Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Forgiveness is for Naught ❯ When Life Gives you Genjutsu... ( Chapter 3 )

K=Kottashi G=Gaara

N=Naruto H=Hinata

M=Meru SU=Sasuke

S=Sakura RL=Rock Lee

NJ=Neji TT=TenTen

T=Tsunade KK=Kakashi

TM=Temari SN=Shikamaru

I=Ino C=Chouji

KI=Kiba SI=Shino

 

D.K.Chan Here! And here's chapter 3!

 

TT: Finally we make an appearance!

 

RL: Yosh! I get to talk to my sweet SakuraSan!

 

M: NeeSan! I'm not in it yet! Why?!!? -sob-

 

SI: That's just the way things are with her.

 

DK: Shut up Shino.

 

SN: Women are so troublesome…

 

K: -tackles Shikamaru to the ground- you know it ShikaNii!!

 

TM: I could say the same thing about you, `ShikaNii'. -hands on hips-

 

DK: Oooo, Shika Shika has woman troubles.

 

NJ: It's pointless to get into his business, his fate will be his own.

 

DK & K: Shut up Neji! You're like a freaking broken record!

 

Everyone else: O.O….

 

C: On with the chapter Minna!

 

 

Forgiveness is for Naught

 

Chapter Three: When Life Gives you Genjutsu…

 

Diabolical Kitsutora

 

 

-----Days later-----

 

 

“TsunadeBaaChan, she's going to be ok now right?” -A voice, so familiar, who's is it? Ah… My head hurts like a mother…-

 

“Hehhe, hai Naruto, she'll be fine. She broke through the genjutsu on her own.” -That voice again, is that… The Hokage? What happened to SaruJiiChan? -

 

“HokageSama, who was it that placed that genjutsu on ShiChan?” -Shy timid voice, HinataChan? -

 

“I can't say, it could have been him, but I can't say for sure.” -Him? Who is she talking about? -

 

“Somehow, I think you're right. He's out to get Naruto, and to do that, he'll go through who's most important to him.” -Who in the hell is that? -

 

“EroSennin… Doushite? Why, why is it always someone that's close to me? Why does everything and everyone want to take away from me what I've earned? Why does everyone try to kill off my friends?” -Naruto… How much have you truly suffered since I was gone? -

 

“Don't worry NarutoKun! She'll be fine now, no need to worry. GaiSensei even gave us the nice-guy pose, so I know everything will be alright.” -Hm… GaiSensei eh? I don't know who he trains. -

 

“Still… So far every enemy I've faced since I became a genin… Has tried in some way, to kill someone close to me.” -Really? And yet you're still sane… Naruto? -

 

“Quit being a baby Naruto! You should know better that no matter what, we can take care of ourselves!” -Out of everyone here… SakuraChan is the easiest to recognize, along with HinataChan. -

 

“Uh… Hai.” -Come on eyes… Open, or at least let my friggin voice work. -

 

“Hehehe, it seems like no matter the situation, you two still find time to argue.” -Hmm…. Is that Ino?-

 

“Right, well anyways, with that genjutsu out of the way, she's in stable condition. We need to have a meeting with all the jounin. Shikamaru, I want you to come after she wakes up, got it?” -Seems like this Hokage doesn't waste time. -

 

“How troublesome, got it HokageSama.” -Same lazy Shikamaru…-

 

“I'm hungry…” -Chouji… Always thinking on his stomach…-

 

“How long do you think before she wakes up Shikamaru?” -If I could just get my body to cooperate with me… Why ask Shikamaru Ino? -

 

“She's probably already awake, but after that genjutsu… It might be hard for her to control any movements, her body may feel numb for a while though, she also sustained pretty major injuries, but nothing life threatening. But I'm sure she'll be able to open her eyes and talk to us within the hour.” -Great, SakuraChan is sounding like a medical specialist, what the hell have these people been doing since I've been gone?!-

 

“Demo, SakuraChan, there's only five minutes left in this hour.” -Heh, SakuraChan knows me well… [sigh] Why does my body always react this way? -

 

“Just watch HinataChan! She's stubborn like me!” -Naruto, that idiot…-

 

“Geez, keep it down Naruto, you're too noisy.” -I've heard that one before! -

 

“Now where've I heard that one before?” -Practically everyday of your life? -

 

“When we went on our mission to bring Sasuke back to Konoha.”

 

“Nani!?!?!?! What do you mean by `mission to bring Sasuke back???” Upon hearing that statement, Kottashi forced her body awake, and shot forward.

 

“Wow, you woke up earlier then normal.” Shocked eyes checked the clock, then landed back on a disbelieving kunoichi. “ShiChan, you really should lay back down.” Stated the pink haired kunoichi.

 

“As always, you're too noisy too.” Shikamaru, he just had to put in his comment.

 

Lavender eyes closed, Kottashi relaxed her body, and fell backwards onto the pillow, “I was right wasn't I? I knew he was going to leave the village, but for what reason? Is he planning on going against our village?” Her voice was filled with venom.

 

“ShiChan… SasukeKun won't betray his village!” A small timid voice reached their ears, saying something no one ever thought she'd say.

 

“HinataChan… What are you saying?” Kottashi looked at her best friend, thoroughly confused.

 

“I don't know how, but I know SasukeKun won't betray us. I've heard a lot of rumors, but after Naruto and the other`s came back alive... I knew SasukeKun wouldn`t betray us.” Bravely stated the blue raven haired kunoichi.

 

“What do you mean? What happened after Naruto and the others returned?” Asked a shocked Kottashi.

 

Cloud blue eyes looked down, gulping slightly, Hinata looked back up, and made direct eye contact with Naruto, “NarutoKun… You are SasukeKun`s best friend, no matter what we thought before, I know he would never kill you.”

 

“Che, SasukeTeme consider me a friend?” Naruto asked, his confusion evident, even though truly, he guessed Sasuke saw him as a best friend, as Naruto considered Sasuke one.

 

“He really does NarutoKun.” Concluded the Hyuuga heiress.

 

Naruto stared wide eyed at Hinata, was she right in saying that Sasuke thought of Naruto as his best friend? Naruto`s expression hardened. “If he thought of me as a friend, then why the hell did he go with Orochimaru? Why didn`t he rely on his so called friends?” Naruto looked at his hands, like they were hideous. “So he's going to rely on that bastard? And not his friends?” Tears welled up in the kitsune boy's eyes, and slowly dripped onto his hands.

 

Before Sakura could get up to knock some sense into him, Hinata ran over and grabbed his hands, looking him in the eyes, this time, face to face. “NarutoKun, I think we could all agree, SasukeKun knows what he`s doing. He has to be doing this for a reason, I know he just doesn`t want to see us get hurt. Demo, he's seeking power, we can't stop him from that. I don't know what we can do, but I'm sure NarutoKun, if he had another choice, he`d be relying on you, not Orochimaru.”

 

Mentally, Kottashi was grinning ear to ear, -Yatta HinataChan! - “That's right Naruto, don't give up hope. We'll save that bastards ass. Then I can kick his ass too. I swear he pisses me off so badly…”

 

“Oh no… Here we go…” Ino complained.

 

The nine people, who were called the rookie nine, knew what was about to happen. They had all been in the same class forever, and knew very well she disliked Sasuke to a very unhealthy level. Whenever his name came up, she'd start pacing, muttering threats, and insults towards the guy. She'd keep it up for hours at a time, there were even times when he pissed her off so badly, she cursed his name for days.

 

“Ne, ShiChan, calm down and eat something. TsunadeSama said you wouldn't get better unless you ate something.” Stated Chouji, handing the outraged girl a shiny red apple.

 

“Chouji… I don't think that's going to work this time…” Sighed Neji, he knew too well, because of what Hinata told him, that when she went on these rants, she wouldn't stop till she vented fully.

 

“It is useless to try and calm her down. When angry at Sasuke it's impossible to talk to her. That's the way it is.” Still calm and cool as always, Shino still hasn't changed the way he talks.

 

Everyone in the room decided to just be quiet for the time being. If they tried anything more, things could get messy. Even Naruto was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. A loud sigh was heard.

 

“Daijoubu, Shikamaru?” Questioned Naruto.

 

“I have to go meet HokageSama, how troublesome.” Getting up from his seat near the foot of Kottashi's bed, he walked out the door, where you could hear him almost bumping into someone, “Ah, what are you guys doing here?… You can go in, but I can't guarantee that she'll actually talk to you.” And with that, you could hear his footsteps recede down the corridor, and three pairs of footsteps entered the room.

 

Blinking, Naruto looked over his shoulder at the three people who were entering, at realization who they were, a smile spread acrost his face, “Ah, it's the suna Nin! Long time no see!” Laughed the childish blond kitsune boy.

 

“Didn't think we'd be back here this soon. But it seems you guys have a new comrade.” Temari grinned, this would be fun.

 

“Eh I was bored, working with the newb is going to be fun.” Konkurou, the puppeteer, laughed and flicked his nose.

 

“Whatever, I don't want to waste my time.” And as always, Gaara, the guy that was almost exactly like Sasuke, yet in other ways, so very different.

 

Naruto loudly began greeting the three, asking them what new jutsu's they've learned, what new missions they've had and other stuff like that. It was so noisy that they hadn't noticed that Kottashi's ranting had stopped. But the first to notice this was Hinata, she looked to where the noise should be coming from, but wasn't.

 

What she saw surprised her. Lavender eyes were wide with panic, surprise and fear. They looked into pastel eyes, which reflected back confusion, pain and sadness.

 

-Why, why is she afraid? She's going to run, no, I don't want to go through that again. - “I've learned a lot to-… ShiChan? Gaara?… Daijoubu?” Naruto stopped in the middle of his boasting once he noticed how horrified Gaara and Kottashi seemed.

 

“Kuso… Gaara calm down!” Temari ran in front of Gaara to block his view of the girl's eyes.

 

“What's going on?!” Kiba cried out, as Akamaru began barking wildly.

 

“Someone get that girl to calm down, she's going to make Gaara transform!” Yelled Konkurou, who was also blocking Gaara's view.

 

“Dou... Doushite?! Why is he here!? Why would they let the one who cast that genjutsu on me in here!?” Kottashi backed up to the wall, tears falling from her eyes.

 

“What are you talking about Kottashi?!” Naruto yelled angrily, “He doesn't know any genjutsu, why would you accuse him of that?!”

 

“In that illusion, he was the only one I didn't know! I don't know where he got any information on me, but it was too precise!” Flashes of the illusion came back to her. “It was too perfect… Everything I saw… Sasuke and I were actually getting along, and he was with Sakura… SaruJiiChan was there with Konohamaru, and they were happy. The only ones who knew my exact wishes were you guys, but I know none of you would betray me!” More silent tears slid down her cheek.

 

“Then tell me this Kottashi… If we're the only ones that know how you want things to turn out… Then how would Gaara know?! We never told anyone what you told us! I may be stupid at times, but even I know not to give away information! Just because he was the only one in that illusion that you didn't know, doesn't mean he was the one that caused it.

 

Think Kottashi! Who's the only one who isn't here, even though you despised him, that you considered a friend? Huh, who is it that's not here?!” Silent gasps filled the room, no one had ever seen Naruto actually speak against Kottashi, even if he put up a tiny little resistance, it was nothing to how angry, and how big of an outburst this was. (A/N: She thinks he's talking about Sasuke, but he's not. You'll learn more later)

 

“I… Gomen… I didn't even think. Gomenasai GaaraKun, I wouldn't even have considered Sasuke, no matter what, would have done that… Please forgive me!” Tears streamed down her face, not being able to bare the stares that were directed at her, she stood up on wobbly legs, ran and jumped out the window, and once her feet hit solid ground, she ran.

 

Everyone breathed in deeply to try and relax, now all they needed to do was calm down Gaara. But everyone was so focused on Kottashi, no one saw Gaara's expression turn from pained, to surprised. He silently stood there, gaping slightly, who was to say he didn't believe what he heard.

 

“Gaara?” Temari waved her hand in front of her youngest brother's face.

 

Taking a deep breath, Gaara relaxed his features and closed his eyes. “I can't transform anymore, remember?” He lightly pushed away Temari's hand and turned to walk out the door. It was at this point, that both Gaara's siblings understood what happened. Temari nodded to Konkurou, and followed Kottashi through the window.

 

“I really don't understand what just happened.” Stated Naruto.

 

“You don't? Then I'll explain.” Again Konkurou flicked his nose, his cocky smirk not leaving his face.

 

“Ok, so what the hell happened?” He asked impatiently.

 

“She apologized.” Grinned the guy in the cat suit.

 

Immediately everyone in the room fell over, except for Naruto and Hinata, and again, everyone except for the blond headed boy and raven haired girl, all yelled at the same time, “Excuse me!?” They just didn't understand what apologizing to him meant.

 

“I get it. Being that he was always alone, if he got pushed around, or if someone insulted him, they never said they were sorry. They'd just run and hide.” Naruto looked out the window, no one had ever said sorry to him, except for the people closest to him. “Probably, he never had someone that close to him, even his own siblings…”

 

“Well that goes without saying, we never hurt him, he just closed himself off from us.” Konkurou added, he turned and walked out the door to follow Gaara.

 

TenTen looked at the spot where Kottashi had lain just moments ago, “Well, I have to go train, and I promised my family I'd help out in the blacksmith's shop. Is someone going to stay here just in case ShiChan comes back?” Questioned the brown haired girl.

 

“Yeah I'm staying, I have to help the medic Nin's with patients anyways.” Replied an annoyed Sakura, who just waved her answer into the air, and left down the hall.

 

“I'll stay too.” Stated a blond haired boy who took his seat.

 

Hinata, who was currently sitting on the window sill looking in the room at Sakura's retreating form, “I-I'll also stay. I w-want to be here f-for my best friend.”

 

“Ok then, I'm leaving HinataSan. Be sure to check in later.” With that, Neji waved goodbye and followed TenTen.

 

“C'mon Chouji, Kiba, let's go train. My dad taught me a new jutsu and I'm itching to perfect it.” Laughed the whitish blond haired girl, who was dragging both boys by the collars.

 

“How do you deal with this girl?” Kiba questioned Chouji, who in turn, just shrugged.

 

Lee put on a determined face, “Right, I promised HokageSama I'd help SakuraSan with the louder patients. I'll be back NarutoKun, HinataChan.” With that, Lee followed Sakura's path down the hall.

 

Blue eyes looked around the white room, “I wonder where Kakashi is.” It was different, to say the least, calling Kakashi by his first name only.

 

“I still c-can't get used to that. Not calling our s-sensei's sensei.” Hinata added, as though she read his mind.

 

“Yeah, but all of them refused to let us call them sensei anymore.” Naruto sighed, wasn't there anything better to talk about?

 

 

----With Kottashi----

 

 

A girl clad in a white Konoha medical gown walked the streets. Of course in the rush of the moment, she forgot to grab her clothes. And now, as if it weren't enough, she was gaining stares, more and more as she walked. She could hear the whispers, `Has she escaped from the hospital?', `Why would someone walk around in only the gown?', `Who is that girl, I've never seen her before.'

 

Of course, most of the people had seen her before. Given the situation, her appearance probably wouldn't spark any memories. Especially since she had been gone for five years. Frankly, she wondered if anyone besides the ninja of Konoha remembered she found her own sensei, outside of the village.

 

“Why on earth did I have to forget my clothes? KamiSama… I must look like some drug addict. And that scene I made in the room… Everyone must think I'm insane!” The girl fought with herself under her breath, not even noticing Temari's presence until she made herself known.

 

“Nice dress, where'd you get it?” Asked the blond sarcastically.

 

She jumped at the sudden voice, but then calmed down, “Oh, it's you the suna Nin. Look, I don't know what relation you have to that one suna Nin, but I'm really sorry I acted the way I did.” Lavender eyes looked down, -Come to think of it, why didn't I think of that before, so many things were wrong in the genjutsu. First off, my sensei isn't a guy, and two, I really have no idea what was going on. -

 

WHACK!

 

Temari hit the smaller girl upside the head, “Would you please not space out, you really look messed up when you do that.”

 

“Oh, uh, Gomen uh….” She apologized with a bow.

 

There was a heavy sigh, “Temari.”

 

The girl looked at her, then smile and yelled loudly, “Hai, TemariSan! Gomenasai!”

 

Another heavy sigh, “Please don't say `san', just Temari ok?”

 

At first, there was uncertainty clouding bright lavender eyes, but then they lightened up, “Hai, Temari!”

 

A grin replaced the small frown on her face, and then… A kind smile, “You know, actually, what you did back there for Gaara, it meant something for him.”

 

A blink. And another blink. A few more blinks. Some more silence and blinks. A few rapid blinks, “I'm sorry, but I'm not following. What do you mean, what I did meant something for him?”

 

A small chuckle, “Gaara… Is my little brother, the youngest son of the former Kazekage in our village? But he's special, before he was born, something was sealed inside him. Shukaku of the sand, its true form looks like a tanuki. Because of that thing sealed inside him, Gaara can't sleep, in fear that it will take over his mind and body. Because of that thing, he only knew pain, hatred, lies and abandonment. He was taught to love only himself, and to fight only for himself.” As she talked, both young girls walked over to a bench, shaded by the Hokage's building.

 

“I see, that must have been so terrible for him.” Guilt set even deeper in her heart, the way she looked at Gaara, the fear she knew was in her eyes, directed at him, was so very misplaced.

 

Temari continued, “His own OotouSan tried to assassinate him, even his caretaker, Yoshamaru, tried to kill Gaara. I don't exactly know what happened, but after that night, is when the symbol of love appeared on his forehead. He lived with the notion OotouSan taught him. To love and fight only for himself. Until he fought with that annoying brat Naruto.” Again she chuckled.

 

“I can't imagine going through something like that. Demo, in what ways did NarutoKun help?” Of course she already knew what was probably going to be said, but no sense in stopping conversations now.

 

“When Naruto fought with Gaara, he taught him the true meaning of strength. To live for someone else, to love someone else, to fight for someone else. Showing him his determination to save his friends, Naruto showed him how he got his strength. Gaara realized where his strength came from, and from there, he changed. Now, he protects others, he's still not showing many emotions, but it's a lot nicer to be around him, he's not so… intimidating.” Concluded Temari.

 

“Ok, but I still don't see how I helped in any way.” Wry laughs were heard from the older young girl.

 

“I'll put it simply since you're that dense.”

 

“Hey! I'm not dense, I'm just confused!” Argued the sea foam green haired girl.

 

“Anyways… You apologized to him.” Kottashi had been looking expectantly at Temari and with that, she fell over.

 

“What do you mean? Haven't people apologized to him before?” Confusion? Check. Swirly eyes? Check. Explanation? Coming.

 

“Actually no, people either ran, or tried to kill him. Either way, they were either traumatized or died. But apologizing is something only few have done for him. Including me, and my brother Konkurou, Naruto, and maybe a few other people, no one has ever said they were sorry, even if they just bumped into him.

 

When Yoshamaru tried to kill him and failed, he didn't say he was sorry. When our own OotouSan tried to kill him, he never said sorry. So when someone says that, he holds it dear to his heart, even if he doesn't let anyone know, that's how he feels.” Temari smiled at the guilty expression the younger girl now wore upon her face.

 

“I can't believe I jumped to conclusions like that. I must be the most horrible person on earth!” She laid her head in her hands, with her elbows on her knees.

 

A gentle laugh came from Temari, “No use in worrying about it, why don't we go back so you can get into better clothes.”

 

Lavender eyes looked at dusty dark brown eyes for a moment, and small innocent gaping mouth on the younger girls face, “Ano, hai!” Smiling, she gave an enthusiastic nod.

 

 

-----With Tsunade and the other Jounin and Chuunin-----

 

 

Shikamaru knocked loudly, but lazily on the door to Tsunade's office. How badly he didn't want to be there at the moment, but there was nothing he could do. Damn his analytical skills!!

 

“It took you Shikamaru. Anyways, now that you're all here, I have a mission for all of you. I've recently acquired information that Kottashi was not an original member of Konoha. I also realize, that she became a citizen, went to the academy and passed, all that other nonsense. However, I do not know this girl, for this, Shikamaru, later on today I want you to bring all the rookies here, along with anyone else who knows the girl.” Tsunade's head was down low, looking at the scattered papers on her desk, this was going to be a looooooooong day.

 

“If you want to know if she's a threat, she isn't. Since she came to the village, my family adopted her.” Spoke the lazy chuunin.

 

“It's true, she was only a couple years old, but we took her in once we found out she had no family.” This time, it was Shikamaru's father.

 

A loud, draught out sigh was heard, “Another one with no family background? This is going to be one hell of a day. Shikamaru!” She called sternly.

 

“Hai HokageSama?” He responded immediately.

 

“I need a complete analyses of Kottashi's abilities, health, jutsu's, personality, habits anything that might show her off as hostile or a traitor. It would also help if you could figure out if she has a Kekkei Genkai.” Tsunade picked up her head, and folded her hands under her chin.

 

“With all do respect HokageSama, but she lived with us until she left the village with her Sensei. She is not hostile or a traitor. Why would she betray us anyways? She came here around the age of two or three, who could she have formed an alliance with at that age?” Argued Shikamaru's father.

 

Close eyes, opens eyes, long sigh, “I assure you NaraSan, it's just a precaution. Remember, I've never talked to the girl, I don't know what she's like, I just need to know what I'm dealing with. Also, why didn't she just stay with our Sensei's?”

 

This time Ibiki spoke up. “HokageSama, there was an even number of students who passed in the academy that year, and the teams could not be evenly distributed. KottashiSan willingly volunteered to find her own Sensei.”

 

“I see, and I suppose since Sasuke was still here there was no need to split up the teams so randomly for missions. Plus now Shikamaru is a chuunin, soon to be jounin. If you can Ibiki, find out who her Sensei is, I want to meet with whoever it is. Also NaraSan, please inform Kottashi that she will undergo a special trial of the chuunin exams.” Chestnut brown eyes looked sternly at the papers on her desk.

 

“Excuse me HokageSama? A special trial? But wouldn't she need at least two others to do that with her?” Questioned the confused jounin.

 

“No it will just be her. It'll just be a few tests to see if she's up to taking the chuunin exams when they next occur. If she is, we'll set her up with a new team, one that she'll be taking the exams with. That way she can get used to her team mates and be able to function properly.

 

With her here, it should even out the teams, but I don't think I can stop splitting everyone up. Our genin have gotten stronger, and not every mission requires a three man team. Not to mention there's too many missions to give every mission three people.” Beginning to rub her temples, Tsunade could tell, this was going to be one hell of a day, week and month.

 

“Hai understood HokageSama.” Within a second, he was gone.

 

“Ok then, Shikamaru, one more thing. I want you to train with Kottashi alone for a while, make sure you really understand her skills and whatnot. For everything else, I expect a written file for what I've asked you for. Once I have information on her, I'll feel more at ease. You may go Shikamaru.” She waved him off, seemingly like she had no energy.

 

“Hai HokageSama.” With a bow, he turned and walked out.

 

“As for the rest of you. Kurenai, Anko, Kakashi and Genma, I want you four to split up in two groups. The first group I want to scout out the Hidden Sound Village. The second group I want to travel to the Hidden Sand Village. The Kazekage has something he needs you to deliver to me. Ebisu, Kotetsu, I want you two to travel to the Hidden Rain Village. An old friend there might have some useful information about Akatsuki and Orochimaru. Izumo, Ibiki, I want you two to investigate on the Uchiha clan massacre.” She looked at the two men seriously.

 

“HokageSama?” They both asked, not sure of what to make of the assigned mission.

 

“The Mangekyou Sharingan is another type of Sharingan. I heard the name before, but I want to make sure that it's not just a rumor. I'm sure the Uchiha estate will give you some answers. Take Hyuuga Neji or Hyuuga Hinata with you. Their Byakugan might help you with your search. That's all I have to say. Dismissed!” Tsunade sure is demanding, and scary!

 

“Hai!” Regardless, all jounin were on their way to their tasks. Izumo and Ibiki decided to take Hinata with them, not really knowing why, but first they had to find the shy young Hyuuga.

 

 

----Back with Naruto and Hinata----

 

 

Cloud blue eyes stared out the window, feeling very troubled, “Oi HinataChan, daijoubu ka?” Naruto asked, seemingly bored.

 

“N-NarutoKun… How well do you know ShiChan?” She locked eyes with Naruto, who was extremely surprised at her forwardness.

 

“Shirenai HinataChan. I mean, she's one of my best friends, demo… I really don't know.” There was a lop sided grin plastered on his face.

 

“Ne NarutoKun, I can`t help but think… Perhaps we don`t know ShiChan as well as we think.” Pale blue eyes stared down baby blue, she couldn't help the blush rising to her cheeks, but she couldn't look away regardless.

 

“What, you think she`s hiding things from us?” Carefully he looked at Hinata's cuddled form in the window sill, she looked really worried.

 

Closing her eyes, she looked at him, “In s-some ways, hai, I do think she is hiding things from us. O-on the other hand… Perhaps I`m imagining t-things.” Once again, she went back to looking out the window.

 

“HinataChan… I really don't get what you mean.” Confused blue eyes stared at the raven haired girl as she chuckled lightly.

 

“G-Gomenasai NarutoKun, I probably shouldn't b-be laughing. Demo, it's just… You and ShiChan s-seem to be in very similar situations, yet neither o-of you seemed to realize it.” She smiled warmly at him.

 

There was a moment of silence, “Yeah I'm still lost HinataChan.”

 

Another giggle from Hinata, “Do you remember the first person ShiChan met?” She questioned innocently.

 

“Iie, not really, demo, didn't she meet you first?” In all honesty, that's what he truly thought.

 

This answer caused the girl to blink many, many times, “You mean, NarutoKun, y-you didn't know she's not really from this village?” Ok, now things were getting so awkward.

 

Naruto just blinked and looked at her as if she were nuts, “What do you mean, she's always been here, ever since I can remember.”

 

“Gomenasai NarutoKun, I thought you w-would have known. Seeing as how you and ShiChan are so very like, and were in s-similar situations.” For the first time in a while, Hinata looked Naruto in the eye, this time with no blush.

 

“No offense HinataChan, but I'm way lost.” Grinning a goofy grin, and laughing nervously, he scratched the back of his head.

 

Another giggle from Hinata, -Wow, I've never had this much of a conversation with NarutoKun before. - “Well, ShiChan isn't originally from this village, no one knows w-where she's from. That one fact even eludes ShiChan herself.” Pale blue eyes glanced out the window at two passing by birds, “Demo, when S-SandaimeSama told the jounin about the `baby girl w-with no origins,' Shikamaru's OttouSan offered to adopt her. M-much like how IrukaSensei adopted you NarutoKun.” Again she made eye contact with the hyperactive blond, who at the moment wasn't at all hyper.

 

“Demo, IrukaSensei never adopted me or anything.” Contemplation took place for a minute after that was said, “I mean outside of class when he wasn't yelling at me, he treated me somewhat like a son…” More contemplation.

 

Hinata couldn't help but giggle, seeing Naruto concentrate like that was just too cute, “Ne HinataChan, what's so funny?”

 

Then came the trademark Hinata blush, “Fo-forgive my rudeness NarutoKun, I didn't mean to laugh. It's just…”

 

Naruto titled his head in confusion, “It's just?”

 

Mustering up the brightest smile she could, along with allowing a furious blush to cross her face, she spoke boldly, “It's just, I don't think either of you see just how much alike you are. If you were a girl, or ShiChan was a guy, there would be no telling you two apart. There's just something that makes me think…” Again she looked out the window, contemplating her thoughts, as she smiled at a flock of birds.

 

“Makes you think what?” -I'm so confused, she's still really red in the face, but where'd the stuttering go? - As usual, Naruto was lost as hell.

 

“Just makes me think that maybe, you two are twins.” She mused, as she smiled brightly at him. -NarutoKun has taught me so much, how to be strong, and how to have confidence in myself and to have courage. There's no limit to how much I owe to him, the least I can do is force myself to act… normal somewhat.-

 

Grinning wildly, “You know what HinataChan, you're still weird, but there's something different about you.”

 

Hinata's smile faltered, “Something different about me, NarutoKun?”

 

“Yeah, but it's a good thing, I think. I don't know, I could just be imagining things, but I still like people like you.” His big grin was set off again, as he began to list off some of her qualities, “For one you're an awesome cook, and you're really strong too! It seems like everytime I see you, there's something new about you or your jutsu's!”

 

For the first time, Hinata smiled happily at Naruto, with the slightest blush, “Arigatou NarutoKun, I did train a lot when you went with JiraiyaSama for training.”

 

 

-----With Temari and Kottashi-----

 

 

“What the hell are you doing? You look like a crazy person!” Shouted an embarrassed sand Nin.

 

While walking, a sea foam green haired girl had her eyes lightly shut, while rubbing her temples, “Ah, gomen TemariChan, I'm just trying to figure out what all was wrong in the genjutsu. I mean, there were so many mistakes in it, I can't believe I ever made the mistake that it was Gaara. That dude probably doesn't talk much, even to people he's close to. Yet in that illusion, he talked to me waaaay to easily. Another thing I should have realized from the start… MY SENSEI'S A WOMAN! NOT A GUY!!!!” Crying out loudly, she slapped her hands to her head, and let rivers of anime tears flow down her cheeks.

 

For a very long time as they continued to walk, Temari kept silent, as Kottashi kept crying over the genjutsu's changing her sensei's gender. After what seemed like a river of none stop tears, she decided to break her train of thought, “Hey Kottashi, so what all happened in that illusion, and what all was fake?”

 

At that moment, the younger girl stopped her river of tears to look at Temari, “Well, first off, the illusion started off as Naruto's dream, then when he awoke, it turned into a reality. Demo, in both, Naruto was so depressed over my leaving the village. Not to say Naruto in reality was ecstatic that I was leaving, but he wasn't depressed either. He just saw me off, and told me to become really strong, so he could, and I quote, “Have someone besides SasukeTeme to beat down.” And I unquote. And since when did Konoha ever have a cliff overlooking an ocean? We're smack in the middle of a forest…” ShiChan laughed at the memory, then sweat dropped.

 

“Ok, so what else?” She pressed on.

 

“Well, like I said before, my sensei is a woman, not a guy. Plus I can't see people's dreams! And the premonition I had, while I did say that I'd have to find my own sensei, and months later I'd leave with her, I never said that when I came back I'd die.” Thoughtfully, she looked at the ground, then an angry expression replaced that, “Besides! I do not freaking love Naruto like that! I've been trying forever to get that dumbass and HinataChan together!” Shivers wracked her body for a moment, “KamiSama! To think in that dream we had kissed! That pisses me off to no ends!”

 

Blinking wildly, the older girl just let the younger rant on, taking note of everything she said. “I mean, I love him as a brother, but come on! Another thing, upon arriving here, I didn't fight any damned ookami youkai! I don't remember anything upon arriving here to tell the truth, but I sure as hell know I've never fought any huge ookami youkai. And Konohamaru doesn't want to be a medicnin! He wants to become the Hokage like Naruto! And I made that necklace I gave Hinata and received the one she gave me right after we met!

 

And I sure as hell never told Iruka how much I loved Naruto, everyone knew I thought of him as a brother! And I never, not even once, got along with Sasuke. Nor did I ever call him SasukeKun. Not to mention, I do to have a family, and there`s no demon inside me called Kyuuten. I didn`t really know Naruto till I was six or seven, but I had friends.”

 

“That it?” Questioned the almost scared blond.

 

“Yup, I think that's it.” Smiled the younger girl, making the older girl, fall over.

 

“Well I guess in the shock of the moment, you probably weren't thinking too straightly to have missed all that, anyways, we should star-” Before Temari could finish her sentence, they were interrupted by a jounin.

 

“Otome!” At the word daughter, Kottashi turned around to see Shikamaru's father, and her foster father.

 

“TouSan!!” The young girl ran and jumped into her father's arms, hugging him tightly.

 

“It's been a while Otome, we all have missed you.” He said, smiling down upon her childish, yet grown up face.

 

“Hai, I've missed you guys too! But you know what, it irks me, I've grown up so much, but I'm still freaking short!” She huffed loudly.

 

“Well there's time to catch up later, HokageSama has instructed me to tell that you will be taking a special trial for the chuunin exam.” Seeing her puzzled expression, he continued, “I don't know what it will consist of, but it's just to see if you are fit to take the exam. It will also be used to choose your team mates for the actual exam.” He finished, seeing her smiling.

 

“Hai, arigatou TouSan, once I actually get some clothes on, I'll go see HokageSama immediately about it.” With nods, the jounin explained he had more stuff to do, and went on his way, while the two girls went back to the hospital.

 

 

----With Hinata and Naruto----

 

 

He looked at the navy haired girl, who again stared out the window, there was just something about her that always made him look twice. Even if he thought he knew her, there was always something new, both about her, and his own feelings. Just then, a question came to mind, that Naruto never thought about. So on impulse, he asked, “Oi, HinataChan, do you like anybody in the village?”

 

Quite thrown off by the sudden question, Hinata looked confusedly at the blond, “What do you mean NarutoKun? I don't mind anyone in the village, I like everyone here.”

 

Chuckling, Naruto shook his head, “No, I mean, do you like anyone, like love them more then a friend or something,” Putting and emphasis on like.

 

Hinata blushed at the new stated question/statement, “I… uh, yeah I do like s-someone NarutoKun.” Even as she said this, she looked Naruto in the eye, not wanting to let her courage fail.

 

Smiling, Naruto wanted to see if he could find out who it was, so naturally he asked, “So who is it?”

 

Still looking him in the eye, she spoke, “You actually know him very well NarutoKun, but at the same time, you don't know him.” -NarutoKun, I know you know yourself well, but there are aspects of yourself that even you don't see.-

 

“Aww, come on HinataChan! That doesn't help me at all!” Pouted the loud mouth blond.

 

-Not only are you a strong, confident, unwilling to give up, and strongly on your way to becoming a Hokage, but you are also so very kind, and selfless. - Hinata giggled, as Naruto continued to pout. -You don't seem to know how much you influence those around you, you may never know, if someone doesn't tell you. NarutoKun, you may not know it, but people are starting not to care about Kyuubi that's inside you, they're looking past that, now, they're looking at you. -

 

“C'mon HinataChan! Tell me who it is! Or at least give me better clues!” Protested the loud blond.

 

Hinata put a thoughtful finger to her chin, and looked up teasingly, “Well, he's really kind, and always helps those in need. Always ready to meet new people with whom he truly is, and even though he doesn't know it, he influences everyone around him, even me.”

 

Throughout Hinata's description, he stared at her, his mouth slightly gaping, -Wow, I've never seen HinataChan like this before. She's being really open, and isn't stuttering. - Breaking away from him thoughts, he thought about what she said, “That still doesn't help.”

 

Blinking calmly a few times, Hinata looked up to the door, already sensing two chakra's approaching the door. “You'll figure it out eventually NarutoKun, I know you will.” She encouraged with a smile.

 

Just as Naruto was going to argue, a knock came at the door, a few seconds later, the door knob turned and the door opened to reveal Kottashi and Temari. Naruto blinked. Hinata blinked. Temari blinked. Kottashi…. “Hi guys!”

 

“So you decided to come back ShiChan? Feeling better?” Naruto asked with a grin.

 

“Yeah, plus I need my clothes if I gotta go see the Hokage.” She said, turning everything over looking for her clothes, until Hinata pointed out they were right next to her. “Ah, arigatou.”

 

“What do you have to see BaaChan for?” He questioned, crossing his arms and huffing.

 

“Something about a special trial of the chuunin exam, to see if I'll be ready to take it next time it occurs. Oh, and also to decide who`ll I`ll be on a team with. Least, that's what TouSan told me.” This said with a smile.

 

“That's just stupid.” Replied the blond.

 

“You think everything's stupid that doesn't have to do with recovering that Uchiha brat.” Stated Temari.

 

“Sasuke's bi… And eats babies.” Hinata, Temari and Naruto stared at her. (I'm sorry, but I had to add that)

 

“Right, well you should go get into your clothes, I'll come with you to HokageSama's office.” With a nod, Kottashi listened to Temari's advice and went to change.

 

Several minutes later, Kottashi came out in her clothes. Her shirt was a very dark forest green, almost black mesh top, while she wore a black skirt, with slightly lighter gray strips around it to break up the color. She wore black shorts under her skirt, and had on fingerless gloves, a metal patch on the top of her left hand glove. Her shoes were exactly like everyone else's, except they were again, a dark forest green, almost black colored. Her sea foam green hair was in a messy looped style, the hair tie itself, two green leaves.

 

“Well I'm ready to go.” Said the girl, with a satisfied smile.

 

“Alright, later guys.” Temari said, waving to both of them, as she walked out the door.

 

“Hai, jaa ne MinnaSan. Oh, and Hinata… Tell him for KamiSama's sake! Before I literally go insane!” With that, she ran out the door, giggling at the shocked expression on Naruto's face, and the embarrassed look on Hinata's.

 

 

N: Can you write any longer?

 

DK: Actually yes I can and I can make it much worse, I could make you and KakashiSensei have butt sex.

 

N: EW NO!!!! THE IMAGES!!! THE DISGUSTING YAOI IMAGES!!! MAKE THEM GO AWAY!!! -fetal position-

 

H: Please NarutoKun! Calm down!

 

NJ: Listen to my cousin for KamiSama's sake! I can't stand how pathetic you look.

 

SU: Do I get to kill the Dobe in this story?

 

DK: No, and it's not a story, it's a fanfic, get it right pretty boy. -glares-

 

K: GRRRR!!! UCHIHA SASUKE!!!!!!!!! -walks in circles promising death-

 

N: You wanna take me out Teme?! I'd love to see you try! -goes demonic-

 

DK: I'm not even sure if I'm going to kill off Sasuke in this fanfic. -sighs- since Meru's in it soon, I guess I can't.

 

S: So what does that mean D.K.Chan?

 

M: Do I finally show up in the next chapter?! -hopeful eyes-

 

DK: Yes you do!

 

K: Grats OneeChan!

 

S: SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?! -concentrates chakra in her fist-

 

DK: PLEASE DON'T KILL ME SAKURA!!!! -sobs and begs for life-

 

M: Hehe, it means we'll begin to see who's paired with whom! See you in the next chapter MinnaSan! Where you'll get to meet the best saru hanyou ever! Uchiha Meru!

 

Everyone: UCHIHA MERU!?!?!?

 

DK: hehe, in the next chapter someone gets a body guard and Kottashi gets in touch with her `sister'. What will our next chapter have in store?

 

N: I hope it has ramen…