Howl of Konoha Book II

You Haven't Changed

Recap:

"You're a member of Akatsuki, aren't you! Who are you?!" I question.

I watched cautiously as they placed a hand over their chest where their heart is located.

"I'm hurt you don't even remember the face of your old team mate, Naruto." Their voice was different but still so familiar.

I inspected them a little more thoroughly and only then did I notice the grey dog ears and a matching tail. There was only one person on this earth that it could possibly be.

They smirked as they watch realization register on my face, only then did I know it was true.

'No way....'

------------------------------------------

- Natsuki's POV -

"... Natsuki," I heard him utter my name too quiet for the rest of them to hear but loud enough for me to pick up.

"Ding ding ding, we have a winner!" I praised in sarcastic joy. "What was it that tipped you off? It was the ears, wasn't it?"

The confusion lifted from him like a fog and at first glace he looked almost angry as he stared up at me in the foliage.

"Natsuki! Why did you leave Konoha?!" Naruto cried out.

I rolled my eyes at the blonde, "Really? You finally find me after three years and the first thing you ask me is why I left? Couldn't you of just asked me how I am?"

Naruto obviously didn't care for my jokes as his blonde eyebrows gathered in the middle. He was about to snap something else out when he was stopped by Sakura. Naruto gave her a surprised look before looking back up at me. Sakura took that as his submission and stepped forward.

She put on a gentle smile like she was about to coddle a small and helpless animal. That look quickly began to irritate me and I felt my claws throb with a need to rip into her.

"Natsuki, you have no idea how much we've all missed you. How have you been?"

"Don't act like you're actually glad to see me, Pinky!" I snapped, eyes blazing.

Sakura physically jumped at my tone.

I continue, "We were never friends so I see no need for the fake kindness. Actually, now that I think about it, we hated each other and the only time we ever did talk was when you were too jealous of me and Sasuke that you would spend every waking hour of the day trying to make me feel like shit. That reminds me, have you found him yet? Sasuke I mean? I was sure you of all people would be out looking for him like the love sick bitch you are. "

I watched as every jab at her hit close to home. She began to shrink back under my heated glare. I showed no restraint as I continued to verbally assault her - that is until Naruto cut in.

"Oi Natsuki, that's taking it a little far!"

I grinned seeing that Sakura was trying her best to hold back tears. Naruto was by her side rubbing her back.

"Did you finally confess your feelings for her then, Naruto?" I laughed.

Naruto fought back a blush and chose to send me a harsh glare.

"That's enough, Natsuki. You're being mean."

"Aw, I'm sorry. Have I hurt your feelings?" I feigned guilt. I couldn't give two shits if they were hurt. Their fault, not mine.

My eyes zeroed in on the two new members of the team, both of which I didn't recognize. One was a pale skinned boy with straight dark hair and dark expressionless eyes. The other was a man with a scary looking face.