The Changed Tales Of A Gutsy Ninja (On Hiatus)

Chapter 11

Third Person POV ~

The next morning wasn't so different from usual for Naruto. He woke up, did his morning routine and exercise, some studying, meditation and packed what little was left to pack and as it was almost 08:00, he dashed off to the main gate.

Naruto was the first to arrive, he chatted a little with the gate Chunins effectively brightening their day with his contagious smile. Then arrived Yamato, shortly followed by Sai and then came Sakura. One was quizzically observing Naruto with a blank face; Sai while the other two were in a shocked/surprised stupor by his appearance and demeanour. The three of them observed how visibly different and relaxed Naruto looked and how nicely he was conversing with the Chunin. They also noted how the Chunin were not treating the situation or his change in appearance or behavior as a shock, it looked like they were used to seeing Naruto like this.

And finally after 15 minutes past the meeting time, Kakashi arrived in a normal leaf shunshin.

Briefing their positions and planning their traveling and resting time, Team Kakashi plus Naruto leapt off.

Naruto waved to the gate Chunins, Izumo and Kotetsu bye with a cute smile. Team Kakashi noticed how they sighed dreamily and waved back.

Sai tried to pull a confused face but ended up looking constipated. Yamato was awkwardly observing, Sakura was surprised and Kakashi blinked amused, smiling under his mask. His sensei's son was attractive alright.

Surprisingly Sakura was just observing Naruto and hadn't punched or screeched her questions out of him.
Yet.

The travel would take 4 days with resting time included.

Traveling was going smoothly, dusk broke and the time for first break came.

Kakashi signalled his team to halt and start a camp. He distributed duties, "Sakura prepare dinner, Sai and Tenzou set the tents, I'll collect firewood make fire and Naruto go scout the area and set traps."

They all nodded ready to leave the area and fulfill their assigned duties.

That is when Sakura finally lost control.

"Chottomatte Naruto! What is wrong with you? Why are acting so different? Are you trying to be like.. like..." she trailed off, clearly confused about Naruto, his intentions and her feelings.

Naruto blinked, not understanding where this came from and why would she accuse him of such actions, he understood what or more specifically who she was indicating to but he was sure he wasn't acting anything like the emotionless Uchiha.

Clearly confused why would she think so, he smartly replied with a "Huh?"

Sakura was about to snap again, Sai interrupted, "You look different, act different from when we were on a mission together last time. Are you courting someone, dickless?"

All eyes were on Naruto, he blinked, once, twice and spluttered, "Ehhh!? What gave you an idea like that? And would stop calling me that!"

Sakura snorted, "Like he said baka, you act different, work different and you are dressing different. Are you really?" she didn't show but was internally hoping Naruto was doing all of this to impress her.

Naruto shook his head, "Whatever gave you the idea I'm different. I'm not courting anyone. And Sai why would you think, 'me dressing and behaving different' as you both are referring would mean I'm courting?"

Sai spoke giving his fake and skin crawl worthy smile with a much matching tone which made Naruto shiver, "I read it in a book. People tend to change their behavior, attitude and clothing style to impress someone they are trying to court."