Naruto Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Beautifully Blind ❯ Beautifully Blind ( Chapter 1 )

Story: My Courageous Shinobi

Kagome x Naruto

Disclaimer: No own except my original characters.

Beautifully Blind

“Odama Rasengan!” Naruto bellowed before driving a great spiraling ball of chakra within his hand at the enemy-nin's stomach. When the man was hit he let out a yell of anger and demise before being thrown into an innocent tree - breaking it on contact. “How's that?” the blonde genin grunted tiredly. He fell to the floor with only his right leg propped up to support him.

“Daijoubu ka?” a female's weary and approaching voice asked him. Naruto turned his head to see a limping Kagome - she had been on his team for the mission - clutching a bleeding shoulder. She sighed with relief and took a step behind him, plopping down to sit with the boy back to back. “We were wrong to have told Hokage-sama that we could handle the mission by ourselves,” she told him with a bit of difficulty.

Naruto snorted before lowering his right leg to sit down cross-legged and lean against her back, “Dou iu koto da, Kagome-chan? We did fine - no, great! And the missions over now. We've got all of the missing-nin!” When the girl didn't answer, Naruto began to grow a bit suspicious and turned around to see what her current expression was. She seemed troubled. “Doushita?”

Kagome's right left hand which had been closed on her damaged shoulder unconsciously rubbed against the injury. His eyes widened at the deep gash that revealed itself through the torn clothing and extended his own hand to try and help her though she slightly moved away, declining him. “We're in trouble right now, Naruto-kun.”

The boy frowned with a disappointing look in his eyes in response to her cryptic sentences. “Alright, what's the problem here? You're giving me answers with big holes in the center. And you have a really serious wound! If we leave it untreated for too long...well, let's just get out of here and back to Konoha! Sakura-chan or Tsunade-babaa should be able to help once we get there.” Naruto avoided telling the kunoichi about what she already knew. That if her arm was disabled, Kagome wouldn't be able to perform any sort of jutsu for the rest of her life - which was a real shame for any nin.

His raven-haired companion gave a slight frown when she realized his words. “Gomen nasai, so desu ne.” Kagome took a few seconds to carefully select her words, not wanting to upset her brave friend. “I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I think that we have one last guy to take care of.” Naruto was stuck in the state of confusion until Kagome raised and pointed with a stern finger, at a dead body lingering on the ground a few steps ahead of them.

Within only minutes, the skin on the pale face began to peel off. The two did their best to hold back their looks of disdain at the grotesque scene. Naruto's eyes widened when the 'true face' had looked nothing like the sly disguise. “That's the guy that turned himself in!”

Naruto advanced forward and prepared himself for the man in front of him who gritted his teeth. The blonde reached inside his pouch and pulled out a sharp kunai, ready for blood. “Matte, matte!” the man exclaimed with raised hands. Kagome blinked with uncertainty and averted her eyes to Naruto, anticipating his next move.

“Eh, nani? Can't you fight without your friends behind your back? I'm being fair and heading in so we can battle one on one!” an infuriated male genin yelled with a curled fist.

The missing-nin sighed, “I don't even know why I joined them to abandon Iwagakure. They were just some friends that I'd known since childhood. I don't want trouble - in fact, I'll turn myself in right now!” Naruto's kunai slipped out of his hand due to his shock at the answer while the Higurashi kunoichi's lips twitched all on their own instinct. The now former missing-nin took one look at both of their funny responses and put a hand behind his head, letting loose a friendly chuckle. “Sorry for the trouble, but I guess you've got one down.”

Kagome cringed when a shock of pain shot up from her injury, a bead of sweat running down the side of her forehead. She turned away from the sight of the dead man with a grimace on her face. “He must've been under control by some kind of jutsu, so that the other guy could be sure of his safety. You can tell by signs that he tried to resist.” And her words were true of the unfortunate being. His eyes were filled with disbelief and surprise, while his mouth was open just enough to allow a scream to pass through.

Although Naruto had barely even known the young man, he felt a dark pool of anger forming inside him. “That coward... He sacrificed his own comrade...for his own safety!” he yelled in outrage.

“That guy even called this group of missing-nin his friends.” Kagome sadly mused. The girl's eyebrows then furrowed. “But we're still in danger. The remaining nin has to be found - he could even be planning to overtake us by surprise.”

Naruto narrowed his eyes while studying the area beyond them. “Exactly something a bastard like him would try.” The two leaf-nin drew from their side pouches either a kunai or several shuriken.

“I won't be able to perform any jutsu for now, but I'll do my best to cover you.” Kagome told the boy behind her with an apologetic tone.

Naruto smirked in response while working his legs to raise himself up from the ground. “Iie, Kagome-chan. Don't worry 'cause I'll protect you - I promise. I shouldn't have let you get hurt so much.”

The kunoichi's eyes widened at his declaration and the only action she could provide at the moment was a nod while she timidly pulled herself up to stand. “Un, Arigatou. But I'll try my best too.” The mountain that the two stood on grew eerie with the silence. Two pairs of eyes darted warily from every ledge to all the wide cracks, waiting for an attack.

A sharp 'zing' presented itself and Kagome turned to face the source. In counting, five shuriken were heading towards her at an incredible pace. There's no time to waste! The female target thought worriedly. With haste she calculated the area of the enemy's weapons and launched her own set of shuriken. The girl gave herself a mental cheer when she heard the famous 'king' of metal against metal, though her expression morphed into a surprised one when a stray kunai headed for her as a second line.

Kagome closed her eyes but when feeling no pain at all, she opened them to see a black-clothed arm holding shielding her. Blood dripped down from her savior's arm and the kunoichi turned to see Naruto gritting his teeth. While trying to resist the piercing pain, he gave her an uneasy but assuring smile. “Heh. My kunai was supposed to block it, but everything worked out all the same.”

“Naruto...kun.” Kagome whispered sadly. A sudden 'bang' rang in their ears and before the two of them could register what was happening, a quick blur ran towards them and unleashed a strong kick on the blonde . The poor boy flew backwards with small traces of blood marking the way he had gone. He descended from the air and slid against the hard mountain floor in a pointless battle against friction.

Using his hands, Naruto pushed himself back up on his legs and wiped against his lips with the back of his right in an attempt to clean off the blood but only smearing it. “So you've finally decided to come out.” he sneered. The despicable man who had kicked him now stood right next to Kagome, and Naruto's eyes grew wide at the realization. “Get away from her!” he yelled.

In response the older male chuckled, “Is she a friend of yours?” Without another word, he grabbed the girl by the hair and began to pull mercilessly. The disgruntled Higurashi let loose a sharp, “Let me go!” at the pain and clawed at his hand with her nails.

“Dammit!” the man bellowed and with fierce strength he forced her hair forward, allowing Kagome to follow after it and landing quiet unceremoniously next to Naruto.

“Kagome! Daijoubu ka?” her companion asked after helping her up. The girl nodded with a glare towards her offender while muttering something like 'jerk', trying not to show the irritation her already injured shoulder had received. “Yarou!” Naruto yelled with an accusing finger pointed at the remaining missing-nin.

The criminal laughed, “Concerned, eh? Well then I suppose you'd rather that I beat you senseless instead of her - for now. Actually, she'll be the main course while you can be the simple appetizer. Your companion seems acceptable and not too young, so that'd be enough fun for tonight.” He paused to take a look at the two in front of him. The girl held fear in her eyes while the other seemed to be fuming and angry. “Ah, well before we start you should know my name. I am Chikara Aku.”

Naruto smacked his right fist into his left open palm. “And I'm Uzumaki Naruto - the guy who's gonna kick your ass.”

Kagome warily nudged the boy beside her. “Be careful. I get the feeling that this guy's the most brutal and daring one.” she whispered.

“I've got the perfect plan for the both of you - and like I said, that blonde kid'll go down first. I'm in luck since you two are far too injured for your own goods. As a parting gift...observe and learn to cherish the area behind you, because it'll be your grave.” Naruto did as told and bit his lips at what he saw.

A few steps behind him and Kagome was a rather steep cliff, and below that was what seemed to be an endless abyss filled with sharp stalactites sticking out at the sides. “Don't freeze up on me now!” Aku's voice told him. It was like slow motion for Naruto while he turned around to face his enemy. He was a tad bit too late for a kunai in Aku's closed hand had already descended upon him.

Even he knew when death was only a few centimeters away, seeing that his attention had been easily diverted. Am I really going to die because of something so stupid? That question echoed itself from within his mind. Naruto let out a small grunt when he felt someone pushing him to the side. When he finally looked up he saw that Kagome had saved him from his detestable fate.

Aku stomped his right foot on the ground once to express his anger while Kagome stepped back, being careful of the distance she had between the cliff and of the searing pain coming from her wound due to her rash action. “Baka shoujo! You can die first then!” Without hesitation, Aku swiped his kunai horizontally across the girl's face.

A small scream erupted from the kunoichi's lips at the new burning sensation - coming directly from her eyes. She raised her left arm and pressed the sleeve against her face as if trying to soothe the wound, though it did not help at all and only soaked her clothing in more blood. “Kagome!” Naruto bellowed. Aku smirked at his new accomplishment and pushed the girl in front of him, none too gently and just enough so she would fall into oblivion.

The blonde could do nothing but extend a hand towards her falling form, unable to say anything. “Baka Naruto-kun...” He heard Kagome whisper. And just like that she fell into the deep abyss of rocks and doom, no longer standing beside him.

Aku was taken by surprise and could do nothing when the once fallen boy began to glow red - and chakra began to leak out of him at incredible amounts. Naruto charged at the older man with what seemed like god speed, landing strong punches to his stomach. “Chikuso, you bastard!” And without another word, the blonde genin jumped head-first from the cliff to follow after his companion. As for the missing-nin Aku, he had fainted from the sudden impact of powerful blows.

Naruto adjusted himself so he could fall even faster to catch up with the unconscious girl ahead of him. When they were at the same level he prayed, “C'mon out, boss!” The blonde bit his thumb to draw a bit of blood and performed the needed hand seals. For the final part he placed his right palm face down in front of him. “Kuchiyose no Jutsu!” He then grabbed onto Kagome's waist so she couldn't stray away. Naruto closed his eyes while preparing for the worst if the King of Toads wouldn't come.

“Hey kid, what's the big idea with having me save you from another fall for the second time?” a rough and agitated yet familiar voice interrogated him. Naruto sighed with relief when he finally felt the tough skin of Gamabunta that had broken both his and Kagome's fall. Naruto's calm exterior had cracked however, when he could feel some sort of warm liquid gathering around him. The blonde pulled back his right hand which he had been using to hold on to Kagome, and found it tainted with lines of red.

Konohagakure

While unforgiving droplets of rain poured in on him, Naruto ran with all the might and speed that he could muster just so he could get to the Hokage Tower without any time wasted. To those who were minding their own business, they would be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of orange and black with a touch of blonde. When he had ran up the long way of stairs, Naruto without any care at all pushed through the great doors leading to the office and ran inside.

The blonde slammed his hands down on the Hokage's desk, stray drops of rain and sweat presenting themselves to the legendary female sennin. “Tsunade-babaa!” he gasped while trying to regain his breathing composure.

Shizune's abrupt surprise at Naruto's entrance had receded while the older woman gave the boy a wave of her left hand with a sigh, “About Higurashi right? Due to her request, she's currently resting up at her home. And if it's her life that you're concerned about - don't worry.”

Naruto scowled at Tsunade. “Of course I didn't expect her to die from scratches like that! I want to know if her wounds are recovering.” The blonde-haired female thoughtfully tapped her chin with a manicured finger.

“Her shoulder should be alright in a matter of time,” A small hint of a smile began to reveal itself at the corner of Naruto's lips. “But her eyesight...” The happy curve on the genin's face was gone in a mere second. He slammed his right hand on the surface of the wooden desk once again.

“Hold on a second! Are you telling me-”

Tsunade did the honor of finishing his sentence. “She's blind, Naruto.” The boy slowly stepped back while his hands followed and slid off the once abused material. Tsunade watched the leaf-nin in front of her with a pitying expression - though it changed into a frown. “There are times when a soldier must give up something invaluable to accomplish his or her goal, I'm sure you know. Don't dwell on the thought that perhaps Kagome sacrificed her ability to see for nothing. She contributed to the mission's...success.”

Naruto gave her a slow nod, though he still seemed troubled. “Oi Tsunade-babaa, about the mission though. There was one guy left but I kinda was in a hurry to sa-”

He was cut off by a raised hand from the woman. “Oh, about that. I believe that man was the one named 'Aku' right? He was found unconscious and the rock-nin took him in. Whatever they do to him it won't matter since the mission all in all has been concluded as a success.”

Naruto softly muttered, “That's all I needed to know.” He then began to make his way to the doors to exit the room. The growing pang of guilt reigning in his heart due to Kagome's current condition didn't fail to show itself in his movements either. He needed to speak with her - to at least see her.

“Oi, Naruto,” the strong voice of the Hokage called out to him. He turned and Tsunade's eyes made contact with him once again. “This might be hard for you to understand. But don't be hasty and show yourself up in front of Kagome just yet.” Her words struck Naruto like lightning.

“Nani!” he demanded of the woman.

Tsunade sighed, “She's fifteen like yourself and still a girl - though you might not understand. I'm sure it wouldn't be easy for any everyday teenage female to accept that she will now be blind.”

“Can't you help her?” the boy pleaded.

Afterwards

Sakura hummed to herself a light and catchy tune while she rearranged the baked goods on the shelf. When all the work had been finished she sighed, “It's just so gloomy, and the rain sure doesn't help.” Tsunade had promised the pink-haired kunoichi that she'd teach her something new on this day and Sakura had been excited - at least until heaven had to start crying for reasons unknown to her. But nevertheless, she'd decided to take over the family bakery for the evening and allow her mother to rest.

Through the window the girl saw what seemed to be the figure of a male. “What kind of person would be out on a day like this?” she asked herself. In the rain, the guy she could see through the window had taken to a new position and sat down in the middle of Konoha's cold streets. Sakura sort of panicked for a moment while considering what to do.

“He could catch a really bad cold and if I was the one who just left him there...no, wait a second! I'm sure even a little kid would be smart enough to heave themselves out of a storm.” She then made her mind with a frustrated grunt and reached for the umbrella near the counter, rushing her way out the door.

“Naruto?” she asked the figure. Once Sakura had gotten close enough to the stranger, she had gotten a good look at his clothes through the misty environment. Seeing a mix of orange, black, and blonde - well she'd recognize her ramen-loving friend anywhere.

After hearing his name being called and no longer feeling the rain pounding on him, the boy turned with a befuddled look on his face. Behind him stood the subordinate of Tsunade holding an umbrella up so neither of them would get pelted by the rain. “Sakura-chan? What are you doing here?”

The Haruno girl let loose a smile of relief with a sigh, “You're right in front of the Haruno Bakery.” When Naruto didn't say anything, Sakura took it that he didn't know what to tell her. “Well what are you waiting for? Let's go inside and get you warmed up or you'll get a bad cold, baka.” Sakura gave Naruto a towel and offered him some bread to which he refused. “Why were you just sitting out there?” the girl probed curiously.

Though it had taken some time just for a short story to be told, Sakura had managed for her guest to tell the whole thing. The truth was that she had already known of Kagome's condition due to connections with the Hokage being her sensei. However, one thing that Sakura had newly discovered was that Naruto was feeling an immense guilt and that Tsunade's last words were weighing him down like bricks.

“So she told you to distance yourself from Kagome, did she?” the concerned kunoichi asked. Naruto crossed his arms and turned his head to avoid the girl's eyes. Seeing as how Sakura had known him for quite a while and had even been on the same team as him, she took it as that perhaps it would damage his pride to repeat Tsunade's cold words for the second time. With her fingernails she began to tap the table which was seating her and Naruto while seeming as if in deep thought. Moments of silence passed before Sakura stopped her habit and came to a decision. The kunoichi encouraged her companion to look at her by gingerly placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Fine then, I'll ask you a different question that you'll have an easier time answering. Naruto,” Sakura paused with a smile before continuing on. “You never have been someone to follow...'rules' like that, right? So why start now? Especially when someone who you care for is hurt.” Her words certainly had effected the boy.

“Sakura-chan...” the blonde murmured to the medic-nin who in turn raised one finger to shush him.

Her emerald eyes were pinned onto his own sapphire ones. “Naruto-baka. Me and Kagome-san aren't the best of friends but if there's one thing I know about her is that she's kind and has some pride too. Don't you think you should at least do her the favor of seeing if she's alright? Showing concern is always-” Sakura's sentence was cut off when Naruto came to an abrupt stand while at the same time causing for her to retrieve back her hand that had been in contact with him.

Naruto raised his head and smiled at her. “Arigatou, Sakura-chan.” There were no more words to be said and the boy quickly paced over to the entrance door of the bakery. But before his hand had even touched the doorknob he paused. Naruto then asked quietly, “Is that how you felt about Sasuke? Did you feel scared when he was injured or close to death? Or even guilty when at times he would be the one to get hurt just because he saved you or me? Do you...think you loved him?”

A slight gasp came from Sakura at the sudden question. The blonde must've been brave to ask a question like that about the traitor to Konoha who had joined Orochimaru in search of power. Moments passed and the boy began to regret his action. “You don't have to answer me if it's too personal.”

Sakura's eyes widened and she then smiled sadly. “I did, Naruto. But now I have duties and I'll fight him without question if I have to.” Her words were true with the proof of when Naruto, Sakura, and their new companion Sai had met with Sasuke on a mission to find Orochimaru's true lair. It hadn't been one of those warm and pleasant reunions for the blonde boy and pink-haired kunoichi, however.

Naruto performed a slight nod and exited the shop with haste. The sound of an old wooden door creaking while it closed rang in the lone girl's ear. She lowered her head to stare at her hands which were folded on her lap. “I did...I did.” Sakura whispered while she swore in her mind that some kind of heavy pain topped with realization coated her heart. Silence passed over before the soft noise of a female sobbing began to echo throughout the bakery. The kunoichi shamefully attempted to hide her face behind two petite hands. Sakura cried, “I loved you Sasuke-kun. I really did...!”

Higurashi Residence

“Darn it, not again!” sighed an irritated female. Kagome at the moment was but a defeated heap of mess on the floor of her home. The clothing that she had decided to wear on this day was a simple and comfortable green kimono-robe, which was now speckled with just a little bit of dust. She let loose an aggravated groan and covered her eyes with the back of her right arm. The simple and innocent stairway that the Higurashi chuunin had fallen quite hard from seemed to her as if it was laughing at her.

But the determined girl sprang up from her spot, slightly wincing at the pain her forgotten and damaged shoulder presented. Nonetheless, Kagome raised a firm leg and brought it down hard on the first step of the stairs with her hands forming knuckles at the same time. “I can...beat this weakness.” Her left hand unfolded into a flat palm and she slowly raised the fingertips to her closed, bandaged eyes.

Several and sudden hard knocks sounding throughout the living room grabbed the girl's attention and had her jump slightly out of surprise. Kagome raised her arms just a little bit so they could feel around to tell her where she was. After a minute of searching she came to her desired location but before welcoming her guest, the black-haired kunoichi concentrated on her own chakra to see who was on the other side. “Naruto-kun?”

When Kagome opened the door he was but a soaking mess in front of her. The boy didn't do anything except stare at her with a look of seriousness - though of course the disabled kunoichi wouldn't have known of it. “Do you want to come in? It's okay even if you're wet.”

But the blonde didn't bother to reply or move his legs at all, his lone right hand raising itself and slowly heading towards the other leaf-nin's covered eyes. When Kagome could feel a callous yet gentle hand caressing what her bandages covered she whispered cautiously, “...Naruto-kun?” The so-called boy felt a burning in his lungs, and another mental stab in his chest. He bit his lips in an attempt of trying to win a war against newfound tears - though it was futile.

“Gomen nasai, Kagome-chan.” he whimpered. The girl could only remain silent while cold, stray droplets of rain began to drench her clothes and hair. When she'd registered the meaning of his words, Kagome placed her own hand on top of his.

“You don't have to be.” she comforted. “It was either this or your death, and I made the decision so don't apologize. It's going to be hard at first, but I can make it. Please don't be sorry, Naruto-kun.” There was no response and the Higurashi girl released a slight gasp when she felt an abrupt action of strong arms wrapping around her; one on her waist and the other on her back, pulling her to the teenage boy across her.

“No. It's not easy at all knowing that you're hurt. I even...I even promised that I'd protect you!” Naruto argued.

Kagome leaned into his embrace. “At that moment when the kunai was headed straight for you, I felt some sort of 'rush' inside me. And even though it's hard to believe, I forgot about my own safety and only knew that I had to protect you.” Perhaps it was because she couldn't see him or anyone else, but all the Higurashi girl knew was that she had never been able to speak such bold words.

Once when her parents were still alive, she'd catch hints of them speaking like this. Maybe this was how her mother had felt when her father would from time to time, come home in near death situations. All Naruto could do was slightly tighten his grip around her while his eyes seemed to be in deep thought. The fifteen-year old genin was then reminded of when he had practically dived head-first off a cliff. Just to save the raven-haired kunoichi who was currently held in his arms.

He buried his nose into the depths of her hair and chuckled, “I think I could jump off a cliff just to try and catch you, Kagome-chan. Even if the chances of our survival would be slim, I'd do it without hesitation.” Another flashback occurred in his mind - the conversation between him and Sakura. He then fell into a deep thought of consideration which lasted for a few minutes before going on. “And I also think...that I might love you.”

Hokage Tower

“Tsunade-sama, I've got them!” announced an eager Shizune before handing the blonde woman seated at her desk several papers. The Hokage accepted the sheets and her eyes quickly scanned from each page's top to bottom. When she was finished she placed the white papers down, picking up a red pen in the process.

“The kunai that had struck Higurashi Kagome was filled with an ancient and deadly poison. It's used mainly for the purpose that if the victim was to have survived the battle and made it to his or her village, even an experienced medic-nin still wouldn't be able to figure out the unidentifiable venom - if they had known of the recent contamination of course. Removing it without damaging the patient would be even more difficult. Thus, the result being death or disabling one or several more of the victim's senses.”

Shizune questioned, “So would the surgery do the trick, or only put her in a worse situation?”

The soft scribbling noise of something being written on paper appeared to answer her before Tsunade was done and set the pen down. The older woman smirked while folding her arms across her chest. “I've dealt with this kind of poison before when Jiraiya had been injured. And he's still living.” Shizune took a small peek at what the blonde woman had written and smiled. In crimson ink was the large number in an even bigger circle, '85%'.

Was this okay? The longest chapter for this story and took kind of a while 0.0 Anyway I hope I didn't make the characters too OOC or anything, and also while I've been thinking of other pairings while this one. I've already been planning a Kagome x Abumi Zaku to be out soon and also a Yashamaru! (Yes yes I know he's done bad for harming Gaara and all, but I adore him :P And to be honest he really didn't use any techniques and only kunais on Gaara) I'm reading all requests and don't worry I'll most likely do them all :D Though I do find Jiraiya and Kabuto kind of...hmm I dono but maybe for those two. Gah, I can't wait for the Zaku one! Oh and also, I'm thinking of doing Sasori (A member of Akatsuki). Alright, hope you had a nice time reading this, and I hopefully you review. Goodbye til next time!

Odama Rasengan - In Naruto II, Naruto performs this technique. It's a bigger version of the original Rasengan.

Daijoubu ka - Are you okay?

Dou iu koto da - What do you mean?

Doushita - 'What?', 'What's wrong?'

Gomen nasai - I'm sorry

Matte - Wait

Nani - What?

Aa or Un - Male says 'Aa' and females say 'Un' it means like okay, yeah, alright.

Yarou - Bastard

Chikuso - Dammit

Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Technique) - Naruto's summoned animal is Gamabunta, the Kind of Toads.

Iwagakure - Hidden Village of Rock

Kunoichi - Female ninja