Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Losing Naruto ❯ The Assignment, and the new member. ( Chapter 3 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A/N: Here is chapter three of my story, Losing Naruto! I wanted to cover a few things here, and it looks like I have. I think I’m headed for some OOCness - and I apologize ahead of time, but…you know. And I’m sorry for all the grammatical errors, but I never was good at that whole grammar aspect to English. Run on sentences are not unusual for me, and I’m just one big comma explosion. Sorry!

Edward_Elric - Thanks so much for your kind words!! I really appreciate it, and I hope that you, and others, will enjoy my story as it goes on.


Well, on with the story. I promise to get on with the love story soon, just really want to cover this ground! Well, without further ado, here is chapter three!


IMPORTANT! From now on, thoughts will be in italics, because it just feels more organized that way. And Lee is going to be calling Gai "Gai-Sensei", since it just seems weird any other way. So naturally, I’ll have to change it so the other characters do the same. Why didn't I do that from the start? Ehhh...I’m just that lazy. Kakashi will still only be "Kakashi" though, why only him? Guess I’m just that weird.



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Sasuke always felt strange around the Hokage - he had no idea why. It wasn’t like he disliked her or anything, she was a very brave, strong woman. It was just so… very unsettling. He was used to being around a girl who could probably kick his ass, but Tsunade was another story. She had this power, this force that made her presence known. She demanded respect, and was impossible to say no to. Either it be because you know she is wise, or that you know of the beating that will follow saying ‘no’ to her. Sasuke shrugged. It didn’t matter now, this was more of an order than a request. He had no choice in the matter.
Besides…being chosen for ANBU without having to go through the trials was a big thing for him. Even if it was out of desperation.

Shut up. He told himself. It doesn’t matter, tons of hopefuls would kill to be in your shoes. Many of them have…during those trials.

Sasuke’s morbid train of thought was disturbed when he noticed he had come to a stop, right in front of the Hokage’s office.

Well, this is it. Sasuke steeled himself, and took a deep breath. With that, he entered the Hokage’s office, his impassive mask back on.

Tsunade looked up from her impressive pile of paperwork, glancing at the last Uchiha. She took in his expression…or lack thereof. I swear, the kid could witness a stampede of buffalo charge through the office and he wouldn’t blink an eye. She thought about this for a second, noticing how different he was from Naruto, no expressions…but sometimes that was a good thing. Like right now. She thought to herself. She didn’t know what she would do if she had to deal with some scared, shivering kid.

With that thought, she rose from her chair. “Hello, Sasuke. Please, sit. The others will be here shortly.”

Sasuke obeyed, others, huh? I wonder who else got picked.

The Hokage sat back down, allowing silence to come over the room. She knew he must have a lot on his mind, this was very sudden. She was thankful he wasn’t questioning her - she had gotten too much of that with worried parents and teachers. She brought a free hand to her temple, massaging it lightly. Where are those damn kids? Irritation was getting the best of her.
knock, knock, knock

Tsunade signed, “finally” she ground out in a low voice. “Enter.”

With that, the door opened. Allowing three of Sasuke’s fellow ninja’s to enter the room.
Sasuke smirked. It figures.

The first to enter was no surprise to Sasuke, Hyuuga Neji. His face showed less expression than Sasuke’s, if that was even possible. He was already a jounin, extremely smart, and very powerful. It surprised Sasuke that he wasn’t already ANBU.

Shortly after Neji came Shikamaru, looking as bored as ever. His hands were in his pockets, and he was slouching slightly. Sasuke knew that even being requested by ANBU wouldn’t excite the boy. Of course, rumor had it that ANBU had been showing interest in Shikamaru for a while now. Sasuke knew why he kept refusing, too damn lazy. He knew this to be true. Shikamaru had outright told everyone the reason he had refused to take the jounin exams. ‘Far too troublesome.’ he had said.

The last to enter was none other than Rock Lee. Sasuke frowned slightly. Last I checked Lee wasn't even Chuunin yet. What's that about?

“Good afternoon everyone.” Tsunade said, breaking Sasuke out of his thoughts.
Tsunade walked over to the front of her desk, leaning on it slightly, both hands on the edge. She took a deep breath, and began.

“I assume you know why you are here? You four were chosen specifically by ANBU as new recruits. You will not be required to take the trials,” she noticed a sigh of relief from Shikamaru, rolling her eyes she continued. “Unfortunately, you have no choice in the matter. This is an order, I expect you to treat it as one. Meaning no complaining, no slacking off, and absolutely no questions.”

The room was completely silent, the only thing Sasuke could hear was the faint tapping of Tsunade’s high heels. Even though it was silent, Sasuke could feel the tension. It was suffocating him, making even thinking become difficult. You couldn’t tell by looking at him, of course.
Tsunade turned to her desk, picking up a small piece of paper.

“Now, you have all been being watched by the top ANBU officials, and they have divided you into two small teams for an upcoming mission. I’ll let them brief you on it, since I would rather not waste time on foolish questions.” Tsunade’s voice was firm, nobody dared to even speak.

“Sasuke and Shikamaru,” both boys stood, facing the Hokage’s desk.

“Yes, Hokage-Sama?” they both asked in unison, bowing at the same time.

“You have been given the rank of ANBU captain, for this mission only. Sasuke, you will be assigned two ANBU, along with Neji. Shikamaru, you will be assigned three ANBU, along with Lee. The reasons for this choice are known by ANBU, so if you have questions, again, ask them.”

Sasuke nodded, his eyes darkening for a moment. Does she really have to be this cold? Not that I really care or anything, but Lee looks like he’s gonna vomit. Why is he so upset anyways? A bit annoying...

Tsunade looked at them, before starting, in a cold voice “Well, I have nothing else to say to you. You may leave my office immediately to report to ANBU.”

All four of them nodded and bowed in turn, before approaching the door. But as they were about to open it, it burst open, a green flash passing them, nearly knocking the door down in the process.

“HOKAGE-SAMA!”

Tsunade sighed. Just what I need. She thought miserably, taking in the sight of an upset, nearly hysterical Gai.

“Did you need something Gai?” She asked sternly, sitting back in her chair behind her wooden desk. She began to resume her work, hoping he would get the hint.

No such luck.

“Hokage-Sama, how could you send young Lee and Neji to ABNU? How could you send them, in the springtime of their youth, to become trained killers? To strip them of their innocence? You know how ANBU is, you know what missions they take. Besides, Lee here is not yet a Chuunin! He is without a doubt strong enough, but I… I refuse to allow my precious students to go! All of ANBU will have to get through me!” Gai finished, pulled to his full height in front of the Hokage’s desk.

Tsunade was looking at Gai with an expression of mixed shock and fury. Whatever it was, it rendered her completely speechless.

Lee and Neji shared a look, which only lasted a moment before Lee stepped over to where Gai was standing. Neji sighed, slowly shaking his head.

"Gai-Sensei?"

Gai turned around, looking at his young student. Everyone looked on in silence, waiting to see what could possibly happen next. When you put these two together, Sasuke thought, you never know what's gonna happen. Tears, most likely..

"Yes, my adorable, young student?"

"I told you, it's ok, I’m alright going to ANBU. I've worked so hard, and finally I will get a chance to prove myself!"

Gai looked shocked, but quickly recovered, grabbing Lee by the shoulders.

"Lee, you need not prove yourself! For yours is a strength known all throughout the fire country - NO- all throughout the world! The beautiful green beast of Konoha!"

"That is why I must join! To use my strength to protect the village I love, the people I love! For I will lay my life on the line to protect my way of the ninja!"

"OH!" Gai screamed, trapping Lee in a huge, teary embrace.

"Gai-Sensei!"

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!” ; Flinching, Shikamaru rolled his eyes, putting his hands in both his pockets. "Hey, Hyuuga?" Neji looked at him. "Are these two always so troublesome?"

Neji nodded, looking back at the two green-clad men, hugging and crying in front of the speechless Hokage.

After a few moments, Tsunade finally found herself again.

“Erm, Gai, if you have no more questions-”

"-and you must never forget! We raise our fists of love only to-"

Tsunade's eyes flashed with fury. He isn't even paying attention to me...how long can these two go on like this?

"Gai, could you stop blubbering for five minutes?"

"-protect those we care deeply for! It is through spirit, and heart, and s-"

"GAI!" Tsunade bellowed, punching a hole through her desk for good measure.

Gai and Lee finally looked over at her, both with matching expressions of shock and fear.

"Y-yes, honorable Hokage-Sama?" Gai almost trembled under her fierce glare.

"Leave. My office. Immediately." Tsunade practically growled out, striking fear in the hearts of all present.

"Of course Hokage-Sama," Gai bowed quickly, "Come, Lee! Let us prepare!"

"Yes, Gai-sensei!"

With that, the two ran out in a green blur, leaving the remaining three teens in a state of shock.

Tsunade took a deep breath.

"The rest of you, you are dismissed. Please, report to ANBU headquarters, you will be filled in on everything there. Congratulations, and good luck.

Sasuke, Neji, and Shikamaru quickly bowed, and with a final "Yes, Hokage-Sama. Thank you." the three were on their way.


----------------------- The Next Day --------------------


Naruto awoke, the sun casting a bright yellow gleam across his face. His bed was still cold, he realized the sun must have just risen. Without waiting any longer, Naruto rose out of bed, yawning into his otherwise silent room. With a spine tingling stretch, Naruto left his room, deciding to eat before showering. His apartment wasn’t too small, just nig enough for one person to live in. Sometimes Iruka, Kakashi, or his friends would visit. But other then those times, he usually found his apartment to be quite cozy.

With another yawn, Naruto stepped into his small kitchen, opening the cabinets.

“Hmm…pork?” Naruto said out loud, looking at his last package of ramen. He sighed, the last packet of ramen would always depress him. With a small frown, he began to broil the water, sitting at the small table in the corner, placing his elbows on the table, head on his hands.

I wonder who will replace Sasuke? I sure hope it isn’t Kiba, the bastard gets on my nerves. Naruto shuddered at this thought.

Maybe it will be Ino? Naruto laughed out loud at this thought. While Ino and Sakura no longer fought over Sasuke, they still had a hard time getting along since they were so completive over everything else. guess they have to make up for not fighting over Sasuke anymore. Women. With a sigh, Naruto went to the stove to prepare his breakfast. Pork ramen.


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Naruto was whistling, making his way to the usual meet up spot. He was even early today, not that it mattered. They wouldn’t find out who their new team member was until Kakashi showed up. Which could be in hours.

Naruto sighed to himself.

He arrived at the spot, noticing that Sakura was already there, relaxing in the morning sun. He took a moment to observe her. She was wearing her usual training outfit, her eyes were closed, Naruto noticed she was fiddling with a kunai.

Beautiful. As always.

Naruto’s train of thought was broken when a kunai landed at his feet. He looked up in mild shock, only to see Sakura still laying down, now playing with a shuriken.

“Well, Naruto? You just gonna stand there all day, or did you plan on keeping me company?” Sakura’s tone was light, making Naruto smile.

“Hey Sakura!” he yelled out, making the young woman stand up, facing Naruto. Why does he always yell do much? She thought to herself, annoyed.

“Naruto, you’re giving me a damn headache!”

Naruto grinned sheepishly, “sorry about that Sakura, just happy to see you.”

“Yes, well next time try not to be so loud about it.” She hadn’t meant that to come out sounding so rude, but before she could correct herself, Naruto was already laughing nervously, trying to act as if he was unaffected by her words.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll try! So Sakura, wanna train?”

Sakura looked at him for a second, before shaking her head. “No, Naruto, I just don’t feel like it right now.”

Naruto pouted, obviously thinking it would have some profound effect on Sakura - who merely rolled her eyes.

“Naruto, how old are you? Train by yourself!”

“But I don’t wanna! Sasuke isn’t here anymore, and you’re like the next best thing!”

Sakura felt rage build up inside her body. Next. Best. Thing. How could he even say that? Sure, she wasn’t as powerful as Sasuke, but come on now, not many were! He always said stupid things like that, for what reason?

But it is true. Besides, why would what Naruto thinks bother you do much? Sakura paused at this thought, letting it sink it. Then she shook her head, deciding to banish all confusing thoughts for the time being.

Sakura turned to Naruto, her anger completely clear in her expression. So clear, in fact, he instinctively backed up a foot. Or ten.

“Naruto, get out of my sight you annoying little jerk! I can’t stand you!”

Naruto paled, deciding now was not a time to question Sakura. What had he said that made her so angry? He only told her the truth, did she not like hearing it?

Naruto walked a little ways down the training grounds, sitting next to a tree. Sakura wasn’t that far off, only a few trees down. He decided it would be best to give her space right now, even though he would usually send a clone over in a situation like this.

Naruto sighed to himself. Maybe she really will never like me that way. Am I pathetic for not giving up? Even Ino and Sakura had given up on Sasuke. So why can’t I give up on Sakura?

As Naruto sat thinking, he failed to notice Kakashi enter the small area, looking at both of them. Naruto, feeling sorry for himself. Sakura, silently fuming. How typical of them. They were getting along ok for about a day. Guess that’s all one can hope for. Putting an end to these thoughts, Kakashi decided to make his presence known to the oblivious chuunin’s.

“Ahem” Kakashi softly cleared his throat. Both of them stood up, walking over to Kakashi.
“Sakura, Naruto” He nodded once, watching them do the same.

“Kakashi,” Naruto almost squealed, excitement back in his voice. “Our new member, has it been decided?”

Kakashi grinned… or rather, his eye grinned.

“Yes, she should be arriving shortly.”

“SHE!” Naruto yelled, making Sakura - and many nearby forest creatures - jump a foot in the air.

“Naruto, would you relax?” Sakura rose her voice, finding herself annoyed, once again. Always yelling!

Naruto pouted, why was she always shutting him up? She quickly regained his excitement, remembering why he was shut yp in the first place.

“So who is it, Kakashi? Ino? Or is it-”

Naruto was cut off, at that moment someone entered the training area. He spun around, along with Sakura.

“…H-hello…Naruto-Kun..” Hinata put her head down, blushing profusely at the mere sight of her long-time crush.

Naruto perked up at this, Hinata was strong, and MUCH nicer than Ino.

Sakura noticed Naruto’s excitement over having Hinata on the team. She, along with everyone else, know how Hinata felt for Naruto. Well, with the exception of Naruto himself. Who, as always, was completely clueless.

“Hinata! You’re joining our team? That’s great!” Naruto jumped in the air, whooping in excitement.

“Oh…um, y-yes…I was told by the Hokage.” Hinata began to fiddle with her fingers, her face getting even redder by the second. “N-Naruto-Kun...thank you for being so..” Hinata trailed off, while she was speaking Naruto had gotten even closer to her. By the time she got to ‘being so’ he was a foot away, his face close to hers, trying to make out what she was saying.

Hinata’s face was now some shade of purple, noticing Naruto’s close proximity.

Sakura frowned to herself. Had she been like that with Sasuke? All blushing and adoring, and…geh, it made her sick. Sakura’s frown deepened. Why am I feeling so hostile towards Hinata? She can’t help how she feels about Naruto. Shaking those thoughts away, Sakura walked over to the two of them, planning on greeting Hinata herself.

Too late. Hinata’s eyes were wide open, she appeared to be in shock.

“Hinata? Are you..” Naruto reached for her hand

That did it.

With a small sigh, Hinata fainted into Naruto’s arms, scaring him half to death.
“HINATA! Wake up!” Naruto began to shake the girl, who was far too red in his opinion.
Sakura rolled her eyes. “She’s just fainted you dimwit. Give her here.”

Naruto complied, gently putting Hinata in Sakura’s arms. Once Sakura was sure the girl was securely in her arms, she walked to a nearby log, setting her down. After a moment, Sakura concentrated all of her chakra on her hands, waving them slowly over Hinata’s head.

After a moment, Hinata’s eyes slowly blinked open. She looked confused, before Sakura could speak, Hinata quietly began speaking.

“Ah…N-Naruto-Kun..? Is that y-you?” With a frown, Sakura looked down at the girl. Is he all she thinks about? Doesn’t she even want to know what happened to her? Or maybe even thank me? Sakura stood, turning to Naruto.

“Naruto, I think she’s asking for you.” At this, Naruto looked surprised.

“Me?”

Sakura sighed, “Yes, you. Hurry up.”

Naruto nodded, quickly walking over to where Hinata was now sitting up. She saw Kakashi also walk over, looking mildly concerned for the young Hyuuga.

“Hinata, you ok?” Naruto questioned, worry was etched in his expression, clear in his voice.

“Y-yes, Naruto-Kun. Thank you f-for worrying…about me. Sorry for t-troubling you..”

Naruto smiled. “No problem, we’re friends right? I care about you like I do all my friends!”

Silence.

“…Of c-course.. Friends..”

Sakura frowned at this. She could not only hear, but feel Hinata’s spirit fall at these words. She knew very well that Hinata did not only want to be friends with Naruto. Why, she would never know. He was obnoxious, annoying, pulled pranks, and hardly ever acted his age.

Makes no sense. She thought to herself. She decided she would have to corner Hinata and find out exactly what was going on in her head.



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A/N: Oh. My. Gosh. That was soo long for me! It kept going and going and going. I just wanted to get that stuff out of the way. I thought about splitting it up into chapters, but since most of them are going to be small, I decided to keep the big ones that actually do come along in one piece.
Hope this story is still entertaining at least one person out there! I know I’m having fun with it