Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ Secrets Told ( Chapter 13 )

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

 

Thanks to my beta. She knows how to read jibberish.

 

 

 

Chapter 13 - Secrets Told

 

 

 

(Set the same day as Chapter 12)

 

 

 

“I didn't know you were a medical nin, Sakura-san.”

 

After getting her assignment at the hospital and as Tsunade's apprentice, Sakura had rushed over to the Hokage tower. Tsunade wasted no time in giving Sakura things to do. She told Sakura that she would start working in the hospital right away. So here she was in Ryo's room checking on his wounds. He was the last person on her list of patients to check on. She couldn't wait to get home and find out what assignments Naruto and Sasuke got.

 

“I just got assigned to the hospital today actually.”

 

“I think you would make, no, actually you make a very good medical nin.”

 

“Thank you Ryo.” Sakura couldn't help but feel at ease around Ryo. He was friendly and easy to talk to. As she checked his bandages she wondered if he would be willing to answer some questions that had been plaguing her mind since she met him. “Ryo, can I ask you a question?”

 

“Of course.” Ryo smiled at Sakura, instantly breaking the tension forming in the room.

 

“How did you get to be a Sound nin? You don't seem to fit my view of a Sound nin.”

Ryo laughed at her question. He knew that the Leaf had been attacked by the Sound a few years back, and that he wasn't the stereotypical Sound nin. “Well a lot of things have changed. I joined the Sound about six years ago. Bandits ransacked my village. There were few survivors. Many left to join a neighboring village. I left with Hibiki to join the Sound.”

 

Sakura was surprised to find out that Ryo and Hibiki didn't start out as shinobis. They were both very talented and powerful people. Any hidden village would have greatly benefited from having them join. “But why the Sound? Why not come here to the Leaf?”

 

“We heard the Sound accepted orphans with no questions since the village was just getting started. Everyone there was an orphan, which meant everyone there understood what we felt. We formed our own families. Besides when you're ten years old you go to the closest village possible. Our choices were limited.”

 

“And Orochimaru just let you two join?”

 

Sakura noticed that at the mention of Orochimaru's name, Ryo sat up straighter. It seemed more like a respectful gesture then an uncomfortable one. “Yes. At the time he was looking for a vessel and he wanted a village to defeat the Leaf. Things were bad for a long time. But me and Hibiki made friends and we felt like we belonged. Kabuto-sensei took us under his wing and made us strong.”

 

Sakura realized then that Ryo was relieving a lot of secrets to her. She wondered if he was even aware at how openly he was talking to her. “Why are you telling me so much?”

 

Ryo's smile grew even larger. “I've always been like this. Besides I trust Sakura-san.”

 

Sakura couldn't stop the blush that crossed over her face. She wondered if Ryo was flirting with her. Lee would have a fit if he knew how Ryo was talking to her. “You said things changed.”

 

“Oh yes. When Sasuke-sama joined the village Orochimaru wasn't so tyrannical. Things got better. People were happier. Sasuke was happy as well. He was surrounded by people like him. Orphans, strong nins, people who challenged him, pushed him. That's why when he killed Orochimaru and left no one understood.” Ryo noticed the confused look that crossed Sakura's face. It was obvious that her view of the Sound and Orochimaru was different from his own. He also knew that he might never be able to change it, but he could try and make her understand. “Sakura-san, you must understand that no matter how tyrannical or evil you think Orochimaru was, he gave us all a home when no one else would. He gave us a chance to be strong, to be someone. Many of us would have died on the street from starvation if it weren't for him. He was our savior.”

 

Sakura understood what Ryo was saying, even though she didn't like it. The thought of seeing Orochimaru as anything but an evil nin was difficult. But Ryo had benefited from his time in the Sound. Maybe, just maybe the Sound would have been a wonderful village if Orochimaru had not used it for his own selfish needs. “So, how are things now?”

 

“Oh they are so much better. Kabuto-sensei is a much better Otokage. He doesn't use the village for his selfish needs. He wants us to prosper, that's why he came to the tournament. He wants to peace just like you do. Although he does have his work cut out for him.”

 

“You could say that again.” Sakura wondered if Kabuto truly wanted peace. Of course she wasn't going to verbalize her doubts of him to his student. She wondered if Ryo's vision of Kabuto was skewed because he was his sensei, or if what he was saying was the actual truth of the matter.

 

“Sakura-san, let me ask you a question. Why did you ask me about the Sound? You don't seem like the kind of person interested in politics. Could it be that you wanted to learn more about Sasuke-sama?”

 

Sakura was stunned at how easy it was for Ryo to read her. This was the second time he had answered a question she had before she even asked it. She was too stunned and embarrassed to say anything, so she just sat there in silence.

 

Taking her silence as a yes, Ryo continued. “He's a private man, rather cold at times. But you probably already knew that. But like I said before, he was happy. But when I saw how he interacted with you and Naruto-kun I finally understood.”

 

“Understood what?”

 

“Why he left. He was happy with us, but he was and still is happier with you, You know the real Sasuke. He would smile around us, but with you guys he shows true emotions. You've seen him at his best and worst. We saw him as our savior. As some one who tamed the beast.” Ryo noticed that Sakura's expression was turning grim. “Please don't get mad at him for not telling you about his time with us. He's ashamed of it and I can understand why.”

 

Sakura couldn't believe what Ryo was telling her. Sasuke was happy in the Sound? How could he have been happy? She was about to ask Ryo to elaborate when a nurse walked in and told Sakura her shift was over. Sakura thanked Ryo for the talk and walked out. When she arrived at home, she noticed that she was alone. The boys were still out, probably still working on their new assignments. She walked over to the couch and sat down. She wanted to talk to Sasuke, and she wanted to do it tonight.

 

 

 

The house was completely dark when Naruto and Sasuke arrived. Sakura had been so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice what time it was.

 

“Sakura-chan, are you home?” Naruto flicked on the light. He saw her sitting on the couch, and instantly got worried. “Sakura, what's wrong?”

 

Without looking up from the floor Sakura began to talk. “I went to the hospital today and talked to Ryo. We had a very interesting conversation.”

 

She heard Naruto start walking toward her. “About what?”

 

This time she did look up, but she focused her attention on Sasuke, who was still standing by the door. “We talked about Sasuke's time in the Sound.”

 

Naruto instantly stopped walking. Sakura watched as Sasuke reached over to grab the doorknob. He obviously didn't want to have this conversation, but Sakura was having none of that. She got up and ran toward the door. “Don't you dare leave!”

 

As she reached him she grabbed Sasuke's arm to pull him away from the door. Sasuke acted on instinct and roughly pulled his arm free from her grasp. Sakura moved to stand between him and the door. He was not getting away. “Why didn't you tell us? I had all these ideas that maybe Orochimaru made you do horrible things or that he did horrible things to you and that's why you didn't want to tell us. But never in my wildest dreams did I think that you actually --“

 

She didn't get the chance to finish her sentence because Sasuke slammed his fists against the wall behind her, effectively pinning her between the wall and himself. She heard Naruto hiss a warning.

 

“Why couldn't you tell us? How are we supposed to understand you when you won't let us in?” Sakura could feel the beginning of tears forming in her eyes. This was becoming a lot more difficult then she anticipated.

 

“You want to hear it? Do you really want to know the truth?” Sasuke's voice was low and full of emotion. Sakura was afraid of saying the wrong thing, so she just nodded.

 

“I didn't want to leave the Sound. Is that what you wanted to hear?” The volume of Sasuke's voice scared Sakura. She felt the tears run down her face as she looked at him. “I enjoyed my time there. Orochimaru treated me well. I was happy there. I had a chance to start over, just like I wanted to. I forgot about my desire to kill him. I didn't want to leave!”

 

By this point Sakura was openly crying. It was one thing to hear Ryo say it, but to hear it from Sasuke was more hurtful then she expected.

 

“Do you know why I killed him?” Sasuke couldn't stop himself from talking. He felt like the flood gates had been opened, and he couldn't close them. So he just kept talking. “He wanted to take over my body. I didn't want him too. Kabuto mentioned that the chuunin exams were coming up and that they were going to be held here. He said that maybe you and Naruto would be participating. That was the first time in a long time I had heard anything about either of you. I remembered why I had gone to the Sound and so I killed him and left.”

 

“Were you not happy here with us? Did we not challenge you?” Sakura continued to cry. She couldn't quite understand how Sasuke could be happy in the Sound. She thought maybe it was something she had done wrong, or maybe something Naruto had done.

 

“It was different there. They understood what it was like to be alone.”

 

Sakura had to restrain herself from slapping Sasuke. “How dare you! I might not know what it's like not to have family, but what about Naruto? He understands, maybe even better then anyone else.”

 

Sasuke knew revealing the truth was going to be hurtful, that was why he hadn't wanted to say anything. But it was too late now. He turned to see what kind of damage he had done to Naruto. Naruto was looking down at the floor. His hair was hiding his eyes from view. His fists were clenched. Sasuke knew he had hurt Naruto.

 

“How could you forget the Leaf? How could you have forgotten about me?” Sasuke didn't answer Naruto. Truthfully he didn't really know how to answer the question. He knew Naruto deserved an answer, he just couldn't give him one. It suddenly occurred to Sasuke that he might have just ruined the relationship he had just formed with Naruto. It was only yesterday that Naruto had called him brother. Fear washed over Sasuke.

 

Sensing the sudden change in Sasuke, Naruto looked up. What Naruto saw scared him. Sasuke was afraid. It took Naruto only a moment to realize why Sasuke was afraid. “All those things I said to you yesterday and today at my Dad's was true and I still believe them. But I am hurt that you forgot me because I didn't forget about you. Not for one moment in those three years did I forget you.”

 

Sasuke couldn't look at Naruto anymore, but he also couldn't look at Sakura. So instead he took a step back from Sakura and looked at the floor.

 

“Sasuke, were you ashamed to tell us?” Naruto asked in a quietly.

 

Sasuke took a moment to figure out how to verbalize why he hadn't told them. In a soft tone he answered. “Part of me wanted to tell you when we first meet in the valley so you'd kill me and make the pain go away. I felt guilty and it hurt so much more than when I left three years prior. But another part of me wanted to forget it all and come back home.”

 

Sasuke heard Sakura slide down the door so she could sit on the floor where she continued to cry. He was about to turn to her when he heard Naruto walking up to him. He turned to Naruto just in time to see Naruto raise his fist and punch him.

 

“I could never kill you! Don't you get it! I don't have very many truly precious people, and you're one of them, no matter how much of a bastard you are. You should have told us. We would have understood, we would have tried to help you. But instead you lied by omission. Sakura had to hear it from someone else, a stranger at that.”

 

Naruto moved past Sasuke toward Sakura. “That's what hurts more than you forgetting about us, the fact that you didn't trust us.” Sasuke watched as Naruto bent down and scooped up Sakura. He heard Naruto whisper soothing words to her as he walked away from the door and toward her room.

 

When Naruto returned from putting Sakura in bed, Sasuke was still standing in the same place. Taking a deep breath, Naruto walked over to him. “You should go to bed.”

 

“Even when I try not to cause any more pain, somehow I always manage to.”

 

Naruto could hear the hurt and the anguish in Sasuke's voice. The conversation had spared no one any pain. “Listen, if our roles were reversed I would have been ashamed too. But what's done is done.”

 

With that Naruto walked over to the kitchen. He knew that if he tried to go to bed now, he wouldn't be able to fall asleep. So instead he looked around the refrigerator for something to eat. He heard Sasuke enter the kitchen a moment later and sit down at the table. Naruto found some juice and poured himself and Sasuke a glass. After handing Sasuke his drink, Naruto walked back leaned against the counter. He wasn't sure how long they stood in silence before Sasuke finally spoke.

 

“Why do you keep forgiving me?”

 

“Because I can't afford to lose my best friend, or my brother.” Sasuke looked up from the table, shocked at what Naruto had said. “Hinata said that friends are people that accept you for the good and the bad.”

 

Another silence fell between them, before Sasuke once again broke it. “What's my good?”

 

“You make me want to be stronger. I feel like I can tell you things that I can't tell Sakura, and sometimes I don't even have to verbalize it. It's kinda like we're inside each others heads.”

 

Sasuke stayed quiet for a moment before he focused his attention on the glass of juice in his hands. “Do you want to hear the good I see in you?”

 

“Ok.” Naruto's response was hesitant.

 

“Your unbreakable determination. It pushes everyone to do their best. Pushes me to be better. Also your ability to smile no matter what.” This time Sasuke turned to look at Naruto, who just as he expected was smiling. Sasuke couldn't help but smirk.

 

“Tell me something I don't already know.” Naruto placed his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest.

 

Not one to miss an opportunity Sasuke said, “You're also loud, rude, annoying, dense, perverted, short tempered, --“

 

“Okay I get it. Sasuke-bastard.” Naruto returned to his original position of leaning against the counter. Sasuke finished his juice and got up. He washed the empty glass. Sasuke stopped in the middle of drying his hands and just stood against the counter.

 

“Naruto, tell Sakura I'm sorry.” Sasuke waited for some kind of response but got nothing. Sasuke turned in time to see Naruto push himself away from the counter and start walking out of the kitchen.

 

“You tell her.”

 

-----The next morning-----

 

Naruto and Sasuke had to get up early the next day in order to go to the academy and receive their proper training and instructions from Iruka. As they both walked up to the academy, Iruka was waiting for them outside. He was holding a mug, with what was probably coffee. Naruto idly wondered how early Iruka must have gotten up.

 

“Ah, you're here. Follow me and I'll show you the teacher's lounge and give you your instructions. I'll show you you're office afterward.”

 

As they entered the academy, both Naruto and Sasuke felt strange walking through the halls. It was like taking a trip back in time, except this time it was different. They were different. They stooped walking when Iruka motioned to a door with a sign that said “Faculty Only”. Naruto walked in first followed by Sasuke and then Iruka. The room was about the size of a regular classroom, except without the chalkboard or rows of seats. Instead there were two couches, one underneath the window and the other in the back of the room. That couch was probably used for taking naps. There was also a table with mismatched chairs that looked strangely comfortable and a small kitchenette.

 

“This will be your refuge when you want to escape the students. Now take a seat.” Both Naruto and Sasuke walked over to the couch under the window and sat down. Iruka grabbed one of the chairs and dragged it over to the boys. “Usually new chuunin instructors go through a long training session before receiving a class, but since you two are so young I've decided not to give you an actual class of students. Instead you will be in charge of the special instructions. Sasuke, I have decided to put you in charge of the kunai and shuriken training. Throughout the day students will come to your section in the academy yard to be trained. Please be patient with them.”

 

Sasuke nodded his head. He couldn't help but find it somewhat ironic that he was going to be helping children with their weapons, when his own brother didn't help him. Cursing himself for thinking of Itachi, he quickly returned his attention to Iruka, who was now talking to Naruto.

 

“Naruto, I've decided to put you in charge of the chakra control training.”

 

“What?! You know I suck at that!” Naruto would have jumped up out of his seat had Sasuke not grabbed his arm and pulled him back. Iruka on the other hand didn't even flinch. He obviously was used to this kind of behavior.

 

“You used to suck at it. You have great control Naruto. But since you did struggle in the past I figured you could help someone who is currently struggling. You know how to overcome it. Besides you have an immense amount of charka, making you the only person who can see students through out the day and not pass out.”

 

Naruto could only stare at Iruka. He knew Iruka had a point. Someone like Sasuke wouldn't be able to teach chakra control because he didn't understand what it was like to struggle with it. Naruto on the other hand knew all the little tricks on how to master control. He smiled when he realized how much thought Iruka must have put into their assignments.

 

“Now both of you will have a small office. You can either go there or come here on your down time. I suggest holding office hours. Many students are too embarrassed to raise an issue or ask a question in front of other students. Also if you ever have a question or a problem with anything let me know.”

 

There was a small pause before Naruto raised his hand. “I have a question. Are all the instructors chuunins and what class will you be in?”

 

Iruka waved his hand at Naruto, who promptly lowered his hand. “Yes, all instructors are chuunins, and I won't have a class. Since you two have graduated I've been put in charge of the whole academy.”

 

“I thought only jounins could run the academy?” The last time Sasuke had checked Iruka was a chuunin. But then again that was a little more than three years ago. The rules might have changed.

 

“Oh, well I got promoted as a special jounin two years ago.” Iruka looked over at a clock that was hanging above the sink in the kitchenette. He stood up quickly and began putting his chair back. “The new students should be here shortly for their enrollment. All the instructors are to be introduced to all the parents and students.”

 

“Uh, Dad, you don't think any of the parents will be mad at having us at instructors?”

 

Iruka walked over to Naruto and put his hands on Naruto's shoulders. “If they have a problem with it, they can take it up with me.”

 

Both boys couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for anyone who did have a problem with them.

 

 

 

The school yard was full of family and students. The instructors were all standing on a small stage that had been set up near the entrance of the academy. Iruka was standing in the middle of the stage looking over everyone. Naruto couldn't help but feel proud at how Iruka looked.

 

“There are a lot of kids here without family,” Sasuke said.

 

Naruto turned his attention away from Iruka to the school yard. Sasuke was right, there were a lot of kids present without a family member. Before he could comment on it an instructor standing behind them spoke up.

 

“They're orphans. A result of when the Sand and Sound attacked.”

 

“Then how is it they can join the academy? You need to have family present to join.” Sasuke remembered how his father had come with him to the enrollment. He suddenly wondered how it was Naruto was allowed to join the academy. He turned toward Naruto just in time to see him answer his question.

 

“Special Hokage permission.”

 

No one said anything after that. All the instructors turned their attention to Iruka when he started talking and the people in the schoolyard, who had begun to position themselves. Iruka welcomed them all and introduced the instructors. Naruto and Sasuke were surprised when no one reacted negatively to their presence. Once Iruka was done with the introductions he asked everyone to turn in their paperwork. As the parents moved toward the stage the instructors got off the stage and began to mingle. Naruto and Sasuke were standing off to the side. No one was approaching them, but they didn't really mind.

 

“Naruto, I'll be right back.” Naruto watched as Sasuke walked toward the general vicinity of the bathrooms. As he stood there alone he casually looked over the crowd. He stopped when he noticed Hinata approaching him.

 

“Hinata?”

 

“Hi Naruto-kun.”

 

“What are you doing here?”

 

Hinata turned and pointed to a small Hyuuga boy standing under a tree. “My cousin is starting here tomorrow. I was the only one available to come.”

 

“Oh, that's nice of you Hinata.” Hinata blushed slightly at the comment.

 

“Are you excited about being an instructor?”

 

“Actually, yeah I am. Although it's gonna be kinda weird being called sensei.” Hinata couldn't help but laugh at the face Naruto made. At the sound of her laughter Naruto laughed as well.

 

Once she stopped laughing Hinata looked down at her shoes, it was a nervous habit she had, but was not aware of. “I was wondering if you would be interested in having lunch with me today?”

 

Naruto was totally oblivious to Hinata's nervous behavior. “Sure. I should be done around one.”

 

This time Naruto did notice Hinata's enthusiasm when she suddenly looked up. “Okay. I'll come get you. I better take my cousin home. I'll see you around one then.” Naruto waved at her as she walked away.

 

“I hope you have a good lunch with her.”

 

Naruto turned at the sound of Sasuke's voice. “Wanna come?”

 

“No. I'll just make it awkward.”

 

“I don't understand. I mean she hasn't been giving you the cold shoulder so why would it be awkward?” Naruto noticed that Sasuke seemed suddenly very irritated and annoyed.

 

“Can you really be that dense? She likes you.”

 

Naruto crossed his arms over his chest and had on his face of someone in deep thought. After a moment of silence he dropped his arms to the side and looked at Sasuke. “What makes you think that?”

 

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose and sigh heavily before answering the question. “She's liked you since the academy. Everyone knows.”

 

“Oh.” Naruto began to think back to his days at the academy. He understood now why she was always weird around him, or why she would blush and stutter. He couldn't help but feel a little mad at himself and a little sorry for her.

 

 

 

Once all the parents were gone the instructors gathered in one of the classrooms. They spent the rest of the day with Iruka going over the schedule and goals for the year. They also discussed any issues that might come up regarding some of the students.

 

When Naruto was done he walked over to his office. His office only had room for his desk, a filing cabinet and a chair for visitors to sit in. His name was also on the door. When he opened the door to walk in he saw Hinata sitting in the visitor chair. She turned and quickly stood up at his presence.

 

“Oh, one of the other instructors told me this was your office. I hope you don't mind?”

 

“No, it's okay. Uh, shall we go?”

 

 

 

The silence was heavy as Hinata and Naruto ate their ramen. Naruto found himself not quite sure how to act around her anymore.

 

“Naruto-kun is everything okay? You seem really quiet.”

 

“Oh, I'm fine.”

 

Silence feel between them once again. Naruto knew he wasn't helping. She was suspicious of him, and he knew it.

 

“Naruto, you know if something is bothering you, you can tell me.”

 

“I know, thank you.” He cursed himself for being so stupid. Now she really knew something was wrong. He knew he had to do something, and fast. “Hinata?”

 

“Yes.” She stopped eating and turned all her attention to him. This only made him nervous, but it was too late to back out now.

 

“What do you think of me?”

 

She answered without hesitation. “Oh well I think you're a great person. You make me want to be a better person.”

 

That wasn't exactly the answer he was looking for. “Sasuke said the same thing. But I don't understand how I do that.”

 

“It's your determination. You told Neji once that you're not good at giving up. I think that's what it is. You inspire.”

 

“Thank you Hinata.” Hinata would have blushed, had she not noticed how insecure Naruto seemed at that moment. He really didn't know how wonderful of person he was. He was normal. He doubted himself at times, was unsure, breakable even. Naruto was real.

 

“Naruto, don't ever change.”

 

Naruto looked at Hinata for a moment, surprised at her random comment, then he smiled. He watched as a blush crossed her face. She looked down trying to hide it. “Hinata, are you blushing?”

 

“I……eh….”

 

“Sorry I didn't notice sooner.” Hinata didn't quite understand what Naruto was saying. Was he sorry he didn't notice her blush sooner? No, that didn't make sense. She looked up at him to ask him what exactly he meant when he continued talking. “Hinata, want to have dinner with me tomorrow?”

 

Now Hinata was really surprised. Naruto had just asked her out. She felt her face getting hotter. She wondered for a moment if this was all a dream, a wonderful dream. She was soon brought back to reality.

 

“So will you come to dinner with me?”

 

“Of course I will.” She quickly covered her mouth with her hands when she realized how loud and eager she sounded. Naruto laughed at her embarrassment. He realized she could be rather cute at times.

 

“Good. I'll come pick you up tomorrow around six.”

 

 

 

As Naruto approached the front door to the house he noticed Lee sitting on the floor by the door. He was sitting Indian style with is back to the wall; he had his face turned up toward the sky.

 

“Lee, is everything okay?”

 

Without turning to look at Naruto, Lee sighed heavily before answering. “Sakura is inside talking to Sasuke. She asked me to wait outside. That was about forty minutes ago.”

 

Naruto walked up the door and hesitated for a moment. He decided it was probably better if he didn't go inside. This was something that Sasuke and Sakura had to work out together. He moved away from the door and joined Lee on the floor.

 

“Were you here when he came home?”

 

“Yes. We were having lunch when he walked in. They just stared at each other then she asked me to wait outside.”

 

Naruto could tell Lee was a bit hurt by what Sakura did. “Lee, don't worry about it. We had a huge argument last night. They need to sort some things out, that's all.”

 

Lee turned his head to look at Naruto. “Why don't you go in there then?”

 

“I already worked things out with him last night. She's mad at him not me.”

 

“Naruto, how can you trust him so much?”

 

It was now Naruto's turn to look at the sky. He knew why Shikamaru looked at the clouds. Sometimes only the clouds could give him the answers he wanted. Except at this moment, they weren't helping. “I don't know.”

 

They heard footsteps approaching the door and turned to see Sakura open the door and stick her head out. “Lee-kun you can come in. Oh, welcome home Naruto.”

 

Naruto got up and followed Lee into the house. Sakura immediately grabbed Lee by the hand and lead him toward her room. She was either going to tell him everything or cuddle. Probably both. Naruto wondered where Sasuke was, before he spotted him sitting in the living room. He was lying down on the couch, one of his arms thrown over his eyes. Naruto walked over and pushed his legs out of the way so he could sit on the couch as well.

 

“So how did it go?”

 

Sasuke remained quiet, and Naruto waited. He could tell that Sasuke was exhausted by whatever he and Sakura had talked about. “She's still mad at me.”

 

“That was to be expected. Are you two okay now?”

 

“I apologized, she forgave me. Things are going to be a bit strained for a while.”

 

“I figured as much. At least she didn't punch you. That would have destroyed the house.” Naruto noticed Sasuke stiffen at the comment. Without thinking he grabbed the arm that was thrown over Sasuke's face and pulled it off. Sasuke had a bruise on his left cheek bone, right under his eye. “Did she do that?”

 

“Yes. She felt bad about it when we were done talking, but I told her not to heal it.”

 

“Why?” Sasuke didn't say anything. He just got up and walked to his room leaving Naruto alone in the living room.

 

 

 

`There's only 19 of them, I wonder where the last one is?' Naruto was hiding in a tree watching his first class of the day. He went over the lesson plans the night before and he knew all his classes were going to have twenty students. He had a hard time focusing last night though. His thoughts kept going to Sasuke and Sakura. `Might as well get started.'

 

As Naruto approached the class they all sat down on the floor. They all looked so small and eager. He wondered if this is what he looked like when he was here. Taking his place in front of them he began to introduce himself. “Well my name is -“

 

“Sorry sensei. I was on my way here and -“ The missing student had finally shown up. He was out of breath and rather sweaty. Taking pity on him Naruto just smiled at him.

 

“Don't worry about it. You made it just in time. Anyway, my name is Uzumaki Naruto and I'll be teaching you chakra control. My goal is by the end of the year each and every one of you will be able to make at least three clones and if you're really good be able to combine henge and bunshin no jutsu.”

 

The entire class began to groan.

 

“Well before we start, I need to know how well everyone can control their chakra. So…” Naruto walked around and handed everyone a small green leaf. “…place the leaf on your forehead and try moving it with your chakra.”

 

One of the students looked at Naruto with a mix of confusion and anger. “How the heck are we supposed to do that? It sounds boring and impossible.”

 

Without saying a word Naruto walked up to the student and took his leaf. He placed it on his head and with his chakra began moving it from his forehead to his chest and down to the legs. The entire time the students just looked at him. “Once you are able to control your chakra then you can do things like this.” By this point the leaf was now in the palm of his right hand, but his Rasengan quickly destroyed it.

 

“Chakra control is essential to all jutsu's. If you can't control it you will be unable to do jutsu's.”

 

For the next fifty minutes the students desperately tried to move their leaves. A few thought they were doing it only to realize it was the wind moving the leaf. Naruto groaned slightly, this was not going as he had planned. “Okay class, that's enough for today. Don't worry you couldn't move the leaf. We'll try again tomorrow. For the next ten minutes I want everyone to sit down and meditate with me.” With that Naruto sat down and all the students followed his example.

 

At the end of the day, only a handful of students were able to move the leaves on their heads. Naruto was discouraged, though it was only the first day. He quickly cleaned up his office and raced home. He still had to shower and change before leaving to pick up Hinata.

 

When he walked in the house no one was home yet. Dropping off his stuff on his bed, he grabbed a towel and rushed to the bathroom. Within half an hour he was out. As he walked back to his room he heard Sakura in the kitchen. When he walked in his room he saw Sasuke sitting on his bed.

 

“Do you mind?”

 

“I just thought I should warn you.”

 

“About?”

 

“I told Sakura not to make you dinner.” Sasuke watched as a look of terror crossed his face. “When she asked why I told her you were taking Hinata out. Sorry.”

 

Before Naruto got the chance to yell at Sasuke, Sakura walked in. She started fussing about Naruto and what he was going to wear. Sasuke left when he noticed Sakura was still ignoring him. He knew she would eventually stop being mad at him, but it still stung a bit.

 

Ten minutes later Sakura walked in the kitchen only to see Sasuke cooking dinner.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“You were busy, and I felt useless.”

 

Sakura didn't say another word. Instead she turned and went back to Naruto's room. She wanted to make sure he looked nice for Hinata. If she couldn't get him to wear something different, she wanted to at least brush his hair.

 

 

 

 

Naruto had never been so nervous in his entire life. As soon as he arrived at the Hyuuga residence he was ushered into a room and was told to sit. Hinata's father apparently wanted to talk to him; the head of the Hyuuga family wanted to talk to him. He silently thanked Sakura for helping him dress. He was dressed in his regular dark orange pants and a plain long sleeved black shirt. He still wore his forehead protector; that would probably never change. But Sakura had made him look a lot more presentable.

 

He straightened his posture when the door slid open and a tall man dressed in black walked in and sat down in front of him. Naruto couldn't breath. He wasn't sure if it was because of the man's eyes or just his sole presence, but Naruto suddenly felt very little and very weak. Slowly Naruto bowed, placing his forehead on the floor. “Hyuuga-sama.”

 

“Uzumaki-san.”

 

When Naruto sat back he looked at the man and realized he was at a disadvantage. He didn't know his name. The man knew more about Naruto then Naruto knew about him. “Please call me Naruto. Uzuamaki-san makes me feel old.”

 

Naruto hadn't meant for it to be a joke, but that didn't stop the man before him from laughing slightly. “I see now why she likes you. I was quite impressed with your abilities when you faced Hinata, as well as Neji a few years ago.”

 

“Thank you Hyuuga-sama.”

 

“Please call me Hiashi. Hyuuga-sama makes me feel old.”

 

This time they both shared a laugh. Naruto realized that Hinata's dad wasn't as scary as he imagined. But that didn't mean he wanted to spend the day in his presence. “Hiashi-san, are you worried about how I will treat Hinata?”

 

Hiashi was quiet for a moment before answering. “To be honest, at first I was. I did not approve of her feelings for you, simply because of who you were. But after seeing how you interact with everyone I soon cursed my own ignorance. I will trust you with her.”

 

Naruto once again bowed. “Thank you Hiashi-san.”

 

“Now go. She's waiting for you at the gate.” Naruto was about to ask Hiashi how he knew when he saw that he had activated his Byakugan. Saying another thank you, Naruto walked out of the room and toward Hinata.

 

 

 

The dinner was nice. Naruto took Hinata to a restaurant that didn't serve ramen. He thought it would be rude to eat the same thing they had for lunch the day before. Hinata had fun explaining to him what certain things were on the menu, and when their meals arrived she had to explain to him how to eat them properly. He was a good sport all through dinner.

 

After dinner they walked around the marketplace and came across a small carnival stand. Naruto would have won Hinata something had he not spent most of his time trying to show off. In the end it was Hinata who won Naruto a prize; a small yellow frog. After that, Naruto decided it was time to take her home.

 

“I had a wonderful time Naruto-kun.”

 

“I did too.” They both paused for a moment in front of the gates to the Hyuuga property. Naruto nervously pulled on the frog in his hands before holding it out. “Here take this with you.”

 

“No. I want you to keep it. Besides it suits you better then me.” She slowly pushed the frog into Naruto's chest. They stayed in that position for a while, with her hands to his chest. “Naruto, I'm scared.”

 

“I am too. But that doesn't mean I don't want to try.”

 

A smile, as well as a blush, spread on Hinata's face. Naruto pulled his hands away from his chest and circled them around Hinata's shoulders, embracing her in a hug. “Thank you Hinata.”

 

“For what?”

 

“Just thank you.” Without asking anymore questions Hinata buried her face in his shoulder and returned the hug. After what seemed like an hour he released his hold on her and stepped back. Naruto brushed a hair behind her ear. “Shall I expect you for lunch tomorrow?”

 

Hinata smiled and nodded before walking past the gates and toward her room. She was still scared of the prospect of dating someone. All the uncertainties that came with a relationship were new to both of them. Not to mention there was always the possibility that their relationship might not work and she could lose his friendship. As she walked in her room, she knew she had made the right decision.

 

 

 

“Kabuto-sensei, when are we going to return to the Leaf to get Ryo?”

 

Kabuto turned from his window to see Hibiki down on one knee with his head down. He slowly approached Hibiki, stopping only when he was right in front of him.

 

“Hibiki-kun, you know I don't like it when you act so submissive. Please stand.” He watched as Hibiki slowly rose from his kneeled position. “I plan on leaving tomorrow actually. I miss having Ryo around.”

 

“May I come with you?”

 

Kabuto smiled and placed his hand on Hibiki's shoulder. “You miss him as well I take it.” Kabuto knew better then to wait for Hibiki to answer his question. When it came to his emotions Hibiki was harder to read then a brick wall. Instead Kabuto turned and walked back to his window. As he watched over the Sound, he wondered if Orochimaru would be proud at the progress made by the village. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Kabuto instantly knew the answer. Orochimaru wouldn't care. Orochimaru was never interested in making the village strong and prosperous. He used it to find vessels, or to reach his sadistic goals. Although Kabuto must admit he enjoyed being by Orochimaru's side, but now he was in charge of the Sound, and he wanted the Sound to be strong. He wanted villages like the Sand and Leaf to look at his village as an equal, a force to be reckoned with. He would pull no punches to make the Sound strong.

 

Hibiki waited a while before turning to walk out. It was obvious Kabuto was caught up in his thoughts. As he shut the door behind him he thought he heard Kabuto speak. But instead of walking back in the room, Hibiki shut the door and left.

 

A smile crossed Kabuto's face. He heard Hibiki start to leave but his thoughts were else where. “I wonder if I'll see Sasuke-kun and Naruto-kun again.”

 

 

 

 

I really don't have much to say except sometimes the answers aren't as easy or pretty as we expect them to be. The world isn't a perfect place, and no one is perfect either.

 

Please leave comments, reviews, flames, spare change, etc…..