Ace

More Pieces

Ever since Naruto had spent that afternoon with him, Sasuke had been doing a lot thinking. While working on trying to walk up a tree, he couldn't deny that Naruto had valid points. The shock, anger, hatred had been clouding his judgement. It made him become something he hardly even recognized as himself. As such he vowed to no longer keep himself so isolated and closed off. Sakura was still someone he found annoying regardless though. Choji was alright, even if he was weak. Kakashi was a little amusing even if his tardiness was so infuriating. Perhaps it was a practical lesson in trying not to always be so serious. Maybe that was reading too far into something though. So a week after that time with Naruto, Sasuke began to try working better with his team. Being as nice as his patience allowed...being nice to Choji was easy. That guy was just a big plush teddy bear and was easy to get along with. Sakura was the issue. That would take a lot of time...probably never actually be her friend if she didn't change. It wouldn't be so annoying if she hadn't been so pitiful as a ninja. Kakashi had been very pleased with the shift in Sasuke. This was good progress, and it was also good for the Uchiha personally.

"That sounds wrong, don't you think? And I'm not just trying to be lazy." Shikamaru said sighing.

"Look, we have been getting nowhere in figuring him out. Maybe following him home will provide answers."

The Nara eyed Ino. "We figured out his personality. It was fake. Puzzle solved." Shikamaru said laying in the shade while Naruto sparred against Asuma.

"You know that it isn't. I know very well how much you're looking into him. We both want to know the why." Ino said crossing her arms beneath her developing breasts. Something actually possible seeing as only her and Hinata had a pair unlike the rest of the class. Funny how chakra, and one's training with it affected them.

Sighing, Shikamaru closed his eyes. "I don't think we would like what we find."

"And? As his friends, shouldn't we try to make whatever it is better?" Ino said making the Nara frown.

"Yes, we should. Though I doubt he considers us friends yet, and invading his privacy by following him home might dash that prospect."

"We'd tell the truth. Just wanting to help." She said as though that was the simplest thing in the world. The only answer there was that existed.

"Troublesome...fine." Looking to Ino he still frowned. "Even if we see where, we wouldn't know what it's really like."

"Then how do we get invited in?"

Shikamaru shrugged on the ground. Rolling to his side. "I'm gonna take a page out of his book. One thing at a time, all we are going to focus on is not getting caught while following him."

Asuma smiled as he stood straight up, the sign that marked the end to the spar. "You're getting better, Naruto. You've yet to be able to strike out and land, but you've stopped me from landing clean hits. Only because I'm much stronger than you, do I still cause damage. Perhaps soon, I shall start going at you faster."

Naruto nodded, bowing to Asuma. "I appreciate your praise." Looking at the man he began stretching. Smirking as he did so. "Say, you got any knowledge to Kakashi's favorite targets when looking to hit?"

Asuma stroked his beard. "Not really. You'd have to ask him. I just know it really sucks to be hit by him. It's not just normal taijutsu."

Naruto quirked a brow. "What do you mean?"

"It's like being hit twice by him. There's something extra there and it really sucks. Trust me...you don't ever want to let him land clean hits if you can help it."

"So your reaction to being hit by his combo that day wasn't normal."

"Exactly. See, you kind of got my style pretty correct. At least when using basic Taijutsu. Things change once I use my trench knives. However, in taijutsu I've gotta be able to take a hit don't you think?" Seeing Naruto nod, he began smoking. "Well, his hits are something else entirely. The only one I'll say that sucks to be hit by as well is Guy but if I had to choose, I'm taking Guy's hits over Kakashi's any day."