Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Road Less Travelled By ❯ Bounteous Times for the Ichiraku! Team Seven Together Again. ( Chapter 10 )

Bounteous Times for the Ichiraku! Team Seven Together Again.

 

Sakura walked along the road in the direction of the Ichiraku Ramen House feeling vaguely conflicted. Part of her was hoping that Naruto would indeed be there, eating and laughing. The other part however, the part that was still in love with Sasuke, was screaming at her to just turn back and go home.

After all, I know when Sasuke-kun will return to Konoha. If I don't tell Naruto that means I can go out with Sasuke-kun again, without Naruto interfering. She sighed. But it's not right. Sasuke-kun asked me to do this as a friend I think. Or at least as close to one as he has. He's trusting me over this and I don't want to abuse that trust just to get a date out of him. She thought back over their meeting, remembering how lonely Sasuke had seemed, just for a moment, before he'd recovered his bravado. He wants company. Obviously Naruto's, but mine as well I think. Else he wouldn't've come to see me to ask, he'd've just asked at Ichiraku. Sakura smiled at this revelation and rounded the corner to the street on which Ichiraku was located.

There she was both relieved and disheartened to see the familiar orange-clad figure sat on a stool. I could turn back, but… She sighed, straightened her shoulders, and approached where Naruto was sitting. As she got closer Sakura could see the familiar form of Iruka sat with Naruto, who was laughing at something Naruto said. Smiling, Sakura moved to sit on the stool next to Naruto. “Naruto?”

Naruto blinked then turned away from Iruka to face her, beaming. “Sakura-chan! I haven't seen you in ages! Are you doing okay? What have you been up to?”

Iruka laughed slightly. “Slow down, Naruto. Sakura can only answer one question at a time, even if she still wishes she could answer them all at once.” He smiled at Sakura, showing that he was only teasing her over her former study habits.

Sakura smiled back at him. “Is it okay for me to join you, Sensei? I don't want to be a bother.”

“Of course Sakura-chan can stay!” interrupted Naruto before Iruka could answer. “She can stay, right Iruka-sensei?”

Iruka nodded. “Of course she can.” He looked at them both and smiled. “I'm glad to see that you're getting along better now. Used to be that I'd be too scared to sit this close to you, for fear of a fight breaking out.”

Sakura blushed and giggled slightly. We were pretty awful, fighting each other when we first met. I don't know why that's changed, I'm just glad it has. “How have you been, Naruto? Is your teacher pushing you as hard as Kakashi-sensei is pushing Sasuke-kun?”

“That pervert?” Naruto snorted and folded his arms. “He spends all his time watching girls, leaving me to train alone. I'll show him. I was just tired. Tomorrow I'll do that jutsu perfectly.” He nodded twice, as if to say and that's that.

Sakura blinked. “I thought Kakashi-sensei had found you a good teacher? One that you would like.” Although I can understand the idea of two perverts getting along.

Naruto shook his head. “I ditched the closet-pervert as soon as I could. He just lectured me all the time. Said I wasn't concentrating enough.” He grinned as he remembered Jiraiya's frog knocking Ebisu into unconsciousness, totally ignoring Iruka's suppressed laughter. “Then Ero-sennin came along. He wouldn't teach me at first, but I managed to talk him round. He's taught me a really cool jutsu that's sure to beat whatever Kakashi-sensei is teaching Sasuke.”

Sakura smiled a little at that. “Oh, I'm sure what Sasuke-kun is learning is much better,” she teased.

Naruto blinked. “You've seen Sasuke? He's told you what he's learning? Is he okay? Is he mad at me or something? That why he's not here? I've got the money to pay him back, honest!”

“Calm down, Naruto,” said Sakura, still smiling. “Sasuke-kun talked to me when he was in town two days ago. He's out training somewhere with Kakashi-sensei most of the time, that's why he's not here.” She paused. I should tell him. I really should. He'd find out anyway eventually, and they both want to see each other. “He's going to be back in Konoha in two days. He trains for three days, comes back on the fourth.” She paused again and shifted slightly. “He was asking about where you were last time I saw him.”

Naruto's eyes widened. “He was asking about me?” He snorted. “Obviously he doesn't think I'll pay him back. That's so unfair. Just because I was a little short that one time…”

“You're always a little short, Naruto,” teased Sakura.

“Hey!”

Iruka started to choke on his ramen from laughing. He thumped his chest a few times to clear his windpipe before speaking. “Naruto has the biggest spirit of all my previous students.” He smiled. “But that can't make up for the fact that he's short!”

“Iruka-sensei!” whined Naruto. “Stop being so mean! I'm going to grow taller really soon, I just know it.”

“I'm sure you will, Naruto,” replied Iruka good-naturedly. “Unfortunately I need to get going. I have a stack of papers to mark before tomorrow.”

“Eh? You're going already, Iruka-sensei?” asked Naruto, looking at his only three empty bowls of ramen.

Iruka nodded, laying the correct notes in payment on the table. “It's not that I want to, Naruto. I just have other things I need to do.”

Naruto turned to Sakura. “Sakura-chan? You're not about to leave me all alone, are you?”

“Don't be stupid, Naruto. I can stay with you a bit longer.” Sakura smiled at him. “Besides, I've missed having you and Sasuke-kun around. No one else seems to cause half as much trouble around Konoha as you do.”

“Sakura-chan…” Naruto grinned at her, before turning back to Iruka. “Hey, Iruka-sensei. Are you going to be watching the final exam like you did the prelims?”

Iruka shook his head. “It's no good, Naruto. I won't be able to get leave from teaching in order to do that. It was a condition on me being able to greet you at the end of the second exam and view the preliminaries.”

Naruto looked unhappy at that, but nodded. “Sure, I understand. I'll tell you all about how I beat up Sasuke afterwards, right?”

“Right.” Iruka smiled at him. “We can come here, and you can tell me all about it.” He nodded at Sakura. “I'll see you around, Sakura.”

Naruto watched him leave with a faint pouting expression on his face.

Sakura sighed. Guess I should try to cheer him up. He always looks better with a smile. “Hey, Naruto?”

Naruto turned back to her with a grin that Sakura found mildly frightening. “How nice is Iruka-sensei? Leaving us alone on our date together?”

“What?!” Sakura only realised she'd shrieked as she felt the attention of the bar owner and his assistant on her. She blushed and lowered her voice. “This isn't a date, Naruto. I just came out to tell you about Sasuke, and to see you. It's far too quiet without the two of you fighting, so I've had to keep myself busy.”

Naruto crinkled his nose slightly. If it's just the two of us, isn't it a date? He smiled, then yawned slightly. “Maybe I better go. Ero-sennin makes me work really hard, so I better get up early to go back.” He slid off the stool, and grinned at Sakura. “Need to work hard so I can come back and see you and Sasuke, huh?”

Sakura nodded. “Be good for us to be together again. The last time was when Sasuke-kun was in hospital.”

“That's right. Feels like ages ago.” Naruto looked thoughtful, then shrugged. “Oh well. Later Sakura-chan.” He ran off, back towards his apartment.

Sakura sighed. There goes my nice quiet date with Sasuke-kun.

 

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Sasuke was not a vain person by nature. The small mirror in his bedroom was largely ignored by him, even while preparing to go out. It was only at the last moment that he decided to check his appearance, and frowned at the result. There were a few bruises along his arms, the usual cuts and scrapes, and a fading black eye from where he'd been a bit slow to dodge the hilt of Kakashi's kunai. At least Kakashi was using the butt, not the point, or else there would be another resemblance between us. Sasuke adjusted his arm covers, pulling them to cover as much of his arms as possible, then examined the effect in the mirror. Still look like I've lost a fight. Damn it. Naruto will never let me live this down. He centred his forehead protector properly, adjusted his collar to hide the seal one last time, and then picked up his keys and wallet.

I could just not go, he considered. That way Naruto wouldn't gloat and Sakura won't fuss over me. I had enough of that the last time I was in hospital. He sighed. “And then I'd be stuck with only Kakashi for company again.” Damn. That made up his mind. He wanted company, and he was going to go out and get it and his money back. He briefly considered using a minor genjutsu to cover his bruises, but decided against it on the grounds that his chakra capacity was drained, and that the whole purpose of this evening was to recharge, not to expend further energy.

Sasuke sighed then squared his shoulders. Let's get this over with. It could be such a bad idea that we never try this again. He moved out of his apartment carefully locking the door, more out of habit than thinking it would stop anyone, and started off towards the Ichiraku ramen. Thankfully it's a quiet evening, so there's no one around to gawp at the last of the Uchiha clan looking like a complete novice that's messed up his training. He shoved his hands into his pockets and kept walking. Maybe I should see if I can pick up any clues about what Naruto is learning from this `Ero-sennin'. Kakashi seems to be preparing to teach me something, but all I'm really doing is taijutsu. Learning to collect chakra in parts of my body and release it steadily or in a burst. If I don't have a new jutsu I may have a problem against Naruto. He tilted his head slightly as he started to hear familiar voices. A few more steps and he could recognise the raised voices as those of Naruto and Sakura.

“This is all your fault Naruto!”

“But Sakura-chan, how can it be my fault when you saw him last?”

Sasuke rounded the corner and was presented with the sight of Sakura scowling at Naruto, who seemed to be trying to cheer her up.

Sasuke coughed slightly. “I can come back later when you're done arguing.”

“Sasuke-kun!” Sakura hurried over and beamed at him. “You came back! Are you sure you want to eat here with Naruto?”

Sasuke nodded. “With you both,” he said, trying to soothe Sakura's frustration without leading her on. “Naruto.” He nodded in greeting.

Naruto nodded back. “Sasuke. Oh!” He started digging around in his pockets, before producing several coins of different denominations and holding them out to him. “Here. I'm paying you back. Now we're even, okay?”

Sasuke sighed and held out his cupped hands, letting Naruto pour the change into his hands. “You hunted for the way to pay me back using the most coins possible, idiot?”

“Che, be grateful that I'm paying you back at all, jerk.” He smiled at Sakura. “See, Sakura? I'm not trying to get free meals off of everyone like you said.” He ended up disappointed as all Sakura's attention was focused on Sasuke.

“Sasuke-kun? Are you okay? You seem very beat up.” Her eyes travelled down to look at his neck for a moment, then moved back to look at his eyes. “Have you had any trouble with your training?”

“None.” Sasuke shifted slightly. I wish they'd both stop worrying about the seal. It's my problem. Always has been, always will be. “Just a bit slow going up against Kakashi. It'll fade in a few days.”

Sakura smiled at him. “I'm sure it will, Sasuke-kun. You'll want to look good for the exam.”

Sasuke sighed. Why do girls care so much for appearance? The ninja life tends towards gaining broken bones, scars and bruises. He smiled slightly. I wonder what would happen if Sakura or Ino broke their nose and had it heal crooked. His thoughts were interrupted by a low growling.

Naruto blushed and held his stomach. “Eheh. Sorry, sorry, guess I must be hungry.”

“Naruto,” scolded Sakura, linking arms with him. “Guess we'll just have to fix that, won't we?”

“You're paying, Sakura-chan?” Naruto was rewarded with being struck round the back of his head.

“Naruto you idiot,” complained Sakura. “You can't expect a lady to pick up the bill, even if it isn't a date.”

“You're mean, Sakura-chan…” moaned Naruto, rubbing the back of his head painfully.

Sasuke noticed Sakura move to link her free arm around his. Grudgingly he allowed her, and was amused to see a faint expression of surprise on her face. We're a team, Sakura, going out together. Not a date. He almost smiled as another thought crossed his mind. Maybe she'll never let go and I'll have to get her surgically removed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Naruto make a triumphant grin. “What's with you, Naruto?”

“Oh, nothiiiiing,” sang back Naruto still grinning. He tugged Sakura, and by extension Sasuke, forwards towards the ramen stand. “Come on, I'm not getting any less hungry standing here.”

Sakura laughed at Naruto's eagerness and Sasuke permitted himself a small smile. Together the three of them sat, Naruto and Sakura still laughing and bickering, to place their orders.

Sasuke watched them calmly, the smile still on his face. They're both idiots. Chattering away as if nothing has changed. As if nothing had changed with me. He watched Sakura hit Naruto again for some comment on how this was like a date. I don't want this to change back to them watching me with worried eyes.

“How's Kakashi-sensei been, Sasuke-kun?” asked Sakura, interrupting Sasuke's thoughts. “Is he still being lazy, or is he actually helping you to train?”

“He trains me well enough,” replied Sasuke. He paused, and only continued to speak when it became clear that Sakura was expecting further comment. “He only talks to me to correct my mistakes, Sakura. I have no great revelation about him to make. We train until I drop, train some more, eat field rations, sleep, then wake at dawn to begin again. There is nothing else.”

Naruto pouted. “Che! At least Kakashi-sensei is training you! Ero-sennin just spends all his time peeking at girls, not helping me train. He calls it `research' but I know what he's up to.”

Sakura shuddered. “As if one Naruto wasn't bad enough, now he's being taught by someone even worse.”

Sasuke snorted. “Think they probably deserve each other. Did Naruto ever tell you about his improvements to his `Oiroke no jutsu'? Using it with Kage Bunshin no jutsu? Calls it `Harem no jutsu'.”

Naruto laughed. “How do you think I trapped Ero-sennin into teaching me? Apparently asking him in a woman's body works so much better.” He ducked as Sakura swung at him again. “He's just a dirty old man, who writes that perverted book Kakashi-sensei is always reading.”

“Get Kakashi-sensei an autograph,” replied Sasuke.

 

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Naruto watched Sakura head back into her house with a faint expression of melancholy. It had been a fun evening while it had lasted, and even if he had had to pay Sasuke his money back he was glad for having seen him again. Naruto gave a final wave to Sakura then walked over to where Sasuke was leaning against the wall, head tilted downwards in thought.

“Oi, Sasuke?” asked Naruto cautiously.

Sasuke raised his head back up slowly. “You going home, Naruto?” he questioned in response. Naruto thought he saw some sort of sadness in Sasuke's eyes for a moment, beneath their customary hard expression.

He shuffled slightly. “Don't have to yet. Be good if you weren't going back yet either.” He looked down. “Ero-sennin is my trainer but…” He's not my team. You are, and Sakura-chan is, and even Kakashi-sensei I guess.

“Kakashi makes lousy company too,” replied Sasuke quietly. “He never talks other than to correct me or give me orders.” He shrugged slightly, the motion hampered by his leaning against the wall. “This evening was…” He trailed off, unable to complete the thought.

Fun, welcoming, relaxing, safe, filled in Naruto mentally. “Yeah, it was. We should do it again.”

Sasuke moved away from the wall and started walking. “Come on. Sakura will worry if she knows we're still out here.”

“Yeah.” Naruto hurried to walk alongside Sasuke, stretching his arms to rest them behind his head as he walked. “You want us to meet again next time you're in town?”

“Whatever.”

Naruto smiled slightly. That's a yes if ever I heard one from Sasuke. He's not as stuck up or mean as he once was, but he still needs to work on the whole talking thing. “Sure thing, Sasuke. We could even go somewhere else if you're getting sick of ramen.”

“Then I'd have to put up with your complaining all evening, idiot,” Sasuke replied without any real heat in the insult. “Eating at the Ichiraku is fine.” Naruto thought he saw a faint smile on Sasuke's lips, but in the gloom he couldn't tell for sure whether it was the usual smirk of superiority, or a genuine smile.

“It's been good to see you Sasuke. Even if you are as annoying a jerk as ever.”

“I wasn't the one who was hit six times by Sakura while we ate,” replied Sasuke, his expression becoming more clearly a real smile.

Naruto kept facing the way they were walking, only noting the change of expression out of the corner of his eye. Sasuke seems much more than just my rival now. He's a friend who'll jump in to defend me, not because his honour demands it, but because he cares. Or at least, I hope that's what he feels. He's more relaxed around us anyway. Maybe we were all worried over that seal for nothing. “The fuuja houin still holding? No more creepy men trying to bite you? No snakes or ninjas or stuff?”

Naruto was rewarded by a slight laugh from Sasuke, although he pretended not to hear it.

“Nothing is happening, Naruto, apart from training. I look forward to seeing the result of both our training when I meet you in the arena.” Sasuke stopped walking and turned to face him. “I still want to fight you, and I intend to give you my very best. You deserve that much, and you'll need to be doing the same against me.”

Naruto grinned back at him. “Sure I'm gonna give you my best. The question is, will you be able to keep up with it?”

Sasuke snorted and shook his head. “Idiot.” He started walking again. “See you again in four days.”

Naruto watched him go. “Count on it.”