Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Road Less Travelled By ❯ Meetings Abound! The Sensei’s Plan ( Chapter 8 )

Meetings Abound! The Sensei's Plan

 

I hate this, thought Sasuke, shoving his hands further into his pockets. I hate sunny evenings, everyone is outside, and at least half of them don't know better than to stare. He slouched through the streets of Konoha, glaring at anyone who dared to meet his gaze. I wouldn't even be doing this if it wasn't for Kakashi. He gets us back later than the market is open, then says it's an apology when he gives me a ticket for Ichiraku. I don't even like ramen that much. He tried to ignore his stomach growling. … But it is free food.

He saw the food stand and half considered walking past to find somewhere to eat that was more to his taste, but changed his mind at the protest from his legs at walking any further than he had to. Although he'd had a hot shower and changed his clothes, the last four days of hard training were still making their presence felt through screaming muscles and the itching of his chakra pathways. He resisted the urge to rub at his eyes. On top of training, nothing but field rations to eat and sleeping on the rough ground isn't pleasant. It's good for me, but it's kind of lonely. He pushed the curtain out of the way and entered, nodding at the greeting called out by the owner, and sat at the counter.

Naruto would love to eat here all the time, I guess, he thought, reading through the menu. He ordered, then sat waiting with a glass of water, ignoring the attempts the owner made at conversation. Maybe I don't miss people as much as I thought.

“Welcome… oh, it's you, kid. It's been a while.”

Sasuke looked up to see who had entered, and was rewarded with Naruto grinning manically at him.

“Sasuke! Long time no see!”

Sasuke almost grinned back, Naruto's enthusiasm was so contagious. “Naruto. Thought you'd be out training. You keep this up, you won't be able to even get near me in the exam.”

Naruto laughed and sat next to him. “You're smiling again Sasuke. Keep it up and I may have to start keeping count.”

Smiling? Damn! Sasuke let his face go slack immediately. “You must be imagining things, idiot. I don't smile.”

“Sure you do,” teased Naruto. “It was thiiiiiis big!” He held his hands apart as far as they would go.

Sasuke smiled again, despite himself. “Idiot.” Missed you being around to be an idiot. Kakashi is far too quiet at times. Just sits and reads his damn book.

Naruto was half leaning over the counter. “Hey mister? Can I have my usual?”

“Sure kid, if you've got the money to pay for it,” teased the owner back, already starting to assemble the ingredients.

Naruto settled back on his stool and turned his attention back on Sasuke. “So?”

Sasuke just raised an eyebrow back at him, trying to wind Naruto up by his own inaction. “So?” he mirrored, deadpan.

Naruto practically exploded. “So what have you been doing these last few days? What cool new jutsu is Kakashi teaching you?” He grinned. “It's never gonna beat what I'm learning. We're gonna be fighting then pow! You're gonna be toast!”

Sasuke snorted. “So that's what you've been doing, Naruto. Sleeping all day, making up wild dreams of beating me.”

Naruto folded his arms and pouted. “Just you wait. I learnt all that other stuff, I'll learn this too.” He glared at Sasuke who settled into silence. “So come on, what have you been learning?”

Sasuke shook his head. “What fool tells his enemy his fight plan?”

“Is that what I am to you? An enemy?”

Sasuke paused. In the strictest sense, yes, you are. I have to beat you in the exam. So why does you calling me that make me feel so uncomfortable? “You're my enemy for now, Naruto. But you're still my team-mate. Let's just agree not to ask about each other's training.”

“Okay.” Naruto turned his attention back to behind the counter. “You seen Sakura-chan at all?”

Sasuke shook his head. “No. I've pretty much only just got back. Kakashi wants us to set out early tomorrow as well.”

“So you're just here tonight? Me too. Ero-sennin wants to go back to those waterfalls again tomorrow. Che. I know what he's after, and he can't fool me by calling it `research'.”

Sasuke paused. “If you're so busy training, and he wanted to stay there, why'd you come back to Konoha?”

“He said I was starting to smell from all the training.”

“Oh.”

“Uchiha-san, enjoy your meal.” The waitress set the steaming bowl down in front of him.

It suddenly hit Sasuke just how hungry he was. The ramen smelled delicious, even if it wasn't a food he was particularly fond of, and his stomach let out a low growl.

Naruto laughed. “Hasn't Kakashi-sensei been feeding you?”

“Shut up, idiot,” retorted Sasuke, blushing. He wasn't used to his stomach protesting so loudly. He picked some chopsticks out from the pot, separated them, and started to eat.

He blinked. This is actually pretty good. I can see why Naruto likes to eat here when he can. He continued eating, then paused as he sensed that Naruto was still watching him. “What is it?”

“I… er…”

Sasuke drew a mental line from Naruto's eyes to where he was probably looking. At my neck. Sasuke quickly moved a hand to check that his collar was still in place, masking the cursed seal from general view. He tugged at it, raising it slightly, and shifted his position, so Naruto couldn't see it.

Naruto looked away. “It's still there, huh?”

Sasuke poked at the floating noodles with his chopsticks, turning his gaze away from Naruto. “It's not about to wash off with a little soap and water, Naruto.” I already tried that. Wish it had worked. But I'm not going to be so stupidly hopeful again. I should just grow up and accept that this seal is here to stay.

Naruto spoke softly, more softly than Sasuke thought the loudmouth was capable of. “Is it still hurting you?”

“No.” Sasuke kept his eyes fixed on the bowl in front of him. “Nothing like before. Sometimes it itches, like it wants me to use it or something, but I can push it away now.” Kakashi might not have known how to remove it, but he certainly did know how to control it.

Naruto nodded, not wanting to break into Sasuke's thoughts. He sure looks unhappy. For him anyway. Sort of more frowny. His thoughts were derailed by a bowl being set in front of him.

“Here you go, kid.”

Naruto grinned, reaching for the chopsticks. “Thanks, mister. Itadakimasu!”

Sasuke turned slightly, his latest mouthful half to his mouth, and watched in horror as Naruto started to almost inhale ramen from his bowl. He turned to the restaurant owner. “Isn't he going to choke?”

“Hasn't yet in all the years he's been coming here,” replied the man good naturedly.

Finally Naruto slammed the bowl down, taking in a deep breath. “Ahhh… that was good.”

Sasuke blinked. “How can you tell? You couldn't have even tasted any of that!” He finished his own noodles. “Then again, if you choked on noodles here, I'd not have to fight you in the exam.” He raised the bowl to his lips, drinking the miso.

“Hey! I've seen you stuff your face just as much, Sasuke,” mocked Naruto, a grin spreading on his face as he remembered sitting in Tazuna's house, contesting over eating just as they had over tree climbing all day. From the slight smile Sasuke seemed to have on his face, Naruto thought he might be remembering the same thing. That does it. I'm definitely gonna keep count. Try to make him smile as much as possible. It almost never reaches his eyes like that.

Sasuke shook himself. “Just because you have no manners.” He sighed and looked at the empty bowl. “Can see why you like this place.”

“Heh heh.” Naruto just smiled.

The restaurant owner paused in front of them. “Do you want anything more?”

Sasuke was considering the question when he saw an unusual green flash by Naruto. He turned to look, only to see Naruto shifting through some coins in one hand and a green purse in the shape of a frog in his other. Doesn't look like he has enough by my count. His suspicions were confirmed when Naruto sighed and started sliding the coins back through the mouth of the purse.

“No thanks, old man. I'll just settle with this.” Naruto held up a piece of folded paper that Sasuke recognised as the mirror image of the ticket Kakashi had given him, although significantly more rumpled.

The man nodded, and reached out for the paper. Sasuke watched Naruto part with it reluctantly, then slide off the stool. “See ya, Sasuke.”

“Wait.” Sasuke turned to the restaurant owner. “Same again. Both times.” He turned to see Naruto starting to open his mouth. “Just sit down, shut up, and enjoy it, Naruto.”

“Shutting up.” Naruto slipped back onto the stool. They both waited in silence for the food, then ate the same as before, Sasuke in smooth motions, Naruto in great gulps. Naruto still couldn't look at Sasuke as he paid the bill.

“Sasuke?”

Sasuke pocketed his wallet. “What, Naruto?”

Naruto's mouth worked around a few times before he spoke. “Why'd you do that?”

Think I'd want you to starve or something? You annoy me, but not that much. “You're going to pay me back for that eventually. And anyway, we're both training hard, and I wanted the company while I ate.” Sasuke blinked. Did I really say that? I can't have really meant that.

Naruto seemed equally confused and off kilter from the comment. “Uh… Thanks, I guess.”

“Yeah.” Sasuke stuck his hands in his pockets and started walking off back towards his apartment. He then paused. “Oh, and Naruto? Keep eating like that and you'll have to learn the Akimichi clans' jutsu instead.”

Naruto glared good-naturedly at him. “Still gonna kick your ass.”

“Well, you can try.” Sasuke started walking again. “Later, Naruto.”

 

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Kakashi found him at the training grounds, one hand resting on the centre stump. Kakashi smiled as he remembered his own times through the bell test, first as the student, then as the instructor.

“Kakashi-kun.” Jiraiya turned to him. “The years seem to have been kind.”

“To you as well.” Kakashi looked out at the grounds. “Fond memories?”

Jiraiya snorted in amusement. “Somewhat. Happy times long gone.” He approached carefully. “So you know?”

Kakashi nodded. “Ebisu told me that you'd asked to take Naruto under wing. If none of you are troubled by this, I have no complaints.” He sighed. “The night is cold. Wouldn't you rather continue this in a warm bar?”

Jiraiya chuckled. “Indeed. But I've no wish to be recognised. So tell me why I risked that to come here when Naruto should be training? You know he doesn't tire like other genin.”

“That's a good point. Naruto is a very unique person. Ended up here though.” Kakashi laid a hand on the stump. “We have three man cells for a reason. After a lot of different ideas, it was found that this one worked the best. Two male, one female. Generally works.” But my team is anything but a generality. He let his hand slide off the post.

“This to do with `Sasuke'?” asked Jiraiya. He saw Kakashi's one visible eye widen in surprise. “Naruto has trouble being quiet. And that name came up frequently when he wasn't being quiet.”

“Indeed. An old colleague of yours has taken an interest in Sasuke, and has already branded him. What he intends to do with him, I do not know, but it's fair to assume that he's still interested in his old goals.”

Jiraiya nodded. “The legendary sharingan of the Uchiha would help him learn all the jutsu in existence. And you, Kakashi, are living proof that you do not need to be a blood Uchiha in order to use that power.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “But if that was the case, why mark him? Why not just take the eye, and leave the boy for dead? There must be something else going on behind this.” And if that is the case, there may well be schemes within schemes here. Orochimaru was never one to lack in subtlety unless rushed. “You are taking precautions against Orochimaru trying anything else?”

“As much as can be without knowing his intent.” Kakashi paused, checking that they were unobserved. “We train far from Konoha, and I do not allow Sasuke to wander. Orochimaru no doubt has spies throughout Konoha, and I have my own suspicions on their identities. By keeping our returns to Konoha at a minimum, it gives them less chance to intercept Sasuke and try to either kidnap him, or appeal to his sense of revenge.”

“You know, Kakashi, the minimum would be none at all.”

Kakashi shook his head. “Naruto and Sasuke share a deep bond that manifests itself as rivalry. It is a very potent training tool, but if allowed to progress too far will hinder the work within the team.” He paused slightly. “I'm sure someone with as many contacts as yourself has heard of the demise of Gatou of the Gatou Corporation?” He received a nod from Jiraiya. “Then you must also know that my team played a part in that. Those events disrupted the carefully built teamwork as first Sasuke saved Naruto, and then Naruto saved Sasuke. Neither likes being in debt to the other, and neither likes that the other has made great strides in their abilities.” He smiled a little. “They are, of course, blind to their own improvements.”

Jiraiya nodded. “And so the teamwork collapses as each tries to prove themselves better than the other.”

“But something has changed.” Kakashi paused slightly, gathering his thoughts. “In the second part of the chuunin exam, they started to trust each other again, and from what I have gathered, were happy to watch out for each other. I found it rather startling, myself. This trust seems to have formed from them being unable, singularly, to defeat Orochimaru. Granted, Zabuza was no S-ranked criminal, but he was significantly out of their league when we first met. Yet, with teamwork, they managed to almost cause his defeat. For two genin, fresh from the academy, that is quite a feat. Then, after their defeat at Orochimaru's hands, they again co-operate, and again win, despite being beaten and exhausted.”

Jiraiya nodded. “And now, you're afraid that because the last thing they did was the individual preliminary rounds, their old rivalry will grow stronger as each thinks the other is better.” He sighed. “Kids these days.”

“So you agree with my idea?”

Jiraiya considered it. “It could well help them. I do not know what Orochimaru has thought of Naruto, but he has tried to influence him.” He saw Kakashi look worried. “Don't panic so much. He placed a seal on top of the Fourth's. It was preventing Naruto from using his chakra correctly. As soon as I found the work, I undid it, and Naruto seems to have suffered no ill effects from the time it was there.”

Kakashi nodded. “Naruto did seem to behave strangely against Kiba.”

“Oh? What happened then?”

“Kiba is the son of the Inuzuka clan. Like all the other ninja that the clan has produced, he relies on a dog and various feral jutsu.” Kakashi smiled. “Naruto took advantage of that fact. He farted at Kiba who was in a heightened senses state.”

Jiraiya blinked, then roared with laughter. “That boy is full of surprises. Luck seems to favour him.”

Kakashi nodded. “That it does. I just want to make sure that it continues that way. It already seems to have found him an excellent teacher.”

Jiraiya grunted, accepting the praise grudgingly. “You may well be right, Kakashi. Keeping our charges apart may hurt your team in the long run. I'll not stand in your way over this, but I'm going to teach Naruto in my own way. Tell your charge not to discount anything in the exam.”

Kakashi nodded. “Likewise. We will be returning to Konoha every four days. Whether you decide to order Naruto to return at that time or not is your own decision. It is my hope that they pick up the pattern for themselves, and start wishing to see each other.”

Jiraiya nodded. “I shall try a few things, so that Naruto doesn't suspect your hand in this. It might force him to take the opposite path simply in spite. Hopefully, we shall have no need to meet further before the final exam.” He nodded sharply. “May the best pupil win.”