Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Vengeful ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

“Get your elbow out of my face, idiot.” Sasuke easily dodged the fist flying towards him, leaning back and kicking Naruto into a nearby box.

“You bastard!” Naruto yelled, preparing to charge at him.

“Stop fighting,” a lazy voice came from the front of the cart. Naruto grudgingly slumped down, mumbling something about stupid old men.

They had discovered, through what had been a very long day that the `cart' that they were travelling in was designed solely for the purpose of torturing the occupants. Not only was it rickety and weak, it was also shaky enough to throw the unfortunate people inside into boxes and the side. The worst thing, however, was how it was built. Across the floor and sides, bits of wood and nails stuck out unevenly, at bad angles.

Needless to say, Sasuke and Naruto were bruised, scratched, and not in a good mood. They had positioned Jiraiya's less than generous blanket across a small part that was relatively safe, leaving them sat close together, wrapped in their own sleeping bags.

Because the border was defined by the mountain range, the border village was built between the mountains, meaning the only practical way through for hundreds of miles was to go directly through. From what they had heard, it was well guarded and fortified, having been important when there was conflict between the Lands of Fire and Thunder. Hence why they were to hide in the back of a cart, and were freezing.

The night slowly descended on them, indicated to the two by the loss of light from the cracks in the carts. As the sun disappeared, the light was replaced by an eerie blue glow, and the air got even colder. Without a word, they pushed closer together for warmth, backs against a box. For a while, they said nothing, but Naruto stole glances at Sasuke regularly, until he got impatient.

“What is it?” He asked Naruto irritably. Naruto lowered his head, avoiding his eyes.

“Why don't you care that I'm a demon?” Sasuke blinked in surprise, frowning at him.

“You're not a demon, Naruto.” He said, hoping he sounded reassuring. “It's not your fault that that thing is inside of you.” Naruto shook his head, and looked up.

“I don't know how it got there.” He whispered, and then rested his head back. “I don't … how could you understand this?“ he turned away, eyes stinging. Sasuke looked at the back of his head thoughtfully.

“No, I couldn't understand it,” he said softly, “but I do know what it's like to have something beyond my control affecting my life, something that's not my fault. Yet people look at me, and treat me differently, as though I'm not a normal person like them.” Naruto turned back to him confusedly.

“What do you mean?” Sasuke smiled sadly.

“My heritage, and the crime put onto me … being Itachi's brother. I can't ever be normal, Naruto - neither of us can. All we can do is try to fight that destiny, and not let it control us.” Naruto nodded in understanding, and then gave Sasuke a half-grin.

“You sound like an old man when you say that sort of thing!” Sasuke stared at him for a second, before chuckling himself. No matter how annoying Naruto was, he always found a way to make him smile.

Silence fell in the cart again, the jolting of the cart now seeming more of a rocking motion. Sasuke yawned, looking sideways to see if Naruto was asleep. He was surprised to see that he wasn't, instead looking very intently in front of him. The prince frowned as Naruto's head drooped slightly in weariness, and then he pinched himself, to try to stay awake.

“You can go to sleep, if you want to.” Sasuke suggested. Naruto shook his head sleepily.

“No, I'm ok-“ his sentence ended in a yawn, and he shook his head briskly as if to push his tiredness away.

“You're tired … why not?” Naruto looked away, examining the box beside him.

“No reason.” Sasuke watched him curiously, and he remembered the night in the cave.

“Is it because of the nightmares?” Naruto flinched visibly, still not looking at him. “It is, isn't it?”

“I … can't stop them, they-“ he shook his head, not wanting to recall them. Sasuke leaned forward, forcing Naruto to look at him. “You don't know what it's like. You don't know what I … see … the demon …” he closed his eyes, his words failing for the second time that night. Sasuke rested his head back, looking towards the ground.

“I have nightmares too, you know.” He tried to ignore Naruto's eyes on him, piercing bright blue orbs. He shifted uneasily, clearly unused to being at all open. “I mean, after … I saw Itachi kill …” He looked up at Naruto, who was looking at him with a sombre expression, and he knew he didn't need to go any further into that subject. They both remained silent, in their own thoughts.

Naruto hadn't expected the reserved prince to offer up such personal information about himself; but then again, he hadn't expected him to catch onto the fact he was trying to avoid the nightmares. Somehow, the other seemed to be able to know what he was thinking, and understand him well. Something that no one had ever been able to do - he had always been the outcast of society, shunned and misunderstood. Yet here was this prince, slightly older than him, who could somehow empathise with him completely.

He found himself watching Sasuke's unreadable face as he slowly fell into the darkness of sleep, his mind on these new developments.

Sasuke himself was in a state of confusion. Why did he tell Naruto about that? He wouldn't dare tell Ino or Kakashi that he still had nightmares, where he could see his brother killing his parents, but he had just told this random boy who had crossed his path by chance.

For some reason, he felt the need to comfort him, protect him from the things that made him hurt. It was ridiculous of course - in truth, he barely even knew Naruto, never mind care about him so much. Things were a lot simpler when all he had to focus on was revenge on his brother. Maybe he should go back to that, he thought sarcastically, something that he understood.

He sighed wistfully at this. Was his life really that pathetic? Then again, the death of his brother was of higher importance than most things, whichever way he looked at it.

He blinked in surprise as Naruto's head fell slowly, coming to rest on his shoulder. Although that type of contact would normally irritate him, he found it strangely comforting. Besides, the sleep looked peaceful, and he wouldn't want to wake him up unnecessarily. If it looked like he was having a nightmare, he could always wake him up.

Yes, he decided, he'd have to try to renew the hate for his brother. This was all way too confusing.

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As they continued, small fires could be seen of the horizon, and Ino frowned as Kakashi turned towards them.

“Where are we going?” she asked him.

“To meet some friends,” he replied mysteriously. Ino punched his arm, and he sighed. “You didn't think the plan was to go in alone with one suspicious cart?” She narrowed her eyes.

“So what's is your great plan?” she said sarcastically.

“This is a band of travelling entertainers. If we join them, it will be easier for us to sneak past the gate guards, masquerading as entertainers also. Jiraiya has talked to them, and its fine.” She nodded in understanding, but still looked at him oddly. His secrecy was what was suspicious. She had a feeling that these were not normal entertainers.

Sakura snored quietly on the seat next to her, and she prodded the pink-haired girl awake as they drew close to explain. She nodded sleepily, before dozing off again. Ino shook her head exasperatedly. Civilians.

They slowly drew to a stop not far from the site, and Kakashi turned to her, smiling through the dark.

“You should go wake up the two in the back.” She complied, jumping down and circling around to the back of the cart. Kakashi was acting strange - and that wasn't a good sign. She recalled the last time that had happened, and shuddered, hoping that it was just her exhaustion setting in.

She opened the door, and headed to the boy's corner, opening her mouth to yell at them to wake up, but then froze. Naruto was resting against Sasuke's shoulder - and the latter had his arm casually around the blond. They looked like … a couple. At this thought, she choked on air, not sure what to think. Never had she seen Sasuke show any form of intimacy, not even a light hug. Yet now he was almost cuddling a boy in the back of an old cart. She forced her breaths to slow down. Maybe it was an accident while they were sleeping …

“Wake up!” she shouted, causing them both to jump, looking at her bewilderedly. Then they realised the awkward position they were in. Naruto, blushing, jumped up away from the prince spluttering, a light blush on his cheeks. Ino noted their almost guilty looks. They would make a cute couple, she thought to herself, trying not to smile.

“We're taking a break here, there's … a new plan.”

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Before them was a group of colourfully decorated carts and wagons, surrounded by small campfires. Despite the late hour, people moved about, busying themselves with their duties. There were 2 armed people that could be seen walking about, assumedly guards to protect the travellers from bandits and highwaymen.

As they approached, one of the guards stepped forward to greet them. He bowed to Kakashi, and nodded at the rest. Sasuke hid his annoyance at his bodyguard being received with more respect than himself.

“Welcome, sir,” the guard said, eyes flicking over the odd newcomers. “It is an honour to have one of your position to help guard our humble group.” Kakashi inclined his own head.

“Thank you,” he replied cordially, “I take it Jiraiya has informed you of our situation?” The guard nodded, and looked around cautiously.

“I will take you to the group leader. Your subordinates may rest by the fires, and help themselves to the food.” Naruto, having been lost in the formalities, now brightened at the mention of food, rubbing his stomach happily.

Sasuke, however, did not look so happy. Not only had Kakashi shown respect and seriousness towards a stranger - neither of which he'd shown towards the prince - he had been referred to as his subordinate! He glared at Kakashi's back as the guard led him away.

He also realised that if Jiraiya had already sent a message, this was already planned out, and he was apparently oblivious to what Kakashi did. Sakura turned to him, smiling widely.

“Shall we go get some food, Sasuke?”

“No.” he deadpanned. Her face fell in disappointment, and Naruto frowned, moving forward to take her hand.

“I'll go with you Sakura!” she drew her hand away, not taking her eyes off Sasuke.

“No thanks, we're not hungry at the moment.” Naruto blinked in confusion, and then scowled as he realised what was happening. He folded his arms, looking remarkably like a sulking child.

Minutes passed as no one said a word. They avoided each other's eyes and stood in a tense silence. Ino watched the three with raised eyebrows, unsure of what to do. But rather than drag it out further, she eventually decided to resolve it.

“Let's go get some food, Naruto! I'm starving.” She chirped. They looked at her as if she'd grown an extra head. It wasn't exactly a secret that she didn't like the blond.

“Uh … ok?” Smiling widely, she grabbed him by the arm, and led him away from the glaring prince and bewildered girl.

“Wait - the food is back …” she dragged him behind one of the wagons, and then turned to confront him. The light from the fires flickered and cast shadows across her face, creating a rather scary visage. He suddenly looked quite terrified.

“Naruto. What is your relationship with Sasuke?” He stared at her in confusion. His face became thoughtful, and he scratched his chin. It took a while before he came up with a reply.

“Umm … what?” Ino narrowed her eyes. The boy was a complete idiot. Sighing deeply, she shook her head.

“Never mind … look, Sasuke has never had a close friend before. He has trust issues and - well, quite a few other social issues. You should know, if you do anything to hurt him - then you're in for a lifetime of pain.” The threat was not lost on Naruto, and he gulped, looking very pale.

“Y-yes ma'am …” Her face immediately brightened at the acknowledgement.

“Well, now that we have that little problem out of the way, let's go eat!” He let himself be dragged along, suddenly not so hungry.

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When Ino had gone to get some `beauty sleep', Sasuke joined Naruto at one of the campfires, where he was sitting in a contemplative silence. Such a thing from Naruto was surely not a good sign.

“Hey, Sasuke.” Naruto said simply. Sasuke sat down next to him wonderingly.

“Having fun?” he said sarcastically. Naruto turned away from fire, snapped out of his thoughts.

“Whatever. Where did Sakura go?” Sasuke shrugged, nodding his head towards one of the carts.

“She was saying something about her hair - I wasn't really listening.” Naruto opened his mouth as if to reprimand him, but decided it against it, instead just sighing. “You should get some sleep, it'll be light soon.” Naruto shook his head.

“How about you? Or do Uchihas not need sleep?” Sasuke gave him a half-hearted glare, but shook his head also.

“I'm not tired, besides, I'd rather stay here with you.” He clasped his hand over his mouth, realising that what he just said didn't sound as casual as he intended it to. Naruto froze beside him, shocked by the statement, but then his face formed a wide grin.

“I knew it! We're friends now Sasuke!” he stared at the blond blankly. “Well, you would want to spend time with me if you didn't like me.” Sasuke was glad for the darkness that hid the blush forming on his face.

“Well … don't you have lots of friends?” The grin on the other's face faltered slightly, but was back before Sasuke could blink.

“Yeah, sure.” Naruto replied, turning back to the fire. Before Sasuke could comment on it though, Naruto's head snapped up to watch someone making their way through the camp. He turned to Sasuke with the stupid grin in place. “She's really pretty, don't you think?” Sasuke looked at the figure confusedly.

“Naruto that's a boy.” Naruto leaned forward, squinting.

“… Oh.” Sasuke snorted, but the blond continued to stare with great curiosity. “Wow - he's prettier than Sakura!” Sasuke blinked at him, wondering if he had heard right. Did Naruto not care about that at all? And what was with eyeing up some random guy in the camp?

“Um, you think males can be pretty like that?” Naruto nodded.

“Yeah - there are just not many pretty guys about. I mean he's the only one I've really seen, apart from you.” Sasuke frowned, before he realised the implication. Naruto thought he was pretty?? He cursed as he found himself blushing again. He should be insulted by a comment like that, not blushing like one of the prince's ignorant suitors!

“I'm going to go talk to him. Later, Sasuke!” With that, Naruto jumped up and set off in the direction of the boy. Sasuke watched him leave incredulously. He certainly didn't waste any time. He rubbed his temples wearily. That idiot was so annoying.

What if the pretty boy was interested in Naruto? He made a face at the thought of Naruto on a date with him. He decided that would not happen, for Naruto's sake. Not that he was overly worried about him, he reminded himself. He let out a growl of annoyance.

A hand on his shoulder sent him flying out of his seat and almost into the fire, his heart beating wildly. Behind where he was previously sat stood Kakashi, looking genuinely surprised. Sasuke struggled to control his rapid breathing, glaring at the silver-haired man.

“Sasuke, you're unusually … jumpy.” When he got no reply, he continued, “in fact, you're never jumpy.” Sasuke continued to glare as his heart rate slowed down. Not only had the man tried to just kill him, he was now giving him a very knowing look that said I-know-more-than-I'm-letting-on. Besides, how had he not noticed someone coming up behind him?

“Don't sneak up on me like that!” Kakashi gave him an even look.

“I wasn't sneaking. You were miles away.” He grinned slightly from under his mask. “Something on your mind?” Sasuke hardened his death-glare.

“No. Go away.” He realised that the man was right though - the sky was already brightening as the sun rose; he had apparently been sitting in thought for longer than he had realised.

“Now don't be like that. You can tell me.” He focused his self-control to resist strangling him. Kakashi looked on with an amused expression. Sasuke closed his eyes for a second, taking calming breaths, as taught by one of his castle teachers, for stress relief.

A loud scream approaching jolted him out of this state, causing him to jump back and trip over a log, heart rate back up instantly. Getting up quickly, and hoping no one but Kakashi saw his lapse in dignity, he looked over to the source of the scream.

Naruto was back from his little venture, and running towards him at an alarming speed. He had managed to wake probably every person in the camp, but he didn't look too concerned about that. In fact, he looked scared.

When he arrived, he attempted to stop next to Sasuke, resulting in him sliding forward several meters and tripping, falling face first into the ground. Sasuke shook his head at the blond condescendingly.

“You idiot.” Kakashi raised his eyebrows at the prince, who ignored him and brushed the last of the dirt off his own clothes. “What is it?” Naruto stood up and leaned forward to catch his breath. When he could speak, he gestured wildly towards the direction he had come from.

“There was … demon … big sword … scary.” Sasuke stared at him perplexedly. “He was big and scary … like a demon …”

“You're scared of some demon person? Aren't you a demon yourself - the most powerful?” Naruto now looked up with intense curiosity, apparently forgetting his encounter.

“What do you mean `most powerful'?” Sasuke stared in surprise. He hadn't expected Naruto to be oblivious to the type of demon inside of him, but then again it would make sense.

“You're the vessel of the Kyuubi, right?” Naruto looked at him blankly. Sasuke sighed, gesturing him to sit down. “Well, I'm not too good on demonology … but the Nine Tailed Fox is the most powerful of the tailed demons. The greater the number of tails, the greater the power; I think that they grow more tails as they age.” Naruto nodded, taking the information in eagerly. “I don't know much more than that, though. The binding of the demon to the body takes place at birth, and can only be done by a demonologist. To bind the great Kyuubi … the one who did it must have been very powerful - as far as I know, it has only been done twice in history, and there have been countless failures.”

“So I wasn't born with it?” If anything, Naruto was more confused now. The demon had been bound to him when he was baby? Who would do that, and for what reason? His parents had always avoided the topic, after all. They must have known about it.

“No, it is done through some sort of ritual technique.” He looked to Kakashi for confirmation, but the silver-haired man had disappeared some time in the conversation. “Kakashi might know more though.” Naruto immediately scanned the area keenly, and Sasuke watched with interest.

Naruto had no idea about his early past, or about the demon, and the more he learnt, the more puzzling it got. Although he looked cheerful enough, Sasuke could tell how desperate he was from his eyes. No matter how much he hid his emotions, his eyes could express loneliness, anger, and joy - almost anything, all whilst his smile was in place. Sasuke was slowly learning how to read this mysterious boy, from just his eyes.

When he was genuinely happy, they would sparkle.

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Ino stretched, sleepily exiting the wagon she had been in, and walked inelegantly into someone outside. She fell back and immediately began apologising, until she saw it was none other than her fellow bodyguard.

“Kakashi! What are you -“ her words were cut off as he put a finger to her lips, glancing backwards, and then walked away. It took her a moment to react to the strange behaviour, and when she turned, he had disappeared. Frowning, she looked towards the direction that he had been glancing in. Her frown deepened as he realised as she realised the reason.

On the seats by one the campfires, the Prince of Thunder and a certain blond Jinchuuriki were sat side-by-side. Her eyes widened as she saw that Sasuke had his arm around the other. Now, a gesture like that from Naruto would mean very little … but from Sasuke it was anything but meaningless. The `cuddling' while sleeping could have been a mistake, but this was as clear as day. Sasuke didn't do friendly gestures. It looked innocent enough, and Naruto was apparently indifferent to it, but it was a great sign of affection.

Once her shock had worn off, she decided it was rude to watch, and wandered away aimlessly, coming to wagon Sakura was using. She knocked quietly, and stepped in when she heard the other girl's welcome.

The disappointed look on her face was not lost on Ino, but she smiled and greeted her in a friendly manner. Sakura turned back to a small hand held mirror, which she was using to do her hair and make up. Although this was seemingly innocent as well, Ino could tell that the effort put into it was incredible. She must have been doing it for a long time.

“What are you doing?” she said, keeping her voice friendly. She already knew the answer. Sakura turned to her with a sly smile.

“Sasuke is a very shy person. But I know he likes me.” Ino closed her eyes, sighing inwardly. “I'm going to make him see that I'm too beautiful to resist. This is … what I need. I will make him mine no matter what.” Ino looked at her sadly, hearing the great determination. This was an awkward situation.

“Do you think, maybe you're aiming too high?” Sakura shook her head.

“Anything's possible if you put your mind to it!”

“He could have someone else he likes.” She grinned at Ino.

“Don't think you have a better chance than me, Ino.” Yep, this was going to be very awkward.

“Sakura, don't try.” Sakura looked at her blankly, as if wondering if she heard right. “I'm only thinking of you, I don't want you to get hurt! You don't know Sasuke like I do, and I'm sure that you don't have … a chance …” her voice faltered as she saw the furious look on the other's face.

“How dare you! Telling me you are only thinking of my feelings! You want Sasuke for yourself, you selfish cow! I thought that you of all people wouldn't stoop so low as to come here and say such things.” She clenched her fist, and nodded stiffly towards the door. “Get out. Leave me alone.”

Ino knew better than to argue. Cursing herself for her lack of tact, she exited the wagon, and the door slammed behind her. Even though Sakura was right about wanting Sasuke, she wasn't right about the rest. They both wanted the prince greatly, but she knew he barely glanced at them. There was only one person the prince had his eye on - and it seemed that this lucky person was completely oblivious, and perhaps not even interested. She laughed to herself, not finding it particularly funny. Oh the irony.