The Right Choice

This story is completely finished. I am just going through and doing some final proofreading, but I will be uploading at least once daily. There are over ten chapters and the story is a little over 45,000 words. Wow, I reached my goal and I'm only half way through posting. Thanks so much!

Well, we're finally here, Naruto makes his move. I hope it was worth the wait;)


Chapter 8

Naruto hadn’t seen Shino all afternoon. He’d slept the morning away, and when he woke he felt better than he had in a while. Without the kikaichu tracking him and sending messages to Shino if he did anything wrong, Naruto decided that he’d have that serious conversation he’d been putting off with Sakura. They’d spoken several times, but he’d made it clear without saying so that their conversation was being monitored and to be careful what she said. Now that he was free, he slipped unnoticed into the hospital and down the corridor to Sakura’s office.

His old teammate was sitting behind her desk studying a scroll that looked ancient. When she noticed Naruto she smiled, but it was guarded. When he told her he was free her attitude changed completely. “How did you convince her to stop having you watched?”

Naruto smirked. “I didn’t, I just told Shino that I was on to him from the beginning, and he took his little spy back. I’m sure he told baa chan, but it doesn’t matter either way. By the time they realize I’m gone it will be too late. Now, we need to hurry because if anyone sees me here with you or notices, then they’ll start watching me closer again. A few months of being good shouldn’t have fooled the old lady, but that’s not my fault.”

Sakura was excited that they were going to finally get their chance, but she was scared at the same time. Naruto was so important to her, and he was risking so much to bring Sasuke home. She wanted him back, but not like before. This time she was absolutely not willing to sacrifice Naruto. Sasuke could rot this time if he didn’t come back. “So tell me what we’re going to do then so you can get back to looking normal. When do we leave?”

Naruto squirmed a bit at that. Sakura wasn’t going to like what he was about to say. “I’ve brought a map.” He spread it out on the desk between them. “The most resent information says that they’re in this area here at the northern border. It shouldn’t take more than two days to get there, and the spy working the area is alone, and ordered to not interfere no matter what happens. Sasuke won’t make a move against me if I keep my distance while I talk to him, and if I have to knock him out after, that’s what I’ll do, but Sakura… you’re not going.”

Naruto was sure she was going to hit him, “What! Don’t be stupid Naruto, of course I’m going…” “No you’re not. I need you here. Just hear me out. When we get back it is very possible that either one or both of us will be injured, and I don’t want to have to come to the hospital. Also, if you stay here, it will take them longer to realize that I’ve gone. You have a regular schedule, and I don’t. It could take them a day or more to figure out that I’m not here. Shino hangs around a lot, but he isn’t with me every minute so I won’t even have to give him the slip. He’ll just assume I’m training or visiting Iruka or something. This will work, but you have to stay.”

Sakura didn’t like it. Last time Naruto went after Sasuke alone he was in a coma for a week. He’d nearly died. She couldn’t bare it if he died this time. “Please Naruto. I need to go with you.”

Naruto sighed. She’d given in, now was just the argument she had to put up to save face. She knew he was right, but she always hated admitting it. “You know it’s the only way. I’ll message you before I leave, so you know to keep your head down and expect trouble. It shouldn’t take more than a week. Don’t worry… I’ll bring him back. Things will be they way they were supposed to be before all this happened.”

“I’ll kill you if you don’t come back Naruto. I expect you in one piece whether Sasuke is with you or not. If it looks like he won’t agree, then just leave him. We’ll deal with it another time. Just make sure that you come back no matter what.”

Naruto smiled warmly at her. She was such a good friend. He hoped that Sasuke appreciated all she’d gone through to bring him back.

“I will.” And with that Naruto packed away the map, let Sakura give him a hug that nearly killed him, and slipped silently back out of the hospital without anyone being the wiser.

ooOOoo

The next day found Naruto up bright and early at the training field practicing Senjutsu. Since it is such a delicate art quiet mornings are the best time to practice. The hours pass without his notice and soon his stomach was pulling him back to awareness. He made his way to Ichiraku hoping that today he’d have lunch with Shino, and his mood was brightened exponentially when he saw his solitary friend already waiting.

The meditation that morning had helped a great deal in relieving the stress of his upcoming self appointed mission, and he was confident that any nervousness he might have felt after talking to Sakura yesterday would be well contained today. He sat down in his normal seat next to Shino and smiled. Shino always made him feel so good just by being there. “Have you ordered yet?”

Shino just shook his head, and went back to reading the menu. “I was waiting on you. Took you long enough to get here. I though you were going to train all day.”

They ordered their food and it was served. The old man had been feeding them often enough that he’d already prepared it.

While they ate Naruto thought about how Shino had known where he was, but assumed that he’d been focusing so hard in Sage mode that he’d missed some of what was happening around him. It did warm his cheeks slightly at the thought of Shino watching him though. Soon they were finished eating, it never took long, and they went back to talking. “I was practicing my Senjutsu. I get a little distracted when I meditate. It takes a lot of concentration and focus. Those are not area’s that I excel in so I have to spend a lot of time making sure I can control it otherwise I could get into trouble. It’s complicated.”

Shino was interested. He’d heard quite a bit about all of the other jutsu’s Naruto had learned over the years, but Senjutsu was a well kept secret that few were knowledgeable on and Naruto was as far as he knew the foremost expert on it in the world. “So what exactly is Senjutsu.”

Naruto smiled. “Ahh. So you want to know all my secrets now do you?”

Shino didn’t want to upset Naruto, but he really did want to know. His Sage mode was considered to be the most powerful jutsu in the village and it had saved them from Pain, but what really made Shino want to know was because it was a part of Naruto that he hadn’t shared with anyone else, and Shino coveted all the secrets he knew about Naruto. It made him feel closer to him when he knew things that no one else knew. This was a big secret though so he’d need to make it a fair trade. “I’ll tell you my secret if you’ll tell me yours.”

Naruto leered at him suddenly, and Shino was a bit confused that the mood had changed so suddenly. He found that he very much liked the way Naruto was looking at him though. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t hide the way he felt anymore and this was as good a time as any to start showing it. He gave Naruto what he hoped was a similar leer in return. Naruto laughed then, but it was a sexy laugh, and not the kind that poked fun. Naruto was enjoying their silent conversation just as much as he was.

“Tell me yours first then. I promise not to leave you wanting.” Shino felt warmth pool in his belly with those words. He hoped it didn’t get any worse because if it did he’d have a real problem on his hands. The sound of Naruto’s voice was causing his attention to waver, so he decided to do most of the talking for now, and give the blood a chance to recede back to his brain.

Shino spoke quietly so that only Naruto would hear. “My kikaichu are able to do some things that the others in my clan can’t do. They are able to sense and communicate scents, physical states, and emotions. They can tell me if someone is not who they say they are by smell or by sensing a henge and they can sense if someone is lying or nervous. I’ve never told anyone this before, not even my father. I was afraid he’d want to document it and study them, and I like having this advantage. If everyone knows then it isn’t as useful.”

Naruto felt the muscles in his spine stiffen suddenly. This was definitely interesting information, and something he’d have to seriously take into account when he decided to make his move for Sasuke. This was turning out to be a better bargain than he’d expected, and he decided to tell Shino the most important part of his Senjutsu instead of giving a basic outline. He would make this secret worth the one he’d been given.

“Senjutsu is the most basic of all jutsu. It needs no hand signs, no specific elemental control or manipulation at all. It’s basically the combination of my physical and spiritual energy mixed with natural energy from all around me. Since I have so much more chakra than most I can do it, anyone with less couldn’t complete the jutsu. The problem is that while doing it I can’t move at all. I can store the energy so it’s a benefit that I enter sage mode as often as I can. The more that builds up the stronger I’ll be. I have a clone constantly storing it for me, but I do it myself quite a bit as well. I never can seem to stay out of trouble so it’s always good to be prepared. I have fully mastered Sage mode so there’s no danger in doing it here. If someone was to try it for the first time and it got out of control though, they could turn into a frog, and there’s no changing back after that.”

Shino was amazed. Senjutsu gave Naruto the ability to store power. That in itself is an extremely beneficial technique to have mastered. Shino was very impressed. This multiplied Shino’s confidence that Naruto would be Hokage exponentially. Naruto could very possibly be the most powerful shinobi that had ever lived with the combination of his own natural chakra which was at least four times more than some of the most powerful shinobi in the village and the addition of the Kyuubi’s power and now natural power. It would not surprise him right now at all.

“Could you show this Sage mode to me?”

Naruto’s secretive tone from before turned heated in the next moment.

“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

Shino was stunned into silence. He’d been caught off guard with the sheer weight of the innuendo in that statement. He was still too interested in seeing the jutsu to take it too seriously, and he didn’t really have enough experience to know if Naruto was just flirting or if he was really making an offer so Shino just went with it.

“Let’s go.” Was all Shino said, but it was obviously the right thing to say because Naruto’s eyes darkened in a way that spoke of the kind of lust Shino had only ever dreamed. Naruto paid the bill and drug a very willing Shino out into the street and ran, but the direction they were heading was not to any of the training fields. It was to Naruto’s apartment. When they arrived Naruto pulled him inside and slammed him against the shut door. Then he was kissing him with a fire that was suddenly burning out of control. He was weak in the knees and could do nothing but open to the man holding him.

The kiss relaxed slightly when Naruto realize he wasn’t fighting him, and with that he moved in closer letting his hands roam. Strong fingers worked through Shino’s hair as the other slid down his chest and around to grip his ass, firmly pulling them together at the hip. Shino gasped at the contact, but the reaction shocked him back into awareness, and he pushed Naruto away just enough to speak.

“What are we doing?”

Naruto laughed quietly, but it didn’t hide his sudden discomfort. “I thought it was obvious Shino.”

Shino’s leaned forward enough to touch his forehead to Naruto’s and looked deep into his eyes. “I’ve never done anything like this before.” He whispered, and Naruto looked a little shocked but he was obviously not unhappy with the statement. Naruto smiled and reached between them to unfasten the clasps of the coat that sheltered Shino from the world.

“You don’t have anything to worry about Shino. Sex is easy; it’s the other stuff that’s hard.” He leaned in to kiss Shino again but a firm hand on his chest held him back.

“But that’s what I want Naruto. I want to be with you. I’ll take anything you’re willing to give me, but I want everything.”

Naruto stepped back and let his hands drop to his sides. Shino could have cried. His mind raced with what to say to take it back. This was his chance and he was ruining it, but Naruto didn’t give him time to speak. He lifted a hand to Shino’s cheek and his mind shot back to when he’d watched Hinata do that for Kiba and it felt just as good as he had imagined. This was what he needed as he pressed his lips into the palm.

“The other stuff can wait for now. We’ll deal with it as it comes.” And to Shino’s relief Naruto leaned in and kissed him again, but this time it was different. There was affection now that hadn’t been there before. Naruto pushed both coats back and slid them down his arms to the floor before pressing Shino back against the door with his body, and this time when their hips met Shino didn’t fight it. His body reacted to the friction, and even with his eyes closed he could have sworn he saw stars.

Naruto against him was better than anything he’d ever dreamed, but it wasn’t enough. There were too many cloths in the way. Shino’s hands went to work. They were both down to just undershirts and pants soon, and they broke apart just long enough to slide their shirts off and then they were back, chest to chest this time with nothing between them but skin. It was hot and amazingly intimate. Shino couldn’t keep from touching now. His hands went everywhere they could reach and Naruto’s weren’t idol either. Shino felt his belt being loosened and then his pants were sliding over his hips and down to his knees.

As their lips broke apart Shino went to protest only to moan as he felt Naruto slide down to his knees. He’d never been this hard in his life and having Naruto looking at his cock like it was a large bowl of his favorite ramen wasn’t helping with his control. Naruto looked up at Shino with wide beautiful eyes for a moment as if to ask for permission, but he was so enthralled with the vision Naruto poised before him that he could do nothing more than run long fingers though silken hair. His hand clinched tight around the golden strands as Naruto slipped his tongue out and licked from base to tip. His whole body convulsed. Naruto’s tongue was like molten steel, it was so hot it was almost painful.

Naruto watched with hooded eyes for all of Shino’s reactions. He repeated the slow caress with his tongue several times thoroughly enjoying how he made Shino squirm. Shino wasn’t going to have time to enjoy it if he didn’t go slowly, but he wouldn’t make him wait too long. He’d just take long enough to get them both there. He unfastened his pants with one hand and slid his erection out stroking it leisurely. He wouldn’t make Shino suffer anything he wouldn’t endure himself. He slid his other hand around the base of Shino’s erection and squeezed just enough to feel the sudden rush of blood as it swelled even more. The balls hanging below tightened dangerously against Shino’s body, and Naruto loosened his grip. The whine that escaped Shino’s lips forced Naruto to tighten his grip at the base of his own cock. Shino was sublime. It didn’t matter that he’d spent himself over and over with Shin only two nights ago. He was aroused to such an extreme he felt like it was his first time again. The excitement and newness of what they were doing was intoxicating and Naruto needed suddenly to take all of him. He knew it wouldn’t last, but his need was overwhelming.

Suddenly Naruto’s mouth was sliding down Shino’s cock to the hilt. He buried his nose in the coarse hairs and swallowed. That was all it took. Shino convulsed against the door. He was blind and numb everywhere except where Naruto was touching him and even that was too much. He clawed at the walls and the air and anything that he could reach to try and regain his bearings. He was falling or at least it felt like he was falling. He couldn’t tell what was up and what was down anymore. Naruto was holding his hip with a painfully strong grip. There would be a bruise, but it didn’t matter. All he could feel was Naruto’s hot mouth and throat swallowing over and over.

The high didn’t last, but the euphoria that was left in its wake was enough to keep him giddy, but not balanced. Naruto’s mouth released him as he slid down the wall to straddle Naruto’s knees. He collapsed into his arms and held him close as his heart slowed to a non lethal pace. Naruto was breathing heavily against Shino’s chest. He wrapped one hand around Shino’s neck and shifted him into a kiss. It was slow and sated. Shino shifted closer, holding Naruto tight. He’d wished and dreamed of this for so long it was hard to believe it had been that easy. He hadn’t imagined it that fast either, but hopefully he’d improve with practice. That brought Shino back to the present. He had taken his pleasure without returning it.

“I want to do that to you…” Shino whispered against pouting lips.

Naruto laughed under his breath, and looked down. “Maybe later. I’m afraid watching you was a little too good.”

Shino looked down and noticed that Naruto was wet and only half hard between his legs and his hand was still massaging gently. He was mesmerized by the site. Naruto had come just by watching him. His heart started to speed up again, and he felt stirrings of another erection.

Naruto watched him closely and noticed the sudden shift. Shino wanted more than just sex so he’d take it slow. He’d made the mistake of jumping into bed too soon with Gaara, and he’d regretted it. Their relationship in the beginning had left them in a spiral of doubt and insecurity, always thinking the other was just in it for a fuck. It had taken so long to break that cycle and actually see that they both wanted more, and Naruto was determined to keep that pain from ever touching Shino. Naruto knew that if he offered, Shino wouldn’t hesitate, but in the long run he would regret it. He’d have to make sure Shino knew that he was serious. Naruto had several important things to do first though so he decided to distract his new lover just long enough to get them done.

“So, how’d you like to see that jutsu now?”

Shino’s face was suddenly stricken with insecurity. Was Naruto trying to say that this was all he’d wanted? He started to slide out of Naruto’s lap, but strong arms caught him and pulled him close again.

“We can continue this later. We have plenty of time.”

Shino relaxed and let Naruto hold him. He wasn’t pushing him away, he wasn’t pushing at all. Naruto was nothing like he’d expected, and it was a pleasant surprise.

“Okay, let’s go.”

Naruto smiled, and leaned in for a slow kiss. Shino was gorgeous and smart and a very powerful shinobi. He was everything Naruto could ask for in a lover, and he’d make sure he didn’t screw it up.

They got dressed slowly, letting themselves get distracted with long kisses and lingering looks. By the time they made it to the training field it was late afternoon. Naruto showed Shino the meditation technique, and then went into Sage mode just long enough to change the shape of the landscape. Shino was impressed, but he hid it well opting to give Naruto a kiss instead of praise.

“I can’t really demonstrate mine for you unless we’re separated for a while. I need to go check in with the Hokage so why don’t you go around town for a while, and I’ll meet you back at your apartment.”

Naruto agreed. He needed to do something anyway, and he hoped that Tsunade would keep him for a while.

They separated, but not before Naruto gave Shino a kiss that left him panting and hard.

Naruto made his way quickly toward the Aburame district. He found Shibi in his office and was greeted with a broad smile that left Naruto warm all over. He was always amazed that Shibi could be so nice to him. He bowed respectfully, and Shibi was a bit suspicious at the formality of Naruto’s entrance. Naruto took the offered seat and squirmed a bit at the calculating look Shibi was giving him. Suddenly he was nervous, and a little tongue tied, but it was important to do this so he decided to dive right in.

“I’m here to discuss my intentions toward Shino.”

Shibi raised an eyebrow at that. He’d expected to just hear about it from Shino. He hadn’t thought that Naruto would want to talk about it, but he’d hear him out if that’s what he needed. “Go on.”

“I’m interested in a relationship with Shino. I thought that it would be important to make sure that this wouldn’t cause any issues with his status in the clan and that since it is me in particular that there wouldn’t be any backlash. I care for him, but I won’t see him if all it will do is ostracize him from his family.”

Shibi was impressed. Naruto had come to make sure his son wouldn’t be hurt in this, but Shibi was more concerned about how Shino would feel if Naruto were to walk away then what anyone in the clan might think. “I can assure you that even if there were those who might disapprove of a relationship between you, there will be nothing said or done to deter you. Any and all opinions of individuals of this clan regarding the personal lives of other members are considered just that, opinions. I will not stand in your way and neither will Shai. In fact we’ve both been expecting this, it is happening sooner than we thought it would, but the timing matters little. I am happy to welcome you into the family. Where is Shino so that I might congratulate him on the good news?”

Naruto squirmed a bit more in his seat. Shibi was jumping to conclusions on things Naruto hadn’t even contemplated yet. “He’s giving his regular report to the Hokage, and I don’t think you should congratulate him quite yet… you see, I’m just now starting to feel like I can try another relationship. My first was a disaster, and I’m still such a mess over some unfinished business from years ago, and… well… you see I just want to go slow with Shino. I’ve never really done things the right way, and I’m just starting to realize that this way might make things go better for me. I really don’t want to screw this up. I just need your blessing. I’d never forgive myself if I was the reason Shino lost your respect.”

Naruto’s words were jumbled into a rambling mess with a heavy dose of mumbling added in the mix. Shibi had to keep tight control over his composure to keep from laughing at the sight. Naruto was a powerful man in his own right, and he was able to command the attention and affection of everyone around him at all times. To see him so flustered filled Shibi with so many emotions at once. Humor was the first, but not the most pronounced as his heart filled with joy and remorse for the boy before him. He’d suffered so much at the hands of others it was truly a shame, and yet he wouldn’t see them suffer for it. And most importantly, he obviously loved Shino deeply, though he was so utterly oblivious to it that he couldn’t even think it much less say it, but it was expressed so sincerely that Shibi couldn’t help loving him for it. His son was a lucky man, and Shibi would see to it that it all turned out well for them both.

“You have it Naruto, and you have my word that Shino will only gain respect by bringing such a kind and generous young man into our lives. You have nothing to worry about, and when you are both ready for a commitment then I will make sure you want for nothing. I hold you in the highest regard Naruto. I will trust you with my son’s heart as long as you promise me that you are willing to open your heart to him.”

Naruto was shocked. Shibi treated him as though he wanted him to be a part of their family. He wasn’t begrudgingly agreeing because of Shino, he was actually fine with the idea, and all Naruto had to do was promise to care for Shino in return. “I promise Aburame Sama that I will put everything I have into making him happy, but there will be a time very soon that he won’t be happy with me. I’m afraid that I have something I need to take care of and he’ll want to come after me. If you are willing to keep him safe and confined when this happens I promise you that I will never put anything before him again when I’m done.”

Shibi didn’t like the way this was going but if Naruto was willing to promise this to him he’d take it. “I’ll agree if you tell me what would make Shino so angry with you.”

“You have to give me your word that you won’t say anything to anyone about this until it’s done.”

Shibi wanted this to work. He needed the guarantee of his son’s future. “You have my word as an Aburame.”

Naruto sighed. It was always hard to trust, even when he knew deep down that he could. “I will be leaving soon to find Sasuke Uchiha and bring him back. Shino will be mad. Worse than mad, but I have to do it. I have to keep my word to Sasuke otherwise my promises mean nothing. I will return with or without Sasuke. I will at least speak to him, and if he refuses to return then I will come back, and Shino will be my main mission from then on, if the Hokage doesn’t kill me first. Shino is important to me, and I’ll make it worth the wait.”

“I can’t say I’m happy about it, but I trust you. I won’t say anything until you leave, and I’ll make sure Shino doesn’t interfere. I’ll expect you to be ready to grovel when you return though. Shino is not fond of being left out.”

Naruto knew this, but it couldn’t be helped. “I’ll do what ever I have to do.”


Thanks so much for the reviews I love knowing that people are enjoying the story, and to Neko, I am so glad you like the story. I've enjoyed your work so much that it feels good to give something back.

I don't think I'm going to be able to find a beta that can keep up with my pace, and I've been trying, but I promise that any mistakes will be corrected as soon as I find someone with the time.

All the information for this fiction was either taken from actual episodes, manga, or one of several Naruto information sites. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on any of the info I use, I'm trying to stay in line with the actual story as I can. Thanks.