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
- 7
- 8
- 9
A month, Naruto determines, qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment.
She may not be medically trained, but in her humble opinion it shouldn’t have taken four weeks since the chuunin exams to heal. However, Tsunade’s anal-retentive standards couldn’t be reasoned with, especially when backed up with promises of violence and particularly vindictive punishment details.
So to Naruto’s immense joy the glorious day arrives and she is finally off medical leave. Not that she spent the time completely idle. Even if her training schedule was completely shot to hell, she spent much of her medical leave following leads with Kakashi and Sasuke now that he’s made chuunin.
Diligently they continue digging through musty smelling files, dodging spiders and dust bunnies to find anything significant on the names, especially the Uchiha, and discover they all have active bank accounts. They also learn the paychecks of the shinobi on their lists were deposited into bank accounts bearing the deceased’s name, but as with the bogus businesses, they hit more dead ends. To their irritation the accounts were closed within the last few weeks and the funds diverted. The same holds true for the civilian co-owners.
Naruto, Kakashi and Sasuke shift their focus to the additional names uncovered by Shizune. Most of the shinobi listed were either Uchiha or from civilian families with no ties to any ninja clan. The few that didn’t fall under either classification were orphans with no known relatives, making researching any family connections impossible.
Their frustration grows. Obviously someone is closely tracking their movements, staying a step ahead and making sure certain key documents disappear before they even get a chance to look at them despite their discretion. They come to realize whoever they’re dealing with is very astute and figured out their moves ahead of time.
Right after Naruto gets her clean bill of health from Tsunade, she and Kakashi head straight to Sasuke’s home. Wasting hours reexamining and reviewing what they have so far glaringly reminds them they are running out of road fast.
Sighing heavily, Kakashi leans back in his seat with his arms crossed.
“Perhaps we need to shift our focus and take a closer look at the Uchiha family documents within the clan archives.”
Sasuke’s narrowed eyes snap to his silver haired sensei.
“Those documents can only be seen by Uchiha eyes. Besides, I’ve already gone through them and found nothing,” he huffs.
A sudden, sharp pain throbs the side of his head as he turns to glare back at the glaring redhead.
“Quit being an ass to Kakashi!” Naruto hisses as he sullenly rubs his scalp. “He’s not trying to steal family secrets, he’s trying to uncover the truth. Sometimes you ignore the little details when you deem it unimportant. You could’ve missed something. So, stop being a prick and let us have a look.”
Sasuke glares off to the.
“Sorry, Kakashi,” he sullenly mumbles out. “I’ll let you see the clan files.”
Kakashi and Naruto blink at him in shock. This is the second time they can remember him ever apologizing for anything. Not wasting anymore time, Sasuke leads them to a small building near his house and unlocks a couple of storage rooms. Aside from a thick layer of dust, the insides are filled with neatly organized scrolls and files.
With her hands on her hips Naruto releases a low whistle.
“Damn, teme, I wish the archives in the tower were this neat.” Giving him a mischievous look, she adds, “Instead of being the police force, the Uchiha should’ve been archive clerks. Would’ve saved us a lot of work.”
While Kakashi chuckles Sasuke gives her a flat look. Deigning to answer he steps over to a row of neatly stacked file boxes and gets to work, prompting his amused comrades to follow his lead.
Despite being well organized, sifting through the Uchiha clan documents turns into a long, laborious process due mostly to the size of the clan and the sheer volume of documents and scrolls. Undeterred Naruto is happy with this turn of events. It means more of a chance of finding what they’re looking for.
Arriving at Sasuke’s home after a morning of shadowing Tsunade, Naruto whistles a jaunty tune as Kakashi lets her inside.
“You’re in a good mood,” he observes while she steps past him.
“Yeah, why shouldn’t I be?” she asks in mild confusion.
Closing the door Kakashi merely shrugs.
“No reason, but maybe some of your good mood can rub off on Sasuke.”
“What’s wrong?” she frowns in concern, following him to the kitchen.
“Sasuke found out he has certain requirements to meet now that he’s a chuunin,” Kakashi explains, amusement coloring his voice.
Frowning now in confusion, they enter the kitchen to see a surly Sasuke finishing cooking up lunch for them.
“I’m not getting it,” Naruto admits, sitting down at the counter.
“Sasuke assumed we’d be automatically heading out on missions together to fulfill the requirement for jounin,” Kakashi explains, easing into the seat next to her. “Today he learned most of his new duties will include general grunt work, clerical such as being Tsunade’s secretary.”
“Oh, I bet Baa-chan loves that, she likes breaking in new blood,” Naruto interrupts.
Sasuke gives her a cold glare while practically slamming down her drink and plate in front of her before practically stomping back to the stove to serve up Kakashi’s plate.
“With absolute delight,” Kakashi smirks in amusement. “Sasuke didn’t seemed bothered as much by the idea of working in the Mission Room as teaching in the academy.”
“The academy?” Naruto chokes out with a laugh. “But he can opt out if he intends to become a jounin sensei later.”
“Tsunade insists his case is a special circumstance and she’s requiring him to fulfill 30 hours of teaching time.”
It’s Kakashi’s turn to get the evil eye from Sasuke as he slams his plate and drink down in front of him. Returning with his own food moments later he sullenly joins them. While they eat, Kakashi and Naruto watch Sasuke in amusement as he viciously attacks the food on his plate.
“She refuses to understand how much her need for pointless amusement is going to slow down the investigation even more,” Sasuke grouses minutes later.
“Not anymore than Kakashi’s and my duties interfere already, teme,” Naruto reasons, unable to keep the amusement out of her voice. Ignoring his glare, she adds, “You’d just be spending the time training otherwise. And that’s what all of it really is, training to make you a more well-rounded shinobi.”
“You can’t blame Tsunade either,” Kakashi points out. “She didn’t establish these requirements. They’ve been in place for years.”
“How did you get through teaching at the academy?” Sasuke asks Kakashi.
He’s confused when Naruto busts up laughing before breaking into a coughing fit from nearly choking on her food. Arching a brow as she sips her tea, Kakashi’s amused voice attracts his attention.
“Sasuke, I was five when I made chuunin,” he patiently explains. “I was exempt from ever teaching at the academy.”
Annoyed at forgetting that fact and irritated by their amusement, Sasuke snatches up their empty dishes and begins noisily cleaning up. Deciding to leave the king of brooding alone the two amused jounin move into the living room.
Plopping onto one end of the sofa opposite Kakashi, Naruto can’t help chuckling out loud. At his arched brow her grin widens.
“The idea of Sasuke teaching a class full of snot-nosed wannabe ninja. I never could’ve imagined it,” she explains.
“I wonder if we can convince Tsunade into not sending us out on missions on Sasuke’s first day.” It’s Naruto’s turn to arch a brow. “Strictly for observation purposes,” he innocently adds.
Naruto’s grin turns sadistic.
“I’m one step ahead of ya. Baa-chan couldn’t contain her happiness earlier and told me about forcing the teme into teaching. I mercilessly badgered her and she’s agreed to keep us free and clear his first day on the condition we give her a detailed report.”
“I think we can manage that,” he grins back.
Sasuke entering the room ends their conversation.
“Let’s see how far we can get today before some other stupid bullshit pops up,” he mumbles.
“Alright, Teme-sensei,” Naruto cheerfully agrees while climbing to his feet.
Kakashi busts up laughing at the dour look Sasuke levels at Naruto’s sunny smile.
“Shut up, dobe.”
Observing Sasuke’s first day teaching a week later proves as rewarding as Naruto and Kakashi expected it to be.
Being a former member of the Akatsuki and Orochimaru’s apprentice didn’t prepare him for the hell that is the Academy. For the first time in years, Kakashi and Naruto find their stealth skills sorely tested, as it proves extremely difficult to remain hidden and not bust out laughing. Both find it hilarious to see the usually stoic, unflappable Uchiha looking like a goldfish stuck in a pond full of piranhas.
As a sensei, Sasuke can’t remain silent, answering questions as succinctly as possible. He has to actually talk. In long lectures. For hours.
Doesn’t help he unintentionally wins over a new generation of fan girls, resulting in alienating a majority of the male students. For once in his life, Sasuke feels way out of his league.
Not long after he starts teaching Team Kakashi is officially reformed. They had to wait until Sakura finished her current rotation at the hospital so she can adjust her schedule without any adverse effects on her advanced medical training.
Strolling onto the same training ground where it began all those years ago early one September morning, Naruto smiles when she sees Sakura and Sasuke already there.
“Hi, Sakura-chan! Good morning, Teme-sensei!” she greets cheerfully.
“Just like old times,” Sakura laughs at Sasuke’s dour look.
“Yep,” Naruto agrees, coming to stand with them. “Even Kakashi’s late for old time’s sake.”
“No I’m not.”
All three turn to gape at the jounin leaning against a tree in the shade reading his Icha Icha.
“What’s wrong?” he asks when they continue to stare. “You’re no longer my cute little genin I got to torture at my whim. My being on time can’t be that shocking.”
In perfect unison all three of his former students raise their hands together to form the sign of the ram.
“Kai,” they simultaneously state.
Rolling his eye at their antics, Kakashi straightens up from his slouch and joins them.
“Being you’re all already highly trained,” he begins seriously, getting down to business. “Today’s focus won’t be on learning new jutsu.”
“Yeah, ‘cause you don’t want to bother teaching us so you can read the latest Icha Icha,” Naruto quips.
“Since it’s been years we’ve worked together our focus will be on syncing up our respective skills,” he continues, ignoring her barb. Holding up a kunai, he grins. “We’re going to play a fun game of tag. Sakura and Sasuke will team up with me and the goal is to tag Naruto.”
“Wait, what?” Naruto looks around bewildered.
With a yelp she thrusts her hips forward, bending back awkwardly to dodge Kakashi’s kunai as it narrowly misses piercing her.
“You asshole!” she yells, escaping into the trees.
“Language, Naruto!” Kakashi admonishes while chasing after her.
Amused, Sakura and Sasuke follow right behind their team captain.
Days later Kakashi reports to Tsunade his team is ready to start taking missions together.
Pleased at this development she starts them out simply, giving them courier and information retrieval missions. Once it’s clear they are more than up to snuff, she assigns them more challenging missions worthy of their experience, making all of them busier than before.
As busy as they are, Naruto, Kakashi and Sasuke manage to continue slowly progressing in the investigation. When October tenth rolls around, Naruto asks Sasuke and Kakashi if they could meet earlier than usual that day.
Opening the door for Kakashi, Sasuke ushers him inside.
“I didn’t think you guys were serious about getting started so early,” he comments while following Kakashi heads into the living room.
“Naruto wants to be done early,” the older man shrugs, settling onto the sofa.
“I still don’t get why,” Sasuke states, easing into an armchair. Noticing Kakashi looking at him like he’s got two heads, he asks, “What?”
“Because it’s the tenth of October,” Kakashi states like it’s obvious.
“So?”
“It’s her birthday.”
“So she wants to go out and party?” Sasuke narrows his eyes.
Kakashi gapes at him incredulously.
“No, she wants to be off the streets before nightfall.”
The silver haired jounin resists the urge to smack the confused look off Sasuke’s face, choosing to carefully explain the situation to his dense, former pupil.
“Haven’t you been paying attention?” Ignoring the younger man’s glare he continues, “Naruto is the Kyuubi container and as such is already hated by a lot of people. It’s worse on her birthday since it’s also the anniversary of the attack. Usually she tries to be gone on a mission during this time, but Tsunade-sama didn’t have anything for her. Naruto even went so far as to check this morning and still nothing.”
Frowning slightly, Sasuke ponders this revelation.
“So that means she’s going to hide at home?”
“No,” Kakashi answers. “Even though she’s no longer living in her old apartment, too many know where she lives now. In order to avoid trouble she plans on disappearing for the night.”
Blinking in surprise, Sasuke asks, “Why doesn’t she just spend the night at Ino’s or Iruka’s? Hell, she can even stay here.”
“Every year we all try convincing her to stay with one of us, but she won’t accept our offers. It’s because one year she stayed with Iruka and someone tried firebombing his house later that night. Since then she refuses to put anyone else at risk.”
“I understood no one gives her that sort of trouble anymore,” Sasuke murmurs thoughtfully.
“Hardly,” Kakashi agrees. “Such attacks are rare, but the anniversary stirs up emotions. Mix in a little too much alcohol and some villagers seek out perceived source of their pain. We’ve noticed that nothing seems to happen, not even to her apartment, when on a mission. Since that didn’t happen, Tsunade gave her the entire week off to keep a low profile. I’ve been training with her in the forest and she wants to camp out there tonight, so I’ll be camping with her.”
Sasuke considers his words for a few minutes.
“If the dobe is going to be stubborn and refuse my offer of staying here tonight, then I’m going too.” He can’t resist smirking at Kakashi’s surprised look. “I did say I’d try working on my teamwork.”
Recovering, Kakashi returns his smirk. It’s another forty-five minutes when Naruto finally shows up.
“Sorry, guys, I didn’t mean to be so late!” she apologizes when she enters the kitchen.
“Did you encounter any trouble?” Kakashi asks, following behind her after letting her into the house.
“No. Iruka can’t make it for the picnic tomorrow and he wanted to celebrate my birthday over ramen today,” she explains, settling into a chair at the kitchen table where Kakashi and Sasuke lingered over tea after lunch.
“What picnic?” Sasuke cocks his head slightly in confusion.
Naruto glances at him in surprise.
“Didn’t Ino stop by to invite you? ‘Cause she said she would.”
Sasuke looks slightly embarrassed.
“I didn’t answer the door,” he reluctantly admits. At her glare, he narrows his eyes, adding, “I wasn’t in the mood for visitors and Ino would’ve kept me at the door for hours catching up on the latest gossip.”
“True,” Naruto sighs, conceding his point. “Ino’s insisting on celebrating my birthday, so we compromised on having a picnic tomorrow. Nothing fancy, just most of the rookies and a few other people like Kakashi and possibly Ero-sennin.”
“Possibly Jiraiya?” Kakashi asks, cocking his head inquisitively.
“He won’t go unless Baa-chan goes and she may not make it unless she can sneak away from Shizune.” Naruto explains. “Besides, Ino told him there wouldn’t be any girls in bikinis.”
“It’s the middle of October,” Sasuke arches a brow.
“This is Ero-Sennin,” she states like that explains everything. “In fact, he suggested the picnic be held in the bathhouse.”
She just shrugs in response to their dumbstruck expressions.
“Will Gai be there?” Sasuke asks, watching Kakashi out of his peripheral vision.
“Probably, but Ino won’t say for sure.
“Because she knows I won’t show up if Gai does,” Kakashi mutters.
“I thought you were youthful rivals,” Sasuke goads.
Kakashi’s only answer is a particularly nasty glare.
Grinning Naruto jumps in before violence breaks out.
“It’s just that Gai will probably spend the entire time challenging Kakashi. Unfortunately, he is Ino’s husband and it’s unlikely he’d miss such a youthful event.”
Sasuke just rolls his eyes, effectively ending the argument and they quickly get to work.
They spend the rest of the afternoon organizing and reviewing the information they’ve collected so far. As the sun starts sinking on the horizon, Kakashi and Naruto prepare to leave when there’s a knock at the front door. To their surprise, Gai, Ino and a sulky Shikamaru are standing on the stoop.
Upon seeing Naruto, Gai grabs immediately her into a suffocating hug and drags her through the door.
“Since it’s your 21st birthday, you should be out celebrating it!” he declares boisterously.
“I’m so sorry, Naruto!” Ino apologizes while Naruto struggles out of Gai’s grasp. “I was only reminding him not to go off on some ridiculous training session tomorrow because we’re celebrating your birthday. I didn’t think he’d remember it was really today and insist we take you out to dinner.”
Finally free of Gai, Naruto straightens out her clothes.
“That’s really sweet, guys, but I’m not going anywhere in the village tonight.”
“I told you she didn’t want to go out to dinner,” Shikamaru mutters to Gai.
Kakashi leans in to whisper in Naruto’s ear, “Shunshin out while you still can.”
Before she can, Gai scoffs and grabs her in a headlock.
“It’s not every day someone turns 21. It must be celebrated!”
“Too late,” Sasuke mumbles as Kakashi and Shikamaru nod in agreement while Gai drags her away.
As they walk towards the restaurant, Gai keeps an arm firmly around Naruto’s shoulders while dragging Ino along by the hand. She makes several, valiant attempts to escape, but she’s no match for the Green Beast. Sighing in resignation that tonight is not going to end well, she avoids looking anyone in the eye as they pass by while Gai rambles on about how much she’s grown.
Trailing behind, Shikamaru speaks just loud enough for Kakashi and Sasuke to hear.
“I stopped by the flower shop earlier to check in with Ino regarding the picnic with Ino when Gai showed up,” he sighs wearily. “Ino was just reminding him about it. Then he got it in his head we had to take her out to dinner.” He pauses to roll his eyes and shake his head. “We told him, repeatedly, Naruto doesn’t want to be anywhere in the village tonight, but that man has selective hearing,” he grumbles, causing Kakashi to nod knowingly. “So we’re going to a bar and grill near the flower shop. The ladies restroom has a window big enough for Naruto to sneak out of. Ino will somehow let her know. It’s up to us to distract Gai long enough for Naruto to escape.”
Kakashi and Sasuke nod their approval of the plan.
“Would a katon jutsu help?” Sasuke suggests a few moments later.
“Not unless you want to cover the damages at the restaurant,” Kakashi smirks.
“It probably wouldn’t work on Gai anyway. He’d rescue Naruto first since she’s the birthday girl,” Shikamaru points out. “It’s too bad Lee’s out on a mission,” Shikamaru adds. “He would’ve been able to distract Gai long enough for Naruto to get away sooner.”
Everyone, except Gai, notice the glares, the mutterings and pointing at Naruto. Stuck in Gai’s vice grip, all she can do is keep her head down and wish she knew an invisibility jutsu.
When they’re almost to the restaurant they run into Kotetsu and Izumo.
“Hey, everyone,” Kotetsu greets while Izumo waves. “Are you holding a parade?”
“We are celebrating Naruto-chan’s birthday!” Gai proudly declares at full volume before anyone else can answer the question discreetly.
Everyone except the three men notice the outburst attracts a lot of unwanted attention. Naruto drops her face into her hand, wishing she was an earth element and could bury herself underground.
“I didn’t know it’s your birthday, Naruto,” Kotetsu states in surprise as he grabs her into a hug.
Izumo smacks him on the head.
“I reminded you the other day!”
“I forgot!” Kotetsu rubs his head after releasing Naruto.
“Want to join us for dinner? Gai asks, grabbing a hold of Naruto’s arm again to prevent her escape.
Kotetsu and Izumo look at each other and shrug.
“We planned on just going to hang out at the Zodiac and shoot pool in case Raido and Genma came back from their mission early. But, sure, why not?” Kotetsu states as they join the group.
Noticing Naruto’s grim expression, Izumo falls back a little to fall in step besides Kakashi.
“What’s wrong with Naruto?”
“Gai,” Kakashi replies.
Rolling his eyes, Shikamaru expands on the succinct explanation and briefly tells Izumo the truth. Glancing around, Izumo quickly notices the reaction other people are having to Naruto and starts becoming concerned for her safety as well.
Finally they reach the restaurant and are seated at a long table. The bar area is located on the other side of the dining area near the bathrooms. Gai sits on one side with Ino to his right and Naruto to his left. Kotetsu sits on Naruto’s other side, trapping her between the two men. Kakashi got the seat at the end of the table while Sasuke, Izumo and Shikamaru filled out the other side.
Gai continues rambling exuberantly on with additional input from Kotetsu, while the rest surreptitiously monitor their surroundings. They don’t fail to notice the other patrons’ glares and mutterings directed at Naruto.
A waitress approaches and starts taking their drink orders. The brunette frowns when she sees Naruto, but doesn’t say anything before leaving to submit their orders.
Those aware of the situation keep trying to give Naruto a chance to escape, but no one can seem to get a word in edgewise to distract Gai long enough.
A different waitress with raven hair arrives bearing a tray full of drinks.
“Here’s your drinks,” she states cheerfully. “I’ll be your server for the rest of the evening,” she informs them after setting down the last glass. “Is everyone ready to order?”
“We need a few more minutes,” Ino informs her with a smile.
“Certainly, I’ll be back then,” she smiles back before leaving.
As soon as the server walks away, Ino jumps to her feet.
“I have to go to the ladies room,” she declares grabbing Naruto’s arm to drag her along.
“Why do you both have to go?” Kotetsu asks in confusion.
Placing a hand on her hip, Ino arches a brow.
“Haven’t you ever noticed that women never, ever go to the restroom by themselves?”
Not bothering to wait for an answer, she pulls Naruto along with her toward freedom.
“Thank you,” Naruto leans in to gratefully whisper as they walk away.
“Anytime,” the blonde smiles brightly and starts telling her about the bathroom window as they pass near the bar area.
Without warning a bottle flies at the back of Naruto’s head. Instinctively dodging it, both women whirl around and face a small group of irate men and women.
“What the fuck’s wrong with you?” Ino demands.
Next to her, Naruto sighs in resignation, already knowing the answer.
“The demon is the problem!” a man points accusingly at Naruto.
As the other patrons nod and echo their agreement, the rest of their group gather protectively around Ino and Naruto.
“Naruto isn’t a demon,” indifferently points out. “And how can she be a problem when all she is doing was walking to the restroom?”
“It’s insulting to see that monster walking around today without a care in the world!” another drunk yells.
“Naruto’s not a monster,” Shikamaru firmly states. “She’s minding her own business, so you have no right to take offense at her actions.”
“She’s a murderer! A hell of a lot of people died today because of her!” their original waitress snarls.
As the accusations continue flying, Ino grabs a distressed Naruto’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“It’s a known fact the Kyuubi caused all the death and destruction, not an hours old infant,” Sasuke calmly states, leveling his best glare.
“The Uchiha traitor needs to mind his own goddamn business, or does he like playing with trash that much?” another drunk spits.
Sasuke takes a threatening step forward, but Naruto stops him by grabbing his arm.
“Please don’t. It’ll only make things worse.”
Sasuke shakes her hand off and returns his glare back to the crowd.
“Please, don’t start any trouble,” the manager pleads, rushing between the two groups squaring off.
“We’re minding our own business, enjoying a simple celebration,” Gai politely explains to the manager. “We’re not interested in causing trouble.”
Listening to the continued angry mutterings from the other customers, the manager turns back to Gai.
“I’m sorry, sir,” he sincerely apologies. “But I must ask you to leave.”
“What the hell? We haven’t done anything wrong!” Kotetsu protests.
With his hands clasped in front of him, the manager looks directly at Naruto.
“I don’t have any problems personally with you, but unfortunately your presence is upsetting a lot of people. You are more than welcome to return another day. In fact, if you wish to bring your friends along, your entire meal will be free, but I must insist that you please leave.”
“We’ll leave,” Naruto quietly agrees without hesitation.
“But Naruto-chan…” Gai starts protesting, but halts when she holds up a hand.
“If we stay there will be trouble. It’s better to just go.”
Without giving anyone a chance to protest further, Naruto starts walking toward the door when another patron steps to the front of angry crowd.
“I was on the field fighting the demon that night alongside my son,” he begins, his voice shaking with emotion as Naruto stops to turn around to face him. “I returned, but my son didn’t. I went home afterwards, expecting to spend the rest of the night consoling my wife, my son’s widow and their child only to find my home destroyed. They later found what was left of them in the rubble. “How can you live with yourself?” the man demands with tortured eyes.
Hushed silence falls over the room as one group continues glaring angrily while the other stare at her solemnly. No one moving for several minutes.
“How can you blame her for something she didn’t do?”
Sasuke’s question breaks the spell, triggering a litany of angry shouts and insults between the two groups. Unable to bear it anymore, Naruto Shunshins away.
Keeping mostly to the shadows and back alleys she avoids encountering people. Eventually, she ends up at the academy. With her head buzzing with thought and emotion she enters the yard, heading straight to the swing. Easing into the seat, she gently sways back and forth, letting the motion soothe her as usual.
“Are you okay?” a familiar voice, interrupts her thoughts.
Startled, Naruto looks up as Genma strolls over. Before she can respond, he crouches down in front of her, gently placing his hands over hers, which are still clutching the ropes of the swing.
“Glad to see you got back safe,” she smiles softly, leaning over to kiss him.
She tastes alcohol in his kiss, but decides not to mention it.
“How’d it go?” she asks instead.
A dark look flits briefly across his face.
“It went alright. Are you okay?” he repeats.
“I’m fine,” Naruto replies, trying to smile reassuringly. “But it’ll be better once the night is over.”
Genma scrutinizes her, his expression unreadable.
“You’ve certainly had a lot of help with that.”
“What are you talking about?” she cocks her head to the side in confusion.
“Don’t bullshit me, Naruto!” Genma snaps, his grip over her hands tightening a little. “You’ve certainly become popular with some of our comrades. I saw you happily walking together earlier.”
Naruto’s eyes widen slightly in surprise before narrowing in realization.
“Don’t start with the fucking cheating crap again!” she hisses. “It wasn’t my choice, Gai insisted on dragging me to dinner.”
“Didn’t look like you were unhappy about it with his arm around you,” Genma sneers.
“Better lay off the booze, Genma,” she snarls. “It activates your stupidity gene and hallucinations ‘cause you’re imagining things that don’t exist!”
Yanking her hands out from under his, Naruto shoves him hard enough to fall backwards on his butt. Before she can even get up Genma pounces on her, causing to fall backwards onto the ground with a grunt.
Genma pins her wrists down by her head and settles his body on top of hers as she struggles underneath him.
“Why the fuck do you keep blowing me off like that?”
“I’m not blowing you off, dumbass,” she grunts in aggravation as she struggles to pull her hands free. “I won’t talk to you when you’re being an asshole!”
Naruto drives a knee home into his groin, making him grunt in pain. Taking advantage of his distraction, she rolls him off and scrambles to her feet. She stalks halfway across the yard before she feels a sharp pain in her back and her legs fall out from under her. Falling forward she grunts when she hits the ground hard.
Lifting herself up slightly, she reaches around and feels a senbon needle jutting out of her back, but nothing below her waist. Cursing under her breath, she grips the needle and is about to yank it out when Genma reappears next to her, grabbing her wrist to stop her.
“Don’t touch it! If you pull it out wrong you could paralyze yourself.”
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing hitting me with senbon!” she shouts.
“I only want you to listen, Naruto,” he pleads, cupping her face in his hands.
“Not when you’re drunk, jackass!” she rages. “You’re too fucking irrational! You prove it thinking I’m cheating then hitting me with a fucking senbon! Now take the goddamn needle out or I’m taking away all chances of you urinating normally ever again!”
Shifting his hands to grab her by the shoulders he leans down to kiss her. Naruto struggles against him, trying to push him away, but unable to do much.
Suddenly he’s gone. She grunts again when her shoulder hits the ground. Opening her eyes she sees Shikamaru crouching in his place. Glancing behind over her shoulder, she looks past Raido and sees Genma lying on his back halfway across the yard and Kakashi standing in the area between them.
“Are you all right?” Shikamaru asks, frowning in concern.
“Yeah,” Naruto grumbles, turning back to face him. “Except for the damn needle in my back.”
Both men carefully move her onto her stomach. Raido deftly snatches the senbon out with one hand while his other gently massages the bleeding spot seeping through her shirt. Sensation quickly returns to her legs and she climbs to her feet with their help.
“Sorry it took so long. It took time to get Sasuke and Kotetsu out of the restaurant before they started a brawl. Ino dragged Gai home saying he caused enough trouble by ignoring our warnings.” Shikamaru pauses to smirk. “I think Gai will still find trouble when Ino gets him home.”
“Where are Sasuke and the others now?” Naruto asks worriedly.
“We all began searching for you when we finally left the restaurant. Sasuke, Izumo and Kotetsu went in another direction,” Shikamaru explains.
Naruto closes her eyes briefly with a sigh of relief.
“Good because if Sasuke’s itching for a fight and was here, things would get really ugly really fast.”
Shikamaru nods in Kakashi and Genma’s direction.
“Looks like it’s already that ugly.”
Turning around Naruto sees Genma and Kakashi squaring off at opposite ends of the yard.
“You need to mind your own damn business, Kakashi!” Genma snarls. “You shouldn’t be interfering in other people’s relationships.”
“Maybe,” Kakashi shrugs. “But I’m wondering when it became appropriate to paralyze your girlfriend with senbon needles.”
“It was a mistake!” Genma yells, his face becoming splotchy from embarrassment.
“A mistake?” Kakashi arches a brow. “So how did the needle manage to slip out of your hand into Naruto’s spine?”
With a roar, Genma charges Kakashi who easily blocks his fist before tripping him into the dirt. Clumsily scrambling to his feet, Genma charges again. Kakashi effortlessly dodges and blocks all of his sloppy attacks while Naruto watches the fight progress in mute horror. She looks to her left when she hears Raido sigh heavily next to her.
“I’m sorry about Genma, Naruto,” he apologizes. “We just came back from an ‘A’ ranked turned ‘S’ in a very bad way. We barely managed to complete it and lost a comrade. Genma took it hard and went straight for the bars after we reported in,” Raido explains wearily. “I’ve been trying to get him home when we saw you heading with the others to the restaurant. Genma disappeared on me afterward and was looking for him when I ran into Shikamaru and Kakashi. After hearing about what happened and telling them about Genma, we figured where one was the other would be. Shikamaru remembered you sometimes hung out at the academy grounds when upset and heard you shouting at Genma when we got close.”
Unable to reply, Naruto nods mutely before turning her worried gaze back to the two jounins fighting. Genma is doing most of the attacking, sticking to taijutsu. Kakashi tries repeatedly to knock him out, but drunk or not, he blocks every attempt.
Sensing her distress, Shikamaru places a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently in reassurance.
Genma howls in frustration when he can’t seem to land a solid hit on Kakashi.
Mentally Naruto urges them to stop fighting. Without awareness she begins whispering it as a mantra until she can’t take it anymore.
“Please stop!” she screams out.
Everyone stops to stare at her.
“Just please stop,” she quietly begs, tears streaming down her face.
Keeping his hand on her shoulder, Shikamaru follows Naruto as she sinks to kneel to the ground. Raido worriedly crouches next to her and gently placing a hand on her back.
Gaping in shock at Naruto’s hunched, sobbing form, Genma completely forgets about the fight. With his eyes locked on her, he takes a few hesitant steps towards her. Taking advantage of his distraction, Kakashi shoots forward and knocks him to the ground before he can react.
Leaving Genma’s unconscious heap on the grass, Kakashi walks over to the others. Completely folded over her knees, Naruto rests her forehead on the back of one forearm while her free hand claws the dirt near her head. Through the sobs wracking her body she gasps out her apologies over and over.
“Why are you apologizing, Naruto,” Shikamaru asks, attempting to break her out of her hysteria while Kakashi crouches down in front of her.
“For everything,” she croaks between sobs. “Causing others to suffer by my presence. Not being able to ease their pain. Not being stronger. Not being able to stop the anger and hatred. Just…so many things.”
“None of this is your fault, Naruto,” Kakashi reaches out and strokes her hair. “You’ve done more than enough by taking responsibility for the Kyuubi and keeping us safe. You’re the one we should be apologizing to, not the other way around.”
Naruto’s only response is to sob harder. Sighing in resignation Kakashi turns to a worried looking Raido.
“We’ll take her back to my apartment. Take the idiot she calls a boyfriend home. Afterward, find the others to let them know she’s safe and to go home. Naruto doesn’t need any more drama tonight.”
Raido nods and gets up to collect Genma. He pauses midstep when he hears Kakashi’s deadly smooth voice.
“Make it very clear when he wakes up he will not be pulling a stunt like this on Naruto again.”
Glancing over his shoulder to meet Kakashi’s steely gaze, Raido nods. Reaching Genma’s unconscious form he leans down and hefts him over a shoulder and leaves the playground.
“C’mon, Naruto,” Kakashi coaxes, reaching down to maneuver her into his arms with Shikamaru’s help.
Taking to the rooftops they head straight to Kakashi’s apartment. Kakashi hands Shikamaru the key to open the door for him.
“Some tea sounds good,” Kakashi suggests to Shikamaru.
Closing the door, Shikamaru rolls his eyes before heading into the kitchen while Kakashi carries a still sobbing Naruto to her room. Too overcome with her hysteria, Naruto doesn’t resist as he proceeds to change her into her nightclothes before settling her onto the futon. Flashing through a few hand signs he touches her forehead, causing her to promptly fall asleep. Reaching out, he gently caresses a tearstained cheek with his fingertips before leaving her alone.
“Is she alright?” Shikamaru asks when he enters the kitchen.
“Yes,” Kakashi replies as he pulls out the tea tray. “I hit her with a mild ANBU sleep jutsu. I’ve used it on her before and it’ll put her into a dreamless sleep for the rest of the night.”
“Good,” Shikamaru sighs tiredly as the teakettle whistles. “Since she habitually masks her pain with a smile, I’ve always wondered why she doesn’t break like that more often.”
Kakashi watches Shikamaru pour the steaming water into the teapot before placing it on the tray and carrying it over to the table.
“She probably does,” he finally states. “We just aren’t aware of it because she hides it so well. I think she does it so no one can use her pain against her. She doesn’t want to appear weak and be ridiculed for it.”
“It’s a drag because we all know she’s hurting and she’d feel a lot better sharing it,” Shikamaru grumbles as he settles into the seat across from Kakashi as he pours out the tea.
“She’s not used to anyone worrying about her and would rather spare us the pain.”
“Naruto’s been a kunoichi long enough to know no one can spare anyone that.”
“True.”
Both men fall into a brief silence as they sip their tea.
“May I stay the night?” At Kakashi’s arched brow he elaborates. “If there is any more trouble from either Genma or any unstable villagers it’s a good idea to have an extra hand around.”
“I doubt there will be any more trouble, especially from Genma. Not if Raido has something to do with it,” Kakashi shrugs nonchalantly. “However, she isn’t in any condition to fight in case any trouble arises. We originally planned to camp in the forest, but that’s out of the question now.” Pausing in thought, he then smiles at Shikamaru. “How many blankets will you need for the sofa?”
The rest of the night passes uneventfully. No one is stupid enough to make a move against Kakashi and leaves well enough alone.
Naruto wakes up disoriented early the next morning. Memories of last night rush back. Squeezing her eyes shut, a couple of traitorous tears escape to dampen her pillow as she curls in on herself further. Taking a deep, shuddering breath she blows it out harshly before furiously wiping her tears away and mentally berates herself for being stupid. Realizing she’ll only get mired in self-pity if she stays put, she drags her body out of bed.
Grabbing a change clothes, Naruto crosses the hallway for a quick shower. Judging by the smells wafting from the kitchen, Kakashi is being domestic again. Smirking at the image of the famous Copy Ninja playing the happy homemaker, she disappears into the bathroom.
Several minutes later Naruto emerges. Ducking briefly into her room she dumps her dirty clothes into the hamper. She doesn’t remember making it home last night and figures Kakashi must’ve hit her with a sleep jutsu at some point. Thinking about it, she can’t find it in herself to be annoyed at him for it.
Emerging from the hallway into the living room she stumbles, unable to get her legs moving properly. Before she falls strong arms encircle her, preventing her from hitting the floor. Stunned, she looks up into the concerned face of Shikamaru.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Naruto nods.
“Did you trip?”
“No, my legs suddenly weren’t working right.”
Helping her straighten up Shikamaru’s frown deepens as Kakashi appears at his shoulder.
“Are you experiencing any pain?”
Naruto shakes her head.
“My coordination was suddenly off and I stumbled.”
“You must still be suffering from some residual effects of having the senbon needle in your spine,” Shikamaru reasons.
“Sounds likely,” Kakashi agrees. “You should get examined by Tsunade-sama, Naruto.”
“C’mon, guys!” she protests. “Genma is too skilled to cause permanent damage. It’s probably temporary.”
“Normally that’d be true, however, Genma was drunk,” Shikamaru points out.
Naruto’s eyes widen in stunned realization as the implication sinks in.
Kakashi studies her for a moment.
“If it happens again you should get checked out rather than risk ending your career early because of it.”
Naruto numbly nods her head, letting Shikamaru guide her over to the table. After settling her on a chair, he helps Kakashi serve breakfast. Once they’re all seated they eat in silence for several minutes.
“Why are you here, Shika?” Naruto finally asks.
“I stayed the night in case there was any more trouble.”
“Thanks, guys,” Naruto smiles warmly at the two jounin. “I’m sorry for any trouble I caused.”
“You weren’t the one causing trouble last night, Naruto,” Kakashi admonishes. “You never have.”
“You may be a troublesome prankster, but never a troublemaker,” Shikamaru quips.
Naruto playfully smacks his arm before sighing.
“If it weren’t for me…” she begins before Kakashi cuts her off.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today,” he finishes. “You need to stop apologizing for things that aren’t your fault, Naruto.”
“You keep the Kyuubi secure and deserve a lot more than anyone has ever given you,” Shikamaru adds.
Overwhelmed Naruto can’t think of anything to say, not without breaking again. Instead she takes a deep breath and continues eating in silence.
“Do you think it’s possible to just cancel the picnic today?” she asks minutes later. When both men just stare, she continues. “I’ve never felt comfortable celebrating my birthday. Ignoring last night, there’s too many years of bad memories associated with it. ‘Sides,” she shrugs indifferently, “it’s never been a big deal to me, just another day. I survived another one and just want to move on.”
“Easier said than done,” Shikamaru snorts. “Ino’s not going to let you off the hook. It’s her way of making up for all the years of failing to acknowledge your birthday when we were kids. She’s also not one to pass up the opportunity for a party.”
“My birthday just marks another year I managed to live through, there’s nothing worth celebrating,” Naruto protests in annoyance.
“You’ll go to the picnic,” Kakashi states, causing the two younger jounin to stare at him. “It’s more than just celebrating the day you were born, Naruto. Just as you count us as being important, we hold you in the same regard. It’s not fair to deny us the one chance a year to show how much you mean to us.”
Shikamaru smirks at Naruto’s dumbstruck expression.
“Shinobi aren’t known for showing their emotions very well, so when the opportunity arises where we can do so without being embarrassed, we’ll shamelessly take advantage of it.”
Naruto shakes her head at them.
“There’s no winning this argument is there?”
“Nope,” both men reply simultaneously.
“Alright, alright I’ll go,” Naruto sighs irritably in defeat while rolling her eyes.
After cleaning up, Kakashi and Shikamaru escort Naruto over to the park for the picnic. Along the way she stumbles again, sparking a brief argument where the two men try insisting Tsunade examines her immediately. Annoyed since they badgered her into going to the damn picnic, she grudgingly compromises to get checked out afterwards.
Arriving at the park, Shikamaru guides them to a far corner with a nice expanse of grass between the lake and a copse. The first to notice their approach is Akamaru. His barking alerts Ino, Kiba and Hinata who were about to set up the folding tables they brought before abandoning them to crowd around Naruto.
“Ino told us what happened yesterday, Naruto, are you all right?” Hinata asks worriedly.
“And don’t try to play it off either,” Kiba adds. “Sounds like some heavy shit went down.”
Before Naruto can reply Gai rushes over and grabs her in a bear hug.
“I’m so sorry, Naruto-chan!” Gai cries.
While the others either try prying her out of his vice grip, in Ino’s case smacking him on the back of the head, or roll their eyes in exasperation, Naruto mentally kicks herself for not noticing him spreading out the blankets near the food tables where everyone will sit.
“It’s alright,” she reassures him with a strained smile while successfully wiggling out of his grasp.
“No, it is not,” Gai states, becoming uncharacteristically serious. “I knew you didn’t want to go anywhere last night. Both Shikamaru and Ino warned me, but I wished to prove you have every right to publicly celebrate your birthday. Yes, much tragedy occurred on this same date twenty-one years ago, but you didn’t cause it nor are you responsible simply because you contain it. However, I didn’t intend for things to degenerate like that. I thought once we were at the restaurant long enough the other patrons would get used to our presence and leave well enough alone. I am sorry if you were harmed in any way.”
Naruto is stunned speechless by Gai’s words. Touched, she blushes before finding her voice.
“Thanks for caring, Gai. It’s not your fault there are still villagers who react that way to me on the anniversary of the Kyuubi attack.”
“Your birthday,” Kiba corrects. At her puzzled look he continues. “We should stop referring to October tenth as the anniversary of the Kyuubi attack. It’s your birthday first and foremost. Enough time has passed and the attack is secondary now.”
Everyone nods and murmurs their agreement.
“What’s done is done and we have a picnic to finish preparing for,” Hinata declares with a gentle smile. As everyone agrees, she steps forward and hugs Naruto. “Happy belated birthday, Naruto-chan.”
The others follow suit with their birthday wishes, causing Naruto to turn a nice shade of red and prompting further good-natured teasing before returning back to work.
Reaching for a roll of streamers with intention of helping, Ino’s threatening voice stops Naruto cold.
“Touch that and we’ll bind and gag you to a tree with it.”
Naruto only gets as far as glaring when Shikamaru and Kakashi gently grab her arms and force her onto the nearest blanket. Crossing her arms in a pout while they join the others, she’s surprised to feel something soft and warm land heavily against her leg. Looking down to her right she sees Akamaru making himself comfortable against her leg before resting his head on her lap with a contented huff. Reaching down with a resigned sigh she scratches the top of his head.
“My eternally hip rival!” Gai calls out to Kakashi while holding up a roll of streamers. “Let’s have a challenge to see who can drape these up the fastest!”
“I’ll challenge you with immense pain if you keep challenging Kakashi!” Ino growls at her husband.
Naruto watches in amusement as Kakashi sighs in relief while Gai smiles sheepishly and waves at his scowling wife before refocusing on getting the party ready. The playful atmosphere is certainly helping lighten Naruto’s mood considerably.
It isn’t long until Konohamaru and Moegi arrive with the hibachi grills. They take turns hugging Naruto and wishing her a happy birthday while the others finish setting the food out on one table and Naruto’s presents on the other. Neji, Hana and Hanabi arrive soon after, carrying the remainder of the gifts from Naruto’s friends who aren’t able to attend the picnic. Naruto repeats the same routine of hugs and birthday wishes, much to her pleasure.
She’s completely shocked when Sasuke shows up minutes later on his own without anyone having to go drag him out.
“I did promise to try working on my teamwork, dobe,” he approaches where she’s sitting with a smirk. “Besides, I didn’t get the chance to work on that last night since our camping trip was cancelled at the last minute, so I have to seize every opportunity.”
Pleased, Naruto stands up to kiss him on the cheek.
“Thank you, Teme.”
A rare blush creeps onto Sasuke’s face the others don’t fail to notice.
“You feeling alright, Sasuke?” Kiba asks.
“Yes, you’re looking a little flushed,” Neji observes.
“Could be the strain of teaching,” Shikamaru offers.
They grin or smirk at the murderous glare promising painful retribution Sasuke levels at them before pointedly turning back to an amused Naruto.
“Happy Birthday, dobe,” he states, before leaning in and kissing her on the cheek.
Stunned, it takes Naruto a few moments for his gesture to sink in and cause her to start blushing furiously. Sasuke hands her his present.
“I’ll put that with the others, thank you,” Ino tersely states, snatching the gift out of the redheads hands to place it with the rest.
“How chivalrous and considerate you are, Sasuke! Demonstrating such a wonderful youthful vitality!” Gai boisterously proclaims.
“Reign in the annoying references to youth,” Ino growls at Gai who flashes her a weak grin and immediately busies himself with monitoring the hibachi grills.
The distraction is enough for Naruto to recover from her embarrassment as Sasuke settles next to her and Kakashi on one of the blankets. Kiba, Neji, Shikamaru and Hana join them while the others handle the food. The boys in particular tacitly decide to temporarily hold off on torturing Sasuke further about blushing since he made Naruto happy with his birthday greeting.
Instead they fall into discussing the friends who couldn’t make the party, like Shino, Choji, Lee, Udon and several others who are either out on missions or stuck working.
“Couldn’t Sakura make it?” Hana asks.
“She couldn’t get out of her hospital rotation today,” Kakashi explains. “Her boyfriend Ritsu planned on coming, but he was sent out on a mission at the last minute. Those who couldn’t make it today made certain to leave their presents with Neji ahead of time.”
As they continue chatting, Tenten and Yugao show up with the birthday cake. Hinata clears a space on the table for it. Gaining her feet, Naruto greets the two women warmly, exchanging hugs. Tenten opens the cake box to show her what they brought. Naruto is blown away by the chocolate confection with amaretto cream filling and butter cream frosting.
“It’s almost too pretty to eat! Thanks for bringing one,” she mutters in awe, leaning in closer to examine the intricate decorations.
Kiba rolled his eyes.
“It’s just a cake, Naruto. How can we celebrate a birthday without cake?”
“Way to be an ass, Kiba,” Yugao bites out while a blushing Naruto looks away in embarrassment.
“What’s wrong?” Neji asks concerned.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Naruto quietly replies. “I’m sorry for being stupid over a cake. I never had one before and it’s a new thing for me.”
Kiba recoils from the glares and low growling as Akamaru whimpers behind him in fear. Sighing in annoyance, Naruto rolls her eyes.
“Knock it off, guys. He had a point.”
“Nope, he’s just a moron,” Tenten counters.
“Sorry, Naruto. I really was being an idiot,” Kiba apologizes.
“Don’t worry about it Kiba, it’s nothing,” Naruto smiles.
“Naruto, do you want your onions grilled?” Hinata asks, focusing Naruto’s attention on her
“If it’s not too much trouble, sure,” Naruto replies.
She doesn’t notice the moment her back is turned, Neji, Sasuke and Shikamaru smack Kiba on the back of the head in quick, sharp succession before she turns back around to face them. She notices Kiba grimacing and rubbing the back of his head, but decides not to ask.
Settling back onto the blankets again they continue chatting while waiting for the food to finish cooking. Much to Naruto’s reluctance the conversation drifts to the previous night. After a couple of failed attempts to derail the topic, she briefly considers just up and leaving for several minutes, but is too afraid of Kakashi’s version. She can’t bring herself to tell the story herself, but chooses to remain in case she has to make any corrections.
The others are appalled and outraged at what happened in the restaurant. Yugao gets up and moves to hug Naruto from behind. Others glare menacingly at Gai, who waves sheepishly at him from his post by the hibachi grill. However, they all end up agreeing Gai has a point. Naruto has every right to celebrate her birthday like everyone else.
Naturally, the killing intent rises exponentially when Shikamaru details what Genma pulled on Naruto at the playground.
“Knock it off, guys. When the time comes I’ll deal with Genma’s sorry ass,” she grumbles.
“Not if I get to him first,” Sasuke mutters.
Naruto glares hard at him.
“No. You won’t.”
Sasuke glares back, bristling.
“It’s between Genma and me,” she bites out. “I’ll deliver the message about our relationship.”
“He’s not understanding the message very well, so maybe someone else needs to explain it to him,” Sasuke grinds out darkly.
Kakashi places a hand on Naruto’s shoulder to calm the seething redhead as he leans forward.
“Back off, Sasuke, and let her handle it. Relationships are complicated enough without others interfering. We need to trust she can handle this herself.”
“She’s not doing a very good job,” Sasuke mutters dismissively.
Incredulous, everyone gapes at Sasuke. Kakashi feels Naruto tense under his hand.
“We all share your sentiment that Genma needs to be painfully reminded of the proper treatment of a girlfriend,” Neji reasons, looking intensely at Sasuke. “However, it isn’t your place to judge how Naruto handles her relationship with him. Your bluntness is hurting her, which is exactly what you’re angry at Genma for. You aren’t doing any better casting doubt on her ability to handle this situation.”
Sasuke opens his mouth to tell Neji off when he catches sight of Naruto’s face. He easily sees the hurt behind the angry expression. Grudgingly, he inwardly admits the Hyuga is right.
“You’re right,” he finally concedes after taking a deep breath. “It’s none of my business. However, I can’t promise not to hold back if Genma does it again.”
Naruto sighs in relief.
“Thanks for letting me handle it, Sasuke.”
Feeling her relax under his grip, Kakashi releases her shoulder after giving another reassuring squeeze.
“Food’s ready!” Ino cheerfully announces.
The atmosphere lightens considerably as the conversation drifts away from yesterday. For the first time she can ever remember, Naruto is able to relax and celebrate her birthday with her friends. Although still not completely comfortable celebrating it, she can honestly admit this is of the best birthdays she’s had.
When everyone finishes eating and are cleaning up in preparation of Naruto opening her gifts, Tsunade, Shizune and Jiraiya arrive.
Overjoyed to see them, Naruto rushes over to greet them, accepting their hugs and well-wishes while Ino, Tenten and Gai prepare plates of food for them.
Grinning at Shizune, Naruto quips, “I didn’t think Shizune-nee-chan would let you escape from the office long enough because of all the paperwork, Baa-chan.”
Reaching out, Tsunade flicks her ear in annoyance.
“Since it’s a special occasion worth celebrating, Shizune cut me some slack as long as she could come too.”
“It’s not everyday you turn 21, Naruto,” Shizune smiles.
Naruto beams gratefully at Shizune as they continue chatting. Jiraiya drifts over to join the others lounging on the blankets.
“I thought you only went to picnics if the ladies are wearing bikinis,” Yugao goads.
Having eased down on the blankets, Jiraiya glares at her while the rest chuckle.
“You shouldn’t listen to petty rumors,” he huffs.
“Petty my ass,” Yugao snipes back.
“Anyway,” he pointedly ignores her. “The real reason Shizune let Tsunade out to play is she was guilted into it. Tsunade reminded her of all the shitty birthdays the gaki had to endure over the years.”
“Good thing she did,” Tenten mutters, handing him a plate.
“I’ll explain it to you later,” Kakashi states at Jiraiya’s confused look. “If Naruto hears another rehash of yesterday, she’ll become depressed again.”
“Things got that bad?” Jiraiya asks, prompting the others to nod.
At that moment Genma and Raido show up, much to everyone’s surprise. Immediately noticing them, Naruto excuses herself from Shizune and Tsunade and approaches before the others can react.
While the rest of the picnickers gather around Tsunade and Shizune to get closer to the action, the two women and Jiraiya immediately notice the surge of killing intent.
“What did Genma do this time?” Tsunade sighs wearily.
Before anyone can answer her, Naruto starts speaking.
“Hi Raido,” she greets warmly with a smile before glowering at Genma. “Genma.”
Raido steps forward to hug her.
“Happy birthday, Naruto. I’m sorry for not telling you yesterday.”
“Don’t worry about it. There was too much happening,” Naruto returns the hug.
Stepping back Raido hands her his present. Taking his cue, a subdued Genma steps forward.
“Happy birthday,” he wishes her quietly, attempting to hug her.
Naruto throws up her hand, effectively stopping the movement.
“Thanks,” she stiffly replies.
“Can we talk?” Genma sighs resignedly.
Naruto eyes him coldly.
“Depends. Are you sober and are you going to start throwing senbon at me again?”
“I’m sober and, no, I won’t attack you again,” he answers quietly, looking guilty.
Naruto nods grimly. Looking at Raido she hands him back his present.
“Rai, please put this with the others on the table. There’s still plenty of food left, so help yourself.”
“Sure.”
When he leaves them alone Naruto focuses back on Genma. Both shinobi stare at each other in silence; one looking furious, the other looking sheepish and struggling to hold her gaze.
Raido cautiously approaches the rest of the group settled back down on the blankets to quietly observing the exchange. Ino immediately gets up and takes the present from him.
“Sit,” she orders. “I’ll bring you a plate.”
“Thanks, Ino.” Sitting down among the others he answers their silent questions. “I’m here to keep Genma in line while he apologizes for being an giant asshole last night.”
Tsunade arches a brow and leans forward, her voice dripping sweetness.
“Oh? What happened last night?”
Everyone exchanges glances, wondering who is brave enough to tell her.
Genma breaks the awkward silence first.
“I’m sorry for being an idiot and attacking you last night. I never meant to hurt you. I was having a shitty day and seeing you with the others just set me off.”
“I know,” Naruto replies coolly. “Raido told me your mission ended badly and you guys lost a comrade. That’s hard for anyone.”
Misreading her demeanor, Genma sighs in relief. Smiling slightly in gratitude, he steps forward, his jaw painfully meeting Naruto’s fist. She follows with a right uppercut so hard it sends him flying into the air. Summoning two shadow clones, they leap into action, binding him with nin wire before lashing him to the upper boughs of the nearest tree and poofing out of existence. Naruto leaps into the tree and sits down on the bough in front of a confused Genma who’s still attempting to process what just happened.
“Our audience is a little too bloodthirsty right now,” Naruto explains cheerfully. “I want to ensure there won’t be any interference, but I also don’t want to give in to the temptation of letting them have their vicious way.”
The rest of the picnickers are annoyed Naruto disappeared with Genma into the tree. However, most understand why, especially once they finish explaining to Tsunade, Jiraiya and Shizune what happened. The killing intent off of Tsunade alone is enough to want to make most of them flee for their lives.
“Tsunade-sama, Naruto is still emotionally fragile and doesn’t need the added drama if we don’t let her handle it her way,” Kakashi points out reasonably.
“Alright, I’ll let the gaki handle it. She can be more sadistic than me when she puts her mind to it,” Tsunade grudgingly acquiesces.
Slowly, every one of them drifts from the blankets to quietly gather at the base of the tree, blatantly eavesdropping on the couple’s conversation.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Naruto crosses her arms to glare at Genma.
“I wasn’t,” his head sags as his gaze drops to the limb they’re perched on. “I went for a few drinks after we checked in and Raido was trying to drag my ass home. I saw you walking with Gai’s arm around your shoulder and saw red.”
Naruto’s gaze darkens.
“You actually thought I’d cheat on you with Gai. Gai?”
Meeting her gaze, Genma nods reluctantly.
“That shows more than anything what a stupid moron you are when you’re drunk!” she shouts, leaping to her feet to lean over him. “Didn’t you notice Ino walking on Gai’s other side?” she demands.
Genma mutely shakes his head. Growling in frustration, she continues.
“It’s bad enough you accuse me of cheating, but to think it’d be with Gai of all people is mind blowing! On the extremely remote chance I’d cheat with Gai, Ino would’ve been first in line to not only beat my ass, but to completely dismember Gai.”
Naruto pauses briefly to let the information sink into Genma’s thick, little skull.
“I told you before I’d never do that. If you want a second opinion, you can ask Neji, he’s down below with everyone else.”
Genma blinks at her in confusion.
“Neji? Why Neji?”
“Neji was my last boyfriend.” Genma looks up at her in shock, causing Naruto to roll her eyes. “Why are you surprised? Everyone knew that. And before Neji, I dated Choji. You can ask them if they ever suspected me of cheating. I’m sure they’ll tell you to get your head examined, but you’re more than welcome to ask them anyway.”
“That isn’t necessary,” Genma replies quietly.
Sighing heavily, Naruto sits back down, gesturing for him to continue.
“After ditching Raido I followed you to the restaurant and waited outside until you reappeared. Then I trailed you to the academy. I could tell you were upset and I really tried getting past seeing Gai’s arm around you, but I couldn’t help myself.”
Feeling another surge of killing intent, Naruto interrupts him, yell down to the others below.
“Knock it off! I’m handling it.” When it subsides somewhat, she turns to Genma again. “That was the worst possible time for you to decide to be an ass y’know.”
Genma takes in her pained expression.
“What happened?”
She chuckles humorlessly.
“What usually happens on my birthday.”
“I didn’t even know you dated Neji, what makes you think I know what usually happens on your birthday?” Genma prods, his voice colored with annoyance.
“Didn’t Raido tell you?” she asks surprised. “I thought Shikamaru and Kakashi told him what happened.”
“Raido refused to, saying if I really want to know I should ask you.”
Sighing Naruto briefly explains what happened at the restaurant. When she finishes, Genma looks stricken.
“I’m sorry for being an ass.”
Sighing, Naruto climbs to her feet, walks over and releases him from the Nin wire. Vigorously he rubs his arms to get the feeling back while climbing to his feet. She speaks before he can even thank her.
“You really blindsided me when you asked if I was okay,” she quietly states. “I thought you were genuinely concerned about me. I didn’t expect you to start harping on me being with my friends. And to top it off you hit me with senbon. I’ve already been attacked by enough people during the day, I really didn’t need to be attacked by my own boyfriend.”
Unable to answer, Genma looks down guiltily, knowing he hurt her deeply.
“I’m still feeling the effects of the needle.”
Genma’s alarmed gaze snaps up to meet serious blue eyes.
“Twice today I’ve stumbled for no apparent reason,” she explains. “I couldn’t get my legs coordinated enough to walk right. I promised Shikamaru and Kakashi to get checked out by Baa-chan after the picnic to make sure there isn’t any permanent damage from the needle. I just thought you should know.”
Genma hesitantly steps towards her.
“I can’t begin apologizing for my actions. You’re right, I was a total asshole, but I never meant to hurt you. I let my anger blind me and didn’t realize how much I was hurting you until I saw you break.”
“You weren’t the cause of that,” Naruto protests, embarrassed he remembers her falling apart.
“No, but I didn’t help either did I?” Genma pauses as her gaze briefly drops away. “Naruto, I’m too used to seeing you strong and happy that I forgot you hurt too. It has to hurt because you can’t care for others as much as you do without it being extremely painful when they cause you pain.” Briefly he pauses to take a deep breath. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, much less another chance, but I care for you and want to continue our relationship.”
Naruto closes her eyes, struggling to keep her emotions under control. After a few minutes she opens them.
“I’ll forgive you eventually,” she quietly states. “I’d be a hypocrite if I couldn’t forgive you for being stupid when I’ve been stupid lots of times. But right now I can’t say I want to continue dating. I want to discuss it again later, so you better be around when not on a mission and you better be sober or all bets are off.”
Genma nods in acceptance.
“Thank you. I know it’s more than I deserve.” A rueful grin spreads across his face. “I expected a lot more pain. You actually let me off pretty easy, so I can’t complain about your terms.”
Naruto eyes him shrewdly.
“Oh, I’m not done yet.”
A moment later he’s sailing out of the tree, landing with a spectacular splash in the lake. Everyone is laughing, cheering and clapping when Genma sputters to the surface.
Raido looms over him when he reaches the shore.
“It must’ve gone well if you were conscious and pretty much intact when you hit the water.”
“Better than I hoped,” Genma states as he climbs out of the water. Eyeing the others who are either sniggering or glaring, he adds with a nod in their direction, “I’m surprised none of them have gotten into the act yet.”
“They don’t want to upset Naruto any further and after what I saw last night I agree,” Raido explains. “Let’s leave them to their party or they might not be able to continue restraining themselves.”
“Yeah, good idea,” Genma nods before shaking some of the water dripping from his head.
As they walk away Raido makes another suggestion.
“If Naruto does continue dating your sorry ass, better make sure not do anything stupid like that again. Next time you’ll not only have to answer to her, but to everyone else, especially Kakashi.”
Genma nods again in agreement as they finally exit the park.
“Naruto?” Ino calls up into the tree. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Naruto’s voice drifts down. “I just need a few minutes.”
Ino looks over at Tenten and Hinata, both girls nod and all three disappear up into the tree.
Deciding to let the girls comfort Naruto, everyone else settles again onto the blankets to discuss the latest developments. Needless to say, Tsunade is upset by the entire situation.
“I probably could’ve found something to get the gaki out of the village for the day at least, but Gai is correct, she has every right to celebrate her birthday at home. The villagers need to stop holding her responsible for the attack.”
“It’s worse that Genma would dare carelessly throw weapons and attack a comrade from behind, injuring them, regardless if she’s his girlfriend,” Jiraiya mutters darkly.
“Agreed. I can’t let a transgression like that slide. Upset or not over a bad mission, there’s no excuse for such behavior,” Tsunade growls, her gaze hardening.
“Genma should spend some time working at the hospital assisting patients who’ve been permanently disabled by weapon attacks,” Yugao suggests. “That will remind him not to carelessly throw weapons at another person when it’s not combat or training related.”
Arching a brow as a devilish gleam lights her eyes, Tsunade smirks.
“Great idea. Should add to his guilt nicely.”
“It’s perfect,” Jiraiya agrees. “And it wouldn’t upset Naruto or make her think you’re retaliating needlessly, hime.”
“Naruto shouldn’t think of it as retaliation,” Shizune states. “Genma did recklessly violate the shinobi code of conduct.”
“That may be true,” Kakashi points out. “However, it’s hard for Naruto not to see it as retaliation when everyone keeps talking about teaching Genma a lesson.”
A few of the younger, male members of their group shift and look decidedly uncomfortable, knowing Kakashi is referring to them. They continue discussing the matter until Naruto finally reappears several minutes later with the other girls.
“Sorry for disappearing like that, but I had to take care of things with Genma.” Naruto grins, but the smile doesn’t reach her eyes.
“I hate it when you do that,” Sasuke growls.
“What?” Naruto asks in confusion.
“Smile and pretend everything’s okay again, when it isn’t.”
Her smile falters as she looks away guiltily. Kiba and Akamaru growl threateningly at him.
“Great way to dampen her mood even further,” Neji mutters.
Before things can get out of hand, Konohamaru pipes up.
“What’s the big deal?” he gripes. “The Boss can do whatever she wants; it’s her birthday party. But if she wants to feel better then she should open up her presents and have some cake. Everything is better with cake.”
“You can’t really argue with that logic,” Kakashi agrees with a shrug.
“Sounds good to me,” Ino agrees, grabbing Naruto by the shoulders and forcing her to sit down before she can protest.
Hanabi, Konohamaru and Moegi bring over her presents while Hinata cuts the cake.
Naruto is reluctant at first, but seeing she’s outnumbered and it’ll make the others happy, she goes along with it. Konohamaru’s prediction quickly comes true as opening everyone’s presents lightens her mood considerably. She’s enjoying herself immensely until she opens Konohamaru’s gift in confusion.
Turning it over with her hand, she wonders why it’s a box of hair dye. To top it off, it’s not even the same shade of red as her hair. The best she can describe it is a sort of purplish, magenta shade.
While she tries to think of how to ask about it, Kiba snatches the box out of her hands.
“What the hell?”
“Why did you give her a box of hair dye?” Shikamaru asks the young Sarutobi.
Konohamaru rolls his eyes.
“Isn’t it obvious?” he asks in a tone suspiciously sounding like ‘duh.’ “The Boss is getting pretty old at 21 and soon she’s going to have to start dyeing her hair.”
Said redhead narrows her eyes at him dangerously.
“It’s not even the same shade of red as Naruto’s,” Hana observes.
“I’m not even sure that color even qualifies as red,” a confused Hanabi adds.
“If Boss has to start dyeing her hair then she might like some variety, Konohamaru declares as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“I’m not that old and don’t have gray hairs!” Naruto finally snaps in annoyance.
“I’m only trying to save you the trouble of using a genjutsu to hide your age like the old bat,” Konohamaru replies huffily, gesturing at Tsunade.
Golden eyes narrow dangerously as a low growl emits from the Hokage’s throat. Ignoring the increasingly dangerous atmosphere, Konohamaru blithely continues.
“If you don’t dye your hair, you’ll have so many white and gray hairs that your hair will turn pink and people will start confusing you with the Pink Terror.”
Kiba busts out laughing.
“The brat has a point! The only difference being Naruto and Sakura is that Naruto has more cleavage and a better ass!”
Sensing imminent danger, Akamaru moves swiftly to hide behind Hana and Neji for safety, grumbling a few choice words to his partner. Sensing a sudden spike in killing intent Kiba and Konohamaru barely dodge the kunai lobbed at them, which become deeply embedded in the blankets where they were sitting. Everyone watches in varying degrees of amusement as the two young men desperately flee for their lives from a very pissed Naruto.
“Maybe we should stop Naruto before she does something she’ll regret,” Moegi wonders worriedly.
“It’ll help her release any pent up negative emotions,” Shikamaru mutters dismissively, lying back to watch the clouds.
“It’s also a good way for her to keep up her pursuit skills,” Kakashi add as they watch Naruto hot on Kiba and Konohamaru’s heels.
“It’s a good thing she’s got great stamina. Both boys are exceptionally fast on their feet,” Yugao comments, tracking the pursuit into the trees on the far side of the lake.
They hear Kiba yell at Konohamaru, “Stop following me! It’ll increase the chance of survival if we split up!”
“How?” Konohamaru shouts back.
“Because while she’s killing you, I have a better chance of escaping!”
“Fuck you!” Konohamaru curses at the Inuzuka before veering off anyway to shoot off in another direction.
Their amused comrades watch as four clones appear beside Naruto briefly before disappearing further into the trees before either of her victims notice.
“It is wonderful to see such a sudden burst of youthful joy morph into a spontaneous training session!” Gai declares boisterously. “I wish I could join them.” Noticing Ino’s glare, he hastily adds, “Except it is far more youthful to stay beside my lovely wife instead. So I won’t.”
At that moment they all hear one of Naruto’s clones shout, “Wind Release: Hair Wind.”
Konohamaru’s cries of distress echo through the park even if they can’t see what is happening. A blast of spinning wind carries him towards the top of a particularly tall tree before dissipating. Another clone appears and lassos him with nin wire, securely binding his arms. The first clone throws a couple of kunai at the young man’s falling form, pinning him by the seat of his pants to the trunk of the tree. The two clones then high five each other before poofing out of existence.
Judging by Konohamaru’s yells, Kiba deduces Naruto took him out. Speeding up he hopes to gain enough distance to give him the chance to hide. It’s one thing to spar, but it’s a whole other ball game to deal with a pissed off Naruto. She won’t fight just to win. She’ll seek vengeance on his ass for comparing her to Sakura.
What’s worse is he doesn’t even have Akamaru back him up. The furry little turncoat said he shot off his mouth, so he has to pay the consequences. Kiba figures at least he got her mind off her troubles with Genma and all the shit she had to deal with yesterday. However, he isn’t going to just let her win that easily.
Diving into the foliage a particularly thick tree, Kiba hides to get a better sense of his surroundings. Sniffing the air and straining his hearing he tries getting a bead on Naruto with no luck.
His mind runs though his options. He could apologize and hope she’s feeling benevolent. However, she just finished dealing with Genma, so he doubts she’ll be that lenient. Besides, he’s not the one who gave her the hair dye, so he really doesn’t have anything to apologize for. Sheesh, it’s not like she can’t recover from a bruised ego.
Another option could be to just take her head on, but even he isn’t that much of a jerk when she’s been dealing with a boatload of crap for the last thirty-six hours. It wouldn’t be right to beat her after that.
His best option is to sneak out of the park and hide for a couple of days until she’s distracted by something else.
Climbing down from the tree, Kiba calmly walks away. Predators are more likely to give chase if their prey is running. Plus, she’s more likely to look for him in the trees, not on the ground. Several minutes later he runs into Sakura walking the opposite direction.
“Sakura? Why’re you here?” he asks warily.
Sakura grins sheepishly.
“It was slow at the hospital and my sempai was in a good mood, giving me a couple of hours to pop in on Naruto’s picnic.”
“Why are you this far into the woods?” he suspiciously asks.
“I heard Tsunade-shisou was at the picnic,” she explains. “I’m hoping to avoid her in case she’s upset I’m not at the hospital.”
A slight shift in the wind alerts Kiba that Sakura is a fake. Her scent is off. Turning away, he takes off at a dead run as the fake Sakura calls out after him.
“Kiba, wait!”
“Nice try, Naruto!” he shouts over his shoulder with a laugh. “You’ll have to do better than that!”
He only manages a few meters when his ankles suddenly slam together and his world shifts wildly, leaving him swinging upside down like a roasted duck. Before he can slip out a kunai his arms are lashed tightly to his body. Struggling desperately, his eyes widen and his movement stills watching the fake Sakura bearing down on him with her fist cocked, then henge falling to reveal Naruto before his world goes black.
Not long after the chase begins Naruto cheerfully returns to the picnic. She actually feels invigorated chasing after the two dimwits. Settling back onto the blankets she smiles at the questioning looks everyone gives her.
“Konohamaru’s appreciating the view of the village from the treetops during the timeout I arranged,” she offers by way of explanation.
After a bit of prodding by the others, she laughs and reveals exactly what she did.
“How long will you leave him up there?” Hanabi asks, ignoring Moegi’s worried look.
“For however long it takes him to escape. Even a decent shinobi should be able to escape from nin wire,” Naruto explains airily.
“Kiba?” Shikamaru asks.
“Shouldn’t be long until you guys can see for yourselves. I’m having a blast, but everyone has to leave soon. Since I don’t have time to screw around I want to finish opening my presents and have some cake.”
Accepting they’ll have to wait for the big reveal, they watch as she continues happily opening her presents.
It isn’t long until she pauses momentarily and a sly grin creeps across her lips.
“It won’t be long before Kiba rejoins us,” she explains in answer to everyone’s questioning looks.
Soon she finishes the last of her presents and Hanabi and Hinata start passing out the cake. Once everyone has a piece in hand and eating, Hana and Tenten glance up simultaneously then start laughing uproariously, capturing everyone’s attention. Looking from them to the direction they’re pointing the rest join in.
Kiba stalks over with a murderous look on his face as the others catcall and compliment his new hairstyle; his brown hair now a bright fuchsia color. Placing his hands on his hips he looms over an innocently smiling Naruto holding up a plate with a slice of cake.
“Want some? It’s really good!”
“You’re a mean spirited sadist and I demand you change my hair back!”
“Sorry you feel that way, Kiba,” Naruto coos in mock sympathy. “It would’ve been a shame to waste Konohamaru’s present and I thought you of all people would appreciate it. It’s such a lovely shade that really compliments your skin tone.”
Another round of laughter and jeers breaks out at her comment. As he stands there steaming, Naruto jumps up, kisses him on the cheek and hugs him.
“Thank you for the knapsack! The wind design embroidered on it is beautiful and for such a cute little bag it’s really spacious. It’s also really great it’s waterproof; I’ll definitely get a lot of use out of it.”
Sighing in defeat, Kiba doesn’t have the heart to stay angry at her, not with this display of gratitude.
“Saw it on a mission and thought you’d like it,” he mumbles sullenly.
“I really do!” she declares, hugging him again as Ino hands him a piece of cake.
Kiba sulkily settles among them as Akamaru barks at him.
“Shut up!” Kiba snarls at his partner.
“Akamaru is only telling the truth, Kiba,” Hana snaps. “You need to learn to keep your big mouth shut.”
Kiba points to his hair and whines, “It’s glowing! What am I going to do about it?”
“Wait until it grows out?” Ino sniggers.
“I can’t wait until it grows out!” Kiba shouts.
“There isn’t much you can do about it because any attempts to color it back will turn your hair green,” Hinata points out reasonably.
At his stricken look Shizune pipes in helpfully, “It might fade with repeated washings, so it may not be long until it fades enough for it to be colored back to normal.”
Kiba rushes to finish his cake, knowing if he set it down it wouldn’t be there when he got back. He walks over to the lakeshore and begins dunking his head in the water.
“Does he really have to wait until it grows out or fades?” Neji asks.
“Not at all,” Tenten answers with a grin. “A professional stylist can dye it back to normal without it turning green.”
“Of course, we have no intention of sharing that bit of information with Kiba,” Ino points out.
“Maybe we should ask all the stylists in Konoha to not recolor his hair as part of his punishment,” Yugao suggests.
Hana waves it off.
“Mom trims his hair and once she hears how it happened, she’s not going to tell him how to fix it. Besides, Kiba won’t even think of it on his own unless someone suggests it.”
All the girls glare pointedly at the guys.
“The brat won’t hear it from me,” Jiraiya holds up his hands in surrender.
The sentiment seconded by the rest of the males. After more playful banter, the picnic officially ends several minutes later.
“Thanks everyone. It really was the best birthday I ever had.” Naruto smiles gratefully with a bow.
Everyone exchange glances and small smiles, knowing it was worth the effort and silently vow to do the same thing next year. Cleanup is underway when Tsunade grabs Naruto by the arm and drags her along.
“C’mon, gaki. I heard about the senbon and need to check you out.”
Remembering her promise to Kakashi and Shikamaru, Naruto sighs in resignation and willingly follows along as Jiraiya and Shizune trail behind in amusement.
During the walk to the hospital, Jiraiya brings them up to speed on the latest information he’s got on the Akatsuki.
“They’ve only got five left,” he explains. “Sasuke ditching them didn’t seem to faze them and they don’t seem worried about replacing the members they’ve lost over the years.”
“I thought they’d concentrate on replacing their lost members, giving us time to finally stop them for good,” Tsunade muses thoughtfully.
“Since they have all the other tailed beasts they feel confident enough with what they have left to take care of the Kyuubi should they get their hands on Naruto,” he continues. “Besides, if we thought all of the Akatsuki we’ve squared off against so far were tough, apparently the ones left are the best of them.”
“Maybe we need to take some extra precautions,” Shizune suggest with a sidelong glance at a subdued Naruto.
Lost in thought, the redhead didn’t notice the look, but Tsunade did.
“There’s no need to be hasty,” Tsunade firmly states with a frown. “We need more information before we can devise a plan to deal with the threat once and for all.”
Tsunade’s tone clearly hinted to Shizune to drop it. Observing the entire exchange, Jiraiya changes the subject.
“I’ve heard you’ve been neck deep in dust bunnies trying to keep your promise to Sasuke, brat. Did you finally bit off more than you can chew?”
“As if,” Naruto glares before filling him in on the investigation as they make their way through the center of the village.
“Amazing,” Jiraiya declares in awe when she finishes.
“Our investigative skills?” Naruto eagerly asks, her ego inflating a little.
“No. The fact you’ve managed to stay focused on something so boring for so long, brat.”
Naruto glares, retorting, “I get plenty of practice dealing with boring crap every time I edit the latest Icha Icha.”
“Hey!” the sannin protests indignantly.
Tsunade chuckles at the barb.
“You should give her more credit, Jiraiya. She’s the one who uncovered obscure clues no one else noticed before.”
Chuckling at Naruto’s sour expression, Jiraiya grabs her in a headlock and musses her hair before releasing her. As Naruto sulkily smoothes out her hair, he agrees.
“No one else could’ve pulled off convincing Sasuke to give up his blind vendetta and return to the village.”
“If it weren’t for Naruto, no one would’ve bothered to learn the truth about the massacre,” Shizune adds. “It would’ve still been thought of in passing as a sad footnote in history, which would be a grave injustice to the victims.”
Embarrassed Naruto tries to wave off the praise.
“It was the right thing to do, not only for the victims, but as Konoha shinobi.”
“Even so, gaki, very few would’ve been as committed or as dogged. That is a special something which makes you perfect to become Hokage.” Tsunade points out, causing Naruto to blush at the praise and fall silent as they arrive at the hospital.
Tsunade spends the next hour subjecting Naruto to a series of neurological exams to see if how much damage the senbon caused. While testing the motor skills in Naruto’s lower extremities, Tsunade notices a slight hitch to the impulses traveling through her spine. Upon closer examination, she determines the slight damage caused by the needle was enough to interrupt the flow that controls the leg muscles. It hit just right, piercing one of her chakra pathways. Fortunately the damage is clean and minute.
“Normally I’d just let it heal on it’s own, but then I’d have to put you on medical leave.” Tsunade cuts Naruto when she opens her mouth to protest. “I won’t. If the council finds out you were injured again, they’ll use it as another point why restrictions should be placed on you. They could go so far to say that Genma maliciously attacked you and it’s for your own protection. Even if they don’t make him a scapegoat, they could use this as an example your skills are sub par for a shinobi if you can’t even dodge a simple weapon attack.”
Tsunade gives Naruto a moment to absorb her words before continuing.
“So I’m just going to heal it, but you’ll have to take it easy for a couple days to make sure it heals properly.”
“Thanks, Baa-chan,” the redhead nods grimly in acceptance.
While Shizune preps her for the procedure, Tsunade leaves the exam room to walk Jiraiya out.
“The council hasn’t let up on the gaki, have they?” Jiraiya asks as they stroll down the deserted corridor.
“No,” Tsunade sighs heavily. “It’s always bothered them I named Naruto my successor. It’s clear they aren’t just simply afraid of the Akatsuki getting their hands on Naruto; they don’t want her to become the next Hokage. So they’re using every excuse they can to not only end her career as a shinobi, but to stop her from assuming leadership.”
“I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for the gaki to give up on becoming Hokage,” he muses.
His blonde teammate stares at him in shock. Before she can recover her senses to yell at him, Jiraiya holds up his hand as they stop by a window at the end of the corridor.
“I believe Naruto would be a great Hokage. Hell, knowing her, she’ll probably surpass her old man on that too.”
“Then why in the hell would you want her to give up on that dream?” Tsunade growls.
A grim expression forms on Jiraiya’s face.
“Even if she succeeds in becoming Hokage, she would have only won the battle, not the war. She’ll have the rank and file behind her since she long won them over and earned their respect. However, once she takes office she’ll be constantly fighting the council. They’ll do everything in their power to not only undermine her authority but to interfere with her decisions at every opportunity. That sort of tug of war would be damaging to the village in the long run and could be devastating during a catastrophic event.”
Jiraiya gives Tsunade a moment to consider his words before continuing.
“Let’s be honest, hime. If Naruto hasn’t won over the council yet, she never will. And whether we like it or not, the council is too deeply entrenched for us to be able to dissolve it and make it easier for her to run the village.”
“It’s not the entire council that’s against Naruto, just three or four of the old hardliners,” Tsunade shakes her head in protest.
“Those old farts aren’t likely to retire or die anytime soon, not unless she holds off on retiring until they do and Naruto can assume command with little interference. Obviously, they’ll have taken that into consideration and will do what they can now to take her out of the running. If that doesn’t succeed, they’ll likely have a backup plan.”
Tsunade sighs wearily, rubbing a hand across her eyes.
“Okay, you’ve got a point, but as long as Naruto doesn’t give up the dream, I won’t give up on Naruto.” Pinning him with her gaze, she adds, “Besides, they’ll interfere with anyone I name if they’re someone they don’t like or can’t control. They interfere far too much in my decisions as it is and I have to compromise with them too often. I’m not giving in on this.”
“Alright,” Jiraiya smirks. “Maybe I shouldn’t waste my time wondering and see what I can to do to help our favorite brat get into office.”
“Nice save from a major ass beating,” Tsunade smirks back before leaving him to go back and finish treating Naruto.
During the two hours Naruto’s being treated, Kakashi and Sasuke cart all of her presents and some of the leftovers home before going to the hospital to check on her.
Tsunade’s finishing up when Shizune ushers the two men into the exam room.
“Perfect timing,” she smiles. “I was just about to give Naruto my final instructions.”
Once the two men are in place standing on either side of the redhead, she continues.
“Treatment was successful and you shouldn’t have any more trouble with your motor skills, gaki.” Gold eyes become hard and pointed. “But you are strictly prohibited from any physical training for the next week.” Looking at Kakashi, she adds, “You have my permission to restrain her if necessary.”
Kakashi chuckles while Naruto growls threateningly.
“I’ll back him up, Tsunade-sama,” Sasuke smirks, drawing Naruto’s glare to him.
“Perfect,” Tsunade purrs. “Go home and rest, gaki.”
Sliding off the exam table, Naruto walks out with Kakashi and Sasuke in sulky silence.
“There’s no point in being childish about it, medic’s orders,” Sasuke reminds her.
“I feel picked on,” she grumbles irritably. “I’m more than capable of following doctor’s orders without needing anyone to police me.”
Sasuke snorts derisively.
“Given your history of pushing yourself past reasonable limits, Tsunade-sama has every reason to be concerned, Naruto,” Kakashi reasons. “She wants to make sure you heals properly so you won’t abruptly end your career as a shinobi.”
“I know that,” she pouts. “But I don’t have to like it. I’m a big girl and do actually follow medic’s orders sometimes.” At Sasuke’s raised eyebrow she snaps, “The last thing I want is to end up crippled and become a sitting duck for the Akatsuki.”
An uncomfortable silence falls between them at the reminder of the ongoing threat to Naruto, especially since it was Sasuke’s assignment to capture her that brought him back to the village. They tacitly avoided the topic since his return.
“We don’t have to actually do anything since you intend to follow Tsunade’s instructions, making this discussion a moot point,” Kakashi declares, glancing pointedly at Sasuke.
Naruto sighs and agrees.
“I’m too tired to continue arguing about it anyway. It’s been a long day. Especially after chasing Kiba and Konohamaru,” she smirks.
“I wonder if the brat managed to get out of the tree yet,” Sasuke muses, going with the subject change.
As if in answer, a pissed Konohamaru stalks up to the trio.
“I was wondering when you were going to quit hanging around in the park, Konohamaru,” Naruto quips.
Her comment elicits a groan from Kakashi.
“Sorry, too easy to resist,” she sniggers.
With bits of leaves and branches still sticking out of various spots in his wild hair, Konohamaru points an accusing finger at Naruto and shouts.
“That was really unfair to leave me pinned high in a tree like a roasted duck!”
“Any idiot knows not to crack jokes about a woman’s age,” Sasuke huffs scornfully.
“Even the Boss has to admit it was a good joke! It didn’t warrant that kind of retaliation!” Konohamaru yells indignantly.
Grinning, Naruto leans in and kisses Konohamaru on the cheek.
“Thanks for the present, Kono. It really made my birthday fun.”
Effectively shut down, Konohamaru gapes at the redhead in shock.
“It helped prove I’m still more than capable of keeping up with you in my old age and actually got my creative juices flowing should I need to do something like that again.”
Noting the sinister glint in her eyes, Konohamaru gulps in fear, catching on to the implied threat hidden in her words.
“I’m glad you enjoyed your birthday, Boss,” the brunet stammers and promptly leaves.
After watching him quickly disappear from sight, the trio continues walking. Moments later Kakashi glances over and assesses Naruto with a shrewd eye.
Noticing him staring, Naruto asks, “What?”
“You deftly instilled abject terror in Konohamaru without breaking a sweat. Why hasn’t Ibiki recruited you for the T&I department yet?”
“He’s tried,” Naruto laughs, causing both men to gape in shock. “I turned him down. Didn’t think I hard enough for it. ‘Sides, it never really was my thing anyway,” she shrugs indifferently.
“There’s a terrifying thought,” Sasuke shudders.
Naruto playfully smacks his arm as they arrive at the apartment.
“C’mon up and join us for dinner, teme, we’ve got plenty of leftovers,” Naruto grins.
Sasuke rolls his eyes.
“Sorry, can’t,” he declines. “I’ve got a prior commitment to play pool with Izumo and Kotetsu.” At their stunned expressions, he adds, “I had no reason to turn them down.” When they continue staring, he glares back. “They invited me.” Sighing in defeat when they won’t stop staring, he finally admits, “They seemed like fun guys to hang out with.”
At Kakashi’s arched brow and Naruto’s smirk Sasuke glares at them.
“You’re the ones insisting on me becoming more sociable.”
With a grin Naruto steps forward and hugs him.
“Thanks for coming to my birthday party and for the beautiful humming bird necklace you gave me.”
“Yeah, sure, you’re welcome,” Sasuke mumbles through his blush. “I gotta go,” he waves before hastily leaving.
Watching him in amusement, Naruto and Kakashi share a look before heading upstairs.
“We’re being a bad influence on him aren’t we?” Kakashi asks while closing the door.
“Yep. And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Naruto quips, plopping down on the sofa. “Too bad that didn’t happen before Orochimaru got his filthy hands on him.”
“It probably wouldn’t have made a difference. Sasuke was determined to tread that path no matter what,” Kakashi shrugs, leaning against the door and stuffing his hands in his pocket.
Naruto only nods thoughtfully in agreement. After a few moments of silence, she stands up.
“Well, since it’s still early, I think I’m gonna follow medic’s orders and take a nap before dinner.”
“Wait.”
Naruto blinks at Kakashi in confusion as he grabs her shoulders and guides her over to the table, pushing her down into a chair.
“Stay put,” he orders before disappearing down the hallway into his bedroom.
A moment later he returns with a simply wrapped present.
“I forgot to bring it with me to the park, but at least this stretches out your birthday a little more.”
Naruto rolls her eyes.
“My birthday is the last thing I ever want drawn out.”
As he settles into a chair next to her, Kakashi reaches over and ruffles her hair.
“Now, now, no negative thoughts,” he admonishes before gesturing for her to open her present.
Rolling her eyes again with a smirk she eagerly tears the wrapping paper off. She starts laughing when she opens the box, revealing a ceramic planter modeled after Pakkun filled with water, glass beads and three live bamboo shoots emerging from his back.
“I thought it’d be a nice change from the usual plant,” Kakashi explains with a smile.
“I love it,” she declares.
Still chuckling she gets up from her seat. Kakashi stands as she surprises him with a hug and kiss on his masked cheek.
“Thank you for putting up with my garbage and taking care of me,” she states softly with a warm smile.
Returning her hug, Kakashi smiles.
“Thank you for being in my life.”
Stunned, Naruto starts blushing and looks away, unable to meet his eye.
Kakashi kisses her on the cheek adding, “I mean it.”
Naruto’s blush deepens, causing Kakashi to chuckle as he releases her and nudges her towards her room.
“You should go take your nap before your head explodes from all the blushing you’ve done today.”
Recovering somewhat, Naruto smacks his arm before picking up her planter and leaving. As she turns away, he smacks her on the butt, eliciting a startled yelp.
“Enjoy your nap,” he waves while moving out of retaliation range towards the sofa.
Rubbing her butt with one hand, Naruto contemplates revenge, but decides against it. She doesn’t want to start a prank war because he can be sadistic when retaliating. Besides, she needs to be alone to process the strange feelings she got when she hugged him.
Kakashi settles onto the sofa with his trusty Icha Icha. He isn’t focusing on the words as his mind replays the day’s events. He’s also missing the feel of Naruto in his arms.
He’s never been the touchy-feely type, especially towards his students, avoiding showing affection as much as possible. He’s honest about it; he never wanted to get attached to the brats. It’s part of the reason why he made the bell test so hard; to avoid the trouble of dealing with a team if they passed. Yet despite his best efforts, they still attached themselves to him like leeches.
Especially Naruto.
If anyone can be held accountable for changing his perspective as much as Obito did, it’s her. She’s definitely a bright, vibrant spark in his life.
After Sasuke left and Sakura cut herself off from them, Naruto maintained and strengthened their bond and he’s fully aware his feelings toward her long ago morphed from a student-teacher. He thought it changed to something more along the lines of brother-sister, maybe something a little deeper and indefinable. However, now he questions if that’s an accurate description.
He isn’t certain of his feelings towards her now, only that he felt something strange stirring in the pit of his stomach when she hugged and kissed him. He surprised himself more by kissing her back.
Unable to make sense of his feelings, he decides it isn’t worth figuring out and focuses his attention back onto his Icha Icha.
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Underneath The Leaves