Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ Naruto never breaks a Promise ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. ::cries hysterically::

 

Okay I got some spoilers in this chapter. Nothing major. I ain't giving away the whole story. As a matter of fact you might not even notice the spoilers.

 

Also I seem to have forgotten the last couple chapters to thank my beta. Bernie come here and say hi to the nice people. :: Bernie comes out waves and quickly hides behind desk again:: She's a bit shy.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11: Naruto Never Breaks a Promise

 

Gai turned away from his student to look at Kakashi. He knew what it felt like to have two of his students in the main event of the chuunin tournament. But Kakashi didn't exactly have normal students. “The response from the village to the next match should be interesting.”

 

Pulling out his novel Kakashi leaned back in his seat and began to read. “Yes, and hopefully I'll still have three students when it's all done.”

 

--

 

Naruto couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed with all the sudden attention he was getting. He was surrounded by nurses who were healing every cut and bruise he had. He almost wanted to laugh at them though. It was really a waste of their chakra and skills. All his injuries would heal in a few days, some in a few hours. He noticed one nurse standing back from him observing the other nurses. He figured she was the head nurse.

 

“Why am I being healed?”

 

Her attention immediately shifted from the nurses to Naruto. Looking at her Naruto couldn't help but feel suddenly comfortable. She had smile wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. Her eyes were warm and loving. She approached him and Naruto noticed that she smelled of baby power.

 

“You're in the main event. We have to make sure you are as close to 100% as possible.” She smiled at Naruto and put her hand on his cheek. The touch was affectionate and Naruto noticed that unlike his hands, hers were soft.

 

“Can I see Sasuke?”

 

“Oh no, I'm sorry you can't. Don't worry we'll take good care of your friend.” Naruto couldn't help but smile when she ruffled his hair. He came to the conclusion right then and there that if all nurses were like her then he loved nurses. When the nurses were done they quickly shuffled out of the room. The head nurse turned to him before leaving. “Feel free to take a short nap. Someone will come get you in about 15 to 20 minutes.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

As she opened the door to leave Naruto noticed she hesitated for a moment before looking around to make sure no one was in the hall. She turned back to Naruto and smiled once again. “Good luck in your match.” With that she walked out. Yup, Naruto definitely liked nurses.

 

--

 

Five minutes had passed and Naruto was already bored. He tried taking a nap, but was too excited to sleep. Deciding that going to the bathroom was more exciting then sitting in the room Naruto got up and walked into the hall. It took him a while but he eventually found the bathroom. He slowly walked into a stall and sat down. He didn't really need to go, but it killed time. As he sat there he heard two men walk in the bathroom and through the space between the door and wall he saw them approach the sink. He took note that both men were wearing chuunin vests.

 

“Man, this next match should be really good.”

 

“I know what you mean.”

”I hope the Uchiha wins and becomes a chuunin.”

”Me too. Although I heard Uzumaki is easier to work with.”

”Naw, I wouldn't want to work with a demon.”

”SHHH!! You know were not supposed to talk about that.”

 

“I know, it's just that that kid wouldn't be where he is if it weren't for it.”

 

“I see what you're saying.”

 

“The Uchiha has real power. You know I heard he left all those years ago to kill Orochimaru.”

”That's not what I heard. I heard he left to gain power.”

 

“Why would someone like him need more power? He has enough to spare. Hell I want some of his power.”

 

“You know there's something really wrong with you.”

 

They both started laughing as they walked out of the bathroom. Naruto on the other hand was not laughing. As a matter of fact he was furious. He opened the door to the stall and slowly began walking to back to his room.

 

`They think Sasuke left for honorable reasons.' He could understand how some would think that. Sasuke left and returned and Tsunade didn't punish him or make a big deal of his return almost like she was expecting him to return. Or at least that's what everyone thought. No one expect those close to the team knew the truth.

 

But what really bothered Naruto was the comment about the Kyuubi. Even after all he's done, there were still some who thought he was worthless. A nobody. They glared at him, called him names when he walked by, but what hurt the most was when they ignored him. He had been ignored when he was younger. People would turn their backs to him when he would approach. That was why he did pranks, to get people to stop ignoring him. If they glared or called him names it didn't bother him because they acknowledged his existence. It was only when he was ignored that it hurt.

 

As he walked in his room, he went to sit down on the bed. He looked straight ahead only to see a reflection of himself looking back. “I'll show them. I'll show them all.”

 

--

 

 

“Begin.”

 

Naruto didn't fall into a stance when Genma announced the start of the match. He just stood there and stared at Sasuke. Sasuke didn't fall into a stance either. Neither of them moved. Sasuke didn't know how long they simply stood there staring. It wasn't until Naruto spoke that he became aware of the silence that had fallen on the entire arena.

 

“Don't hold back on me like you did before.”

 

“I should say the same thing to you.”

 

Slowly Naruto began to fall into a stance. “Show me what you learned from the snake.” Naruto could feel the anger radiating off of Sasuke. He watched as Sasuke slowly fell into a stance as well with his eyes closed. When Sasuke reopened his eyes he had activated his Sharingan. `Oh he's really mad.'

 

Both boys rushed at each other at the same time. Naruto knew he would have a hard time landing a punch on Sasuke with his mature Sharingan, but that didn't stop him. Even though he knew all his punches and kicks were going to be blocked he put all his strength into each one.

 

It didn't take long for Sasuke's arms and legs to start hurting. Sure he was stopping Naruto from landing a hit but every punch and kick he blocked hurt. Naruto always had more muscle mass then Sasuke, and at this moment he was making it known. Sasuke was afraid Naruto was going to end up breaking one of his arms or legs.

 

When Naruto aimed a punch at his head, Sasuke took advantage and grabbed his forearm. Using Naruto's momentum, Sasuke turned his body to the side and threw Naruto over his shoulder. Naruto was caught off guard by the throw, but his instincts kicked in and he landed in a crouch position facing Sasuke. He quickly pulled out a kunai and a shuriken. He threw the kunai at Sasuke and waited a moment before throwing the shuriken.

 

Sasuke quickly pulled out his own kunai and deflected the one Naruto had thrown. He was about to deflect the shuriken when he saw the seals Naruto was forming. Dropping the kunai unceremoniously Sasuke quickly began to go through seals. He ended just in time to hear Naruto yell out “Shuriken, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!” and too see the one shuriken turn into too many too count.

 

Naruto watched as the shuriken hit Sasuke. None of them landed in any vital parts so he wasn't worried Sasuke would die. He stood up and was about to approach Sasuke when he stopped. The Sasuke standing in front of him turned into mud and melted onto the floor. Naruto immediately went on alert and started looking around for Sasuke. He was surprised when he didn't see Sasuke anywhere. It was then he realized where Sasuke was, but by then it was too late. An arm shot out of the ground right under Naruto and grabbed his ankle. Naruto was quickly pulled down until only his head was left above ground. Naruto struggled to get free, but soon realized he couldn't move. He looked up to see Sasuke walking up to him. He had a cocky smirk and on his face.

 

Naruto hated when Sasuke had that arrogant look on his face. But instead of yelling at him for it Naruto used that anger for something else. He closed his eyes and started to concentrate his chakra. Suddenly the ground around Naruto gave way. Sasuke had to stumble back at the force with which Naruto blew himself out of the ground. Sasuke looked up too see Naruto standing behind the hole. He was surrounded by blue chakra. Sasuke couldn't help but remember the last time he saw Naruto surrounded by blue chakra.

 

“…I'll definitely protect them till the end…”

 

Sasuke would never forget that day. Naruto kept his word and did protect him and Sakura from Gaara. He showed his true strength that day. Naruto fought Gaara with all he had, and even when he had nothing left, even when he could no longer walk he kept going.

 

Naruto noticed Sasuke's sudden lack of attention and decided to take advantage of it. He once again charged at Sasuke, aiming to punch him. Unfortunately Sasuke decided to pick that very moment to return his attention to Naruto. Sasuke managed to dodge the punch and the kicks that followed it. But once again his arms and legs began to hurt with each block. Sasuke saw that Naruto was about to kick him square in the chest, so he raised his arms to block the kick. The force of the kick pushed Sasuke back farther then he expected.

 

As he skidded to a stop Sasuke began to pull out a large shuriken. He quickly began to throw them at Naruto, who was easily dodging them. Luckily for Sasuke, Naruto didn't notice the true purpose of the shuriken.

 

It took Naruto a moment to realize that the shuriken were not being aimed at him. He knew Sasuke had good aim and couldn't understand how he could miss. Some of the shuriken weren't anywhere near Naruto. When the last shuriken was thrown Naruto noticed the smirk on Sasuke's face. Naruto watched as Sasuke stood and began to pull back. It was then Naruto noticed all the invisible wire surrounding him. Naruto didn't have time to do anything as the wire pulled him straight back. He didn't stop until his back hit a tree trunk. Naruto tried pulling his arm out but soon realized he was left immobile. He thought maybe he could summon his chakra again like he did in the hole. But that would only destroy the tree and not the wire. All Sasuke had to do was pull the wire tighter and Naruto would once again be tied up. Naruto needed some time to think of a plan, so he decided that distracting Sasuke would give him enough time to think of one.

 

“I knew that snake taught you something.”

 

“You know nothing!”

 

“No need to get so mad, Uchiha-sama.” The last part was said with such sarcasm that Sasuke was almost taken aback by it. He had never before seen or heard Naruto talk to him, or anyone for that matter with that tone.

 

“Why are you doing this?”

 

“To make sure you don't hold back.” Sasuke was so distracted by the conversation that he didn't notice Naruto had freed one of his hands from the wire and was slowly working to free the other one.

 

“You told you I wouldn't hold back.”

 

“You say a lot of things. But I want to make sure you'd fight me with everything you had so I can prove to everyone that I don't need it to beat you!”

 

Sasuke was now thoroughly confused. He had no idea what Naruto was talking about. He made a mental note to ask Naruto after the tournament what “it” was.

 

“Come Uchiha-sama, show me your true power. Finish what you started three years ago.”

 

Not one to back down from a challenge Sasuke placed the wire he was holding in his mouth and started to go through hand seals. He was so caught up in making sure he did the right seals that he once again didn't notice when Naruto freed his other hand.

 

--

 

In the audience Gai was surprised when Kakashi suddenly jumped up out of his seat. Kakashi rarely showed such emotion. The look on his face also worried Gai. He looked over to Shikamaru, Neji and Shino. All three of them were also confused.

 

“Kakashi, what is it?”

 

Without looking away from the match Kakashi answered Gai's question. “Sasuke is going to use Katon Ryuuka no Jutsu on Naruto.”

 

“WHAT? But that could kill Naruto!”

“I know.” Kakashi silently hoped that somehow, someway Naruto would be able to survive the jutsu.

 

--

 

It only took Naruto a second to realize what Sasuke planned to do. He quickly put his hands together and started to go through his own seals. He saw the fire surround Sasuke. Naruto couldn't help but wonder if that was what he looked like when he was surrounded by the Kyuubi chakra. He heard Sasuke yell “Katon Ryuuka no Jutsu” and he saw the fire approaching him. He noted that the fire was larger then anything he had ever seen or done before. He also noticed the fire looked like a dragon with its jaw open like it was about to devour him. That was the last thing he saw before everything went dark.

 

As the jutsu approached Naruto, Sasuke finally realized that Naruto had been forming seals of his own. He cursed himself for not noticing before. As the fire engulfed the area it was difficult to see what was happening to Naruto. Sasuke knew Naruto would be okay. He was quite aware of the blonds ability to heal faster then any medical nin, although he wasn't sure how he was able to do it. He also knew that the fire wasn't as intense as it was when he used it against Orochimaru in the Forest of Death all those years ago. He also knew that Naruto was still alive when he didn't hear a scream. The blond would probably be injured, maybe even severely, but probably nothing life threatening.

 

When the fire finally disappeared Sasuke had a hard time believing what he was seeing. Sasuke thought he would see a slightly burned Naruto. Instead he watched as Naruto threw open a coat of yellow spikes. It took Sasuke a moment to realize that Naruto had used a jutsu to make his hair very long and very durable and then used the hair to protect himself.

 

“It's called Ninpo Marin Jijizo, Ero-sennin taught it to me. Comes in very handy when I need that little bit of extra protection.”

 

“I see the pervert actually took some time off from his dirty novels to teach you something.” Sasuke was getting tired of the personal jabs Naruto kept throwing at him, so he decided to throw some of his own. He knew he hit a sensitive spot when Naruto's expression went sour.

 

“Don't you dare disrespect him!” Naruto reached down and grabbed the wire that was laying on the ground next to his feet. Standing up he quickly pulled on the wire. Sasuke still had some wire wrapped around his hands. The force of the pull sent Sasuke flying into a tree behind Naruto. As Sasuke flew by Naruto, he was cut by Naruto's hair which was still in spike form. When Sasuke hit the tree, Naruto returned his hair to its regular length and texture and quickly turned to attack Sasuke. But upon reaching the tree Naruto stopped.

 

`Oh god no!'

 

Naruto couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. Sasuke was standing with his hand on the tree, which he was using as leverage. He had his head down and there were some cuts on his left leg and arm from when he flew past Naruto. But what Naruto couldn't believe was that there were black patterns all over Sasuke's skin that looked a lot like the curse seal. When Sasuke raised his head and looked at Naruto with his Sharingan eyes, Naruto couldn't stop himself from taking a step back. Naruto watched as Sasuke took a step forward. It was at that very moment that Naruto realized his mistake. Sasuke didn't have the curse seal. The shadows created by the tree made it look like Sasuke had the seal. Naruto couldn't help but laugh at his mistake.

 

“What's so funny dobe?”

 

“For a second I thought you had the curse seal.”

 

Sasuke looked down at his arm and saw the shadows. He could see how Naruto would think that, but that didn't stop Sasuke from thinking Naruto was an idiot.

 

“You really are a moron.”

 

Naruto was about to yell something back when Sasuke disappeared from sight. Naruto saw Sasuke appear under him but he was unable to stop Sasuke's foot from connecting with his chin.

 

`Shit the Lion Combo!' As Naruto flew in the air he became aware of Sasuke behind him. Naruto had seen the Lion Combo before, so he knew what to expect. He knew Sasuke would first kick him on his left side, then quickly aim a punch for his face. That punch would send Naruto plummeting to the ground where Sasuke would again punch his abdomen to increase his fall and he would finish it off with a kick to the chest. Naruto knew all that, and he was ready to counter it.

 

Naruto sensed Sasuke behind him. He looked over to his left and watched as the kick came. He easily blocked it and turned to his right to prepare for the punch. Naruto crossed his arms over his face and waited for the punch, but it never came. Instead Naruto received a punch to the abdomen. The punch sent Naruto toward the ground. Naruto was caught completely off guard in the change of the combo. Sasuke took advantage of Naruto's confusion and punched him in the face to send him down faster. As Naruto neared the ground, Sasuke turned his body and kicked Naruto in chest with his heal.

 

The impact of the kick created a huge crater, with Naruto in the middle. Sasuke was thrown to the side where he landed on his back. The combo had taken a lot out of him. Sasuke slowly turned over onto his chest so he could see Naruto.

 

Naruto was breathing heavily. He had his eyes closed and there was blood trickling out of his mouth. Genma approached him and watched him for a short while. He turned to look at Sasuke, and Sasuke could tell by the look on his face that he had won the match. Naruto wasn't going to be getting up.

 

“Winner Uh-..”

 

“…wait…”

 

Genma looked down to see Naruto slowly turning over to get on his hands and knees.

 

“Wait, I can still fight.”

 

Sasuke couldn't believe his eyes. He watched as Naruto struggled to get on his feet. Sasuke slowly stood up as well and faced Naruto. Sasuke knew Naruto probably had little to no charka left. He knew he would have to end it now and there was only one way of doing that.

 

“Sasuke.”

 

Sasuke watched as Naruto lifted his gaze from the ground to his face. He recognized the look in his eyes. It was the same look he gave to every opponent Naruto had ever faced. It was the look of determination.

 

“You didn't hold back, and I haven't used it yet. Looks like we both kept our promise.”

 

“I don't remember you promising me that you wouldn't use whatever that it you keep talking about is.” Sasuke watched as Naruto gave him a confused look. “You promised me that you wouldn't hold back.”

 

“I did, didn't I? Well I haven't been holding back.”

 

A silence fell between the two of them. The entire arena was silent. But one question was going through all their minds; how was it going to end?

 

Naruto slowly lifted his face to look at the sky. It was a beautiful day. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue with a few clouds scattered about. Naruto smiled as he watched a small bird fly across his field of vision. “This is the end isn't it?”

 

“Yes it is. Are you ready?”

 

Naruto returned his gaze to Sasuke. “Yeah I'm ready.”

 

Both boys took their time as they began to gather their chakra. Sasuke watched as Naruto created a clone. Naruto watched as Sasuke began to go form some very familiar hand seals. Slowly the sound of the Chidori began to rise in volume. It became very obvious to Naruto that he didn't have enough chakra left to form a Rasengan that would be at the same level as Sasuke's current Chidori. Without even realizing he was doing it, Naruto began to tap into the Kyuubi chakra. The sudden surge instantly made the Rasengan forming in his hand more powerful. Naruto dispelled the clone and waited for Sasuke to finish charging up his Chidori. When Sasuke was done he too looked at Naruto. Without saying a word they both charged at each other.

 

As Naruto approached Sasuke, realization dawned on him. He had broken his promise. He was using it. He wasn't supposed to go back on his word. Kabuto's face flashed in his mind. No, Naruto was going to show him and everyone in Konoha how strong he truly was.

 

Naruto knew he was going too fast and was too close to Sasuke to simply dodge the attack and maybe try again. So instead Naruto closed his fist, essentially destroying the Rasengan and waited for the Chidori to hit him.

 

Sasuke was almost to Naruto when he saw him dissolve the Rasengan. But he was too close to do anything about it. His Chidori hit Naruto on the right side of his chest, but luckily Sasuke was able to move his arm far enough so not to hit Naruto's heart. But the force of the move resulted in his arm going straight through Naruto. Sasuke watched as Naruto coughed blood on their shoes. Sasuke was only scared for a moment before he remembered Naruto's ability to heal. Naruto had healed from a wound like this before, so he should be able to do it again. When Naruto lifted his head to look at him, Sasuke noticed that Naruto was giving him a strange look.

 

“This feels familiar doesn't it, Sasuke?”

 

The realization of the situation hit Sasuke like a ton of bricks. He looked over to the arm that was currently in Naruto and watched as Naruto grabbed it and pulled it out.

 

“You have no chakra left, do you Sasuke?”

 

Sasuke knew it was true. He had used his last bit of chakra to form the Chidori and to keep his Sharingan activated. But now his eyes were back to their dark color and he was empty. He knew the only thing keeping him up was Naruto's hold on his arm. But then again, how was Naruto able to stand?

 

“You're empty as well.”

 

“Yeah, but I got something you don't have.”

 

“And what would that be.” Sasuke didn't notice Naruto preparing himself to throw a punch.

 

“I have something to prove.” With that Naruto punched Sasuke with all he had. Sasuke fell to the floor on his side and watched as Naruto slowly walked over to him. He looked up and saw that Naruto was over reached to grab his shirt with his good arm. But Genma stopped Naruto from grabbing him.

 

“It's over.” Sasuke knew that those words for their ears only, and not the whole arena. “Winner, Uzumaki Naruto.”

 

Sasuke waited for the crowd to cheer, but when it came it wasn't as enthused as he expected. With help from Genma, Sasuke slowly stood up. One look at Naruto's face and suddenly he didn't feel so bad about losing. Naruto looked both relived and happy, and Sasuke knew if Naruto could jump he would be doing cart wheels.

“I did it. I won.”

 

Sasuke was about to congratulate Naruto, when Naruto suddenly fell over. Without a second thought Sasuke was by his side. His panic and terror somehow fueling his body to move and respond on it's own.

 

“Naruto!” Sasuke, with help from Genma, quickly ripped open Naruto's jacket. The hole in Naruto's chest wasn't closing up. Sasuke noticed a pool of blood was forming underneath Naruto. “Oye Naruto, why aren't you healing? You're supposed to heal!”

 

Without opening his eyes, Naruto smiled. “I promised I wouldn't use it.”

 

“Naruto, heal! Heal like you did the last time! Come on damnit, HEAL!”

 

--

 

“Shizune, go down there now!”

 

Without a second thought, Shizune jumped off the balcony and onto the arena floor. Tsunade watched as Shizune and a large group of medical nins surround Naruto and Sasuke. She wanted to go down there and make sure Naruto was okay, but she couldn't leave her seat.

 

“What a shame, Sasuke-kun lost.”

 

Tsunade turned her head to the side and glared at Kabuto. If looks could kill, Kabuto would have been screaming bloody murder. She knew Kabuto was completely ignoring her, but that didn't stop her.

 

“Hmm I wonder if Naruto-kun will live?”

 

“Don't talk about him as if you know him.”

 

Without moving his head, Kabuto moved his eyes to glare back at Tsunade.

 

“I know more about that boy, both of them as a matter of fact then you ever will. And if I were you I would watch my tone, Hokage-sama.” Kabuto turned his attention back to the arena and once again proceded to ignore Tsunade.

 

`I really do hate this man'

 

--

 

Sasuke wanted to shake Naruto. He wanted to yell at him for pulling a prank during a tournament. The only thing stopping him was the knowledge that this wasn't a prank. That for the first time in his life, Naruto was truly hurt.

 

“Naruto snap out it! I came back here because of you! DAMNIT NARUTO!”

 

Sasuke suddenly became aware of the medical nins that were trying to pull him away from Naruto. But he wasn't ready to leave Naruto. He wanted to make sure Naruto was alright. It wasn't until Kakashi grabbed him and spoke to him that he stopped fighting.

 

“Sasuke, let them take him away so that they can treat him.”

 

“Why Kakashi? Why isn't he getting up like he always does? I didn't want to kill him. Our moves were supposed to cancel each other out like the last time. It wasn't supposed to be this way.”

 

Kakashi helped Sasuke lay down on a stretcher being carried by two medical nins. “Don't worry, he won't die. Naruto is stronger then that.”

 

Die.

 

No, Naruto can't die. He won't die. That was Sasuke's last thought before he passed out on the stretcher.

 

--(A week later)—

 

“Will you let me go see Naruto now?”

 

Three days after the tournament had ended Sasuke woke up. The first thing he said that day was “Naruto?” Thankfully he was told that Naruto was alive, but had yet to wake up. Sasuke had spent the next two days gathering his strength so he could walk down the hall and actually see Naruto. But when Kakashi found out about his plan he ordered Sasuke to stay in bed until he was told he could walk around. This obviously frustrated him to no end. On his sixth day in the hospital Sakura come to tell him that Naruto had finally woken up. But she quickly told him that until Tsunade gave him permission he was not to leave his bed.

 

Finally after a week of waiting, Tsunade had come to talk to Sasuke.

 

“So, will you let me go see Naruto?”

 

After a pause, that Sasuke felt was unnessarily long Tsunade answered him. “After he eats and has his bandages changed you can go see him.”

 

“What time are his bandages usually changed?”

 

“Around 1:30.”

 

Tsunade waited for Sasuke to either ask another question or say Thank You. When neither came she turned and started to walk out the door.

 

“Wait.” She turned to see Sasuke looked out the window instead of looking at her. “Has he asked about me?”

 

“Actually, since he's woken up you're all he's asked about.” She watched as Sasuke's shoulders fell. The movement was more of a release of tension movement then one of disappointment. She walked out of the room and left Sasuke to his thoughts.

 

--

 

Around 1:00, Sakura decided to pay Sasuke a visit. She hadn't spent as much time with him as she had liked, but with her injuries, Naruto's injuries and Lee worrying himself half to death over her, she was left with little time.

 

When she walked in Sasuke's room she took note that he was sitting in the chair usually reserved for guest and was facing the window. She walked over to the side of the bed closest to the window and sat down. A few minutes went by before he finally spoke to her.

 

“Sakura, what is it?”

 

Sakura instantly knew what Sasuke was talking about, but she chose to play dumb. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

 

Sasuke knew she was lying. He knew there were only a few people who knew almost everything about Naruto, and she was one of them. “Sakura don't lie to me. I need to know.”

 

“It is not my place to tell you.”

 

Sasuke got up and stood directly in front of her. “Sakura, when did he tell you?”

 

“Shortly after you left.”

 

Sasuke looked over at the clock on the wall. It was 1:12. “Do you think he'll tell me?”

 

Sakura thought about Sasuke's question. When Naruto had told her about the Kyuubi it was becasue she had asked the right quesitons. Naruto said he felt he needed to tell her, so she could come to her own conclusions about him. But would he tell Sasuke? She lifted her head to look at Sasuke's face. There was an emotion on his face that she had never seen there before. Desperation.

 

“Yes, I think he will.” She watched as he turned to look at the clock on the wall again.

 

1:14

 

“You know I don't think he'll mind if you're early.” She didn't have to say another word. As soon as the words were out of her mouth Sasuke was already walking toward the door to his room. “Sasuke.” She heard him stop walking and knew he was listening to her. “Let him finish talking before you ask any questions. It'll make it easier for him.” The only thing Sakura heard was Sasuke open the door and walk out.

 

--

 

When Sasuke walked into Naruto's room there was a nurse there changing his bandages. Both of them looked up and watched him walk over to a chair and sit down, offically announcing that he wasn't going anywhere. The nurse turned her attention back to Naruto and continued with she was doing. Sasuke noticed that Naruto was avoiding eye contact with him. When the nurse turned to the tray she had on the nightstand to grab some more supplies, Sasuke was finally able to see the full extent of the damage. The hole in Naruto's chest was now completely closed. All that remained was a large scab. A little to the left of the scab was a similarly sized scar. As Sasuke passed his eyes over Naruto's chest he realized that that was the only scar he had. But he was sure that now it would be joined by another. He felt a sudden pang of gulit when he realized he was the only person to probably ever scar Naruto.

 

The nurse taped gauze over the scab on Naruto's chest and back. As she cleaned up her supplies the silence was broken by Naruto.

 

“Could I have a moment with Sasuke?”

 

Without stopping what she was doing the nurse opened a drawer on the nightstand and pulled out a “Do Not Disturb” sign. As she walked past Naruto she ruffled his hair, causing a smile to cross his face. When she closed the door Naruto finally turned to look Sasuke in the face.

 

“I take it you want to know.” Sasuke nodded. “Where should I begin. Hmm I guess I should start from the beginning then. What do you know about the Yondaime?”

 

Sasuke didn't understand why he was asking him such a strange question. But Sakura had told him to let Naruto talk, so he decided to play along. “He died while defeating the Kyuubi.”

 

“When did he die?”

 

“October 10th, fifteen years ago.”

 

“Do you know how he died?”

 

“I told you already, he died defeating the Kyuubi.” Sasuke was starting to get frustrated. None of these questions had anything to do with Naruto.

 

“No, that's not how he died. He knew a jutsu that would summon the Death God and seal away the Kyuubi's soul.”

 

“How do you know this?” Sasuke was having a hard time trying to understand how Naruto would know about something he didn't witness.

 

“Ero-Sennin told me. He was the Yondaime's sensei.” Naruto turned to look out the window. This next part was going to be hard to talk aboutm but doing it while looking at Sasuke would make it even harder. “The jutsu he used though had a price. He lost his life using that jutsu, and the Kyuubi was sealed away.”

 

“Naruto I don't understand.” Sasuke was now completely frustrated. Naruto had yet to answer his question. “What does any of this have to do with you?”

 

“The Yondaime sealed the Kyuubi away in a child. Why I don't know.”

 

“Naruto I still don't understand.”

 

“How old am I?”

 

This was turning into twenty questions, and Naruto was seriously testing Sasuke's patience. “Your fifteen.”

 

“Sasuke do you know when my birthday is?”

 

“Yeah, October 10th. Naruto I still don't understand...” Sasuke stopped talking mid sentence. It was all starting to come together. Naruto was born the same day the 4th died. Naruto mentioned that the Kyuubi was sealed in a child on that day. Could that child be Naruto? No that's not possible. People don't seal demons in children. But Gaara had a demon in him, he had seen it first hand. But Sasuke hadn't seen Naruto's demon. Wait he had. When they fought in the valley three years ago. Naruto's eyes had changed color, and he had this weird chakra. Was that Naruto's demon?

 

“He sealed the Kyuubi in me. I have the seal to prove it. Do you want to see it?” Naruto watched as Sasuke hesitantly nodded his head. Naruto lowered the covers to and exposed his belly button. Channeling a little bit of chakra, he watched as the seal appeared around his navel. Sasuke slowly walked over to Naruto and looked down at the seal. Sasuke couldn't stop himself from reaching out and touching the seal.

 

“How long have you known?”

 

“I found out after we graduated from the academy. Mizuki told me then tried to kill Iruka. It was a huge mess. I ended up beating Mizuki and Iruka gave me his forehead protector.”

 

Sasuke always knew that Iruka and Naruto held a special bond, he just never understood why. But after hearing this, he finally understood. “Is this,” he pointed to the seal, “the reason so many people hate you?”

 

“Yes. I never understood why people would ignore me, So I started to pull pranks to get their attention. I would much rather have them glare and say comments to me then ignore me.”

 

“Why?” Sasuke didn't understand. If he were in that situation he would much rather be left alone.

 

“Because then they acknowledge my existence.”

 

It all made sense now. The pranks, the looks, the glares, all of it made sense. Sasuke couldn't help but feel a little guilty at his treatment of Naruto. Sensing the guilt washing over Sasuke, Naruto spoke up. “Don't feel guilty. You are one of the first people to acknowledge me.”

 

Sasuke turned to see an all too familiar smile on Naruto's face. “Naruto why didn't you use the Kyuubi during our match, like you did before?”

 

“I overheard some ninja's talking about how I was nothing without the Kyuubi. So I wanted to prove them wrong.”

 

“You don't need to prove anything to anyone.”

 

“Sasuke, do you think any different of me? Will you still be my friend?”

 

“God's are you an idiot.”

 

The smile returned to Naruto's face once again. Everything was going to be okay. Sasuke still had a lot of questions to ask, but those could wait until later. If anything he could probably ask Sakura, so as not to make Naruto feel like he was being interrogated. Sasuke went to grab the chair and pulled it closer to the side of the bed. The rest of the visit was spent talking about mundane topics. They had both had their fill of serious conversations.

 

“Oye Sasuke, when are we gonna find out who gets promoted to chuunin?”

 

“We should find out within the next few weeks.”

 

 

 

 

--

Shuriken, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu - Shuriken, Shadow Clone (except these are real)

Katon Ryuuka no Jutsu - Fire Element; Dragon Fire Technique

Ninpo Marin Jijizo - Underworld Spikes

Lion Combo - Sasuke's version of the Leaf Shadow Dance

Chidori - Lighting Edge, if you don't know what this is you should be hurt.

Rasengan - I shouldn't have to tell you what this is.

 

HURRAY FOR THE CRAPTACULAR CHAPTER!! NARUTO WON!!

 

Okay let me say that I had a lot more planned for the fight, but I scrapped alot of my ideas cause well, I was getting tired. Now before I get yelled at for the sudden tiredness of Sasuke allow me to defend myself. My understanding of chakra is that it comes from stamina. A person transforms stamina into chakra.

 

Has anyone ever known someone who smelled like baby powder? It's such a comforting smell.

 

Let me also say that my original plan of the fight had Sasuke winning, but I quickly scrapped that idea. Okay nothing else to say. Next chapter, who gets promoted and where the hell do they end up.

 

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