Becoming

Part 4

            Sasuke's was a hard voice to forget. Naruto had had a certain amount of hatred towards the guy since leaving Konoha years ago, and nothing had changed that. Naruto would have been happy never seeing the guy again for as long as he lived, but here he was, standing in front of him. The guy had a mask, but Naruto could still hear the arrogance in his voice and picture the smirk on his face. Of course the guy was an ANBU. Just great.
Why were ANBU even guarding the doors? Normally that was a normal jounin's job. Maybe things were more serious in Konoha than he originally thought.
But Naruto was still stuck with what to say. He didn't want to say his name, and have the jerk remember him, and he certainly didn't want to give the raven the satisfaction of telling him what he was doing, and why he needed to talk to Tsunade. Oh, he really wished Neji and Hinata were there. Maybe he could quickly go back, get them, and have them help him get through without giving a name.
Naruto groaned. He was getting nowhere with this. "I'm here to report to her." As soon as the words left his mouth Naruto wanted to snatch them back. That answer would lead to questions, ones he didn't want to answer, and if he didn't answer, he had no doubt he would be labeled a threat. Naruto snorted. Who was he kidding? He'd be labeled a threat even if he did answer the questions.
"Exactly, so let him in quickly," someone said, startling Naruto from his thoughts. He turned to find Neji and Hinata there, and had an insane urge to hug them. At the moment, they were his favorite people if they could get him away from Sasuke.
"Can't if he doesn't give a name," the other ANBU said, and Naruto recognized Kiba's voice. Two people he knew and would rather not talk to. Oh, it was just getting better.
"The Hokage asked us personally to escort him to her office. We plan on doing our job. She wouldn't allow someone she didn't trust to be escorted here," Neji reasoned, while looking at them with an 'I dare you to argue with me' look.
"Fine," Kiba said eventually. "But only 'cause you're Neji." Sasuke didn't say anything, nor did he move. He seemed to be studying them, and Naruto felt like a million eyes were trained on him. He was growing decidedly mad at Tsunade for leaving him behind.
"Sasuke, Kiba," a female voice said, and Naruto almost smiled when Tsunade and Jiraiya appeared. Perfect timing. Like, way too perfect timing. "This man, and Jiraiya are to be treated with respect, and you will allow them in and out without questions, is that understood? I know you are suspicious of newcomers, but no one could imitate these two to save their lives."
"Excuse me?" Naruto asked defensively. Was she implying that he was an idiot? Or that he was just too complicated to copy? Either way, he didn't like it.
"I'd find you out right away if you were fake," Tsunade said with a chuckle. She began walking, but Sasuke still looked on guard.
"I'm me Sasuke. I told you I was leaving to fetch something and maybe set Konohamaru on the right track. I've fetched the thing I wanted to; him, and Jiraiya, and talked to Konohamaru for a little bit, and I'm done now, so I'll be going back inside."
Sasuke finally stepped back, but didn't look like he was sure about Tsunade at all. He'd always been too serious, so it didn't surprise Naruto. If the man had let his guard down, Naruto would have attacked. Sasuke didn't relax when he had a job to do. Ever.
"Come on, Naruto. Thank you, Hinata and Neji, for escorting him for me," Tsunade said, and began dragging the blond inside.
"You okay, kid?" Jiraiya whispered once they were in Tsunade's office. Naruto nodded slightly, and stared straight at Tsunade.
"So, I wasn't able to ask Jiraiya before, but what are you two doing here?" She got right to the point, making Naruto smile slightly. It slipped off his face a minute later.
"We can't say what's wrong just yet," Naruto began with a glance at Jiraiya, "but we need permission to look around Konoha freely."
Tsunade stared at them for a long moment before nodding. "Only because it's the two of you, and I trust you. I know you wouldn't come back without a serious reason."
Naruto hugged Tsunade, something he hadn't done for years. Her eyes widened for a moment, but then she shared a knowing smile with Jiraiya.
"I'll work on your request for permission, but for now, you need somewhere to sleep." Tsunade looked out her window and smiled evilly. "I believe the Hyuga's could let you two stay for a while."
Naruto shook his head. "No way! We'll stay at a hotel."
Tsunade smirked. "No, that'd be expensive. I'm sure the Hyuga's would love to have you. So, Naruto, I hope you enjoy your stay in Konoha."