Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Espionage ❯ Messages that kill ( Chapter 8 )

Summary: Sasuke is a spy for Shinobi Inc. and is sent to guard the #1 hyperactive blond of Konoha High School, Naruto Uzumaki. He finds out later that Naruto has two personalities and both are driving him crazy, but for two different reasons.

Parings: `Naruto'/Sasuke/Naruto, Kakashi/Iruka, Ten-ten/Neji, Gaara/Neji/Gaara

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Espionage

Chapter 8: Messages that kill

 

“Ten-ten?”

Neji eyes widened when his girlfriend sudden pounced him without warning.

“NEJI!” ten-ten exclaimed excitedly. Even she did not notice Neji tensed at her touch or she simply passed it as surprise. “I missed you so much.” She gave a light peck on the lips, causing him to flinch.

Neji cursed silently at his reaction to Ten-ten's kiss. “…Ten-ten? What are you doing here?” Neji asked.

The happy gleam in Ten-ten's eyes disappeared. “Let's go inside.” She let go of him and walked back into the house. Raising one of his eyebrows in confusion, Neji followed.

When he reached the living room, he heard familiar voices coming from the kitchen. “What's going on?” Neji asked the girl in front of him. He frowned when Ten-ten ignored him, but did not say anything when he saw the sad look on her face.

Two came to the kitchen and Neji was slightly surprised how many people were in the room.

Of course, Sasuke was there, sitting in the corner, scowling. There was also Shikamaru, a genius hacker of Shinobi Inc. that was the same age as Sasuke, and Hinata, one of his cousins that worked as a spy along with him. Neji also noticed two unfamiliar people.

One was a guy who looked about his age. He wore purple paint on his face in shapes of markings and had brown messy hair that forcibly reminded him about a certain red head from a few minutes earlier. Neji mentally shook his head, trying to lose the mental image of Gaara.

There was also a girl that, in Neji's opinion, as very pretty. She wasn't exactly beautiful, but with her wild blonde hair in four spiky pigtails and the exotic clothes she wore, she had a certain aura around that was hard to ignore. Neji noticed he attempted to have a conversation with the lazy hacker, who didn't seem quite interested.

Also there was the Hokage himself, Sarutobi. `But why would the Hokage be here?' “Good evening, everyone.” Neji greeted them.

Sarutobi gave a grim smile towards the young man. Neji frowned; though he never noticed it before, he realized how old and tired the elder looked. Something must be seriously wrong.

“Hello, Neji. Did you have a nice night out?” the Hokage asked kindly.

Neji simply nodded. Neji looked around once again at the faces scattered in the kitchen before talking again. “Not to be rude, but why is everyone here?”

Before Sarutobi could answer, a knock was heard and the door and Ten-ten immediately left to answer it.

“That must be Jiraiya right now.” Sarutobi muttered more to himself than anyone else.

Indeed it was Jiraiya along with Tsunade and Kakashi who had walked into the kitchen followed by Ten-ten.

“Hey, it's a full house tonight.” Kakashi commented, looking at all the people that were currently in his kitchen. He took a seat at the table. Following his lead, Neji decided to sit by Sasuke and Ten-ten followed.

“Hey,” Sasuke grunted to show he's paying attention. “Do you know what's going on?” Neji asked. Sasuke shrugged.

“Who knows. When I came home these guys were here. Some stupid emergency meeting the Hokage told me.” Sasuke replied back, annoyance in this tone.

Neji stared oddly at the Uchiha. Sasuke was acting much more strangely and moody tonight and Neji has ever seen him before. When he was about asked what was wrong, he was interrupted by Sarutobi.

“I'm glad everyone could make it tonight.” The old man greeted everyone.

“Like we had a choice…” Shikamaru mumbled. The only one to hear him was the blonde haired girl who nudged him in warning.

“Firstly, I would like to introduce to you two members from our Suna division.” The Hokage turned to the two newcomers. “If you would.”

The blonde nodded and stood up. “I am agent 823, Sabaku Temari, code name Kamatari, class 1 of the Suna division.”

The male stood up, scratching the back of his head and looking uninterested. “Agent 515, Sabaku Kankuro, code name Karasu, class 1 of the Suna division.”

Both Sasuke and Neji had realized their last names and looked at each to confirmation. “They have the same last name as Gaara!' Both spied thought.

Neji was going to ask if they were indeed related to the red head, he held his tongue. Right now was not an appropriate time to ask such a question considering that they were in a meeting. Instead he asked something more important. “Hokage, exactly why are we in a meeting?”

“I see.” The Hokage sighed. “Alright, I'll get straight to the point. Two of our shinobi has been murder on duty. Agent 815, Momochi Zabuza and agent 19, Asano Haku were found dead yesterday. These were placed in their pocket.” Pointed to a folder on the table. Neji and Sasuke quickly took interest in the cream folder and walked towards it for examination.

Sarutobi noticed Kakashi's lack of interest in the evidence and sighed mentally. He gave a glance towards the sliver haired man. His heart felt pity when he saw, well didn't exactly see considering that Kakashi had on his mask, but rather felt the distress and sadness coming from Kakashi. After the loss of his best friend, Obito, Kakashi became an empty shell. He did not eat or sleep properly and did as many missions as possible and almost worked himself to death. It wasn't until a rookie, Zabuza, had beaten Kakashi in a training match that Kakashi began to feel alive again. Though he and Zabuza argue almost all the time, eventually, they became close friends. But now that Zabuza was gone, The Hokage wasn't sure if Kakashi would be okay this time.

“What is this?” Sasuke asked, causing the Hokage to snap out of his thoughts. He looked at the CD in Sasuke's hand.

“It's a recording.”

“Of what?”

“…” There was a long silence. “Them being murdered. There's also a message.”

Everyone in the room except for Sarutobi and the Sabaku siblings had given him a look of surprise. Even Sasuke had the decency to look shocked and slightly disgusted.

“Sasuke, put it in the player.” Sasuke stood still, CD in hand. He did not want to listen to his comrades being killed, but he had no choice. He slowly walked over to the CD player in the kitchen. After putting in the disc, he took a seat and braced himself for what was to come.

“Hello to anyone and everyone is listen. I hope, Sarutobi, that you are one of the people listening…”

Tsunade and Jiraiya both jerked in awareness at the familiar voice. The Hokage nodded at them both in confirmation.

“AHHHHH!!!”

“Oh dear. I sure hope that didn't hurt too badly. Seriously, Sarutobi, he's supposed to be one of your top Shinobi. He shouldn't possibly be in to much pain. All I did was stab him in the stomach with a katana! But I'm getting off topic here! I just wanted to tell you, if you haven't figured it out yet that I found out about your spies. I must admit, I had no idea… for the first week of two. I should give you credit though, Sarutobi, I would've never suspected a spy so quickly if it weren't for you. After all, you were my sensei…”

Sarutobi clenched his hands.

“As much as I would like to become all nostalgic, I still haven't told you why I'm even talking! You see, I know that Shinobi Inc. is hiding something that as very important to both myself and my partners. Well, more of a someone… Sarutobi, you know who I'm talking about. And I know you're protecting; I was there when we rescued him.”

Through out the mysterious man's speech, yells and groans of pain were heard in the background. An exceptionally loud one, no doubt from Haku overpowered the talking.

“My, what powerful lungs this young boy has. I'll be sure to fix that!” the man's voice said, glee apparent in his tone. A few seconds later another scream came from Haku and his breathing became deep and heavy.

“Ha…ku.” Zabuza whispered hoarsely, barely loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I wish you all could see them…they're dieing so beautifully. Tied up and powerless; Zabuza with piano wire wrapped his entire body cutting through his skin, Katanas piercing every part of his part imaginable and beautiful Haku with a dagger so far through his lung, he must be suffocating.” They heard a sigh. “It's almost…poetic.”

Hinata began to cry and Neji held her in an embrace not blaming her at all for shedding tears. He knew how sickening this was; even he was feeling a little emotional right now.

“But my fun is almost over. I'm just giving you a warning, Sarutobi. Don't expect these two to be the last that I kill. I'm sure that you'll be naïve enough to send out even more spies to find out about the Akatsuki and that'll be you're biggest mistake. So keep believing that you're a step ahead of us, Sarutobi. I'm sure I'll love to see your face when everything blows in your face. Bye now!”

The CD ended and everyone was silent except for Hinata who was still crying.

“Who was that?” Sasuke asked the Hokage, breaking up the silence. Sarutobi, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Kakashi stayed silent in shame knowing perfectly who the person was.

“His name is Orochimaru.” The Hokage finally answered. “He was once an elite member of Shinobi Inc. Konoha division and my former student. He decided to quit on Shinobi Inc. after I refused to pick him as my successor and chose another. He must have joined the Akatsuki, an underground criminal organization that have been given us more trouble than what we can handle. I should have known that he would scoop so low as to do something like that.”

“Well what are we going to do?” Neji asked, Hinata calming down a bit. “It's obvious that they are after Kyuubi.”

“We have to move Naruto.” Sasuke declared. “They probably know that he's here.”

The Hokage shook his head. “No. I doubt they know where he is. The message was to warn us not to interfere with The Akatsuki and their business. Kyuubi was only mentioned once. I think it was to only scare us and to make a fuss about him and his location.”

“But what if they do know where he is?”

“They would have taken him already if they knew.” Sarutobi replied.

“So what do we plan to do? Just sit around as if some crazy fuck is not trying to kidnap Naruto?” Sasuke snapped, clearly pissed that this old man was willing to play chances with the Naruto's very life.

“Sasuke, relax.” The Hokage said calmly, not at all fazed by the Uchiha's outburst. “The reason why Ten-ten, Hinata and Shikamaru are here is to help in the protection of Naruto. There are also a few more shinobi who are in the school that will be protecting him was well. Are you satisfied now, Sasuke?”

Sasuke scoffed.

“I don't see why he can't stay at headquarters.” Ten-ten offered, putting her two cents in.

“No. That'd be the first place Orochimaru looks if he hasn't already.” The Hokage replied.

“Well why can't we ask the Suna division. They are more of the protection bureau than any other division.”

Temari chose to speak up. “That's what we've doing for the past twelve years. Naruto has been under the Suna bureau two years after being rescued. He has been watched constantly by our spies and there are even those who know Naruto personally. We've had no problems at all until we found out that there were people who were out to get him and realized that we needed assistance. Konoha is the only division that has such abundant amount of teenage spies that are able to pose as students. It is the ultimate protection that we can give and I agree with the Hokage that we should not move Naruto.”

Sasuke glare at the blonde before looking away. He remained silent after that.

“So starting Monday, Ten-ten, Hinata and Shikamaru will start school with Sasuke and Neji. Hinata will live here and Shikamaru and Ten-ten will live in the Sabaku home. I want weekly reports from all of you, more matter how small and insignificant observations may be.” The Hokage ordered. “Any questions?” When no one spoke Sarutobi nodded. “Alright. In that case, everyone is dismissed.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The next day, Naruto and Gaara waited outside Naruto's house, waiting for Lee to come pick them up. He had called Gaara this morning and told him that his mother was okay, only a minor sprained wrist, and that he was able to give them a ride to the mall since he was able to go. Gaara, of course agreed. He'd much rather ride in a car than take the bus to the mall.

The two were silent as they waited for Lee. Of course, Naruto being Naruto had to ruin the silent moment.

 

“So…what happened last night?” The blond asked, desperate for answer considering that he had fallen asleep only an hour after he got home, forgetting to ask Gaara any question during that hour.

Gaara almost jumped in surprise but the question but he controlled himself in time. Surely Naruto didn't see him and Neji kiss? “What do you mean?”

“Aw, c'mon Gaara! You know what I mean. What happened with you and Lee!” the blond grinned oblivious to the red head obvious relieve.

“Nothing happened. We just danced and talked, that's all.”

“That's no fun at all. And after all I did to make that date possible, you had to ruin it!” Naruto said in a joking manner.

“He did kiss me…” Gaara mumbled.

“What? He did! And you let him?” Gaara suddenly regretted telling the blond.

“It was only on the cheek and it was really sudden so I couldn't catch him.”

“Who cares if it was on the cheek? You actually let somebody kiss you! (Oh, you have no idea, Naruto…) That's a major breakthrough for you. I'm so proud!” Naruto faked sobbed and hugged his best friend.

“Get off.”

“No!” Naruto whined. “I refuse!” The blond held on tightly, even with Gaara's attempt to pull him off. “Stop it, you big meanie. I thought you got over the whole `don't touch me' phase.”

When Gaara's struggle became fruitless, he stopped and glared. “Idiot.” He replied.

There was a heavy silence between the two as Naruto still had the redhead in a hug. “Hey,” the Blond started. “Are you guys going to go out again?” he asked.

Gaara hesitated. “Yeah…I think so.”

Naruto finally let go of his best friend. “So, are you over Neji then?” Naruto asked hopefully. He had nothing against the brunette, in fact, Neji would be perfect boyfriend material for Gaara and he seemed be attracted to the redhead. However he said himself that he had a girlfriend and the last thing Gaara needed in his life was stress and drama, which would be exactly he would get if he and Neji were to start a relationship. As weird of a reason it was, Naruto couldn't help but feel Lee was a safer choice.

“…I don't know.” Gaara replied unsurely; very unlike himself. Gaara looked as if he wanted to say something, but was interrupted when Lee honked his horn. “Come on.” He said instead and he and Naruto got into Lee's car and drove off to the mall.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“I'm bored!” Naruto declared, tilting his chair back, making it stand on the two back legs.

“It's only been five minutes, Naruto.” Gaara replied patiently.

He, Naruto, Lee, Kiba and Shino were all sitting in the food court, waiting for Neji. He had called Gaara (reluctantly of course) a few minute s ago, saying that he was on his way and that he brought friends with him.

Though Gaara didn't show it, he too was a little nervous about seeing Neji again. It's been less than 24 hours since they had kiss, and he wasn't sure if their friendship would be the same. Hell yes, he wanted to kiss the older boy, but now he was not so sure that was a good idea; no, he defiantly knew that it wasn't a good idea.

He was brought out of his thoughts when the two front legs of Naruto's chair hit the floor. “Hey, look there he is!” the blond exclaimed, pointed towards the brunette that was approaching. There were three other people with him; two girls and one guy.

“Hey guys.” Neji greeted the group once he reached them.

“Hey, where is Sasuke-teme?” Naruto asked looking about for the Uchiha.

“He… couldn't make it. Said he wasn't feeling too well.” Neji lied. Truth was, Sasuke had a completely fit when Neji asked if he wanted to hang out with Naruto and everyone else. However, he thought it was best that Naruto didn't know. “Oh, by the way, I would like you all to meet a few of my friends. They exchange students like myself and will be going to our school.”

“Hi!” Naruto shouted in excitement, a large grin on his face at the fact of meeting new people. “My name is Naruto.” He pointed to his friends. “That's Kiba, Shino, Lee and Gaara!”

“I-I'm Hinata. Neji i-is my cousin.” A girl that look insanely similar to Neji waved timidly at the boys. She blushed (even more) when she noticed the intense stare of the boy that was called Kiba.

“Shikamaru.” The pineapple simply said. The other waited for more, but nothing came.

They finally turned to the last one, a pretty girl with two buns on her head a friendly smile on. “Hi, everyone. My name is Ten-ten. It's nice to meet you all, especially you Gaara.”

All of Naruto friends stared at the girl, then at Gaara. The hell?

“Why?” Gaara asked bluntly. He never was one to beat around the bush.

Ten-ten gasped. “Didn't Temari mention me or Shikamaru to you at all?” she asked in surprise.

“No, she didn't. What does my sister have to do with anything.” Gaara dared to asked. He knew that he would hate the answer.

“Well, since Kakashi doesn't have enough room at his house, Temari offered to have me and Shikamaru stay at your house! We're going to be roommates!”

On the outside, Gaara remain passive and expressionless, but on the inside, his inner Gaara was having a fit. How dare his sister do something like that without telling him? He knew it was all for the sake of the mission, but he could have at least been informed that there would be additions to his normal, solitude home life.

Gaara's inner rate was interrupted when he heard Ten-ten sigh. “I wish I would be able to stay with Neji though, no offense Gaara.” The brunette girl got closer to Neji until she was able to cling onto his arm. Gaara felt his eye twitch. There was no reason for her to be touching him.

“I would've changed with Hinata, but I'm sure that she would want to be with her big cousin, right?” Ten-ten smiled up at Neji who returned it, albeit nervously. Seeing his smile made Ten-ten cling on tighter to hi arm.

“Oi! Would you quit flirting please? We're in public.” Shikamaru complained. “Tch! How troublesome.”

“Whatever, Shikamaru! I don't have to flirt; I already got him!” She leaned forward and gave a small peck of Neji's lips before winking at Shikamaru who had just rolled his eyes.

Neji looked at Gaara nervously. He saw the redhead's face turned away, fist balled tightly.

“So wait!” Naruto shouted and pointed a finger a Ten-ten. “Are you guys…” the blond trailed off, already knowing the answer. Neji had personally told him.

“Yup! I'm Neji's girlfriend. We've been together for 2 years!” Ten-ten grinned, oblivious to the sudden tension that filled air by that one sentence.

Life was a bitch that loved drama.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Okay, from here on out…I have no idea what I'm going to write. I had these last 8 chapters written and I've been so caught up in writing them, I never continued with the outlines for the rest of the story. So hopeful inspiration will come to me eventually.

And about the whole torturing Zabuza and Haku, I'm not a psycho or anything, but they had to die, and I doubt that Orochimaru would give them an honorable death for their courage. I guess I was just feeling really cruel when I wrote them dying.

See you next chapter!