Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Road Less Travelled By ❯ Escape from Hospital! Chaos in the Streets ( Chapter 6 )

Escape from Hospital! Chaos in the Streets

 

Hospitals had bad associations for Sasuke, ever since he'd woken up in one with his family gone. Finding himself in a hospital bed brought up a host of bad associations, along with the ghostly memory of pain in his arm along a long faded scar. He sat up slowly, wincing at the new pains that the motion caused across his chest and the back of his neck.

Guess Kakashi turned me over to the medical ninjas once he was done with the seal on my neck. Sasuke slowly started stretching out the muscles of his arms and legs, taking note on how fresh the bruises seemed. Not been out for long. Maybe a day or so. He looked at the door, hearing an argument approaching, then cast his eyes around for a likely weapon in case he needed one. He stopped as he finally managed to recognise a voice.

“Naruto, this is a hospital,” said Kakashi from somewhere in the hallway. “You should be quiet and calm for the patients' sake.”

“Hmph.” Sasuke imagined Naruto would be crossing his arms at that. “So Sasuke gets to sleep in a nice bed in peace while the rest of us get stuck in that room for hours? It's time to get that lazy jerk out of bed!”

Kakashi's silhouette appeared against the door's frosted glass window. “Just take care. He may still be sleeping.”

Sasuke smiled a little, and raised his voice so it would carry outside of his room. “Well I would be, if you guys would just keep it down.”

There was a moment's pause outside the door before it was quickly slid aside and Naruto bounded into the room, followed quickly by Sakura. Kakashi seemed content to walk slowly in behind them and shut the door.

Naruto was grinning from ear to ear. “Sasuke!” He turned to Sakura. “Told you no whacked out tadpole thing was gonna keep him down, Sakura-chan.”

Sakura smiled weakly at Sasuke. “I'm glad you're awake, Sasuke-kun. Are you feeling any better?”

Sasuke rotated his shoulder slowly. The heat from that seal is gone now. The rest of the injuries won't take long to heal; they're mostly just bangs and scrapes. “I'm fine, Sakura.” He turned to glare at Kakashi. “I thought I told you to tell them that I was okay?” he asked irritably.

Kakashi's mask crinkled into what might have been a smile. “For some reason, they didn't believe that I was telling them what you said, and wanted to see for themselves.”

Naruto grinned. “Well whether Sasuke said it or not, I still won.” Take that, Sasuke. Not such an idiot now, am I? “Wait until you see my new move, Sasuke. I'm gonna beat you for sure.”

Sasuke snorted slightly, recognising the taunt. “If it's another stupid jutsu, I'm not going to fall for it.”

Sakura smiled a little at Sasuke's brag, and moved around the bed slightly. I just want to see that Kakashi-sensei did it, then I'll be happy. Not seeing that horrible mark on his neck will let me forget that horrible exam I hope. She moved to stand at Sasuke's side, and then gasped. It's spreading! Kakashi-sensei said it would all be okay now, but the mark's even larger than before. Is he going to one day be covered in those black marks? She became aware that Sasuke and Naruto had stopped their taunting and were both watching her.

“Sakura-chan?” asked Naruto, sounding worried.

Sakura turned her attention on Kakashi. “Sensei, I don't understand. You said Sasuke-kun was okay now, but the mark's gotten bigger.” It looks like it's spreading outwards! I thought he said that it wouldn't cause anymore trouble.

Sasuke put a hand to his neck, automatically covering the mark, and tried not to panic. It must be the fuuja houin. The mark will be holding in the power of the seal. That's all. I'm not about to be covered in marks the colour of dried blood again. I'm not.

“Now, now, Sakura,” said Kakashi, seeing her worried reaction. “That mark is just a barrier to stop the seal from spreading any more. Sasuke just needed some help to keep it under control.”

“You said everything was okay! You liar! Sasuke-kun still has that mark on his neck, and it can still go out of control! Have you any idea what that thing made him do?” Sakura was winding herself up for a rant. All of the stress and worry over the mark was pouring out, and had found a convenient target in Kakashi. “That mark is still there! It'll turn him into a demon again!”

Kakashi noticed Naruto wince at that comment. So Naruto is empathising with Sasuke? Things have taken a turn for the better. I was obviously right in the arrangements that I made. Out loud, he tried to calm Sakura. “The mark is like a cage, Sakura. It can't escape unless Sasuke lets it. He's safe now.” Or at least, safe from the seal. Orochimaru is another matter entirely. I mean to make sure that he never claims Sasuke as a follower.

Sasuke grew uncomfortable with the argument. It's like I'm not here, or just some piece of meat to be argued over. “Kakashi,” said Sasuke, drawing their attention back. “Who made it through the fights to the finals?”

“Hmm…” Kakashi rubbed his chin. “Well, there's you and Naruto, Hyuuga Neji from Gai's squad, Nara Shikamaru and Aburame Shino from your graduating year, the three sand ninjas, and one sound ninja.”

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. “Not Lee?” I at least owed him a return match in the chuunin exam in repayment for the beating that saved my life in the prelims.

Naruto shuffled a little, looking at the floor. “The fuzzy eyebrows lost to that creepy Gaara guy. He used sand from that creepy gourd of his to shatter the fuzzy eyebrows' arm and leg. He's probably going to have to quit being a ninja.” And that is too cruel a thing to happen to anyone, to force them to give up on their dreams. He looked up at Sasuke. “We drew lots for the order of our fights for the first round of the tournament. You're up against the same guy that almost killed him.” Don't you get hurt like that too. You losing your dream of revenge against your brother would probably kill you even if Gaara didn't.

“Gaara of the sand?” asked Sasuke. He smirked. Interesting. Looks like I'll have to work hard to pass the first round. “What about you, Naruto? Who'd you fight? They obviously didn't offer much of a defence.”

“Hmph!” Naruto scowled back at Sasuke. “I was up against Kiba, and I beat him up, just like I'm gonna do to Neji for Hinata. That jerk.” He wasn't fighting her, he was beating her. I don't know what all that crap was about houses, but family shouldn't do that to family when it's not their fault.

Sasuke blinked. Kiba's no push over. Obviously I'm going to have to be in top form if I'm not only going to have to beat Gaara but other high level genins. “I'm not going to take it easy on you, Naruto. When we fight, I won't hold back just because you're my team-mate.”

Naruto grinned. “I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm gonna give it my all too. You just wait, I'm gonna train lots for this, right Kakashi-sensei?”

Kakashi nodded. “I'm sure the teacher I found you will be up to the task of training you well.”

“Eh?! You mean you're not?” Naruto was stunned. “Why aren't you trying to help me? What could possibly be more important?” Naruto paused, and an idea came to him. He jabbed an accusing finger at Kakashi. “It's Sasuke, isn't it? You're playing favourites, and are gonna train him instead! That's just not fair, why is it always Sasuke?”

Sasuke snorted. “Just think about it, idiot. Kakashi is the only person who can teach me how to fight better while using my sharingan. Your style of fighting is compatible to just about any teacher.”

Kakashi resisted the urge to roll his eyes. And maybe their teamwork isn't so mended after all. “Now, now you two, let's not get so heated over this.” He waited for them to break their glaring contest before continuing. “Naruto, what Sasuke said is true, I'm the only person he can learn from about the sharingan, but that doesn't mean that I'm trying to play favourites.” He bent over to bring himself to eyelevel with Naruto. “I found you a much better teacher than I am. I had to pull in a lot of favours to get him to agree to teach you.”

Naruto still looked annoyed. “I don't want someone else, I want you.”

Kakashi shook his head. “He's probably here already, waiting to meet you. You'll like him, I'm sure. He's very good at what he does.” He started to guide a still-grumbling Naruto towards the door. “Oh, and Sasuke, I'll be waiting at the usual spot at dawn to begin our training. Make sure you're well rested for then.” He guided Naruto out the door, and closed it behind him, leaving Sakura and Sasuke alone together.

Sasuke knew from looking at her that she was still looking at the mark on his neck. “Sakura…”

“Did you ask for this?” she asked suddenly. “Did you ask Kakashi-sensei not to remove something that gave you power, but just help to contain it? So you can keep selling your soul to the devil in your neck for power?” She looked angry. “How can you even think of doing something like that?”

Sasuke blinked. She really believes that I'd choose to keep this mark if given the option? When it can make my body freeze in the middle of battle, makes me unable to mold chakra, and turns me into an unfeeling sadist who can't then later remember what he's done? She believes me capable of that? “Sakura, this seal was beyond Kakashi's ability to undo. There was no option of removal. What's been done is probably permanent.”

“How can you just accept that, Sasuke-kun? That Orochimaru can keep this thing over you. He can't've meant it kindly.” She wrung her hands together. “You really scared me in that fight. I thought you were going to lose control again.”

Sasuke took a deep breath. “You were right, Sakura. I should've stepped down rather than fight. I thought I had control, but I didn't. I should've listened to you.” That seems to have calmed her down. Just wish I hadn't needed to say it, she'll probably take it the wrong way.

Sakura smiled a little. “I'm glad you're okay, Sasuke-kun, and that you realise you didn't make a good decision. These things just happen sometimes.” She shuffled nervously. “Guess you're going to be pretty busy training for the third exam. Do you need me to give you any help? I'll do anything you need me to.”

Yup, she takes it to mean that I care about her in a way that I really don't. I know she means well, but I've no interest in what she wants. “I can't think of anything right now, Sakura. I just want to get home and cleaned up. You should too. If I need anything while I'm training, you'll be the first person I ask.” He stretched slowly. “And maybe you should do some training yourself. So you have a better chance in the next chuunin exam.”

Sakura looked at the floor. “I guess. I tried my best though, Sasuke-kun. I drew with Ino, but we both dropped unconscious with no winner. I tried to prove I was good enough, but…”

Sasuke shook his head. “Don't worry. You'll get better.” And I'm glad she didn't go up against Gaara if Lee got that hurt. “You should head home, get yourself cleaned up. You'll feel better afterwards.”

Sakura nodded. “I probably would feel better. I came here as soon as the preliminaries were over. I was just so worried.” She started to leave, but turned back slightly before reaching the door. “Don't over do your training, Sasuke-kun. If you're exhausted, then you'll lose to Gaara.” She smiled a little. “And I'll be here, if you need me for anything.”

Sasuke watched her leave, then rose from his bed and started to search for his clothes. Doubt I'll need your help, Sakura, but the idea will stop you worrying so much. I'm going to be busy. Training to beat Gaara won't be easy, but it'll bring me one step closer to being ready to take on that guy.

 

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Discharging himself from the hospital was as easy as it always was, although the paperwork was still rather tedious. Having only the clothes that he'd worn through the second exam, Sasuke was pretty much ready for a shower once he got home, along with a change of clothes. He had decided that those were his priorities before preparing for whatever training Kakashi had in mind.

The streets of Konoha were pretty much the same as always, and he could see people glancing at him and muttering to each other as he passed. And I can guess what they're saying. `That's the Uchiha boy. Did you hear he's in the third exam this year? Guess it proves what a noble line was lost, that the poor thing could make it that far without a family to guide and train him.' He shoved his hands into his pockets and glared at a woman who was obviously staring at him while out and grocery shopping. She blushed at being caught and looked away. I hate that. They look at me like some sort of exhibit in a museum. I should get a sign made up. `Uchiha Sasuke - Endangered species'. Maybe charge admission to stare at me.

He looked up at a loud clattering from the roof tops. Several orange-clad figures were running about aimlessly, obviously intent on something. One ran past him, giving a pitch-distorted yell.

“Yo Sasuke, bye Sasuke!”

Sasuke watched the figure go, undecided as to if it was the real Naruto or just a bunshin. Finally he blinked, deciding that it really didn't matter, and that it was just Naruto causing chaos again. “Idiot.” He started walking again. Could be spending his time training, but is just playing games. Sometimes I wonder if he really means what he says about being Hokage. He can't have time to both train and pull all these stupid pranks. Sasuke did admit there was a good side to Naruto's messing around. Suddenly all the mutters he heard had Naruto's name and not his attached to them. Funny, they seem to disapprove of him taking the exam. While he's not that good a ninja, I don't see why everyone would dislike the idea so much. His pranks may be annoying, but he's never caused any real harm. Sasuke started running through a list in his mind of what food he had in his apartment, and if any of it would go bad during a probably long absence. If nothing else, it helped to keep his mind off the seal until he got back home.

He'd barely gotten the key in the lock when he saw something orange in his peripheral vision. “Naruto…” he growled warningly, not in the mood for being the victim of any of Naruto's pranks.

In response Naruto just hissed at him. “Shh! I don't want the closet-pervert to find me!”

Sasuke blinked. Not the reply I expected. “If this is some stupid prank of yours…”

Naruto shook his head. “No way. I really need your help!”

Sasuke kept the key still in the lock. “If you're trying to skip training, I'm not going to help you. Kakashi already found you someone to train with.”

Naruto held his hands up in a crossed position. “Uh-uh. No way. No chance. I do want to train, just not with that closet-pervert.”

Who the hell did Kakashi set him up with? wondered Sasuke. For Naruto to think them a pervert, they must be bad indeed. “He can't be that bad, Naruto. Even Kakashi reads those books.”

Naruto shook his head. “See, me and the closet pervert have a deal. If I can avoid him until sundown, he'll make Kakashi-sensei train me too. He keeps finding me, and most of my bunshin are gone, and I really need a place to hide.” He watched Sasuke carefully. I don't want to have to beg him, but being so filthy there's no way Sakura-chan will hide me until sundown.

Sasuke tilted his head, and seemed to be considering his answer. “Hmm… No.”

“Oh come on!” Naruto went for his other tactic. Whining. “It'd only be for a few hours. And I'll be quiet. You won't even know I'm there. Please? Please?”

“If I let you in, then I get stuck with you messing with my training if you win.” Sasuke paused slightly. “Why's this guy a pervert anyway? Surely you're in no position to judge.”

“He was seduced by my Harem no jutsu.”

Sasuke blinked a few times, unable to process the likely technique that Naruto had created. “Your… what?”

“Harem no jutsu,” repeated Naruto, enunciating carefully.

Sasuke's mouth twitched slightly. Something tells me I really shouldn't ask, but… “What the hell is that?”

Naruto grinned. “It's great. Defeats any pervert, great or small! First, I use Kage Bunshin no jutsu to create a load of bunshin, then I just have them use Oiroke no jutsu.”

Sasuke blinked again as he tried to get his mind around the concept. So he just ambushes someone with ten or so naked women? I can see why he called it Harem no jutsu. He considered what the likely response to the technique would be, and then laughed slightly. “Idiot. Only you would invent such a stupid jutsu.”

“Hey!” Naruto then paused, and grinned. “Yanno, never thought I could make you laugh.”

Sasuke cursed himself, and schooled his features back to neutrality. “And you never will.”

“Sure, Sasuke. You were laughing and smiling. Must be a really special day.” Naruto stuck his arms behind his head, still grinning. “Think I'll go see if it's raining ramen. Or money.”

“Shut up, idiot.” Sasuke turned the key in the door slowly. “Besides, there's one main reason why I shouldn't hide you.”

“Huh?”

“I happen to like my apartment being tidy.” Sasuke took advantage of Naruto's spluttering to slip inside and bolt the door, before smirking to himself.

It took Naruto a moment to catch on to what had happened. “Hey! No fair! C'mon, Sasuke, let me in! I won't mess anything up I swear!”

Sasuke let a smile escape him as he listened to Naruto's complaints. No, sorry, Naruto. I let you off the hook with this `closet pervert' of yours, and I'll have to put up with you under my feet while training. It's better this way, we both get the full attention of someone, not half. Besides, I've no doubt that Kakashi wouldn't just abandon you to someone who was useless.

“Stop right there, Naruto-kun!”

Sasuke frowned at the other voice. I guess that's him now, come to track Naruto down. He heard Naruto yell, then two sets of footsteps running away from his door. Figures. Naruto gets himself caught because he's yelling at me. Sasuke was surprised to feel slightly guilty about that fact, but then caught himself. He deserves it. I don't like smiling, and if it wasn't for him I never would've done it. He stepped away from the door and toed his shoes off before proceeding into the apartment.

As he had expected, everything was just the way he'd left it. Strange, feels a little off somehow. He shrugged, and headed for the bathroom, where he used the mirror to finally examine his neck. He traced a careful finger over the seal, thinking. It looks like a full sharingan, although I can see why Naruto called the marks tadpole like. Strange to think such a small thing could cause so much to happen. He brushed his finger down one of the long lines of script that made up the fuuja houin. And thanks to Kakashi as long as I ignore the seal's help, it will remain dormant. I hope there never comes a time when I do need it. I get the feeling that the price for any help will be steep. He sighed. I should just accept that it's in the past now, and start focusing on the future again. The third exam is coming, and unless I work hard, I may end up having to pay the price the seal demands in order to win. Sasuke looked at himself in the mirror and frowned. I look like shit. Definitely need to clean myself up. He reached into the shower stall and cranked on the hot water.