Chương 53: Chapter 7: Strength Of Unity
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Sasuke was currently sitting in the deserted Uchiha district. The setting bought back painful memories of the past yet he found himself attached as it also helped him remember the times of happiness. It was the last remaining remnant of the Uchiha clan like him. The district was desolate giving an aura of eeriness but the black haired teenager also recognised the tranquillity in the air.
He was presently seated in the back yard of his superior sized dwelling whilst having his evening meal. The sun was setting leaving a red tinge in the clear sky. Even though he wouldn't admit it openly he was happy to have returned to Konoha, although many shinobi were still distrusting of him due to his willing departure to Orochimaru. The path he had led after the fateful day of the Uchiha massacre was one of hate and blinded by revenge. The pain of having the one person he admired as a child and aspired to become destroying all he held dear and loved had emotionally driven him to the brink of destruction.
Due to what was his sole reason for existence during that period of time he failed to realise that he had untied the strings around his carefully protected isolation and allowed new bonds to grow. The bonds he held with his team had strengthened over time until he finally began to enjoy life momentarily forgetting revenge as his sole driving purpose for living. The choices he had made in his life nearly cost him what was most important however he was saved from his fate by the one ninja who truly understood the Uchiha.
His initial return had been met with some distasteful comments from the majority of the shinobi populace. However Sasuke knew that he had invited such suspicions upon himself due to his actions. Yet he also realised that, through all the disbelieving glares directed towards him, Naruto stood by his side defending him. He had nearly killed the blond on more than one occasion yet the genin still protected him from the glares and hate of the shinobi which he rightly deserved.
The blond was an enigma to the Uchiha at first as the only common bond they shared was of loneliness. When Sasuke had discovered his blonde friend as the jailor of the Kyuubi, the hate and hardships that he must have endured were more recognisable to the Uchiha. The words the jinchuuriki had spoken at their encounter at the Valley of the End had shown the sorrow and sadness that Naruto withheld from his comrades on numerous occasions.
'Why, Naruto? Why would you go this far for me?'
The question he had asked Naruto on that day and the answer he had received was now a lot clearer. He realised that he had not lost everything as he still had his friends. Naruto stood by his side after everything that had occurred. He had never before had a friend. He was used to being admired and ogled at yet he only now understood how deep his bond with Naruto went. They had both suffered immense emotional pain and the tormenting isolation of having nothing. He was truly happy that the blonde had not given up hope on him although he wouldn't tell him that.
Sasuke rose from his position on the soft grass beneath him before walking into his house. He placed the empty bowl of food into the sink deciding to clean it up later. He hadn't encountered the blonde at all over the past week and realised the awkwardness he displayed the last time he had seen him. Walking towards the front entrance of his house, he put on his sandals before walking out to find the hyperactive blonde ninja.
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Shikamaru found himself walking through the streets of Konoha with his common lazy demeanour on display tired from attempting to locate the number one most surprising ninja in Konoha. He was enjoying surveying the clouds earlier during the day before he was interrupted by Ino. Shikamaru didn't bother opposing the girl's 'request' as he knew that he would end up doing it eventually. The only problem pertaining to this task was the fact that he scarcely had any time to himself due to the preparations for the upcoming chuunin exams hence he treasured his cloud watching sessions.
The shadow user was ultimately incapable of locating the blonde ninja. He had spent over 3 hours searching for the genin but was unsuccessful. Currently he was heading home as he had given up on tracking the blonde. He was about to turn the corner before he heard a rather large yell which sounded surprisingly familiar. He looked behind him to see Naruto yelling incoherent words with the occasional comprehendible few words about ramen thrown in. He smiled before muttering, "So troublesome."
He turned around and headed towards the blonde's direction. The shadow user walked up behind the blonde silently not giving any signs of his approaching presence. He had reached within a few feet of his target before the blonde spun around on his feet and shouted, "SHIKAMARU!"
Shikamaru nearly fell over from the volume of the unorthodox greeting. "Naruto, why do you have to be so troublesome?"
His comment didn't faze the blond as he stood there with a dumbfounded expression, "Huh?"
The two looked at each other in silence, both confused momentarily. Shikamaru shook himself out of his stupor, "Ah…forget about that Naruto."
Shikamaru walked beside the blonde as he headed towards the destination for his meal. "Naruto…we're holding a gathering of friends in a few days. I was told to find and inform you to attend."
Naruto gave a small laugh, "And they asked your lazy, cloud watching ass to come and find me?"
Shikamaru remarkably felt a little sting at the cloud watching remark. "Anyways, I've spent the last three hours looking for you."
The jinchuuriki's eyes visibly widened at this, "Nani? Three hours? How did you manage that?"
Shikamaru kept his lazy expression, "It was troublesome." The chuunin then proceeded to pull out a piece of paper from his vest pocket before handing it to the genin. It contained the invitation to the get together as it was a private party for shinobis. It also had information on the location and time.
The shadow user continued walking with the blonde, "So, Shikamaru, which test are you the examiner for?"
Shikamaru instantaneously grimaced upon being reminded that he was going to be an examiner at the forthcoming exam. "The written exam…so troublesome."
Naruto laughed at him before patting him on his back, "Come on, all you have to do is stand there. You could just as easily look at the clouds though the window."
Shikamaru inwardly smiled whilst his blonde friend attempted to cheer him up, "Aren't you entering Naruto?" The shadow user noticed the poignant look that spread across his comrade's visage but it vanished as quickly as it came.
The demon container scratched the back of his head, "Heh heh…I think it would be unfair if I entered. I'll probably take one of the later ones. I've got other matters to attend to first."
The Nara was apprehensive of the blonde's statements. Naruto was one of the ninjas who valued their shinobi careers beyond anything else. However what piqued the chuunins curiosity was what the blonde had stated last. He knew that Akatsuki was currently after him although he didn't know for what reason exactly. However he was sure that Naruto could compete in the chuunin exams as he was safe within the boundaries of Konoha. Also from what he knew the genin wasn't currently taking any missions with his team either.
They continued walking until they finally stood outside of Naruto's favourite ramen stand. Naruto walked in and took a seat. The shadow user said his goodbyes before beginning to head to the direction of his home. He realised that he was now further from his home than he was initially, 'So troublesome.'
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Zetsu was at present travelling through the country of Rain hot on the trail of the Schichibi container. His infiltration into the country had been moderately trouble-free as the Akatsuki member was specialised in stealth due to his unique abilities to merge with his surroundings.
The man who had a Venus fly trap structure enclosing his body was not personally known by any of the other Akatsuki members and his origin was a mystery to everyone excluding the leader of the organisation himself. Not much was known about him except that he was the second member to have become part of the notorious organisation.
Zetsu separated himself from the ground before looking around the desolate plains that he was standing in. The area looked as if it had been completely destroyed. The only remains were that of shattered pieces of rocks and numerous craters.
Zetsu continued to observe his surroundings with emotionless eyes, "Having trouble controlling our powers, are we?" He quickly determined which direction his designated target had taken before once again continuing his hunt.
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Naruto had just finished his second bowl of miso ramen and showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. Although unknown to others he enjoyed spending time at the stand for other reasons than just the food. This had been the location where he had experienced the first act of kindness towards him.
His first meeting with the Sandaime had been in this ramen stand when the old man had offered to treat the young blonde. Ironically this was also the place where the two shinobi would experience their final encounter with each other. Naruto remembered the last day he spent with the man who he looked towards as a grandfather. It was during the month of preparation given to candidates before the chuunin exam finals.
Flashback
The genin was excitedly gulping down numerous bowls of ramen. The training he had taken up with Jiraiya took a lot of energy out of him therefore he found himself enjoying the noodle soup even more than he would generally. "Hey, old man, another one!"
The eccentric ninja slammed his chopsticks on the counter before he eagerly awaited the arrival of his next bowl. "Ah, Naruto-kun. I see you're enjoying yourself."
The blonde looked behind him to see the Sandaime looking at him with a smile across his face. "Hey, ojiisan, what are you doing here?"
The older man gave a small laugh at the blonde's hyper activeness, "I was just taking a walk. Mind if I join you?"
The blonde nodded his head whilst giving a glace towards the cook to see whether his ramen was cooked yet. The Hokage of Konoha took a seat next to the young boy before placing his order, "I'll have a miso ramen."
The owner of the ramen stand quickly replied, "Hai, Hokage-sama, right away." The cook immediately took to preparing the meal for the most respected person in Konoha.
The Sandaime drew his attention back towards the blond to his left, "So, are you training hard for the finals?"
"Yeah, I've even got a great sensei. He helped me with my chakra control. But he concentrates too much on peeping at women." Sandaime's eyes widened in recognition at this remark, "Baka, Ero-sennin."
He chuckled as he realised the name the young genin had given to one of the legendary three. The blonde continued with his animated rant, "You just watch me, ojiisan. I'm going to show everyone how far I've come. I'm going to win the finals. Then it's only a matter of time before you have to give your position as Hokage to me."
The Sandaime decided now would be the best time to impart some of his wisdom onto the enthusiastic young ninja, "Naruto." The Sandaime's serious demeanour instantly caught the attention of the rookie genin.
"Becoming Hokage…means putting the benefits of the people of the village before your own. This village has had some great leaders. The latest of who met an early and tragic end." He looked towards the blonde who had a downcast expression.
The old man continued, "The Shodaime used to say, 'The comrades in Konoha are parts of my body. The villagers believe in me, and I believe in them. That is what a Hokage is supposed to do.' This is one of the first things he taught me."
The blonde gave the older man his undivided attention, "Not everyone is capable of becoming Hokage. Strength is not what determines the rightful person for such a position. The person chosen to lead the village must have a great heart also. The Hokage is someone who must protect our country's ideals and our way of life."
The blonde had an expression of sorrow as well as determination within his sapphire eyes, "That is why I must become Hokage."
The Sandaime turned to look at the boy upon his last statement, "I've been alone for all my life. The pain, the anguish, and the sadness…all these things they hurt so much."
The older man felt his insides jolt with pain as he knew the blonde didn't deserve such a fate. The ramen shop owner and his daughter Ayame listened to the blonde's mournful words.
The genin sighed before continuing. "I want to prove to these people. That no matter what they think I love this village and would protect it with my life. 'Protect the ones who love the village and believe in you.' That is what I learned when reading about the Nidaime." The youth paused for a few moments before he continued, "The pain I've suffered…I don't want anyone else to feel that pain…that is why…I must become greater than any of the Hokages."
The genin's eyes were full of unbridled resolve. The ramen chef and his daughter wiped away the few stray tears from their face. The Hokage looked at the boy filled with pleasure. He placed a hand on the young boys shoulder, "I believe in you Naruto…become a Hokage like there has never been before."
End Flashback
Naruto had a large smile spread across his face as a single solitary tear trickled down his face before he abruptly wiped it away. 'Ojiisan…I won't fail you. I may not become Hokage…but I'll make sure that nothing happens to Konoha.'
"So, this is where you were?" Naruto turned to see Sasuke looking at him. He adopted a huge grin across his whiskered face.
"I never expected you to be actually looking for people to socialise with." He gave a small laugh, "You must be getting soft."
The Uchiha smirked at his friend, "Whatever, dobe, walk with me." The blonde nodded and got ready to pay for his food. He was stopped by Ayame who simply smiled at him and told him it was on the house. He gave her an appreciative nod and left.
It was a peaceful night and most of the shops around Konoha had closed for the day as it was nearing midnight. This added to the already serene atmosphere. The two newly reunited friends walked in silence neither speaking but rather enjoying their surroundings. Naruto hadn't seen his friends for some time due to the fact that he was so engaged with his training that he appreciated the fact Sasuke had come looking for him. Although, the two hadn't talked with each other very openly since the Uchiha's return Sasuke wanted to understand why Naruto went so far to return him.
The two eventually ended up at their team's regular meeting place. Sasuke made his way over to the railing of the bridge before looking over the side into the water below. Naruto walked to the rail opposite Sasuke and sat on top facing toward the black haired teenagers back whilst letting his legs hang haphazardly.
"You've been training." The sharingan user's statement was simple and to the point.
Naruto looked up towards the sky. "You noticed, huh?" The blonde's carefree gaze remained upon the dark sky of Konoha.
"Kakashi-sensei informed us that you wouldn't be taking missions with us since you're still recovering." The stoic teenager looked into the water below which was extremely calm.
Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Heh, that's not the entire truth but Kakashi-sensei doesn't know that. I'm probably not going to be doing any missions for another couple of months. Think of it as a long break."
Sasuke wondered what would make Naruto take such a long leave of absence from shinobi duty. The minutes passed by in silence as both shinobis continued to observe the environment captivated by the calm night.
Sasuke released a heavy sigh, "How…?" The jinchuuriki looked towards his friend, "How did you not lose hope in me?"
Naruto jumped off his railing before walking towards where the Uchiha stood and mimicked his position, "Even in the depths of darkness…there is still light…If one never gives up…there is always hope."
The shinobis stared at the few fish in the water swim around carelessly, "When did you become so wise?" The Uchiha gave a sad chuckle, "After everything I've done…you stand by me as if nothing happened?" Sasuke looked at his comrade who was staring intently into the sparkling water below. "Why…Naruto?"
Naruto looked up at the sky as the stars shimmered illuminating the night sky, "Because of you all…" A smile spread across his whiskered face, "I never gave into hate."
Sasuke looked at the blonde with slight shock as he never knew that the Kyuubi container came close to breaking. He realised now that his happiness was mask covering his true feelings. The smile was still on the genin's visage, "Before you all came along…I was beginning to lose hope…but then I found friends …those who acknowledged me…those who understood me."
Sasuke felt the twinge of loneliness sting at his heart. He was familiar with his friend's ache. "Our bond was one of the first one's I've ever had…when you left…so did a part of me."
The Uchiha looked towards his blonde friend, the guilt clearly written across his face, "I'm sorry, Naruto."
The jinchuuriki looked towards the sharingan user whilst a warm smile spread across his face. He placed his hand on his shoulder, "Everything is alright now though. That's what matters."
Sasuke stared into his friend's eyes. He saw the genuine happiness yet it was concealing another emotion. He looked towards the sky and felt peace inside him after a vastly elongated period of time, "...Arigatou, Naruto."
He turned to walk towards the direction of his home but was stopped by the blonde's voice. "What are friends for?" A smile spread across his face before he continued towards his abode.
Naruto stood there looking at the Uchiha's back as he faded into the darkness of the trees. Everything had seemingly returned to as normal as possible except he hadn't told them about his approaching death. He decided he would wait until he was ready. Looking up at the specks of sparkling lights in the sky, he closed his eyes inhaling the various smells and freshness of the air. The thoughts of Konoha spread through his mind, the villagers with their duties, the innocent children playing and the shinobi as their protectors. He remembered the Sandaime and how he gave his life to protect what he loved.
'I understand ojiisan…Konoha…everything…we are one.'
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