The Path That Led To Darkness...

Self

Sorry, I've been gone for so long, but I found some inspiration and with my exams coming to an end I think I'll update more.

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Naruto now was in a secluded area practicing his Sage mode. He had been focusing his chakra for the past few hours to heighten his senses. He found this place to be quite calming and effective for this kind of training. The rushing waterfall, the trees surrounding him and the light breeze that would blow occasionally. He opened his eyes and looked around for a bit to adjust his eyesight. Letting out a heavy sigh, he stood up and walked to the edge of the lake that surrounded him. He remembered the time Captain Yamato and Kakashi trained here to develop his Rasenshuriken. 'Good times' he thought although he hardly ever saw them after that.

A few weeks had passed and he's made a moderate recovery. He's been taking it slow and doing some light training, Sakura was running some errands for Lady Tsunade and Kakashi was no where to be found. Ever since their argument, Naruto and Sakura hardly ever saw each other. It seemed like they were avoiding eachother. He really didn't care that much at the time.

Naruto wanted to focus on himself right now and to do that he had stop looking for Sasuke, he'd already come to realise that no matter what they said or did, he would never come back. Besides Sasuke left of his own will, forcing to comeback sounded really stupid to Naruto. "I should go to granny and tell her I want out, it's pointless at the point." He said. So he decided he would pull from the "Sasuke Retrieval Squad" since that is what it was called.

"I wonder what Sasuke's doing right now....Man I wish I was free from this village like he was."

He crossed the lake and made his way to the central part of the village. He walked down the streets of Konoha, he might as well stretch his legs for a bit since he's been sitting for most of the day.

It was quite busy today, busier than normal. The streets were overcrowded and really noisy. Another reason why he wanted to stay away from this part of the village.

He jumped onto a nearby stand and made his way to the rooftops. It was less crowded on the roofs so it was easier to move around. Looking down on the busy street. He spotted a few of his friends going about their day. Shikamaru, Shino, Kiba, Neji and Choji all standing at the entrance of a restaurant. "Huh...that's interesting, I've never really seen them together like that..." He said. It was rare to see all five of them together like that, would have been complete if him and Sasuke were with them....

"-Naruto! Big brother Naruto over here!"

Naruto looked to where his name was being called from. Upon seeing Konohamaru, he smiled a bit. He hadn't seen him for a long time. "Hey Konohamaru!" He shouted back. "What are you doing up here?" The younger asked as he climbed up to Naruto. "I'm just going to see- hey, is it okay to leave your friends like that? Moegi looks pissed..." Naruto said as he heard Moegi shout. "Come back here you little twerp! We have a mission to complete!" She yelled. Konohamaru laughed nervously "Ehh, she can wait." He smiled.

"Well I guess you can say I wanted to check up on you, I heard from Ebisu-sensei that you were in the hospital! I wouldn't want my mentor getting hurt bad before he can beat me!" He grinned. "Oh don't you worry about me! You should focus on your training first!" Naruto said jokingly. "Yeah, one day I'll beat you for sure! Just you wait.."

They both laughed. "Konohamaru!! Comeback here!" They heard Moegi shout. "You should probably head back now." Naruto said. "Yeah, I probably should... Well it was nice seeing you Naruto!" He said before he went back down to his teammates.

"Yeah...you too..."

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Having finally arrived at the Hokages office after talking to Konohamaru, Naruto knocked and was greeted by Shizune. "Oh, Naruto come in." Naruto greeted the lady made his way in. "Miss Shizune, Granny, I wanted to speak to you about something." Shizune closed the door and took her place next to the Hokage. "Oh? Well then, let's hear it.." Tsunade said as she walked back to her desk holding a file. Naruto nodded, "Thank you.

"I want to pull out from the Sasuke Retrieval Squad."

Shizune looked confused and Tsunade just stared at the teen in front of her. "But Why? You're so close to finding Sasuke and bringing him back!" Shizune protested. Tsunade continued to stare at Naruto, looking for the slightest bit of emotion. 'He's not joking, he's serious' she thought. She let out a heavy sigh and leaned into her chair. "Alright, if that's what you want." Tsunade said. "Shizune, tell Shikamaru Naruto will no longer be a part of the search for Sasuke Uchiha, find someone to take his place instead." She ordered. "But....I'll let him know immediately M'Lady..."

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