Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Competition ❯ Finals and Confessions ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Naruto or it's characters. Dang…

 

Chapter 6: Finals and confessions!

 

Summary: It's time for the finals and Naruto is seriously dispirited. Feeling trampled he tries to leave Konoha but a certain confession makes him stay. Elsewhere, Gaara is wandering the town alone in search of something to justify his meaning for living and finds someone who's a little shy.

~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Okay class! When I call your name you're to come into the room next to this to perform two tasks. How greatly you succeed depends on if you pass or fail,” Iruka announced to the nervous students.

 

It was the next day, Wednesday; exam day children would call it. Or nervous breakdown day the hopelessly weak in chakra would call it. Naruto sat next to his un-heartthrob, Sakura with his chin rested uncomfortably on the wooden table. He had decided last night that he would give up on Sakura. She wasn't worth all the pain and misery he was going through. He could see if she appreciated him and liked him like he did her but no, such is not the case however.

 

Both Ino and Sakura tried to reason with Naruto and tell him why they couldn't make it. Naruto on the other hand wasn't ignoring them. He was just too hurt to actually recognize them. He was in a sort of dream like state ever since he woke up that morning. Sasuke couldn't bear to see Naruto like this and resented Sakura and Ino for doing that to him. That was cruel in his perspective. But both boys didn't know half the story and the girls weren't about to give up in trying to explain.

 

“Now, I hope you all have been studying for this test! This will determine if you go on to become a genin or stay back another year at the academy for training,” Iruka said with his eyes moving to Naruto who looked in a serious state of distress. Then he saw Ino sitting just above him with a mournful look on her face as though she had a death in the family. `Wonder what's wrong with them?' He shook his head then whipped out his clipboard causing several students to gulp or twitch nervously. “Let's get started! Um…Hyuga Hinata! Follow me please!”

 

Hinata gulped and stood up shakily. “Oh…boy.” She began to walk slowly down the aisle as if praying for something to happen to interrupt her test. As she passed Naruto he raised an eyebrow and reached out grabbing her hand. She turned to look and almost melted at the sight of who held her hand. His smooth hand took her by surprise.

 

“Hey, calm down Hinata. You'll do just fine; I'll be rooting for ya. Just relax and go with the flow. I know you can do it,” Naruto said giving her a thumbs up. “I promise you we'll become genin…together.”

 

With that he let go of her hand and waved her on. Hinata felt as if she were the luckiest girl on earth at that moment. That talk had calmed her down. She exited the room with new spirit and hope.

 

After the door closed it was just the students. (How foolish of Iruka to leave the students alone) Everyone turned to look at Naruto who once again put his forehead on the desk with a heavy sigh. Sakura and Ino looked at each other not knowing what to say.

 

“Yo Naruto, do you like Hinata or something?” A student asked curiously.

 

“No, shut-up.”

 

“That's not what it looks like,” Kiba muttered ignoring Naruto's tone.

“Up yours Kiba. I'm not in the mood for this crap right now okay,” Naruto growled.

 

“Who shoved a stick up your ass, Naruto?” Shikamaru asked with his head in his hands. A bored look was on his face.

 

“How would you like a real stick shoved up your ass, Shikamaru?” Naruto grinned. He was not to be played with right now. Being on the brink of doing something crazy and what not.

 

No one said anything after that but continued to stare at him; as if they were provoking him to do something stupid. They knew Naruto, and it wasn't like him to sit down quietly. He was usually the one scribbling swear words on the chalkboard or making armpit noises whenever Iruka talked.

 

Finally, after thirty minutes Iruka came back in to call out the next student's name. “Aburame Shino!” Iruka left the room as Shino stood up without a sound. He exited the room and left behind the impact as though he were never in it. The other students breathed easily as they had not been called.

 

Naruto turned his head 90 degrees to the left so he was staring at Sakura. “Sakura?”

 

She jumped at her name. “Naruto? Yeah? Need something?”

 

“No. I just have something for you,” he said reaching a hand into his pocket.

 

Ino watched on in jealousy and curiosity as Naruto rustled around in his pale brown bag on the back of his pants. Sakura however knew what he was about to do and braced herself.

 

Naruto pulled of a wad of cash making everyone crane his or her neck to get a better look at it. “Here. This is for you. I originally had something planned to do with this money but…such is in the past and I…I don't want this deceitful money anymore so just…just take it.” With that said he dropped all of it in Sakura's lap and returned his head to the table.

 

Sakura looked at the money then to Naruto. This was exactly like his dream. `Is he that mad at me?' She wondered picking up the money. *`Uh, hello idiot! He's not mad he's heartbroken! That someone didn't come back to his house!'* Inner Sakura pointed out. `Hey! That wasn't my fault! A certain someone's mother wigged out and put her daughter on lockdown!' *`You could've used the window for Pete's sake!'* `Did you not see the way that my parents had fixed the damn thing closed? Gosh, you're supposed to see what I see! Now shut-up and be quiet!'

 

Sasuke eyed the money then Sakura. `What's she gonna do with that? And furthermore, how did Naruto get so much money? If he has the mullah why doesn't he do something about that shabby place he calls a home?' Shrugging as it was none of his business Sasuke returned his gaze to the chalkboard with some techniques he was going to use running through his mind.

 

“Whoa! Naruto! You're just giving her that money?!” Kiba yelled.

 

“Yeah. Mind your business.”

 

“Shit, if you're so loaded give me a couple bucks,” Shikamaru sighed into his hand. He was a shining example of someone who wasn't at all nervous about the exam. He already knew he would fail.

 

Naruto grit his teeth. His mind became clouded as ideas started running through his head. “…Fuck it.” Naruto stood up and walked halfheartedly to the door grabbing its handle. He attempted to open it when Ino yelled, “Naruto! What're you doing?”

 

“I'm leaving. What's it look like?” He said this as his body began to twitch. He stood up straight and placed his hands inside of his pockets. Looking on the ground he saw a shadow leading from him to Shikamaru who was standing exactly like him. “Shikamaru, damn you! Let me go!”

 

“No.”

 

“Naruto! You don't get to leave until after the exams are over! You know that!” Ino said staring at him.

 

Laughing maniacally, Naruto stared straight ahead at Shikamaru. “You don't get it do you? I'm not just leaving class…I'm leaving Konoha!”

 

Ino gasped. “Why?”

 

“Yeah, why are so bent out of shape?” Sakura wondered clutching the money tightly in her hand.

 

Naruto turned his eyes upon hers. “Take one good got damn guess. That was the last straw! I thought you guys were my friends! I can't take this anymore. Nobody should have to go through the crap I have to go through, every single day I get those looks. Every single day a grown-up sneers at me or kicks dirt at me! Half those people I don't even know and they just take it upon themselves to be mean. Well, I might as well disappear. I'm pretty sure that would make everyone happy! I don't need to be a genin to live a life! My life sucks anyway so I'll start over at another village or someplace else.” After he finished he found he could move again. He looked and saw that Shikamaru was sitting down staring at him with mild-interest.

 

“By all means continue with your inane ranting,” Shikamaru said waving a hand lazily.

 

Naruto didn't even hear this. He grabbed the door swinging it open. One foot was out the door when Ino stood up slamming her hands on the table with her bottom lip trembling. Sakura looked up at her in shock. `She isn't…is she?' *`Oh yes she is. `bout damn time to.'*

 

“Naruto! You're wrong! Some one does care about you!” Ino shouted to the surprise of everyone in the room.

 

For one reason or another Naruto stopped to turn and look at her. “Really? And who might that be?”

 

“ME!” Ino yelled closing her eyes. “I tried to tell you before how I felt but…but I was…I was afraid! So there! I l-like you Naruto!” She opened her eyes breathing hard and grinned slightly at her own daring.

 

“Well, she totally came out the closet on that one,” Shikamaru said.

 

Sasuke was twisted around in his seat staring at Ino wide-eyed. He wasn't the only one; the whole class was staring at her as if seeing for the first time. `She…likes him?' He turned back around with his eyes narrowed. Her outburst was running through his mind over and over. His heart was pounding against his chest.

 

Sakura on the other hand was smiling. She stood up and walked to the stunned Naruto. She grabbed his hand placing it on top of her hand, which held the money. “Here, Naruto. I'm sorry Ino and I couldn't return to your little party. Something happened at home. I would've called you but…”

 

“Heh…I don't have a phone,” Naruto said grinning.

 

`He's smiling. But…is it a real smile or it another one of those smiles he puts on to hide the pain? I can't tell.' Sakura thought.

 

She pushed the hand with the money towards Naruto. He gazed at it, raised an eyebrow, then shoved it back at her. “Nah, I don't need it.” For a hot minute him and Sakura played a sort of tug-of-war except in this case it was more like push-of-war. “Look Sakura, you take this money or I'll shove it down your throat,” Naruto said forcefully.

 

Sakura laughed along with some of the students. “Fine, when you put it that way I guess I'll keep it but…I'm not gonna spend a cent of it.”

 

“Fair enough,” Naruto said walking up the aisle to Ino taking with him everyone's gaze.

 

`Omigod! Is he going to…to kiss me? This'll be just like my dream!' Ino thought happily while instinctively closing her eyes. She gasped slightly as he wrapped his arms around her bringing her closer. `This is it!'

 

Far from it. Naruto embraced her in a heartfelt hug.

 

“Thank you Ino. I needed that. I can't believe I was about to quit, that's so not like me.” He grinned as a slightly disappointed Ino wrapped her arms around him. “At least somebody besides Iruka likes me and doesn't resent me.”

 

“Naruto…I-I got to tell you something that's been eating away at me ever since I first kissed you,” Ino mumbled making sure no one but him could hear.

 

“I know. I know what you wanna say but let's say…we save it for after the exam so I don't get distracted,” Naruto said softly in a voice that made Ino shiver.

 

“Uh, if you already know what I'm going to say then why should it matter?” Ino wondered blushing.

 

“Because…if I hear it from you I'll wind up never wanting to let you go,” Naruto said releasing her.

 

As Naruto took his seat with a blatant grin on his face Ino remained standing. `Whoa…I never thought those three words would have such a dramatic effect on him. I guess he's gone for his whole life without hearing those words so it's only natural that he'd feel very special. Which he is, of course. I wonder, if he accepts me, if he'll let me know why our parents think he's dangerous.'

 

Naruto was having his own thoughts. `That Ino…I thought for sure she was a Sasuke fan-girl. I already know I can't trust anyone except myself anymore. This has to be another trick. It just has to be. If I fell for it…. I don't think I can take another blow like that and keep my sanity. I'm just…I'm just sick of it all damn it! But what if she's serious? No way! It…can't be. I know; I'll test her! Just to make sure she's serious about her and me…us, right after lunch.' He then smirked smugly while turning to stare at Sasuke who was glaring at him with the intensity to that of a basilisk. `I totally forgot he had the hots for Ino! Ah well. This is gonna get quite interesting.' He pulled his eye and stuck out his tongue. “Nyah!”

 

Sasuke just stared then did a rude hand gesture. “Up yours, Naruto.”

 

“I'd hate to have to snap that finger off,” Naruto whispered.

 

“Okay class!” Iruka said coming through the door. He looked at his class and could tell that something had happened while he was gone. One big hint was the fact that Naruto was grinning and just earlier he was a perpetual river of sadness. Another hint was that Sasuke was now the one sulking. “Perhaps I'm better off not knowing. Anyway, next up is…Uzumaki Naruto! Follow me!”

 

Naruto hopped up as if he were on a spring. With newly found energy and the discovering of someone who actually cares for him his spirits were raised. As he walked out he could've sworn he saw out of the corner of his eye Ino blow a kiss at him. Him and Iruka walked down the hall in complete silence except for Naruto who was humming a song to himself.

 

Iruka rolled his gaze over to Naruto. “You sure are happy.”

 

“Sure am!”

 

“What happened to the sad-sack Naruto from earlier?”

 

“He's left the building baby! Sort of like Elvis…” Naruto said.

 

“You're weird,” Iruka said plainly while shaking his head.

 

Yeah? Well, you're a nosebleed,” Naruto grinned.

 

“What do you mean by nosebleed?

 

Naruto laughed. “Can't believe you've forgotten all about my Sexy jutsu, nosebleed.”

 

Iruka groaned. He had hoped that by playing stupid Naruto would have forgotten all about that vulgar technique of his. Though he would never admit it, even on his deathbed, Iruka thought that combing two techniques like that were genius. Naruto did have the smarts to become a Hokage…if he would just use them. He then remembered he wanted to ask about something. “Hey, is there something going on between you and Ino?”

 

Naruto shrugged. “Might be…. Why do you wanna know?” He wondered feeling his heart pump as they got closer tot heir destination.

 

“Because, something happened when I was gone, right?”

 

“Something always happens when you leave the classroom but…yeah, something did happen. I found out you're not the only one who likes me,” Naruto said winking at Iruka.

 

“Oh really? That's great!” Beamed Iruka patting Naruto on the back.

 

Naruto smiled then his the grin wiped clean from his face to be replaced by. “Um, about this exam. Is Mizuki-sensei gonna be there?"

 

“Mizu…? Ha! Heavens no! He ran away after he healed from that ass-kicking you handed him. The coward. No, your exam will be conducted by me and Master Gai.”

 

Naruto cringed and his left eye twitched as the impact of those words hit him. “Dude, for the love of God. Don't joke like that, man.”

 

“It's no joke, Naruto.”

 

Gasping Naruto gaped at his sensei. “Okay, now when you say Gai you don't mean that dude who looks like he could be Rock Lee's dad…do you?” Iruka nodded confirming Naruto's fears. “Oh, hell naw! I'm quitting right now! I resign! No way in flippin' hell am I going in there! I just know he's gonna do one of his weird-ass poses and ya know what? I'm gonna lose it!” Naruto exclaimed turning around. Iruka grabbed him by the back of his neck cuff choking him and bringing him back.

 

“You are not going anywhere. You're going to take this test,” Iruka said smiling and dragging Naruto down through the halls. Naruto dug his nails into the ground in a vain attempt to pull himself free while screaming the whole way there. The only thing he accomplished by doing this was to ensure people would remember him by the groves his nails left behind in the floor. `What an idiot!' Iruka thought grasping the knob to the appropriate room.

 

“No! No! Master Iruka, please! If you have an ounce of feeling for me do not put me in the same room as that bowl cut wearin', uber-brow having”— He stopped as he was thrown into the room—“Man of the hour! How ya doin' Master Gai?” Naruto asked rubbing the back of his head while staring up at Iruka angrily.

 

Naruto had been flung forcefully into a wide square room. The ceiling was high and the walls were black marble. There was a long table with two chairs seated behind it against the far north wall. One of those seats was occupied by the butt of Naruto's least favorite teacher: Master Gai. He was wearing his usual green leotard with his green vest. Naruto's eyes instantly fell upon that stupid shiny bowl cut. Those creepy caterpillar eyebrows of Gai's twitched as he spotted Naruto.

 

“Naruto! You're late but…it's probably just the exuberance of youth! You're so full of it!” Gai exclaimed standing up and getting into one of his weirder poses. “I will forgive you!”

 

Iruka grinned as he grabbed Naruto's arm to stop him from diving on his fellow examiner. “Lemme go! Lemme go! Just once! I swear I'm gonna rip off those-mmph!”

 

A hand was slapped over his mouth interrupting his violent talk. Fortunately for him Gai hadn't heard a word. His pose seemed to demand all his concentration.

 

Iruka groaned as Naruto continued to rave splattering his hand with spit. “Ugh…sorry Gai. Let's get started then,” Iruka sighed taking his chair. He wiped his hand then looked at his clipboard and said, “Okay Naruto. Two tasks are required in order to pass the exam and thus move onto the genin lifestyle and become the lowliest of Shinobi. You'll have to do the Bunshin No Jutsu technique and the Henge no Jutsu technique.” He finished that and looked at Naruto giving an encouraging wink.

 

“Don't fret Naruto! I'm sure you'll do fine! Your flame of youth will propel you to victory!” Gai yelled shaking his fist at Naruto.

 

“If so, then why are you shaking your fist at me?” Naruto wondered sweating.

 

“Cause if you fail again I'm gonna beat some sense into you!” Gai said grinning.

 

“Oh yeah. That's a shining example of encouragement,” Naruto muttered bleakly.

 

“When you're ready,” Iruka said nodding.

 

“Right first thing I'm doing is a little bit of my own ninjutsu,” Naruto said straining his face in concentration while making a series of complex signs.

 

“Good, good! Always a pleasure to see new material,” Gai said promptly.

 

“Material? This is gonna be marked as an unknown technique! Perfect for when I become Lord Hokage!”

 

Iruka sighed. “Naruto…wouldn't it be easier if you just stuck to the original techniques instead of going out on a limb? You'll risk failing again.”

 

“Chu callin' me weak?” Naruto grunted as he concentrated his chakra. “Sayin' I don't have what it t-takes?”

 

Iruka looked surprised that Naruto would think this of him. “Of course not! I know you have the potential to one day become a Hokage but I'm talking about now and here. I just want you to pass, Naruto.”

 

“Good then trust me,” Naruto said as blue lines of chakra started racing around his feet creating a mild wind that ruffled his clothes.

Iruka opened his mouth in an attempt at another protest when Gai interrupted him. “Now, now Iruka! If the boy thinks he can do it then by golly go for it I say!” He said doing his hyper-head-nod.

 

“Fine,” Iruka said breathing heavily from nervousness. “Do what you got to do, Naruto.”

 

“Alright Masters Iruka and Gai prepare yourself for the next generation of techniques! Change!!”

 

A cloud of dust enshrouded Naruto. As it fell Iruka and Gai went wide-eyed as they saw what Naruto had become.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

30 minutes before the exams

 

“Ya know. I never realized how boring this village was! No one's fighting, no blood on the ground, no powerful enemies to fight. This place is a living hell!” Kankuro exclaimed picking at his carrots. “The food sucks too. It tastes like ass…Temari's ass!”

 

What followed next did not surprise Gaara in the least as he took a sip of his cola spitting soon after. With a sound that reverberated throughout the area Temari slapped the spit out of Kankuro's mouth. As he rubbed his cheek Temari went into a rage about him being a pervert and how would he know what her ass tastes like.

 

“Wouldn't you like to know?” Kankuro said grinning mischievously as his cheek shown a brilliant red.

 

Temari sat down racking her brain for a time when Kankuro was anywhere near her ass blushing to the extreme all the while.

 

Kankuro laughed to himself as he returned attention to his plate of food. With his mind on making Temari question herself he put a big spoonful of food in his mouth. A split second later his eyes were bulging out of their sockets and he started hacking, spitting, and choking while clutching his throat.

 

Temari pointed and laughed heartily not bothering to keep her voice down. Several ninja in the vicinity chuckled along with her. None of them had been stupid enough to even attempt to open their mouths. The smell alone was a definite warning.

 

“Quit your whining and eat, you big baby,” Temari chided hiding very well the fact that she thought the food was rather disgusting as well. Determined to prove the food was alright she took a small bite. “Ulp!”

 

“Yeah. See? I told you,” Kankuro said scooping some hard mashed potatoes into a spoon. With precise aim he flicked it straight into the ear of a child that happened to wonder by. He grasped his ear looking around, until he went home crying about being haunted by ghosts. “Heh, punk.”

 

Gaara sat with his arms crossed staring at his plate of food as if it had done him a grave injustice. `How in the hell can somebody fudge up a drink? You got to be super smart to do that,' he thought disgustedly.

 

All three of the sand ninjas were seated just outside of an outside bar. It was one of them things with the circular table with the wide bench and the umbrella sticking out of it to put in the shade the people eating under it. They had ordered the Wednesday special which, surprising enough, appears to the special from two Wednesdays ago. Other ninja from other lands were at the same bar with the same looks of disgust upon their faces.

 

“Okay, lunch officially blows,” Kankuro said throwing down his fork in nausea. “Effin people don't even know how to effin cook! God! I'm still effin hungry! Makes me wanna effin kill someone!”

 

Gaara shifted his gaze upon Kankuro nodding in agreement but remaining silent.

 

“I hate to admit it but…you're right,” Temari said opening her mouth. A wad of chewed up moist food spilled out onto her plate with a sickening splashing noise. “Blech!”

 

“Aw dude! Effin disgusting! And without even trying to hide it no less! My God in heaven, at least try to show some courtesy when eating!” Kankuro said sticking out his tongue.

 

“Oh shut-up,” Temari snapped furrowing her brow.

 

Gaara was saved seeing that horrifying sight as the sand in his gourd came out covering his eyes. “…Temari, just one thing.”

 

“Oh! Y-yes Gaara?” She asked nervously.

 

“If I had seen that…you wouldn't be sitting there right now looking at me with a scared expression. Your face would be on the ground and your body…somewhere around here,” Gaara said lazily flicking his hand anywhere while standing up.

 

The color drained from Temari's face as she stood up along with Kankuro who sniggered. “Burned. Not even I got death threats that severe.”

 

They started to walk away with Temari and Kankuro arguing about who got worse death threats when the owner of the bar came out brandishing a very bloody knife. Probably just got down gutting a pig or something. The blood dripping off caught Gaara's eyes. It reminded him of the blood that leaked from his victims when they suffered the Desert Coffin. How he longed to do it again. Feel the cold splash of blood against his parched face. The bar owners voice dragged him out of his reverie. “Hey! Just where do you think you're going without paying your tab, huh?”

 

Gaara turned his emerald eyes upon the keeper making him freeze. “The food was incredibly nasty. I only pay for food that satisfies my palette. Yours did not.”

 

Several ninja nodded in agreement but remained silent. Some crept away while the bar keeps attention was on Gaara. Kankuro peeked around the barkeep to the fleeing ninja and just shook his head making a note of what they looked like. He planned to hunt them down and kill them for using them as an excuse to escape.

 

“Listen here you little punk! I don't care if the food here is crappy you're not getting away without paying!” The barkeep yelled going red in the face. `I never knew my food was crappy. People always comment on it. Hmm…regardless, this little squirt ain't getting away without paying!' He thought angrily.

 

Gaara closed his eyes and sighed. “Unless you want an early death I'd advise you to drop the matter,” he stated in a steely tone.

 

Kankuro shuddered. He really didn't feel like seeing ones blood splatter against the ground so he walked in between Gaara and the barkeep pulling out his wallet. “I may not have liked this shit you call food but…I still pay my dues even if I couldn't eat it.” He pulled out the appropriate amount of money and extended his hand only to have it snatched away by Gaara.

 

“We're not paying for this Kankuro,” Gaara said pocketing his brother's cash.

 

`That dirty lowdown rotten sunuvabitch! Trying to act like he didn't just take my dough! He's probably strapped for cash and knows I won't say anything,' Kankuro thought grinding his teeth.

 

“Pay up or I'll call the police!” The barkeep yelled showering Gaara with spittle. “Hey! Wait a…I know you! Yeah, you're the one they call Gaara! Gaara of the Sands! They say you're wanted for murders. But with the upcoming competition they've temporarily suspended that so you could compete as well.”

 

Kankuro raised an eyebrow. Since when did his brother have wanted posters with his face on it? Was there something he and Temari didn't know?

 

“So…are you gonna hand over the money or am I gonna have to go get Lord Hokage?” The barman deadpanned smirking in a victorious way.

 

Gaara twitched. Glaring all the while at the bar owner he dug into his pockets pulling out Kankuro's money. With a scowl he held out his hand only to have it snatched up by the barkeep. “Hunh, that's what I thought you'd do!” He then turned around and walked back to the bar apparently pleased he had stood up to a child. Big whoop. But maybe it wasn't so much a child per se but the fact that he had stood up to Gaara of the sands. True, it was only by threat but, hey, a win is a win. Gaara watched him go; about the only thing he could do. It was taking every once of self-control he had not to bury him in sand. It was then he realized that his eyes were burning.

 

Kankuro and Temari stared at Gaara who watched the man like a snake watching a mouse. They had never seen Gaara do what he was told to do. That was like some sort of unbreakable law with Gaara. Listen, disobey, argue, kill. That's how it usually went down with him.

 

“Uh, Gaara? Are you alright?” Kankuro asked putting a hand on his shoulder.

 

Gaara trembled and slapped Kankuro's hand away. “Don't touch me…unless you wanna die,” he choked. Something watery rolled down Gaara's cheek leaving behind a trail of shimmering water.

 

Lightening struck down between Temari and Kankuro as their jaws hit the ground with a resounding thunk'! Gaara was actually crying. Gaara! The one with the scowl, the rugged demeanor, and the high score of 23 kills in a single week! That Gaara!

 

“Oh my…there is a God!” Temari exclaimed just low enough for Kankuro to hear. He nodded in agreement.

 

Gaara's eyes widened as he removed the belittling tear from his cheek. “Son of a…” He stopped. Turning his gaze towards the woods he took off in a sprint leaving the others behind. The other genin in the bar looked after Gaara with mixed looks of confusion.

 

“Wait! Gaara!” Kankuro's pleas fell on death ears as Gaara melted into the darkness of the trees.

 

“What in God's name is wrong with him? Must've been something real bad to make him cry,” Temari said frowning. Her sisterly instincts were kicking in. No matter how many death threats he gave her she knew it was only to compensate for the many attacks on his life. She was still his older sister and therefore it was her job to take care of him. She stared into the swallowing darkness of the forest as though Gaara were still there.

 

“Damn…he hasn't cried in five years! What could've made him break down and cry now?” Kankuro queried putting a hand to his chin.

 

“In any case, we'd better go after him,” Temari said sprinting off after Gaara. Kankuro nodded and ran along side her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Gaara ran until he collapsed at the end of the forest. He lifted his profusely sweating head to stare at the back of the local ninja academy. `Naruto….' The blonde haired Kyuubi ran through his mind pulling his eye and sticking out his tongue. He tried standing but he was too tired. `What am I doing? I'm tired and yet and still I'm trying to destroy Naruto. Why?' `You already know the answer to that.' `Shut-up, Shukaku! I'm not going to let you run me anymore! I'm going to kill to justify my reason for living instead of for your amusement.' `In retrospect, it's the same thing.' `You say one more word I'll--' `You'll what, huh? What can you do? I'm a part of you. I'm the reason you're wanted in every land.' Gaara squeezed his eyes shut. He could feel the presence of tears begging for release. “No! Crying is a weakness!”

 

Looking around Gaara suddenly took in the small things; anything to get his mind off Shukaku. The cloudy blue sky. The sweet air. The soft grass on which he was laying on. The little stuff. “Why…? Why does everyone hate me so? Is it because of Shukaku? That's not my fault. I didn't ask for this thing. My bastard father put it in me! Curse him! I hope he's burning in the very depths of hell! Because of him I've never known a days peace! Shit!” Then a bell rang inside his dome. `Hello! How do you think Naruto feels?' `Fuck off Shukaku!' Gaara's attention drifted to a butterfly that was floating towards him. `That's it. Come closer. Let me touch you,' Gaara thought with his face creaking into a grin. He held out a hand for the butterfly to land on when sand erupted from the ground wrapping itself around it squeezing it. With a small `crick!' the sand disappeared and the insect floated lifelessly to the ground. `Ah ah ah! No touchie touchie.'

 

Gaara stared transfixed at the butterfly as the once clear sky darkened with thunder filled clouds threatening to soak him. “Why the hell am I caring about an insect? I must be going crazy.” He sighed and laid his head down. After what felt like forever the back door to the ninja academy opened and a red-cheeked, blue haired, white-eyed girl walked out with obvious signs of happiness underneath her blushing. It started raining. A Konoha hitai-ate headband hung loosely from her scrawny yet smooth neck. `Hn…the final exam must be going on now. This would be the perfect time to ambush Naru…no! Might as well kill her then.' After trying to stand for the second time with the sole purpose of killing that girl his eyes went blank and he collapsed.

 

“I-I can't believe I pa-passed!” She exclaimed happily remembering it was Naruto's words of courage that had guided her. She stood under the sunroof and stared out into the pounding rain, which for some strange reason reminded her of Naruto. “Without him…I might not have been able to…” Her voice trailed off as she spotted Gaara laying facedown in the sopping wet grass. “Oh my…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Gaara's eyes shot open as he sat up in alert. `Where am I?' He thought looking around. He felt his shirt was removed but his pants were still on. He raised an eyebrow at the interior of the room. He was laying on top of a warm bed with scarlet covers. The floor was covered in soft dark blue carpeting. There were dressers and mirrors. A chintz armchair that held his sand gourd. It was rather fancy. A clock on the nightstand next to him read 8 p.m. Then his eyes rested upon the ass of the girl he had seen earlier. `Whoa…big ass,' he thought. He blushed and shook his head feeling himself stiffen. She was leaning over in front of him picking up a napkin she had dropped. It was probably due to the tight blue pants she was wearing, along with the pink apron and dark red sleeveless T. He cleared his throat and the girl jumped 5ft in the air whirling around in surprise.

 

“Oh! Y-you're awake,” Hinata said coming to his side. She put a hand to his forehead making him wince. “Are you f-feeling all right? I found you unconscious near t-the school.”

 

Putting a hand to his head Gaara struggled to remember what had happened. But it was useless. His memories were seeping through his mind as fast as trying to hold water in your palm. The only bit he remembered was debating on whether or not to kill her. Figuring it was the least he could do since she took him in he decided against it.

`Aw…I want to feel her blood!'

 

“Shut-up,” muttered Gaara gritting his teeth.

 

Hinata looked puzzled. She hadn't said anything. “Huh?”

 

Gaara shook his head rubbing his temple. “It's…it's nothing.” Gaara turned his emerald eyes upon those eerie pure white opals. “Who are you?”

 

Blushing she walked back over to the front of the bed lifting something up. “I'm…Hinata,” she said putting a tray of food over his legs. She couldn't set it down properly due to a bump. “Huh?” She put the tray on the ground and examined what was sticking up in the covers.

 

Gaara raised an eyebrow as he stared at her then to the bulge. `Oh shit!' He thought with his eyes widening.

 

Hinata held out a finger and poked it making them both yelp. Gaara's eyes flared as he grabbed her wrist. “Do. Not. Touch. Me.” Gaara snarled paralyzing her with his icy gaze.

 

Hinata shivered as he let her go. She stumbled back, breathed, then once again placed the tray of food a little above the area she guessed was his crotch. She blushed at the naughty thought. “H-Here. You need to keep your st-strength up with that c-cold you have,” she stuttered blushing. Gaara eyed her suspiciously seriously debating whether or not to kill her.

 

“Do you…know who I am?” Gaara asked looking at his spread. Dumplings, dipping sauce, Teriyaki chicken ramen noodles and some juice.

 

“Gaara of the sands. Wanted in every land for murders and the source of disastrous happenings,” Hinata replied as if reading a page from his life.

 

Blinking, Gaara looked at her crazily. “If you know who I am then why do you bring me into your home?”

 

“Because,” was her simple answer.

 

“Because why?”

 

“I don't judge people from what I hear…only what I see,” Hinata said grabbing the door handle. She opened it saying, “Rest up, okay?” She had one foot out then turned around much to the annoyance of Gaara who very much wanted her to leave. “Oh…I-I almost forgot to tell you. Some fr-friends of yours are downstairs waiting for you. One of th-them was a girl with y-yellow blonde hair and the other has a bundle of wrappings on his back…” Hinata shivered at what she had seen inside the bundle using her Byuukagan technique. Whatever it was gave her the creeps.

 

“Yeah. Leave `em down there,” Gaara sneered. The last thing he wanted to see right now was their ugly faces. “Toss them out. Tell them to go away.”

 

Hinata smiled stifling a giggle. Gaara raised an eyebrow at her. She obviously thought he was joking. As he gazed at her, his heart started hammering against his ribcage. He thought for sure it was gonna burst and he would die.

 

He was snapped back to reality when Hinata spoke. “The one with the thing on his back looked like he was attacked by wolves or something…. I have no idea what happened,” she said shaking her head to the questioning look Gaara was giving her.

 

Gaara shrugged. “I don't care. Tell them if they come up here I'll kill them,” he replied stonily. “I want to be alone.”

 

Hinata bowed. Gaara felt as if that was too much. No one ever bowed to him. She bade him a good eat and exited. As she closed the door Gaara looked at the food before him wondering once again whether or not he should bury her in sand. Deciding against it he picked up the pair of chopsticks on top of the ramen bowl and broke the tab that held them together. He started eating with strange emotions going through him so unlike the usual emotions he felt.

~~~~~~~~~~

 

Hours earlier

 

Naruto was seating on top of a building, grinning from ear to ear and wearing his highly earned headband. He was eating a bowl of his favorite flavor of shrimp ramen looking over his fellow students who had also graduated, even Shikamaru though he was still moping as if he had failed. They were in various places eating their lunches as well. His grin broadened at the faces of his sensei's once he had done his tasks for the completion of the final exam.

 

Flashback

 

The cloud of dust fell revealing four figures. Two exact copies of Iruka and Gai. They looked identical to the ones sitting behind the table with the clipboard.

 

Iruka smiled fatherly like as he checked something on his clipboard. “Pass!”

 

“Bravo! Bravo! See Naruto, see? I knew you'd be able to pass if you tried you hardest!” Gai exclaimed leaking tears.

 

The clones disappeared leaving behind a thoroughly pleased Naruto. “Yeah! I had to practice that one over and over to make sure I could do-Umph!” The rest of his words were gargled as Gai hugged him with tears streaming down his face. No matter how many times it happened Naruto's ribs always cracked as he struggled against his sensei. “O-okay sensei! I get the pic-picture! You're happy! So am I! You can let go of me now!”

 

After Iruka pried Gai away he delivered Naruto's headband. Naruto, laying on the ground because his spine was twisted, reached up a hand taking it with a broad pained grin.

 

End flashback

 

He felt his sides and a sharp twinge of pain hit him. “Damn you Gai! I think that Lee look-alike might've finally snapped my flippin' ribcage gosh darn it.”

 

After a few minutes of trying to twist his spine back into place he scanned the village for the two people he sought: Sasuke and Ino. He soon found them. Sasuke was leaning against the window to his home, two buildings away from Naruto's, eating from the plate of meatbuns he had on the windowsill. He reached over grabbing the cup of milk on the side of the plate and took a long swig.

 

“Okay, I have Sasuke in my sights. Now where's…ah-ha!” He grinned sheepishly as he spotted Ino sitting on a bench eating her dumplings and sauce with Sakura. They seemed to be having a heated discussion by the redness on both their faces. He chuckled to himself as he heard Ino shout, “Forehead girl!” and Sakura scream, “Whatever Ino-pig!”

 

“My that didn't take long,” Naruto said downing his bowl of ramen. Acting as though he had no qualms about his eating habits he slurped the remains. “Aaaah! Nothin' beats ramen, boy I tell ya!” He then looked around feeling quite stupid. “Who am I telling?”

 

Shrugging he leapt off the building and sped toward the ground. He closed his eyes sighing contently as the wind rushed over his face.

 

Tham!

 

His head exploded in pain as he collided with a rock hard something. Feeling tears well up in the sides of his eyes he sat rubbing the area around where a knot was growing. It was then he noticed he was sitting on something. He looked down.

 

“Oh. That's what I hit,” Naruto said getting wobbly to his feet. He winced as his head gave a throb of pain. He bent down picking up an unconscious, bleeding from the dome Kiba. “Hm, he seems all right. Just some minor blood leakage,” he added looking him over. The cogs in Naruto's empty brain started turning as an idea popped up. “Instead of pretty-boy Sasuke, I'll use dick-eater Kiba!”

 

A barking noise from behind made him jump. He whipped around to see a growling Akamaru with his back arched and leaning forward as if preparing to leap and strike. Drool began to drip from his mouth. Black beady eyes pointed in Naruto's direction.

 

“Aw, shit. I forgot about this mangy—” He stopped short as Akamaru placed one of his paws on top of each other. “What in the hell…?”

 

With an eerie howl that caused the hairs on Naruto's neck to stand on end he disappeared beyond a cloud of dust only to be replaced by another exact copy of the unconscious, bleeding boy in Naruto's arms.

 

Uttering the smallest of squeaks Naruto shouted, “Just what the hell have you been teaching this dog?!”

 

TBC

~~~~~~~~~

 

A/N: The next chapter is gonna be mostly about Kiba. Just a little heads up.