Bodhisattva
Active member
Ch 1
With Nagato/Pein's sacrifice and the rebirth of the village waiting to greet Naruto, the young Sage went on with a heavy mind. So deep were the thoughts of loss and love that it was all too much to take in at once.
"You should return, the villagers are all anxious to greet you... Naruto." Katsuyu's voice seemed distant as if spoken in a dream.
"Ah," Naruto replied automatically, half not realizing that he had spoken. "What do you suppose will become of her?... Konan?"
"She has her own path to walk. And you yours. Perhaps the two will cross again, but for now you must move on." Katsuyu paused, "... There is someone in Konoha who desires greatly to see you again..."
Naruto looked up as a bluebird flew high above. His thoughts returned to the battle and her sacrifice. "I know," he said. "Hinata. She... loves me."
"Yes. But that's not ..."
Just then, a shadow appeared in the distance. "Yo! Naruto!" Shikaku's voice echoed in the hills. He moved closer to where the paper jutsu hideout had blown away only moments ago. "I knew you had it in you. Shikamaru... was right to have believed in you..."
Naruto's head hung low as the weight of all that had occurred fell on him once more. "Thank you, Shikaku-san. For believing in me."
"Ah. But now it's best we get back to the village. Don't you think? ...Young Sage?" Shikaku's face was resolute, but a gleam in his eye gave Naruto all the praise he needed to lift his spirits.
"Okay, then!" Naruto's head rose, "Let's get back to Konoha... There's someone I need to talk to." With the midday sun now at it's apex, they headed off for the remains of the village.
* * * * * * * *
Ch 2
"Just rest, Hinata... You were hit pretty hard back there." Sakura applied a wet cloth to her forehead.
"Ah. ... I mean ... thank you ... Sakura ... I ..."
"No need for words now, Hinata. It's all right. You just need to rest now."
Hinata closed her eyes. Thoughts danced about in her mind of Naruto's courage. His strength... his scent... it all fused in a powerful cocktail of thought and emotion and stirred something inside her.
"Yo! Look! Everyone! NARUTO IS BACK!" yelled out one of the villagers. This was immediately followed by screams and greetings from across the wasteland where the village once stood. Now only boulders and dust filled the landscape. Off in the distance, the Hokage monument looked on in silence.
The villagers went to greet Naruto, one by one shaking his hand and filling the air with their praise. "You'll be Hokage one day," said one. "Surely nothing can stand against us as long as you are here," said another. This went on for minutes but seemed like hours as Naruto thought increasingly about what he would say to Hinata once they met.
"Baka~" The voice, so familiar to Naruto he needed not look to know who spoke. "... I am ... I mean ... the village ... everyone is so glad you made it home..." As Sakura spoke, Naruto spun around grasping her in his arms.
"It's good to be home." he said as they stood together in an embrace... on the edge of the former battleground... on the edge of forever. Sakura hid her face in his chest so that he wouldn't see the tear which had escaped her eye and rolled softly down her cheek... and absorbed into Naruto's cloak.
Time passed, people came and went as did many greetings and well wishes. And all Naruto could think about now was the face pressed against his chest... the hand clutching at his side... how warm it felt... the smell of her hair... What could he tell Hinata? How could he explain? Yet, at the same time deep in his heart he could hear a voice whispering to him, "You knew. You've always known. Since that day you saw her body glisten by the pond in the moonlight... You've known her heart belongs to only you."
"Hey, hey, Naruto-kun..." Shikamaru's voice was unmistakable amid the crowd. "You've really done it. You've saved the village."
"Shikamaru!" Naruto exclaimed.
Their embrace faded as Sakura said, "I need to go ... I mean ... I need to get back to the infirmary camp. So many injured. But it will be all right." She smiled a fake smile that Naruto did not perceive.
"Ah. Sakura. Thank you." Shikamaru nodded and looked back toward the camp. He sensed her emotion and knew that Naruto had no idea. "We should get back to camp too. Right, Naruto?"
"Huh? Ah. Right!" Naruto said, beaming.
The trio made their way back to the temporary camp, which consisted of a series of makeshift tents now standing alone among the ruins.
"We'll need to find a better shelter; we can't just stay exposed like this." Naruto said.
"Ah. But we can't move all of the injured so quickly either. They need some time to recover." replied Shikamaru.
"Wakattebayo~! But for how long?"
Shikamaru answered, "Our scouts are out now looking for a more long-term solution. Somewhere we can regroup while the injured continue to heal and from where we can begin to rebuild Konoha. It should be a matter of days before we are all well enough to move."
A voice called out from one of the tents, "Sakura-san! We need your help! Mr Harashi's condition has worsened!"
"I understand! I will be right there." Sakura turned back to Naruto. Her hand on his cheek, "Its... I mean..." A knot formed in her throat, "I think there's someone that would like to see you."
Shikamaru watched, reading through the exchange, "I'll take him. You go and help the villagers."
Sakura nodded, turned and left. Naruto watched as she went, looking after her as she dissapeared into one of the tents.
"Oy, Naruto. Follow me." Shikamaru headed off with Naruto close behind.
* * * * * * * *
Ch 3
Shikamaru stopped suddenly, causing Naruto to crash into him. "Oooff! Oy, Naruto!" Then he paused. "She's inside."
"Who's inside?" Naruto asked, confused.
"D'oh... Just go in!" and Shikamaru shoved Naruto in the tent. And Naruto could just barely hear as Shikamaru walked off in the distance, "Mendokuse~ that guy, I swear..."
"Hello... Naruto." A voice called to him.
"Hinata." He answered. Naruto walked to greet her and looked as she was lain out on the bed of leaves. Seeing her like this also stirred the memory of watching her on the battlefield. Watching, helpless, as Pein crushed her only moments after...
"I'm glad you're all right." She said and smiled.
Naruto knelt down beside her and placed his hand on her forehead. He said nothing, taking the cloth away and kissing her softly.
Hinata blushed. "I... "
"Shhhhh..." Naruto whispered. "I... I've... I knew... even before." Naruto paused. "Even before you saved me."
A tear appeared in Hinata's eye as Naruto turned to dip the cloth in a bucket of water. As he turned, he didn't notice the tears that had escaped, pooling on the pillow beside her. Naruto returned to her, replaced the wet cloth on her forehead and spoke gently. "I'm so glad you are all right. I just don't know what I'd do if..." His voice trailed off.
In his mind, he felt more confused than ever. But in his heart, he sensed an odd comfort. That nothing could be more right. This was always how it was meant to be. He felt love. Fullness. More than ever, he knew he was in love... and that he was loved. But this love he shared with two.
"Do you feel well enough to stand, Hinata?"
"I... I think so..."
"Let me help you." Naruto guided Hinata gently onto her feet. Naruto could feel her tremble as softly as a breeze in his arms. He caught the scent of her skin and the feel of her silken hair through his fingers and found himself never more sure of anything in his life. "Let's get you out of this dusty tent." He led her outside, partially carrying her, his left arm around her, supporting her with his own body. They had not needed to go far before they were outside the camp, heading toward a grassy knoll where they could escape, if only for a small while.
Meanwhile, Sakura had stabilized Mr. Harashi and was just leaving his tent when she spotted two figures moving away from camp. She said to herself, "I knew this would happen. She put her life on the line... when she knew she could not possibly win." Sakura sighed deeply, "Still, I... I can't give up on him this easily..." Her thoughts spun around and around. Memories came to her of Naruto's vow to protect her and bring back Sasuke... But her love was no longer with Sasuke... that time had passed long ago. New bonds had formed and a new desire stirred inside her.
"I can't let it go like this." she thought and marched out toward the two figures in the distance.
A figure appeared beside her. "Naruto loves you, you know." Shikamaru said, quite calmly. "But I suppose you already knew that." He spoke as if out of a sense of boredom. "But Hinata also has a place in his heart. I'm sure you know that too." Sakura paused. "So what will you do when you reach them?" he asked.
Sakura looked down. "I... I don't know. But I can't just let it go like this."
"I see. Well, then. You'd better hurry, they're almost outside camp..."
"Ah," she replied. Full of thoughts, Sakura slowly raised her head. Yet unsure of what she would say, she headed out to catch up with Naruto and Hinata.
* * * * * * * *
Ch 4
Naruto and Hinata had just reached the edge of the grove when Hinata saw someone approaching. "Oh? Sakura?" Hinata said, not totally surprised that she had come.
"Huh? Sakura-chan?" Naruto spun to see Sakura, who had stopped just before reaching the two.
As her mind swirled, she spoke, "I ... Naruto ... just need to ... Hinata's not the only ..."
As Sakura spoke, and with Hinata still on his arm, Naruto moved to Sakura and put his finger to her lips. "I know. I know that too. But now we are here... the three of us. Not in battle, not fighting... Now responsible for no one but ourselves." Naruto moved closer still. Their collective breath pooling in the air around them, he pressed his lips to hers.
Hinata blushed. Naruto ran his fingers through Hinata's hair, sending a tingling spark down her spine. She could feel the collective energy building as Naruto kissed Sakura. Sakura felt this too, putting her arms around his waist. This was so odd that it should happen like this, but lost in the moment, she pulled him even closer until their bodies were flush against one another.
But Naruto pulled away, slowly breaking the kiss. "This was always meant to be. We can not go alone through the harshness and bitterness we have seen in this life. Our bonds are formed for a reason. It is for these bonds that we endure. It is for our love that we remain strong. Because it is love that allows us to keep our humanity though we are surrounded by the ugliness of war and hatred."
Tears came down Sakura's cheek which Naruto caught in his free hand. He kissed the corner of her eye and said, "We are together now... and I ... I love you."
At hearing this, Hinata spoke, "I knew that too. But I don't care. If you want to be with Sakura, then I wish you the best..." But before she could finish, Naruto's lips had closed around her own. Sakura rested against Naruto's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beating.
Weighed down by the events of the day and by their own feelings, the trio sunk down into the tall field. Twilight had begun to spread across the sky, creating a violet backdrop against the cool, green leaves of grass.
The scent of their love swirled around them as they found themselves together in that field, where three became one.
... To be continued ...
With Nagato/Pein's sacrifice and the rebirth of the village waiting to greet Naruto, the young Sage went on with a heavy mind. So deep were the thoughts of loss and love that it was all too much to take in at once.
"You should return, the villagers are all anxious to greet you... Naruto." Katsuyu's voice seemed distant as if spoken in a dream.
"Ah," Naruto replied automatically, half not realizing that he had spoken. "What do you suppose will become of her?... Konan?"
"She has her own path to walk. And you yours. Perhaps the two will cross again, but for now you must move on." Katsuyu paused, "... There is someone in Konoha who desires greatly to see you again..."
Naruto looked up as a bluebird flew high above. His thoughts returned to the battle and her sacrifice. "I know," he said. "Hinata. She... loves me."
"Yes. But that's not ..."
Just then, a shadow appeared in the distance. "Yo! Naruto!" Shikaku's voice echoed in the hills. He moved closer to where the paper jutsu hideout had blown away only moments ago. "I knew you had it in you. Shikamaru... was right to have believed in you..."
Naruto's head hung low as the weight of all that had occurred fell on him once more. "Thank you, Shikaku-san. For believing in me."
"Ah. But now it's best we get back to the village. Don't you think? ...Young Sage?" Shikaku's face was resolute, but a gleam in his eye gave Naruto all the praise he needed to lift his spirits.
"Okay, then!" Naruto's head rose, "Let's get back to Konoha... There's someone I need to talk to." With the midday sun now at it's apex, they headed off for the remains of the village.
* * * * * * * *
Ch 2
"Just rest, Hinata... You were hit pretty hard back there." Sakura applied a wet cloth to her forehead.
"Ah. ... I mean ... thank you ... Sakura ... I ..."
"No need for words now, Hinata. It's all right. You just need to rest now."
Hinata closed her eyes. Thoughts danced about in her mind of Naruto's courage. His strength... his scent... it all fused in a powerful cocktail of thought and emotion and stirred something inside her.
"Yo! Look! Everyone! NARUTO IS BACK!" yelled out one of the villagers. This was immediately followed by screams and greetings from across the wasteland where the village once stood. Now only boulders and dust filled the landscape. Off in the distance, the Hokage monument looked on in silence.
The villagers went to greet Naruto, one by one shaking his hand and filling the air with their praise. "You'll be Hokage one day," said one. "Surely nothing can stand against us as long as you are here," said another. This went on for minutes but seemed like hours as Naruto thought increasingly about what he would say to Hinata once they met.
"Baka~" The voice, so familiar to Naruto he needed not look to know who spoke. "... I am ... I mean ... the village ... everyone is so glad you made it home..." As Sakura spoke, Naruto spun around grasping her in his arms.
"It's good to be home." he said as they stood together in an embrace... on the edge of the former battleground... on the edge of forever. Sakura hid her face in his chest so that he wouldn't see the tear which had escaped her eye and rolled softly down her cheek... and absorbed into Naruto's cloak.
Time passed, people came and went as did many greetings and well wishes. And all Naruto could think about now was the face pressed against his chest... the hand clutching at his side... how warm it felt... the smell of her hair... What could he tell Hinata? How could he explain? Yet, at the same time deep in his heart he could hear a voice whispering to him, "You knew. You've always known. Since that day you saw her body glisten by the pond in the moonlight... You've known her heart belongs to only you."
"Hey, hey, Naruto-kun..." Shikamaru's voice was unmistakable amid the crowd. "You've really done it. You've saved the village."
"Shikamaru!" Naruto exclaimed.
Their embrace faded as Sakura said, "I need to go ... I mean ... I need to get back to the infirmary camp. So many injured. But it will be all right." She smiled a fake smile that Naruto did not perceive.
"Ah. Sakura. Thank you." Shikamaru nodded and looked back toward the camp. He sensed her emotion and knew that Naruto had no idea. "We should get back to camp too. Right, Naruto?"
"Huh? Ah. Right!" Naruto said, beaming.
The trio made their way back to the temporary camp, which consisted of a series of makeshift tents now standing alone among the ruins.
"We'll need to find a better shelter; we can't just stay exposed like this." Naruto said.
"Ah. But we can't move all of the injured so quickly either. They need some time to recover." replied Shikamaru.
"Wakattebayo~! But for how long?"
Shikamaru answered, "Our scouts are out now looking for a more long-term solution. Somewhere we can regroup while the injured continue to heal and from where we can begin to rebuild Konoha. It should be a matter of days before we are all well enough to move."
A voice called out from one of the tents, "Sakura-san! We need your help! Mr Harashi's condition has worsened!"
"I understand! I will be right there." Sakura turned back to Naruto. Her hand on his cheek, "Its... I mean..." A knot formed in her throat, "I think there's someone that would like to see you."
Shikamaru watched, reading through the exchange, "I'll take him. You go and help the villagers."
Sakura nodded, turned and left. Naruto watched as she went, looking after her as she dissapeared into one of the tents.
"Oy, Naruto. Follow me." Shikamaru headed off with Naruto close behind.
* * * * * * * *
Ch 3
Shikamaru stopped suddenly, causing Naruto to crash into him. "Oooff! Oy, Naruto!" Then he paused. "She's inside."
"Who's inside?" Naruto asked, confused.
"D'oh... Just go in!" and Shikamaru shoved Naruto in the tent. And Naruto could just barely hear as Shikamaru walked off in the distance, "Mendokuse~ that guy, I swear..."
"Hello... Naruto." A voice called to him.
"Hinata." He answered. Naruto walked to greet her and looked as she was lain out on the bed of leaves. Seeing her like this also stirred the memory of watching her on the battlefield. Watching, helpless, as Pein crushed her only moments after...
"I'm glad you're all right." She said and smiled.
Naruto knelt down beside her and placed his hand on her forehead. He said nothing, taking the cloth away and kissing her softly.
Hinata blushed. "I... "
"Shhhhh..." Naruto whispered. "I... I've... I knew... even before." Naruto paused. "Even before you saved me."
A tear appeared in Hinata's eye as Naruto turned to dip the cloth in a bucket of water. As he turned, he didn't notice the tears that had escaped, pooling on the pillow beside her. Naruto returned to her, replaced the wet cloth on her forehead and spoke gently. "I'm so glad you are all right. I just don't know what I'd do if..." His voice trailed off.
In his mind, he felt more confused than ever. But in his heart, he sensed an odd comfort. That nothing could be more right. This was always how it was meant to be. He felt love. Fullness. More than ever, he knew he was in love... and that he was loved. But this love he shared with two.
"Do you feel well enough to stand, Hinata?"
"I... I think so..."
"Let me help you." Naruto guided Hinata gently onto her feet. Naruto could feel her tremble as softly as a breeze in his arms. He caught the scent of her skin and the feel of her silken hair through his fingers and found himself never more sure of anything in his life. "Let's get you out of this dusty tent." He led her outside, partially carrying her, his left arm around her, supporting her with his own body. They had not needed to go far before they were outside the camp, heading toward a grassy knoll where they could escape, if only for a small while.
Meanwhile, Sakura had stabilized Mr. Harashi and was just leaving his tent when she spotted two figures moving away from camp. She said to herself, "I knew this would happen. She put her life on the line... when she knew she could not possibly win." Sakura sighed deeply, "Still, I... I can't give up on him this easily..." Her thoughts spun around and around. Memories came to her of Naruto's vow to protect her and bring back Sasuke... But her love was no longer with Sasuke... that time had passed long ago. New bonds had formed and a new desire stirred inside her.
"I can't let it go like this." she thought and marched out toward the two figures in the distance.
A figure appeared beside her. "Naruto loves you, you know." Shikamaru said, quite calmly. "But I suppose you already knew that." He spoke as if out of a sense of boredom. "But Hinata also has a place in his heart. I'm sure you know that too." Sakura paused. "So what will you do when you reach them?" he asked.
Sakura looked down. "I... I don't know. But I can't just let it go like this."
"I see. Well, then. You'd better hurry, they're almost outside camp..."
"Ah," she replied. Full of thoughts, Sakura slowly raised her head. Yet unsure of what she would say, she headed out to catch up with Naruto and Hinata.
* * * * * * * *
Ch 4
Naruto and Hinata had just reached the edge of the grove when Hinata saw someone approaching. "Oh? Sakura?" Hinata said, not totally surprised that she had come.
"Huh? Sakura-chan?" Naruto spun to see Sakura, who had stopped just before reaching the two.
As her mind swirled, she spoke, "I ... Naruto ... just need to ... Hinata's not the only ..."
As Sakura spoke, and with Hinata still on his arm, Naruto moved to Sakura and put his finger to her lips. "I know. I know that too. But now we are here... the three of us. Not in battle, not fighting... Now responsible for no one but ourselves." Naruto moved closer still. Their collective breath pooling in the air around them, he pressed his lips to hers.
Hinata blushed. Naruto ran his fingers through Hinata's hair, sending a tingling spark down her spine. She could feel the collective energy building as Naruto kissed Sakura. Sakura felt this too, putting her arms around his waist. This was so odd that it should happen like this, but lost in the moment, she pulled him even closer until their bodies were flush against one another.
But Naruto pulled away, slowly breaking the kiss. "This was always meant to be. We can not go alone through the harshness and bitterness we have seen in this life. Our bonds are formed for a reason. It is for these bonds that we endure. It is for our love that we remain strong. Because it is love that allows us to keep our humanity though we are surrounded by the ugliness of war and hatred."
Tears came down Sakura's cheek which Naruto caught in his free hand. He kissed the corner of her eye and said, "We are together now... and I ... I love you."
At hearing this, Hinata spoke, "I knew that too. But I don't care. If you want to be with Sakura, then I wish you the best..." But before she could finish, Naruto's lips had closed around her own. Sakura rested against Naruto's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beating.
Weighed down by the events of the day and by their own feelings, the trio sunk down into the tall field. Twilight had begun to spread across the sky, creating a violet backdrop against the cool, green leaves of grass.
The scent of their love swirled around them as they found themselves together in that field, where three became one.
... To be continued ...
