Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Underneath The Leaves	By : ChaCha92 Category: Naruto AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 4798 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Don't own anything in the Naruto universe. Some dude in Japan does. Make no money on my stories either.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
By the following week as the snows return with more frequency, Naruto no longer has to worry Koharu and Homura's manipulations thanks to the rumors about Sasuke and her secretly being a couple flying around faster than the wind. Both simply go about their usual business, fanning the flames even more.
It also doesn't hurt matters since Tsunade called the two councilors into her office within two days of her conversation with Naruto. Shizune happens to be in the office with her reviewing a proposal when the two councilors arrive.
"Good morning, Tsunade. Good morning, Shizune," Homura formally greets the two women first.
"Good morning, ladies," Koharu greets them solemnly, taking her turn before they could reply to Homura.
"Good morning, Koharu-sama and Homura-sama," Shizune greets cheerfully.
"'Bout time you got your moldy asses in here," Tsunade grouses, surprising her assistant and causing the two councilors to look affronted.
"Don't address us so rudely!" Koharu snaps while the youthful looking Hokage continues appearing unconcerned.
"Maybe I should come back later, Tsunade-sama?" Shizune meekly asks, taking a step back from the desk.
Without diverting her gaze from the councilors, Tsunade rests her chin on her left hand, raising her right to halt her apprentice's exit.
"Stay, Shizune. This won't take long. Then we'll finish reviewing that proposal."
Gold eyes turn flinty.
"I don't appreciate being told half truths and manipulated into interfering with my shinobi's personal life." When both seniors open their mouths, they promptly snap them closed at her warning growl. "You will be quiet and listen!"
Taking a moment, she clasps her hands in front of her on the desk while straightening up in her seat.
"You insisted I encourage Naruto to attend your tea ceremonies after she repeatedly refused your invitations. Something she has every right to do. When I initially refused to help get her to attend, you two got sneaky and deliberately interfered with my duties such as randomly showing up at the end of the day to discuss inconsequential things, routing paperwork to me that shouldn't even be crossing my desk and frequently calling unnecessary meetings then needlessly tabling items for later consideration."
"Tsunade-sama, you're making it sound worse than it was." Shizune slightly laughs before freezing in place at the blonde's cold glare.
"You too will be quiet and listen, Shizune. You will not keep turning a blind eye to this either."
Returning her scowl to the fuming councilors she continues.
"You did all of it to pressure me into forcing Naruto into going to the ceremonies. To my shame, I caved. To get you off my back I ordered her to go, believing your bullshit about wanting to get to know Naruto better and being worried about her social life."
"You push her too hard," Koharu dares to protest.
"Agreed, Naruto-chan should relax and live a little," Homura nods.
"Naruto does work more than relaxes," Shizune helpfully points out.
Slamming her hand on her desk and causing the trio to jump slightly in surprise Tsunade slowly rises to her feet with another growl.
"You said nothing about setting her up on dates, trying to land her a husband and you two," she jabs an accusing finger at the now uncomfortable looking councilors. "Made no effort to get to know her as you both insisted you would. You only introduced her to eligible civilian men who had absolutely nothing in common with her and if they showed the slightest interest in her, regardless if she was also interested or not, you insisted they to go out on a date."
Letting the silence stretch out, Tsunade walks around to stand in front of her desk to face the two councilors with her arms crossed across her ample chest.
"Naruto was suspicious of your intentions from the beginning. Now I fully understand why and agree with her distrust of you. I foolishly bought into your lies and brushed off her concerns. No more," she snarls, angling her head forward while hardening her glare further. "I forced the gaki into complying with your wishes, but it obviously wasn't for her enjoyment or benefit. You're deliberately interfering with her personal life, which in turn interferes with her professional life. How my shinobi spend their free time is their business."
Pausing, she pins all three with her gaze as her words sink in. She watches the two abashed councilors in particular with hidden amusement, fully aware she has them dead to rights and they damn well know it.
"The gaki will socialize with whomever she wants and on her terms and you will leave her the hell alone or I will let her do whatever the fuck she wants to get her message through your thick skulls. Is that understood?"
The two seniors swallow nervously before answering.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Koharu agrees.
"Understood, Tsunade-hime," Homura nods.
"Good," she chirps cheerfully. "Now get out."
Knowing they got off fairly easy in the face of her sadistically notorious temper, the two councilors silently leave the office.
Moving back behind her desk, Tsunade settles back in place before reaching for the discarded proposal.
"Don't you think you were a bit hard on them?" Shizune dares to venture. At the blonde's arched brow she explains, "They're only trying to help Naruto."
"Why do you think Naruto needs help?"
Shizune frowns slightly; her expression clearly indicating the answer should be obvious.
"Because of her circumstances she's been denied all the normal experiences all of us take for granted."
"That's still not a good reason, Shizune," Tsunade sighs, setting down the documents to swivel her chair to face her apprentice.
"It is considering the notoriously short life span of a Jinchuriki," Shizune counters.
"She's only 21, Shizune, she's not over the hill yet," Tsunade rolls her eyes in frustration. "But for the moment let's say I agree with you. Using the same logic since the life of a shinobi is also notoriously short, then shouldn't you be married already?"
"Tsunade-sama!" the brunette protests.
"It'd be for the good of the village and you're not getting any younger, Shizune. Plenty of capable ninja come out of the civilian side, but there's a lot to be said of those born of shinobi lines. We can easily go through the personnel files and find some great candidates from the ranks, but if none of the guys interest you then we can start looking through the civilian population."
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune snaps irritably. Without thinking, she huffs, "I don't have any time for anything more serious than a casual relationship. It'd be unfair to my marriage since my career is my priority right now."
"Then why force Naruto into making that choice when her career is her priority?" Tsunade arches a brow, stopping Shizune cold. "Her being a Jinchuriki makes no difference. She's the warden for the Kyuubi second and a kunoichi with a solid career first. I could legally force every single nin in the ranks, including you, to get married for the good of the village, but Konoha was founded on the basis that all citizens have the right to live as they choose. You need to respect that Naruto has those rights too, regardless of her status as a Jinchuriki."
Deciding to leave her stunned apprentice to think about her words, Tsunade silently picks up the proposal again and starts reading.
Naruto's ecstatic to learn Tsunade got Koharu and Homura off her back.
She has no delusions the old coots will resume their games again eventually until something can be done to make them permanently back off or they'd drop dead, whichever comes first. She figures they didn't put up more of a fight because of the rumors about her and Sasuke, so when they come around again, they'll probably focus more on trying to convince her to marry him and start cranking out the Uchihas.
However, a win is a win, no matter how small the victory. She can ignore them for now.
Out of gratitude she gifts Tsunade with a case of a particularly expensive brand of sake she loves, making the blonde's day.
So along with Kakashi and Sasuke, she continues going through the names on their list. They search the homes of each Uchiha, accumulating a nice pile of documents to examine more closely later for any more clues. Some interesting information they discover is a couple of Uchiha were involved in money laundering when they were alive, surprising Sasuke in particular since Uchihas weren't typically interested in accounting, creative or legal.
As the short winter days race closer to New Years, Naruto pushes to progress as far as possible in the investigation. Not that any of them will participate much in the celebrations. Having been alone for so long, the holiday doesn't hold much meaning for her and Kakashi with both generally experiencing some discomfort even when joining in the parties hosted by their friends because of the blatant reminders of what they no longer have. She also believes Sasuke shares the same sentiments and apathy towards the holiday and doubts he bothered celebrating New Years at all while he was gone.
Sasuke confirms her suspicions during their lunch break at his house when Kakashi broaches the subject.
"Although we'll be rotating on security patrols, we'll still have a lot of time off and probably won't get much done on the investigation," he points out while Sasuke serves up the stew.
"Yeah," Naruto agrees. "We don't get the customary six days off altogether, but we still get the combined hours off. It's just scattered all over the place."
Sighing in mild frustration, Sasuke brings over their plates before joining them at the table with his own food.
"It's the perfect time to make progress, but we really won't get far, will we?
"Especially in your case, teme," Naruto smirks, earning an arched brow. "You've earned back much of the villager's respect you had before you took off. You're a hot commodity."
"I don't plan on going to any parties," he rolls his eyes.
"You can't refuse them all, Sasuke," Kakashi points out.
At his confused expression, Naruto explains further.
"You've still got to re-establish your clan. That may be up in the air still, but if you do start over here you've got to work on the social connections you'll need to aid that goal." Grinning at his scowl she adds, "It's a necessary evil, teme."
"You're the last of your clan, so how many parties do you have to attend to meet this stupid social obligation?" Sasuke asks Kakashi.
"If I can avoid it, none," he replies cheerfully, causing Sasuke to look even more confused.
"Kakashi's status and legend has him in high demand, but unlike you, rebuilding his clan isn't his goal, which is why you can't wiggle out of them," Naruto explains with a grin.
"What about you, dobe?" Sasuke asks irritably.
"What about me?" she challenges back. "I don't worry about refusing many invites 'cause I don't get much to begin with. I might go to a couple hosted by some of our friends."
"Might?" Sasuke arches a brow.
"Might," Naruto repeats with a small smile. "I'm pretty well-respected now, but there's always someone at the party I'm attending who's got a real problem with me being there." At Sasuke's disapproving scowl she adds, "It's really not a big deal as they usually take off as soon as they see me. I really just don't like going to New Years parties in general."
"Then what do you do for New Years?"
"Sleep and train."
"That sounds nice." At her arched brow, he asks, "What?"
"Nothing. I'm just surprised you didn't think I was joking." Before Sasuke can ask, she elaborates further. "Pretty much anyone else who asks me that think I'm joking and laugh. I've been saying the same thing for years, but almost no one believes me. It's just nice having the down time to spend quietly at home catching up on any housekeeping or some other project."
He turns to eye Kakashi.
"You don't seem to think she's joking about her plans."
"Never have," Kakashi replies easily. "As with her birthday, I understand her reasons for keeping a low profile. New Years has the same potential of turning out badly."
"Have you had trouble on New Years?" Sasuke asks Naruto.
"Never seemed to attract the same shit," she shrugs. "But I'm not one to tempt fate on that front. New Years is no different than any other time of year for me."
"Definitely," Sasuke agrees as they finish eating.
Lunch with Raido, Kotetsu and Izumo the following day is as entertaining as Naruto expected it to be. Kotetsu and Izumo tagged along like they said they would in the Shuriken and as she suspected they still tried mooching a free meal.
As usual, they forgot whom they're dealing with.
"How in the hell did we get stuck paying for everything?" Kotetsu gripes to Izumo, following behind Naruto and Raido out of the restaurant.
"I dunno," Izumo shrugs completely baffled. "She was about to pay for all of us. I mean she was literally standing in front of the register talking to the host. Then suddenly the bill was in our hands and the money coming out of our wallets."
"She must've somehow pulled off a complicated jutsu, y'know, switching places with us and casting a genjutsu on us," Kotetsu eyes the back of Naruto's head shrewdly.
Naruto smirks at an amused Raido.
"No, it's you guys trying to play the master and getting played instead," Raido tosses over his shoulder.
"I still owe you a meal, Raido," Naruto grins at him. Glancing over her shoulders with an arched brow she informs the partners, "And if you guys insist on tagging along again and try pulling another fast one you'll still end up paying for us."
"You might be owing me for a long time," Raido points out. "Those two are determined, so they'd probably end up buying our meals for an indefinite period of time."
"Exactly," Naruto grins, causing Raido to bust out laughing.
"Hey!" Kotetsu protests.
Izumo was about to mirror his partner's outrage when he spies a familiar face ahead of them.
"Oh shit," he quietly murmurs, attracting their attention. "Genma's walking this way with his tramp du jour," he explains.
They all turn look in the direction indicated. Genma is walking towards them with a much shorter woman hanging onto his arm while chattering his ear off. Raido glances in concern at Naruto as they get closer.
Naruto takes a deep breath to calm her sudden anxiety. She's only caught glimpses of Genma since their breakup. Part of her wants to speak to him one more time for closure, but he's either ignored her or gone in another direction if they see each other.
Unable to avoid the pair, Naruto smiles behind the mask she's still borrowing from Kakashi. Tsunade explained the reason the cold winter air is still affecting her is because her sinus tissue is still healing. Thankfully she doesn't have to go to Koharu and Homura's tea ceremonies where they'd badger her into taking it off, so she can wear it nearly all the time now.
"Hi, Genma," Naruto greets him first.
He merely glances at her.
"Hey, guys, longtime no see," he waves with his free hand, looking at the other three men while completely ignoring Naruto.
With a slight frown Raido arches a brow while stealing a quick glance at Naruto. He can tell Genma's snub stung, but since she's opting to smile and remain quiet, he decides to do what he can to get her away from his moronic friend. Izumo and Kotetsu follow his lead in stepping closer to her in silent support.
"We've been around," Raido answers Genma. "We were starting to think you died, you've been so scarce."
"You know how it's been," Genma laughs.
While they chat, Genma's girlfriend eyes Naruto up and down. Naruto heard about her from the guys and 'bitch' summed up her personality nicely in their opinion. She's certain the tramp is about to make things a whole lot more interesting.
"Why are you wearing a mask?" the bleached blonde asks Naruto while Genma continues chatting with the guys. "No halfway decently pretty woman in her right mind would ever wear a mask unless they've got a major flaw to hide," she snidely observes.
Naruto inwardly grins. The bitch is definitely fishing for trouble and has come to the right lake.
"Oh, this?" Naruto asks, lightly touching her masked cheek in feigned forgetfulness. "The cold, dry air makes breathing painful since my sinus tissues took a real beating from my broken nose."
"Broken nose?" the fake blonde's eyes widen in shock.
"Mmm hmm," Naruto nods. "The one Genma gave me last week," she blithely adds.
All conversation ceases as all eyes snap to a benignly smiling Naruto.
"Don't take it wrong," Naruto assures the shocked blonde. "I got too close when Genma was horsing around with my friend Sasuke. It was a total accident. Genma's too much of gentleman to intentionally attack a lady, like with his senbon, y'know."
Struggling with his own amusement at the dig, Kotetsu elbows a softly sniggering Izumo. Genma only gets as far as glaring at the two chuunin when his girlfriend recovers her wits.
"That's so true," she smugly brags, hugging Genma's arm tighter. "Sorry for not introducing myself right, I'm Orikasa Kimi, Genma's girlfriend."
"Uzumaki Naruto," Naruto bows slightly while introducing herself.
"Naruto? As in ex-girlfriend Naruto?" Kimi incredulously asks.
"Guilty as charged," Naruto replies cheerfully. "I was wondering," she cocks her head in curiosity. "If your hair is blonde, why are your eyebrows black?"
While Kimi turns a nice shade of red, Raido bites back a grin while Kotetsu and Izumo struggle even harder to stifle their giggles behind him. Genma's eyes narrow in annoyance at Naruto before he turns to Kimi.
"We should go inside to get a good table," he suggests, gesturing at the front door of the restaurant Naruto and the others just exited.
Kimi completely ignores him in favor of answering Naruto.
"Well, you certainly caused Genma a lot of trouble," she admonishes snidely. "He got in a lot of trouble with the Hokage for no good reason and a lot of vicious lies are making the rounds about the night he dumped you."
"That was unintentional and I humbly accept the blame," Naruto slightly bows looking apologetic. "You're right about the lies since I was the one who dumped him. But that's really neither here nor there," she calmly waves off before Kimi can protest. "It's time to move on, y'know?"
Seeing Kimi is confused by her blasé attitude, that she isn't kicking up a fuss over the breakup, Naruto moves in for the kill.
"By the way, that's a really interesting tattoo you've got on your lower back just above your rear. Saw it when you were with Genma in the park. Is that what people call a 'tramp stamp?'"
Kotetsu and Izumo bust out laughing while Raido valiantly struggles to maintain his composure. Glaring daggers, Kimi blushes so hard she makes Naruto think of a sun dried tomato wearing a blonde wig.
Genma's eyes narrow and his face flushes in embarrassment as he pulls his arm free from Kimi to grasp her elbow.
"Let's go," he growls, tugging the blonde's arm.
Kimi viciously yanks her arm back to glare defiantly at a benignly smiling Naruto.
"You're just jealous! You weren't woman enough to keep Genma! He loves me and proves it all the time!"
To demonstrate Genma's love, Kimi shoves the sleeve of her jacket up, exposing her forearm while she shoves the bracelet on her wrist into Naruto's face.
"Nice," Naruto nods at the jade bracelet. "Obviously your relationship with Genma is totally different. Genma only got me a gift card to my favorite restaurant for my birthday, but that's okay. He proved he cared when he saved my life. Not like you can put a price tag on something like that, y'know?" she shrugs with a smile. "I don't think any of his other girlfriends can claim the same thing." Cocking her head at a visibly bristling Kimi, she then asks, "I'm curious, did it bother you knowing you were taking my leftovers while you were skulking around with Genma?"
"That's enough of your childish antics!" Genma snarls at Naruto, stepping between the two women. "Accept we're over!"
"Way to be so far behind the eight ball, Genma," Naruto smirks while arching a brow. Waving her hand dismissively, she adds, "I accepted we were done the night you were fucking your whore in the park."
Without warning Genma's hand sails in to slap her, but Raido grabs his wrist before Naruto can school her ex on why it's a bad idea to slap her. Raido glares hard at the senbon user before shoving him back from the surprised redhead.
"Knock it off, Genma," Raido bites out. "If you're going to get pissed, aim it at your girlfriend. She's the who started shit first when Naruto was friendly despite you being an ass and rudely ignoring her."
Naruto and the others watch in shock as Raido falls sideways to the ground, stunned by the bruising blow to his jaw.
"Butt the hell out!" Genma yells at the downed man. "Or are you too busy stabbing me in the back by fucking Naruto like everyone else?"
Outraged and pissed, Raido's on Genma in an instant, returning the favor to his jaw. While the two men trade blows Kimi stands back, uselessly shrieking as if she's being murdered.
"Goddammit," Naruto hisses under her breath.
Focused on the two men while strategizing a way to stop them, she takes a step forward to enter the fray and beat the living shit out of her ex-boyfriend in particular. She's startled by firm arm wrapping around her waist, dragging her away. Glancing over her shoulder she sees it's Izumo.
"What the hell are you doing? We've got to stop them!" she protests.
"Not this time, Naruto," Izumo shakes his head. "Kotetsu's going to do what he can to break them up, but you'll get hurt again if you get involved. It's going to get really ugly. Genma's been acting like a real dick lately and Raido's sick of it."
"Then we've got to go back and help Kotetsu stop them," Naruto protests, trying to wiggle free from his grasp.
"It's out of our hands now," Izumo states, pointing up to the nearby rooftops.
Naruto looks up in time to see ANBU racing towards the fight. She stops struggling and drops her gaze to the ground in a resigned sigh. Izumo shifts his arm around her shoulders in comfort.
"You mentioned earlier you were going to meet Kakashi at Sasuke's house, do you want to go there?" he quietly asks.
Still looking at the ground, she numbly shakes her head.
"I just want to go home."
"Okay," Izumo nods.
He guides a subdued Naruto back to her apartment, making sure she's okay before heading off to the tower to find out what happened after they left.
"Kakashi! Please wait!"
The elite jounin stops walking to see Ritsu trotting up to him.
"Afternoon, Ritsu," he cheerfully greets with a wave. "What can I do for you?"
"Sorry to bother you, Kakashi, but Iruka asked me to deliver this note to you. He said it was urgent," Ritsu explains.
Arching a brow, Kakashi pockets his Icha Icha to take the note. He scans it before looking back up at the patiently waiting chuunin.
"I need you to head to the Uchiha district and tell Sasuke something came up and today is canceled."
"Sure," Ritsu nods before taking off.
Changing direction, Kakashi heads for the Mission Room. Stepping through the doors he notices the late morning rush is still going strong and decides to fade into the background to wait it out.
Glancing up, Iruka notices Kakashi leaning against the back wall reading. Leaning closer to the chuunin working next to him, he whispers in their ear and gets an acknowledging nod. Rising to his feet he steps around the tables and maneuvers through the milling shinobi towards Kakashi who immediately looks up from his book. Changing direction, Iruka waves for him to follow through a side door.
Pocketing his book again, Kakashi stuffs his hands in his pockets and saunters after Iruka, who leads him into a spare office.
"Glad you got my message," Iruka states, closing the door after Kakashi steps inside.
"Ritsu caught me on my way to Sasuke's," he explains, standing in his usual slouch. "You said Naruto is okay, but what's going on? Why isn't she going to meet us?"
Kakashi's intense gaze keenly watches the younger man sigh wearily while leaning against the desk.
"Naruto had a run-in with Genma and his new girlfriend," he explains, watching Kakashi's eye turn flinty. "She just finished having an early lunch with Raido, Izumo and Kotetsu when they ran into them. Not surprisingly he was an ass towards her, but his tramp is the one who started shit. Things got out of hand and Raido and Genma started fighting. Izumo got Naruto away before she could get involved," he reassures the stone-faced jounin. "She didn't want to go the Sasuke's so he got her home before coming back here to report in to Tsunade-sama."
Iruka then spends the next few minutes detailing what's going on so far while Kakashi patiently listens.
"As you see, it's been kind of busy today and I haven't had the chance to sneak away to check on her. I wanted to let you know what was going on."
"Thanks, Iruka," Kakashi nods. "Keep me informed of anything new. I'm going home."
"I'll stop by later to check on her."
"See you then."
With a wave, Kakashi disappears in a swirl of leaves. Minutes later he steps inside the apartment and follows the sounds to the kitchen. Naruto stands at the sink, using a scrub brush to scour the insides of a flowerpot. Leaning against the cabinets, he patiently waits for her to acknowledge him.
She pauses long enough to glance over her shoulder before resuming her task with a frustrated sigh.
"Sometimes I wonder which is faster, my dad's Hirashin or the shinobi grapevine," she grouses without looking at him.
"Iruka was working in the Mission Room when Izumo told him what happened with Genma," he explains, ignoring her comment. "Iruka said Genma's tramp started it and since you didn't get caught up in the fight it sounds like you handled the situation really well."
Naruto turns the tap on and rinses out the pot. Turning off the faucet again she adds more soap and resumes scrubbing the inside. He patiently waits while studying the pot in her hands.
"I couldn't handle it any other way," she quietly states. "It would've been a shit load of new trouble to deal with. Yeah, I probably wouldn't have gotten in trouble for beating Genma into unconsciousness," she shrugs. "But it would've been a whole different ballgame with his slut being a civilian. She wouldn't have stayed out of our fight."
"Where did that pot come from?" he asks, briefly changing the subject. When she turns to give him a questioning look, he adds, "I don't recognize it belonging to your plants."
"It was Genma's," she quietly answers. "I gave it to him months ago."
Twisting slightly she uses the brush to gesture at the dining room table. Kakashi looks over to see the remains of a very dead plant spread out on some newspaper.
"I found it outside in the trash," she adds, resuming her scrubbing. "Since the pot was intact I thought I'd try salvaging it."
"You're being rather anal retentive cleaning it, don't you think?"
"Bleach was poured on the plant, killing it and contaminating the soil," she surprises him. "Since the inside isn't glazed, I'm making sure there isn't any trace of bleach left that could kill the new plant."
"How can you tell someone poured bleach on the plant?"
"The soil reeks of it."
Intrigued, Kakashi walks over to the table and picks up some soil with one hand while pulling down his mask with the other. Sure enough, there's a strong scent of bleach lingering. Leaving his mask pooled around his neck he walks back over to her.
"Genma and Raido apparently really got into it," he states over the sound of scrubbing. "Iruka said Kotetsu got treated for a broken wrist and two fractured fingers."
Stunned Naruto stops scrubbing to gape at Kakashi.
"Genma and Raido bloodied each other up pretty good," he continues. "After they were treated for their injuries both received a spectacular dressing down by the Hokage and separate punishment details for fighting in public. Needless to say they won't be working together for a while."
Naruto sighs again and resumes scrubbing.
"Raido's really pissed at Genma for being an asshole lately, but what set him off was the moron implying I was fucking him and just about every man I know."
"What?" Kakashi growls while narrowing his eye.
Glancing over her shoulder she looks at him curiously.
"Didn't Iruka tell you exactly what happened?"
"He only gave me the basics."
Naruto rolls her eyes. Knowing he'll want all the gory details, she shares with him the whole story until Izumo dragged her away.
"Iruka said the fallout won't be too bad," Kakashi sighs when she's finished. "Although, Tsunade will be calling you in later for your side of the story."
"Why when she'll have heard it all from the guys?" Naruto frowns over her shoulder.
"Iruka says Genma's whore is baying for your blood, saying it's all your fault," he shrugs. "Apparently Tsunade is willing to wait until things cool down first."
Naruto angrily slaps off the faucet.
"I thought I was already done with all this shit," she grumbles.
Lifting the pot from the sink to dry it, it slips from her slick fingers and shatters when it lands inside the sink. She stares in disbelief at the shards before closing her eyes and calmly placing both hands on the edge of the sink. With her shoulders hunched and her head dropped forward she takes a couple of deep breaths.
"Fucking perfect."
Angrily pushing herself upright she stalks across the kitchen. Acting quickly, Kakashi grabs her by the shoulders to keep her from leaving. She keeps her face turned away from him.
"Calm down," he quietly orders.
"I am calm," she insists, her voice cracking.
Kakashi adjusts his hold, forcing her into a hug as she breaks down. He then guides her over to the sofa, forcing her to sit down next to him as she continues to cry into his shoulder before finally composing herself minutes later.
"This is so stupid," she manages to grouse in frustration. "I don't want to cry anymore over this mess. We're finished and I'm so sick of being humiliated by it. To top it off, Raido and Kotetsu got dragged into this stupid shit."
"They seem to already have their own issues with Genma," he squeezes her shoulder in comfort. "What happened is not just them getting involved without reason."
With her head still resting against his shoulder, she blows out a harsh breath and briefly closes her eyes.
"I'm so tired of it all. Genma got what he wanted. I just don't get why he has to keep rubbing salt into the wound. And I don't think I stepped out of line with Kimi; I could've said and done a hell of a lot worse."
"You showed a lot of restraint," Kakashi rubs her arm comfortingly. "You didn't go too far and Genma had no right to try hitting you. There are going to be a lot of people who are going to call him out for that action alone."
Lifting her head, she doesn't even get the chance to open her mouth to protest when he cuts her off.
"It's going to happen whether you like it or not. This is one step too far for Genma and it's not because he's drunk or by accident. He was looking for a fight and found a reason. No matter how many ways it can be explained there is no excuse for what he tried to do. You should try steering clear of him and his tramp."
Her gaze drops as she sighs before nodding in understanding.
"Why don't you take a nap," he suggests. "It'll give you a chance to regain some of your equilibrium before Iruka shows up." At her arched brow, he adds, "Iruka's worried about you and said he'd come by later."
"Okay," she softly smirks with a playful eye roll.
Helping her up Kakashi smiles back and nudges her towards her room.
"I'll clean up the mess."
"Thanks, Kakashi," she waves before leaving him alone with her mess and his brooding thoughts.
A couple of hours later a knock on the door disturbs Kakashi from his usual reading position on the sofa. Reaching out with his senses, he smiles in recognition of the familiar chakra signatures while climbing to his feet. Opening the door he ushers Yugao and Iruka inside.
"Has anyone ever told you a watch could be set by your punctuality, Iruka?" he teases while the younger man helps Yugao shrug out of her winter cloak.
"Yes, both the Sandaime and Godaime Hokage many times," he retorts, earning a laugh from his girlfriend and Kakashi.
While Iruka hands Kakashi his coat and her cloak, Yugao holds up a bag.
"We brought dinner, sempai."
"Thanks," he smiles. "You know where everything is," he gestures towards the kitchen. "I'll go see if Naruto is awake from her nap yet."
Leaving them alone, he heads to Naruto's room. He doesn't have to wait long after knocking for the bleary eyed redhead to open the door.
"Iruka and Yugao are here," he informs her.
"Okay, be right there," she nods, stifling a yawn.
It's not long before she's joining them at the table. Grudgingly she recounts what happened at lunch, filling Iruka in on the details he isn't aware of.
"All things considered, you really did handle yourself well, Naruto," Yugao compliments while they linger over tea after they finish eating.
"Definitely," Iruka agrees before frowning in concern. "But you should stay far away from Genma and Kimi."
"Genma lives in the first floor of this building," Naruto sighs in exasperation. "It'll be a little difficult to avoid them completely."
"True," Yugao concedes. "So you'll just have to pull the same shit on him and go the other way." At Naruto's irritated look, she pointedly adds, "You have to. It's obvious he's having trouble controlling his temper and it's getting worse."
"He's focusing his anger on you, Naruto. Avoiding him gives him time to deal with his issues," Iruka reasons.
"Has there been anything else happening since I saw you earlier, Iruka?" Kakashi asks, giving Naruto a chance to think about their words.
"Other than a new onslaught of gossip, no," Iruka sighs. "Most of it's in Naruto's favor as everyone's pissed at Genma's behavior, so fortunately she won't have to deal with much of the fallout."
"I wish the whole damn thing would just go away," Naruto sullenly mumbles before sipping her tea. "On top of existing shit with the Akatsuki, I've already got some nut job out to kill me. I don't need an ex with anger issues on top of that."
"Hopefully, at least, the situation with Genma will be done soon within in the New Year," Yugao smiles.
"Speaking of New Years, have you bought a new kimono for the Hokage's Ball?" Iruka asks Naruto.
"No," she frowns in confusion. "Why would I when I have no plans to attend?"
Cocking his head slightly, Iruka takes his turn to frown in confusion.
"Because I was speaking to Tsunade-sama about it this morning and she implied you were going."
"Last I checked, Hell hasn't frozen over yet," Naruto arches a brow. "Baa-chan knows better than that. I haven't gone to the damn thing in the last five years and I'm not about to break that streak."
"Why not?" Yugao asks in curiosity.
"'Cause the ball is boring as hell. Nothing but a bunch of stuck up snobs preening and fawning all over each other."
Kakashi snorts in amusement while both he and Iruka nod in agreement.
"Hell, even Baa-chan hates hosting it, but she has to," Naruto continues. "Yeah, I get it's a great way to suck up to the clients while they get bragging rights from rubbing elbows with legendary shinobi. But I'm not legendary, just well-known, but not for the right reasons," she smirks. "Which brings me to another reason I won't go. A lot of those snobs know what I am. Usually within a half hour word gets around I'm there and the fun really begins. Everyone is watching my every move, waiting to see if I'll sprout ears and nine tails before randomly killing people. I can't even drop a damn napkin without setting off a buzz of whispers."
"It's not that bad," Iruka gently admonishes while rolling his eyes.
"Oh yeah?" she challenges. "Remember that one year one of the Daimyo's regional administrators complimented you on my manners. He was surprised I learned to behave in civilized society and asked you if I was caged and collared when I was younger. Don't you remember dragging me away because I wanted to gouge his eyes out with my chopsticks?"
While Kakashi and Yugao snigger, Iruka rolls his eyes again.
"He was the exception. They're not all that bad."
"Forget it," Naruto snorts. "Thanks to the old geezer's tea ceremonies I've had my fill of elitist snobs. I'm going to do what I always do, train and sleep through New Years."
"Sasuke may need an escort to some of the holiday parties he'll have to attend," Kakashi points out.
"And that's my problem how?" Naruto arches a brow. "The teme didn't mention he was invited to the same tea ceremonies I'd only been bitching about every day for weeks. He left me to deal with that shit all by myself until your suggestion for us to pose as a couple. Now the shoe's on the other foot and he's the one aiming to rebuild a clan, so why should I bother helping him? Especially since he hasn't asked?"
"Doesn't mean he won't," Kakashi retorts.
"Doesn't mean I'll go if he does," she snorts derisively. "Anyways, aside from not being interested in blowing that kind of money on a kimono it's really too late to get one in time for the ball, so Baa-chan can continue dreaming on about me going."
"Ah, the joyous harmony that comes from celebrating New Years," Iruka drolly quips, prompting them all to laugh.
They continue chatting about the security patrols and other events going on over New Years, helping to take Naruto's mind further off the latest trouble with Genma.
Naruto's in a much better space emotionally a week later when she's summoned to Tsunade's office.
"Hey, Baa-chan," Naruto cheerfully greets the blonde Hokage.
"Good morning, brat," Tsunade greets back briefly looking up from the report she's reading. "Haven't seen much of you lately."
"That's totally your fault," Naruto retorts, easing into a chair in front of the desk. "You've got us running around like spooked chickens with New Years security and shit."
"A necessary evil with all the nobles, diplomats and civic representatives flitting in and out of the village, gaki," she explains distractedly. "That's why I haven't had you shadowing me lately. Need your skills elsewhere."
"Thank kami for small favors," the redhead snorts under her breath, earning a glare from Tsunade.
Setting down the report to lean back in her chair, Tsunade studies her favorite brat.
"Well, since you're in such a chipper mood, I want your report on the fight between Genma and Raido."
"Shit, I thought you forgot," Naruto grouses. "Didn't you get all the details from Izumo, Kotetsu and Raido? Their versions are going to be a hell of a lot more accurate than Genma and his slut du jour's."
"Since you were directly involved, I need to hear your version," Tsunade rolls her eyes. "Besides, Genma and said slut are blaming you for the whole thing."
"I know," Naruto bites out tersely while her gaze turns flinty.
Sighing in resignation she repeats the story for what is probably the thousandth time. Tsunade silently listens. She's still amused by Naruto's deft handling of Genma's tramp, but becomes angry again hearing how Genma moved to strike her.
"This goes without saying, but you should stay away from those two idiots," Tsunade suggests when she finishes.
"I know. I've been told that several times by nearly everyone I know," Naruto complains.
"Just repeating it in case you forgot," Tsunade quips, earning another glare from Naruto. "Pretty much all the reports match up, excepting certain parts where Genma and his hussy say you instigated and inflamed the entire situation."
"Gee, why am I not surprised?" Naruto rolls her eyes before her gaze hardens. "Stupid, fucking bastard…"
Tsunade holds up a hand, stopping her from going into a full-blown rant.
"Look, it's obvious Genma has a very distorted view of reality and is unable to accept responsibility for his actions, which is why he's placing the blame all on you," she explains. "So I feel a punishment detail should set him straight, especially on striking a comrade when it's not during training or combat." Gold eyes bore into blue. "Regardless of how many times you've heard it, I'm strongly emphasizing you don't have any interaction with him. Right now you two are too volatile should you get near each other."
Groaning, Naruto slouches down in her chair until she can lean her head on the backrest.
"I know. I plan on staying away. I tried helping him when we were together, but he didn't want it, so I know there's nothing I can do for him now. It's all on him. I'm just fed up with the drama and really want to leave all this nonsense behind."
"Glad to hear it," Tsunade nods with a pleased smile. She adopts a nonchalant tone. "Moving onto better topics, have you bought a new kimono for New Years yet?" Ignoring Naruto raising her head to glare, she blithely comments, "It's too bad your old one went up with the rest of your apartment. It was such a gorgeous mint color."
"Well," Naruto calmly begins, while straightening up in her seat. "Considering I've got no reason to blow a small fortune on something I'm not going wear since I'm not going anywhere during New Years requiring such a formal get up, the answer would be no, I haven't bought one yet."
"And what about the Hokage's ball?" Tsunade challenges. "Not only are you invited, but you're expected to go."
"I'm not Hokage, so expectation or not, I'm not goin'," she retorts. "You're also conveniently forgetting I haven't gone for the past five years. Why the fuck would I bother this year?"
Honey colored eyes narrow at the defiant redhead sitting before her.
"Because I want all my top people there, which happens to include you."
"Well, if you're gonna punish me, than do it 'cause I'm not going," Naruto glares back. "The elitist snobs that'll be there only want big names like Kakashi and Ero-sennin, not me. You would've had a better chance of making me go if you cornered me a lot sooner, but It's too late to try getting a kimono now. Thanks to all the shit you've been dumping on me, my hours run from late to later, long after the shops close. And with next week being New Years, most businesses will be closed until around January 4th."
Crossing her arms, Naruto can't resist smirking at Tsunade's annoyed look; confident there's no way in hell she's going to the ball.
"Hmph, nice excuse," Tsunade huffs irritably. Not giving the younger woman a chance to reply, she adds, "I want your written report on the fight before we shut down for New Years. Now get your ass out of here."
With a careless wave, Naruto disappears from the office. Leaning forward, Tsunade casually reaches for a folder from her in box and opens it.
"Still haven't learned not to celebrating your victories so early, have you, gaki?" she nonchalantly asks into the empty room, not taking her eyes off the documents in her hands.
The following week on December 29th Naruto joins the rest of Team Kakashi, including Sai, Yamato and Ritsu at Sasuke's house for an informal luncheon to celebrate New Years together.
Sai and Yamato are considered part of the team since they rotate frequently as substitutes if any of the original members are unavailable due to their respective duties or being on another mission.
Naruto especially enjoys watching Sai and Sasuke interact. They get along okay, but it's amusing to see Sasuke valiantly restrain himself from beating the crap out of Sai while the poor artists insistently pokes at the Uchiha scion to get a reaction he can understand.
Her fun is tempered by having to recount her recent encounter with Genma for Sakura's benefit since the two haven't been on a mission together or seen each other before it happened. She spends the entire time they're eating giving Sakura all the details.
"Breakups confuse me," Sai observes when Naruto finishes her story. "If two people are a couple and care for each other, why does the end of the relationship become hostile? Especially if they mutually recognize the relationship is over?"
"To be a little cliché," Ritsu replies. "There's a fine line between love and hate. Both are strong emotions that'll overwhelm logic. So when a relationship breaks up it's often anything but amicable."
"Especially when the ex in question is a total ass," Sasuke mutters.
Naruto glares and opens her mouth when Kakashi cuts her off.
"Sasuke's only saying the truth, he's not criticizing you."
Naruto closes her mouth, crosses her arms and pouts.
"Don't let it upset you," Yamato grins in amusement. "We all know you tried your hardest to make it work with Genma. If he's going to be that stupid then he doesn't deserve you."
"Definitely," Sakura nods. "You were the bright spot in his life and he ruined it."
"Genma's a fool for not valuing you," Sasuke pointedly adds. "If he had any honor he never would've treated you that way."
"Can't argue with that," Kakashi states, eliciting murmurs of agreement from the rest of their group.
"Then it was good thing your relationship ended before the New Year, Naruto," Sai cocks his head thoughtfully. "Now you can have a fresh start."
"I think that's worth toasting," Yamato states, raising his sake glass.
Despite her blush, Naruto raises her glass with them and toasts to new beginnings. Setting down their glasses, Sakura looks around the table.
"So who's going to the Hokage's Ball tomorrow? We're going," she gestures at Ritsu.
"I'm going," Sai states.
"So am I," Yamato adds.
"You guys are going?" Naruto asks in surprise.
"Our rotation for the security patrols resulted in both Sai and I being available, so Tsunade-sama is requiring we attend," Yamato explains.
"I've never attended before," Sai adds with a shrug.
"What about you, Sasuke?" Sakura asks.
"Tsunade basically ordered me to go," he mutters with a scowl. "She claims it's a good way of further restoring the faith in the Uchiha name. I think it's another opportunity to abuse her power as a mean spirited sadist."
"I think you're right, Sasuke," Kakashi states to the annoyed Uchiha when the laughter dies down. "You're not the only one she's forcing into attending."
"How did shisou do that?" Sakura gapes at him in surprise. "You said you haven't gone in years."
"She threatened me with the escort detail for the Daimyo's wife for her return trip home as Genma's partner," he smiles.
Everyone laughs with him over his misfortune before Sakura looks at Naruto.
"What about you, Naruto?"
"Nope, not going," she smugly replies.
"Why?" Yamato asks in curiosity. "Tsunade-sama has managed to force Kakashi-sempai to go, so it makes sense she'd force you to attend as well."
"Baa-chan tried, but since she didn't get to me until the last minute, I don't have enough time to get a kimono," she explains. "Since a regular yukata isn't going to cut it, I'm not going."
"You don't have to rub it in, dobe," Sasuke grouses, causing everyone to laugh again.
"Don't underestimate Tsunade, Naruto," Kakashi warns with amusement coloring his voice. "She's very resourceful and clearly indicated she expects you there."
"C'mon," Naruto snorts. "The party is tomorrow night and formal wear is required. Even Baa-chan can't pull off that trick in time.
Kakashi merely shrugs as the conversation drifts through various other topics.
A/N: Still not Genma bashing in this. Just the boy's got some issues. His new girlfriend on the other hand, yeah, definitely bashing her. ^O^
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Underneath The Leaves