When Death Tries To Greet You

5.

Naruto was stressed. If she had known this was what happened in the original timeline, she wouldn't have even let them come on this mission. Hell, she only came because Obito was here, and Obito was her top priority. The poor boy almost lost his life today because of the rocks. She now knew why he had the scarring on this face. She had to admit that she kind of liked the scars, she was going to miss them.

They looked almost intricately drawn on. Naruto thought that his scars looked like artwork. Not that she disliked Obito's face now. His face was nice, it suited him well. No, besides his face anyway, Naruto was tired beyond means. Her sage mode left little chakra in her coils, and because her body has regressed so much, it had twice the effect.

There still was no word from Kurama, and Naruto was trying her best not to freak out. Kurama, who has been there for seventeen years of her life, is suddenly gone without word of when he's coming back. It was a lot to take in, and she missed chatting with the fox. Even though his attitude was terrible, she could tell that he cared deeply for her. As did she.

Then there was another problem. They were still in the fallen cave, and Minato, Rin, and Kakashi hadn't come back. It had to have been at least nine hours now. She was starting to think, no that had to be what happened. They thought she and Obito were dead, presumably crushed under the rocks. She couldn't find herself mad at the lack of effort to look for them both, because this would have been a one and done situation had she not been who she is.

Obito was laying on her lap, dirtied and looking restless even though he was sleeping. She felt for the boy, he'd been through so much in his short life span. She would have to prevent the coup d'état for him. No, not just for him but for all the Uchiha. Naruto allowed herself a little peace, and agreed with the thought that it was mostly for him.

She wiped the dirt off Obito's cheek, before pinching it roughly trying to wake him. They had to wake up, the journey was long and they had no food supplies. Obito's eyes snapped open and he blinked at her a few times, before sitting up so fast he headbutted her. Naruto got serious flashbacks to Hinata, and held her forehead tightly.

"Well," She started, glaring daggers at the black haired boy, "if you're done head butting people, I would suggest we get a move on. It's a long way from Konoha." Obito looked away, before looking back and nodding at her. Naruto's gaze softened, and she rubbed his hair softly. "Are you okay Obi? I know what you went through was scary, but it's okay. You're alive man, believe it!" She grinned at him widely, and he returned it.

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Naruto snickered, and Obito angrily glared at the fast moving trees. The tables were turned, and Obito was now on Naruto's back. He was larger than her, sure, but she could go twice as fast as him, which would get them there quickly. Plus, Naruto knew the boy was tired even if he didn't admit it. She had the same exact problem.

Obito shifted on her back, and Naruto turned her head to look at him. He forced her head forward, muttering something. Naruto stopped jumping on the trees, confused. Obito got off her back and looked away.

"What, what is it Obi?" Obito sputtered, "You turned your head suddenly and.. and." Naruto was losing her patience and they were losing daylight. "Obito stop being a bitch and get on my back. We're losing time. What's got you so worked up?"

"You turned your head suddenly and we almost.." Naruto seemed to get what he said, because she turned red too. She pushed his shoulder hard. "Man, what are you a perv?" Obito looked scandalized, "No I'm-" Naruto shook her head and smiled brightly.

"Since you're fine now, you can run on your own." Obito began to protest but she was already off. He smacked his lips and glared at the trees once more before setting off after her.
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   When they entered Konoha's gates, Naruto noted that the village seemed a little gray. That's what she admired about Konoha, whenever there was loss the village seemed to mourn even if it's people weren't.

   But there was no time for mourning today. Naruto grabbed Obito's arm and led him to the hokage's tower.

   Looking around the village, she realized that barely anyone was outside. This was strange since it was still early.

"Naruto.. you don't think-"

    Naruto knew what he was asking, and this was unfortunate. It seemed the village was already mourning the loss of them.. or just Obito. Naruto had never shown up late to her own funeral before, but she was always one to try new things.

   "Obito, let's go to our funeral."

    Obito shook his head smiling slightly, and followed her to the burial grounds. He was awfully relieved to know that the village indeed hadn't forgotten about them. That they weren't abandoned, and that their "deaths" were being mourned.

   When they reached the funerals location, Naruto noticed hundreds of ninja. Oh boy, this was going to be a mess. She grabbed Obito by his elbow, and led him inside the gates. She grinned widely and shouted,

  "Hey! We're not dead!"

   All eyes turned to the two, and Minato looked outraged. He spat angrily, "That's not funny, you'll be arrested if you continue this joke."

   Obito scratched his neck and the pair walked closer. "Minato-sensei, it's us really. Naruto saved us from being crushed in the cave."

   Minato paused, and closed his eyes as he searched their chakra signature. Opening his eyes, he ran toward the pair hugging them both tightly. To say Naruto was surprised was an understatement.

   Obito awkwardly rubbed his back, and Naruto grinned brightly. Minato released them, and turned to Naruto.

"Thank you so much, I owe you my life. Thank you really."

  Now it was Naruto's turn to awkwardly scratch the nape of her neck, rocking on the heels of her feet.

   "No problem, really. I would die before I let Obi die." Obito grabbed her arm harshly, scolding her for saying that. And Minato looked at them with gentle eyes.

   Eventually, Rin and Kakashi came over. Rin sobbed, and Kakashi nodded his head at them both.

   The Sandaime hokage cleared his throat, and announced the funeral as canceled.

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   Obito found himself walking around the village. It was getting late, and todays events were crazy.

   Honestly, he needed to clear his head. This was a lot to think over, and he forgot about Naruto's strange behavior. She says odd things as if she's years older than him. Then that unknown power he saw, the golden chakra. He wanted to ask his sensei about it, but it was Naruto's business to discuss not his. He just hoped she would consult with him about it.

    They were close right? I mean, they survived death together, so he hoped they were. Naruto was interesting, like nothing he'd ever encountered before.

   To him, she was close to Minato's level. Speaking of Minato, didn't the two look alike? Minato's blond hair was a little less yellow, but their eyes were the same shade.

  Obito stopped walking, and his eyes widened. Naruto and Minato, there were some strange similarities with them. She appeared out the sky, and she seems wise beyond her years. He shook his head, and continued walking. He would need more evidence, this wasn't enough to confront her about.
   
   He looked up, and saw Rin walking on the opposite side of the road with a bag of fruits. He greeted her happily,

"Rin-chan! Hey, I didn't get the chance to talk with you after-" He shook his head, remembering her tears because of the funeral. He wouldn't bring it up again.

   "Obito, you need to be careful of that blonde girl." Obito's eyes widened and he stepped back.

"Why, Rin? What's wrong with her?"

   It was Rin's turn to shake her head. "She's just not.. just be careful, Obito. I've heard rumors that she's dangerous. Stay on guard."

   Obito raised his eyebrows at that, "But she saved me, what do you mean, Rin?" Rin's eyebrows furrowed and she closed her eyes to stop her brimming tears. "I just don't want to lose you, for real this time."

  Obito hugged her tightly, and she cried into his shoulder. He looked up from Rin, and spotted Naruto with her lips thinned, before she turned and walked away.