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
- 5
- 6
- 7
Finally leaving the hospital is exhilarating for Naruto, even if it’s on crutches.
The nurses wanted her to wait until someone she knew could escort her home, but since she signed the release papers they couldn’t convince her otherwise. She inwardly cackles at them as she leaves. They know better than that. Like she’ll stay in the hospital any longer than necessary.
It’s nice being outside in the fresh, early August air even if traveling is slow going. She decides that when she gets to her building she’ll detour and stop by Genma’s apartment. He’d been released days earlier and will be on medical leave for a couple more weeks until his injuries completely heal. Since she hasn’t seen him at all since the explosion she’s determined she will see her boyfriend.
However, the trip is exhausting. Fortunately, Genma lives in a ground floor unit. Stopping there will give her a break because she’s not relishing maneuvering up five flights of stairs to her apartment.
She doesn’t have to wait long after knocking on his door and is pleasantly surprised when Raido answers.
“Naruto!” Raido blinks in disbelief before coming to his senses and ushering her inside. “Did you just get released?”
“Hey, Raido. Yeah, just got out. They wanted me to wait until Kakashi came to pick me up, but then I would’ve been waiting there until tomorrow,” she jokes while hobbling in.
Raido laughs as he quickly clears a space for her on Genma’s sofa. They both joked if Genma ever moved from his messy apartment the landlord would have to set fire to the unit to clear everything out.
Genma emerges from the bedroom as Raido finishes helping Naruto settle on the sofa. His eyes widen in surprise when he sees her.
“You’re out? I thought you’d still be in the hospital.”
“I had to get out sometime,” she smirks. “Glad it was sooner than later, though. How’ve you been feeling?”
Genma jerks a little as if shocked, then walks over and leans in to kiss her in greeting.
“Fine. A bit sore in the shoulder and I sometimes get a little dizzy standing up, but in good shape otherwise,” he replies, settling himself on the armrest of the sofa right next to her.
Looking up at him, she smiles softly in relief.
“I’m glad. Thought I should stop by and see how you were for myself since they wouldn’t let me when you were still laid up in the hospital. Figured you’d be my first stop before heading upstairs.”
His eyes narrow in annoyance.
“You’re being smothering again.”
Raido gapes at him in shock, but Naruto doesn’t seem fazed by his attitude in the least.
“She isn’t being smothering, Genma,” Raido scolds angrily. “She’s concerned about your sorry ass. It’s the same reason why I stopped by to check on you. Besides, how can she be smothering when she just got out herself?”
“It’s okay, Rai,” Naruto smiles gratefully. “Genma’s probably still in pain and cranky.”
“I’m not cranky!” Genma snaps.
Naruto smirks and arches a brow at Raido, as if to say ‘see?’
Raido snorts before turning to a scowling Genma.
“You should apologize.”
Genma glares at him before mumbling an apology to Naruto.
Naruto smiles at him before taking his hand.
“Thank you.” When Genma looks at her confused she continues. “For saving my ass. Because of you, we got out alive. I’m really sorry you got hurt because of me.”
Uncomfortable with the apology and gratitude, Genma looks away before changing the subject.
“You think you might be up to going out later in the week? I want make up for our missed date the day of the explosion.”
Smiling widely Naruto nods.
“Yeah, I think I’ll be up to it. I don’t want to be cooped up at home all the time. You also owe me lunch too, remember?”
Genma starts protesting, but Raido steps in and growls a warning.
“Fine,” Genma sulkily agrees then mumbles something about demanding girlfriends.
Raido opens his mouth to scold him again, but Naruto shakes her head, warning him off. With a sigh he relents.
“Alright, I’ve got to get going anyway. So see you guys later.”
Naruto struggles to her feet with both of their help. Genma mumbles a quick goodbye, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before disappearing into the kitchen. Raido glares at his retreating back before turning back to Naruto.
“You aren’t planning on climbing all those stairs by yourself are you?” he asks in disbelief as he opens the door for her.
She looks at him confused as she starts hobbling through the front door.
“Well, yeah. It’s not that big a deal.”
“Not a big deal?” he asks incredulously while pulling the door closed behind them. “You live on the sixth floor!” When she starts to protest he cuts her off. “Look, why don’t you let me carry you upstairs? It’ll be faster and less tiring.”
Naruto blinks in surprise.
“Thanks, but that’s okay. Don’t worry about it, I’ve got it.”
Before she can protest Raido stands in front of her and carefully hefts her into his arms.
“There is no way in hell you’re going to convince me you’ll be able to maneuver up five flights of stairs. I’ll just carry you because I don’t want to risk jostling you by Shunshining.”
After giving her a moment to adjust herself while hanging on0to the crutches, he starts climbing up with great care.
“Why did you let Genma off the hook? Not only was he rude, but also he didn’t even visit you in the hospital. How can you put up with that?” Raido asks after the first flight.
Naruto sighs softly.
“Genma doesn’t mean to be rude, but can’t handle anyone showing affection or concern for him. That’s why he lashes out like that. It’s also why he didn’t visit me.”
“I can’t believe you’re defending him,” he states in disbelief, shaking his head.
“I’m not blindly defending him, Raido,” she snaps in annoyance. “In Genma’s mind visiting me would’ve been acknowledging he actually cares for me in some way. To admit that scares the hell out of him. He’s used to losing those he cares about.”
Her eyes dart away briefly in embarrassment before meeting Raido’s questioning gaze as he angles his head to look at her out of the corner of his eye.
“Since he doesn’t tell me anything, I cheated and peeked at his personnel file. Both of his parents were shinobi and he lost them young. Before he graduated the academy. He then lived with a relative, but they died on him too. Aoba told me his first serious girlfriend was a kunoichi who died on a mission. With that sort of track record I’m surprised he’s willing to date at all.”
“You really did your homework,” Raido quips, causing Naruto to grin. Sighing heavily he continues. “And most of his girlfriends he never stays with long enough to get serious with.”
“Exactly,” she nods. “Opening himself up emotionally means another person he’ll lose. Besides, the condition I was in probably only confirmed that ‘cause I was really fucked up compared to him.”
“It’s not like you guys are engaged or moving in together,” he points out.
“I know, but even if Genma only cares for me like any other comrade, that was way too close for his comfort. He was doing much better before someone tried blowing us to bits. Now he’s trying to distance himself again. I’m no pushover, Rai, you know that, but he needs to realize he’s not going to drive me away that easily. I’m trying to make him realize he can relax and be happy with someone.”
Raido looks over his shoulder to gape at her.
“Have you been taking lessons from Inoichi and Ibiki?”
A comical combination of amusement and confusion crosses her face as she shakes her head.
“Why?”
“Because you’ve got Genma pretty well pegged. All of his past girlfriends would bitch about his behavior until they finally broke up with him. I knew you were a sweet kid.” He pauses briefly to chuckle at the glare she gives him before sobering again. “But I thought you were letting him walk all over you. I forget you’re not like the other girls and give as good as you get.”
Naruto grins as they arrive at her door. He sets her down, helping her onto her crutches and opens the door when she unlocks it. After he helps her inside she gives him a hug.
“Thanks for bringing me up here.”
Pulling back Raido studies her for a moment.
“You’re the best thing to ever happen to Genma, but you deserve a lot better. he’s not going to change and you should move on before he hurts you.”
“Thanks, Rai, but I don’t give up easily on anyone. Look how long it took me with Sasuke,” she quips, causing both to break out laughing. “I can be just as stubborn if not more so than Genma. If you don’t believe me, you can ask anyone and they’ll happily concur with that opinion,” she adds with a grin.
While stepping through the door Raido can’t help but chuckle.
“I know, but at least think about it. Genma will easily hurt you before he gets hurt.”
“I will, promise. Thanks again, Rai,” she waves before shutting the door with a heavy sigh.
Raido stares at the closed door for a moment before deciding he needs to have a nice long chat with Genma.
Not long afterward Kakashi returns home. Giving Naruto a flat look, he closes the front door and leans against it with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
“I should’ve asked the nurses to strap you to the bed until I came to pick you up,” he intones dryly.
Naruto snorts.
“Then they shouldn’t have given me the release papers so early. ‘Sides, with your sense of time you wouldn’t have come for me until tomorrow. I wanted out.”
“I’m not that bad,” Kakashi sighs, rolling his eye.
She just arches a brow in response.
“How’d you manage all those flights of stairs?” he asks instead of arguing, moving to sit next to her on the sofa.
“I paid Genma a visit and Raido was there. He offered to carry me up,” she explains.
“I’m surprised you didn’t refuse.”
“I did, but he already lifted me into his arms before I could do anything.”
Kakashi chuckles before asking, “How did Genma react when he saw you since he didn’t visit you in the hospital?”
“Like usual, a prick,” Naruto sighs. “I thanked him for saving me and apologized for getting him injured. So,” she begins, promptly changing the subject. “I know you were doing some research. Find anything today?”
“I wouldn’t have if I thought you weren’t going to wait for me,” he rolls his eyes. “I focused on learning the location and status of each name on the list. Turns out in addition to all the businesses being false fronts, every single person is deceased. Most of them having been dead since before the demon attack.”
“Woah,” she finally blinks in shock. “But it makes sense since enough time has passed since they died. Their names weren’t likely to be recognized by anyone who might say ‘hey, so and so is dead why is their name on this?’ The whole damn thing has been set up so subtly it wouldn’t attract that sort of attention.”
Kakashi nods.
“We’ll have to look into the backgrounds of each one and try figuring out where the money is going. Since they’re listed as a business owner then it’s possible they could still have active accounts.” Naruto opens her mouth to speak, but he cuts her off. “We’ll start doing that after the chuunin exams. You need to recuperate and you’re the one who’s been adamant about supporting Sasuke.”
Naruto scowls at him before relenting.
“Alright.”
“Since you’re supposed to be recuperating, you should take a nap while I fix dinner.”
“I’m not tired!” Naruto protests, before trying to stifle a huge yawn.
Kakashi merely arches a brow.
“I’ve been doing nothing but sleeping,” she pouts, crossing her arms in a huff. “I’d be much more productive going over the information we’ve collected so far!”
Without a word, Kakashi stands up. Gently pushing down on her shoulders he forces her to lie down before helping her adjust her leg on some cushions.
“Sleep,” he orders when finished.
As he turns to walk away, she sticks her tongue out at his back. Before she blinks he deftly captures it between his fingers. She tries to bite him, but he pulls her tongue so she bites that instead while maintaining a firm grip on the organ. Ignoring her pained, incoherent protests, he happily grins down at her.
“I could simply hit you with one of several sleep jutsu I know.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” she barely manages to mumble around her tongue.
Naruto could see his stupid smirk behind his mask and recognizes the gleam in his eye.
“You would,” she mumbles sullenly.
Finally he releases her tongue and chuckles as he makes his way to the kitchen while she grumpily settles in for a nap.
The days pass quickly and the chuunin exams take place without incident. Naruto happily spends most of it catching up with Gaara and his siblings. Since she’s still on crutches and sporting some nice bruises, including a particularly nice shiner, they naturally ask what happened. She explains it as an on the job injury. They accept the simple explanation without further prodding, tacitly understanding she can’t tell them more.
Sasuke did well in the exam. Heeding Naruto’s advice he relies more on stealth and cunning during the final rounds. His final match came to a stunning conclusion, resulting in him cleverly tricking his opponent into getting trapped by their own jutsu. Causing the crowd to roar its approval.
Sitting with Kakashi, she listens to the buzz about his fight from many of the spectators after the match.
“Did you see that?” a man sitting in the row below them asks his neighbor.
“Yeah, that was awesome!” his friend agrees. “I thought the Uchiha was going to annihilate that Grass genin.”
“I was sure his ass was grass,” the first man lamely jokes, eliciting groans from both his friend and Naruto.
“Stupid joke, moron,” the friend grouses. “That grass kid was no pushover, though. When he tried trapping the Uchiha with that earth jutsu, I was surprised when the Uchiha attacked instead forcing the kid to retreat then tricking him into the jutsu he set off.”
“It happened so fast it was hard to follow,” the first man observes.
“Fast or not, I thought the grass kid was a corpse, going up against the Uchiha and all.”
“It’s good Uchiha Sasuke went for a capture than a kill,” a woman sitting on the other side of the first man leans in, attracting their attention. “It’s not always about destroying an opponent.”
“Exactly,” the friend agrees. “Valuable information can be gleaned from an enemy captive. Proves the Uchiha isn’t the monster everyone pegged him for that we need to be afraid of.”
“With the crowd he was running with, it was kinda hard not thinking that,” the first man points out. “Now that we know differently, with him returning to Konoha our ranks will become stronger.”
As they continue chatting, Naruto glances over at Kakashi. He reaches for her hand and squeezes it while smiling happily at her in approval. She was right and Sasuke may have just changed a lot of people’s opinions for the better.
Not surprisingly Sasuke’s promotion to chuunin is announced a short time later much to the crowd’s approval. Being absolutely certain of the promotion, Naruto insisted before hand on taking Sasuke out to celebrate afterward. She wanted to invite all the rookies, but due to Sasuke’s insistence on not wanting to make a big deal out of the promotion and, in Naruto’s opinion, being a royal pain in the ass about it, they acrimoniously agreed to a smaller celebration involving the original members of Team 7.
Due to her injuries Kakashi escorts Naruto to the restaurant so she can wait comfortably inside until Sasuke can escape all the well-wishers and join them an hour later at the same time Sakura arrives with Ritsu. They exchange greetings and congratulate Sasuke on his promotion.
“Good to see Naruto’s threat worked in getting you off to join us tonight, Sakura,” Kakashi observes.
Sakura rolls her eyes as Ritsu frowns in confusion.
“I thought Tsunade-sama was being nice because you were all teammates and let Sakura off tomorrow so she can celebrate tonight?” he asks.
“As if,” Naruto snorts. “The old bat is a slave driver and then some. I had to play dirty to get today and tomorrow off for Sakura-chan.”
“Thanks for that, Naruto,” Sakura smiles.
“What?” Naruto asks when she notices Sasuke’s arched brow.
“Did you pull that off by slathering on the guilt about how you almost died?” he asks.
“Guilt doesn’t work on Baa-chan,” Naruto waves off dismissively, taking a sip of her tea. “Nah, all I did was threaten to snitch out all her current hiding places for her sake to Shizune.”
They bust up laughing when the waitress approaches to take their orders before leaving them alone again.
“Your performance during the entire exam was impressive, Sasuke,” Ritsu compliments, attracting everyone’s attention. Correcting himself, he adds, “Actually, you are an impressive individual.”
“You’re gonna give him a swelled head, Ritsu, not that he needs much help with that, but, y’know,” Naruto quips, earning a glare from Sasuke and chuckles from the rest.
“He deserves the praise this time,” Ritsu counters with a smile. Looking at Sasuke he becomes serious. “It takes a lot of guts to come back to the village like you did. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve heard plenty of gossip to know most people didn’t have such a great opinion of you. It takes a strong person to ignore all that and work as hard as you have to come back into such a hostile fold. For what it’s worth, I respect you and am proud to call you comrade. I’d be honored to serve on the same team as you.” Pausing, the shaggy haired brunet holds out his hand to Sasuke. “Congratulations, Sasuke.”
“Thanks,” is all Sasuke can manage to say as he shakes the smiling chuunin’s hand.
Watching the whole thing Naruto can’t help smiling with the others in happiness. They spend the rest of the night teasing and laughing, reveling in Sasuke’s success.
The next day Naruto is still riding the emotional high of Sasuke’s triumph when she runs into Sai while passing through the Mission Room after stopping by for a check up with Tsunade. Not having seen him in several months, Naruto hobbles up and surprises him with a hug.
“Hiya, Sai!”
“Hello, titless,” Sai greets while awkwardly returning her hug.
Pulling back she levels an ‘are you kidding’ look at him.
“You really need to come up with a new insult,” she suggests, gesturing toward her boobs. “Titless is old and tired and you’re a creative boy, surely you can come up with new insults.”
“How about brainless?” he asks innocently.
“Quit while you’re ahead, Sai,” giving him a flat look to match her voice. Brightening up she adds, “Hey, are you free this afternoon?”
“Yes.”
“Then join me for lunch so we can catch up!” she eagerly suggests.
Sai hesitates, but is unable to come up with an excuse not to go.
“Alright,” he agrees reluctantly.
Naruto drags Sai to a nearby grill. As they exchange small talk she makes him hand over his sketchbook so she can see the new drawings he’s added to it. Sai studies her while she’s flipping through the book before speaking.
“You must’ve really fucked up to get injured like this.”
Pausing mid-flip, Naruto slowly raises her head to glare at him. For a moment, he’s certain she’s going to start shouting before pummeling him. Instead, she takes a deep calming breath.
“Y’know,” she begins through gritted teeth. “Ever since Team Kakashi disbanded your people skills have really gone into the dumper. Looks like we’re just gonna have try harder to see each other so you can relearn how to behave like a human being instead of a stinky pile of shit.”
“That’s a pretty creative nickname,” he smiles.
“Just trying to set a good example,” she smiles back with forced sweetness. “It wasn’t my fault,” she continues, rolling her eyes. “I pissed someone off pretty good and they decided to redecorate the landscape with my pieces.” Noticing Sai’s expression, she asks, “Are you okay, Sai?”
Startled, he blinks at her before recovering quickly.
“I’m fine, Naruto. I’m sorry you were injured and wonder why the fox hasn’t healed you yet.”
“Thanks,” she replies, her expression softening. “Whoever tried killing me and Genma nailed me with a senbon covered in a paralytic. It affected the fox, so my healing was slowed because of it.” A grin spreads across her face. “Guess your people skills haven’t dropped too bad, so we don’t have as much work to do. I’m fine and plan on sticking around to teach you more about feelings.”
Sai can’t help shifting uncomfortably under her eager gaze.
“Is the attack related to your investigation into the Uchiha massacre?”
While Naruto gapes in shock, Sai wonders about the strange sensation he’s experiencing, that maybe he shouldn’t have followed orders. It takes her a few moments recover and remember he’s in ANBU too. He would’ve heard the gossip. She also remembers he was in Root and becomes wary.
“We aren’t sure,” she finally ventures. “It’s looking more like someone with a longstanding grudge against me, which is entirely possible in this village.”
Sai nods in understanding.
“I was also wondering if the dickless fag is serious about staying or if he plans on betraying the village again?”
Naruto glares hard at him.
“If you bothered trying getting to know Sasuke, you’d already know that answer,” she bites out. “Who he was a few years ago is not the same man who’s with us now and he deserves a second chance.”
“How can you still defend him?” he calmly asks, surprised she’d still defend Sasuke so vehemently. “Why haven’t you dumped him as a friend? He abandoned you, our comrades and the village.”
“You should know those answers, Sai,” she glowers coldly. “I still believe in Sasuke and he hasn’t done anything to change that.”
“I still don’t understand, but I apologize for upsetting you, Naruto,” Sai apologizes, bowing his head slightly.
“I’m sorry for jumping down your throat, Sai,” she sighs wearily. “It’s just that Sasuke’s been trying so hard and it bugs me when some people don’t want to give him the chance to prove himself. Everyone kinda forgets that if Sasuke were out to get the village, he’d have easily done so already without surrendering. He deserves a chance.”
Sai nods, remembering Naruto wouldn’t give up on anyone if she could help it.
After lunch Sai escorts Naruto home and they run into Genma and Raido. Smiling widely, she hobbles forward to greet Genma with a kiss.
Breaking the kiss, Genma eyes Sai.
“Who’s your friend?”
Ignorant of Genma’s implication Naruto introduces Sai to them, who greets each politely.
“Sai joined Team Kakashi when I got back with Ero-sennin. I ran into him earlier in the Mission Room and since I hadn’t seen him in ages I forced him to have lunch with me,” Naruto happily explains before remembering something. “Hey Genma, didn’t you have an appointment this morning? How’d it go?”
Genma didn’t answer right away because he was busy giving Sai the evil eye until Raido smacks him on his good arm to get him to refocus.
“It went well, everything’s healing nicely. I should be off of medical leave in another two weeks.”
Naruto smiles and opens her mouth to say something when Sai interrupts.
“I’ve got to get going, Naruto.”
Shuffling around to face him she hugs Sai one more time and waves goodbye as he leaves before shifting back to face Genma and Raido.
“Is there a chance of seeing you later tonight? I actually have it off.”
Still glaring after Sai, Genma starts shaking his head before looking down at her.
“I’m busy la…OW!” he scowls murderously while rubbing his good arm where Raido smacked him.
“No you’re not, don’t you remember we’re meeting Kotetsu and Izumo later for pool?” Raido asks, glaring intensely at Genma.
“Oh, right. I forgot,” Genma mumbles, glaring back. “Would you like to go, Naruto?” he asks stiffly.
“Definitely!” she smiles widely. “Usual time?”
“Yeah, I’ll stop by to pick you up,” Genma mumbles sullenly.
“Great. I better get going,” she replies, leaning in for a kiss before hobbling off.
As they walk away in silence, Raido notices the scowl remaining on Genma’s face.
“Why were you being such an ass to Naruto? Did you have a problem with her having lunch with her former teammate?” When he doesn’t answer, Raido keeps pushing. “C’mon Genma, it’s obvious it was a friendly lunch between teammates, nothing more. Naruto would never cheat on you.”
“Keep your damn nose out of my relationships,” Genma growls before stalking off, leaving a stunned Raido to stare after him.
A couple of days later Naruto runs into Yamato and Sai as they return from a mission one evening. Although she just had lunch with Sai recently, she’s still happy to see him again. Yamato being an added bonus.
“Hey guys!” she calls out happily, hobbling up as fast as she can. “How’ve you both been?”
“Fine,” Sai answers, stiffly returning her hug before stepping aside so Yamato can take his turn.
“Good, thanks for asking.” Yamato pulls back and eyes her with a concerned frown. “Heard what happened. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. Really!” she adds hastily at his disbelieving look. When he relaxes a little she continues. “Have you guys had dinner yet? I’d like to catch up with you two and I’ll snatch every opportunity I can to visit with Sai since he’s so scarce.”
“Sorry, Naruto, I can’t. I’ve got meet someone,” Sai states.
“Really? Okay, I’ll see you later then,” Naruto pouts, waving goodbye to him as he leaves. She then looks at Yamato expectantly.
“As long as it’s not ramen,” he chuckles
“Okay,” she laughs. “Then how ‘bout that new sushi and sake bar?”
“Alright.”
He watches in interest as Naruto summons a toad to deliver a message to Kakashi. Looking up, she notices his arched brow and grins.
“Kakashi, Baa-chan and Sasuke have become a clutch of over-protective mother hens and if I don’t at least let Kakashi know I’m going to dinner with you, we’ll find a squad of ANBU out looking for me. Probably with orders to drag my ass back home pronto.”
Shaking his head, Yamato laughs as they walk off together. Once they’re settled in at the restaurant they start chatting over the basics.
“So can you tell me the details of what happened to you or do I have to guess from the gossip?” Yamato quips.
Naruto grins before sipping her tea.
“Are you aware of what Kakashi, Sasuke and I’ve been doing?” she asks, setting her teacup down. When Yamato nods she rolls her eyes. “ANBU are worse than the old gossipy housewives that gather at the local laundry mat every Thursday,” she gripes, earning another laugh from Yamato.
Quietly she gives him the basics of the investigation as they relate to the warehouse attack before sharing their theories.
“We suspect the bombing of my apartment may be connected even though we hadn’t even started the investigation yet. Hell, it happened the same night Sasuke surrendered. But the nature of the attacks and their closeness can’t be coincidental,” she sighs, shaking her head. “Everything points to a highly skilled Konoha shinobi. So, we’re wondering why would they decide to attack me now? Our only answer is it’s tied to the investigation.”
Yamato contemplates it.
“Agreed. At first glance it’s easier to dismiss the attacks as someone with a long-standing grudge against you. But your attacker may be trying to distract the three of you without being obvious. They don’t need to go after Kakashi and Sasuke since hurting you would be sufficient to divert their attention from the investigation,” he reasons.
Naruto chuckles.
“If that’s true, my attackers are putting too much value on my life, as very few people would be sorry if I were taken out.”
“You don’t put enough value on yourself as the number would be much greater than you think.”
Naruto’s stunned and blushes slightly. Before she can reply Yamato saves her the trouble.
“Is the investigation at least progressing despite these interruptions?”
“Not really, a lot of dead ends,” she sighs in frustration. “We haven’t been able to hit the mother lode. We keep finding all these interesting little threads, though. I think if we keep pulling on them hopefully they’ll unravel something worthwhile. If nothing else the investigation helped get Sasuke off of seeking revenge on the village, maybe forever. This whole thing is pretty murky and his convictions aren’t as clear-cut as he thought.”
“Sasuke seems to be re-acclimating pretty well considering he just got promoted,” Yamato muses.
“That’s definitely helped,” she grins. Becoming serious, she adds, “But he’s driven more by the desire to reestablish his clan. That’s probably why he was so eager to get the investigation going. There are too many clouds hanging overhead for him to simply go on with his life.”
“That may be Sasuke’s saving grace,” the older jounin observes thoughtfully. “A clan needs to belong somewhere. He’s realized revenge didn’t get him what he was looking for. If his desire for knowledge hadn’t finally won out he may never have come back.”
Naruto blinks at him in shock.
“I didn’t think of that, but it’s true.”
Yamato nods before asking, “How does Sakura figure into what’s going on? Kakashi said she hasn’t been able to be involved in the investigation and has only been around sporadically.”
“Specializing she doesn’t had the time,” Naruto explains. “I’m really glad she’s at least interacting with us now. I thought she’d kissed off the team for good,” she blithely states before noticing something in Yamato’s eyes. “What?”
Hesitating briefly, Yamato plunges ahead.
“I didn’t want to mention it before,” he reluctantly begins. “But when I took over the team for Kakashi, I noticed something was off about Sakura. I couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but I was busy keeping an eye on Sai. It kept nagging at me and I could never figure out what it was about her that bothered me.” Closing his eyes briefly he pauses to take a deep breath. “You should be wary of Sakura. She’s not as genuine as she seems. I didn’t want to tell you this earlier because you’ve always been defensive of your friends. Then it became a moot point when the team disbanded. However, now that she’s back in your lives you should be careful.”
Yamato watches Naruto process his words, preparing for the inevitable vehement defense of Sakura.
“I thought I was reading too much into stupid things,” she begins quietly, surprising him. “Yeah, at the time I never doubted Sakura, but after Sasuke left I started noticing things. I’d catch her in these stupid little white lies, but I blew it off as her being stressed and acting flaky. Sometimes I’d see something odd in her eyes, something sinister. It was easy blaming it on his leaving ‘cause it just tossed everything into the blender. Then it got worse after she became a medic. Felt like she was avoiding me,” she shrugs. “I think it was the same for Kakashi, but I haven’t asked in case I was just being stupid. I thought Sakura distanced herself because she blamed me for failing to bring the teme back.”
“What are your thoughts about Sakura now?” Yamato prods.
“The feeling something is off about is stronger than ever. After everything we’ve been through I don’t want to doubt her. It could just be a simple case of us growing apart,” Naruto shrugs again.
“But it isn’t, is it?”
“I don’t know anymore,” she admits reluctantly. “I catch myself holding back with her. It’s not the fox warning me to back off, but something instinctive.”
Noting the time, Yamato figures he should get Naruto home before Kakashi worries. Having long since finished with their dinner, he annoys her further by paying and then escorting her home. During the long, slow walk he resumes their conversation.
“Despite the fox, you should always trust your instincts,” he states as they slowly walk down the street. “If Sakura turns out to be trustworthy after all, then we’ll just simply have to apologize later for doubting her. Worst case scenario is we’ll have to be quick dodging her fists,” he grins, causing Naruto to chuckle. “Otherwise, it’s best to err on the side of caution,” he finishes seriously.
Allowing Naruto the chance to consider his words another thought occurs to him.
“Speaking of the fox, why aren’t you fully healed yet?”
Naruto smiles, understanding what he’s alluding to. She remembers it wasn’t long after he began working with Kakashi to train her when she slipped up, accidentally revealing she’d been regularly conversing with the Kyuubi. Both jounin were worried because they were afraid it might try influencing her. Their confidence wasn’t exactly bolstered to find out she was hiding the fact she’d been conversing with the demon since the first incident of its chakra leaking out during Team 7’s mission in Wave.
It took both men time to get her to reluctantly reveal the exact nature of her conversations with the demon. She claimed the fox’s nature changed and it wasn’t a raging beast anymore and reasoned since it was stuck inside her with nothing better to do it had no choice but to talk to and listen to her. She laughingly called it demon therapy. She repeatedly insisted the demon reached an understanding with her, calming it down.
Far from reassured, Kakashi and Yamato kept a close eye on her. Eventually relaxing about it, but still monitoring the situation.
“It’s taking the fox time to heal me because of the severity of my injuries. The paralytic I got nailed with really hindered it. Don’t worry,” she smiles reassuringly at his concerned frown. “The mangy furball’s been calm and continues helping me out.”
When his expression becomes questioning she closes her eyes briefly in annoyance.
“It recently taught me how to heighten my senses,” she admits reluctantly. “That’s how I tracked the teme when he disappeared through the hidden passage in the Uchiha compound.”
“Why haven’t you mentioned this before?” he asks, his tone sounding slightly accusing to Naruto.
Stopping in the middle of the street she rubs a hand across her face, groaning in frustration.
“I didn’t want you and Kakashi thinking the fox was trying to influence me again,” she irritably explains, dropping her hand to grip the crutch again. “It’s bad enough there are still a lot of people around who can’t separate me from the fox. I didn’t want you guys to start doubting me again.”
“That isn’t the case, Naruto,” Yamato firmly insists. “Just because the demon has become friendlier doesn’t mean we should risk lowering our guard. We have to be prepared for all possibilities. You of all people should know that.”
“Alright,” she reluctantly agrees, starting to move again. “But the fox won’t attempt to escape anymore. It can’t ‘cause the seal changed.”
Yamato’s shocked expression causes her to smile.
“Don’t worry,” she quietly reassures him. “It hasn’t weakened. I talked with Ero-sennin about it because the moldy furball wasn’t stuck behind caged doors in my mindscape anymore. I was suddenly meeting the fox in an open field where it moves freely. It has a collar with the same seal that used to secure the doors. It’s been in me so long it’s deeply entrenched. But, our connection can’t be broken now, either by escape or it being intentionally released. To remove it would kill us both. So, even if the Akatsuki do get me, they’ll still fail.”
Yamato is stunned by this revelation, causing Naruto to laugh at the expression on his face.
“Ero-sennin said the Fourth designed the seal to adjust to the ebb and flow of the demon’s power. He figures it’s probably because of that flexibility the seal evolved, tying us together so we can’t survive without the other ever again,” she shrugs nonchalantly. “It helped change the fox’s attitude so much because it’s bound to me permanently whether it likes it or not.”
Naruto gives Yamato a few moments to process her bombshell.
“Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” she apologizes. “We only figured this out during Ero-sennin’s last visit. Then he said not to say anything to anyone. He wanted to research it to see if anything like this happened before. It seems crazy ‘cause I’m sure our merging together was NOT what the Fourth intended.”
“True,” Yamato chuckles. “But it seems like it may be a good side effect.”
“Maybe,” Naruto nods. “Since then the red rag mop has kinda adopted me, sometimes calling me pup. Still can be a royal pain in the ass, though,” she grumbles. “That’s why I know the fox isn’t trying to take control anymore. It’s hard to explain, but it’s just how things turned out,” she finishes with a shrug.
Yamato considers it.
“Time will tell, but we’ll still keep an eye on things.”
“I know,” she smiles. “I haven’t forgotten what you told me after I lost control of the Kyuubi fighting Orochimaru on the Tenchi Bridge. You said it was my strength of conviction keeping the fox in line, withstanding the force of its power. That’s what has kept it from overpowering me and is probably the biggest key to reforming it.”
Reassured Yamato smiles as they approach Kakashi’s building.
“Naruto!”
Both turn to see a tottering Genma stagger up before grabbing Naruto into an awkward embrace, nearly knocking her over.
“How ya doin’, baby?” he slurs.
Struggling a little to stay upright she shoves him away.
“I was fine before your drunken ass showed up!”
She’s still pissed since they got into a huge fight the night of her lunch with Sai. She still can’t believe he got jealous of Sai of all people. On top of that, he implied her friendships with Sasuke and Kakashi were more than platonic. Infuriated at his not so subtle suggestion she’s cheating with her friends, she grabbed the cue ball off the pool table and hurled it at him, nailing him in the groin.
“I ain’ drunk, baby,” Genma protests, raising his arms as if to hug her.
Swatting his hand away, she cuts him off.
“Drunk or buzzed, there’s no difference. You’re not off the hook for the shit you spewed the other night. And I don’t care to hear anything coming out of your drunken ass.”
Bleary eyed, Genma finally notices Yamato.
“Aren’ I good ‘nough anymore?” he plaintively slurs at her, gesturing at the other jounin.
Naruto looks at him like he’s grown two heads.
“What the hell are you talking about? You better not be thinking what I think you’re thinking,” she growls in warning.
“How can I not think that?” he asks plaintively. “Ev’ry time I look you’re with another guy!”
“You’re a fucking moron!” she snarls, pissed he went there again. “Go home before I beat the stupidity out of you with my crutches!”
“Not ‘til we talk about our relationship,” he declares determinedly.
Taking deep, calming breaths Naruto rolls her eyes. Before she can reply Yamato interrupts.
“Genma, it’d be a good idea if you go home. You both can talk in the morning when you’re both calm," he suggests politely.
“Butt out!” Genma snarls.
Grabbing Naruto by the wrist to drag her off, he forgets she’s on crutches and jerks hard, causing her to fall hard to the ground.
Naruto cries out in pain when she lands on her injured side, causing her to curl in over her leg. Genma stares down at her, shocked realization breaking through his drunken fog. Before he can react Yamato knocks him unconscious into a bunch of nearby garbage cans set out by the tenants for collection in the morning.
Worried, Yamato kneels by her side. Gritting her teeth Naruto breathes shallowly while clutching her leg. Carefully he collects her into his arms, intending to take her to the hospital.
“Don’t take me to the hospital,” she rasps. “Hurts like hell, but it’s only aggravated. Nothing broken. ‘Sides, if Baa-chan finds out she’ll really kill Genma. He’s an idiot, but doesn’t deserve that. He’ll be torturing himself over this once he sobers up.” She pauses to take a few deep breaths. “Please, just take me inside. I’ll be fine.”
Seeing the determined look in her pain filled eyes, Yamato sighs heavily. Reluctantly he creates a clone to carry her crutches and carries her upstairs.
Answering the knock on the front door Kakashi is surprised to find Yamato carrying a pain ridden Naruto. He promptly steps aside to let them in.
“I’m sorry for intruding, sempai,” Yamato greets as he steps past.
Without further preamble he briefly explains what just happened between Genma and Naruto while carrying her over to the sofa.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to stop Genma,” he apologizes, easing her onto the cushions.
“No need to apologize,” Kakashi assures Yamato as they begin examining her leg. “Thank you for bringing Naruto upstairs.”
Noticing her leg is already swelling from the fall, they gently remove the splint and carefully prop it up on pillows. She can’t help gasping in pain. Both men promptly assemble a couple of ice bags to apply to her leg.
“Genma is the one who should be apologizing and in a big way,” Kakashi observes minutes later while positioning the last ice bag against her leg.
His eye hardens into an intense glare, causing the younger man to shiver. Feeling the killing intent Naruto rolls her eyes in exasperation.
“Cut it out, Kakashi. Genma was being a drunken idiot, but it wasn’t like he did it on purpose. ‘Sides, the problem’s between us and I’ve got first dibs on beating him senseless.”
Opening his mouth to argue, Yamato is quickly cut off when Kakashi starts flashing through some hand signs. Noticing, Naruto’s eyes narrow.
“What the hell are you doing?
“It’s just something to help with the pain,” Kakashi assures her with a smile.
“Don’t. Knowing you it’s something to knock me out and someone has to make sure you guys don’t retaliate against Genma.”
“You’ve been in ANBU too long. You’re too suspicious.”
Before she can react Kakashi touches a palm to her forehead, causing her to relax into sleep immediately.
“That jutsu has nothing to do with numbing the pain, does it?” Yamato looks at Kakashi.
“Nope. There’s really nothing that can be done for the pain but to wait it out.” Pausing in thought, Kakashi adds, “I could give her pain medication, but that involves waking her up. She needs to rest and not worry about inconsequential things.”
“Like Genma?” Yamato asks, arching a brow.
“Yep. Would you like some tea before you go?” Kakashi offers.
Yamato accepts with a nod.
“I hit Naruto with a mild sleep jutsu,” Kakashi explains while preparing the tea. “It’s just deep enough to keep her from waking at the slightest noise for some time. Eventually she’ll go into her normal sleep pattern and wake up like usual.”
“She’s not going to be happy with you for that,” the younger man replies knowingly.
“It’s for her own good. I wouldn’t want her to get worked up while we discuss Genma.”
Shaking his head, Yamato grins.
“That’s true. However, Naruto specifically warning us against reminding Genma on how a gentleman is supposed to act does complicate things.”
Kakashi considers it while setting up and carrying the tea tray over to the table.
“It’s not a problem since we may not have to say anything to Genma. After all it is between the two of them and they’re both adults, they can handle it. However, it’ll be hard not to mention the incident when others ask me how Naruto is doing.”
Both of Yamato’s eyebrows rise in surprise before a grin spreads across his face.
“Certainly. After all, Naruto specifically told us not to do anything to Genma, but we aren’t responsible if Iruka, for example, decides to speak with him alone.”
“Don’t forget Yugao. She’s basically adopted Naruto as her little sister as well.”
“Yugao in particular has become even more protective of those she cares for since Hayate was killed. After all, we have no control as to whom Iruka and Yugao tell as well,” Yamato points out reasonably before becoming serious and changing the subject. “I was wondering, sempai. Are you up to date regarding Naruto and the Kyuubi?”
“If it’s regarding the evolution of the seal, then yes.” At Yamato’s nod he continues. “Jiraiya told me about it shortly before Naruto was injured in the warehouse explosion. Apparently they discovered this the last time he came home about two months ago. Sorry about not informing you sooner.”
“It’s alright,” Yamato reassures him, waving it off. “You wouldn’t have had the chance considering the circumstances. Besides, I was busy during that time. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of it since Naruto tends to withhold information regarding the Kyuubi,” he explains.
“No, I’m glad you mentioned it,” Kakashi nodded. “I was upset with her for not saying something sooner, but she apologized for it. It must’ve come as a big shock to her and Jiraiya probably told her not to mention it in order to give her time to process it,” he reasons.
Yamato nods before sighing heavily.
“It’s too bad we can’t just send the Akatsuki a note about it. It would certainly make her life easier, but they wouldn’t believe it. They’d most likely persist in capturing her and discover the truth the hard way at the cost of her life.”
Kakashi nods and both men look over at Naruto’s slumbering form on the sofa, each lost in their own thoughts.
- 5
- 6
- 7
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Underneath The Leaves