As The Leaf Turns

Seven: Moving out, Moving on, Moving forward

When Sasuke got fed up with something, he had already tried everything that can be tried and no one had better tell him otherwise.
Naruto watched him start throwing things around his apartment and filling a bag. Sasuke had determined that he needed something and now was when he would start. No sense in procrastinating.
The blond happened to be very fond of procrastinating, but he wasn’t ready to get into a fight over it.
“Are you sure you want to move? This is a great apartment. I mean it’s ten times better than my place, and you stay there all the time. Why give up this one?” he asked.
“I don’t feel at home here. It is nearly as dead as the family section of the village. I wish the Hokage would just tear it down and let someone build something there that was alive. Your place is small and kinda crappy, but at least it feels alive. You are alive, Naruto. You know how to fill a place with life, and that is why your place has that.”
“So, how will moving help? I could just fill this place for you. How about it?”
“What are you talking about, Dobe?”
“I could fill your apartment with life. You said I do that. Then, you can stay here and be happy.”
“I’m moving in with Tanzou and Housei. They have plenty of room and I’m not there much, anyway. This will be better. They have plenty of life, too. Don’t get all personal about it. It’s not like they need me, but I think I need this. Besides you just told me, you and Jiraiya are going on one of your big training missions. You won’t be around to fill anything with life.”
“I’ll be back, Sasuke. Is that what this is about? Are you mad that I am going? I could stay, but there is this new Jutsu that I want to learn, and the best way is to go out and practice it. It always works, but I could do it here, I guess.”
“Go. I don’t need you. I’m not a baby, so quit babysitting me. I will be fine while you are gone. I don’t need you, Naruto. But come back, okay?” Sasuke said, and the blond smiled at him.
“I will. Then, we can have that real fight we keep getting interrupted in.”
“Yes, that we can.”

Gaara slept. He was unaware of the reason for this, but it felt wonderful. His cares were gone and his world was at peace. He had never felt so calm and he didn’t care why.
The people that carried him away, laughed to themselves as they thought about the future they had in store for the land of the Sand and Wind.


Genma and Raido stood near Kakashi, Iruka, Ibiki, Tonbo, Gai and Asuma. They read the report over and over and no one could come up with a solution. They looked back and forth, hoping their colleagues had an answer as Tsunade stared at their blank faces.
“I don’t see any way to save him. How can we possibly pull it off?”
“The Kazekage is doomed. We can’t help him this time.”
“How did they catch him, he’s so powerful. It is a hopeless situation.”
"I want a plan, not more negative responses, gentlemen. Come up with something and soon.” She said, and the sound of a deep sigh came from the other side of the room. “You have something to add, Nara-kun?” came the voice of the Godaime.
“Hmm? No, nothing. Well, I would like to ask you something, in private. But that is all.” Shikamaru answered, leaning against the wall as the others stood around the Hokage’s desk.
“I want you all working on this. I expect some results in a few days. They aren’t going to do anything rash. My understanding is they worked hard to get Gaara alive. He will be safe for a while. Now go and don’t come back empty handed.” And the group disbanded. “Okay, genius Jounin. What is your idea that couldn’t be shared with the group? I am betting it’s a good one.” Tsunade said, indicating he was to come closer.
Shikamaru stood and made his way to her desk, wondering exactly how he was going to explain this one.


:::Okay, I cheated. That was mostly cut and paste from - Not you, too!
So, sue me. Okay, now we have found our connection and it’s time to weave them into the pretzel shapes I love so much.
Did you know that pretzels have no fat? They are the perfect food. Them and pizza, which includes all of the food groups. I also advocate ice cream for breakfast at least four times a year. My birthday, Mother’s day, New Years day and one freebie of choice.
What does this have to do with my story? Nothing. Call it a commercial break.
And in light of that, I wanted to say that due to an author who shamelessly took too long to edit her Galley, my book is being postponed till after the New Year. I plan on eating an entire gallon of ice cream and if I didn’t have to work I would get roaring drunk the night before.
And get this: the sequel is ready for final editing too. I am so backlogged it ain’t funny.

Now, on with the slippery soapy goodness. Another chapter is placed carefully in line.


Next chapter is The Heart is a Lonely Hunter Nin – Gai’s Day in the Spotlight