Losing Battles

Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I appreciate every single one of them, even if I don't respond to them individually :)

Assassins_Kiss: I wasn't offended, I really do appreciate the suggestions. As for cliffhangers- I never make it a point to end on them. If I stop that's because I probably got stuck or felt it was a natural stopping point. :) Did the last chapter seem like a cliffhanger?

Everyone else, hope you enjoy the next part~


Losing Battles
~*~Rivalry~*~


Whoever said, "It's not whether you win or lose that counts," probably lost.
~ Martina Navratilova


~*~Battle 3:~*~
Kakashi


Some days later…

Kakashi sat down under a shady tree with a copy of “Best of Icha Icha” in his hands, but his eye was somewhere else. It always amused him that his students often wondered why it took him so long to read a book. For ninja, they were rather unobservant. They never noticed that he only read his book sometimes. Sometimes, it was just an interesting ruse.

Everyone knew that people acted differently when they didn’t think they were being watched; and right now, his two male team members were putting on quite a show. It was fascinating watching the team dynamic change over the past few months or so. He had assumed that the newly evolved relationship between Uchiha and Uzumaki was simply a confused extension of their rivalry. He was delighted to discover how right he was.

At first it had started out as a form of alliance. He had nearly a few weeks of peace between those two and was surprised when it was Sakura who disrupted it. But then they both came down from the clouds, or rather, Naruto did and it was back to business. Since then, the rivalry had been back in full swing and even Kakashi stayed out of its path.

It was at this moment that Naruto had once again failed to pin Sasuke and found himself in a bind instead. Kakashi couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he could read lips well enough. Something about Naruto being bottom again.

Naruto flared up at that, managing to break free and resume the fight once more. “Ah, so that’s the game they’re playing,” Kakashi smiled.

Naruto had grown so much, but then again so had Sasuke, always making sure he was one step ahead. The sharingan was definitely to his advantage. He couldn’t blame Naruto for being frustrated, or Sakura for feeling left out when those two were at each other all the time- albeit on and off the training grounds. It was a little daunting to see how much they had progressed.

He felt a little nostalgic thinking of the days when they were young genin, still eager to prove themselves and reliant upon his tutelage. Nowadays, he felt like he too had to work hard to keep up. He was sure someone somewhere had said that the greatest day for a teacher was when his student surpassed him, but Kakashi could only wonder when it would be him holding them back.

Still, Kakashi smiled. There were still things they had to learn- things that he had learned long ago. They weren’t the first rivals to extend the battle in private and would certainly not be the last. Naruto seemed hell bent on beating Sasuke and though Sasuke made it look easy, Kakashi knew he was working hard and loved it.

It was a bit of a relief really. Sasuke had been listless after Itachi died. A little unfocused perhaps like a ronin wandering listlessly without a master; but now he was in top form. He needed a strong rival to push him. He needed Naruto. Even with one eye, Kakashi could see that. But could Sasuke?



You've got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.
~Arthur Ashe

~*~Battle 4:~*~
Tsunade

Tsunade sat in her office staring at the latest update in frustration. The Mizukage was being very stubborn. Her proposal was more than generous and even slightly more beneficial for the other village, but it seems their relationship was still rather… artificial. It would take a lot longer it seemed to build up to the level of trust that now existed between Suna and Konoha.

Still, the Mizukage had opened a small window of opportunity and she was damned if she was going to waste it.

She picked up the latest proposal at her left once more, scrutinizing every word, every sentence and every line. She hadn’t actually written it, trusting the writing abilities of the Kazekage instead. They had worked many long, hard hours putting it together during his last stay. She was always impressed by his conciseness. Not to mention, her penmanship was crap.

If all went well, the delegation would begin in a month. She knew she would not be able to personally attend, but the Kazekage was aware of the circumstances and agreed to allow a number of representatives instead. More importantly, the Mizukage had consented to send a few as well. She was encouraged by the fact that he would send any representatives at all and pissed that none of them would actually be medical staff.

Still, if all went well, a new amendment could be added to the rather limited agreement between the Mizukage and their villages. But it certainly wasn’t going to be easy.

A knock on the door brought her attention to the arrival of her visitor. She called him in, glancing up as he entered.

“How are they doing?” Tsunade stared at Hatake Kakashi from over the top of the scroll in her hands. They had met just about every week since Uchiha returned. She had been keeping very close tabs on him.

“Sakura seems to be… tolerating them more.” He smiled a little at that. She gave him a look knowing full well her apprentice’s opinion on that matter and frankly, she didn’t blame her. She had nothing but distrust for the Uchiha. Anyone that willingly followed Orochimaru and then killed him should be handled with care.

“And Naruto?” That was really what she was after.

“Sasuke pushes him rather hard. Their rivalry pushes them both, I think.”

“How hard is hard?” Tsunade asked. She placed the scroll back down on the table, watching Kakashi’s expressions carefully. She knew from firsthand experience how dangerous rivalry could become.

Kakashi tilted his head to the side as if thinking. “There haven’t been any episodes worth mentioning. I think it’s the sharingan, but Uchiha seems to be able to control the kyuubi.”

Tsunade raised a brow. That was interesting. “That doesn’t help me rest easy. I prefer that Naruto not use kyuubi’s chakra.” Kakashi nodded. “Talk to Uchiha. Sharingan or no, I want no unnecessary risks.”

Kakashi nodded.

“And Kakashi,” she continued, “I have here a rather important request from Suna.” Kakashi’s eye widened a little- a sure sign that she had his serious attention. She hadn’t sent his team on any missions outside of Konoha since Uchiha rejoined their team. “We have discussed a cooperation of sorts, starting with medical knowledge. They have poisons in the desert that few of us could ever imagine. And we have medical techniques they’ve never seen before. I am sending Sakura as my representative.” Kakashi nodded. That was to be expected. “However, I also need someone to represent the village in the meetings. The Mizukage’s representatives will also be present.”

Kakashi seemed to understand.

“We are trying to expand the alliance. We’d like to include another village in the cooperation, but we need someone to help Sakura convince them.” She took a deep breath. “I am thinking about selecting Naruto.”

Tsunade smiled. Kakashi looked about as shocked as Shizune had. She sat quietly, waiting for the protests to begin.

“But isn’t this … delicate diplomatic business?”

Tsunade grinned. “I thought I’d take a gamble. And Uzumaki says he wants be Hokage someday.” At least he was still polite. The elders hadn’t been quite so gentle in their approach.

“With all due respect, Hokage-sama, Naruto isn’t known for his delicacy.”

Tsunade smirked. She hoped that was a sign he was catching on. Putting down the scroll, she stood up and leaned against her desk.

“Exactly. I don’t think any amount of delicacy is going to change that hard ass’s opinion. What Naruto is known for is changing people’s minds; for persuading them to want to change. It’s that ability that I need for this mission.” This was perhaps the biggest gamble she was taking as the Hokage. She knew she wasn’t famed for winning risky gambles, but Naruto had always succeeded in surprising her over the years. Still, if Kakashi could agree with her, she was sure she wasn’t making a mistake.

She watched him closely- noted the furrowed brow as he thought it over.

“What about Sasuke? He’s not going to enjoy being left behind.”

“He stays here,” she scowled. “Send Sai if you insist on a four unit team. The Uchiha is still on probation. He can throw a fit, but that’s the price he pays.”

Kakashi looked a bit troubled. He shifted his feet a bit.

“Spit it out Hatake,” she growled out in annoyance.

“If I may speak bluntly…” he gave her a sheepish look. She glared at him to let him know she was waiting. “Won’t this seem like punishing Sasuke, to send his team on a mission he can’t join? He, and perhaps some others, may interpret this as punishment, or maybe even favoritism on Naruto’s behalf.”

Tsunade huffed. “And you can tell them all to take it up with me, personally. No one can debate the fact that Haruno Sakura is my best and closest apprentice. I am sending her there as my personal representative. Naruto, on the other hand, has had a close and long standing friendship with the Kazekage.” Kakashi coughed a little at her choice of description. “Rumors be damned, they still work well together.” She stopped and sighed. “I know this is a gamble. But I’m betting that Naruto is the one I need for this mission. If you had to talk to that Mizukage during the chuunin exams, you’d be agreeing with me right now.” She rubbed her eyes. It had been a long day. “If it makes you feel better, Sakura will be the leading delegate. Naruto will be there to support her- and to make sure those delegates are listening.”

Kakashi bowed. She was certain she heard a chuckle after her last statement. She took that as a sign that Kakashi had agreed. Tsunade wrapped the scroll and handed it to him. “You leave at the end of the month. Don’t let them know until necessary. I’m sure you understand why. I will send further word when I receive more details.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.” Kakashi gave a curt bow and was dismissed.

Tsunade sank into her chair, relieved and smiled mischievously. She took out a scroll and began writing to inform the Kazekage.

She couldn’t wait to tell the elders.

Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson


~*~Battle 5:~*~
Naruto

There were two things that Naruto learned very quickly. One, there would be no pillow talk. And two, Sasuke was not one for equal opportunities. Or rather… he claimed to be, provided that Naruto beat him in battle; but despite his efforts he had failed every time and Sasuke was never one to go easy on him. Not that Naruto was complaining… for now. Sasuke was quite gifted with his hips. Naruto was reminded once again as he moaned out his pleasure, his face pressed roughly against the bed sheets while Sasuke continued to pound into him.

He had lost again and so he was punished- if being ravished by the village’s most desired bachelor could be considered punishment. Sasuke’s hips smacked harshly against his ass while strong fingers dug into his hips to hold him in place. The more they pinched, the closer Sasuke was. Or so Naruto had come to notice.

Quick and dirty- Sasuke was efficient in everything.

Naruto lifted his hips higher, angling his body to take him in deeper. He snuck his hand in between his thighs to touch himself, knowing that soon Sasuke would be too gone to remember.

And after they were both spent, sometimes together- sometimes alone as Naruto jerked off after Sasuke had cum- his body sagged into the bed, alone. There was no cuddling or soft words; only the rustling of Sasuke cleaning himself and the sound of fabric being retied. Naruto would watch him absently from the bed, thinking of a million ways to ask him to stay- thinking of any way that wouldn’t fail like before. It was times like these that Naruto would remember Gaara: the times they would spend minute upon minute just touching, caressing and marveling over one another before sex, or after. There were words, and smiles and most of all, there were feelings.

Naruto knew Sasuke wasn’t one to open up easily, and he knew he had hang-ups about bonds and relationships. He had been patient, hoping that with time he could get the other man to open up. He had tried so hard not to push him too fast. But months later, he was starting to feel more and more disappointed.

“Ne, Sasuke.” The raven haired man looked over his shoulder. “We *always* do it in the same position. Don’t you think we should try something new?” Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “It couldn’t hurt to try looking at each other while we do it.”

“Hrn.” Sasuke turned back around and head for the door.

“That’s not an answer, teme!”

Sasuke paused. “When you beat me, we can try it your way.”

Naruto’s face flushed in anger. He couldn’t think of a response before Sasuke walked out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I don't think Sasuke is a bad person... just a little emotionally immature. >.>

Hope you enjoyed. If not, suggestions, comments, concerns, frustrations, etc are always welcome :)