Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Heart no Kuni no Naruto ❯ Chapter 3

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Heart no Kuni no Naruto

by Sakura (aka L-sama no Miko)

Chapter 3

Disclaimer for this part: The song isn't mine. Disney owns it, I'm just borrowing a teeny bit of it for fun's sake.

The next day there was a knock at the door of Sasori's workshop door. Naruto who'd been watching the taller teen work while having some morning tea, got up to answer it since Sasori was currently working intently on the clock Sai had brought him. To the blond's surprise and chagrin, the Bloody Twins and Gaara stood outside.

“Ohayo gozaimasu (Good morning), Naruto,” the cat boy purred.

“Ohayo, Nii-chan!” the twins chorused. “We're here to play!” Obito chirped.

“I've come to take you to the park,” the shorter of the redheads announced, taking a seat at the table, Naruto had occupied earlier. He then poured himself a cup and took a sip.

“It's no fair!” whined Tobi, tears streaming down his face, “Tobi wanted you to come to our place first, but…”

“Boss Itachi's not home right now,” finished Obito.

“I'm certainly impressed,” Sasori quipped, pausing in his work and adjusting his glasses, “You've actually managed to tame those three.”

“I-I didn't do it on purpose, you know,” the blond stammered blushing.

“Ooooooo, Tobi thinks someone's jealous!” the orange clad twin jeered and earning a glare from the Tower master.

“We won't be gone long,” Gaara stated, rising from his seat. “Unless you wish to accompany us. Lee misses you,” grinned the Cheshire Cat, knowing the other redhead's reply.

“Certainly not!” Sasori snapped. “I have too much to do to waste time with frivolous rides.”

“Wah! Meanie!” Tobi whined.

“Nah,” said the red twin, “He's just scared of roller coasters!” The clock fixer glared at them again, but couldn't hide the blush coloring his face.

“Hmph, be that way,” Gaara huffed, “Naruto's coming with us now. Stay here and mope if you wish.” With that the cat boy grabbed the shorter blond and dragged him from the workshop, the Bloody Twins in tow.

“Stupid noisy brats,” grumbled Sasori, going back to his work.

******************************************************

`Yeesh! Why do I have all these crazy lame fantasies running in my head?!' Naruto griped upon arriving at a fantasy themed amusement park.

“Don't you like it?” Gaara asked.

“Nah, it's just I'd thought that since you guys were at war with the mafia this place wouldn't be so… um… sparkly.”

“Really?” the Cheshire Cat pondered, “I thought all parks were like this.”

“Greetings!” called a pair of faceless park attendants, wearing spandex costumes of various colors of green. “Welcome to our honored guest!” Naruto grimaced as they began to rant and rave on the various wonders of the park, all the while striking various ridiculous poses.

`Ugh! What's with the freaky costumes? And they seriously need to switch to decaf!' the blond thought.

“And now!” the faceless man crowed, “It is time for you to meet with our marvelous owner!”

“Right this way, please,” the woman ushered, “Do mind your step.”

The blond continued to get more and more nervous as they made their way past several rides and games. `Please, please, please don't let the owner be as freaky as these guys,' he silently prayed.

“Owner! Owner!” the attendants shouted upon spotting another green spandex clad man standing by what appeared to be a fun house. “We have some honored guests!”

The man turned around and Naruto went stiff, trying his hardest not to laugh like a maniac at the teen. The owner was indeed dressed in green spandex, but that wasn't the extent of his oddness. He had short black hair styled into a bowl haircut and had the most enormous eyebrows the boy had ever seen. Also hooked to the belt around his waist were a couple of Merry-Go-Round horse charms.

“Oh, that is most splendid!” he cheered, “There is nothing more invigorating than sharing a youthful afternoon at my park with guests! Am I to believe you are the outsider everyone has been talking about?” the owner queried, turning to the blond.

“Y-Yeah, I'm…” Naruto replied, stifling his giggles as best as he could.

“Naruto, right?” the green clad boy beamed, “My name is Rock Lee. It is truly an honor to meet such a bright and youthful person. Now that we have been properly introduced, I must express the joy of finally meeting you with a most excellent and youthful song!”

The twins turned as green as Lee's spandex and Gaara looked totally mortified as the park owner brought out a violin. “Lee! Don't! Spare Naruto!” he pleaded. However, the cat's plea fell on deaf ears and Lee began to play and sing.

“Little bread and butterflies kiss the tulips

and the sun's like a toy balloon

There are get up in the morning glories

in the golden afternoon

Oh there are daffy daffodils on the hillside

Strings of violets are all in tune

Tiger lilies love the Dandelions

in the golden afternoon”

“Ack!” cried Gaara and the twins as they desperately tried to block out the hideously off key singing and even worse playing by covering their ears. Naruto quickly followed suit, turning the most interesting combination of blue and green. Lee continued the song totally oblivious of his audience's horrified reactions.

`Argh!!!' Naruto inwardly screamed, `I was getting queasy with all this sparkly stuff, but now, I'm really gonna lose it if he doesn't stop! God please, please, please, please, make it stop!!!”

Reaching the breaking point, the nauseated blond shouted the first thing that popped into his head on the top of his lungs. “THAT'S ENOUGH! YOU'RE KILLING ME HERE, MARY GOWLAND!”

That brought the owner's impromptu recital to a screeching halt. A rather murderous look appeared on the teen's face as he turned to glare at Gaara. “Gaara! You told didn't you! How could you, you un-youthful mongrel!” Tears began to stream from his caterpillar topped eyes.

“It slipped out, Lee,” the cat boy replied, not bothering to stop the grin from coming to his face. He gave Naruto a grateful and conspiratorial wink.

“You are correct, my friend,” the park owner said, clenching his fists, “It is all his fault! That most un-youthful villain, Itachi Uchiha! I shall despise my most hated and eternal rival for as long as we both shall live!” The teen then turned red with rage and a fiery aura surrounded him. “I shall destroy him with my youthfulness the very next time I see that vile man!”

“We'd better leave,” Gaara whispered, used to Lee's outbursts, “It is always best to stay away until Lee calms down. I'll show you around.” Naruto didn't protest as the Cheshire Cat took hold of his hand and led him away from the still ranting Lee.

***************************************************************** ***

“What would you like to go on first?” the Cheshire Cat asked, sidling up to the blond as they finished the tour of Lee's amusement park. “The teacup ride would be a good start.”

“No!” the twins protested, “He wants to go on the loop-de-loop!” said Obito.

“Tobi wants the nii-chan to go on the big wheel with him!” his brother argued.

Naruto inched away from the squabbling trio, fearing that they would once again attempt to tear him from limb to limb in their desires to get him to go with one of them. The boy was so intent on escaping the cat and twins that he failed to see the two figures walking down the street behind him and gasped when he felt himself bump into something. He stiffened when he felt two arms grab onto him, stopping him not only from falling, but from escaping as well.

“Well, well, this is a surprise,” Itachi said, smiling, “If I had known you wanted to come here, Naruto, I would have arranged for a more suitable escort,” he said frowning disapprovingly at the still arguing trio.

“Hey, it's the boss!” Tobi and Obito chorused when the twins finally noticed their employer. “And chickie rabbit too!” Tobi added.

`What the heck is he doing here?' the blond silently wondered, `I though he and freaky Bushy Brows were enemies.'

“So this is where you were going when you said you were going out, huh boss?” the red twin asked.

“I didn't think you two would be here,” the yakuza head remarked.

“Were you brats supposed to be guarding a certain gate, hmm?” Deidara scolded.

“Shut up you stupid bimbo bunny!” Obito spat, pulling down his eyelid and sticking out his thumb.

“Tobi wants days off too!” whined the orange clad twin.

“Why you little….!! You're always goofing off so you get no vacation!” yelled the blond rabbit man.

“So… um…” Naruto started, “You guys came here for fun too?” That earned a chuckle from the Hatter and an incredulous look from Deidara.

“Is this kid serious?!” the March Hare asked, shocked, “This is enemy turf, un! We're not here for fun, ya got that, hmm?”

“B-But why come to an amusement park if you're not gonna have fun?” the shorter blond wondered.

“Actually, we're here on business,” the raven haired man replied. “I wish to get rid of some land we've just acquired. I was hoping Lee would be willing to buy it, since it was originally his to begin with.”

`That's low!' Naruto fumed, `I guess this guy really is in the yakuza.'

“I don't think that'd be wise,” Gaara said approaching the Hatter, “Lee is in a rather nasty mood right now.”

“I see. Thank you for the warning,” Itachi said, “I did not come here to start a fight, so I will come back once he's calmed down.”

“Yeah, he was pretty mad,” Naruto said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. He felt really guilty by letting it slip he knew the park owner's real name.

“Well if it isn't my eternal rival,” Lee called, smiling, “I apologize for making you come all the way here as so we could discuss land negotiations.”

`Wow, he calmed down pretty fast,' the blond noted.

“Do make yourself comfortable, Hatter,” the spandex clad boy said, bringing out his violin. Naruto and Gaara paled, though the redhead was worried for another reason. The instrument glowed and within an instant turned into a shotgun. “But I'd like it better if you did so as a corpse!”

Dark orbs flashed red as Lee aimed the shotgun at the Mad Hatter. It was obvious that the boy's hatred had blinded him so much that he hadn't even noticed the blond still trapped inside his arms. Thinking fast, the yakuza boss grabbed onto the blond even tighter and spun around, putting himself between the boy and Lee's gun as there was a loud bang. There was a whizzing sound as the shot flew into the air and to everyone's relief, only the Hatter's hat received any injury, a large hole was on both sides above the expensive silk banding of the top hat. Also several of the roses had been either knocked off or shredded, their crimson petals falling to the ground like so many drops of blood.

Once he'd made sure Naruto was safe, the Hatter family head calmly turned to face his enemy. “That was one of my best hats,” he said icily.

“Where the heck was he aiming?!” Gaara muttered under his breath, “He's still such a lousy shot.”

“How youthful of you,” Lee beamed, “to not be bothered by my shot, just what I expect from my eternal rival. However, I am truly angry now.”

`I should have known this would happen.' Gaara continued to grumble, `What was I thinking bringing the outsider here today?!'

“Oi!” yelled Deidara brandishing his gun and pointing it at the green clad teen, “Ya wanna mess with Ita, ya mess with me, un!”

Sensing their boss was in danger, dozens of faceless park attendants rushed over and formed a line in front of Lee, protecting him from the March Hare's weapon. Each of them had a gun of their own and they were all pointed at the Hatter and March Hare. There was another loud bang as Lee fired off another shot. The pellets whizzed between Gaara and Deidara, smashing into a marble post behind the two. The carved stone broke in half and landed against the cobblestones in the street with an enormous crash.

Naruto let out a scream and ducked for cover.

“That's enough Lee!” Gaara shouted, “Do you want to destroy your own park with us still in it?!”

The caterpillar browed boy snapped out of his fury and lowered his shotgun. “You are right, my most youthful friend. It would be most un-youthful of me to do so, especially with an honored guest here. I think I'll call it a day,” he said heading back to his home.

“Hn,” Itachi sneered, “Backing off all ready, Mary Gowland?”

The spandex clad teen froze in mid-step and spun to face his arch nemesis, the shotgun aimed at the taller man. “S-S-Stop!” pleaded Naruto daring to come out of his hiding spot and standing next to the Hatter. “I-I'm okay Itachi.”

“Do you wish him to kill us all?!” hissed Gaara. “You know his aim is horrible.”

“I was going to let you live for today, my rival,” Lee spat, “I did not wish for Naruto-san to see your lifeless body, but how can I be youthful if you refuse to die!”

Naruto suddenly found his hand tightly enclosed in Itachi's larger one. He was about to protest, when the yakuza boss turned to him. “Run,” he said calmly and started to head back into the direction he and Deidara had come from. Realizing that he had no choice but to obey, the blond allowed himself to be led from the irate park owner.

***************************************************************** **

“Here should be safe enough,” Itachi said when they were on the other side of the enormous amusement park and finally away from Lee and his hair triggered mood swings.

“What were you thinking, provoking him like that?!” Naruto bellowed, “I thought you didn't like hassles.”

The raven haired man smiled at the much smaller blond, “I do, but I hate being bored even more. Besides, I've always wanted to make a daring escape with a cutie like you,” he purred. “It's rather romantic don't you think?”

Naruto couldn't help but blush at that. `He flirts like it's some kind of automatic thing, but no telling what's going on in that crazy head of his,' he pondered, `Argh! I shouldn't even be wondering about stuff like that anyway. I mean I don't even really know this guy. So what if he reminds me of my stupid no good ex, he's still a yakuza boss for crying out loud.'

“We ran so much,” Itachi said, interrupting the boy's train of thought, “Much further than we needed. Even I am a bit exhausted. I could really use a nice cup and tea and some dango.”

“You like tea and dango?” Naruto parroted, surprised that a criminal like Itachi would have a sweet tooth.

“Why yes, I do. Who wouldn't?” said yakuza boss replied, pouring on the charm again, “The sweetness of the dango mixes will with the deceptively simple taste of the tea and I find the aroma quite calming.”

`I-Is that a real smile?' the blond wondered as he continued to watch the taller man, Itachi's dark eyes shining alone with the large grin he was currently sporting. “I like tea too,” he piped, “Me and Ino-nee-chan,” drink it together lots of times.

“Ino-nee-chan?” Itachi parroted, “Not another rival for my attention, I hope,” he said leaning down so that their faces were almost touching.

“W-W-Wha?!” the blond sputtered, blushing at the man's closeness, “N-N-No! She's my older sister!”

“Ah,” he replied, “I see. That must be nice, to have tea with your sister.” A rather sad and wistful look came upon the Mad Hatter's face.

Naruto started to ask what was wrong, but quickly thought against it. Ino had constantly beaten him up every time he attempted to pry into other people's problems. She thought it was rude and believed that if they wanted to talk about it, they would tell when they were good and ready. “Hey…” the blond started, “You know I had some tea at the castle. It was really good.”

“That so?” Itachi asked, the solemnity of the look on his face creeping into his voice, “Did the queen pour?”

“Huh? Yeah she did.”

“Oh.” Itachi got even more depressed looking and leaned against the side of a building, crossing his arms as he continued to go off into his own little world.

`Was it something I said?' Naruto silently wondered, feeling concerned for the suddenly morose man, `All I did was say that Queen Sakura poured the tea for me.'

“You,” Itachi said after what seemed hours of silence.

“Huh?” the blond replied.

“Come to my mansion,” the yakuza boss continued, “I'll throw a tea party in your honor. I assure you that I have far more appealing tea than that sludge they have at the castle.” He suddenly leapt from the wall and before Naruto could do or say anything Itachi slammed his hands against the bricks on either side of the boy's head, effectively trapping him and preventing him from escaping should Naruto try to.

Said blond gulped nervously as Itachi leaned his forehead against his. “I may invite some of the `those with roles to play' for tea, otherwise, I usually invite people I like. Will you accept my invitation, Naruto-chan?”

`He's asking as nicely as he can,' the boy thought, `and I'm sure he really doesn't mean to hurt me, but he's starting to freak me out here.'

“Um…” Naruto began, “I really should…. um… tell Sasori first.” He then laid a hand on the man's jacket and vest clad chest in an attempt to carefully push him away so he could escape. Itachi latched onto the hand and clasped it tightly.

“I would like it very much that you joined me for tea, Naruto-chan. I can promise you would have a wonderful time,” he said smiling broadly before bringing the blond's hand to his lips and placing a soft kiss to the lightly tanned skin.

The boy blushed at the man's seductive voice and words. “U-Um… okay,” he agreed, “I-I'll go have tea with you.”

“Good,” Itachi replied, still smiling, “I'll let you go now, Naruto-chan, now that you've said yes.” He then backed away, giving the blond plenty of room.

“Boss Itachi!”

“Nii-chan!” the Bloody Twins shouted, running up to the couple.

“There ya are, Ita, un!” Deidara called, joining Tobi and Obito. “Ya not hurt are ya, hmm?”

“No. We're fine, Deidara,” replied the yakuza head, “What went on with Lee?”

“After you dashed outta there, Bushy Brows started to calm down,” the red clad twin replied.

“Yeah, but not before he went all nutso again, un,” added the March Hare, “Anyway, Gaara-kun said it'd be best if we didn't show our faces around here for a while, un.”

“Couldn't be helped,” Itachi said stoically, “We're leaving Deidara.” He then headed toward the park's entrance.

“Right!” replied the blond rabbit man, “Later, Naru-kun, un! You brats are coming too, un! Ya've got a gate to guard!”

“Tobi wants to play with the nii-chan!” the orange clad boy whined.

“Me too!” Obito seconded.

The taller of the blonds scowled and promptly whacked the two on the head. “You're coming and that's that, un!” The twins whined, but reluctantly obeyed the March Hare and joined their boss.

“Oh and Naruto-chan,” Itachi called glancing over his shoulder at the smaller blond, “I'm looking forward to seeing you at our tea party.

“I-I'm looking forward to it too,” he stammered in return, blushing. `I wonder… does he really like me? He said he only invites people he likes, so he can't be lying right?'

***************************************************************** **

“Ne, Ita,” Deidara started as they walked the forest path back to the Hatter family mansion, “Ya sure flirt with the kid a lot, un. So do ya like like him, hmm?”

“I admit I'm interested in him,” replied his boss and friend, “and it would be nice to have someone unusual like that outsider at my arm. Of course, I could always kill him if he starts to bore me. Now, no more of such trivial talk Deidara. I want my hot tea and dango.”

***************************************************************** ************

A few days later, Naruto had received a rather expensive looking invitation from the Hatter. Seeing as the man obviously went through a lot of trouble of sending him a fancy summons, the blond felt obligated to go, much to the clock fixer's trepidation. So there he was, at the Hatter's mansion having tea with the yakuza boss, the Bloody Twins, the March Hare, and the Cheshire Cat. However, it unnerved him a bit that time in this insane world was probably the only thing that didn't have to play by the rules, for the tea party was being held outside under the stars.

“It's night time again,” the blond noted.

“So it is,” his host quipped, “Though I usually call it the dead of night. It just sounds better, don't you think?”

`Ok, now that's creepy,' the blond thought, `Just what is it with this guy? First he flirts with me then he goes and says something creepy like that.' “It's kinda strange to be having a tea party in the middle of the night,” he said, blushing as the Hatter pushed his chair in before sitting next to him.

“Really?” the raven haired man asked, pouring himself a cup of tea then one for his guest, “I never pay attention to the time since I have tea parties whenever I feel like, just as events are held during at the evening since it's the queen's favorite time of day.”

“Yeah, but back at home, I sleep at night.”

“Oh, then I must apologize for making you come at night, you must be tired then,” the taller man said, truly surprised at this little tidbit.

“Nah! I'm fine, besides, it's kinda fun having a tea party at night,” the blond replied after taking a sip of the warm liquid and finding it to his liking. “Thanks for inviting me by the way.”

“See, Ita,” Deidara piped, “It's cool, un! So what if it's three in the morning, three is three, un!”

“Deidara,” Itachi said coolly, his voice having a slight edge to it, “You're starting to sound like Kakashi Hatake again.”

“E-Eh?!” the blond rabbit man sputtered.

“Isn't he always saying the same thing when he's late?” quipped the yakuza head, “I must admit I've had my suspicions about the two of you being related. You do have similar characteristics after all.”

“Ittttaaaa!” pouted Deidara, “There's no way I'm like that bastard, un! He's a major sneak and way too flaky to be related to me, un! And I've got a way cooler haircut too, un!”

“Now that you think about it,” Naruto interjected, “there is a resemblance.”

“N-Not you too, Naru-kun!! Y-You're joking right?!”

“Well you and that pervy rabbit do have the same ears,” the blond remarked going back to his tea. The twins, who have been watching the exchange with interest, started snickering behind there hands.

“No way, kid, un!” spat the taller blond jumping from his seat and shoving his ears into Naruto's face. “These aren't rabbit ears! They're just long see! And look at the stuff I eat, un!” He then made a dramatic gesture toward the various dishes of orange colored food spread out before his seat, “Carrot compote, carrot cookies, carrot cake, and carrot tea. They're my favorites, un!” The blond raised an eyebrow. “So what if I like stuff made from carrots, hnm? Rabbits eat carrots raw, un! They like raw carrots so much, they can't get enough of `em, un. It's pretty clear I'm not a rabbit!”

`Is this guy for real?!' Naruto thought as he hid the snicker behind his teacup. `C'mon, he's got carrot dishes only! How much more rabbit like can a guy be?! But, ya know, I think this is how Deidara really is. It's like he's a totally different guy, not at all like he was when we first met.'

“Oi, what's up, Naru-kun?” the March Hare asked with a full mouth, looking up from his beloved carrot filled treats upon noticing the shorter boy staring at him. “There somethin' on my face, hmm?”

“Arrgh!!” shouted Naruto shouted, unable to fight the urge he had ever since the rabbit man shoved his ears in his face any longer, “It's driving me nuts!” The blond then reached up and grabbed Deidara's soft and fuzzy looking ears.

“Yeeeoooowwwwtch, un!” the taller blond screamed, “W-What're you doing, un?!”

“Ha! Serves ya right!” crowed Naruto, “That's what you get for dangling those fuzzy things in my face! They make me wanna snuggle `em!” He then promptly began rubbing the furry appendages against his cheeks and run his hands all over the golden fur, finding that they were as soft as they looked.

“N-N-No stop, un! Oi c'mon kid!” cried the helpless rabbit man as the twins and Cheshire Cat continued to watch. All three had enormous grins plastered on their faces. “That hurt, un!” Deidara said, holding onto his abused appendages, “Why do ya have to hate me so much, hmm? Do ya think I'm really like that rabbit guy, hmm?!”

Naruto got a shocked look on his face. He didn't mean for the other blond to think he did it out of hate. He just couldn't help himself, every time he saw something cute or fuzzy or both, he just had to snuggle it or rub it against his skin. It had been a compulsion of his since childhood and he had been unable to break out of it. “I-I don't hate ya, Dei-dei,” the boy stammered, blushing, “You're way cooler than Kakashi!”

“Ya think so, hmm?” he asked, perking up. Even his ears were standing at attention.

“Yeah, not all rabbits can be the same, right?”

“You're a nice guy, Naru-kun, un!” Deidara beamed, his furry appendages, twitching with glee. “I love ya too, un!”

`M-M-Must… r-r-r-esist…e-e-ears...” the shorter blond kept repeating over and over in his head as the urge reared its ugly head again. `But he's so damned cute when he does that!!”

Sensing the blond's predicament, Gaara decided to lend a hand by speaking up. “I almost forgot. Lee wished for me to pass a message to you Naruto. He's upset that you didn't get to go on any rides because of him so he wants to give you a free pass. You can come back whenever you want.”

“Gee, that's really nice of him, Gaara! Tell `im I said thanks. Oh, yeah, I was wondering about that violin of his, by the way.”

“I am painfully aware of how terrible he is, if that's what you mean,” the redhead replied.

“Actually, I thought it was kinda strange looking. I mean it was a lot bigger than the ones we have back home.”

“Well,” Gaara started, going back to his tea and cake, “The thing is always changing size and shape every time Lee brings it out so I wouldn't know about that. I'm no musician either for that matter.”

“Wow you know a lot of stuff don't you, nii-chan?” Obito piped.

“Of course he does!” Tobi added, “Tobi's nii-chan's reeeeaaaallll smart!”

Naruto couldn't help the blush forming on his face. “Well, I guess I do like to read sometimes,” he confessed.

“Oh, ya like books, Naru-kun, hmm?” queried Deidara, “Ya know Ita's got a whole crap load of `em, ne Ita?” The Hatter continued to drink his tea, he seemed to be in his own little world having not paid much attention to the conversation or earlier antics.

“Hn,” was the man's stoic reply. “Since you brought it up, I have quite the collection. Philosophy, History, Fantasy. I have so many I can't exactly remember them all, I vaguely remembering having a few books on architecture as well.”

“Told ya, kid,” beamed the March Hare, “A real crap load. You should show `em to Naru-kun sometime, Ita.”

“That sounds awesome! Your own personal library! Now, that's something I'd like to see!” the shorter blond said, getting pumped. The Hatter looked at the boy with an unreadable expression on his face. “But it's okay if you don't wanna let me see them. I don't wanna be a pain.”

“It's okay,” the raven haired man replied returning to his tea. “You won't be bothering me.”

****************************************************************< /div>

“What do you want, Rabbit,” Sasori snapped when Kakashi appeared at the Clock Tower's top.

“Why to see my darling, Naru-chan of course,” he said with a cheerful tone, though his only visible eye was returning the clock fixer's glare.

“He's not here,” the redhead snapped.

“Where is he then?”

“If I tell you will you leave?” The White Rabbit said nothing, instead stood silently waiting for an answer to his question. Sasori sighed impatiently. “Fine I'll tell you. If you must know, he's at the Hatter's. Itachi invited him to tea.”

“And you let him go?!” Kakashi yelled in utter horror and shock.

“There's no rule that says I have to stop him.” The silver haired rabbit man had nothing to say to that. Sasori was right. As long as Naruto continued to play the game he was free to see whoever he pleased. “Since you're here, I want to ask you something.”

“I suppose I could stay for a few moments, but do keep it short,” the White Rabbit drawled in irritation.

“Why did you bring the boy to this world?”

“Why to see that he's happy of course,” came Kakashi's reply, smiling.

“Really?” spat the clock fixer, “Then why aren't you watching him better since you're the one who forced him to play this game?!”

“I did it to make him happy. It's all I live for, nothing matters to me except for Naru-chan's happiness,” he retorted, still smiling.

“Out of all of us here, you truly are the most twisted, you know that? Naruto has to find what makes him happy on his own. No one has the right to decide that for him. No one. Since you refuse to, I'm going to tell him how to go home while there's still time.”

“Ma, ma,” drawled the silver haired rabbit, “Someone likes playing at being brave.”

“What did you say, Rabbit?!”

“Let's face it Sasori-chan everyone knows how much of a loner you really are, yet here you are letting my Naru-chan live with you. That can only mean that someone's gotten quite attached, ne?” Sasori continued to glare at the rabbit man, his face otherwise emotionless, “I concede that Naru-chan has to decide for himself what makes him happy, but it goes the same way for him getting back to his home as well. He has his own path to follow I believe. You really should learn to practice what you preach, Mortician. Now since Naru-chan isn't present, then I see no further reason to stay. Can't say I've enjoyed our conversation though. Well, jya ne!” The White Rabbit gave a lazy wave over his shoulder as he turned and walked back down the tower stairs.

“Ugh! I hate that man,” grumbled Sasori, rubbing his temples in an attempt to stave off an inevitable headache.

***************************************************************** *

Kakashi Hatake stood in a small clearing in the Tulgey Wood. He looked at his rather large pocket watch forlornly. `Everything would be so much easier if Naru-chan loved me in return,' the White Rabbit thought to himself, `But life is never easy isn't it? However, as long as my Naru-chan is stuck in this world - no matter how long that may be -- I can forgive him for seeing another man. But should he ever cease to make him happy…' Kakashi balled his free hand into a fist, clenching it so tightly that the soft material of his kid gloves threatened to tear at the strain it was being put through.

***************************************************************** ***

Meanwhile at the Hatter's, Naruto had finished his third cup of tea and was currently staring at the raven haired man. `Why can't the real Itachi be like Dei-dei. He's mood, vain, and way too into himself. What the heck was I thinking coming here?! He's just like the teme!'

~TBC~

Sakura: Whee!! Now that the gang's all here, let's have a poll folks. Who do you want to see Naru-chan wind up with? The stalker pervy rabbit? The smexy Hatter? Our carrot obsessed Hare? Or perhaps you like `em cold yet caring like our Tower Master. You make the call here people. You have until the publication of the final HnK manga volume so there's no rush. So let's all root for our fave bishies and let the best man win!!