Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath ❯ Friendships ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter 14 Summary: As the dawn breaks on a new day, most of the Konoha 12 is blissfully unaware of what has transpired the past several hours with their former classmates and friends. As they begin what seems to be a normal mundane day, they are oblivious to the fact that once they learn what has happened. It will forever change their views on people and on life in general.

 

Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath

 

Chapter 14: “Friendships”

 

As the early morning dawn broke through the window in Ino's bedroom, it shone on the smiling face of one Hinata Hyuga as she slowly began to awaken. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and looked across the bedroom at Ino who groaned and buried her head under a pillow to block out the morning rays. Hinata giggled at this as she began to rise and get dressed for the day's activities. In her whole life, Hinata could not remember feeling as happy and content as she did at that moment. Memories of her date the night before with Naruto were still fresh in her mind, as she looked over towards the picture of the two of them they had gotten last night at the restaurant. Smiling, she picked up the photo and kissed the image of Naruto, before heading downstairs to make breakfast for the Yamanaka clan to thank them for allowing her to stay the night. Hinata's mood was also upbeat due to the fact that she was moving in with her new guardian and Sensei Yuuhi Kurenai today. Hinata began to hum to herself as she prepared breakfast for Ino and her family and for the first time in a long time, she actually looked forward to what the day would bring her.

 

Meanwhile, back at Hokage Tower, the mood of one Hokage Tsunade was not as positive as Hinata's currently was. As Tsunade began to stir, her reaction to the morning sun hitting her face was much like Ino's, as she groaned and wearily lifted her head from her desk. Still groggy, Tsunade accidentally knocked over an empty sake bottle on her desk, which shattered upon hitting the floor. This action prompted Shizune to come rushing into the office to check on the Hokage. The sight she beheld was nothing new to Shizune, as she watched her friend and mentor struggle to get her bearings. However, Shizune did notice that Tsunade's eyes were very red and puffy. Indicating this had not been a normal drinking binge on her part, as she could tell that her friend had spent a great deal of the night crying. Shizune knew that Tsunade was upset about the Sakura situation, but she suspected that her mentor's sorrow stemmed more from the incident with Jiraiya the night before rather than the missing kunoichi. Over the past several weeks, Shizune had noticed that whenever the subject of Jiraiya was brought up to the Hokage, her mood and demeanor would be affected greatly. As Shizune knelt down to clean up the broken shards of the sake bottle, she heard Tsunade ask in a dry voice.

 

“Any word on Sakura from the search teams yet?”

 

“I'm sorry Lady Tsunade but no. A few of the teams have returned already, but they found no signs of the girl. But the majority of the teams are still out searching, so there is still hope that we'll have some good news before the day is through.” Shizune answered trying to sound as upbeat and positive as she could.

 

“I hope you're right Shizune and that it will be good news, but I doubt it. When it comes to that bastard ex-teammate of mine Orochimaru and those around him, the outcome is rarely good news.” Tsunade laments to her friend.

 

In another part of Konoha, Naruto slowly began to stir as he opened his eyes to view his new surroundings. He had been surprised at the sparse living conditions of Kakashi's apartment when he first saw it the day before. But he quickly surmised that the life of a ninja was fleeting at best and did not require a great deal of personal luxuries that most people did. In fact, Kakashi's lone personal luxury was an entire wall with shelves containing every single volume of the Icha Icha Paradise series to date. Even more amazing was the fact that he owned not one but two of every volume, as one of every book was still sealed in its original wrapping, while the other had been opened and read at some point. Kakashi obviously took great pride in his collection as he had several potentially deadly traps and jutsu barriers surrounding it. As Naruto gazed upon some of the covers adorned with images of very beautiful and sexy women, his mind drifted back to Hinata and how beautiful and sexy she had looked the night before. After a moment, his eyes suddenly snapped open as a growing feeling began to emerge in his lower body and he shot out of bed and ran to the bathroom frantically saying.

 

“Bad thoughts, bad thoughts! Cold shower, cold shower!”

 

Kakashi's neighbors were awakened seconds later by a shrill scream followed by a heavy sigh, as Naruto began to bathe and get ready for the new day.

 

Meanwhile, Hinata had just finished preparing breakfast for the Yamanaka's when Ino's parents walked through the door looking very tired. They were pleasantly surprised to see a hot meal waiting for them as they both were starved. Hinata immediately bowed to them and said.

 

“Inoichi-Sama, Keko-Sama, I did not realize that both of you had been out. I hope you don't mind, but I made breakfast for you all.”

 

Inoichi and Keko looked at the very appetizing spread before them and smiled before Keko replied.

 

“We don't mind at all, this is a wonderful surprise. Thank you very much Hinata.”

 

“There is no need to thank me Keko-Sama, Inoichi-Sama. I wanted to thank you both for allowing me into your home to spend the night, I am most grateful.” Hinata politely said.

 

Just then Ino came stumbling downstairs and grumbled some sort of greeting to everyone as she sat down at the table and immediately began eating. After her first bite, Ino's droopy eyes suddenly shot wide open and she exclaimed.

 

“Mom, what happened this food is awesome. Dad, did you have any of this yet?”

 

Inoichi immediately sat down and began loading his plate with food. After he took a bite, he too remarked as Hinata and Keko took their seats.

 

“You're right Ino, this is the best meal we've had in years in this house, it's delicious.”

 

“It's more than delicious, it's amazing. I can't believe Mom made this!” Ino replied without looking up, as she and her father seemed to race to see who could eat the most.

 

“I didn't make it!” Keko said with an edge to her voice as she let loose a tiny bit of killing intent towards her husband and daughter. Both Ino and Inoichi froze as they realized they were in trouble before Ino finally asked.

 

“If you didn't make it Mom, who did?”

 

“Well, this is the best meal we've had in years in this house, was prepared by your friend Hinata-Chan. Keko said as she shot a glare at her husband before adding.

 

“It was very sweet of her to do this, something if I recall correctly you've never attempted to do Ino.” Keko then shot Ino a glare as well, while Hinata sat quietly to the side feeling slightly uncomfortable with a mild blush on her face.

 

“Um well, I um love you and Dad so much, that I would never subject you to my terrible cooking.” Ino responded with a sheepish grin on her face before she added.

 

“Besides, we shouldn't be surprised that Hinata knows how to cook this well. She was probably trained by some of the great chefs they have over there at the Hyuga compound.”

 

Ino then looked to Hinata with pleading eyes as if silently saying to her to please back me up on this.

 

Hinata choked on her food when Ino said this, as she knew it wasn't true. Hinata had self taught herself over the years how to cook and had received very little help from the chefs her family had. She looked at Ino and saw the desperation in her friends eyes before stammering.

 

“Ye, yes, it's true. I have received training from some of the skilled chefs we have at my family's household. I'm sure Ino would be just as good a cook as I if she had received some lessons from a great cook as well.”

 

Both Inoichi and Keko smile upon hearing this, as both of them know Hinata is lying through her teeth. But she is doing it to help and protect Ino. They realize what a good friend Hinata could be to their daughter and hope Ino discovers it as well. Inoichi then laughs and absently says.

 

“It's a good thought Hinata, the only problem is we don't know any good cooks who could train Ino?”

 

Inoichi immediately wished he pull those words back, as he was hit with a substantial amount of killing intent from his wife as she leveled an deadly glare towards him. Ino saw this as an opportunity to escape and grabbed Hinata's hand and pulled her up towards the stairs to her room while saying.

 

“Well we would love to stay and talk some more, but Hinata and I have to get ready. I'm helping Hinata move today into her new apartment with Lady Kurenai. We'll see you all later.”

 

As both girls run upstairs, Inoichi realizes he is now all alone with Keko and looks over to see she is advancing towards him with an empty frying pan in her hand. Inoichi quickly begins to stammer out an apology before the entire household is greeted with the loud clanging sound of a frying pan meeting a head. As Keko left her husband face first in his plate of food unconscious, she sat back down and thought to herself.

 

`How dare he say we don't know any good cooks who could train Ino? I'm a good cook, even if my husband and daughter don't recognize or appreciate it yet.'

 

Keko then took another bite of the food Hinata prepared and quietly said after swallowing.

 

“I'm good, but not as good as this.”

 

When Ino and Hinata got to Ino's room, she quickly shut the door and leaned against it breathing a sigh of relief before saying.

 

“That was close, I forgot what a maniac my mother is about cooking. She thinks she's great at it, but the truth of the matter is it's a wonder my father and I haven't starved to death over the years trying to live on her meals, (ha, ha, ha).”

 

Ino looked over to Hinata who also giggled at her statement before asking.

 

“Hinata, did you receive cooking lessons from your family's chefs?”

 

Hinata began twiddling her fingers nervously and looked to the floor before shaking her head no in response and said.

 

“No Ino, I taught myself how to cook in secret. My father felt it was beneath a Hyuga from the main branch to cook for themselves and forbid anyone from learning how.”

 

Ino was shocked when she heard this, she had assumed what she had said to her parents was the truth. Now after hearing from Hinata that it wasn't, Ino realized the Hyuga princess had just lied to her folks to protect her. She tried to think if any of her other friends would have done that for her. Sakura certainly wouldn't have, she would have just left Ino twisting in the wind and then laughed about it later on. Looking at Hinata, Ino recognized that was a big thing for the girl to do just to cover for her. Ino suddenly felt very bad for putting Hinata into that position, unintentional as it was. She knew that Hinata was uncomfortable telling a lie, even if it was just a little white lie. Ino sat down on the bed next to Hinata and said.

 

“I'm sorry for doing that to you Hinata. I didn't mean to put you into a position to have to lie to my parents just to cover my butt from getting into trouble because of my big mouth.”

 

“It's alright Ino, isn't that what friends are suppose to do, protect one another? You are my friend aren't you Ino?” Hinata hesitantly asks.

 

“Well of course I'm your friend Hinata. You're acting like you don't know what it's like to be friends with someone?” Ino questions.

 

Hinata looked to the floor again and after moment quietly said.

 

“I, I, don't know Ino. You're the first friend I've had in my life.”

 

Ino was stunned upon hearing this from Hinata. Why would she say something like that? Hinata had lots of friends. Ino thought the Hyuga girl must be joking with her and laughing she said.

 

“(Ha, ha, ha,) quit kidding around Hinata, you've got lots of friends and you know it.”

 

Hinata's face saddened at Ino's words and her eyes began to tear slightly as she softly said.

 

“No Ino I don't.”

 

Ino saw the sad expression on Hinata's face and put her arm around Hinata's shoulder to comfort her and said.

 

“Of course you have friends Hinata. Besides me, there's Naruto and your teammates Shino and Kiba. Plus I'm sure you've got lots of friends back at the Hyuga compound. Why would you think you don't have any friends?”

 

Hinata still looking to the ground sighed heavily as she listened to Ino before woefully saying.

 

“It's not true Ino. Naruto is my boyfriend and that's different from a friend. And we weren't friends before we started seeing one another, just comrades I guess. Shino and Kiba I love dearly, but they are more like older brothers to me than friends. Back at the compound, the only kids around my age were in the side branch of the family. My father forbade me from associating with them. Even when I secretly defied my father and tried to play with them and be their friend, they shunned me because I was the heir of the main branch. They were told to stay away from me by their parents for fear of bringing my fathers wrath down upon them. I know it may seem hard to believe, but you are the first friend I've ever had.”

 

Ino's heart nearly broke as she listened to Hinata. She had no idea how oppressive a life Hinata had under her father's rule. She looked at the Hyuga heir and then hugged her much to Hinata's surprise and said.

 

“I'm sorry Hinata, I had no idea. But I'll tell you, since I'm your first friend, that makes me your best friend, and you're mine.”

 

Hinata was astonished beyond words as Ino said this and released her hug. Hinata stared at the girl wide-eyed before stammering.

 

“But, but, Ino you already have a best friend in Sakura. Why would you say that I'm your best friend?”

 

“(Ha, ha, ha,) forehead girl. Yeah, I guess she was my best friend when we were little, but we haven't been that close the past few years. We pretty much drifted apart after the whole Sasuke competition between us. I'm not really sure were even friends anymore, let alone best friends. Besides, it's my choice who I want as a best friend and you're it! Unless you don't want to be my best friend Hinata?” Ino playfully says to the Hyuga princess with a pout on her lips and puppy dog eyes blinking.

 

Hinata saw the look Ino was giving her and giggled at her expression before saying.

 

“I would be honored to be your best friend Ino, thank you.”

 

“No Hinata, thank you, the honor is all mine.” Ino replied as the two girls hugged once more before they stood up and Ino remarked.

 

“Now let's hurry up, we can't sit around here all day. We've got to get you moved today remember?”

 

“Hai” Hinata answered, as the two of them began to get ready for the new day.

 

Meanwhile, Neji and Tenten arrived at the hospital to visit their friend and teammate Rock Lee, who was still crippled from his match with Gaara at the Chunin exams. As they entered his room, Lee was sitting in a darkened corner staring out the window onto the village. Tenten noticed the depressed look on her teammates normally exuberant face and cringed slightly. Both she and Neji had started to worry about Lee the past few weeks as his positive attitude towards life seem to lessen a little more each day. Masking her concern, Tenten bounded over to Lee and kissed him on his cheek before saying.

 

“Hey Lee-Kun, what are you doing sitting here in the corner all by yourself? Why don't you join Neji and I for breakfast and then you help us train afterwards.”

 

Lee just stared blankly out the window before saying in a monotone voice.

 

“Help, you mean watch you and Neji train don't you?”

 

Tenten winced at Lee's reply and the room seemed to grow deathly quiet, before Neji's voice broke through the silence and said.

 

“No Lee, you can help us. You know my own and Tenten's Taijutsu is very bad. We were planning on training on that today and you can point out what were doing wrong.”

 

Lee turned his head to look at his two teammates and friends before grinning slightly and said.

 

“You're a terrible liar Neji Hyuga, but I thank you for the effort. Yours and Tenten's Taijutsu is far from bad and you know it. In fact, of our classmates the only people who might be on par with either one in Taijutsu are Naruto and perhaps Hinata. We are the students of Maito Gai, the greatest Taijutsu master our village has ever seen. There is no way he would ever allow any of his pupils to not be properly trained in that fighting style.”

 

“You forgot one person who is also an expert in Taijutsu, you. Isn't it your dream to be a splendid Shinobi in Taijutsu alone? Surely your flames of youth will help you to achieve that.” Tenten cheerfully remarks trying to lift her teammates spirits.

 

Lee's grin disappeared after hearing this and he looked to the ground before lamenting.

 

“Yes, that was my dream, but that is all in the past Tenten-Chan. Now, all I am is a Shinobi warrior trapped in a broken body. And even my flames of youth aren't going to change that fact. Which is why this difficult for me to say, but it must be said. I appreciate your visits, but the two of you should forget about me and move on. It does neither one of you any good to be burdened by a useless wreck such as I anymore. I'm just holding you both back. The two of you should request a new teammate and continue on to become the splendid Shinobi's I always knew you would be.”

 

Tenten's eyes began to well with tears hearing Lee say this, and even Neji noticeably stiffened as he heard his teammate and friend speak, before he regained his composure and replied with a grin.

 

“Stop talking such foolishness Lee. We don't want nor need a new teammate. You know as well as everyone that Lady Tsunade will discover a treatment to heal you and you'll be back with the team in no time. Besides, it would be impossible to find another teammate who could annoy me as much as you do.”

 

Lee uttered a soft chuckle after hearing this before it faded away and he quietly said.

 

“I appreciate yours and Tenten's optimism. But even if what you say might happen, it could be years before it does. I cannot allow my situation to impede the two of you in your development as Shinobi. You must get another teammate and move on.”

 

“Well Lee-Kun that just isn't going to happen. So I guess you're just going to have to get better soon, so you won't hold us back anymore!” Tenten sternly says.

 

Lee doesn't reply as he just stares at the floor, and another uneasy silence envelopes the room. After a moment he says.

 

“The two of you should go, I'm interrupting your training.”

 

“You're not interrupting anything Lee. We were just going to train for a little bit and then go out and try to find Neji a place to live.” Tenten answers.

 

“I can help you with that if you want Neji?” Lee calmly replied, as he grabbed his crutch and struggled slightly getting up from his chair. He then limped over to the side table by his bed before grabbing a set of keys and then tossing them to Neji before saying.

 

“I may not be able to be a teammate anymore, but I can still be a friend. Take my apartment Neji; I obviously don't need it anymore. Gai Sensei has kept the rent up on it in the hope that I would be returning to it. But I know the only way I'm ever going to leave this hospital if a treatment isn't found is feet first.”

 

Tenten gasped when she heard this prompting Lee to say to the distraught girl.

 

“It's just a metaphor Tenten-Chan. Don't read anything into it.”

 

Neji is stunned at the generosity of his friend. He wonders silently to himself if the situation had been reversed would he had been as generous or as good a friend to Lee as he is to him. After a moment, he says.

 

“I don't know what to say, but thank you Lee. I'll accept your offer, but only under the condition that when you are better, it is yours again when you return.”

 

With a slight smirk on his face as if he knew that was not going to happen, Lee replied.

 

“I accept your condition Neji. By the way, I'm very sorry to hear about what happened to your brethren in the Hyuga side branch yesterday.”

 

“What are you talking about Lee?” Neji quickly asked.

 

“I apologize Neji, I thought you knew. Several members of the Hyuga side branch were arrested yesterday and are currently being held by the ANBU. I overheard a doctor and a nurse talking about it, as they were treating one of the Hyuga's for injuries he suffered during his questioning by Ibiki and the Interrogation squad.” Lee replied.

 

“Arrested! Arrested for what?” Neji asks in anger.

 

Lee looked down to the ground before he quietly said.

 

“I'm sorry Neji, I heard they were arrested for attempting to kill Naruto by burning his home to the ground.”

 

Neji's eyes grew wide in shock and his breath seemed to catch in his throat before he stammered.

 

“I, I'm sorry Lee, I have to go. I must speak to the Hokage immediately. Tenten stay with Lee, I'll talk to you later.”

 

Before either Lee or Tenten could reply, Neji had already bolted through the door and was speeding towards Hokage Tower. As Neji raced to see Lady Tsunade, Hinata and Ino bounded down the stairs at the Yamanaka home and were greeted with the sight of Keko holding an ice pack to the back of Inoichi's head, as he sat at the table groaning. Ino tried to stifle her amusement upon seeing this before she noticed her parent's clothing and asked.

 

“Mom, Dad, how come you guys are dressed in full field gear right now? Are you two going on a mission?”

 

“No dear, we're returning from a mission to try and find your - - - Keko!” Ino's mother began to say before Inoichi sternly interrupted her by yelling her name before adding.

 

“I'm sorry Ino, we are not allowed to discuss the mission. It is a Class A Security mission that is still ongoing.”

 

Ino was about to press the issue further in response, before Hinata spoke up and bowing her head said.

 

“Hai Inoichi-San, we understand.”

 

“Yeah, ok I guess? Well, we have to go. I'll be back in time for dinner.” Ino remarked.

 

“Ino, Hinata, you may want to check and see if Lady Kurenai is available. She too was involved with this mission and may not be back as of yet?” Inoichi states.

 

“Thank you for letting us know Inoichi-Sama. We will stop by her home to check before we head over to my family's compound.” Hinata politely replied, as the two girls headed out the door.

 

As the Yamanaka's watched their daughter and Hinata leave, Keko said to her husband.

 

“Inoichi, shouldn't we have told them about their friend Sakura?”

 

“No Keko, it's still a Class A mission. I'm sure they'll hear about it soon enough. Besides, I don't think Ino really considers Sakura a friend anymore. We've hardly ever seen the two of them together the past few years. As for Hinata, a rumor I heard about an incident at the Hokage's office several weeks ago between her and Sakura leads me to believe they are most definitely not friends.” Inoichi replies with a chuckle.

 

“I suppose your right dear. Still, even though Ino and Sakura are no longer friends. I still hope we find Sakura soon and that she'll be alright?” Keko says with concern.

 

“I hope so as well Keko, but unfortunately whatever happens to the girl she brought it upon herself. This may sound selfish, but I'm actually grateful that Ino and Sakura are no longer friends. I don't want my daughter dragged down into her mess in anyway.” Inoichi coldly states, before Keko says.

 

“Its not selfish dear, you're just being a concerned father who looks out for his daughter.”

 

“Thank you Keko.” Inoichi replied as they shut the door behind them and walk back to the dining room.

 

Back at Hokage Tower, Neji arrived at Lady Tsunade's office and saw an ANBU Shinobi from the Interrogation squad guarding her doorway. As Neji approached, the guard said with a sneer.

 

“What do you want Hyuga?”

 

“I've come to speak to the Hokage about an incident that involved some of my clansmen yesterday. It is most urgent that I speak to her at once.” Neji answered.

 

“The Hokage has no time for the likes of you, and is already currently discussing that matter with Ibiki-San. Be gone Hyuga child, and let the adults handle things.” The ANBU growls to Neji.

 

As Lady Tsunade and Ibiki are talking, her office door is suddenly torn off its hinges as the ANBU guard comes crashing through it. Neji stepping through the debris in the doorway with his Byakugan blazing follows him, as he says with venom.

 

“Be mindful to whom you speak you worm! Never insult the Hyuga name or me ever again! For if you do, I promise you will live to regret it!”

 

“What the Hell is going on?” Tsunade yells as the ANBU guard quickly rises to his feet and says.

 

“Forgive this intrusion Hokage-Sama. This Genin wished to speak to you and when I refused he attacked me. Please allow me to remove this Hyuga scum from your presence.”

 

This was the wrong thing to say as Neji suddenly appeared in front of the ANBU guard and delivered a series of palm strikes to the man's chest causing him to drop to his knees and cough blood profusely. As Neji stood over the guard he growled.

 

“I told you ANBU pig never to insult me or my family's name in my presence. Maybe now you'll realize the mistake you have made in ignoring my warning and making me angry!”

 

“I'll warn you Neji Hyuga that it is a grave mistake on your part to piss me off, which you're starting to do if you don't explain yourself right now!” Tsunade shouts at the Hyuga prodigy with authority.

 

“I apologize Hokage Tsunade, it was not my intention to cause an incident at your office when I came here. But it is urgent that I speak to you in regards to find out what happened yesterday with some of my clan.” Neji contritely says while bowing.

 

“Well, since you're not the first Hyuga to cause an incident in this office, I'll accept your apology.” Tsuande replies, remembering Hinata's thrashing of Sakura several weeks ago before adding.

 

“I had planned on sending for you today anyway Neji, take a seat and I'll discuss what happened with you in a moment. Ibiki, take your man to the hospital for treatment, and I must say I'm a little shocked that he was so easily defeated by a mere Genin.”

 

“Yes Hokage-Sama, he is young and only recently promoted to the ANBU. It is obvious his over confidence in his own ability and in under estimating his opponents led to this embarrassing defeat. I can assure you he will never have a lapse in judgment like this again!” Ibiki states with disgust in his voice as he helps the guard out the doorway and to the hospital.

 

“Now Neji, I want some answers as to why five members of the Hyuga side branch would attempt to kill my Naruto-Kun by setting fire to his home, and I want those answers now!” Tsuande asks, the anger very evident in her voice.

 

“I have no idea why this has happened Hokage-Sama, I only learned of this incident a little while ago. I was hoping you could tell me why this happened?” Neji says.

 

“I wish I knew Neji? But all we have ascertained even with Ibiki's influence is that they admit to setting the fire but refuse to say anything else. I know they're hiding their motives as to why they did this. But unless they tell us their reasons behind this crime, I'll have no choice but to order their execution for the attempted murder of a Leaf village Shinobi.” Tsunade stoically replies.

 

“Please Lady Tsunade, before you pass that sentence let me talk to them. I will learn the truth as to why they did this. I have no proof, but I'm positive that Hiashi Hyuga is behind this terrible crime. I can assure you that the Hyuga side branch holds no animosity towards Naruto to perpetuate such a cowardly act. I humbly ask that you allow me to speak to them and resolve this mystery.” Neji pleads as he bows his head.

 

“Very well Neji. I suspect you are correct about Hiashi's involvement, but unless your clansmen are willing to testify to that, suspicions are meaningless. I shall accompany you to the ANBU jail and you will be allowed to speak to them. But I warn you, if they still refuse to explain themselves. I will pass judgment and they will be executed immediately for their crimes. Is that understood?” Tsuande says.

 

“Hai Hokage-Sama, I understand. I swear upon the Hyuga name, we will learn the truth behind these crimes! Thank you for allowing me the chance to do this.” Neji politely states.

 

“You are most welcome Neji. Now please wait downstairs, I have some work I need to finish first before we head over to the prison.” Tsuande orders the young Genin, who nods in acceptance and quietly leaves the room.

 

As Kurenai returned to her apartment she felt exhausted. The search for Sakura had encompassed many miles for herself and her team. So much so that she ordered both Kiba and Shino to go home and get a few hours of rest as they may be needed to resume the mission later on. When she opened the door to her home, she was greeted to the sight of Hinata and Ino asleep in her living room. She then noticed that the entire apartment had been cleaned from top to bottom and seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. Kurenai then looked back to the two girls and smiled. She realized they must have spent a great deal of time this morning cleaning the new apartment. Which she was most grateful for as she did not have the strength or desire to do after spending all night on the mission. Kurenai decided she would let them sleep and began to silently move to her bedroom to get some as well when Hinata was suddenly awakened by a loud crash from the street below. This was followed by several people shouting which seemed to echo in the apartment through the open door of the balcony. Hinata quickly scanned her surroundings and saw Kurenai standing in the living room smiling. Hinata immediately jumped up and nudged Ino who was still asleep in an adjacent chair and nervously said.

 

“Gr, greetings Kurenai Sensei. Please forgive our intrusion into your home. I thought you might have forgotten that we had planned on getting my things from my father this morning to move in.”

 

“Hinata, there is nothing to forgive, this is your home too. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I should have sent word to you that I was ordered on a emergency mission last night and that we should postpone getting your things until this afternoon.” Kurenai replied.

 

“Yeah, my father mentioned something about that mission to us earlier. Can you tell us what's going on Lady Kurenai?” Ino groggily asks as she begins to awaken.

 

“I'm sorry Ino, I cannot. It's a Class A Security mission which is still in progress, and I'm not allowed to talk about it.” Kurenai answers to the young kunoichi.

 

“Yeah, that's the answer my father gave us as well. It must be pretty important to have so many high ranking Shinobi involved.” Ino quips.

 

As much as Kurenai wants to tell Hinata and Ino about what has happened, she knows they will learn of it soon enough and decides to try and change the subject by saying.

 

“The apartment looks wonderful you two, thank you for cleaning it.”

 

“You can thank Ms. Good Housekeeping over there for that idea. She decided that since we needed to wait for you, we could get something accomplished until you arrived. She seems to have a lot of pent up energy from the night before, if you know what I mean?” Ino says with a giggle as Hinata blushes and glares furiously at her.

 

“Well ladies, I've been up all night and need to get a few hours of sleep. Hinata if you don't mind, let's get your things this afternoon. Can you two keep yourselves occupied until then?” Kurenai asks while yawning.

 

“You don't need to help in the move Kurenai Sensei. Ino and I can handle the moving since you're returning from a mission, you should get some rest. Hinata politely says.

 

Kurenai thought about this for a moment before quickly deciding that she did not want the girls there at the Hyuga compound alone with Hiashi Hyuga without sufficient support. From what Lady Tsunade had told her yesterday about Hiashi, there is no telling what he might do to Hinata and Ino if they were by themselves. Kurenai looked directly at Hinata and sternly said.

 

“I appreciate that Hinata, but no. I don't want you anywhere near your father unless I am present, do you understand?”

 

“Hai, Kurenai Sensei.” Hinata softly answered.

 

“But, we are going to need some help this afternoon. Why don't the two of you see if you can rustle up some of your male counterparts to do just that.” Kurenai remarks.

 

“That's a great idea Hinata! Why don't you round up Kiba and Shino, and I'll go get Shikamaru and Chouji and we'll knock that move out in no time this afternoon.” Ino exclaims.

 

“Not Kiba and Shino, they were on the same mission as I was last night and need some rest as well.” Kurenai states.

 

“Um ok, well how about Naruto? I'm sure he would be more than willing to help us.” Ino says.

 

“No!” Hinata says with force, shocking both Ino and Kurenai before softly adding.

 

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell. I just don't want my father anywhere near Naruto. I'm afraid of what he might try to do to him. I don't want Naruto-Kun hurt in anyway because of me.”

 

Both Ino and Kurenai saw the concerned expression on Hinata's face before Ino threw her arm around Hinata's shoulder and laughingly said.

 

“That's ok Hinata, Naruto's probably still trying to recover from the sight of you in that dress last night (ha, ha, ha).”

 

Hinata began to blush even worse than before as she said.

 

“I need to return that dress to you Ino.”

 

“That's ok Hinata, you keep it. Besides, the front of the dress is all stretched out now anyway.” Ino replied while snickering.

 

“Ino!” Hinata exclaimed, her face turning redder and redder by the second.

 

“I'm just teasing you Hinata. You look way hotter in that dress than I ever did. Plus you told me Naruto only complimented you on it about a hundred times last night. I wouldn't want to deprive him of seeing you in it again in the future.” Ino says with a grin on her face.

 

“Th, thank you Ino.” Hinata replied with a smile on her face as memories of the night before resurfaced.

 

“Well then, let's get out of here so Lady Kurenai can get some rest. You can help me track down my teammates and Shanghai them for the move this afternoon.” Ino stated as she pulled Hinata towards the door.

 

Kurenai inwardly laughed at watching the two young girls interact with one another. It reminded Kurenai of her younger days with Anko when the Snake Mistress used to poke fun at her. Kurenai remembered that Anko had been instrumental in helping her overcome her shyness when they were that age. She hoped that Ino's friendship with the Hyuga heir might do the same thing for Hinata and help her to become more open with people. However, she also hoped for Hinata's sake that their friendship wouldn't end like Kurenai's and Anko's had. Shaking her head to drive away that unpleasant memory, she turned and headed towards her bedroom to try and get the sleep she desperately needed at that moment.

 

A little while later, as Lady Tsunade and Neji approached ANBU Headquarters, they heard a shout of “Hey Baa-Chan” ring out and both turned to see Naruto running towards them. When he arrived, he was promptly met with a punch from Tsunade knocking him into a nearby wall followed by Tsunade shouting.

 

“Brat, if you ever call me that again in public, you'll be working nothing but D ranked missions the rest of your life, you got that!”

 

“Geez baa- I mean Hokage Tsunade, you're in a great mood this morning. What happened, you lose your skirt again at the track?” Naruto replied while extricating himself from the wall and then narrowly ducking another punch from the Hokage. As Neji watched on, he was thoroughly confused at the interaction between the Hokage and Naruto. He was brought out of his thoughts by Tsunade saying.

 

“I don't have time to play with you today Naruto. Neji and I have important matters to deal with right now. What do you want?”

 

Naruto turned and leveled an icy gaze towards Neji causing the Hyuga prodigy to squirm a little before Naruto turned back to Tsunade and said.

 

“Ok, ok, don't get your panties in a twist. I just wanted to know where Pervy Sage and Kakashi Sensei were? I was suppose to start my training with them today, but I can't find them anywhere.”

 

Tsunade decided to let slide the panties comment, as the brat would probably duck another of her punches before she said.

 

“I'm sorry Naruto, both Jiraiya and Kakashi are out on important missions right now, they won't be back until later on today. Consider this a day off for you, why don't you go out and have some fun. Or better yet, why don't you go help your girlfriend move into her new home. I believe she's doing that today.”

 

“What, she never told me that last night! Sorry baa-chan, I've got to go!” Naruto shouted as he sped away to try to find Hinata. Leaving behind one very aggravated Hokage and one very confused Hyuga. After a moment, Tsunade took a deep breath to calm herself while nearly giving Neji a nosebleed in doing so, before she motioned him to follow her as they entered ANBU Headquarters to hopefully get the answers that both of them seek

 

Meanwhile, it had been a couple of hours since Neji had left his two teammates at the hospital. To pass the time, they were playing cards albeit Tenten's mind wasn't focused on the game. Her thoughts had been preoccupied with what Neji must be going through, as the pained look she saw on his face when he heard about his clansmen she had never seen before. She desperately wanted to be with him right now to support and comfort him.

 

“Gin.” Lee quietly said, as he laid his cards out onto the table interrupting Tenten's thoughts.

 

“Well you win again Lee.” Tenten replied with a fake smile on her face to try and hide the concern she had for Neji. Lee knew his teammate quite well and wasn't fooled by her smile. He knew whom she wanted to be with, and he said.

 

“Go be with him Tenten-Chan.”

 

“Wh, what Lee-Kun?” Tenten stammered.

 

“Go be with him. I know you're worried about Neji. You don't have to wait here visiting with me.” Lee states.

 

Tenten dropped her head in guilt, as she knew she hadn't fooled Lee at all. She looked up at Lee's stoic face as he gazed out the hospital window once again and she said.

 

“I'm sorry Lee-Kun. I guess I haven't been very good company for you this morning.”

 

“It's alright Tenten-Chan, I understand you are concerned about Neji and want to be there for him. May I ask you a personal question, you don't have to answer if you do not wish too.” Lee says.

 

“Um, ok.” Tenten replies.

 

“Do you love him?” Lee asks.

 

Tenten's eyes grew wide momentarily, as her face began to blush before she looked down to the floor and nodded her head and softly said.

 

“Yes Lee I do, very much.”

 

Lee smiled at his friends' response, he already knew that Neji loved her and was genuinely happy that they both had found one another to give their hearts to. But, he also felt a twinge of sadness, as he had been unable to find someone in his life to share his heart with. However, he refused to let any aspect of his life interfere with his friend's lives and said.

 

“Then go Tenten-Chan. I do not mind if you wish to be with him right now.”

 

“Thank you Lee-Kun!” Tenten replied, as she threw her arms around Lee and hugged him fiercely.

 

“You are most welcome Tenten-Chan. I hope Neji realizes how very lucky he is to have you. You are a good woman, had I not already given my heart to Sakura-Chan, I could see myself very easily giving it to you.” Lee remarked as he released Tenten from her hug.

 

“That's very sweet of you Lee-Kun. I'm sorry Sakura never saw what a good man you truly are. But I'm positive that one day some lucky girl is going to discover that and she will be very happy for the rest of her life.” Tenten said as she wiped a tear from her eye and stood to leave.

 

“One day perhaps.” Lee replied, though the tone in which he said it seemed to lack any conviction.

 

Tenten saw the depressed look on Lee's face and her heart seemed to tighten in response to his loneliness. After a moment, she finally said.

 

“It will Lee, you just have to believe. Neji and I will come visit you tomorrow. You take care and get some rest.”

 

“Please don't. As I said before, I do appreciate both of you coming to visit me, but you both have full and rich lives to experience with one another. You need not waste your time to see me. Both of you go and live your lives to its fullest. I do not want my life to be a burden to the both of yours.” Lee solemnly replied.

 

“Lee-Kun, we don't feel were wasting our time when we see you, and we don't consider you a burden in our lives. You're our teammate and even more important you are our friend. I'll even let you in on a little secret; I know deep down Neji considers you his best friend. Even if his stuck-up tight-ass Hyuga attitude would never allow him to openly admit it.” Tenten remarks.

 

“Well you'll just have to help Neji change that attitude won't you Tenten-Chan.” Lee says as he and Tenten hug once more before they exchange goodbyes and the young kunoichi leaves.

 

Lee stands leaning against the closed door for the longest time, before breathing a forlorn sigh as he grips his crutch to move over to his bed. Suddenly, the crutch slips on the floor and Lee comes crashing down onto it. In a moment of frustration and rage, Lee screams out in anguish and smashes the crutch against the bed frame breaking said crutch into several pieces. As he pulls his body up and leans against the side of the bed, a single tear rolls down his face as he quietly says to himself in despair.

 

“God, I cannot live like this anymore.”

 

Upon saying this, Lee drops his head down and a cloud moves in front of the sun darkening the once bright room, but matching the darkness Lee currently feels in his life.

 

Meanwhile, many miles away from the village, a certain silver haired ninja stops for a moment and attempts to catch his breath. He carefully lays his former student down on the ground before reaching into his pocket to retrieve another red food pill to ingest. Kakashi knows to take another pill is a very dangerous thing to do. It may even cost him his life, as very few people have ever taken more than one red food pill on the same day and lived to tell about it. But Sakura's condition has been deteriorating the past several hours and they are still far from Konoha. Kakashi feels he has no choice in the matter. If Sakura is to live she must receive medical treatments for her injuries as quickly as possible. As he swallows another pill, he once again feels the immense enhancement of chakra begin to flow throughout his body. He kneels down and softly picks up Sakura and begins speeding through the forest once again. Silently, he prays the sacrifice he's making will not be in vain. If he can just get Sakura back in time to save her life, he'll gladly accept the consequences of his actions later on.

 

“Just hang-on a little bit longer Sakura. I'll bring you home, I promise. Kakashi says as he races on.

 

 

 

Authors Note: I wasn't really sure what to make of this chapter after I wrote it. I knew when I started I wanted to ease back from the intensity of the previous chapter. I also wanted to advance and introduce some more side storylines to this tale. But not to worry, once Kakashi and Sakura return, the intensity level will be ratcheted up once again! (lol) Thanks once again to everyone who sent me a review from the last chapter. I found many of them to be very insightful and I tried as best I could to answer any questions you all had about that chapter or the story in general. I don't know if I'll have Chapter 15 ready to go by Christmas or even New Year's for that matter. The holidays really chew up a lot of time in my life. I might be able to get something updated, but if I do it may be short. If I don't, I'll just say to everyone, have a great holiday and thanks again for taking time out of your life to read this story. As always reviews are welcomed and if you have any questions about anything in the story, I'll do my best answer them.

 

Take it easy!

 

Kingkakashi

 

P.S. Give me a “Hell Yeah” in your review if you're as pissed as I am to Kishimoto Masashi killing off one of the greatest characters in the Naruto world in the current manga. I won't say who so as not to spoil it for anyone who doesn't know. But if you do know whom I am talking about let me know if you hate it as much as I do.