Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Demon's of Konoha ❯ Naruto's birthday ( Chapter 10 )

Bright red paper lanterns with small golden dragons on them were hanging with the soft glow of candlelight shining from within. Connecting the lanterns were strands of lights that served a dual purpose. First, strategically placed under each lantern, hoping to draw attention to the people passing by were lightly colored booths. The other purpose was to guide the attendees along the lit trails so no one would get lost in the dark, although with the beating of the drums, it would be hard to. It was October 10th and to the people of Konoha it was the celebration of the apparent `death' of Kyuubi. For only a handful of people it was Naruto Uzumaki's fifteenth birthday. Instead of celebrating at the festival that he normally would never go to, he and Sasuke were on a mission of sorts. Not an official mission from the Hokage that he sometimes gave people, for they were still considered to young for that. No a mission to find something, and not just any something a scroll to be precise. In fact, if caught trying to retrieve said scroll, heads could possibly roll, but that is nothing to our adventurous duo.

 

Since Hinata had left, the two had been trying to find the medical scrolls that seemed to be `missing' from the libraries. Basically anything that had to do with medical jutsu's was not found inside of the library for the content they contained. When the public library came up with naught, they went and looked into the lesser known Shinobi Library to see if they could find anything. The Shinobi Library contained knowledge and information of most jutsu's known to man. For the boys most of the research material required for school came from this library. Each section was broken in to different elements: fire, water, electricity, earth, and wind. Then it also contained a giant section on psychology and trauma relief. Finally it contained a fix-it section on fixing things the shinobi way. No where in the entire library was there a section for medical jutsu's? The scrolls and in some cases books all explained the theory and practices of the jutsu mentioned. They even mentioned who created it. What it did not show you were the hand signs or even what was needed to perform such feats, thus making it a teacher's delight that their students wouldn't learn more ahead of time.

 

It wasn't until the boys noticed, while they were supposed to be studying that each section had a similar stained-glass window by the area. For the fire based jutsu's the stained-glass window showed a camp fire. Water was a waterfall scene. Earth was a mountain. Electricity was a lightening bolt and wind had a leaves that looked to be floating around. The fix-it section had a stained-glass hammer and nails, while the psychology section had a picture of a brain in a kaleidoscope of colors. What really caught their eyes though was that the stained glass dome ceiling had the picture of a caduceus. The light shining on the section revealed to be on the floor. After a few strategic pencil drops bringing them a closer inspection of the floor it was shown that it was impenetrable, but that didn't mean there wasn't another way.

 

After several days of contemplating and after talking it over after training with Itachi's clone the two set out when most people were enjoying the festivities. Instead of going there they instead slipped into sewer undetected. All around them was the sound of water. Water as it flowed, dripped, and crashed into each other making little waves. Darkness was also upon them as they concealed their chakra and turned on their forehead lights. Up on the walls looked to be lights to turn on at the presence of chakra, but thankfully they didn't ignite, for if they did others would be aware of their presence. Itachi had informed them, after they explained their plan about the lights, and it being monitored by the presence of chakra. When the lights ignited, the cameras turn on taping the intruders while relaying it to ANBU headquarters.

 

Walking silently in the dark with only their lights to shine on them they were soon on going through a series of tunnels that lead to unknown destinations, making Naruto want to investigate at another time, but for now they were on a mission. Looking briefly at his map Naruto made a right and then another left only to be stopped by a wall. “Get us lost Dobe?” Sasuke asked from behind Naruto.

 

“Shut-up Teme, according to my map we are directly under the library, although this wall is a little out of place. Why would you need a wall under a building?” Naruto asked without turning around to talk to his best friend/rival. Last time he did that he got a light shined right in his face, blinding him for a few minutes.

 

“Move let me see” Sasuke said standing next to Naruto after he had side-stepped out of the way to allow Sasuke to see the wall, but allowing him to see also.

 

Kneeling in front of the wall Sasuke soon blew on a spot which looked out of place only to be shown as a keyhole. Grabbing a pair of gloves from his pouch Sasuke also grabbed his lock-picking kit. While most shinobi would use a jutsu to unlock the apparent keyhole, Sasuke wanted to learn the old-fashioned way first. Luckily he did because the use of the jutsu would allow the release of chakra revealing their position. Slowly and methodically Sasuke picked the lock only standing up after hearing the satisfying click of a lock giving. Slowly Sasuke pushed on the wall opening into a room with many slots on a far wall, in each slot was a scroll. Looking around the room the boys saw that the entrance that they used was the only option in and out. Grabbing another pair of gloves, Sasuke seen that Naruto was following suit with his own pair. Feeling around for any traps and surprisingly not finding any, Naruto grabbed a scroll and with a great show of delicacy on the aging parchment opened it up and began to read. After a few moments his eyes began to widen and said “Hey Sasuke check this out.”

 

Sasuke made his way to where his friend was standing and looked at the scroll. Reading it he soon had seen what had Naruto in shock. Inside of the scroll wasn't just the theory and uses of jutsu's it showed everything. From the hand signs, to the purpose, to even who founded it and how much chakra was needed. “No wonder these aren't in the Shinobi or Public Library. These scrolls show everything, and how to heal. But look” Sasuke pointed out. “It doesn't contain any of the draw backs for using such jutsu's.”

 

“Maybe there isn't any” Naruto answered looking at a small cut healing scroll.

 

“Naruto, you know better than that you dobe. For every jutsu that a ninja does there is consequences, whether it's just the use of more chakra to the use of blood. There are always consequences. If these scrolls got in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to use it or know of any consequences, then someone would unintentionally kill themselves or even another person.” Sasuke answered rolling the scroll back up and putting it in his backpack. “Let's fill up this bag and go. We can't copy them here without using chakra so we will have to slowly retrieve this information.” Seeing Naruto head towards the wall with the slots Naruto went to grab one before Sasuke said. “Make sure to remember where each one goes, so that it will be harder to get caught.”

 

“I know that Teme” Naruto said grabbing the scroll in the upper left corner, before handing it to Sasuke. Within moments the bag was full and the boys were shutting the door to head to the surface above. The walk back to their sewer gate was done in silence as soon the two shinobi in training were sneaking out into the night sky. Closing the gate behind them the two stayed in the shadows only stopping when they reached the house the two shared.

 

Dropping his bag off in his `new' room as Sasuke stopped sharing with Naruto and took over Gaara's old one. By silent consent the two had left Hinata's room alone knowing she would eventually return, and they wanted it to be ready for her. “I'm taking a shower Dobe. I need to get this black stuff off my face” Sasuke said to Naruto as he ate a bowl of ramen complete with his black face paint. `At least he took off his light' Sasuke thought as he made his way to the bathroom for a quick shower. `The dobe was right about getting to the library though. He has gotten way better over the years. His cooking sucks though. Thankfully Ichiraku's is thinking about delivery.' Stepping out of the shower and quickly drying off, Sasuke walked out of the bathroom with his towel wrapped around his waist “Shower's yours Dobe, hurry up.” Closing the door to his room Sasuke quickly got dressed to enjoy the night of festivities. Tying his kimono shut Sasuke soon entered the living room only to see Naruto leave his bedroom in his trade-mark orange jumpsuit.

 

“Where are we going again Sasuke?” Naruto asked running his hands through his hair to achieve his trademark spikes.

 

“For once we are going to the festival, Naruto.” Sasuke answered

 

“I can't go to that Sasuke and you know it” Naruto said sitting down on the couch in a huff, complete with a pout on his lips.

 

“So what if you're a jinchuurikin, for the Kyuubi doesn't mean you can't celebrate with everyone else. And who cares what the villagers think” Sasuke cut off Naruto as he knew what his next words were. “Now let's go and attempt to have some fun. I haven't been since the death of my family and I want to go. Come on Naruto it could be interesting. I bet there's a ramen booth.”

 

At the words ramen booth Naruto was at the door getting his shoes on saying “come on Teme, let's not be late.” With a small smirk on his face Sasuke and Naruto headed to the festival careful not to seem like friends but more like rivals that everyone knew they were.

 

As Sasuke had said there was a booth there from Ichiraku's, but that wasn't the greatest thing. What had begun to make Naruto's night was the fact that there was a ramen eating contest. “Sasuke I challenge you” Naruto said at hearing about the ramen contest. The announcer hearing this at once wanted to rejoice because no one wanted to challenge the winner of last years contest. Hearing that Naruto `challenged' Sasuke as his right as his `eternal rival' bringing them to face another boy with red circles on his cheeks, who was eating a bag of potato chips. Quickly getting their names the announcer soon said “Now it's time for the ramen eating contest. Tonight our contestants are Sasuke Uchiha” he said motioning towards Sasuke. Hearing his name Sasuke proceeded to the table to sit in the chair at the far right. “Naruto Uzumaki” hearing his name, Naruto sat next to Sasuke trying to follow with the same `cool' attitude that Sasuke always portrayed, yet not succeeding. “And last years winner Chouji Akimichi.” The boy with the red circles on his cheeks sat down on the empty seat. “Contestants grab your chopsticks” the announcer said as a bowl of ramen was placed in front of each of the boys “and begin”. Soon the three boys were working their way through the ramen with enough gusto that Kanaka Ichiraku, owner of Ichiraku's ramen, had tears streaming down his face. Bets were making their way around the crowd and Kanaka betted on Naruto being the only to do so. The rest were torn between the last surviving Uchiha and the Akimichi. Both were crowd favorites for different reasons.

 

After ten bowls of ramen, Sasuke started to feel sick and gracefully bowed out of the fight with his dignity intact. Most men started to feel sick after the third bowl of ramen and the fact Sasuke lasted ten raised their respect for him. Leaving the table and going to stand next to Kanaka to watch the race commence. “Naruto's going to win” Sasuke said softly enough not to be overheard but loud enough that Kanaka can hear him.

 

“I know he is, but no one else believes it” Kanaka said. “That boy can eat more ramen then this whole village put together.”

 

On stage the boys were slowing down after each consuming thirty bowls. Both were tired and full and each was secretly hoping the other would stop soon, or finish their bowl without puking. It wasn't until Naruto looked like he couldn't finish his last bowl that Sasuke said “Dobe, if you don't win, you can find yourself a new rival.” Naruto caught the hidden meaning at rival meaning best friend. With renewed energy Naruto finished his bowl of ramen and another after that insuring his win. At seeing Naruto's appetite back Chouji forfeited knowing he couldn't keep up.

 

“Winner Naruto Uzumaki” the announcer said lifting Naruto's hand in the air as he smiled at Sasuke. Sasuke only smirked as Kanaka had tears running down his face at his winning against the odds insuring his a lot more money in the tune of approximately one hundred thousand dollars. With the contest over the boys went their separate ways but always knowing where the other was incase something was to happen.

 

Along the way Naruto caught sight of pink hair as a girl wearing a red kimono with white circles over it was walking with a girl with long blonde hair in a purple kimono. Sensing Sasuke in the tree near him, Naruto thought to showing off his flirting skills. Seeing that they stopped Naruto began to walk backwards hoping to `accidentally' run into them. What he didn't plan on happening was tripping as he was walking backwards and landing on his butt between the two effectively ending their conversation. Laughing softly Naruto put his hand behind his head and gave his trademark grin at the girls. Standing up he said “sorry about that. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, what's yours?”

 

The pink hair girl recovered her shock first at his orange outfit and said “Sakura Haruno and this is Ino Yamanaka” Sakura said pointing to her blonde companion. Sakura's voice was something that neither boys had heard before. While Hinata's voice was soft and warm Sakura's voice reminded Sasuke of what he thought a banshee would sound like crying before you died. Naruto, wanted to stick his finger in his ear and shake it around to stop the ringing. `Hopefully she's just going through puberty and her voice will change some' Naruto though. `But man is she pretty. For someone as pretty as her I might be able to forgive her voice.'

 

“Charmed” Ino said in a voice that showed she clearly wasn't. Giving Sakura a look that clearly said `who is this guy' Ino began to wonder just who bumped into them. With a small shrug of her shoulder Sakura answered that she didn't know without even saying a word.

 

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Naruto turned around to face whoever was interrupting his moment. In front of him were two drunken ninja's clearly Chounin by the cut of their jackets and effectively drunk by the smell. “You owe us a lot of money brat. You should not have one that contest and you should not be here. This festival is not for the likes of you. Let's fight and finish what should have happened years ago, brat.”

 

Sasuke knowing that it would only be trouble if Naruto fought and feeling like it was his fault in the first place for making him come to the festival Sasuke did the only thing he could do. “Can I help you gentlemen?” Sasuke said from behind the ninja's. Hearing them selves addressed in such a cold, sarcastic manner then ninja's turned around only to come face to face with Sasuke Uchiha.

 

“This is nothing to concern your self with Uchiha-san” the ninja said not wanting to get on the bad side of Konoha's `survivor'.

 

“Concerning your self with my eternal rival I must step in. After all only I get to use him as a beating post.” Sasuke said in the cold demeanor of a lord speaking to peasants. The glare in his eyes showing that he was not amused.

 

Hearing the Uchiha sound like he was getting mad the ninja's backed away and said “Make sure you beat him real hard this time” before disappearing not wanting to make the `survivor' mad. Making him mad would bring the wrath of fan girls on anyone's head.

 

“Let's go Dobe” Sasuke said walking away.

 

“Wait, what's your name?” the banshee sounding girl asked.

 

Hoping to shut her up and to get her to stop talking Sasuke said “Sasuke Uchiha” without even turning around, or even wanting to be introduced. Walking off Sasuke left knowing that Naruto would be at home when he got there, and upset. Sasuke could only home his birthday present would cheer him up.

 

As Sasuke predicted Naruto was looking through the cupboards looking for something to eat only wearing a black shirt and his orange pants. His jacket was on the hook by the door. Feeling Sasuke's presence Naruto said “well that was a complete waste of time. I could have gotten threatened at home, but no you had to go out.”

 

“Sorry Dobe” Sasuke said. “But think of this you did win the ramen eating contest.”

 

“True” said Naruto calming down.

 

“And you got birthday presents” Sasuke said placing a few packages on the table. “This one is from Itachi” Sasuke said handing Naruto a long box. Quickly tearing off the paper Naruto seen it was a katana of fine craftsmanship with a blade that looked razor sharp. “This one is from me” Sasuke said handing Naruto a small box. Quickly tearing it open Naruto eyes wanted to water at seeing the first season of Digimon. Some how in the course of living with the boys Naruto fell in love with the show, clearing making a good natured joke between the friends. He had gotten really depressed when they took it off the air. “This one is from Hinata” Sasuke said revealing a bigger box. Opening it Naruto found a pair of green goggles that he effectively put on his head. Under the goggles was what looked like a digi-vice in blue showing a gigapet of Veemon the famous blue Digimon from the second season? Under that was a note.

 

Happy Birthday Naruto,

Sorry I can't be there for it but thought you would like these. I came across these in my training and thought well if Davis and Tai had a pair why not you. After all, all leaders are wearing them. Sorry they didn't have a Tentomon gigapet, but I know Veemon is your second favorite. Have fun and train hard. I miss you guys and can't wait to see you.

Love,

Hinata.

 

“You guy are the best friends anyone could have” Naruto said holding his gifts to him. “I'm going to my room; see you in the morning Teme.”

 

“Happy Birthday Dobe” Sasuke said watching Naruto enter his room.

 

Changing his clothes and getting into bed Naruto placed his goggles right by his bed to wear first thing in the morning. One thing that made him happy was that his friends hadn't forgotten him, even if he didn't hear from Gaara. That was alright though because Itachi had said once it would be hard to hear from him until he is eighteen. Naruto just hoped he would have remembered his birthday. `I wonder what they are doing now' Naruto thought as he went to bed for the night drifting off to sleep dreaming of saving the digital world and a big bowl of ramen. Barely did he hear the faint sobbing sounds of someone crying as they repeatedly said “Tani I am so sorry, please forgive me.”