Behind The Veil

Chapter Nine

"What?", Tsunade explaimed. Everyone stood in silent shock. Kakashi slowly lowered his gaze to the ground. Sakura gaped at him, her body fuming with anger.

"That'll catch flies, cherry blossom.", Kurama giggled through Naruto's head.

Naruto struggled agaisnt a laugh as he looked at everyone's reaction. If they could hear his demon they would be struggling not to laugh either. He coughed to clear his throat as Tsunade stared at gim, tears in her eyes.

"N-Naruto," Her stutter made him him think of Hinata. His heart ached for her, for he somehow knew it would be him leaving his home today.

"I know what it is I am asking. Which will it be, Baa-chan." He kept his face stoic. She was now crying, he didn't want to make her cry but this was what had to be done.

"I can't," Her eyes darted around, struggling for words, "Sakura is my student Naruto. Sasuke just came back to the Leaf. What about Hinata? I can't let anyone leave! Especially you."

Naruto felt his whole being drop, "Because i'm the jinjuriki."

The hokage pushed her lips into a firm line and gave a stuff nod.

He gave her a smirk, "Of course I am. And I care about Hinata, more than I care about myself. She better survive this." He spat out, of course all she cared about was the fact that he was housing her greatest weapon.

She stared at him, he never got angry like this and she knew that it was because of what she just said. It was her fault he was upset now. She loved this boy as if he was family. He rescued her from her dark life, filling it up with brightness. He was her sunshine, and she needed him. She neared him, set in attempts to yank him into a hug.

She was shocked at how much he grew. He isn't just a squirmy little kid now, he was a fulfledged man. Well just about. He was lanky, his body was racked with muscle. His shoulders were broad. She barely got contact before he pulled away from her, "Don't. You made your choice." He stared at her with ocean eyes, his blonde hair hanging heavily over his headband.

He slowly reached up and untied it, tossing it to Tsunade, he had to do this, "Keep her alive." He nodded his head before offering Sasuke a hand. The traitor cocked an eyebrow before giving it a firm shake. "I'll come for you one day." His shoulder sagged as the words escaped, he hated touching this sick bastard.

He turned to Sakura, her eyes wide. He didn't touch her, couldn't. He bit his cheek as he nodded. A smile graced his lips as he walked by her, patting Gaara in the same calming gesture, returning the favor. Naruto is leaving? Sakura stared at him as her heart lurched. What was the sadness? He was just a monster.

Naruto slightly bowed his head to the three Junin before disapearing in a swirl of smoke, leaving Kakashi to wonder just how far along his training is. They hadn't made it to the body flickering lesson.