Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Genjutsu Gone Right	By : sandman-nobody Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 159777 -:- Recommendations : 7 -:- Currently Reading : 19
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters used within. nor am i gaining any monetary payment.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the long wait but I have a very important Author’s Note at the bottom of the chapter for anyone who is interested in hearing about my new UPDATE SCHEDULE. I’ll be informing you all about when I will be updating this story as well as VAULT 69 and SENCE OF SEMBLANCE. I know updates have been a little slow as of yet but I hope this will help me focus. But first, please enjoy chapter six of GGR. And if you enjoyed it, let me know with a quick review. Every one makes me smile.
Tag(s): N/A
Girl(s): N/A
Editor: Lords of Ember Celica
Words: 8008
Chapter 6
D-Rank missions at their core, were the inside joke of the ninja world, with the occasional instance of punishment thrown in for good measure. Considered little more than glorified chores, they remained a staple mark of every genin's career for the simple purpose of teaching a group of angsty, hormonal teenagers to get along and work together as a team. Being ordered to clean up an alleyway or scrub down a public bathhouse tended to bond such a group, namely against the one giving their orders. And yet, as Kakashi Hatake watched his own team carry out their current mission, he couldn't help but feel his trio of young ninja was failing even that simple of a goal.
At the far end of the aisle during their current grocery shopping 'mission' (read as errand) his lone eye spied Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura from overtop his smutty book's cover. Oblivious to his observations they carried on in silence, with none of the whining and groaning he'd grown used to over the past month and a half over the monotony of today's assignment.
Even Naruto, no, especially Naruto appeared to lack the energy he was famous for, quietly shuffling along while brown paper bags threatened to overwhelm his shorter frame. As if on instinct, he found his gaze shifting towards the lone female of their group, just as he'd learned to do ever since evidence of their relationship came to light.
She remained at the head of their formation, marching forward with her single bag while adamantly ignoring both of her teammates. Oddly enough, Kakashi couldn't help but miss the days she'd vie for the attention of the more sullen of his cute little genin, all the while screeching at their blond comrade. If for no other reason than because it allowed for the promise of his team wanting to connect. She hardly even glanced in Sasuke's direction anymore, simply going through the motions of their missions and training as though the two boys didn't exist.
And Sasuke… actually, Sasuke was still behaving exactly the same. One out of three wasn't bad, right? For his first team anyway. The lazy teacher allowed his shoulders to shrug before returning to the issue at hand.
As a rule of thumb, relationships between teammates were frowned upon in Konohagakure. The number of issues that such an imbalance could create in a three-person squad were as obvious as they were detrimental; with this particular outcome being just one of the numerous scenarios that encouraged outright prohibition for previous generations. But, the peacetime they had enjoyed since the last war had relaxed what at one point had been a much more rigid stance against fraternization. Fighting side by side, surviving back to back, living so many years as a part of each other's lives, developing trust between them; honestly, it was highly unlikely that some kind of romance or relationship didn't develop at some point. As such the practice now was to simply observe, take note, and report any serious problems. A job Kakashi was as enthusiastic about as his normal position as sensei.
The silver-haired scarecrow didn't know what had happened between the two, nor did he particularly care. In a way, it was lucky that he got to get this out of the way now before they actually had to deal with anything dangerous. This kind of discord was more than enough to get a team killed if they let it get too far, and if this behavior didn't change soon, he might actually need to sit the pair down and have a word about team dynamics and what it really meant to be a professional ninja. But until then… Kakashi's attention slowly turned back toward the book he'd been pretending to read, allowing his focus to fall to the bare minimum. A content sigh drifted through the dark material of his mask.
"So it was Koko-chan after all? I wonder what will happen when she finds out her, and her sister have been sharing the same lover all this time…"
D-Rank missions. For genin, the worst. But for him, a much-needed vacation.
The foursome continued on their way in dead silence through the town making their deliveries with little to no interruptions. A first, to be sure.
By anyone's account, this would mark some form of improvement or professionalism that had developed in the two months since their team had formed. In a matter of two hours, their daily mission was completed, leaving their sensei to wish them all a pleasant day before disappearing in a swirl of leaves. Alone at last, the three teenagers found themselves reflexively turning towards each other, only for the lone kunoichi to flinch back from the brilliant blue stare suddenly pinning her with what could only be described as desperation.
"Sakura-," he started, only to cut himself short. Whatever words he'd planned to say remained blocked in his throat, inadequate to the point that they didn't even have enough substance to be spoken aloud. Blinking, his features settled into a pinched grimace before his gaze settled towards the ground.
Her eyes narrowed in an instant, watching without any form of mercy towards his obvious struggle. A single moment passed before her expression became exasperated. Appearing tired, she didn't wait for him to summon up the courage to continue, turning about face to stomp off in the direction of her home.
Naruto watched her, eyes widening as panic filled his veins. The blond ninja took only one step towards her disappearing form before remembering what had happened the last time he'd tried to follow her. A resounding ache still echoed in his jaw. Instead, he was left to flinch, a hollow pain widening through his chest until finally, Sakura turned a corner vanishing from view. And just like every day before, the building pressure came to a stop, just before he could feel the pain threatening to enclose around his throat.
'Stop.' 'Don't move.' 'Listen to me.' All of these words and more were fit to burst from his lips. And yet he couldn't work up the nerve to even try. He'd done everything in his power to get her to listen to him outside of outright compelling her to remain frozen. But every attempt was met with the same jade-like edge of her sharp glare that still pained him each time he was forced to see how much pain he'd caused her; the opposite of what he'd ever wanted.
He glanced towards the last member of his team, almost waiting for a smug quip hurled his way. But he'd left sooner than Sakura had, off to sulk or train at his clan's compound as he did every moment he wasn't forced to socialize. And without even realizing it, Naruto had to recognize that he'd been left alone… again. And with nothing else to keep him there, he was left to turn in his own direction, expression drawn and hands thrust into his pockets as he made his way home; trying and failing to keep his thoughts from overwhelming his mind.
In the wake of getting punched into unconsciousness and the impossibility of the previous week, it had understandably taken a good couple of hours to make sense of just what had happened that day with Ino. The fact that he'd slept with another woman, even ignorant of the fact that it had been another woman, still slightly dazed the younger male. Though, considering how Sakura had been acting that day he knew it really shouldn't have.
After all, how could he ever think Sakura would behave the way Ino had so easily acted? And yet, it had happened; either through his own stupidity or his overly stimulated fifteen year old libido. Which really only made it worse in the end. If he really had an excuse, some way to explain away what had happened he might have actually found it in him to put up more of a fight to get Sakura to listen to him. But as it was, he doubted excuses were even worth bringing up. Fooled or not, he'd slept with Sakura's one time best friend. Even worse, after learning the truth, he hadn't pushed her away or gotten away from the situation. Rather, he'd just laid there letting her do as she pleased until Sakura finally barged in to get her revenge.
Dwelling on his dark thoughts, the depression he'd struggled to keep at bay finally overwhelmed him, forcing his gaze to bend towards the dusty village road.
In contrast to his own personal cloud drizzling overhead, the rest of the village ran without pause, bustling with life, good cheer, and joyful people as they went about their lives. Family shops lined the market, allowing an odd mixture of delicious foods and treated oils to fill the busy lane of those passing by.
Konoha was large by many villages' standards; blessed with the military strength to fend off any would-be invaders, which in turn meant they were able to take on more missions at any given time than their competitors. Because of this, they were gifted with the prosperity to feed and house their many, many citizens, which encouraged the number of merchants that came and went through their town to ferry their many exports even more. Nearing the evening when the sun would start to set and the hot air would cool, this part of the village was always bustling, and today was no different.
Naruto's blond mop of hair and bright orange jumpsuit stood out like a beacon in the throng of people, demanding the attention of everyone unlucky enough to glance in his direction. And just like that the bright smiles and eager expressions of shop owners and customers alike began to darken as space began to expand around the shuffling ninja.
People walking in the opposite direction stepped around him like a mighty river parting around a pebble, while the people who'd been thoughtlessly matching his stride quickly found some excuse to stop at the nearest stall or find a reason to hurry towards their next destination. Naruto continued unhindered, as though he didn't even notice the obvious treatment against his person.
Heads turned, their indignant faces outright ignoring his very existence. There were no hushed whispers, no insults or attacks thrown his way, however. That would have been preferable, in some ways. At least then they would be acknowledging his existence instead of this… void, this absence and apathy towards his existing.
Naruto had been forced to recognize the emotion, or lack thereof, from a very young age; even if he hadn't been able to understand why until very recently.
These people, they weren't afraid of the fox inside of him, nor were they afraid of it getting out. Just like they weren't stupid enough to believe the annoying brat they'd been forced to put up with for his entire life could actually be the malevolent, ageless demon that had ravaged their lives. No, rather, looking at the blond haired idiot in a clown's getup they only saw a reminder of an event they would rather forget than have thrust in their faces every morning and evening. They would rather he'd just accepted the demon into his body and leave, disappear or be locked away, so they never had to see him.
To these people, he was a human bag of garbage that kept popping up and stinking up their perfect little village, no matter how much they wanted someone to just toss him outside and lock the gate.
A few more steps passed before Naruto's sandaled feet came to a slow and steady stop. Lifting his head from the ground, he glanced around at the many faces turned from his direction, a palpable dome of ears and hair craned to greet him, rather than their narrowed eyes and pursed lips.
Already in a bad mood, this sudden treatment didn't exactly help. Even if he was forced to acknowledge that it wasn't sudden in the least. Rather, in the wake of actually being happy and finally having someone to share his life with, he'd been stupid enough to forget the rest of the population out to welcome his quiet and neat disappearance. And that… only made the hollow ache in his chest throb that much harder. Profound loneliness threatening to break the mask of joy and energy he'd been taught to display if he ever felt included to change the chilling isolation.
His teeth clenched, and something close to anger threatened to replace his downcast expression. For a moment he curiously considered if it had been too long since his last prank. Maybe it was time to remind these people why it was such a bad idea to turn you back on Uzumaki Naruto. However, slowly reaching for the pocket of stink bombs he always had readily available, the spark of excitement that usually appeared in anticipation of pissing off an entire crowd was absent. Leaving him markedly less enthused to ruin these people's day.
Where was the vindictive glee of hearing the villager's cries of shock and surprise? Where did his enthusiasm for chaos and mischief disappear to? Not long ago, he's almost lived for those few brilliant moments of time where everyone's eyes turned on him. Where he forced them to look and acknowledge his presence, if only so he could prove to himself that he still existed and wasn't just some silent ghost. The fear of which had haunted him well throughout his childhood.
What if one day he just disappeared? And even worse, he didn't even know? Just wandering and walking through a village of eyes that looked right through him until the end of time. He knew better now, of course. He wasn't some kid too scared to look under his bed anymore, he literally carried the most terrifying monster to have ever stalked the night within him. He knew he was real! He knew he wasn't about to disappear, at least not without a fight! But that didn't mean he stopped enjoying his pranks. At least it hadn't before. So, what had changed?
Unfortunately, the answer was only too obvious.
The attention he got from pranks, what he got forcing people to acknowledge him was nothing compared to how it felt to have a person care about him of their own volition. Sakura's love, Sakura's attention, it was like going back to drinking gutter water after drinking from a cool refreshing spring. His body still thirsted, still needed the water to survive, but his eyes had been opened from the experience of how much better things could be, which only made his reality that much more lacking. These people, they didn't mean anything to him. And if they wanted to ignore him, fine. He would rather die of thirst…
With another sigh, he was forced to let his mischievous glint fade back into bored disinterest, before turning back towards the ground and continuing on his path.
Memories of their times together, no matter how brief, were dredged to the surface; enforcing the sensation of something missing from his chest, as though a part of him had really disappeared. And now, he was being forced back into the cold, dark embrace of his lonely existence after feeling the warmth he had for so long only been able to imagine.
Now it was time for the fear to take hold, just as it had been known to do in the past weeks when he was forced to acknowledge the fact that Sakura might never come back to him. That he'd actually ruined his one chance with the girl of his dreams. The very possibility alone flooded his veins with ice. Which is why he wasn't surprised at all when his thoughts eventually turned towards the obvious solution.
'Stop.' 'Don't move.' 'Listen to me.' 'FORGET.' 'NEVER LEAVE ME.' The words echoed through his consciousness, bitter as they were sweet to the lonely boy desperate for anyone's affection. It would be so easy, too easy. If he wanted he could just command her to stay with him. So… why hadn't he? And as if summoned by his thoughts, the personification of his internal struggle made their appearance…in a pushup bra?
Popping out from wherever she'd been lying in wait, she wore a salacious grin; bright against her pale skin and golden spun locks. Forcing her face into Naruto’s vision, his shocked, embarrassed reaction caused her pleasure to multiply, marked by a heart pulling giggle. "Good afternoon, Na-ru-to-kun," she purred in greeting him. Not at all shying away from stepping into his personal space, Naruto could only do his best to compensate, a slow drop of sweat forming on his brow as he forced his eyes away from her curvy figure that seemed to bounce ever so slightly with each sashayed step taken towards him. She didn't even blink, her Cheshire grin widening and she continued. "My, my, what are the chances we'd run into each other like this? Seems like fate, huh?" Naruto's answer was an audible gulp.
Ino Yamanaka… Naruto's brow furled anxiously.
She stood in the middle of the road blocking his path home. With her arms behind her back, her posture and motions couldn't have been any more obvious if she tried. Her hips and expression swayed from side to side. They were entirely too innocent for the obvious planning behind her ambush. Especially when one noticed the outfit she typically wore. Unbidden, Naruto's eyes glanced for just a peek, clearly tempted, despite struggling against his natural attraction.
The familiar combination of rings, drafty plum garbs, and form-fitting bandages only hinting towards her figure belied an obvious tendency towards her favored color; not to mention a subtle gift for seduction.
Utilizing natural good looks and exotic attire to distract enemies, hers was a tactic no other kunoichi from their class was bold enough to try. Not surprising given their age. Now with the other blond square in her sights, Naruto found himself on the receiving end of her… strategies.
This was something else entirely. The bandages and arm warmers were gone. As were her familiar slit outfit, yet Ino somehow managed to expose even more of her figure in a way that seemed impossible. It was purple, which wasn't a surprise, but while it wasn't exactly 'revealing' it was more in the way she wore it that gave it such a dramatic effect.
The deeply curved top fit tight, stretched around and under her already impressive bust to allow a very generous view of her cleavage. Already snug, her decision to wear something to further accent her breasts rather than her usual chest bindings made them look that much more inviting. Of course, without her chest bindings, her midsection was completely exposed, leaving the expanse of her flat toned stomach almost as prominently displayed as the shelf of womanly flesh hanging from her chest.
The skirt she'd chosen was actually fairly plain, even its length was surprising in that it almost reached her knees; however, it showed its true purpose only when a nearby shadow shifted to allow a fading sunbeam to shine through the fabric and silhouette her full thighs and the juncture where they met. If he looked close enough, Naruto thought he could see a flash a blue beneath the thin white cotton.
She was certainly talented, with the gift of confidence and fashion sense to play all types of colors against each other, all of which were set to better enhance her already alluring beauty. This was actually one of the tamer outfits she'd tried to entice him, for which he was thankful since they were standing out in the middle of a busy street. Although that only reminded him of how thoughtless he'd been to have been caught by her unaware in the first place.
He'd been stupid, lost in his own thoughts without paying attention to everyone around him. He'd walked right into her trap. Naruto's sullen features warmed until finally, he managed to look up from the low cut top threatening to reveal her youthful figure.
"Fate, huh?" Naruto's thoughts turned dry. Well, the demented scale that presided over all must really have an eye out for him since this 'chance encounter' the blonde haired girl so readily claimed had already repeated several times this week. Every single day, in fact, since she'd been dragged out of his apartment by his now ex-girlfriend whose appearance in his memory alone demanded that he take an extra step back no matter how futile.
"Ino," Naruto started, his cheeks erupting with color. Despite himself, he couldn't help but glance around at the crowd still passing by as if expecting to the familiar mop of bubblegum pink hair to suddenly appear. It didn't, but his anxiety didn't ease one bit. Increasing in fact, just from the way he could see Ino staring at him. So in love, and yet wrong in every way that Naruto could ever fathom. "How… are you today?" That wasn't what he wanted to say…
Her eyes, a brilliant cornflower blue, sparkled with the kind of affection only found in the heart of pure maidens not yet jaded by the harsh reality of heartbreak. Her posture, leaning toward him ever so indulgently, spoke volumes of her intentions, each and every one of her round budding curves offered for his perusal. Which only made her revealing outfit that much more dangerous.
In his mind, he tried to match what he was seeing to the same girl he'd known in the academy. To be honest, he'd never really paid her all that much attention. At least, nothing beyond her being the girl that always seemed to be fighting with Sakura, and almost always over the bastard. He might have a few memories of catching her hanging around Shikamaru and Chouji, but other than that all he really had were an odd collection of mixed snide comments he'd gotten a chuckle from overhearing a conversation here or there.
"Much better now that you're here!" she practically gushed, offering another bubble of girly laughter to delight the hormone-fueled young man. "After all, I've been looking for a handsome, blond young man to take me out for the evening. Just my luck!" The words came so easily, and without any attempt at disguising her obvious interest. But as she batted her eyelashes and reached out to touch his worn orange coat, a different expression illuminated her cheeks into a soft pink color.
"Or, if you're not hungry…" she let the coy sentence die there, not from embarrassment, but to tease and tempt the boy even more. Soon his tanned features were just as hot, while a wide-eyed expression forced him to look away from the inviting soft pink color of her devious smile.
Blood flowed in… many directions. All of it warm and encouraging a humid air to take beneath the thick material of his clothes.
Ino wasn't a shy girl. And unlike Sakura, she had no problem voicing her interests in the pleasures of the flesh. Rather, she seemed to revile in the activity. As soon as Naruto had shown her just how good it could feel, and what it was like to be held by the person who cared about you the most, she'd made her invitations to his bed as obvious as her affections, more than eager to experience the sensations of his hands, and… other parts, on her real body and real curves; rather than through Sakura's body as a proxy.
Which is why it was so disappointing that Naruto hadn’t taken her up on her generous offer.
Faced with the tempting proposal, Naruto responded just as he had every time he'd been cornered by the second blonde. Embarrassment, a little bit of shock, as well as a pinch of appreciation for her bold approach. Nevertheless, he knew he couldn't accept. No matter what the pressure in his pants argued.
As if sensing his inevitable rejection, Ino's expression faltered for only a moment, before re-engaging in full force as she launched herself in his direction to steal one of his arms. Without warning, the fifteen year old boy was gifted with the soft, firm pressure of the girl's chest snuggly enveloping the budding muscles just starting to develop around the long, spindly length of his arm.
Frustrating didn't quite properly explain the enigma that was Naruto Uzumaki, Ino had been quick to learn.
In her experience, boys were a simple matter and one that she'd learned how to navigate from an early age. She had never actually pursued any relationships for the risk of losing her chance with village's last Uchiha. But flirting had taught her much about the male mind, if only that in most cases there wasn't much to them. She'd found it so powerful she'd even decided to implement it into her ninja career, taking a supplementary seduction course after having passed the required class with flying colors.
Send a wave, offer a wink, maybe allow a subtle brush of the finger along their arms; each had allowed for quite a bit of amusement watching the civilian boys fall over themselves for her attention. Unlike Sakura, she didn't have a perpetual blond haired ego boost nipping at her heels all throughout the academy. And despite her bravado and confidence, she was just as prone to disappointment and doubt as the next girl. Thankfully, it was never anything a walk through the village couldn't cure. Hell, she even noticed adults looking at her from time to time, which was gross to be sure, but still nice to know and fed her ego all the same. So why was Naruto being so difficult?
Ha, as if she didn't know…
"Naruto-kun!" she sighed, frowning as though he was actually causing her some kind of pain. "Don't you think it's time you stopped pinning for boring old forehead already?" as if reading his thoughts. "It's already been a week, and if I know her as well as I know I do, I'm pretty sure she still hasn't even said a word to you." Leaning into him, she allowed gravity to deliver even more wonderful sensations from her maturing curves, which rubbed up and down his clenched bicep. A tingle shot up her spine from the connection, only emboldening her brazen and wanton behavior.
"I know you thought you cared about her, but I can promise you, if you just give me a chance, I'll show you how much better a girlfriend I can be then skinny little billboard-brow," she cooed while subtly rubbing his arm between her breasts. Confidence seemed to drip from her voice, almost tangible in its abundance. Her words as well as her actions left Naruto's cheeks even warmer and forced his heart to start pumping a bit faster.
"S-Sakura just needs some time," he tried to argue; almost more to himself than to her. He found himself wallowing against his dry throat from the proximity of this soft, warm girl so enamored with his person. Although, his tone was anything but encouraging.
"But why wait for her? When you can have me?"
She was serious, one hundred percent. Her flirty tone hardened just a fraction, not forceful so much as earnest in her words that continued in their attempt to persuade the current boy in her heart. While Naruto watched on, unable to look away from her brilliant stare pinning him in place.
"I wouldn't hit you like she does. I wouldn't pretend to be annoyed when you wanted to spend time with me, and I would never turn you down if you are feeling…frisky." Seeing his eyes widen, some of the intent in her expression lifted in the form of a knowing grin. "Don't think I couldn't tell when we were together. When we finished that first-time and I reached for you again, I could see you were surprised. Makes me think our little cheery blossom can't usually take a second round."
It wasn't a question, but then, Ino wasn't asking. Instead, she continued in the same persuading honey sweet tone she'd offered each time she managed to pull him away. Slowly wearing him down with logic and her own sexuality. A dangerous combination if ever there was one.
"I can't say I know for sure, but you certainly seemed satisfied that day." She continued poking. "And I know it was good for me. Because we're good together. We fit, much better than you and Sakura anyway." Naruto flinched at her words, and his eyes turned from hers to look at the ground. Not so much as to think about what she'd said, but more to deny it, and to remind himself of whom his heart really belonged to. Seeing this, Ino's expression pinched, almost turning cranky after another failed attempt to sway him from his longtime crush. Her next words were almost biting, completely ignorant of the impact they had on both his conscience as well as his emotions.
"And I know I would never be stupid enough to leave you! Not for a second. I mean, how smart can she really be if she's willing to pass you up, huh?" A flash of confusion echoed across Naruto's face. It was over as fast as it'd started, and afterward the nervous, reluctant demeanor the blonde inspired was gone. Leaving only a frown and an echo of guilt that went on to confuse poor Ino who could only look on and see all of her efforts crumble before her.
Naruto didn't say anything. Merely reaching up to gently pry her grip from around his arm. In a fit of stubbornness, Ino actually resisted for a moment, thinking it cute to show him just how unwilling she was to let him go. But his grip became shockingly firm. Not painful, but strong enough to show the difference between their physical strength. In the end, Ino was left frowning like a petulant child suddenly scolded by a parent. While Naruto's dark expression remained unable to even look at the girl who just offered herself so openly for his pleasure.
"Naruto-kun," Ino whined, but he appeared conflicted, and very confused. Ultimately, unsure how to handle Ino's attention, he made the very awkward decision to simply turn and continue on the path he'd been on before her ambush. In return Ino's pouty expression shifted in an instant, flattening into panic while she moved to step after him. "N-Naruto?! Hey, wait up! Don't just leave without me," she moved to chase after him, while he continued forward unable to so much as glance back in her direction.
If his behavior discouraged Ino, the blonde didn't let it show. Matching his quick and brisk pace, her soft voice continued to speak to him, prattling on about nothing in particular. Despite having fallen for him so hard, the time she'd been allowed to spend with him was very limited. Being on different teams, with different missions, and having to help her parents run the flower shop meant she had to work hard and fight for just a few scraps of minutes each day, and she intended to make as much use of their romantic walk through the markets as she could. All while not so subtly dropping hints towards her favored stalls and shops just in case he ever decided to take her up on that date. Which he would. Even when he didn't respond Ino didn't break stride, growing used to the awkward young man's odd behavior.
Ino's plotting and Naruto's anxiety aside, their time together continued until Naruto's apartment finally came into view. Seeing her chance at hand, Ino threw her long ponytail over her shoulder, allowing the long golden strands to dance in the breeze for a single moment before making her move. An easy and deeper tone playing against her half-lidded expression. "Aren't you going to invite me in, Naruto-kun?" she even allowed her posture to slouch, her aforementioned low cut top once again doing its job to best present her womanly assets.
An uncomfortable itch started behind his neck, where cold sweat leaked through the wide pores. Suffice to say, Naruto didn't exactly have a lot of practice turning down people who actually wanted to spend time with him. The very idea seemed ridiculous. But allowing his eyes to turn in her direction, the obvious arousal he should have been feeling was all but absent. Replaced by cold, sharp fear, as well as a healthy dose of guilt that drowned out anything else that might have tried to arise.
Naruto's mouth opened, but nothing came out for several seconds. His eyes remained trained on her flirtatious expression, glancing for a moment towards the door to his home before returning to her brilliant blue eyes. Finally, the panic that threatened his features seemed to deflate, settling into a mask of utter resignation.
The shift was almost enough to shake Ino's bravado, who collected herself quickly for his reply. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be anything close to what she expected, and even further from what she wanted, his words leaving her to stare at him in a confused daze.
"Ino, forget about me completely."
The words came from Naruto's lips in a tone the once carefree ninja had never known until a few days prior. It was heavy, impossibly so. And compared to the light and laughter normally found in his voice, it was like he was another person altogether. Ino's reaction continued, as though struggling to process the clear order in his tone. Finally, her eyes settled back on his drawn expression, confusion suddenly coming to life.
Naruto watched her for a moment, face set against the question in her gaze. "I…" she started, turning her head to the side with a single brow raised. Whatever hope might have sprung into the young man's chest was demolished as soon as he spied the corner of her lips curl into her trademarked smirk. Perplexed, but otherwise completely unaffected she finished, "can't believe you think it's that easy to get rid of me!" And just like that Naruto's serious expression dropped back towards the ground, a long sigh following.
There was no surprise, no shock on his face as he turned to walk towards the staircase leading to his apartment. Almost as though he'd been expecting it. The sudden departure left Ino blinking after him, a huff of indignation blowing out her flared nostrils. Still, her eyes only reflected a harder determination.
"Okay! That's fine," she called after him as he stomped up the steep incline towards the second floor, "just give me a call when you change your mind?" His answer was to look at her, clear conflict and confusion twisting the tight squint of his eyes before he felt compelled to offer a weak wave goodbye and continued towards his door. There, he made no attempt to hide his eagerness to be inside and slam the door shut behind him, only to press his back against the frame, savoring the silence and solitude of his empty apartment.
It hadn't worked. But then, he'd already known it wouldn't… His real issue was trying to forget.
Releasing a slow sigh, he let his eyes close against the sight of his apartment, so dark and quiet without the nervous, albeit begrudging joy of his longtime crush. And yet, even in her absence, Naruto had to recognize that losing Sakura had not been the worst consequence of that day. Rather, that was standing just outside his apartment. It also happened to be the real reason he found it so hard to muster up the courage to try and use his will bending abilities again.
Ino was beautiful. And despite her bold tendencies Naruto would have probably gone out with her on a date at the drop of a hat if she'd shown interest in him before. …If Sakura wasn't in the picture, of course. And even then, he'd at least feel happy about the feminine attention. What guy in their right mind wouldn't be?
Starved for attention as he was, growing more and more discouraged by Sakura's continued dismissals as he was, her attention remained as a constant reminder of just how badly he'd messed up. How reckless he'd been using a power when he had no idea how they really worked. The same power he refused to even consider using now. And all because of how much trouble he'd created simply by speaking before he'd even tried to think about what he was saying. A common flaw for someone his age, but no one could deny the added consequence his position afforded in this particular instance.
When he'd been in the shower with the other blonde, completely unaware that his girlfriend's mind had been swapped with another, Ino had… teased him, or, possibly had been looking to hurt Sakura when she'd joked about them seeing other people. In his panic he'd completely messed up, demanding that she only look at him. That she wouldn't ever be interested in anyone else but him. Only to realize afterward how his power had effectively imprinted Ino's affection to him. Or at the very least, how he had forced her into a position where she couldn't help but fall for him.
It hadn't been too bad at first, realizing what had happened. He'd been more confused than anything else, taking a moment to understand that his commands had transferred to her even though the girl had heard them while inhabiting another's body. Worried about Sakura, he'd been more embarrassed over the situation than guilty. It wasn't until he'd given her a second order that he realized something wasn't right. And it wasn't until he'd tried several more times afterward that he realized the horrifying truth that the effects of his power, once intoned, were completely irreversible.
He'd tried everything he could think of. He told her to find someone else, told her to forget the first order; he even tried telling her to hate him! All of which had been met with odd glances, and a small snort of laughter from the last. It was only with growing horror that he realized if he used his power on someone he could never give an order that contradicted a previous command. Something he might have found out if he'd ever actually taken the time to learn about what it could do or its effects.
'I'd never be stupid enough to leave you,' she'd lauded, thinking he would be impressed by her devotion. When really all it did was add more stress to the boulder he was already carrying on his back.
"Yeah, because you can't. And it's all my fault…"
Naruto's eyes opened, and he took a step deeper into his apartment. Taking a deep breath, hunger from an afternoon of traipsing across the village made itself known. He moved almost without a thought towards the kitchen where cupboards of instant ramen would soon greet him.
Even as he went about preparing his favorite meal, his eyes and motions continued to lack the familiar excitement. Soon the only sound to fill the apartment came from the old microwave as the Styrofoam cup turned in place and the first hint of steam began to rise and fog the illumined glass reflecting Uzumaki's listless gaze.
Thirty seconds of the three minutes required passed before Naruto's stressed posture turned to walk away from his warming meal. He only made it a few feet before his steps slowed towards the unkempt mess of his bed and sheets, weighed down by the memories of his failed attempts to remove whatever order's Ino had retained after her mind returning to her own body.
He… didn't know what he was supposed to do. If it were just Sakura being angry at him or maybe just knowing he'd messed up using his powers then maybe he'd be able to think of a solution. But combined, the level of pressure was just a bit more than one fifteen year old boy thought himself capable of solving. Even worse, he couldn't even run to the old man or Iruka-sensei. Not without way more questions than he knew how to answer. Or even could, for that matter. Not for the first time, Naruto's tight expression pinched as he resisted the comforting urge to curl up on the ground and daydream about happier times.
More time passed, and the sharp chirping of the microwave sounded off signaling the blond's meal was ready. And yet he didn't move, unable to look away from the soft, innocuous cushion of his bed where all his problems had begun.
His mind reached back unbidden, pulling images and memories of his time with Sakura to the surface. Not of Ino, whose inviting grins and eager reception had confused and amazed him; but of the girl who's eyes refused to so much as meet his own, so self-conscious of her own pleasure as to barely even allow it.
The feeling of her hands on his shoulder, of her skin so soft under his own. The emotion in his chest when he fully entered her body, more than pleasurable, but fulfilling in a way that occupied the hollow pang of loneliness. And her smile, so selfish and devious, and so her that every time he got to see it all he wanted was to keep her happy for the rest of his life.
What had once made him the happiest boy in the village now hurt him more than anything he'd ever experience. And basking in what had been only tore at the scabs of his emotions, sending even more lances of stinging, acid-laced barbs through his chest. Enough to summon his hand above the space where his stubborn muscle continued to beat, clutching at the jacket and shirt underneath as though that could numb the self-inflicted torture he continued to force himself through, day in and day out. Just to remind himself that it had really happened.
One week. Seven whole days, that was all! And yet Naruto could already feel the familiar doubts start to creep out from the darkest corners of his consciousness. Voices that he did his best to ignore, to stay upbeat and joyful. But it never lasted long and they inevitably continued to get louder the longer he remained in this shadowed living space. A deep line furled between his tight brows.
"You're alone again.”
“It's too quiet.”
“Why won't people look at me?”
“Why won't Sakura-chan look at me?”
“It's never going to change.”
“You'll never be Hokage.”
“No one will ever see you, for you."
And, more recently, "what if Sakura-chan never comes back?" The voice repeated itself often, never slowing even when it was all the young man could do to keep from stabbing his own ears out.
"What if Sakura-chan never comes back?
“But… what if Sakura-chan never comes back?
What if Sakura-chan never comes back?!"
A new addition, this one sounded the loudest and stabbed the boy deeper than anything else. He'd tried so hard to ignore it, but the cold glare from that day, as well as every other day since finally demanded that he at least consider that she… she might really never come back…
Naruto had seen Sakura angry, he had even seen her outright furious, usually at him. But he'd never seen her hurt before. Not like that day. And never by him. The image of her grief-stricken expression remained long after his bruises had faded back into the lightly tanned skin wrapped around his form. As much as he wanted to deny the possibility, as unaware of the situation as he might have been, Sakura might really not forgive him. And even worse, this time he was too afraid to use his new powers to try and win her back.
Even if he dared, he couldn't make her trust him. He couldn't make her love him again or even like him. At best he could force her into a relationship that would only hurt her, and him by proxy. He’d made that mistake once, too stupid too naive to know better. But a second time? She would be at his side, unable to leave him, but miserable, and that… wasn't a life Naruto wanted. He never wanted to force himself on someone's life, but for them to welcome him into it.
So… then, what? What was he supposed to do? Had that really been his one and only chance at happiness; stolen out from under him before he even had the opportunity to spend his life with the girl of his dreams? Was he just doomed to a life of isolation, always staring out at others who were lucky enough to find their matches?
And just like that Naruto found himself returning to that lonely, isolated child forced to watch on while everyone around him returned home to their families, leaving him by himself as the sun set on another day.
It was like a cold fist closed around his heart. He didn't want that! He didn't want to be left behind. He didn't want to go back to being alone! But then, what was he supposed to do? And just like that, his line of thought was forced towards his blonde counterpart, considering her interest possibly for the very first time.
Ino was… kind of weird, in Naruto's mind. Obsessing over stupid things like clothes and makeup, although, that could just be attributed to her gender. She seemed to have a bit of a temper, but seeing as how he'd dated Sakura holding that against her didn't exactly seem fair. All in all, Naruto wasn't really sure what to do with her.
He'd made her obsessed with him. Or, more accurately, so that she only ever saw him as a person she would be interested in. That much control, affecting her that much was way more than the young man would normally attempt. But at that moment… he'd been scared, just like he was scared now.
The thought of just sending her away seemed cruel now that he reflected on her circumstances. He'd just lamented the possibility of spending the rest of his life alone, and if he never returned her feelings, that's exactly what he would be condemning her to. Unless his powers ran out, which nothing had happened to allude to, he really was her only option now.
But then the thought of dating her came across like he was just abusing his powers. A prospect he'd justified for Sakura, he was in love with her after all, but he couldn't say the same about Ino. At best, she made him curious. He just didn't want to be alone again, but did that mean he was ready to spend the rest of his life with her?
No. But… maybe he could at least try and get to know her a little? Take her out on a date. Talk to her. Get to know her. She wouldn't be Sakura but he at least owed it to her to try. A-At least until his girlfriend eventually forgave him! If she forgave him… and if she didn’t, well, at least he wouldn’t be alone.
Besides, something told him she wasn't exactly the type to take no for an answer. Stubbornness was something he could admire and knew pretty well himself.
He'd made a decision, and afterward part of him even felt slightly better. It was a plan, something other than the downward spiral that had been his life this past week.
Turning to start his meal, Naruto allowed his gaze to linger on the unkempt mattress for another second before forcing the image to fall towards the back of his head. And when he sat down to eat, he even managed to find a smile appearing at the salty, miso flavor filling his mouth and the warmth of noodles and broth seeping into his body.
A/N: Hey, guys! Enjoy the chapter? Too angst-y? Not enough naked ninjas? Let me know with a review. And if you want to see more of this story be sure to follow so you know right away when I update. And speaking of…
UPDATE SCHEDULE: okay, so the way things have been going is less than ideal, to put it simply. Even though I’ve effect dropped all of my stories except the three most popular, I’m still not updating as fast as I would have liked. Thankfully, a new development has encouraged me to set up a time table for all of my stories. Which, is as follows:
Genjutsu Gone Right: will now be updating at LEAST once a month. Depending on the length of chapters, I may be able to work in two shorter updates, but no matter what by the end of the month I am going to do my best to give you a regular update to look forward to. Hopefully this will quell the reviews crying out for me to reconsider abandoning this story (Which I have never even considered, BTW.)
Sense of Semblance and Vault 69: From now on these stories will be updated on ALTERNATING MONTHS, which means in addition to GGR updating ONCE a month, I intend to update one of these stories to go with it. Whichever story does not get updated, it will be updated the following month. This month, October, I intend to update sense of semblance. Which means vault will get an update in November. This will continue until one of the stories are complete.
To the people who took the time to read this after the chapter, I thank you. And I hope some of you are happy to hear this news. I understand that there will be a number of you unsatisfied with the pace I’m taking, and for that I apologize and ask that you understand that I am working hard to write faster while maintaining the quality that has brought all of you here.
NEXT UPDATE: November
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Genjutsu Gone Right