I don't exactly know what it was, but I felt I had to write more of this story line. So this begins story 2 named Smile For Them, I would suggest reading the prequel to this called Situations if you haven't already. Hope you like it and please read and review…I need it .
Like last time I didn't have a chance to have someone review this, I;ve gone over it a few times and like looks alright, so give it a chance even with the grammar mistakes.( Anyone wanna review help review these for me? )
Couples for now are still the same (KibaHina, InoSai, SasuSaku, NejiTen). If you don't like these couples please still give my story a fighting chance.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Italic/Bold - Memories or thoughts
Summary: With things finally coming to an end, Naruto made his decision and left Konoha in search of some peace and maybe to find himself. It has been months since he left and now he receives another life changing message.
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Chapter 1: Harder Than You Know.
The small frog sat in front of him, smiling. Naruto wished he hadn't come with this news, he felt as if a change was finally washing over him, taking away the regret and the deep rooted feelings of "her". It had been what felt like months since he last left his friends at the High Heaven Inn, Konoha, and everyone else he knew to find a part of himself. A hole which felt like it would never close.
"So Naruto, what are you going to do?" Gamakichi said
"I don't know." he grumbled "I knew it was a bad idea to stay in contact with them."
The frog laughed. "I can't believe you, how can you say that after all the trouble they went through to try find you? I'm honestly shocked you haven't gone back yet, but I'm glad you kept in contact. You think they told anyone?"
Naruto shook his head. "No, they finally have me on somewhat speaking terms, it seems they took me seriously when I said I would permanently stay out of contact if they tried to look for me again."
Gamakichi laughed. "Kakashi's dogs are top class. If he really wanted to find you, he would have."
"Yeah I know" Naruto sighed. "So…tell me." Naruto placed the frog on his hands and moved him closer. "What do you think I should do?"
"Go home."
"…really?"
"I'm not saying you have to stay there. You're a man now; you can make decisions like this on your own. All I'm saying is you should be in Konoha for this."
Naruto sat there quietly with the frog still in his hands. After a few minutes of thinking Naruto stood and grabbed his gear. "Ok then…show me the way Gamakichi."
Smiling, he made a fast paced run north. "You may not like this Naruto… but this is training for life and I haven't seen you run yet…and I refuse too." Gamakichi said to himself.
Before Naruto knew it the land around him was becoming very familiar, an uneasy feeling filled Naruto. Gamakichi could sense his friend's feelings, but there was nothing more he could really say. Slowing down to a steady walk, Naruto stopped near the gates. It was sunset and Naruto smiled for the first time in a while, soon it would be night and he could make his way to his house easily.
"What's with the smile?" Gamakichi asked.
"Hmm? I was just thinking about crashing in my own bed, I can't wait."
The frog laughed. "Go get some rest Naruto; we'll go see the Hokage tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be glad to see you." He disappeared into the air.
Naruto continued his slow walk into Konoha; he knew Tsunade would be informed of his presence as soon as possible, it couldn't be helped. A man with white tape across his face appeared next to him, he put his hand on Naruto shoulder.
"So you've returned Naruto? Everyone has been worried sick; Tsunade hasn't been the same since you've been gone."
"I'm sure…" Naruto smiled "Hey Kotetsu…" the man looked at him "Do me a favor. I know you have to report this to Tsunade, but try to keep this discreet, she'll want to see to as soon as possible, so please inform her I'll see her tomorrow morning. Please?"
He smiled "Yeah, I'll see what I can do."
Naruto smiled back as he ran off "I owe you one."
Naruto began to run faster trying to make it to his apartment without drawing to much attention, thankfully the sun had already set and darkness was working its way over the town. Finally reaching his front door he checked around to see if anyone followed him. Slowly he unlocked his front door expecting to see his apartment smelly and dusty, but walked into a freshly clean home. He was a little taken back by it. "Who the hell has been in my apartment?" A loud bang caught Naruto's ears, he slowly stepped toward his bedroom, sounds of foot steps and rustling of clothes could be heard. Naruto clenched his fist ready to attack. With a light kick Naruto kicked him his door and jumped in. "Whose in here!?" Naruto's eyes shot open "Ah!" Naruto yelled.
"N-Naruto!?"Sakura pulled the towel closer to her body.
Naruto turned around blushing furiously "S-Sakura! Why are you showering in my house?!"
"Get out you dummy!" she threw a shoe at his head as he quickly made his way out the door.
"Jesus!" he rubbed the back of his head. "That hurt you know" well not really, but still. "So do you want to explain all of this?"
"All of what?" she yelled from behind the door.
"Well for starters you're half naked in my bedroom and my house is spotless."
The bedroom door swung open as Sakura walked out."We've been keeping your house clean for you while you were gone. I got dirty and decided to take a shower, this wouldn't be the first time." She pulled Naruto into a hug. "I'm glad to see you again, to be honest I wasn't sure when you would return. I was happy you still stayed in touch."
"Yeah, well, if you guys wanted me you would have got me, I appreciate you guys giving me my space. I hope Tsunade and yourself are still the only two that know of our talks."
Sakura smiled "Of course." she pulled away "Come on, I'll make us some tea"
Naruto sat down at his table, he knew talks of her were coming up soon. "Oh, before I forget, congratulations."
She turned and smiled. "Thank you, that's why I'm sure it's why you came back, so I really appreciate it. I'm sure Sasuke will be too."
"Naw, you make it sound like it was a problem. You guys are getting married, no one could keep me away. I'm going to be the best man right?"
Sakura laughed as she handed Naruto his tea cup. She sat down and pushed her hair out of her face. "Obviously, Sasuke wouldn't have it any other way."
Naruto smiled "So if I'm the best man, that can only mean one thing...she's your maid of honor...isn't she."
Sakura sighed "I knew there was no way to escape this." she sipped from her teacup. Naruto could see the worry in her eyes, she was planning her words carefully.
"Look, Sakura it's ok. Just tell me already."
"Yes, Ino is my maid of honor, Hinata, Ten Ten and Temari are also in the party. Sasuke has you, Kiba and..." She took another sip.
"Oh come on." she remained silent. "It's Sai isn't it? Well...this should be interesting." Naruto ran his fingers through his hair. "It's alright...I'm fine with it." he took a few gulps from his cup.
"I'm sorry it's all my fault. One night at dinner, the night we announced our engagement, Ino made a joke about how Sai should be the best man and I had a few drinks so I tried to convince him in front of everyone. After a bit of whining he agreed to let Sai be in the party along with Ino, but he made it very clear that you were going to be his best man. "The only person I want to be my best man is Naruto, to be honest I don't care if any of you disagree." He said to them."
Naruto smiled "That's Sasuke for you."
Sakura stood up as she checked her watch. "I'm sorry to cut this short but it's getting late."
Naruto nodded "Yeah, I need some sleep in a bed for once. I'll be stopping by Tsunade's office in the morning, you going to be around?"
"I should but who knows what she has planned for me." Sakura waved as she made her way out of my apartment. Putting the cups in the sink I made my way to my bed. Yawning, he fell face first into my bed. But even in sleep thoughts of her plagued his dreams.
"I'm going away Ino, I have to find myself and I'm sure the answers I need are somewhere out there. You can hate me after for this but…I want to say goodbye my way..." he stirred in his sleep "I'm going to be Hokage one day…so don't forget about me…"...
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to be continued...
Well that's chapter 1 for you, hoped you enjoyed it. and as always please review.
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