.


The blond man shrugged as he stayed afloat on his fabricated bird.


“Can’t say the same, unn.” he watched as the last of the chakra energy dissipated from around the girl. It was almost sad. She had been fighting so well, in his opinion. And he rather enjoyed her artsy moves.


The snake was only a foot away from the girl, and he opened his mouth to claim his delectable prize.


……………………………….............................................


Two dark figures slipped through the open slide door of the house, gliding through the hallways with gifted grace. One held a kunai, the other wielded a huge sword on his back.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Authors Note: I hope no one was disappointed by this chapter. Gomen. I didn’t really like it. Nonetheless, it HAD to be there. For those that did NOT catch on, that beginning part with Naruto and Sasuke was what happened the day BEFORE Naruto was attacked. Silly argument, ne? But you’ll understand the reasoning behind it later and why Naruto was trying to make a conversation between him and Sasuke. I know I KNOW, the chapter sucked like hell. I should slap myself. I suck horribly. I don’t even deserve comments on this chapter. Gomen nasai. But no matter the flames I get, and the one I got from ‘I hate you’ does not count, I will finish this story and write others as well. Yes, I am going to school right now, yes, I have loads of house work to do and that includes cooking and watching over my baby sis, Yes, I have OTHER siblings that get on the computer, and Yes, I am rambling, but just so you know, I have other stuff going on in my life. However, like I said, I will NOT give up on the story.


Have A Nice Day everyone. And remember: “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”


~Ria ^.~