Coming
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By Chibified Kitsunes
Chapter Three
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I know I should have put this earlier but hehehe… For your info
[bold] Kyuubi talking
“…” normal conversation
italics thoughts
‘italics’ thought during flashback
= = = = change in scene
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Shikamaru closed his eyes. He was at his favorite cloud watching spot trying to relax. He headed here immediately after finding Tenten. He could not find Hinata anywhere until he had dropped by Ino’s house to see what she was doing only to have her shout at him.
“I told you it’s a surprise. Hinata and I are busy right now and we don’t have time! I’ll see you later!”
She had slammed the door in his face. Shikamaru had a faint idea that the surprise Ino had mentioned over the phone had something to do with Hinata. He just didn’t know what. For once, the shadow strategist was stumped. If it was one thing he did not understand, it was the female mind.
Shikamaru groaned and folded his arms under his head, his thoughts drifting from Ino to Chouji. Somehow he had known that Chouji defeated the fat ass and he used Henge to transform into him.
No, I didn’t know Chouji would defeat him, I believed he could do it and he did.
Despite his belief in Chouji, Shikamaru had still been shocked to see Chouji’s condition. He had told Chouji not to resort to the last pill, but Akamaru had said that Jiroubu was too powerful for him, he had had no choice. Sighing, Shikamaru got up and headed for Konoha hospital muttering, “I still have lots of time, I guess I’ll go see Chouji.”
= = = =
After a change of clothes and leaving Kyuubi at home, Naruto was out wandering around Konoha looking for Sakura. He had headed down to the centre of the village hoping to find her. Instead, he faced countless cold glares and received a few threats. Deciding that it was no use to even ask them, he turned his back on the villagers and ran not caring where he headed.
Is this what they would do to me if I told them about Kyuubi? He wondered sadly to himself. Will they ever acknowledge me if they knew?
Looking up, he found himself at the bridge where team 7 used to meet. He noticed a certain pink haired girl sitting on the side of the bridge and he brightened up and ran towards her.
Sakura was so deep in thought that she did not notice Naruto’s approach until,
“SAKURA-CHAAAAAN!!!”
Sakura threw out her fist and punched Naruto out of her face as she almost lost her balance. Jumping off her precarious position, she screamed at him, “NARUTO!! YOU ASS!!”
“Argh… what was that for Sakura-chan…” Naruto groaned out painfully clutching his face.
“That was for scaring me…baka…” Sakura started before she burst into sobs and launched herself into a surprised Naruto.
“Na…nani??” Was all he could say. He was about to bring his arms up around her shoulders to comfort the crying girl when she said in between sobs. “Naruto…Sasuke-kun, where is he… Nobody will tell me what happened to him. I’ve asked all the senseis and Hokage-sama, but they… they won’t say anything…”
That bastard, he thought as he stiffened in Sakura’s arms. Stepping out of her embrace he turned away and closed his eyes, tuning out the rest of the world.
“ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?!!” Sakura screamed in his ear, tears forgotten, bringing him back to reality.
Naruto’s eyes snapped open as he whirled around and stared Sakura straight in the eye. Sakura gasped and stumbled back as she looked into the boy’s angry and cold eyes. They’re like an animal’s eyes... She thought afraid as she stared into the slitted eyes.
“I came here to ask you to come to the hospital later at 4.30 because there is something I have to tell everyone. Come if you wish but I would appreciate it if you did not mention the bastard’s name in front of everybody later. In case you don’t remember, some of us almost died bringing him back.”
Sakura visibly flinched at Naruto’s cold words as he turned on his heel and stalked off the bridge. A chill ran down her spine as Naruto turned his head and shot her a cold glare spitting out a you’re welcome before heading off.
Sakura collapsed upon hearing those cutting words as tears coursed down her cheeks. Her heart was tearing with guilt as she remembered what she had done when Naruto’s team returned.
>>Flashback begins<<
The moment they heard that the team had been sighted, Sakura ran off towards the gates, with Tenten, Hinata and Ino hot on her heels. When they got there, their Jounin senseis were already there. They saw the Hokage and her assistant kneeling over Neji, healing him. Tenten and Hinata each let out a sob as they saw the kunai stuck in his back, the horrendous wounds in his side and left shoulder.
Sakura shoved her way through, passing Kurenai-sensei who was helping Kiba off Shikamaru’s shoulder. Asuma-sensei and Ino were helping an extremely thin and unconscious Chouji to the ground. Gai-sensei was hugging his hung over younger double and crying rivulets of tears, ranting something about youth power.
She stopped in front of Naruto, who had Sasuke slumped over his shoulder. Sakura let out a sob as Naruto almost collapsed under the weight of his teammates. He looked up at Sakura and smiled and whispered, “I kept my promise Sakura-chan.”
Instead of feeling grateful, Sakura had screamed at him, “What did you do to Sasuke-kun!! Naruto!! Tell me!! Why?!!”
Sakura stopped in mid-rant as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Kakashi-sensei looking down at her with disappointment in his one visible eye.
>>Flashback ends<<
Sakura got up slowly, still shaking at Naruto’s biting remark. She knew she had been wrong to do that then, but she had overreacted when she had seen Sasuke’s condition.
I’m so sorry Naruto…She thought guiltily as she made her way to the hospital.
= = = =
Shikamaru stepped out of the elevator just in time to see a doctor and two nurses run down the hallway.
Chouji!! His mind screamed as they ran into Chouji’s room. He ran down the hallway and burst into the room panting.
“CHOUJI!!” He shouted. Shikamaru’s eyes widened as he took in the sight in front of him. There, on the bed, was Chouji awake and eating. Shikamaru’s eyes teared up as he approached Chouji.
“Shikamaru!! How are you!! Can you believe it? I actually beat that guy, I told you I’d do it! Look at me now, I’m thin! But the doctor said I have to put on some weight….”
Chouji continued as Shikamaru turned to the doctor. “Is he ok? I mean, his health and all… Will he be able to return to his original state?”
“Well.” The doctor started as he looked at the nurses attending to Chouji. “We were surprised he even woke up, but we’re certain he will be ok. Although… it is virtually impossible for him to return to his original size. We spoke to his family members when he was admitted, when we heard about the pills, we were even more amazed that he had come out of this alive. It’s a miracle he woke up. He is able to eat normally so it’s a good sign. He’ll be ok, don’t worry about your friend.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Shikamaru answered gratefully.
After doing a routine checkup, the doctor and nurses left the room, leaving Shikamaru and Chouji alone.
“Chouji…” Shikamaru started.
“Shikamaru,” Chouji interrupted. “I know what you want to say, but it’s not your fault. It was my choice to stay behind, besides we were on a mission and you know it had to be done. So, was it a success?”
Shikamaru was stunned. Sure, Chouji was his best friend, but he had no idea he was able to read him so well. Smiling, he answered, “Yeah… it was a success, and we brought him back. Well, Naruto did. Hey speaking of Naruto, you woke up just in time. He has something to tell everyone later. Don’t know what it’s about but it seems important. How about visiting the rest of the team huh? I’m sure they’ll be glad to see you. We all believed you could do it you know.”
Chouji looked down smiling. Yeah dad, I have made lots of friends. They all believed in me… Pushing himself off the bed, his smile widened, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s not keep them waiting!” Chouji said as he dug into a newly opened packet of chips. (A/N: Where he gets them from I have no idea.)
= = = =
“Ino-san… tell me why we’re doing this again?” Hinata asked as she sat in the chair.
“Well, we have to change your image to get that baka of yours to notice you.” Ino answered innocently.
“No… why are my hands tied up again?” She asked, glaring up at Ino.
Ino was jumping with joy inside as she noted the fact that Hinata was no longer whispering and she now even had the courage to stare her in the eye.
“Well…” Ino folded her arms as she stared back. “We’ve gotten you to speak up, taken your blushing down a notch. All that’s left is that thumb twitching habit you have. That’s why I tied your hands up, so you can’t do that when you get nervous.” She declared proudly.
Oh yeah!! Aren’t I the best!! I’ve managed to change Konoha’s shyest ninjas. Beat that Sakura!! Ha! Ino screamed out mentally.
Hinata fidgeted in her seat, “But Ino-san… I’m not nervous now so… can you let me go? Onegai?”
Ino frowned, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Hehehe… gomen…” Ino laughed as she scratched the back of her head embarrassingly.
If anyone had been standing behind Hinata, they would have seen the sweatdrop appear on the back of her head.
Ino untied Hinata and flopped down onto her bed. Propping her elbows on the bed, Ino set he chin down on her hands and asked Hinata. “So, tell me Hinata, what makes Naruto so special?”
“Well… I always noticed Naruto-kun at the academy. Do you remember how he always used to get even the simplest of jutsus wrong and how the class would laugh at him?” Hinata paused as she watched Ino nod thoughtfully.
“Wasn’t he the class joker then? He was so funny.” Ino laughed.
“Yeah…” Hinata continued. “But every time the class laughed at him, I noticed that his eyes would become sad before he covered it up with a smile or laugh. I don’t think he was doing it on purpose. I thought he was very brave, ignoring what people thought of him. He was everything I was not. He stood up to every challenge and it was because of his encouragement that I was able to do my best when I fought against Neji-niisan. I think I’ve loved him ever since I saw him. People see him as a nuisance or dead last. But I see him as my inspiration, my encouragement. I think Naruto is the kind of person who would never give up, and would protect his friends to the very end… That’s what I see in him…”
Ino was shocked. She had never thought of Naruto that way. She had always seen him as a class clown, dead last, someone who had ridiculous dreams of being Hokage. She had always wondered how he had even graduated from the academy. But now that Hinata mentioned it, Naruto was the type who kept his promises and protected his friends. And he never gave up. She remembered how she had seen him come back with Sasuke and told Sakura he had kept his promise. She recalled how he had sworn revenge on Neji for Hinata and he had kept his word.
“Ino-san, do you notice how some people stare at Naruto with hatred in their eyes?” Hinata asked, looking down at Ino.
Ino sat up on her bed and looked Hinata in the eye. “Hatred? Well, I’m not very sure. Why do you ask?”
“Well, I remember when I was young and was playing in the playground when I saw Naruto-kun. He wanted to play with some of us children but our mums chased him away.” Hinata frowned, deep in thought as she tried to recall. “When he had run off, I heard one mother say something about a monster before another one hushed her, saying they were not supposed to say it in front of us children. I didn’t understand it at the time so I ignored it. I’m not even sure why I’m remembering this in the first place.”
Ino furrowed her eyebrows before shrugging. “I have no idea either. What don’t they want to tell us? Well, never mind.” Ino looked at her clock before crying out. “Oh no! It’s five minutes to the meeting time! We’re going to be late!! We have to go now! I’ll go get the roses, you get ready!!”
Hinata nodded frantically as she wrapped her kunai pouch around her right thigh before running out of the room and down the stairs.
= = = =
Naruto sighed as he sat at his favorite spot, atop the previous Hokages’ heads, overlooking the whole of Konoha. He sat there brooding, which was unusual for the hyperactive and ever cheerful ninja. Naruto was feeling a bit guilty for being cold to Sakura, but he had not meant to lose his temper, accidentally letting out a bit of Kyuubi’s anger at the same time.
I guess I let my anger get the better of me. Now she’s going to be afraid of me. But it was her fault, she mentioned HIS name. That bastard… Why would he want to leave when he has everything I don’t! For what? Power? Doesn’t that idiot know what Orochimaru wants with him? Baka! Naruto screamed in his head.
[Shut your ranting kid.]
Oh, so now you’re talking to me again huh? Naruto raised an eyebrow in question.
[What, can’t I talk to my container?] Kyuubi’s voice rang out sarcastically.
You know, I didn’t thank you for lending me your chakra during that fight. You saved my life. Naruto smiled sadly.
[…] Kyuubi was surprised but he didn’t say anything. Naruto never thanked him for anything, he just demanded.
Much as he hated to admit it, he had come to care for his container and would do anything in his power to keep him alive. After all, it was because of him that Naruto was going through so much pain. During the time Naruto had spent training with Jiraiya and after, through his determination and ability to never give up, Kyuubi had come to respect Naruto. Kyuubi came to accept the fact that he was stuck with Naruto forever. Kyuubi smirked at the memory as he recalled how he had wanted to tear the boy up when he stood up to the most powerful demon that ever lived, demanding him to pay rent for staying in his body..
Why did you come out Kyuu? Naruto chuckled at the threatening growl. He knew Kyuubi hated that nickname thus he used it whenever he could.
[You don’t have to blame yourself for getting angry at her you know. I was so mad too that I would have eaten her there and then if not for this stupid cage.] Kyuubi growled out, anger flaring up again.
Naruto smiled gratefully at Kyuubi’s attempt to lessen the guilt of blowing up at his teammate.
[Oy kit! Aren’t you late for something?] Kyuubi chuckled from his cage.
“Eh?” Naruto opened his eyes in confusion. “Kuso! I’m late!!” Naruto cried out as he jumped off his perch towards Konoha hospital.
= = = =
“Ino-san… matte!!” Hinata panted as she tried her best to catch up to Ino. She was not used to wearing such a short dress. Being very self conscious, she tried to tug the dress down as she ran, ignoring the approving and disapproving looks she was attracting.
“Hinata!! Hurry up!!” Ino cried turning her head to look at Hinata. Not looking where she was going, she bumped into someone before falling to the ground in a tangle of arms and legs.
“Ack!!”
Sakura was deep in thought as she walked through the village that she did not notice the blond kunoichi running towards her. With a loud crash she fell to the ground groaning.
“Ino-san, Sakura-san, daijoubu?” Hinata asked panting as she caught up to the duo lying on the ground.
Ino groaned and stood up, rubbing her aching head. “Yeah… I’m fine.” Ino caught sight of the pink haired kunoichi and stretched out her hand. “Hey Sakura-chan. I take it that you’re on your way to the hospital? Come on, we’re late already.”
Sakura looked up, her eyes tearing up as the events of the day got to her. First nobody would tell her what happened to Sasuke, then her ever cheerful teammate had blown up at her and finally, her eternal rival against Sasuke was standing in front of her offering her her hand.
“Sakura-san, daijoubu?” Hinata asked worriedly as she stepped up next to Ino.
Sakura’s eyes widened as she stared up at the person standing in front of her. “Hi…Hinata-chan?” she asked astounded.
Hinata blushed, “Yeah… Ino-san helped me.”
Sakura smiled up gratefully to Ino and said, “Good job Ino-pig, you did a good job giving her a makeover like that.”
A vein popped up against Ino’s forehead as her hated nickname popped up. She growled out a forehead girl before pouncing on the pink haired girl. Hinata could only sweatdrop as the two disappeared in a cloud of smoke, fighting.
After a series of hair pulling, failed eye gouging and scratching, Hinata finally separated the two from their cat fight. “Can you two please stop fighting for a moment? We’re as late as it is already!! LETS’S GO!!!” Hinata screamed out the last part before dragging the two girls in the direction of the hospital.
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