Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ Resolutions and Revelations ( Chapter 17 )

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto, although I must say the movie owned!!

 

Spoilers: none that I can think of.

 

Chapter 17: Resolutions and Revelations

 

 

After one of the most uncomfortable meetings Naruto had ever had, he was somewhat grateful when Kakashi ordered him back in bed for the rest of the day. Although he would have preferred to help out around the village, he followed Kakashi's orders. He spent most of his time thinking about Hinata, and how she avoided him. Slowly Naruto became more and more depressed. When Sasuke and Sakura came to talk to him, he welcomed the interruption.

 

Naruto listened as his two teammates recounted their day to him. Sakura mentioned that her medical nin wasn't that busy. Most of the injuries he treated had occurred after the attack as people tried to rebuild. Naruto laughed at Sakura when she said that she spent the whole day moving heavy debris.

 

Sasuke spent the day patrolling the village perimeters with Shino. They didn't encounter anyone of any importance, but they did find tracks that confirmed the nins that attacked came from the direction of the Sound.

 

“What did Hinata do today?” Naruto didn't like the looks on their faces. He could tell that Sakura and Sasuke were silently exchanging information with their glances. “Did something happen to her?”

 

When Sakura turned to look at Naruto, he only got more worried. She rarely looked at him with eyes of pity, and it scared him. “She got reprimanded by Kakashi. It was really bad.”

 

“Naruto, Kakashi was really worried about you two. I don't think he slept at all the night we spent in the forest. It just all came to a head today during the meeting.” Sasuke wasn't sure how Naruto would react upon hearing Hinata was yelled at. But he understood why Kakashi did what he did. Sasuke would have done the same if he were in Kakashi's shoes.

 

“I understand. I don't want to leave the village until I'm sure everything is okay.” Sakura and Sasuke nodded in agreement. That seemed to signal the end of the conversation, so Sakura got up and decided to check how Naruto's leg was doing. Sasuke stayed in the room and silently watched. Just as she finished Idate knocked on the door and announced that dinner was ready.

 

“You two go on ahead. I have to change then I'll join you.”

 

As Sasuke and Sakura left the room Hinata walked past them toward Naruto's room. Sakura saw her coming so she left the door open. Sakura's attention was pulled away from Hinata when she felt Sasuke pull on her arm. “Stay out of it.”

 

--

 

Naruto wasn't aware that Hinata was in the doorway until he turned and saw her standing there. He was a bit put off because she wasn't looking at him. Instead she was looking at the floor directly in front of her.

 

“Hinata you can come in.” Without looking up Hinata stepped forward and slides the door shut behind her. Naruto moved toward the bed and takes off the shirt he had on. He's about to put on the clean shirt he just grabbed when Hinata's voice stopped him.

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For everything. It's my fault you did what you did, it's my fault that nin attacked us and it's my fault you feel horrible.”

 

“I heard Kakashi reprimanded you. He can be a real jerk when he needs to be.”

 

“Don't change the subject.” Hinata was suddenly angry with Naruto for brushing her apology aside.

 

“I'm not. There's no point in me being mad at you when not only did you not know the consequences but you've already been yelled at.”

 

“But I don't care what he thinks, I care what you think.”

 

Naruto sighed heavily and sat down on the bed. He placed his head in his hands and fell silent. His reunion with Hinata was not going well. He feared that the pressure of the attack, her being reprimanded and the marriage proposal were becoming more than their relationship could handle. He felt the bed dip slightly next to him. He knew without looking that Hinata was now sitting next to him.

 

“I was upset that you didn't come talk to me after the battle. But mostly I was hurt. Hurt that in me trying to protect you I somehow managed only to hurt you Hinata.”

 

Naruto felt the weight disappear next to him. He listened quietly to try and figure out what Hinata was doing. It wasn't until he felt her soft hands on his knees that he looked up to find her kneeling before him.

 

“Naruto, you didn't do anything wrong.”

 

“Then why didn't you come?” He knew he sounded desperate, but his pride be damned.

 

“Because I was scared. But I wasn't scared of you, but of the power you posses, of the fact that I can't help you carry some of the burden of that power. You suffer because of it and there's nothing I can do.”

 

Naruto felt his fear and desperation melt away. He understood now. He knew Hinata hated feeling useless. For the past couple years she had been working hard on being someone who she felt wasn't useless.

 

“Hinata, this burden is mine alone to carry. I don't want anyone else to carry it. I was hurt you stayed away, but I understand why you did. But please next time just come to me.” Naruto slowly wiped a tear away from her cheek before kissing it. He leaned closer until his lips almost touched her ear. “I forgive you, okay.”

 

The moment the words were out of his mouth Hinata wrapped her arms around his neck. He could feel her tears on his neck. Naruto could hear her say, “I'm sorry” over and over.

 

That night as he lay in bed he thought about his relationship with Hinata. He looked down at her. She had her head on his chest and her arms wrapped around his waist. Naruto enjoyed the warmth she radiated. Looking at her there was no doubt in his mind that he loved her and always wanted her next to him. They complimented each other. Even though they both could stand alone, together they are stronger. Together they could face anything and anyone. Together they could feel a happiness that no one else could give them. Together they were almost a complete entity.

 

Almost. Naruto would be the first to admit that he was a closet romantic, but he wasn't so sure he believed that there was someone out there that would make him a whole person. He already felt he was a whole person. What he felt with Hinata wasn't wholeness, but complete. She filled a gap he wasn't even aware was there. She filled him, and he hoped that he filled her in return.

 

Naruto smiled when he thought about the new life he was about to start with her. There was so much to look forward to now. He was going to be a husband, and maybe one day in the future a father. He would be the best father that ever existed, although trying to surpass Iruka was going to be a challenge.

 

Naruto lost his train of thought when Hinata gave a shuddered sigh. Her body was still recovering from all the crying she did. He slowly ran his hand up and down her back to calm her back down. He felt bad that she cried so much. But now that things were better their small fight didn't worry him all that much, if anything it only proved to him how much their relationship meant. Their fight was based on feelings and emotions. They both had a lot invested in each other. He knew from his relationship with Sasuke and Sakura that fighting every now and then wasn't a bad thing. But of course too much fighting is a bad thing. As he started to drift off to sleep he smiled when he thought, `I have nothing to worry about.'

 

--

 

After reading the message Kakashi had just sent via a messenger bird, Tsunade was much more relaxed. The message told her what Hinata had revealed to them as well as the condition Naruto and the village were in. She had also received a message from Shikamaru, who was still at the Sand. He told her that he had heard nothing about the Sound, but that something came up and that he would have to be staying in the Sand for longer than expected. He also said the whole thing was “tiresome”. This was his code word for “don't worry everything is fine”. She knew he was just trying to keep her from worrying too much.

 

Deciding that she needed a break, Tsunade got up and walked out of the tower. First she would pay a visit to the nins guarding the gates then work her way in back toward the tower. She always enjoyed talking to all the nins in the village. It made her feel more closely connected to them. As she approached the gates the two jounins stationed there became nervous. She told them that they had done nothing wrong; she was just paying them a visit. They were in the middle of talking about their families when a puff of smoke appeared a few meters away from the gate.

 

As the smoke clears three figures appear, two are standing and one was on the floor. The two people standing are wearing black hooded cloaks, making it difficult to see their faces.

 

“Kabuto-sama sends his apologies. Someone took it upon themselves to attack your nins. He sends this letter,” the man pulled out a letter from his sleeve and laid it down by the body on the floor, “and a sign of peace. He hopes you will stick to the agreement since it was not his decision to break it.”

 

With that the two men were gone. Tsunade along with the two jounins approached the body cautiously. When Tsunade reached the body on the floor she's taken aback by what she saw. The man had so much blood on his person that it was hard for her to tell where his injuries were. She took the letter off his body and stuffed it in her shirt to read later. She ordered one of the jounins to get extra help. As he left Tsunade returned her full attention to the bloody man. She rolled him onto his back and saw that the man has only one arm. She cursed under her breath. `So this is Kabuto's idea of a peace sign.'

 

--

 

It wasn't even a day since Kakashi sent a message to Tsunade that an Anbu member appeared in the Tea. The Anbu immediately sought out Kakashi and asked to speak to him in private. Kakashi ordered everyone to go the house Naruto was staying in and wait for him. Everyone was very nervous. Was Konoha going to war? Did the Sound make another move?

 

When Kakashi walked in the room everyone was sitting, and their level of nervousness rose when they saw the Anbu walk in as well. Kakashi casually stuffed his hands in his pockets.

 

“Well, everyone pack up we're going home.” Kakashi was immediately bombarded with questions of why. He raised his hand and the room fell silent once again. “Seems that the attack was done without Kabuto's consent. Hinata's theory is most likely true.”

 

“How can we be sure?” asked Sasuke.

 

This time the Anbu member stepped forward and answered. “Kabuto sent us the mastermind of the whole thing.”

 

--

 

Tsunade spent the rest of her day making sure the man didn't die from blood loss. Only when she felt there was no chance of him dieing anytime soon did she allow the interrogations to begin. She knew that the sooner he was asked questions the more answers he was likely to give. Tsunade had Ibiki interrogate the man, since he was the best there was.

 

After almost three hours of questioning, Ibiki joined Tsunade in her office. Ibiki told Tsunade that the nin was in fact from the Sound and had participated in the chuunin exams the year before. He also said that the attack on the Tea was done without Kabuto's consent. He strongly emphasized to Ibiki that he made a mistake and was now paying for it. But when Ibiki asked him why he attacked the man went silent. Ibiki spent an hour trying to get him to answer before moving on to other questions. For the next hour and a half Ibiki tried to get the nin to reveal something, anything about the Sound. Unfortunately Ibiki was unable to get any information.

 

“Tell me Ibiki what you make of that man?”

 

“He's extremely loyal to the Sound and to Kabuto. I think he'd die before saying anything that could damage the Sound. He seemed to think that what Kabuto did to him is deserving. We won't be able to get anything else out of him.”

 

“Did you get his name?”

 

“Roiyaru.”

 

“Thank you Ibiki. That will be all.”

 

Tsunade didn't really know what to do with the man. Her options were limited. She could either have him executed, let him stay in prison, send him to the Tea and have them deal with him, or release him. She didn't want to release him or send him to a country that might not be able to handle him. Then again she couldn't really have him executed either. That might be the spark Kabuto was waiting for. Tsunade felt a headache coming on. Maybe waiting `till Kakashi and everyone else returned from the Tea was best.

 

--

 

As soon as everyone was packed the group left the Tea. It seemed the entire village came out to wish them a safe trip and to give their thanks. The group traveled quickly with the Anbu leading the way. Kakashi was proud that his former students were able to keep up with the pace of the Anbu so easily. The group thought it best if they traveled straight through the night so that they could arrive in Konoha faster.

 

They arrived in Konoha early the next morning. The group went straight to the Hokage tower. When they entered Tsunade was at her desk looking over scrolls and drinking what Naruto assumed was coffee. Tsunade thanked the Anbu member and dismissed him. Sakura also dismissed the medical nin that was with her. She told him to go home, get sleep and that he had the rest of the day off. Once both the medical nin and the Anbu left the office, Tsunade walked around her desk went toward Naruto and punched him in the head.

 

“You idiot! Do you have any idea how worried I was?”

 

“Nice to see you too.” Naruto smiled at Tsunade as he rubbed his head.

 

Tsunade smiled back and motioned for everyone to take a seat. She moved back around her desk and took a seat.

 

“Okay Naruto and Hinata tell me what happened.”

 

Naruto leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms. “Well I defeated the nins and then -“

 

“Will everyone please leave me alone with Naruto.” Tsunade was staring hard at Naruto, who in return was staring hard at her. He felt someone give his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before leaving. As soon as the door clicked shut Tsunade asked Naruto to start over. But instead of talking Naruto lowered his gaze. “Naruto no one blames you for anything. You did a very noble thing in defending the village. I just need to know what happened.”

 

“I know. Well Hinata and I were in the park when they arrived. I sent her to help evacuate the village and I went to stop the nins. I ended up in a clearing surrounded by the nins. They knew who I was and they knew about the Kyuubi. I thought they killed Hinata. I let my rage take over and I killed them...” Naruto sighed quietly before continuing, “…I killed them bare handedly. Hinata walked into the clearing when I was done. Between the both of us we burned the bodies. Kakashi can tell you the rest.”

 

Tsunade remained quiet for a moment as she studied Naruto before calling for everyone to come back. She asked all of them, except for Kakashi to give her a verbal report.

 

“Okay I take it you all want to know about the mastermind. He claimed that Kabuto had no knowledge of the attack. When he arrived he was almost dead. Now Hinata's story seems very likely, but I want to make sure. I want him to meet Hinata and Naruto.”

 

“Can we be present?” Sasuke knew he wasn't the only one who wanted to be here when the nin came.

 

“If you want.” Tsunade knew that was to be expected. She called a guard and ordered him to bring the prisoner. As they wait Sasuke, Kakashi and Shino moved to the back of the room and leaned up against the wall. Sakura moved to the other side of the desk to stand next to Tsunade. Naruto and Hinata stood in front of the desk.

 

When the doors opened there were two guards escorting the nin into the room. Naruto could see that although his feet were shackled, the shackles themselves were not what were causing the nin to limp. He also noticed that the nin's one arm was tied to his back. Although the nin was looking at the floor Naruto immediately recognized him.

 

Tsunade dismissed the two guards and waited for the nin to look up. When he didn't she called his name. “Roiyaru.”

 

The nin slowly looked up, but his attention didn't go toward Tsunade. Instead his gaze fell solely on Hinata. As he glared at her everyone in the room can feel the killing intent coming off of him. Naruto stepped in front of Hinata, blocking her from Roiyaru glare. Then Naruto began to glare at Roiyaru, as well as release killing intent.

 

“Stop it at once!” Roiyaru snapped his attention to Tsunade immediately. He decided to take advantage of the moment and look around the room. As his gaze passed over Sakura he stopped and looked at her curiously.

 

“Are you the one named Sakura?” When she nods, Roiyaru continues. “Ryo told me all about you.”

 

“Did he tell you about anyone else?” Sakura asked.

 

Roiyaru turns back toward Naruto. “He said Naruto was loud, but friendly.” He snorts out the last part of his statement earning him a glare from Naruto. Next Roiyaru turned to Sasuke, who was standing behind him. “He also said Sasuke-sama was different, although I've yet to see the change. As for those two standing next to him, he never mentioned them.”

 

Roiyaru turned back around when Tsunade began to talk to him once more. “How did you know about Naruto?”

 

“Kabuto-sensei is very knowledgeable when it comes to the nins in Konoha. He made sure his students knew as well.” Without turning his head Roiyaru glanced over at Naruto. “Pity too, I wanted to fight you and see your power for myself.”

 

Naruto couldn't hide the anger in his voice as he spoke, “Why did you attack the Tea?”

 

“Don't think I don't know what you're all trying to do. I'm not stupid. I didn't say anything before because I wanted her.” Roiyaru turned so he was now facing Hinata dead on. “You ruined my life. I was Kabuto's favorite, the leader of my team. Then you took my arm, you took my jutsu's. Kabuto no longer cared about me; he pushed me aside and found a new favorite. Look how easy it was for him to throw me away. It's all your fault!”

 

Naruto could tell by the look on Hinata's face that she was horrified at what she heard. “You attacked us because of revenge?”

 

Roiyaru completely ignored Naruto and continued to talk to Hinata. “My first attempt failed. I was only able to scratch you. But when I saw you leave with Naruto for the Tea Country I took my chances. I was disappointed you didn't fight. So I had to change my plans. I'd ruin your life, like you ruined mine, by taking him away. Seems like Kabuto was right though, Naruto really is a demon.”

 

Naruto felt his entire body go cold. He could do nothing more than stare at Roiyaru, who in turn was smiling at him. Naruto's field of vision changed though when this time Hinata stood in front of him.

 

“Say what you will about me, but insult him again and no one will be able to identify your body when I'm through with you.”

 

Hinata left everyone speechless. It wasn't often the quiet girl bared her claws. Even though Roiyaru was slightly fearful now, he refused to show it. When he heard someone behind him scoff, he turned to see who. His attention was drawn to the man wearing a beige trench coat and sunglasses.

 

“What are you laughing about?”

 

“It is obvious Kabuto told you nothing. Look around you. Hinata-san is not the only one who now wants you dead.”

 

It was only when Shino told him that Roiyaru realized everyone was looking at him with anger in their eyes. Sasuke had activated his Sharingan, Sakura had her hands fisted so tight her knuckles were pale white. Next to her Tsunade was rubbing the bridge of her nose. Without looking up she called the guards back in and ordered them to take Roiyaru back to his cell. As the guards pulled Roiyaru out the door he forced them to stop.

 

“Ryo said the people of the Leaf would accept everyone and anyone with open arms. I see now he was shown only a lie!”

 

As the guards forcefully pulled Roiyaru out the door Tsunade replied to him just before the door closed. “Ryo didn't attack an innocent village.”

 

Once the doors were closed Hinata lowered her head. “I'm sorry. I just made things worse.”

 

“Don't worry about it. I got the information I needed. Kakashi, I need to talk to you, everyone else may leave.”

 

Once outside the tower Shino started walking toward his house. Hinata told Naruto that she should probably go home so as not to worry her father. Naruto gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before walking home with Sasuke and Sakura.

 

Naruto was the first one in the house. He took off his shoes and went to sit in the living room. Sakura entered next and went to the kitchen to make herself some tea. Sasuke was the last one in. After shutting the door, he turned and stopped when he saw Naruto. He remained in the same spot until Sakura walked in with her teacup. She followed Sasuke's gaze toward Naruto. They both glanced at each other then back at Naruto before approaching him.

 

Sakura sat next to Naruto and Sasuke moved to sit in the seat across from him. “Naruto, is everything okay?”

 

“Sakura, will you do me a favor? Will you check my seal?”

 

Naruto heard Sakura gasp lightly. He didn't blame her. He had never asked her to look at it before. Heck he wasn't even sure either Sasuke or Sakura had ever gotten a good look at it. When she nodded, he stood up, removed his shirt and lay down on the couch. Sakura got down on her knees next to his torso and moved her hands over his belly button.

 

Naruto watched Sasuke move from his seat to get a better look at what was happening. His attention returned to Sakura when she touched his stomach. Her eyes were closed and there was a faint green light surrounding from her hands.

 

“Mold some chakra.”

 

Naruto obeyed and molded some chakra for her. He saw Sasuke out of the corner of his eye lean closer to get a better look at the seal that appeared on his stomach. Naruto turned to see that Sasuke had activated his Sharingan.

 

Sasuke had never seen such a complex seal before. He didn't really understand what it all meant, but it was still fascinating to look at. What also fascinated him was what Sakura was doing. He couldn't copy it because it wasn't really a jutsu. She wasn't healing him or harming him. He couldn't really tell what she was doing. He felt Naruto staring at him. He gave Naruto a small smirk. “You've lost some muscle definition.”

 

Naruto was about to reply when Sakura told him to sit up. As Naruto moved to sit, Sakura left the room only to reemerge with her medical bag. Setting it down she pulled out a small flashlight.

 

“Look at my finger.” Naruto did as he was told. Sakura flashed the light into his eyes at an angle. “Mold some chakra and follow my finger.” Once again Naruto listens.

 

Sasuke concentrated his full attention to Naruto's eyes. He isn't quite sure what Sakura was looking at, but he hoped that whatever it is he might be able to see it as well. His thoughts are cut short when he noticed something strange about Naruto's eyes. He didn't get a chance to observe it more because Sakura removed the light. Instead she got up and placed one hand on Naruto's forehead and the other at the nape of his neck.

 

“Mold chakra again.”

 

Sakura slowly moved her hands around the nape of Naruto's neck as well as around his forehead. When she removed her hands, Naruto looked up at her. She still had her eyes closed. After a moment she opened them and looked down at Naruto with sad eyes.

 

“I've changed haven't I?”

 

“There's more of him in you.” When Sakura saw the look of horror on Naruto's face she quickly dropped down to her knees and grabbed his hands. “Wait that came out wrong. It's not that you're turning into him, it's more of him turning into you. The seal is slowly blurring the line that separates you two.”

 

“So he'll disappear?”

 

“Yes, into you. Your eyes change slightly when you mold chakra, as do your chakra paths. But I highly doubt it'll change who you are. You will always be Naruto, nothing can change that.”

 

“Naruto.” Sasuke waited for Naruto to turn to him before continuing. “You knew this was happening?”

 

“I had a feeling.”

 

“Naruto, you'll be fine. I'll stake my career as a medic on that. OH! That reminds me!” Sakura got up and ran out of the room so fast that Naruto had to pull his legs onto the couch to keep her from trampling them. When she returned she thrusted a thick envelope onto his chest.

 

“What's this?”

 

“Kakashi delivered them. They announce promotion. Open it!”

 

“Did you two get a letter?” Naruto opened the sealed envelope carefully; he didn't want to accidentally rip something important inside.

 

“Yeah we did. What's it say?!”

 

“Geez, calm down Sakura. Uh…it says…wow! They want me to join Anbu. This is awesome!”

 

Sasuke instantly felt horrible. Horrible because he was hurt and angry he wasn't asked to join, and horrible because he knew he should feel happy for Naruto. Sakura turned and saw how down Sasuke looked. She remembered how he reacted when Lee mentioned he too was asked to join the Anbu. Naruto noticed the change in Sasuke, and it didn't take him long to realize the cause.

 

“They didn't ask you to join?”

 

“No. I was promoted to jounin that's all.”

 

“If it bothers you I won't join.”

 

“Idiot! Go, join. They only ask you to join once. Don't let me hold you back.”

 

“You don't hold me back, but I don't want things to get strange between us.”

 

“If you don't join things will be strange between us.” Naruto fell silent. He could tell Sasuke still carried some of his inferiority complex, even though it wasn't as big a problem as it was when they were younger. Joining the Anbu could put his relationship with Sasuke on shaky grounds. But just like Sasuke said, not joining could be just as bad. Naruto might later resent Sasuke. “Naruto an offer like this doesn't happen everyday. We're proud of you so take it, and if you ask me to repeat that I'll kill you.”

 

“Who else made it?”

 

“Lee did!” The volume and intensity with which Sakura spoke startled Naruto and Sasuke. “Sorry. Shino got promoted, Neji, and Lee also made Anbu.”

 

“Wait, so just those three and us?”

 

“Naruto, she won't be mad with you.” Sakura placed her hand on Naruto's shoulder. After giving him a gentle squeeze, she pushed his back into the couch. “Speaking of Hinata, so did you ask her?”

 

Naruto moved away from Sakura. With a cheesy smile he scratched the back of his head. “Yeah I did and she said yes.”

 

An overly excited Sakura instantly tackled him. Naruto wasn't quite sure what she's squealing, only that it sounds positive. It's only when he pushed her off that she started to speak in complete and understandable sentences. “So when's the date?”

 

“Well we haven't really talked about it, but we're going to wait until we're both 18. Other than that, don't know.”

 

“How exciting! I have to talk to her now.”

 

As Sakura left the room, Sasuke gave Naruto a look of pity before getting up and going to his room. That night everyone slept in their respectful beds.

 

--

 

The next morning Sakura felt so refreshed as she got out of bed. It wasn't often she got a chance to sleep in. From her bed she could hear Sasuke cursing lightly in the kitchen. He probably burned his food again. She could also hear Naruto making a lot of noise in his room. Reluctely she got out of bed and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. On her way back to her room, she decided to stop and see what the hell Naruto was doing in his room.

 

When she opened the door she was shocked to see clothes, weapons and other ninja paraphernalia thrown about the room.

 

“Naruto, what the hell are you doing?”

 

She wasn't sure where Naruto was. It was only when he threw something on the bed from the closet that she knew where he was.

 

“The letter came with a checklist of things I need to take with me on the month long training session.”

 

“So you're going?”

 

Naruto walked out of the closet and toward the bed. In his hands he carried some more clothes and what looked like a brown backpack. “Yeah. You guys were right. I'll never get asked again to join. Besides, I shouldn't feel bad about passing all of you since when I become Hokage I'll totally be better than everyone.”

 

Without a word, Sakura casually walked up to Naruto and punched him in the head.

 

--

 

A Few Days Later

 

--

 

The entire rookie nine gathered in front of the Hokage Tower to bid Neji, Lee and Naruto farewell and good luck. The conversations were mostly light. Everyone promised to be on their best behavior with the three of them gone. Sasuke threatened to beat Naruto into a bloody pulp if he came home early from the training. Naruto in return poked Sasuke in side, eliciting a giggle from everyone else in the group. Sasuke made a mental note to kill Sakura later for accidentally discovering his one ticklish spot and telling everyone about it.

 

Exactly on the hour two Anbu members walked out of the tower and asked for Neji, Lee and Naruto. After saying their final good-byes the three followed the Anbu members inside the tower and into a small conference room.

 

“Before we leave we will de-brief you and give you new gear. All the information you are told is strictly confidential. Although many will know you are Anbu, they are not to call your name when you have the mask on. If they do, you are not to answer. Wearing the mask takes place of your identity. If you can't handle that you should leave.”

 

When no one moves to get up, the two Anbu removed their masks. Naruto was surprised at how young the two men were. For the next hour the men told them about all the rules and regulations. They learned about the dangers of being an Anbu member, as well as the benefits, such as long vacations. They were told everything and anything. Nothing was left in the dark. The two Anbu wanted Neji, Lee and Naruto to understand what exactly they were getting themselves into. At the end they were once again asked if they wanted to leave, and once again no one moved.

 

“Alright let's get you your new gear.” All three were given new Anbu gear. Naruto asked if he could use his own katana, to which the Anbu members said it was fine. After getting their gear they were shown a cabinet that had all the versions of the Anbu masks hanging inside. They were told to pick a mask. Naruto picked out a dog-shaped mask, with a snout and ears. Neji picked a bird mask, which had a small pointed beak. Lee took the longest to pick out a mask. In the end he picked a bear mask.

 

“Now that you have your gear there is one rule. You are not allowed to wear it until after you make it through training. Having the gear will help motivate you to your goal. If you fail to pass the training, all the gear will be confiscated. If we find out you wore the gear before completing the training, you will be kicked out. Any questions?”

 

Naruto put the mask in his backpack and smiled widely at the Anbu. “When do we leave?”

 

The Anbu smiled as they placed their masks back on. “Right now.”

 

The five of them exit the tower and headed to the northern most part of the Fire Country not to be seen for a month.

 

 

Roiyaru - Loyal

 

 

Okay I like this chapter a lot more than my last one. Is everyone happy now, Hinata and Naruto had their much needed talk. This chapter was packed with a lot of stuff. Not as much dialogue as my last chapter, but oh well. I hope I properly conveyed what Naruto thinks about his relationship with Hinata.

 

Roiyaru can be quite the ignorant jerk can't he? Speaking of which, what did everyone think of the smack down Hinata gave him. Owned!

 

Out of this whole chapter I had the most difficulty trying to figure out the masks. Something so mundane totally kicked my ass. Luckily my beta helped me out. (Beta --> ^_^)

 

Don't forget to review!!