Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Gift ❯ Chap 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Chap 3

 

Naruto opened his eyes wearily, brining up an arm to wipe his face only to find that they were immobilized under the force of a body. Temari's arm stretched across his bare chest, grabbing hold of his arm. Her head lay on his shoulder, rhythmic breaths telling him that she was in a peaceful sleep. His insides warmed, looking at ruffled blonde hair and feeling her hold him. She was so peaceful, resting against him. She had shown him a side of her that nobody knew.

 

Temari had always been violent and independent, but now, with him, she was something else. Naruto put his head down and groaned, looking at the clock sitting behind her, illuminating the dark room. It was already time for him to go; yet he did not want to.

 

Naruto wiggled his way out of her grip, hoping not to disturb her in her peace. The ruffle of sheets followed him as he got up. Temari crushed the pillow that he had vacated, mumbling. “Naruto-kun…”

 

Reluctantly he got up and dressed, wanting to get back under the sheets and feel the warmth beneath them, but he knew it was not possible, not for him.

 

Naruto strolled through the streets, not in any particular hurry, when he felt it. Those eyes that had looked at him before, the eyes that seemed to bore into his life, searching; they had returned. Hate, curiosity, confusion. He felt it all through those eternal looks.

 

Naruto continued on, not letting such a thing bother him when he saw them. Clusters of people, their eyes were all downcast, whispering between themselves. An uneasy feeling enveloped Naruto, sending him into thought. He could come up with no answers to their behavior when he was snapped out by a piece of paper.

 

It smacked him right in the face, carried by the autumn wind. Naruto stared at what was on it, his eyes filling with intense fire. `What is this!' Naruto knew why the people were all staring. His heart beat faster and faster, his eyes pierced the page, trying to find something that claimed it was a joke, but he found none.

 

Naruto was in the center of the page, his face smiling to whoever took the picture. All around him lay children and Naruto shivered at the thought of what the man was doing to them. Naruto force himself to tranquility, trying not to boil with rage or shutter at the images. Underneath the photo read a single line that struck at him. “Uzumaki Naruto, are your children truly being protected.” Crushing it in his hand Naruto walked forward, determined not to let it get to him, but those eyes did kill him.

 

XXXXXXXXXX

 

Naruto closed his eyes, sighing. There always seemed to be a lot on his mind these days and today was no exception. The happenings of the morning came back in a rush, where he had forgotten during his mission. There was less murmuring now, but that was mostly due to there being less people. The stares still looked into his soul, but Naruto simply put those out of his mind as he headed home, to where he would be welcomed.

 

No lights shone out in the setting night from his home, but Naruto knew from the previous day that Temari would be there, always. Strolling up to his door panic found a home inside of him. The doorframe had been shattered where the lock would have held it and it was obvious to him that someone had forced their way in. Naruto threw all caution out of him, recklessly charging up the stair.

 

Naruto's face drew out in horror. All his belongings had been upended, slashed and destroyed. His unsteady eyes searched the broken door to his room and before he thought of it he was there. His heart began to throb, beating faster and faster. There had been a struggle, he was sure of it. Naruto wanted to drop to his knees and wail when he saw it. Droplets of blood carelessly dried on the wood floor.

 

His own blood seemed to flow like a river, his heart beating in panic. `She's gone!' Naruto ran, darting through the darkened streets, not caring for the shouts that followed him. He formed the seal that had saved him countless times and he wished it would again. Hundreds of clones flew in all directions, searching. He could feel the hot liquid coming from his hands, he didn't care, he dug his fingers in for more to dull the ache in his chest.

 

Naruto raced forward, knowing there was one place where he could see everything, where he could spot Temari fighting to free herself; she would not go peacefully. Naruto ran to the Hokage monument only to freeze, peering at the lighted building at the base of the mountain. It was never in use, only for those special calling and he knew Tsunade wasn't even in Konoha to call one.

 

His reflexes took him there and his face turned to stone when he saw the room. Inside she sat there, off in the far side of the room in what seemed to be a once forgotten cage. Four Anbu stood guard around her, but Naruto was not afraid. He opened the double doors of the building, finding two short elderly in front of him. Both had stern looks on their face and behind them eight others stood, giving him that same look.

 

“What do you think you are doing Uzumaki Naruto?” the old lady asked.

 

Naruto simply indicated with his eyes to the woman in the cage, her face a little bruised. “This matter does not concern you! Leave it to the council.” She said, but Naruto stood there, his eyes full of determination, he would get her back.

 

Resigning to the growing man she spoke. “Her fate will be decided tomorrow, leave now.” Naruto glanced at the cage and she smiled to him. Her mouth moved to form words that Naruto would have done anyway. Help me. Tomorrow.

 

XXXXXXXXXX

 

Naruto leaned against a tree, shutting his eyes in thought. He couldn't sleep, he couldn't go home, he couldn't have Temari. That last thought struck him like a rock. No not today. He knew what happened when the council was involved. There was to be a trial, although the council always won, and that was when their fate was to be decided.

 

Fury coursed through his blood and Naruto tried not to lose himself to it. He would let it consume him however; IF they touched her. He would turn everything into a barren wasteland if they tried to hurt her. Naruto tried to calm himself, but that was like trying to tie up a rabid wolf.

 

He wished he had Tsunade there to put the council into place, but she was on a mission. Some of the council saw him as he was, someone who protected Konoha, but others, his face turned into an angry sneer, others would do whatever it took to remind them he was a demon, crushing his accomplishments.

 

He closed his eyes, looking into the blackness of his eyes. He would do it. He would do anything for her. He would destroy the world just to see her smile and take away her sadness. He didn't want to. There where those that he loved. Those that had cared for him. He didn't want to, but whatever happened, it all depended on tomorrow.

 

XXXXXXXXXX

 

Temari blinked at the bright light that suddenly filled her cage. A masked Anbu pulled back the curtain and Temari sneered at him as he opened the cage. Calmly she took the bowl of water from another ninja, washing her face with it. Another threw in gray pants and a gray sweater. Temari did as she was told. She wanted to find what it was that they had taken her for, and there was also the fact that she could do little against the four. She could hear voices filling the room beyond the curtain. She walked out at the motion of the ninja and she found the room full of about one hundred people.

 

They didn't see her enter, instead most looked at a piece of paper, looking disgusted. Temari caught a glimpse and her insides turned. An image of a dead child was centered in it, but looming overhead was a fox, nine tails swishing behind it. The bottom read; “Remember”.

 

Silence filled the room at the entrance of a man, dressed in his usual orange pants and dark blue shirt. Everyone gaped at him, standing next to Temari at the table that the Anbu led her.

 

More silence followed as the council of ten sat in front of them, on an elevated platform. The center seat stood empty, where Tsunade would have been but they proceeded nonetheless. After everyone was seated Hyuuga Hiashi rose among the ten, coughing for their attention.

 

“We of the council bring Temari of the sand her on charges of treason, theft, and murder, this woman has killed our shinobi and stolen the scroll of sealing.” Hiashi said, sneering at Naruto. Naruto knew that this was no trial. They would accuse her and kill her without so much as a defense Naruto willed himself and he was about to stand when a familiar voice called out.

 

“Temari of the sand. Is it true that you were a member of the sand trio that tried to attack Konoha.” Naruto turned, and sure enough it was the pink haired woman, standing there in a black suit in an authoritative position.

 

Naruto could feel Temari squirm beside him but he let out some relief. Sakura would help him get her out, surely she would.

 

“I asked you a question Temari-san!”

 

“Yes, it is true.”

 

“It is true. It is also true that you had sided with the sound to bring Konoha down was it not!”

 

“It is true.”

 

“So. Here you are. A woman who had tried to destroy the village once before, so why not steal their secrets while at peace with them right?”

 

“No! that is not true.” Temari replied, earning a grunt from Sakura. Naruto's eyes hung open, why was she doing this? She had known Temari helped them try and bring Sasuke back, yet she was doing this.

 

“So you claim you did not do it? How then did the scroll go missing yesterday morning, and when your hotel room was search by a tip it was found?”

 

“I was never near that hotel. I was not awake during that time period.” Temari said through gritted teeth.

 

“So you were not there? Then may I ask where you were.”

 

The color drained from her face and she was left speechless. “Where were you that morning!”

 

Temari felt Naruto's hand clasp hers and her voice returned. “I was at Uzumaki Naruto's home.” Hushed noises spread through the crowd, but she stood firmly, looking at Sakura who smiled.

 

“So you were at his house. What exactly were you doing there? You had a hotel room yet you were at the Uzumaki residence, where you were also found.”

 

The grip of Naruto's hand tightened and her mouth worked the words before she could speak. “I was sleeping there.”

 

More indignant sounds came from the crowd, and Sakura smiled. Sakura turned, letting Temari sit, but her eyes fixed on Naruto.

 

“Uzumaki Naruto, Is it true that you are with Temari of the sand?” Naruto stood proudly, towering over Sakura.

 

“It is true.”

 

“Is it also true that you knew she was part of the sand trio? A potential threat?”

 

Fury rose in him. “She is no threat!”

 

“Not a threat? She has killed countless shinobi and that is no threat?”

 

“She did not steal the scroll!”

 

“Hmm. Ok. But can we trust the word of this man?” Temari stiffened. This was not about her; this had been planed not to get her killed, but to…

 

“This man has beaten the wealthy! He has strung them in their undergarments and put them in suggestive positions just to fill his horrible mind.” Sakura stated, smiling as the effect spread through the crowd.

 

“Yes. He has done some things that make my hair stand on end but he is a DEMON. Have you forgotten that? Kyuubi has killed countless people, taking premature lives and ruining those of others.” Sakura spoke fiercely.

 

“What is this to do with the case Sakura?” Called and elderly woman from council, looking like a hawk at the pink haired woman.

 

Naruto dug his fingers into his palms, his eyes colder than ice and his face made from stone.

 

“So this, Demon, has committed many acts that have gone on for too long. Not only did he kill many people but also he has stolen the scroll of sealing himself and KILLED the remaining Uchiha.” Temari gripped her fists to her sides, hearing all the false injustices that she was bestowing on him. She couldn't take it, those painful eyes that Naruto now had, the pain that seemed to last for eternity. Fury took her and Temari pounded her fist on the table, standing.

 

“Damn You! All of you! Look at yourself! You call him a monster, yet have you ever truly looked at him! Have you ever see the pain in his eyes hiding behind that smile? Have you ever been shunned by a village, only to be reminded everyday that you are not like them? Have you ever been so alone that it ate at you, consuming who you are? So alone that you want to die? Have you ever tried so hard, falling asleep in a pile of your own sweat, exhausted from training, yet no one sees you? HAVE YOU! HAVE YOU SEEN HIS LIFE! HIS AGONY!” Temari yelled, somewhat hysterical, she would have gone on if not for the touch of Naruto, whispering, “That's enough Temari-chan.”

 

Naruto faced the council as Temari collapsed into him, crying against his side, he needed to be the one who was strong.

 

“Council! I know this was no trial but you shall get what you desire. Temari and I will leave for good, with no more ties to Konoha.”

 

“You can't! You must be punished first!” Hiashi yelled.

 

“Punished!? Council. Temari and I will leave, if you try to stop us you will die. If by any means anything happens to Temari, so help me god, I will destroy this village. If I feel any threat I will find you and destroy you.” Naruto took off his head protector, crushing it. “I am no longer a shinobi of the leaf.”

 

“You can't leave!”

 

“Hiashi-sama! Your ambition blinds you greatly. You always wanted the title of Hokage, and you feared my taking of it. I may be gone but there are still others to take the throne. Farewell.”

 

The stunned people all gawked at him; he didn't care. He made his way through, pushing open the tall doors to see the gray skies. Naruto had thought of what would happen and he had prepared. Naruto swung a large bag over his shoulder; opposite the side Temari was grabbing him. Naruto could feel the rain began to sprinkle the ground as he made his way to the gates of Konoha a solemn air surrounding him. The people at the gate didn't know what was going on as Naruto passed, many wanted to ask but his face showed he would not answer. Naruto passed though the gates to people staring at him, wondering where he was going. Only then did it seem to open and fall on Konoha. The somber gray sky poured rain in mourning; Uzumaki Naruto had left the leaf.

 

That's it. what do you think? Ohh ya. Some people are wondering about other females of Naruto and umm… you'll just have to read and find out. Hope to hear from u.