As The Leaf Turns

Five: The discovery of the Seidan – How a star is born

Morning was still far in the distance and the blond Shinobi had barely fallen asleep when the sound of someone at his door woke him once again.
“If that is you Temari go find another punching dummy and practice your arts on it. Might I suggest Kankurou’s puppets?” he yelled and the door slowly opened.
“I don’t even want to know what you are talking about.” Said the voice from the door.
“Sasuke? Could this wait until morning? I am kinda tired.” Naruto suggested.
“And just what are you so tired from? We haven’t even had a chance to spar today?”
“You didn’t,” the blond said.
“Huh? Never mind. I just wanted to ask you something, then you can go back to sleep.” Sasuke began, “Why am I so terrible at choosing a partner, for a relationship? I seem to only attract the ones that I don’t want. And I can’t seem to manage the ones I am interested in. I’m becoming very frustrated by the whole thing.”
“Geez, Sasuke. That’s not a question that’s a whole personality prospectus. I don’t think there is enough time in the year to figure you out. Just stop whining about who and what and go with the flow. I mean, the answer is right in front of you all the time, look on the bright side. You always have me.” The blond said, bringing a scoff from his friend.
“The bright side. The. Bright. Side. Naruto, you are a genius. It was right there the whole time, staring me in the face.”
“Yeah, I know. So, how about enlightening me as to what you have figured out.” He said, as Sasuke pulled out a scroll and began flipping it over and back.
“Look the diagram is the same. Just reversed. It all makes sense now. The bright side!”
“What?” Naruto said, eyeing the scribble and shaking his head.
Sasuke turned to him and for the first time Naruto noticed a sparkling white light in the otherwise red and black void of his Sharingan.
“The bright side. I can do it. The Seidan, Naruto! I have it!” he said, excitedly.
“Oh, great.” Naruto complimented without much enthusiasm. Sasuke was so lost in his excitement that he failed to notice the disappointed look on his partners face.

A stiff breeze followed them as they headed out of the gates. The day was cool and the sand had yet to absorb the sun enough to dry the air around them.
They started for home, their prisoners well bound and tied for the trip. It would take four days but they had done such missions before.
Gaara stood at the gates and waved them on, smiling at the way they bickered as they traveled. It was obvious to the sand ninja that they were meant for each other and his advances had mainly been to send them scurrying to the arms they belonged in. It would eventually take them to each other and then he would truly smile.
It was his gift to the ninja that had given him a new reason to live and saved him so many times in the past. He turned away from the sight and returned to his duties wondering if he would ever find the soul mate He truly longed for.


Hinata had arranged to be on gate duty the day the two returned from their fulfilled mission. She smiled at them noting the way Naruto smiled brightly when he saw her, this would have sent her swooning in the old days but she had figured out long ago that Naruto was only meant for one other and it was not her, besides she had recently found the man she wanted and that was her reason for posting herself here today.
Sasuke glared at her as they arrived and she timidly turned to the Uchiha with a request.
“Sasuke-kun, if it wouldn’t be too difficult for you, could Naruto stay and speak with me? I am sure that Tobio-kun can assist you in taking these dangerous men to the Hokage.” She asked and the dark haired man stared at her before eyeing the other guard in disbelief.
“I suppose. I’ll see you when I am reporting to Tsunade, Dobe.” He said as he turned over one of the ropes to Tobio and they headed into town.
“Naruto-kun? I wanted to ask a favor of you. I know I have no rights but if you would aid me it would truly make my life so much happier.” She said, and Naruto leaned in to look her directly in the eye.
“Eh, Hinata. You look different. You look like you are in . . . . Love?” he asked, tweeking her nose gently. “And I thought I was going to have to marry you just so you would see how impossible it would be. Who is the lucky ninja?” he continued.
“Ooh, Naruto-kun. You knew? When?” she stammered.
“It was kinda obvious, Hinata. Is it okay, now?” he said. She smiled and nodded.
“I am over that. It was just that you looked like you needed someone. I thought it could be me, but I was wrong. Kiba needs me. He just doesn’t know it yet. We have been dating but he seems to like that and well, I really think he needs someone to push him a little. I would be a wonderful bride you know?” she blurted, blushing brightly.
“Yes, you would. Hinata, do you want me to talk to Kiba? I can do that for you. I would like it in fact. The more of us that get married the better for my purposes. I plan to trap my perfect mate too, you know? And it’s about time our class moved on and started settling down. Yes, I’ll do it. Tell me what you want him to know. I want to get it right.” And they stood against the gate and went over the details of what Naruto would say to the unprepared Inuzuka.

Vashta – Don’t start throwing stones. Men are men and they feel a need to sew some wild oats in their youth. It is part of life and I think it is natural. I have never agreed with the old adage that a man should be experienced and his wife a virgin to make a marriage good, and luckily I never followed it, either. Not that my marriage lasted, but that was a different story and the book isn’t finished yet.
Any person should experiment as much as they feel they need as long as they are careful and it is something they agree with. But if you fall in love with someone, do not allow their past experiences taint your views. If you weren’t with them it is not your business what they did. Again, it is a personal thing and the only thing that matters is that you agree with the current status quo.
That is what actually broke up my happy-ever-after. He can’t have you and others too, if it is gonna last. But, what he did before never came into play. And that is as it should be.
Naruto can date all he wants and sleep with a football team and the cheerleaders, now; it is what he does when they are together that will be for them to work out. And I think he will be an all for you, kinda guy.

Marielle – Is that pin staying polished? We must keep up appearances in my fan club. I am doing my best to catch this up to the beginning of the other story now, so it should start overlapping more. This chapter is about three months before Gaara is taken to the resort town. Is that helpful???
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