Thin Lines and The Shinobi Who Walk Them

A/N: Sorry it took so long to update but I finally got my room done and will soon be able to write more. This chapter is kind of short but I guess it's better than nothing. I hope to get back to updating every other day if not sooner. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Five


The boat came to a sudden stop bringing Neji’s mind back to their current location. All he’d caught as they climbed into the small vessel was that they were stopping to visit someone. He’d caught bits and pieces as they traveled, being lost in thought made it hard to pay attention. Naruto was acting like nothing had happened last night and seemed to be at ease. Neji wasn’t sure if they would be working on their false relationship while Naruto did his visiting.


The water sloshed against the side as the others departed and climbed up the narrow ladder. Neji waited for his turn then made his way up. He saw no reason in rushing since they’d be wasting a few hours if not the rest of the night. It came as no surprise that the other male had made friends even on this small island. Naruto had a way of befriending even the worst of enemies.


Even he could remember at one time when he had disliked the one named Naruto Uzumaki. That day during the chunin exams he’d thought that Sasuke Uchiha was the strongest member of the rookie team. The only thing true in that statement was Sasuke was the type of person that was better skilled at unlocking their potential. Naruto on the other hand was more powerful but lacked skill to easily unlock his true potential. It was hard to admit and accept that the jinchuriki had surpassed him. He knew the only reason he’d been appointed the leader of this mission wasn’t due to strength, it was because he was more level-headed.


When they’d fought, his mind had been set to take down the opponent that had the misfortune of opposing him. It had angered him that Naruto had disagreed with his beliefs. Even more so that it had caused him to doubt it himself. The man before him had both qualities that had once made up his former team. Just like himself, Naruto had natural talent that made him a genius but would also work hard to strive and become stronger. Neji had no doubt who the next Hokage would one day be. Uzumaki had charisma, talent and determination.


“Come on Neji-kun,” Naruto hadn’t sent a message ahead of time but was sure they’d be welcomed. It’d been years since he’d seen the family and he was anxious to say hi. Not to mention if things went well they might be able to sleep in a bed tonight. The ground hadn’t been too unpleasant but a mattress was always preferred.


Was the blonde always so cheerful? Neji fell in step beside him without asking the rhetorical question. Wherever they were going he just hoped there would be something hot to eat. Since he’d agreed to take time out for this visit perhaps he could convince his partner to agree to an inn for the night. That would be splendid, a hot meal and a bath.


“It’s this way, just a short walk through the village.” Naruto couldn’t wait to see the old man. Was it just him or was Neji dragging his feet? Ready for a hot meal and company, he reached over and latched onto a free hand. Silver eyes widened and stared at him in confusion as he entwined their fingers. “Come on, I need to stretch my legs after being on that boat.”


Neji wasn’t concerned over the need to start moving but the obvious looks they had received as soon as Naruto grabbed his hand. As he trailed happily beside his fake boyfriend, he noticed how natural it felt to be led. His fingers tightened in the hold and he allowed himself to relax. Perhaps it was best that they continued the charade even now.


Minutes ticked by as they made it through the community and towards the outskirts of town. Naruto noticed how much more active the village appeared to be. He could remember the last time he’d been here. Things had improved greatly and he was glad. Kids were playing in the streets and people went about their daily business with smiles on their faces. There were more homes also, but he was sure he’d be able to find the one they’d stayed at last time. Sure enough it didn’t take him long to spot the home once they neared. Not to mention his eyes noticed a familiar figure close by.


Naruto almost called out as they spotted Tazuna standing outside the home speaking to another older man. Keeping a firm hold on the hand he was holding, he waved high in the air the second the two looked in their direction. He knew that he was recognized; Tazuna broke out in a large smile and called out to him.


“Ha Naruto-kun,” Tazuna couldn’t believe his eyes. It was the boy but in his place was a man instead of the snot-nosed little brat he’d last seen. Inari would be glad to see the shinobi. “Can you give me a minute Uraki-san?”


Naruto came to a stop and allowed the old man to join them. The other seemed content to wait for them to speak. He didn’t see Inari anywhere around but the boy had to have grown some in the last few years. “Hai Tazuna-sama, how are you?”


“Oi, we are doing great. It’s good to see you again. You’ve grown a bit I see.” Tazuna halted and placed a hand on the blonde’s shoulder. It was true; the boy had grown a good bit and had filled out. “How is everyone else doing?”


“Oh, it’s a long story actually but we’re all doing okay.” Naruto turned towards his companion. “Sorry, I’d like you to meet someone. This is my boyfriend, Neji. Neji, this is Tazuna. Remember the mission I told you about before, he was the bridge builder.”


“Yes,” no, he couldn’t remember being told about it. Neji extended the hand that wasn’t being held in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”


“Likewise,” Tazuna almost hadn’t been able to contain his astonishment at the announcement. He’d been certain that Uzumaki would end up with the pink haired girl from before. Anyone could see that the boy had been crushing back then. So what made the savior of their village turn to the same sex? Not that it would change his opinion of Naruto because they still owed the boy much. “Tsunami and Inari are still out shopping for dinner. You’re welcome to wait inside until they get back. I got to finish up some business but we’d love to have you stay the night. Inari would be upset if I didn’t at least invite you to stay an evening.”


“Dinner sounds wonderful but there is somewhere I want to visit. Is it okay if we come back in a bit?” Naruto didn’t feel up to sitting around in an empty house. There was one other place he wanted to stop by while they were here and Neji would want to leave at dawn to continue on their journey. Now was the best time to attend to his other visit.


“Nah, go ahead. I should be back before long and take your time. I’ll inform Tsunami that you two will be joining us this evening.” Tazuna could imagine how his grandson would react to seeing the older boy again. Tonight was going to be a long evening; maybe he should get some sake on the way home.


“Thanks, we’ll be back a little later.” Naruto hadn’t told Neji about the other place he wanted to stop by. He wasn’t sure how to explain it until he got there. The place did hold sentimental value and it helped to remind him that dreams were important to have.


“Where are we going?” Neji couldn’t remember being informed of another destination. He received no reply but a mere tug on his hand to indicate that he should simply follow. Not in the mood to argue, he contented himself with inspecting their surroundings. The direction they were taking would soon take them into a section of forest.


Naruto felt a sudden melancholy settle over him as they entered the wooded area that hadn’t seen much traffic since the last time he’d been up here. He didn’t suspect that many would come up here. The sun was high in the sky making it possible to navigate and find the trail. Birds flew by overhead, rushing off at their invasion.


He could remember coming to these woods with Sasuke to practice chakra control. That night they had stayed out almost all evening and a good bit of the night practicing until they both reached the top. A twinge of sorrow entered his chest at remembering his old friend. What was the man up to now? Was he still plotting revenge or would Sasuke be content on trying to revive his clan?


“It’s a little further up this hill.” Naruto indicated the direction they’d be heading. It was a shame he hadn’t stopped somewhere to pick up flowers. Perhaps Neji wouldn’t mind if he came back before they left and dropped some off. If not then he could always wake up early to do so.


Neji didn’t mind the walk it was a slow and steady pace. Not to mention even though they were out of sight of any others Naruto still had his hand. It felt so nice but it did stir some guilt to remind him that in reality that the other male was taken and off-limits. A twig snapped under his weight making the sound echo through the expanse of trees. He just hoped that wherever they were headed didn’t require stealth.


Minutes later they stepped into a clearing and Neji could make out a hill that overlooked the village below. It was an amazing view but they weren’t alone. There were two grave markers several feet apart from each other. That wasn’t what had his companion stalling. Standing in front of one of the markers facing away was another person.


Naruto wasn’t sure how to proceed seeing another person standing there. As far as he knew no one else had a reason to come up here to visit the graves. It was true that it had been Zabuza that had killed Gato but most of the villagers still didn’t give the man that credit.


Neji took in the slim form of the unexpected person. Raven hair just an inch or two shorter than his own, swayed in the wind. From the posture he’d say it was female, there was also the pink kimono with a flowery design.


A surge of recognition had his heart stopping. Naruto’s mind conjured up a time when he’d been sleeping in the forest to wake up with another sitting next to him. Someone he’d once thought to be a girl, only to realize he’d been mistaken. The feeling intensified as the person turned slightly to the left to inspect who’d intruded on their solitude. The soft features could be seen though shadowed by the flowing hair.


A hoarse whimper had Neji glancing towards Naruto in concern. The blonde was just staring, mouth parted and blue eyes widened in shock. Sure the girl was very beautiful, even he was in awe but it didn’t stop the surge of jealousy that had him wanting to snap his fingers in front of that foolish expression.


It couldn’t be! There was no way! His voice caught in his throat as the person suddenly disappeared. As he blinked in confusion, the figure vanished as if never there. Naruto took a step forward as the wind brought the pleasant scent of mint to his nose. “WAIT!”


The outburst startled not only Neji but the birds that had been resting quietly in their nests. The clearing overhead was soon filled with them trying to escape the loud and offensive noise. What the hell was his problem? It wasn’t like they hadn’t seen a pretty girl before. There was how quickly she’d taken off when she’d seen them standing there but that didn’t mean anything. He highly doubted the person was hostile and he’d never seen her before.


“Wait, come back.” Naruto rushed forward, leaving Neji to ponder his actions. He wasn’t thinking about that but focused on what he’d just seen. Had it been a ghost? Had he really just seen Haku? How was that possible? It couldn’t have been him; he’d been there when Haku had died. Kakashi-sensei had buried both of them, at this very spot. Was it a spirit? “Did you see it?”


“See what?” he hadn’t seen an it but a she. What was wrong? Neji quickly walked over towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder. The guy was looking in every direction as if expecting someone to suddenly attack them. “I didn’t see anything but that girl. Do you want to tell me what is going on and why are you acting like this?”


“You saw him? Can you see where he is now?” Naruto knew he was being somewhat demanding in tone but he had to know. His mind was screaming that it wasn’t possible; it had to be someone that greatly resembled the boy. Maybe it was a girl or a message from the dead. Some things you just couldn’t explain. “Look for me please and see if you can find which way he went.”


“Fine,” if only to humor the blonde Neji activated his Byakugan and scanned the area. He doubted he’d pick up the person unless they had slowed their pace or stopped to admire the greenery. To make sure he took several seconds more than necessary to appease Naruto. “Nothing, I don’t see her anywhere.”


“It was a he; at least I think it was. But that doesn’t make any sense.” Naruto brought his eyes back towards marker that should be where the young boy rested. This was where Kakashi-sensei had said he’d buried Haku, right next to his beloved Zabuza. If it was Haku buried under there, then who had been standing in front of the man’s grave? Thinking of the former rogue ninja, he turned his gaze downwards and then noticed what had been left. White carnations rested against the edge of the marker, placed carefully as not to fall over with a small stone on the stems to keep them in place. Who else would leave flowers on the dead shinobi’s grave, one that greatly resembled the dead Haku?


“He? Do you want to tell me what is going on?” Neji found it hard to believe that person had been a male but he hadn’t gotten a closer inspection since they had fled. Whomever Naruto had thought the person to be it was having an effect on him.


“That person looked exactly like Haku. It had to be a person right? Ghosts don’t leave flowers, do they?” Naruto didn’t care that he was blabbering or not making any sense. He didn’t understand it either. “During the mission when we protected Tazuna, I met him. I was out training in the forest, and that’s where I first talked to him. The mission was a success but Haku died. At least I thought he did, I saw him lying there and Kakashi-sensei proclaimed him to be dead. Every one thought they both were killed but that person, he looked exactly like Haku.”


“I’m sure Kakashi-sensei didn’t bury him alive and perhaps that was a family member.” Neji flicked his gaze towards the other marker. So, this Haku was the reason Naruto had been coming to visit the site. What exactly had happened between the two? He was sure nothing serious since at the time his partner would have been too young but that didn’t mean a relationship couldn’t have been formed. He believed it when he’d been told that the blonde hadn’t been a same sex relationship before but that didn’t mean feelings hadn’t developed for one prior. Just what had this Haku meant to Naruto? His pride kept him from asking and all he could do was watch as the other male leaned down to touch the flowers.


“Was it you Haku?” The flowers were fresh and definitely real. But if it had been Haku then that meant Kakashi-sensei would have lied to them. Why would his old teacher and teammate lie to him about it? He hadn’t had a problem showing how upset it had made him to see the other boy die. So why would he be allowed to believe the worst? There was no way he’d get answers just standing here.


“Are you okay?” Neji gave him some space to think, while keeping his questions to himself. It wasn’t any of his business who this Haku had been or what he’d meant to Naruto. They were just passing through on their way to a mission.


“I’m fine,” he was but he wasn’t. He was sure if Kakashi had lied to him then the man had his reasons. What was now lying heavily on his heart was the need for the truth. Had that been Haku? There was one way to know for sure but he couldn’t bring himself to desecrate anyone’s resting place. “Let’s head back for now.”




Next Chapter: A family dinner and Konkuro reaches Konoha, please read and review.