Things Change [Naruto AU]

13

Kankuro smiled as he went over his new masterpiece. The puppet made from of Sasori of the Red Sand. He smiled as he went through another practice with the puppet. There were many hidden weapons inside of him and Kankuro had taken his time making sure he was perfect. Once practice was done he sealed him away and decided to sit with the other Akatsuki members.

In the living room sat Sakura and Sasuke, both were reading. Sakura was reading a book on medical ninjutsu and Sasuke was going over another scroll on the Sharingan. It wasn't long until Naruto entered with an exhausted Temari, they were sparing again no doubt. Gaara came in as well and sat down. Since the fight between the Kazekage and himself he was quieter and often chose to be alone to think.

"How's your new puppet, Kankuro?" Naruto asked.

"Great, I have a few more things to add to it before it's absolutely perfect though." He smirked as he thought of his new puppet. He couldn't wait to use it in a battle.

"How long until I get a chance at it?" Temari asked eagerly, Kankuro only shrugged. Ever since they joined Temari started to fight and spar against the others, most of which ended in failure but it didn't phase her at all. She almost seemed proud of the losses and with each fight she improved.

"Don't forget to give me the ingredients that your going to use for the poison." Sakura reminded him. Kankuro nodded as a reply. Sakura looked up and smiled then went back to her book. It was silent for a few moments until Sasuke spoke up.

"Naruto, when will we recruit others?" Sasuke asked.

"Soon. Instead of going after Team 10, we'll try for both Teams 8 & 3." Naruto said. Sasuke raised an eyebrow and looked back at the leader of the Akatsuki.

"How will we do that?" Sasuke asked, the others heard too because they all started at their leader for an explanation.

"In greater detail we will recruit both Hyuugas from each team. Next we just hope that the others will follow suit and leave as well." Naruto explained. They nodded and agreed.

"Sounds easy enough, considering that Hinata had a crush on you before you left. She may still have those feelings." Sakura noted.

"Haha, maybe..." Naruto chucked and smirked. He remembered the shy girl who rarely spoke in class. Looking back he noticed that she would always smile when she saw him or blush deeply. She'd also try to follow him but her family forbad it. Naruto wondered if she would still follow him today or if she'd stand tall as a Leaf Shinobi.

A few days later Naruto had decided to go by himself to meet with Hinata. He observed her train before approaching her. She was training with her cousin Neji. Both had grown considerably since he had left, they must've been around the age of 15 by now. Naruto couldn't help but enjoy Hinata's new look. She had grown her hair out so that it now reached the the middle of her back. Her outfit had matured along with the development of her specialized jutsu. Neji had changed his look some too, the outfit he now chose was a loose white shirt and black covers over loose white pants.

When their training was done Neji congratulated Hinata on her progress and pointed out some of her flaws and ways to improve. He then left Hinata alone. She stretched and let out a sigh, she was exhausted and tired and was considering going to the hot springs with Ino and TenTen later. She started to walk away too when Naruto jumped on the training grounds in her sight.

She jumped back and widened her eyes. "N-N-Naruto?" She stuttered. Her breath was now shaky and she tried to keep her eyes on the rogue ninja in front of her. He had definitely grown taller and slimmer. His hair was still a vibrant yellow and shaggy along with his sky blue eyes. As much as she was taught to get into a fighting position or to tell someone, she just couldn't do it.

"Hinata. It's been a while hasn't it?" Naruto said. Hinata nodded her head nervously. "We last saw each other at the Academy, didn't we?"

"Y-yeah... Naruto, were... were you behind the attack at the chunin exams?" She asked quietly. Her voice was soft and shaky. She wasn't scared but merely nervous, that much he could tell.

"No. It was Sunagakure and their Fourth Kazekage. I simply came to help Gaara and his siblings." Hinata knew who the Sand Siblings were. She had seen them at the exams and instantly got confused as of why Suna would form an attack on Konoha.

"B-but why. A-and d-d-didn't you... kill... him?" She said getting a bit more shaky. Her hands were now pressed together and she tried to contain herself.

"The Fourth Kazekage was just planning to kill his son along with the Third Hokage. Gaara should not have to die that way. I did not kill the Fourth Kazekage, that was Gaara." Naruto stated with a dull tone. Hinata nodded her head slowly. It made sense that the Fourth Kazekage had wanted to kill him, before the boy had become a rogue ninja he had the nickname the Sand Demon, and now he took the name with pride.

"Hinata, I came and told you this because..." He started and Hinata looked at him again, giving him all her attention, "Because I want you to help me with my mission. To stand beside me while we cleanse this world and learn the truth we need." After that Hinata could only stare at the blonde before responding.

««« End of Chapter 13 »»»