Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Heading home ❯ Acid and Memories ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor anything related to this series. I merely took characters, info, and such and molded it into a new story. I own nothing.

 

Warnings: This story will include, malexmale pairings, femalexfemale pairings, and average pairings. There will be violence, and course language as, let's face it, this is a story involving ninjas and such.

 

Pairings: Pairings will remain the same as posted in the previous chapter. If you are curious please check there, and I do apologize for finding it too troublesome to repost it here, meaning I shall no longer post it unless there has been a change added.

 

A/N: Another thank you to all those who have read and review. Your opinions on my story are greatly appreciated. So here is the next chapter for you all.

 

Chapter 6

 

Dawn seemingly crept up early on the two other worlders, and as its light illuminated the area around them, Naruto, who was on last watch, awakened his companion. Today was the day they'd face the first challenge for the keys, and hopefully they would prevail.

 

"Morning." Naruto cheerfully greeted the black haired Hyuuga, who in response nodded while stifling a yawn. "Here eat up." Naruto said with a smile as he held some freshly roasted rabbit meat out to his friend, having obviously hunted and cooked while his companion still slept.

 

Neji looked at Naruto with a blush while taking his breakfast muttering a soft, though easily heard thank you. He was blushing for many different reasons. One, because the blond has been kind enough to make him breakfast, which no one had ever done before. Two, because of what happened yesterday involving the jutsu. And three, he had spent his entire shift gazing down at his peacefully dozing companion, all the while thinking over a variety of things.

 

Things he planned on keeping to himself, for now...

 

"Sleep well?" Naruto questioned as he sat beside his genius friend, and delicately began eating his food as well. The morning had a calming air to it, the silence almost endearing. The quietness only broken by the melodies sung by the feathered creatures of the lands, and the rustling of leaves as wild animals wondered the earth.

 

"Yes." The Hyuuga answered with a smile after swallowing his mouthful of excellently prepared rabbit meat. "You cook well, even when out in the wilderness." He complimented the blue eyed young man with pure honesty and surprise.

 

"Thanks." The demon teen answered with a healthy blush spreading widely over his tanned cheeks, causing the whisker marks to become far more noticeable with the color addition. "I honestly wasn't sure it would turn out right, but most of the herbs I used at home when cooking were similar to the ones here, so I plucked a few that I could tell was safe to eat." He summed it all up modestly, while running his hand over the back of his neck.

 

"It is still delicious." Neji stated as he took another bite of his positively yummy breakfast.

 

Their meal passed by silently, the serenity of the morning quite peacefully, the atmosphere comfortable as they watched the sunrise in silence. Noting how similar yet different it was to sunrises back in their world.

 

Here the sun glowed purple at the point where their sun was red. Where their sun was a brilliant golden yellow, this sun was a crimson color, yet both provide the same white natural light. It was so familiar, that it eased the pain of homesickness, allowing them to enjoy the here and now.

 

It wasn't so different. It just wasn't home.

 

"Let's go." Neji concluded having quickly packed everything up after eating.

 

"Kay." Naruto said with a nod as he tossed dirt over them flames successfully smouldering them without smoke to come. It was a nifty piece of knowledge that he had gained after merging with the Kyuubi. If it weren't for the fox he wouldn't be able to do half the stuff he did, nor would he be even near intelligent enough to compete with the best of the shinobi.

 

With camp successfully broken the two began their trek up the medium sized hill. The very hill which lead into the heart of the valley where they would meet their first challenge head on. With the sun, which loomed just barely as high as the trees behind them, at their back, giving them an air of power. Should anyone have looked on at the two handsome men who walked with such determination and power, both encased within the sun's rays, they would instantly fall into deep infatuation with them.

 

They looked better then good. They looked great.

 

The trek was silent and quiet, though it progressed at a rapid pace due to the firmness of the valley mound and the dryness of the emerald and ruby colored grass bellow. Both ground and plant giving the two ninjas ample support on their uphill walk.

 

Together they reached the top in record time and both males were allowed their first glance at the valley below.

 

Below lie the valley which was filled with a thick mist of a pukey green color. The acidic vapor which was famously known, and a landmark to the valley covered mostly everything in sight, making it difficult to see much of anything.

 

They could easily see the ground nearby to them, but as the valley dipped down further, the poisonous gases grew thicker and thicker. Off in the distance they could easily make out the bordering valley peaks, showing off the small but obviously deep parameter.

 

It was smaller then they had expected and for that they were glad.

 

Blond eyes scanned the thick mist below. "Neji... I think I can see the silhouette of the ruins." Naruto muttered as he pointed a delicate yet strong looking hand towards the valley's heart.

 

The black haired young man followed his gaze, squinting his eyes slightly, and after a few moments he too noticed the hardly visible shadow of something dark beneath the green fog. "I think you're right." He said after a moment of careful observation.

 

"Something's down there...." The blue eyed one said as he squinted his eyes staring down into the valley.

 

"The ruins..." The Hyuuga stated with a smile and a soft chuckle.

 

"I know that!" He exclaimed hotly. "I meant that there is something else down there!" He said with a nod as his eyes followed something his comrade couldn't see.

 

"What do you suppose it is?" Neji asked as he pushed his humor aside and study the hidden turf below.

 

"No idea... I'm not even going to attempt to catch its scent, since I might accidentally inhale some of the acid mist." The blond mumbled in a low voice that was easily picked up my his comrade.

 

"Hang on...." Neji started as veins appeared beside his eyes as he had activated his bloodline limit, the Byakugan. "You're right...." He started as his advanced vision scanned the area. "There is something.... But I can only make out the shadows. The vapor is blocking the Byakugan." He finished an edge of awe in his voice.

 

Never before had any mist or vapor been capable of rendering his skill next to useless.

 

This place was just one big strange mystery after another.

 

"What do you think it is?" The blonde asked as his friend released his Byakugan and the veins disappeared as well.

 

"My guess.... It is some sort of creature that has a natural immunity to these conditions. Most likely a breed of creature that had arrived here and had become mutated, starting a whole new species of creatures. Meaning they have home field advantage." He summed up.

 

"Damn... Sometimes I wish you weren't so smart..... Then we wouldn't have to have some grotesque idea of what we're going to face." Naruto muttered with a pout directed at his companion.

 

Neji chuckled lightly before gently bopping his friend over the head. "Idiot..." The black haired teen said softly, smiling slightly.

"I am not!" Naruto responded with a frown to go with his adorable pout.

 

"Yes you are!" The Hyuuga said in an uncharacteristic singsong voice as he quickly ran his hands through a set of seals. "Air Type- Wind Barrier Technique." He said quietly before leaping down several feet into the mist.

 

"Damn it!" Naruto muttered as his hands hurriedly formed the same seals and he likewise said, "Air Type- Wind Barrier Technique." And he leapt down into the mist landing beside his friend. "Let's do it." He stated from within his bubble as he held up his hand in a fist of challenge.

 

Together they marched downwards, slowly being further engulfed by the acidic mists with each step they took. The slope was an easy one to walk, and it propelled them forwards at a faster pace then they would have gone if they had been walking a flat path.

 

The very sunlight seemed to be cut out from the thick fog overhead. Almost as though the green mist had an eerie light of its own. It cast green shadows everywhere, making everything to seem alive an moving. That in turn caused the two to go on edge, adrenaline slowly coming in.

 

Their feet made no noise, but the wind of the bubbles surrounding them gently blew the mist around them in intricate patterns, scattering them tenderly. It was quite the sight to behold.

 

In silence they walked on, blue and white eyes scanning the area as they felt as though they were being watched. By what? They had no idea, for they saw nor sensed anyone. The only indication either had was that prickling sensation at the back of their necks.

 

"We come in peace!" Naruto said out loud as he paused in his steps which also caused Neji to pause to regard his companion with an amused smile and a quirked brow.

 

"You would not believe how entertaining that sounded." The handsome prodigy stated with a chuckle as he eyed his naive yet grown friend and ally.

 

"Shh!" He whispered obviously annoyed with Neji for making unnecessary noise. "I'm trying to make contact." He whispered in a low barely audible voice.

 

Pale eyes rolled in amusement as their owner crossed his arms over his chest and silently waited.

 

A slithering sound reached both their ears and they simultaneously tensed, eyes and ears searching for something. A second noise rang out, but this one sounded much more like a clicking sound. Deep throated grunts and cawing followed the first two noises and suddenly the area was surrounded with echo sounds.

 

"What is it?" Naruto whispered as the two edged back to back as close as they could get to the other with their jutsu bubbles separating them from everything.

 

"I don't know...." Neji mumbled over his shoulder.

 

A sudden deep forest green blur flung itself at Naruto's bubble and collided with it before being repelled and moving out of sight once more.

 

"My guess, it isn't friendly." Neji stated with a light smirk on his pale face.

 

"No kidding! What gave you that idea?" Naruto dead panned in a sarcastic voice, which was something the pale eyed Hyuuga never thought was possible, yet it seemed Naruto had pulled yet another rabbit from his head. Metaphorically speaking of course.

 

The green blur reappeared in their line of vision as it circled around their air shields trying to locate a possible weak point in the barrier that separated it from its prey.

 

The demon teen reached into his arm holster and withdrew a single kunai knife. "If these barriers let nothing enter, do you suppose it will let something pass?" Neji questioned as he noticed his friend's course of action.

 

"No idea." Naruto answered with an honest shrug as his eyes easily trailed the blurred form racing quickly about them. He took aim and let loose his assault, launching his weapon with great strength towards the point where the blur would hit.

 

The kunai passed through the air barrier unaffecting the shield, and easily struck the creature beyond. A squeak of surprise escaped the creature as the projectile went right through the thing's body as though it was formed of air.

 

"I think we have a problem...." Naruto stated mouth wide.

 

"It simply passed through..." The Hyuuga mumbled to himself.

 

"I kinda got that captain obvious." The blond said annoyed at his partner, while they both continued to trail the creature's path. "Now what?" He asked a few seconds later as a deep frown marred his brow.

 

"Well... We'll have to simply keep moving." He paused before continuing. "It can't reach us from within the jutsu, and we can't seemingly harm it from our current position, meaning we have to just keep going. Perhaps it will become annoyed and leave us." Neji explained as he began back on route, his comrade hurriedly following.

 

As they moved forward through the eerie green mists, more dark blurs swirled around them in an intricate dance of some foreign sort. Their noises following the two, and seemingly echoed loudly as though the vapor served as a sound magnifier. It was in all honesty annoyed, especially to Naruto who, thanks to the Kyuubi, had delicate and precise hearing.

 

They stumbled along the lifeless ground of blackened and poisoned earth, stumbling slightly over loose rocks or crumbling dirt. The acidic mist, growing far more dense as the ground, which had previously been sloped, became level once more. The green clouds about them not even permitting the once visible blurs to be revealed, but they both knew they were still out there stalking them as they could distinctly hear all the sounds they made.

 

"We're here." Neji announced to his comrade in arms as his foot landed upon a worn cobble stone step which lead upwards, signifying that the Ruins' first level was slightly above ground. "These steps look as though they could crumble any second." The black haired prodigy stated as he crouched down and observed the stones.

 

Each step was formed of a multitude of stones, each bearing the look of use and the corrosion of time. They had to be ancient. Thousands upon thousands of cracks lined the stairs, even though they could only see three ahead, the rest, if there was any, was concealed in the swirling clouds of green.

 

"Any clue as to where the key would be." Naruto questioned as he too noted the poor condition of the steps ahead.

 

"My guess would have to be at the heart of the bottom level. Otherwise it would be too easy." The pale eyed young man theorized as he moved to stand once more. "Up for this?" He asked in an almost teasing manner.

 

"You better believe I am!" The blond stated enthusiastically as his trademark grin appeared upon his handsome face. "Let's go!" He said in a happy voice, gaining a nod of agreement from the gorgeous young man beside him.

 

They silently ascended the steps, one slow and cautious step after the next. Neither made any sudden movements nor wanting the cause a shift in the stones which would eventually lead to the full our collapse of the stairs. Which would be bad. Very bad.

 

A creaking groan split through the air, and both males' eyes' widened as they felt the shift. "Damn it!" Naruto cursed as they began sprinting upwards, hoping to reach the top before the steps gave out.

 

"Shit!" Naruto exclaimed as the stairs beneath his feet gave way causing his wind barrier jutsu to poof away in a burst of white smoke which was hurriedly swallowed by the billowing green vapor.

 

He fell through the air feeling the acid burn his bare skin as he plummeted into darkness below. His lungs felt as though they were set ablaze as the mist entered into his wind tunnel, circling through his body as though red hot blades were being shoved into various parts of his body.

 

His clothing, which had been enchanted by the Lord's daughter, stood form and strong against the acidic assault, staying perfectly normal and unfazed as angry red burns appeared on his bare flesh. He felt like he was being burnt alive.

 

The air was purged from his lungs as he blindly collided with a solid ground completely winded. He gasped in mouthfuls of pure air, painfully trying to bring oxygen back into his damaged body. The acidic mist didn't seem to reach this low.

 

Naruto was lucky. He was able to bring in air to his starved lungs, and had to only suffer the tinges of pain in the burns that riddled all visible parts of his flesh. His vision was slowly returning, enabling him to see the last of the debris to trickle to the ground around him.

 

He was in some sort of underground layer, or simply put, just in a lower level of the ruins.

 

The blond slowly and shakily pushed himself into a kneeling position, hands and wobbling knees firmly squared upon the stone floor on which he had landed. He was in what resembled a corridor, a hallway of sorts which only traveled north in a stretch so far and dark that he could not see its end.

 

A sound rang through the air, the noise made when someone or something landed heavily, yet steadily on the ground after having leapt or fell from a high place.

 

"Naruto! Are you alright?" Neji questioned worriedly as he dropped his jutsu and raced over to the down and obviously wounded form of his friend.

 

"Just peachy! I had an excellent fall, and the burning was just an added bonus. When next I fall perhaps you should join me?" He asked in a clearly annoyed and purely sarcastic voice which basically said 'Are you crazy?!? No one can be alright after falling that distance and landing on a not so soft surface, especially after having the bejeezus burned out of them.'

 

"Right... Sorry, lame questioned. But will you be alright?" The black haired man questioned in concern as he kneeled down beside the blond and tenderly placed his hand upon a section of the unburnt skin on his shoulder.

 

"Yeah... Just give me a few minutes and my healing abilities ough'ta kick in." He stated, and the black haired Hyuuga could definitely see the wounds as they slowly healed, sealed and completely disappeared leaving no evidence of ever being there.

 

"That must come in handy." The pale eyed prodigy stated as he assisted his comrade to his feet.

 

"Sure does, especially when I'm kicking Sasuke-teme's ass!" The blond cheerfully exclaimed as he remembered several past spars between him and his rival who also happened to be his closest and most dearest friend. A best friend to be precise.

 

"I thought he was the one who always kicked your ass." Neji commented teasingly as he smiled at his close friend, who in return pouted and glared lethally at the taller man.

 

"They were draws okay?" He said still pouting and acting like an adorable little boy who had just lost the opportunity to play outside since it was raining.

 

"Okay okay... Anyways we better keep going, we've already come this far." The black haired man said with a foreign grin upon his face which would have caused many girls to faint in its sheer gorgeousness.

 

"Wow... You should smile more often." Naruto mumbled before blushing and clearing his throat. "I...uh...mean, we should hurry up and get going. Yeah!" He exclaimed sheepishly as he ran his hand embarrassedly over the back of his neck as a few beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead and past his cheek.

 

The pale eyed teen, whose cheeks were tinged a pale pink at the words spoken by his team mate, nodded. "Right.... Since we did go down three levels, my guess is this is the bottom floor since it was the only level that didn't give out after you fell." He stated with a knowledgeable nod.

 

"Good thing I found a short cut. Now we don't have to spend so much time in this strange place." The blond stated proudly as he smiled fox like.

 

"More like you ...fell upon the shortcut." His friend stated with a light chuckle proving his amusement over the blond's fall.

 

"Ha..Ha, real funny Neji." The blond muttered crossly as he folded his arms over his chest in a sign of pure annoyance. Today just wasn't his day it seemed. Everything was out to get him, especially gravity.

 

The blond began walking forwards, Neji at his heals, as he cautiously and slowly headed north, heading towards the tunnel that seemingly stretched on for miles upon countless miles with no end in sight. Their steps echoed lightly off the floor, walls and ceiling, its beat filling the air.

 

The air was stale, belaying the fact that none had passed here in countless years, maybe even centuries, for the air had remained unmoving within its stone prison. It was still perfectly safe to breath yet not all that appealing to the nose, especially an incredibly accurate one.

 

"So.... How long do you think we gotta keep walking this tunnel?" Naruto asked quietly, his deep voice echoing enticingly off the walls, successfully breaking the continuous patter of their feet.

 

"I have no clue.... It could be just ahead or it could be an incredibly ridiculous distance from where we are." Neji stated matter of factly, for one he or she who had designed these ruins, back when they were a flourishing temple and not ruins. Since only an extremely odd person would construct worn and torn ruins.

 

The sound of metal dragging against metal rang through the air causing both of them to freeze, and squint ahead into the darkness, towards the source of the noise. "Something's down here..." Neji mumbled as he reached towards his side and placed his hand upon the hilt of his sword which had never once been wielded for battle.

 

"No kidding captain obvious." Naruto muttered with a roll of his eyes as he copied his teammate's move of placing his hand upon his similarly unwielded blade. Gifts of the Lord and his Daughter.

 

A clunking of armored feet upon stone echoed out slowly, almost as though the owner of said sounds was moving very slowly. almost with extreme difficulty. A limp or something along those lines.

 

Two sounds of drawing swords echoed through the air as both males drew their blade in synch, the noise just like the metal upon metal sound of earlier. "No better place to learn to wield a new weapon then the heat of battle." Naruto said slyly, as he had recognized the earlier sound and he highly doubted it was friendly.

 

Neji nodded in agreement, knowing full well that pressure in battle always lead to improvement on skills used. If they were to wield their newly acquired swords perhaps they could become far better then just meager swordsmen.

 

Crunching was the next sound added into the mix, though it was quiet to the point that it would have been hardly noticeable in any other location, but since the walls echoed and noises seemed more vivid in the dark, it was easily heard. The shifting of amour accompanied the crunching cracking and walking sounds, all growing louder and louder.

 

"What the hell is that?!?!" Naruto exclaimed as a look of creeped out disgust appeared upon his face as he eyed the thing before him. It was a man.

 

Or at least it used to be. Now it resembled a walking collage of bones and rusted out armor. It was a walking, moving and sword holding skeleton, that was held together by means unknown, how it even walked straight neither knew. It had no eyes, only bones and metal was visible, a ghastly sight to be sure.

 

"The undead...?" Neji asked wondering if he had hit the nail on the head.

 

"Yuck..." Naruto said under his breath not even remotely pleased with having a horrendous thing before them, plus the smell was enough to turn his stomach, and that was not good. "Do we kill it?" He asked his friend feeling unsure.

 

"Technically it already is dead.... But I think it would be better for us to take care of it before it gets us." Neji stated with a light frown.

 

"Well that shouldn't be too difficult. It moves slower than anyone I've ever seen. It can't be that strong either if it is having that much problem lugging itself around like that." The blond concluded as he cautiously watched its approach. "Who's taking it?"

 

"Me." Neji stated with a smirk which caused Naruto to pout and whine, though the black haired man simply ignored him.

 

The Hyuuga prodigy stepped forward, sword held at the ready before him as he eyed his opponent with an unreadable scan. In a moderately quick movement he launched himself forward aiming a downwards slash at the skull of the skeleton in an attempt to cleave its head in two.

 

A sword intercepted the assault, blocking the swing with ease which shocked both men of Konohagure. The thing was fast, fast enough to parry the blow and push the ninja backwards as he struggled with its strength. "Damn..." He muttered as he leapt back a few meters to get out of the way.

 

Neji had barely landed before his breath was forcefully knocked out of him as the skeleton creature rammed its mighty broad and bony shoulder into his chest sending him to the ground, sliding against the ground for several feet.

 

The pale eyed teen barely had enough time to block a downwards slash that would have likely cut his chest and stomach wide, breath escaping him in short clipped pants. He brought his foot up and landed a powerful kick to the thing's mid section sending it likewise skidding backwards.

 

This would be far more difficult then either had perceived, but that is what they get for underestimating their foe. A worse move could never be made.

 

Neji hurriedly regained his footing and dropped into a serious stance, one that meant business. Both stared each other down, though you couldn't tell the thing was as it didn't have any eyes.

 

In blurs they leapt forward and clashed sword to rusty sword in a cloud of angry red and yellow sparks which caused light to flare out flickering through the dark tunnel momentarily before the burning chips burnt out. They moved in a rush of swings and parries, twirling like the greatest of sword wielders.

 

It seemed the change Neji had underwent had given him the ability to move through sword battles, though he hadn't realized it since it was on a subconscious level. His hidden talent was also aided by his years of dedicated training in the line of a shonobi. He was holding his own.

 

A few red cuts graced his pale skin, dripping rivulets of crimson life water down to the ground. The wounds were only minor cuts and scraps caused from narrow dodges, and his opponent would have looked the same if he had flesh to cut or blood to spill.

 

Jabs and thrusts were made as they collided in another fray of fiery sparks, each twirling and moving through the battle as though it was a choreographed danced fit for the highest of audiences, even though in reality it was a fight to the death.

 

Neji ducked gracefully under a swing, and had three hairs cut off but he payed them no heed. He used his move which had gotten him below the thing's guard and swung his blade with all his might and beheaded the creature with the sickening sound of metal passing through bones.

 

"You did it!" Naruto exclaimed happily as he jumped into the air with his fist raised in a demonstration of victory. "That was so cool!" He added cheerfully as he landed back on the ground.

 

Neji smiled as he put away his blade and began walking back towards his bright companion. "I guess the sword isn't that difficult to use. Just think of it as an extended kunai knife." He said with a shrug.

 

"Let's get going." He added and both turned and continued on, stepping lightly over the pile of bones which had fallen apart as it struck the ground after having been beheaded. If that was the only thing thrown at them, this would be a breeze.

 

In silence they walked on, time trickled by with no end in sight. "This is ridiculous...." Naruto mumbled as he placed his hands in his pockets and frowned. "It can't get any worse then this..." He added with a pout.

 

The tunnel they were in suddenly began shaking with tremendous force, enough to be a massive earthquake. Specks of dust and stone fell from both the ceiling and walls, as giant cracks appeared all over the stone tunnel. It was going to crumble, and soon.

 

"You just had to say it!" Neji stated as he hurriedly grabbed a hold of Naruto's hand and together they began racing forward with all the speed that they could as the tunnel crumbled behind them. Stone, dust and tainted earth piled into the tunnel in a massive flow of dust. It was all caving in, each fall in turn being only mere seconds behind their heals.

 

Their path began to turn, though they weren't sure wether it was actually turning as the ground was shaking far worse then before, and the loud echoing noise it created was deafening. As they completed the turn they saw a glowing yellow light which indicated the end of the tunnel and they turned on the after burners.

 

As they reached they end they were engulfed in blinding yellow light as the ground stopped its shaking and the rest of the tunnel completely collapsed leaving nothing of it still standing. As they drew to a stop, Neji, who was in the lead, fell down a massive crater like hole in floor, one that had massive and jagged spikes placed at the bottom, waiting innocently for someone to fall.

 

He only fell a few feet before slamming painfully hard into the stone edge of the hole. In his left hand he gripped Naruto's hand like a lifeline, and the blond did the same, as he lie on his stomach holding his friend up. "Hold...on Neji... I'll get .. you up." He panted obviously exhausted from the run, but still determined not to let his tiredness get into his way of saving his allie and friend.

 

With a grunt of sheer strain, Naruto latched his other hand onto Neji's free one and in a fluid move he heaved with all his might. He pulled so hard his face was turning bright red, and slowly but steadily, the black haired teen was dragged upwards. He was pulled over the edge in a manner of minutes, and once he was safe both collapsed to the ground panting and sweating like there was no tomorrow.

 

"Thank... you..." Neji stated while still breathing heavily.

 

"Heh...What are...friends for?" Naruto said breathlessly as both friends looked at each other smiling slightly between the pants.

 

"Next time... don't ask that ...question... it always... makes things worse." Neji said with a scornful smirk on his face as he poked the blond in the stomach.

 

"Don't worry... I've learnt my...lesson." The demon teen stated sheepishly as he slowly sat up his breathing less radical.

 

"Good." Neji said with a nod as he too sat up, his breath less intense as well.

 

"Who would have thought holding hands would save your life." Naruto stated with a smile before blushing at what he had just said, realizing that they had indeed been holding hands.

 

Neji merely chuckled at the blond's words and actions as he got to his feet and held a hand out to Naruto. "Come on let's go." He stated with a tiny smile gracing his stoic lips.

 

The blue eyed teen looked at his friend eyes wide and cheeks still pink, before he smiled and accepted the hand up and was pulled to his feet. "At least we know that tunnel didn't travel on forever." Naruto stated jokingly as he stretched and looked around at their surroundings.

 

They were in some sort of large chamber, one with a massive symmetrical hole in its center. The crater stretched far in the room and it took up much of the floor leaving only a foot wide path on the sides.

 

Neji looked back at the tunnel they came through and sighed. "It seems there is only one way to go now." He stated before turning to look at the other end of the room where a massive doorway stood. The door looked impressive for it was utterly massive and the shadows cast from the massive burning torches gave it an intimidating edge.

 

"I bet a bowl of ramen when we get back that the key is behind that door." Naruto stated as he eyed the intricate and detailed carvings on the door in the distance.

 

"You are probably right.... But I don't think it'll be easy to get the key." Neji said lightly as he lead the way to the side where the ledge was. Silently they walked the narrow edge at a moderate pace, since they were ninjas the height didn't even slightly bother them, as they were used to it.

 

After they passed the edge which would have frightened any human not trained in the ways of the shinobi, they moved over to the door and stood in front of its towering presence. "How do we open it?" Naruto questioned with a frown as he noted there were no handles or grips that could be used.

 

The door suddenly creak inwards causing both to blink. "Voice activated?" The blond asked curiously while Neji merely shrugged as he did not have an answer.

 

In silence they entered into a torch lite chamber which had to be at least five times the size of the previous room and at the far end of the room stood a tall pedestal and resting upon it was a shuriken shaped object that was more then likely the key they had come for.

 

"It's a trap." Neji stated as he distrustfully eyed the key before he gazed around the room noting that there were two open doorways that were filled with dark shadows. "There is someone or something else in here with us." He summed up as he regarded the two doorways as an echoing boom rang out from behind them causing both to jump slightly.

 

The door had closed. "Uh oh... That can't be good." Naruto muttered with a pout as he too eyed the room, taking special note of the two door ways. "What do you suppose lurks behind door number one?" The blonde asked as he pointed to the door closest to them on the eastern wall. "Or behind door number two?" He asked as he pointed to the door on the western wall.

 

"I'm uncertain." The black haired Hyuuga answered with a light frown as he regarded the key at the opposite. "I don't suppose they'll attack us once we get the key, meaning if we swipe it fast enough we can avoid a full out battle." He concluded, and received a nod of understanding from the blond.

 

"Race you!" Naruto said with a smile.

 

"You're on!" Neji stated with a smirk.

 

In a burst of speed the two shinobi leapt off and ran towards the pedestal, eyes focused on their surroundings as they lunged nearer to their goal.

 

A massive growl cut sharply through the air as two dark blurs raced out from each tunnel, and moved directly into their path causing the two males to skid to a stop and eye up their newest challenge.

 

Snakes.

 

Not your average snakes either. They were giganteum, stretching at least one hundred meters in length, and most thick that some tree trunks. All four bore their fangs at the two ninjas, poison dripping from pearly white and lethal teeth onto the ground where it sizzled and destroyed the stones below.

 

Their scales shone a deep black, looking like thick and very sturdy armor upon the snakes' bodies. Their eyes shone crimson and looked almost hypnotic. They were swaying slightly, heads held high as they stared down their meal before them.

 

"Hope you aren't afraid of snakes." Neji muttered to his partner teasingly.

 

"I ain't afraid of anything." The stated as he unsheathed his blade and held it at the ready. The black haired Hyuuga followed suite. "The big ones are mine!" Naruto stated with his trademark grin in place.

 

"Which big ones? They are all the same size." The pale eyed man stated with a sigh.

 

"The ones on the left of course." He said as he lunged forwards towards the one on the outside, while Neji leapt towards the one of the far right. The battle was on.

 

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" ((Shadow Clone Technique)) Naruto exclaimed as three clones appeared beside him, charging at the two snakes that he called dibs on. The four Naruto's lunged at the two left side snakes and swung mightily at its skin.

 

Swords collided against armored scales resulting in sparks that flew several meters without causing any damage whatsoever to the serpent before them. "That could be a problem." He stated as a goofy look appeared on his face. "But I like battles that are seemingly impossible.

 

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" ((Shadow Clone Technique)) Naruto shouted again, bringing out a horde of Naruto lookalike and half of which ran off to assist Neji.

 

The black haired Hyuuga was busy dodging fangs and tails of the two snakes which had ganged up on him. Frowning slightly at the creatures' speed, strength and seemingly impenetrable armor.

 

Neji smiled as one of the clones blocked the assault buying him a second to avoid being hit before the clone burst into white smoke and disappeared. It was a good thing the blond knew about teamwork, otherwise he would likely be sporting several large bruises with possible shattered bones.

 

" Kanashibari no Jutsu" ((Body Freeze Technique)) Neji shouted as he jumped and successfully froze one of the snakes in its tracks. "Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu." ((Fire Type- Empowered Fireball Skill)) He shouted as he landed and blew a massive ball of fire towards the motionless snake while Naruto and his clones kept the other three busy.

 

The serpent was engulf by the fire, and burned into mere ashes, its armour no match for such high powered flames. One down three to go.

 

Naruto's hands moved through a series of seals as he evaded a whipping tail which collided with the ground below and knocking a large hole into it. "Mikazuki no Mai" ((Dance of the Crescent Moon)) He shouted and a new clone appeared beside him.

 

Together both Naruto and the new clone, which was simular to that of a shadow clone, leapt back into the fray and raced towards the nearest snake. They moved together in a twirling sword dance all around the snake, and it knew not which way to look and soon became highly dizzy with trying to keep up with the dance.

 

Once it was dizzy enough, both Naruto and the clone leapt up and simultaneously ran their swords deep into the serpent's crimson eyes, causing it to hiss and thrash with pain while they pushed the blades in to the hilt.

 

The colossal snake crumbled but not before the clone disappeared and Naruto pulled his sword back out and jumped. The blond landed softly on the ground, and the now dead snake fell just behind him with an earthshaking thud which loosened dirt from the ceiling. Two down two to go.

 

The two remaining snakes took on an air of what seemed like cautiousness as they paused in their assault to eye the horde of creatures before them. The one closest to them lunged forward with great speed and bite the nearest clone hopping it was the real one, but was disappointed as it poofed into smoke.

 

Veins appeared on either side of the Hyuuga's pale eyes as he activated his Byakuugan before launching towards the snake which had bitten the clone to smoke and shouted " Jyuuken " (( Gentle Fist)).

 

He aimed light punches and kicks towards the snake's vital organ points, though it didn't seemingly effect his foe. Since his movements were quick, he didn't have to worry about dodging the snake's assaults as they were too slow to get him. Neji landed one more shot towards the creatures heart before leaping off the scaled monster and landing smoothly while deactivating his Byakuugan.

 

Neji had landed with his back towards the brute he had seemingly just attacked but to no avail, and the serpent lunged towards him. It's eyes suddenly widened before it collapsed dead on the ground, for Neji had channelled enough of his own chakra into its major organs damaging them to the point of no repair. A trick only done by those of the Hyuuga clan as the Byakuugan and excellent chakra control are key elements in that attack.

 

Three down one to go.

 

"Show off." Naruto muttered on his breath as he dispelled all the clones leaving him alone to fight the last of the snakes guarding the key. " KageMane no Jutsu!" ((Shadow Imitation Technique)) Naruto yelled as his shadow shot out and grabbed onto the snake's, causing the snake to go ridged and move into the straight position Naruto was standing in. "Hurry, Neji go get the key! I'll hold this last one off!" Naruto exclaimed and his partner nodded before sprinting off towards the pedestal.

 

Neji moved quickly and leapt into the air while still being several metres away. He turned his jump into a flip, landing hands down on the pedestal, one hand grabbing the key and in a fluent move he pushed himself backwards off of the thing before landing smoothly on the ground.

 

As he landed, Naruto released his jutsu hold on the snake who's eyes turned from their crimson colour to a deep yellow before it slithered off down one of the tunnels.

 

A humming sound filled the air and to the right of the pedestal which once held the key, a door appeared as the wall slid to the side with a scraping sound. "That's our way out." Naruto stated with a smirk a he race over to his partner right fist held out as though he intended to punch him.

 

Their fists meet with an echoing sound as both men smiled brilliantly at the other. "We did it Naruto." Neji stated with a smile as he lowered his hand.

 

"One down six to go!" The blond stated happily as they both turned and ascended the stairs that lie beyond the newly opened doors.

 

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

 

'One year.' Sasuke thought to himself as he sat below a towering tree in Team Seven's old training grounds. He was breathing deeply, sweat beads dripping down his face and bare chest. He had been training since dawn and it was now high noon and he was taking a break.

 

'Dobe...Why did you die?' He questioned silently, though his face was passive. He had asked that question so many times since that mission. With Naruto's death he had lost a piece of him, which piece that was he had yet to discover.

 

'Perhaps if you hadn't died... I wouldn't have been cursed....' He contemplated sadly. Sure the curse seal he was given by Orochimaru gave him extreme power, but he didn't like that every sleeping moment he was submitted to listening to an unknown voice mutter the good points to power.

 

He had no desire to acquire power so falsely. If he wanted to grow stronger then he currently was then he'd do it himself. Naruto had shown him that the way to true power is through training and perseverance. To never give up, and the promises of easy powers seemed to insult the blond ninja's memory. Something he vowed never to do.

 

The blond had been his best friend he now realized. They had an intense rivalry that made the two always do their best, pushing each other to the limits. Together they had grown stronger and it also drew them closer together.

 

The dark blue haired teen stood and walked with his hands resting in the pockets of his black cargo pants towards the monument stone. The very stone which bore all the names of ninja who have perished in battle.

 

He stopped as he stood before it, onyx eyes locked onto a certain name without even having to look at it. Over the past year he had come to this spot to think, to clear his mind, and to gain a sense of piece.

 

"Naruto you got your wish..." The boy stated quietly as he remembered their survival test.

 

Naruto had first seen the stone and without knowing its purpose said that he wanted his name on the stone, and now it was. He had also gained the respect and acceptance of most of the villagers, though there was still a few who deeply loathed him.

 

"I wish you could see how things turned out." He added as he stepped forward and rang a long and slender finger over the name of his dearest friend.

 

"Dobe..." He muttered affectionately as an uncharacteristic smile graced his face and a soft look appeared in his dark eyes.

 

With a deep sigh he pulled away from the stone his features dropping back into their characteristic apathetic nature, as cold as stone and as legible as a water ravaged book written in an alien language. He was Uchiha Sasuke, the boy who very rarely showed any form of emotion. Only the late blond ninja had ever been able to gain a reaction from him, and even after death he was still the only to still get a reaction.

 

Some things just never change.

 

Sasuke turned his back to the stone and walked back over to the tree he had been resting under earlier, and there he grabbed his fishnet top and put it on before placing his hands once more into his pockets and walking back towards the village.

 

He was hungry. So he was off to get himself some lunch before he resumed training.

 

His walk back was silent and uneventful, and the first restaurant where he could get food was the noodle shop that had the best ramen in the whole village. 'Naruto's favourite place to get ramen.' He thought while inwardly smiling, though showing no emotions outwards.

 

The last time Sasuke had eaten there was with Naruto, just before they went off to capture the stray cat with Gai's team. Naruto had eaten sixteen bowls worth of ramen in a record time of nine minutes.

 

Without any further thought the dark haired teen walked over to the stand and moved the cloth pieces overhead out of his way as he moved to sit down on one of the empty stools. He took his seat right next to two individuals who were obviously there together. One was large, muscular and an average height. The other was slim and tall with hair up in a spiky ponytail.

 

It was Choji and Shikamaru.

 

Choji's bulk had changed from pillowy blubber into hard steel muscles, and no one dared to call him fatso again.

 

Shikamaru was basically the same. He had only grown a few inches taller, but that was to be expected as he had yet to hit his growth spurt.

 

"Another bowl of miso soup please." Choji stated as he pushed his third bowl out of the way, while his teammate merely leaned more heavily on the arm propped up on the counter. He would have sighed but it would require too much energy and the teen still held the title of Konoha's laziest genius.

 

A pipping hot bowl of miso soup was gently placed before the large teen by the shop owner's daughter Ayame. The girl then turned towards the new customer with a smile. "Hi! What can I get you?" She asked happily as she walked over to him, her voice drawing the other two's attention over to the dark haired teen.

 

"Chicken flavoured ramen." He answered without thinking, his voice emotionless.

 

"Kay, just a few minutes." She stated before heading back into the kitchen to deliver the new order to her father.

 

"Hey Sasuke." Choji greeted politely after swallowing a mouthful of his soup.

 

"Hn..." The Uchiha responded with a slight nod in their direction.

 

"Che..." Was all the Nara said as anything more would be too bothersome. ((A/N: For those that don't know this, Nara is Shikamaru's sir name.))

 

"Hey Sasuke why don't you come join us at the spa house after lunch. You could use a break since I've heard you've been training and doing missions none stop lately." Choji said with a genuine smile as Ayame returned and placed Sasuke's ramen in front of him.

 

The onyx eyed teen nodded his thanks to the girl before looking over at the two others in contemplation. He wasn't a social person, but he agreed that a short break would be nice. "Alright." He answered with a nod, causing the larger of the three to smile, and Shikamaru's eyes to widen slightly.

 

Sasuke silently cracked his chopsticks apart and began to eat his noodles which were Naruto's favourite food.

 

Once they were finished eating and paying for their meals, they left for the spa house.

 

The spa house wasn't too terribly far from the food place and they arrived quickly enough. Once inside and at the front counter, they were met with the female receptionist who asked if they had a reservation.

 

"Its under my name, Nara Shikamaru." The handsome but lazy teen stated and the girl nodded.

 

"Head right in. Spa room number 3, the largest one, is yours." The woman stated with a smile and the three of them made their way inside.

 

They moved without conversation into the change rooms where they changed out of their clothing and weapons and into towels which were firmly wrapped around their waists. they then proceeded to their reserved spring.

 

The spring was indeed large for it stretched the length of their old classroom back when they were in the academy. It was deep near the middle and shallow with natural seating edges here and their.

 

Sulfur was in the air telling the tale of the freshness of the underground spring source. It was simple and closed off from view and noise by white walls decorated with flowers and other peaceful scenery.

 

It was indeed a place of relaxation.

 

All three of them slipped gracefully into the water before relaxing against the edges. This was the life.

 

Choji smiled and let out a tremendous sigh of sheer pleasure as the water worked its magic. Sasuke let a small hardly noticeable smile grace his lips as he relaxed for the first time in over a year.

 

Shikamaru on the other hand merely leaned back and closed his eyes as it was far too troublesome to show any reaction, though he was completely content he went through the trouble of making them some reservations.

 

Sasuke shifted his position the smile still playing about his lips as he closed his onyx eyes. 'I promised to grow strong enough for the both of us dobe, and I will....' He thought silently to himself, unaware that a certain lazy genius had opened his eyes and was currently studying him.

 

'He's smiling...Must be thinking of Naruto. How troublesome.' The ninja thought to himself. 'But I suppose he doesn't go a day without remembering the blond idiot.' He thought with an air of affection.

 

Sure he was lazy, but even lazy people had feelings. 'You two were always so troublesome, and now you've taken up Naruto's portion as well... What was he to you?' He thought silently before mentally shrugging and letting his thoughts drift off. Thinking too hard over someone's feelings was tiring.

 

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

 

That's it for this chapter. And I'm proud to say it is my longest yet. Please Review and thank you for reading!