Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Heading home ❯ Realizations and Incredible Heat ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, that honor belongs solely to its creator Masashi Kishimoto, but that doesn't mean I didn't wish I owned and created it.

 

Warnings: They are the same as they are in all previous chapters, if curious please check it out.

 

Pairings: Same as posted in previous chapters, if curious please check it out.

 

A/N: Another big thank you to all who have read and all who have reviewed. I am happy that some of you have found interest in my story, and I'm looking forward to writing more, so please keep up the reviews and flames. They are helpful. Oh and also, I currently have my editor working on my earlier chapters so sooner or later I'll be having them edited so that they aren't so poor in spelling and grammatical aspects. Thank you for your patience and understand.

 

Chapter 7

 

"Oi guys, I gotta run." Choji informed the silent Uchiha and the bored Nara. "I promised I'd meet Ino this afternoon." He finished with a cheery red blush on his face that had absolutely nothing to do the heat of the water or its steam.

 

"Che... Women are so troublesome." Shikamaru stated as he thought about his female teammate while inwardly shuddering. 'That girl can be scary.' He silently admitted, his pride be damned as it was too troublesome to really care about.

 

"That's what you always say, and personally I think women are great. Especially if they can cook!" The larger of the three added as he pulled himself out of the spring and walked off towards the change room while waving a farewell to his fellow ninjas.

 

"I agree with Shikamaru." Sasuke said quietly, but since the atmosphere of their bathing room was so silent the lazy nin was easily able to pick it up.

 

'The Uchiha is definitely an enigma.' The brunette thought to himself as he lazily opened one eye are regarded the teen. 'One second he's brooding, the next he is being all emo, and the next he is close to happy. He has more mood swings than a woman. How troublesome.' He thought with an audible sigh as he leaned further back against the spring's edge. This place would have been perfect if there was no ceiling, that way he could glance up at the clouds and be completely at ease, despite the odd company.

 

'One year.' The Uchiha prodigy thought to himself as he looked down at the slightly rippled murky waters. 'Today marks the one year point. It had gone by so fast, and yet I don't feel as though I am over it yet. A part of me screams that he is still alive, but that isn't possible, no one and nothing could survive that blast. Even if he had miraculously survived against all odds, he would have long since returned.' He blinked several times, unaware of chestnut eyes observing him.

 

"You're thinking about Naruto." Shikamaru stated not even bothering to ask it as a question for the answer was pretty obvious. The dark haired teen before him gained a serene or distant look in his eyes while thinking of the blond. Not to mention his body language changed from that of his usually cocky self, to that of a lost child. 'Strange.'

 

Sasuke looked up, utterly shocked with his eyes slightly widened.

 

"Your reaction is all the answer I needed. How troublesome." The lazy nin sighed as he closed his eyes.

 

"That obvious?" Sasuke asked as he looked back down with a soft smile playing about his lips. Over the time he had known the blond he had opened up slightly. Thanks to Naruto that is, but after his death he became more distant. So now why was he opening up? And to the lazy genius of all people? He didn't know.

 

"What was he to you?" The teen asked bluntly, always to the point as beating around the bush was always too bothersome for his tastes.

 

Sasuke paused in contemplation over wether or not to explain this to a teen who was almost a stranger to him. "He was my teammate. My greatest rival, and my best friend." The Uchiha answered honestly after a minute's hesitation.

 

The brown haired teen would have nodded but he felt too lazy to do so.

 

Shikamaru, who was already a jounin, was a strategic genius that had easily passed the chunnin then jounin exams with ease despite his laziness. He had surpassed all the others from rookie nine in status, but that didn't mean he was stronger then them. Just better jounin material.

 

"Why do you push yourself?" the young jounin questioned absently after a few seconds of peaceful silence.

 

Sasuke took a look of deep thought for several moments, internally debating wether to explain this or not. 'What do I have to lose?' He mentally asked himself. "I need to be strong enough to avenge my clan and kill my elder brother... Itachi. It was he that slew my family." He said before pausing. "And... to honor Naruto's memory by becoming strong enough for the both of us." He answered honestly and gained a small smile as he felt a great load had been removed from his shoulders.

 

"Che...Sounds troublesome." Shikamaru summed up, though he did store his newly acquired information away for future reference.

 

"It can be. But it doesn't matter. Being strong and killing Itachi are the two goals I will complete." He finished, onyx eyes looking at the water's murky surface.

 

"What will you do when you finish that?" The lazy jounin questioned apathetically, obviously not to happy with having to speak so much, though it did serve to help them understand one another.

The question caught the Uchiha off guard causing a frown to appear on his generally stoic face. 'What will I do?' He silently questioned himself having never before thought of what he would do after he had completely his goal of killing his brother. "I...have nothing planned as of yet." He answered it in a way to make it sound like he'd find something else to live for and to drive him further.

 

'As I thought.' The ponytail wearing jounin sighed and shook his head. This was so bothersome.

 

"Perhaps I'll aim to become ANBU captain or even a hunter nin. Or perhaps I'll try to learn every jutsu possible." Sasuke thought out loud with a sigh. "No matter, I'll find something to tend to once I destroy Itachi." He summed up with a shrug which clearly indicated that was final. "What about you? What's your drive? What's your plan?"

 

Shikamaru closed his eyes in thought. Any goal to strive towards was just too plain troublesome. "I just need to be strong enough to protect those I care for." He stated tiredly, though one could tell his words were the truth.

 

"Hnn..." Sasuke responded obviously back to his normal brooding moody self.

 

The rest of the bath was silent each too absorbed in their thoughts to really try and start pointless chatter. It was oddly comforting to Sasuke that just hanging out with someone like the lazy genius was enough to allow him to relax in peace. Have a break from the normal everyday life of training, missions and more training.

 

Their bath soon came to an end as the reserved period of time expired and the kind receptionist came to inform them of that before they silently pulled themselves out of the hot and relaxing spring where they then walked into the change rooms. As they dried and changed back into their daily attire Sasuke felt he had to say something. "Thanks. I had fun." He said though he did have issues saying it.

 

"Che... Don't mention it." The Nara merely replied with a shrug stating that thanks weren't necessary as he too had enjoyed the leisure time they had spent together. "Perhaps another time?" He suggested while stifling a yawn and nodding when he gained the Uchiha's approval over the suggestion.

 

With that they silently exited the building and were back outside in the shimmering sunlight where they waved farewell and went their separate ways.

 

Sasuke silently placed his hands within the confines of his pocket while he walked aimlessly around not really feeling much like training at the moment, not after having spent such a relaxing time. He walked through the village occasionally stopping to look at certain items displayed in store windows, all the while ignoring the looks directed at him.

 

He was used to eyes being on him for one reason or another. Wether it be the adults which respected him for his name, or the fans for his wealth and power, or his fangirls for his looks. They all thought of him as the last Uchiha, survivor of one of the greatest clans to ever exist within Konoha. And he hated it.

 

Not one of the simple villagers cared for him as Sasuke. So he likewise cared for none of them. Their was the occasional person he respected, though those individuals had gained his respect. There were very few people who thought of him as anyone but the great Uchiha. Naruto was one of those people.

 

To the blond, his title and wealth be damned. It was one of the many reasons the two had grown close with a friendly rivalry. They simply accepted each other. Sasuke, though he didn't know of the demon at the time, was still accepting of the blond despite the harsh words and sneers the adults of the village graced the blond ninja with.

 

Naruto was Naruto and Sasuke was Sasuke. It was very comforting to the onyx eyed teen though he had never said such a thing to Naruto, and he now never would.

 

Sasuke sighed inwardly as he moved away from the last window display of some fancy weaponry which had caught his attention. 'Perhaps I ought do something for Naruto...' He thought to himself before altering his course and heading towards the opposite end of the town where the Uchiha estates were located.

 

The walk home was relatively quick for the chunin prodigy who had been the best of the rookie nine during their academy years. He was easily able to move through thick crowds unnoticed and unseen and avoid all the fangirls who stalked him for a living. Being a ninja definitely had its upsides, but it did also have its downside.

 

Within ten minutes he stood before towering black gates which bore the Uchiha insignia on them declaring to all that the lands beyond the massive walls before them belonged to the prestigious Uchiha clan. The large mansion beyond with its gorgeous lawns, walkways, and flowerbeds seemed almost saddening for lack of any other life form. It was quiet and solemn, and many could easily see why Sasuke was the way he turned out after the massacre.

 

The onyx eyed teen entered and shut the creaking gates behind him before silently treading up the main walkway which was surrounded by the most beautiful of roses one would ever see. Sasuke eyed the flowers remembering how his mother had tended to them on a regular basis and allowed not a soul to care for them but herself.

 

After his mother had been slain he took it upon himself to tend to the roses she had once loved so dearly. He paused in his steps a frown marring his brow as he moved over to the nearest rose bush and crouched down beside it. A rose was just starting to bloom, which was odd considering all the others had long since bloomed.

 

It wasn't just the lateness of this flower that caught his attention, it was also its color.

 

The rose was a clear sky blue one. A color that had never once been found naturally in roses. 'It looks just like his eyes.' Sasuke thought to himself as he noted they were the exact shade of his best friends eyes. 'Strange....' He added as an afterthought, wondering just what in the world was going on.

 

He continued to stare at the plant, the feeling he got from doing so was an odd one. He felt...content. At peace, a feeling he rarely found since the death of his dearest friend. It was odd to be feeling as such by just gazing at a single rose.

 

A light smile graced Sasuke's lips as he gently plucked the rose from its bush careful not to prick his hand on the thorns, before he resumed his course indoors.

 

He silently moved through the large and silent front entrance way of his mansion and moved down the main hall towards a massive marble stairwell which lead upwards, his foots steps echoing loudly off all the walls.

 

Sasuke payed his surroundings no attention as he moved to the second level of his home as he headed towards his bedroom.

 

Once he arrived in his large and surprisingly messy bedroom he left his door wide as he had no need to be quiet as not a soul would ever hear him.

 

"Naruto...." He voiced aloud as he dark eyes gazed kindly at the plant before he moved beside his bed and stood before his night stand. He hurriedly removed the dying flowers from the vase on the stand's surface and tenderly set the single rose into the water filled holder.

 

A sudden pain ripped through his mind and he stumbled backwards onto the carpeted floor with a thud, unconscious.

 

((A/N: The italic font below means that it is a dream of sorts, and once it is no longer italic it is out of the dream ^^ Just thought I'd let you all know.))

 

Sasuke stood suspended in a swirling and chilling darkness as he peered around at his surroundings. "Where am I?" He questioned himself as he found not a single thing that was familiar to him in the darkness of the area.

 

Before he could further question his location he felt the great sensation of plummeting downwards with unparallel speed, plunging deeper and deeper into the inky abyss. His breathing was slightly up due to the fear coursing through his veins at not knowing where the bottom was and if he would crash into it and perish.

 

His heartbeat was frantic in his ears, the sound echoing painfully loud in the blackness which was silently and unnerving. He screwed onyx eyes closed and braced himself for impact, yet it never came.

 

Cautiously he cracked his left eye open a fraction of an inch and noticed he was no longer plunging in eternal darkness, but was now standing in a dark stairwell which seemed to be filled with molds and water. "What the..." He muttered aloud to himself as he looked as his transparent hands with a look of shock adorning his generally stoic face.

 

"Am I.." He trailed off not wanting to say the word 'dead' when referring to himself. Before he could further elaborate on his thoughts a sudden sound of quick footsteps behind him gathered his attention, causing him to spin around and peer through the gloomy demi darkness of the ancient stone stairwell.

 

Out from the darkness came two figures who were silently treading up the stairs, the smaller of the two eyeing a trinket that the Uchiha could not see. His eyes widened when he noticed the darker haired ones eyes. They were purple white. 'A Hyuuga?' He thought to himself as they moved closer to him, having not noticed the chunin before them.

 

'He looks... like an older version of Neji... and his companion...' He paused his thought trail as he looked at the blond and his eyes widened. He looked very similar to the fourth Hokage, and like an older version of a certain blond haired dobe. "Naruto..." He whispered before fully racing the few meters that separated them.

 

He flung himself at the blond as if to embrace him, but as they met he passed right through the other and disappeared into another void of darkness. "Naruto! Naruto?!?! Where are you!?" He called out as he turned each and every way in the black abyss that surrounded him.

 

"Naruto?!?!" He shouted more desperate as he whipped around once more and was immediately encased in the next vision. He stood on a stone bridge and gazed around at his surroundings. "Where.." He trailed off as a Lund thumping sound echoed behind him and the air and dirt at his feet moved in a gust of unnaturally formed wind.

 

Onyx eyes once again widened as he spotted both Neji and Naruto, the same as he had last seen them at the mission, standing before them scanning the area. He even noticed they both had two identical burn marks on their tops. He frowned as he noted they didn't even seem to notice him.

 

“Humans!” Rang out behind the dark haired Uchiha, causing him to spin around and look at the creature that stood behind him with a look of shock and disgust. The creature snarled, mouth opening wide showing off black, cracked teeth, that fit perfectly well with his lumpy scared and wrinkly sludge coloured skin. Beady black eyes shone grimly out from behind tendrils of oily matted greying hair.

 

The thing stood only four metres tall, though what it lacked in height it made up for in width. Around his waist it wore a large loincloth, that way it could cover himself decently due to his immense body weight, though the cloth was worn and torn, and the colour of vomit. The entire creature made Sasuke want to throw up the remains of his last meal.

 

"What the hell is THAT?" Naruto demanded, causing Sasuke to gaze back at the blond as the creature's putrid scent reached his delicate nose causing dark onyx eyes to water slightly, much like Naruto's were.

 

“Muff'igus! My bridge! Pays da priceor bes aten!” Muff'igus shouted and Naruto blinked before peering at Neji, eyes demanding a translation while Sasuke merely observed not understanding what it was that he was currently witnessing. Though he did know that it was unbelievably strange.

 

“Apparently this is his bridge and he requires a fee for us to be on it, if we don't pay he'll eat us.” Neji explained, his words easily reaching the transparent chunin. Naruto's mouth formed an `O' in comprehension before regarding the strangely named though totally was totally ugly. His reaction so predictable that it made Sasuke smile fondly knowing he couldn't be seen.

 

“Ya right!” Naruto said hotly as he crossed his arms over his chest causing Sasuke to smirk at the blond's determination. Something he sorely missed. “Bridges don't belong to anyone, we aren't paying.” He said in a huff.

 

A growl vibrated from the beast's mouth as it narrowed eyes. “No pays?” It asked, gross voice dangerously low.

 

“We will not pay.” Neji said in a agreement to the blond, nodding his head slightly though his body did tense, ready for what ever the creature would throw at them. Sasuke had to hand it to the Hyuuga who held his composure well even in the light of a threat from a foul creature.

 

The creature bristled, a strange snorting like sound escaping him as he drew his face and nose higher into the air. “What the...” The blond teen started but didn't get to finish as Muff'igus launched his head forward as his mouth open and spat a massive wad of slick, black and putrid spit which hurtled towards the boys, but not before passing through the startled and disturbed Uchiha who was utterly thankful the glob of spit passed through his body and hadn't landed on him.

 

They both easily evaded the assault, much to the relief of Sasuke, and it landed with a sickening sound on the bridge, splattering little particles into the air some of which struck the arm of Naruto's orange jumpsuit. “That was nasty!” The boy said staring in distaste at the little fleck on his clothing--much to the agreement of a certain chunin-- when his eyes widened.

 

Sauske's eyes widened in shock as the spit on his teammate's sleeve released a gurgling hiss as it began to eat away at both the bridge and the jumpsuit. “Gah!” The blue eyed ninja exclaimed as he quickly tore his sleeve off and tossed it to the ground where it was quickly devoured by the acid and joined in burning a whole through the bridge as the massive part of the spit ball did. Now Sasuke was even more thankful that the crap hadn't landed on him, he'd be dead as it had passed right through his stomach.

 

"Holy..." Sasuke muttered to himself as he saw the hole which went all the way down and he could now see the water below.

 

Darkness encased the teen once more and he quickly glanced around once again, though this time far more calm.

 

He turned and was once more enveloped in another scene. He stood at what appeared to be a massive coliseum. It was filled with a load of people dressed from glowing gowns to cruddy rags, and everyone cheered loudly. He blinked in confusion, wondering where he was before he heard two sets of foot steps echo behind him causing him to turn.

 

Out came both Neji and Naruto, both wearing masks of indifference, which was an odd sight to behold for Uchiha for Naruto generally bore an open mask facade. 'I wonder...' He thought to himself as the teens moved so that they were standing ten metres apart facing the other.

 

"They are fighting?" He asked aloud, shocked that the two would engage in battle with each other.

 

"Begin!" A man's voice cut through the air while the blond and the Hyuuga stared each other down before clashing in a burst of mind boggling speed.

 

Sasuke was once more encased in darkness, though not for long as he was suddenly plunged into yet another scene.

 

He stood stock still at the centre of a village, one that was being torn asunder by ravishing winds and hunks of debris which were flung airborne courtesy of the slowly descending funnel which lead to a massive cylindrical shape which danced with purple lightning.

 

"What is that?" He muttered in awe as two figures appeared within his sight. It was Naruto and Neji who were racing towards an upturned wagon. The scene around him suddenly blurred, and everything quickened in speed as though he were watching a movie that was being fast forwarded.

 

It went on as such for several moments before returning to normal time speed. Onyx eyes widened in shock as he witnessed two blue tentacle things come down from the funnel, shooting towards a red headed girl that the ninjas had freed. "What are they?" He asked as he watched Naruto push the girl out of the way and get dragged forcefully backwards while Neji took off with the girl. "Dobe..." Sasuke muttered worriedly as he watched his best friend disappear into the swirling void.

 

The scene went dark yet again before revealing another. He stood in a chamber which was lite blue by what looked like a solidified lake in the room. The light danced intricately off the silk dangling from the towering pillars. He eyed the room, while Naruto and Neji did the same. Just where were they?

 

"Wow..." The blonde whispered in awe beside him as clear blue eyes roamed the mystical place which just screamed magic.

 

"I'm glad you like it." A voice that was definitely male rang out, though the owner of the voice wasn't visible, but that didn't stop the Uchiha from being momentarily startled from his observations.

 

"Whose there!" The blond demanded as he released his companion's hand and turned each way trying to locate the voice.

 

"Calm yourself, I will not harm either of you." The voice said again though a light chuckle could be heard in his words which only made Sasuke feel on edge. That voice sounded relatively familiar.

 

"Yea right! You abducted us, assaulted us with giant bubbles, sicced savage invisible teddy bears on us, and dropped us down a dark hole onto a giant sponge! How can we trust you!" Sasuke snickered after Naruto demanded hotly while crossed his arms over his chest and glared around the room, almost as though he was hoping it would reach the voice's owner. Naruto was such an odd individual.

 

An amused chuckle rang through the air causing the blond to further frown as Sasuke merely attempted to locate the voice's owner. "That was a test." The voice simply stated.

 

"What sort of test?" Neji inquired curiously.

 

"A test to see if you had it in you to visit me." The unseen male stated.

 

"Why would we want to visit you! Also why was the test so flimsy?" Naruto asked loudly.

 

"I didn't want to give you a difficult time reaching me as I admit that I was eager to meet you both. Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyuuga." The sound of his companion's names rolling off the voice's tongue was shocking to Sasuke as he hadn't expected it to now the two chunin.

 

"How do you know our names?" The blue eyed fox demon vessel asked in shock, his eyes wide, and his mouth hanging slightly open as he continued to peer around, obviously not familiar with the voice.

 

"I know everything."

 

"Oh God... don't tell me it's another guy like Sasuke who is full of himself..." Naruto mumbled to himself as he uncrossed his arms and set them at his sides, though a certain dark haired shinobi easily caught the comment and scowled wishing he could just whack the blond over the head for that unneeded comment.

 

"Why did you wish to meet with us?" Neji questioned as his gaze lingered on the glowing solid lake which they stood upon and Sasuke had to admit that the Hyuuga did hold a valuable point on that one.

 

"To grant you a simple gift." The voice said.

 

"A gift?" Naruto asked eagerly, for he rarely received gifts and his eagerness caused the Uchiha to grin serenely, his anger gone.

 

"Yes." The voice said.

 

"What sort of gift?" The blond questioned happily as he bounced on the balls of his feet in excitement while Sasuke merely rolled his eyes, feeling tempted to say 'dobe' even though it wouldn't reach its target's ears.

 

"Close your eyes and you shall receive it." The voice said causing the invisible teen to frown.

 

"Kay!" The blue eyed boy exclaimed as he cheerfully closed his eyes, though Neji closed his more slowly, not entirely sure he trusted this bodiless voice that held an air of authority and superiority to him. Heck even Sasuke didn't think it was wise to comply with its wishes.

 

The area went black yet again as Sasuke was hurled into yet another scene. He stood within a large chamber and spotted Naruto and Neji battling with massive snakes before Neji broke free and took claim of a strange objet that vaguely resembled a kunai.

 

It went dark again, but this time no new scene came. "Sasuke?" A voice clipped out through the air causing the raven-haired teen to spin around, looking for the source of the voice.

 

"Who's there?" He asked as he noted how familiar yet unfamiliar the voice had sounded.

 

The image of the older version of Naruto and Neji appeared before him, the blond smiling sincerely while his kitsune tail--which Sasuke had just now noticed-- swung leisurely back and forth, only distinguishable by the flaming crimson colour of the tip.

 

"Naruto? Neji?" He questioned, feeling unsure whether it was them or not.

 

"Sasuke-teme." Naruto said with a playful smirk. "Wait for us kay? Cause we will definitely be coming back." He said with certainty and determination glimmering brightly in his indigo rimmed blue-eyes. The Hyuuga nodded in agreement.

 

"I will dobe. I promise." Sasuke said with a nod while a glimmer of happiness appeared in his normally glacial eyes. "But try not to take to long." He added as an after thought causing the blond to chuckle as the two faded from sight.

 

"Take care....." Naruto's voice faded off as both he and Neji vanished from the eternal darkness.

 

"You too." Sasuke whispered back into the nothingness.

 

Onyx eyes opened, and a groan escaped full lips as a pale hand moved up to run through messy raven hair. "What the..." His voice trailed off as the memories of his sudden dream flared into his mind and a true smile flowed over his lips. "Naruto...Neji... I'll wait as long as it takes." He stated determinedly as he pushed himself off the floor while mentally cursing that he hadn't fallen on the bed instead of the solid floor.

 

Dark eyes landed upon the rose he had earlier found. The startling blue one. They were alive. Far away yet still alive and doing everything within there power to get back. But he was completely certain that one day they would return, and together they will be far stronger then ever. 'A day I can not wait for...' His thoughts trailed off as his face fell back into its mask of indifference.

 

A sudden poof sounded from behind him as a familiar chakra signalled let itself be known the teen. "Kakai-sensei?" Sasuke said inquiringly as he turned and gazed at his silver haired teacher.

 

"Yo!" The jounin said his usually greeting as his one visible eye arked in a show of happiness. "I was in the neighbourhood so I thought I'd drop by." The man stated honestly as his eye landed on the strange coloured rose.

 

Sasuke noted the line of his perverted teacher's sight and smiled, shocking his teacher by his outward show of emotions. "Reminds you of Naruto's eyes." He stated simply as he looked over to the rose.

 

"Sasuke..." The jounin started but was interrupted by his student holding his hand up in a sign that said he wished not to be interrupted.

 

"They are alive." He began, and that small statement made Kakashi's eyes widened. "I had a vision. I saw them both alive and well, if not worn for wear." He explained. "Where they are I have no idea since I saw many alien things. Things only found in the heart of the greatest of fantasy novels. They seem to be growing stronger, both working on trying to find a way out of wherever they are and back here where they belonged." He finished before looking back at his sensei, his eyes filled with honesty and conviction.

 

The elite jounin merely nodded, he could tell Sasuke was being true, and he could easily tell that the boy wasn't off his rocker, meaning that they were both alive. "I'm glad. Do you know when they'll return?" He questioned curiously.

 

"No... They never said. But from what I can gather they will return. Also it seems that Naruto had merged with the nine tails..." He stated as an after thought, remembering the fox tail which swung innocently behind the teen.

 

Kakashi's eye widened dramatically as he stared at his student. "Naruto and the fox have become one?" He questioned to make sure he had heard correctly and the onyx-eyed teen merely nodded.

 

"We should talk to Tsunade-sama about this tomorrow morning. But for now, I think it would be best that no one else knows." He said and Sasuke nodded in agreement. Too many unwanted questions would be asked, and the teen didn't have the patience needed to answer the same questions over and over again.

 

"Okay now to more important matters," Kakashi stated happily before continuing. "I actually came here since I thought it was time to teach you a brand-new technique. The Chidori ((One Thousand Birds))."

 

 

***

 

The two teens went up the stairs at a quick pace, trying to get out of the creepy run down, and easy to crumble ruins which held the first key which was now within their procession. "So..." Naruto began in an attempt to kill the silence which was just eating away at them. "Where are we going to go next?" He questioned, honestly curious about their next destination.

 

"We first have to exit the ruins, then the valley on the western ridge so that we can head West. Then we will be crossing several days' worth of plain lands before tackling a large desert. But the desert is uncharted land and highly dangerous according to the map's legend. After we exit the desert we will be encountered by more plain lands before we run into a lake which we must cross. About three days away from the lake is the Looming Sky Forest." Neji summed up as he looked over a mental picture of the map he had closely studied.

 

Naruto released a low whistling sound. "Damn...That sounds like it'll take a lot of time...Oh well. That just gives us more time for training, and I have some new jutsu ideas to try out." He said as a glowing light appeared somewhere up ahead in the stairwell.

 

Minutes later they stepped out into sunlight. "Uh... Where is all the poisonous vapours?" Naruto questioned as he looked around at the ruined lands that were ravished by the poison for a long time.

 

"I suppose the mists were simply there to make finding the key all the more difficult, and now that the key has been claimed, my guess is it lost its purpose." He explained after carefully looking around. "But I do suggest we hurry out of here, after all there were those unidentifiable creatures roaming these parts."

 

"Right...Forgot about those." Naruto stated sheepishly as he ran his hand over the back of his neck.

 

Neji lead the way out of the valley, choosing the best course. One that was relatively easy for them to trek up, and that had many rock out clippings which they could use for coverage. They moved like a noiseless wind, moving unhindered through the ravished lands. Neither out of breath from their uphill walk, and within an hour they had reached the edge of the western hill.

 

They took a slight break at the peak of the hill and gazed out at the plain lands below, and Naruto, with his incredible vision thanks to the merging, was easily able to spy the desert in the distance. "That desert will be one hell of a pain in the ass." Naruto muttered aloud earning him a light smile from his friend.

 

"You can see it from here?" Neji questioned after a moment as he squinted his pale eyes in hopes of being able to see it as well.

 

"I'm half demon now, duh!" Naruto stated as he pointed a clawed finger at his tail.

 

"I knew that..." Neji stated with a blush having obviously forgotten that factor before clearing his throat. "Lets move." He stated as he began his descent.

"Race ya to the bottom!" The blood kitsune exclaimed enthusiastically as he tore off towards the bottom, using gravity to his advantage. His companion blinked momentarily before smirking and taking off after the fox-teen likewise using gravity.

 

In bursts of laughter they neared the bottom in record time, though the blond clumsily tripped and ended up somersaulting down the last ten metres or so causing Neji to break out in a fir of laughter while Naruto ended up sprawled dizzily on the ground bellow.

 

Neji silently approached his ally, laughter hidden, though amusement was clearly visible on his pale features as he knelt down beside the blue eyed klux. "Have a nice trip? Will I see you next fall?" He asked jokingly, but Naruto immediately snapped out of his state only to gaze shocked at the black haired teen.

 

"Did...did you, Hyuuga Neji, just ... crack a joke?" He asked disbelievingly as he stared unashamedly at the pale eyed teen kneeling at his side and gazing at him in amusement, only to receive a nod. "Oh my god! It's the apocalypse!! Hell has surely frozen over!!" Naruto wailed over dramatically as he fake feinted, causing Neji to chuckle.

 

"You are quite the drama queen." Neji stated as he stood and kindly held his hand out towards the sprawled out blond. Naruto quirked one eye open and smile foxily up at his companion before accepting the hand and being pulled gently to his feet. "Are you alright?" He asked, only now showing concern over his friends fall.

 

"Well ain't that the icing on the cake." Naruto muttered as he crossed his arms in a huff. "Point and laugh first, then ask if I'm alright. I think you have serious issues Neji-kun." He whined with a pout causing Neji to once more chuckle.

 

"Lets go." The Hyuuga said as he turned West and began walking, the blond fox-teen bounding after him all the while still pouting.

 

"Naruto...Earlier you said you had new jutsu ideas?" Neji inquired as he glanced over at the creative prankster, who immediately dropped his sulking pout and grinned brightly.

 

"Hell ya! Being in that place made me come up with a new nifty ideas if I do say so myself. I'd say they are excellent...but not as excellent as ramen... I wonder if they have ramen here. I hope they do..." The teen's mind disappeared on the thoughts of a world without ramen and it would be a grim one.

 

The pale eyed teen inwardly rolled his eyes while shaking his head at the blonde's seemingly one track mind. "Back to the jutsu...." Neji said hinting, hoping his teammate would get the hint to elaborate on his ideas.

 

"Huh? Oh! Well.....Where to start," He trailed off momentarily before continuing "I know! How about some Taijutsu that can break through any type of wall or door, cause that would be useful. Or acid rain, earthquakes, being trapped in complete darkness, or something that negates the effects of gravity!" He summed up several of his ideas causing the Hyuuga to blink.

 

'Just where does he come up with this stuff?' The black haired teen questioned silently before chuckling. "Naruto...Those are some pretty decent ideas. Shall we get to work on trying them? After all we have some time before we arrive at the desert." Neji suggested and his companion eagerly agreed.

 

*

 

Neji and Naruto stood in silence on the edge of a jagged rock out clipping, white and blue with indigo coloured eyes stared out at the vast desert beyond, sand and sun in all directions. "Shit..." Naruto muttered. "It's bigger then I thought it would be." He admitted with a hint of humour.

 

"Well...We have a massive supply of water and rations on us, so we should be able to handle crossing this barren sand trap. But I suppose if worst comes to worst we could just use one of our jutsu to give us water." Neji stated assuringly as he leapt down from their perched point, the blond hurriedly following.

 

"I guess... I can't wait 'till we can try out the new techniques!" Naruto cheerfully said, suddenly looking each and everyway for a sudden enemy which would pop out of the ground or sand before them shouting 'boo!' or something like that.

 

"Naruto..." The Hyuuga stated warningly causing the blonde to blush in embarrassment.

 

"Uh.. sorry. Ready?" He piped up and he received a curt nod and together they stepped into the land of sand, The Wispy Desert.

 

The heat smashed into them with a force of a steel wall, causing their breath to be knocked right out of them. Panting, they both pulled the scorching hot desert air into their now burning lungs. That single step made it feel as though they had stepped through a portal of sorts and into a different, and infinitely hotter world, but they wouldn't let that stop them.

 

"Neji. Welcome to hell, population: us." Naruto stated seriously as he regained his breath, as beads of perspiration trailed down his face and neck.

 

Neji, not wanting to talk for fear of creating more hot air in their current environment, began walking forward with renewed vigour, eagerly hoping to get out as soon as possible, meaning they had to hurry. With this eat who knew how long either would last with their pitiful canteens of water.

 

And so they walked in silence, both instantly soaked through from sweat, and there was no breeze to even slightly help in cooling the baking teens down. They now officially knew how cookies felt when plopped into the cruel oven, and they had only been in the desert for twenty minutes.

 

They trekked cautiously through the blinding white sand, while the burning air around them caused things in the distance to look distorted as though effected by some strange unknown genjutsu, though they knew the distortions to be heat waves.

 

The damned waves even made the sun look like a drunken illusion, waving blindingly in the sky, almost taunting them for having walked into the area. It even made the cactuses, which were either blue or purple, look even stranger then normal. The only living thing in sight, besides the creepy desert plants, were them.

 

Naruto pulled out his canteen as they ascended a towering sand dune and took a long sip of the hot water causing him to cringe, but he was thankful for something to remove the dryness of his mouth and throat, not to mention his now chapped lips. If they ever made it out of here, he would never go into another desert again. No one could pay him enough in either gold or ramen to do such a suicidal and torturous thing.

 

"Gah!!" Naruto exclaimed in a raspy voice as he through sweat drenched fists into the air. "I can't take it! Too dam hot! Waters hot! I'm hot!" He yelled all the while mentally cursing every little thing that had to do with deserts. "Hell I'm even out of water already!" He stated angrily as he glared daggers at his empty canteen which hung innocently at his side.

 

"Naruto... Calm done. I'm out too!" Neji stated, also not pleased with their current predicament, yet he held a calm aura about him. "I think its time to bring in some rain." He added with a smile causing his companion to smirk as well.

 

"Water Type-Aquatic Shower!" Naruto yelled as he preformed the necessary hand seals. They both waited in silence. "Where are my rain clouds?" Naruto questioned after a few moments before frowning.

 

"No idea..." He stated, the heat making it harder and harder to think clearly. "Try again." He ordered as a frown suddenly graced his handsome features.

 

"Right... Water Type-Aquatic Shower!!!" He exclaimed once more, yet nothing happened. "What's going on, why won't it work!! It took me ages to get this technique to work!" He complained with an agitated pout.

 

"Try a different move." Neji ordered after a moment of silent thinking.

 

"Kay... Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!!" ((Shadow Clone Technique)) He exclaimed, but yet again nothing happened. "Uh...Neji...?" He asked uncertainly.

 

"I think...this desert suppressing our chakra, making us unable to use it...." He summed up before looking his comrade in the eyes, one word on both their minds. 'shit'.

 

"We are out of water...." Naruto stated calmly while his companion nodded. "I suppose... we have no choice but to keep going.... I just hope we can last long enough without water...' He said the last part quietly and together they nodded in determination.

 

They treaded forward for hours, both determined to put their training as shinobi to the test. Both of them were tired, cranky, thirsty, and even beginning to hallucinate. Naruto could have sworn he saw Kakashi standing in the distance dressed in a grass skirt and a coconut bra, doing some type of jig that just seemed wrong. Thankfully the image had disappeared soon enough, but not soon enough to not scar the innocent fox-teen.

 

"Neji...." Naruto muttered raspily as dark blotches began eating away at his vision.

 

"....yea?" His companion asked utterly exhausted while mentally going through the likeliness of them surviving this desert, and the chances were less then slim.

 

"I...don't...feel so... good..."Naruto stated as his vision completely disappeared and he crumbled heavily to the sand with a thud that seemed so quiet in the opened space of sand, sand and can you believe it, more sand.

 

"Naruto!" Neji exclaimed as wide as he spun to the side to see his partner down, though he shouldn't have moved so fast. The Hyuuga grew unbelievably paler as his vision started spinning before, he too felt the impact of the ground before he knew no more.

 

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Well that is it for this chapter, and I apologize for being evil and leaving it as a cliff hanger. Please review with positive OR negative comments. Thank you!