Recall, Reshape, Repeat
On this day—the day of Juri's birthday—she presents a sequel. This is for those of you who sympathized with Naruto, wanted a continuation, or happened to stumble upon a mediocre fic. Read The Folly of Flaunting only if you want to know exactly what happened before this.
And we shall mark this date: 06/09/14
Enjoy!
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In the first year, he had hated Sasuke.
After hopeful searches ended in despair—after the blame stopped being thrown—after anger turned into self-loathing, Naruto realized this wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Sasuke.
His life wouldn't have crumbled if it wasn't for Sasuke.
The rogue could have had any girl he wanted, but he took the one person Naruto had cared for the most—the one person who had always loved him. Naruto was convinced Sasuke didn't really even have feelings for Hinata. Looking back on their past, Naruto was convinced Sasuke's dislike for him was far deeper and much more sinister than he had thought.
Taking Hinata from him proved it.
In that year, Naruto waited.
He waited for Sasuke's cold nature to turn her away.
He waited for Hinata to come to her senses.
He waited for Hinata to come back to him.
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In the second year, he wanted them both home.
Tsunade stopped issuing searches, but Kiba, Shino, and the Hyuuga clan continued to follow every lead and consider every course of action. Naruto also took part in these searches because he couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't stand not knowing where they were. He couldn't stand not knowing whether or not they were okay. He couldn't stand the thought of them being dead somewhere with no one able to recover their bodies. No longer was he mad at Sasuke because he could handle that situation once the two were recovered.
In that year, Naruto searched.
He searched for his best friend and he searched for the girl he loved.
He searched for any signs that proved they were still alive.
He searched for whatever reason there was to just keep going.
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In the third year, he had hated Hinata.
It dawned on him one morning after a night of dreamless slumber: She wasn't coming back.
Without a proper explanation, she left and didn't intend to return. She ran off with someone he considered his best friend.
Had he not proven himself to be a good boyfriend? Had he not focused his attention on her? Had he not made up for the years where he had no idea how she felt? And where did it all get him? It got him pitied stares around the village. It got him people who were constantly trying to heal a pain they unintentionally made worse. It got him hating the one person he thought he would always love.
Kiba, Shino, and Neji still searched—only because that's all they could do to prove to themselves their efforts were not completely wasted—but Naruto no longer took part.
In that year, Naruto thought.
He thought about all the times he and Hinata spent together, and he hated each and every one of them.
If he never saw her again, he would have been content.
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In the fourth year, Naruto became numb.
No one spoke of the two who had disappeared anymore.
Searches had stopped all together.
There was only talk of Naruto's impending Hokage nomination in the next few years.
But Naruto hardly noticed.
He started taking on more missions; he was assigned positions some would have thought were not suited for him. Everyone saw a major improvement in not only his physical skills, but his mental and emotional ones as well. He no longer acted impulsively, and he was able to calculate a proper course of action almost as intricately as the other geniuses of the village.
But it was all calculated defensiveness.
He only worked hard because there was nothing else he trusted himself with doing. He spent time with his friends, but he didn't try to further their bonds. He worked until he was far beyond his limits, but he didn't care for the benefits. He did what he had to just so he wouldn't think too hard about any one thing.
In that year, Naruto gave up.
He gave up on pursuing his dreams.
He gave up on hoping for the best.
He gave up on everything, so he couldn't be hurt by anything.
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In the fifth year, Naruto stopped lying to himself.
He was told he was the sole candidate for Hokage in the next year or two. At the time, the news hadn't meant much to him, but when he arrived home later that evening, he sat on his bed and let it sink in. There was a moment when he still felt nothing, but then...
"If you're up for it, kid, you'll be sitting behind this desk as soon as everything is documented."
Naruto Uzumaki: Hokage.
The blue-eyed ninja slowly came to life, his eyes widening, his heart pounding, his body trembling. He grinned, every part of him itching to jump around and do something, but he fell back on his bed, laughing manically for a few minutes until he settled into a content smirk.
He had finally done it.
But then...he couldn't stop thinking of her—of what she would have said or done. He wondered if she would hear the news wherever she was. He wondered if she would feel anything if she did manage to hear it.
He wondered...if she thought about him at all.
It was then that the tears swelled, his eyes stung, and he let it all out.
0-0-0-0-0
"Furthermore, you'll be expected to read over treaties, and beware of double entendre. Quite a few nations have butted heads over clever wording."
"Uh-huh."
"And in these cases, you must also be prepared to calmly, yet, swiftly resolve the matter by offering a more appropriate alternative. Even then, treaties will be negotiated, so don't expect it all to be settled in one session."
"Uh-huh."
"And be conscious of how many times you are called outside of Konoha; too many may hint at possible dangers aimed at either you or the village. It is important that you limit yourself to at least five a year when you first start: Four meetings with the remaining great nations, and one for one other well-ranked nation."
"Yeah. Uh-huh. Got it."
"Naruto."
"Uh-huh."
"...Naruto."
"Yeah. Got it."
Tsunade smiled irritably, a vein throbbing in her forehead, as she stared at the distant-eyed blond seated in front of her. "You will also be required to wear a dress while reciting the village laws of whichever country's leader you decide to meet with within five minutes of the first forty-eight hours of said meeting."
"Uh-huh."
Her fist clenched, snapping her pencil in half. "NARUTO!"
The Uzumaki yelled, jerking backwards in his seat. "What?! What's going on?!" He looked around the room, eyes and mind vigilant for the first time since being here.
"Listen, runt, if I'm going to let you take my place, then you're going to put forth the effort in earning the title."
"Oh," he sighed, slouching in his chair. "I got it, I got it. If Gaara can do it, how hard can it be?"
"Is this the attitude you're going to have? Look, Suna isn't as heavily targeted as us, not only because of its severely limited resources, but because of its leader. Gaara isn't the type of man people want to cross, but a new Hokage in a village that reaps many benefits would draw all kinds of threats."
"And just like in the war, I'll take care of them."
"A war is exactly the kind of thing we don't want." She sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Maybe a year is too soon for you. Maybe two years is still too soon."
Naruto waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine, it's fine. This information is just being drilled into me so often that it all mushes together after a while."
"You'll be in charge of everyone and everything inside the village. Skimming through the details is not something we can afford."
"I know, I got it." He sighed, standing. "Can we call it a day? I've been here since dawn."
Tsunade frowned, discreetly noticing the growing shadows surrounding her office. "Fine." The woman flicked her hand. "That'll be all for today. We'll pick this up in a few days, so read over the scrolls I've given you."
"Got it."
"And start thinking of who you'll want to be your advisor. The elders already have one on standby, but it'd be best if you had someone you already trust."
"I got it, I got it." He waved vaguely as he left. "See you soon, Grandma."
Tsunade twitched as the door closed. Even in his twenties, he didn't stop with the nicknames. "Ah, well," she sighed, reaching in her desk for her bottle of saké.
"Hard to believe it's almost that time."
The woman looked over, remembering Shizune was still in the room. "Yeah, I guess. He seems to have lost that ambition that was so admirable, though."
"He still might be grieving. Besides, at least he's willing."
"I suppose." Tsunade pulled out the bottle, eyeing it with an empathetic heart. "Maybe he needs more distractions."
Naruto walked the streets with his hands thrust in his pockets. He never got as tired as when he was forced to listen to a lot of tedious information. By now, they should know he was more of a hands on learner, so he couldn't really get the feel for things until he actually had a chance to feel it.
He yawned, making his way to his apartment. "Looks like another early night to bed."
He continued his journey when he started to approach Ichiraku. He contemplated the temptation for a moment before giving in.
"Hey!" Teuchi greeted. "If it isn't my number one customer!"
Naruto gave a tired smile. "Sup." He looked at the two occupants present, his eyes averting unconsciously. "Hey, guys."
"Naruto," Shino greeted, giving him a fleeting glance.
"Hey," Kiba said simply, glancing at him as well.
Naruto took a seat, and a thick silence settled. When he was served, the three sat in a solidifying silence, making sure to not look away from their meals.
"So..." Kiba said after a while, "heard about the whole Hokage thing."
"Ah... Yeah. Dream come true, right?"
"Congratulations," Kiba mumbled. "...Proud of you, man."
Naruto peeked at him, wondering if he was being sincere. He looked at Shino, who was avoiding his gaze just as much as Kiba. "How... It's been awhile."
Both dark-haired men looked at him.
Naruto gave a small smile. "So, how've ya been?"
o0o0o
Kiba and Shino waved as they departed from Naruto.
"He seems well," Shino commented.
Kiba sighed, pocketing his hands. "He has reason."
Shino looked at his friend's stern gaze. "Do you still blame him?"
"Nah..." He paused, shrugging after a moment. "Not anymore. It's just like looking in a mirror sometimes."
"Time," Shino assured.
"Yeah... Time."
Naruto returned home and promptly took a shower, only to collapse on his bed directly afterwards. He sighed, staring out his window.
"Whaddya think, Naruto?" he mumbled to himself, extending one hand towards the moon. "You're a big-shot now. You're gonna be Hokage now. Everyone respects you now. You're-"
"–you're–"
"-amazing."
"-amazing."
He became quiet, his hand slowly clenching the moon's image. Groaning, he rolled onto his side.
It must be time for bed.
Later That Night
Kiba's dazed eyes opened, his gaze already set outside his open window. He sniffed the air, every other of his senses still trapped in his unconscious state.
"Hey," he mumbled, his mind already drifting back into his deep slumber. "Where've...ya..."
The insects in Shino's body buzzed erratically. Exhausted, he lied in bed, waiting for his body to shutdown, but then the thousands of tiny occupants suddenly...simmered.
The young man opened his heavy lids, attentive to the change, and lowered them once more. The constant noise had been almost too much for him to bear, but now he was so relaxed—so at peace—that he could finally succumb to his unconsciousness. He hadn't been this at ease since...
Nck. Nck.
"Mm...mm..."
Nck. Nck.
"Mrgh...ngh..."
NCK.
"Mmma... Ah." Naruto opened his eyes, blinking slowly in the dark, and pulled himself up, rubbing his head in the process. He looked out the window with dead eyes. He had dreamt of knocking, and now he was so attached to the false notion that he couldn't rationalize it wasn't real. "Mysterious ramen," he muttered, turning towards the door, "doesn't shine as bright..."
Rttl
"Eh?" Naruto rubbed his eyes, as if it would help his hearing.
Rttlll
The door... His door... Someone was trying to get into his apartment.
Rttlllllll
He got out of bed, advancing on the door silently. He placed his hand on the knob, firmly gripping as he twisted the lock, and flung it open.
No one was there.
He blinked, scrunching a brow. Cautiously, he poked his head out the door and looked up and down the hall.
Klnk
He whipped around, staring at his window. He strained his eyes, looking at the lock. It had come undone. He frowned, highly alert and confused, and proceeded to close his door.
"Naruto."
His eyes shot back to the owner of the low, calm, whispered voice. Slender fingers hooked around the door's edge, stopping it from closing, and gently pushed it back open.
Long black hair fell past a slim waist.
Pale skin contrasted greatly with dark attire.
A lean, curvaceous body defined by petite muscles stood opposite him.
Underneath uneven bangs were a pair of white eyes.
His mouth parted, eyebrows rising. "...H..Hi...?"
The woman stared back at him, her gaze seeming to penetrate right through his rampant thoughts.
"This is... What is...?" He reached out, taking her face in his hands. "Am I... Are you...?"
She placed a cool, pale hand on his wrist. "I am."
His eyes widened.
"Stay ca-"
He pulled her forward, his arms wrapping around her upper body.
This wasn't an illusion?
He could feel this woman in his arms, her soft body meshed against his, his calloused fingers burning above smooth skin. He could smell the latent but all too familiar aroma of fresh berries and a crisp breeze, a scent that was engraved into his memory.
Her scent.
His breathing became erratic as every movement sobered him up—as her presence remained in his arms.
He pulled her inside, closing the door, flicking the lights on, and held her at arms length, inspecting her. Now that there was more light, he saw that her hair was a darker shade of purple. She wore a black turtle neck shirt with the sleeves appeared to have been torn off, along with fitting black pants and her usual sandals.
Hinata...
His girlfriend, Hinata.
He swallowed thickly, blinking just so the fog in his mind would lift faster. She looked like Hinata, but she didn't feel like Hinata. Her presence had an impact—it was bold. She stood straighter, her head evenly held, and nothing about her was...hesitant.
His heart pounded, his body agitated and itchy.
"Stay calm," she said softly. "I-"
"D-do you want some tea?"
She blinked, taken aback. "Tea?"
"I'll go make some t-t-t-t-tea." Naruto was out of the room before he could properly finish his sentence.
He fumbled to his kitchen, and his hands began their shaky search for a few items that could make a decent tea set.
"No," he whispered to himself, eyes wide and painfully dry. "Teapot... Where is it?"
After he placed the pot on the stove, he panicked, trying to figure out if he had any decent tea leaves. He rummaged through cabinets, knocking things over and nearly flinging spices and seasonings across the room.
"C'mon, c'mon," he mumbled, both enraged and frantic. He had to have tea leaves. Fresh tea was her favorite. She-
He stopped, staring at his barren cabinet and then the assorted items on the floor. His heart hadn't stopped pounding, and he now realized his breathing was ragged, making him almost light-headed.
Naruto looked towards the door.
Instantly, his head began to pound, and he was overcome with a dizzying bout of nausea. He slumped against the counter, running a hand through his hair. "Hinata..." he whispered, voice trembling.
o0o0o
Naruto's legs and hands refused to steady themselves as he walked back into his room with the tray of tea. He had managed to find a decent set, and for good measure, he placed a few cookies on a plate; he had almost had a disastrous breakdown at the pathetic offering he was about to make. The stale treats were the very last things he wanted to present to her, but he needed something that could pass off as being formal.
He fumbled with the door to his room, and, when he opened it, Hinata was leaned against the front door, staring down at her feet with her hands clasped behind her back.
She looked up at him as he entered.
He broke out into a nervous sweat and averted his gaze. Looking around the floor, he was mortified to see he hadn't pulled out the table yet. "Shit," he muttered, his shaking becoming worse. He glanced at Hinata self-consciously and found that she was looking at him curiously, almost worried. "Um... Uh..." He looked at the tray in his hands.
"Oh."
His head snapped back in her direction, but he found she was already walking past him, kneeling in front of the bed to pull out the table. She placed it in the center of the floor and looked up at him.
"Y-yeah," he laughed, breathless. "That's, um, that's...what I..." He swallowed hard, unable to say anything more. The more her image burned into his mind, the more real this became—the more his nerves acted up.
Hinata looked away, awkward, when he made no further movement. She stood, walking towards him. "I'll help you."
His eyes widened, and, when her hands brushed his as she began to take hold of the tray, his body spasmed, the tray flying from his hands and falling all over Hinata. She flinched, the plates and burning liquid stinging.
"Fuck!" he cursed, quickly covering his mouth. "I'm sorry!" He made to help her in some way, but he pulled his hands away, not knowing what to do. "I just-! I didn't mean for that to happen!"
"It's okay." She extended her shirt to see the damage but otherwise showed no signs of being bothered. She looked at him again. "Naru-"
"I'm sorry!" He looked away, his hands coming up as if to stop her of something. His cheeks burned, and he hoped—would give half his life—if it was just a sensation under the skin and not something she could see. "I-I can make more tea. Or- no. A shirt. Clothes. You need to change, right? I can-"
She grabbed his hands, and Naruto stopped everything. He stared down at her calm, even expression, and he crumbled under those eyes. The wall he had built—all it had took to keep his emotions in check—vanished now that he could see her before him.
"Listen, okay?" She talked soothingly, gently guiding him to his bed and helping him sit. She squeezed his hands to regain his attention. "Where is Sakura?"
"Sa...Sakura?" He blinked, feeling delirious. "Haruno?"
"Yes," she said, nodding. "Is she on a mission?"
"I... Yeah...she is..."
"Okay. Do you know when she'll be back?"
"T...tomorrow. Maybe...noon."
Hinata looked to the side, frowning. "Alright," she mumbled, pulling away.
"Wait." Naruto's hold on her hand tightened. She turned back, a slight sense of urgency in her eyes, but he found he could only stare.
Five years...
All the things he thought he would say—things he wanted to know and things he wanted her to know—were lost to him now. She looked...good. Really good. This altered appearance was foreign to her nature, but it was typical of someone else; he couldn't force his mind to recall who it might be.
This was too much for him. The back of his mind was yelling at him to pull himself together. He never imagined he'd act like this if he saw her again.
If he ever saw her, he had to be calm and unaffected.
If he ever saw her, she had to see that he had been doing just fine on his own.
If he ever saw her, he had to be cool because...being who he normally was made her run off with someone else.
Maybe she was supposed to be the one who tried to gather her composure, but...he never expected to actually see her again.
Hinata's hand slipped out of his; his fingers clenched, instinctively reaching after her, demanding her touch.
"I have to go," she said,walking towards the door.
"Hinata!" He stood, his voice suddenly coming back to him. "You... You don't have to- Uh, I mean... You're here, and now-"
"I was looking for Sakura, but since she's not here, I have to go."
He shook his head. "But...you could...stay for a while." He looked at the mess on the floor. "I can clean this up. Um...if I clean this up, I can make more tea, and... I could... Or maybe you want to get home, so-"
"I haven't returned to the village."
Naruto's heart and stomach sank. How was she able to do this to him—to make him cringe at words that weren't meant to harm him? How, after all these years, had she managed to gain that much power over him?
She opened the door.
"Please don't go."
Hinata froze, doubting she had heard him.
"Hinata..." Naruto's voice cracked, his heart clenching unbearably tight, "don't leave me again."
She turned around. His face was red and full of so much sorrow, and, though his eyes were filling with tears, he was looking at her with so much emotion—emotion that shouldn't have been there.
She blinked repeatedly, looking away from him.
"Hinata-"
"Do you have pain killers?"
His breath caught. "P...pain killers?"
"Y-"
"Are you hurt?!"
Hinata looked up just as Naruto took hold of her, his eyes taken over with fear as he looked for the source of her pain.
"Where does it hurt?! How bad is it? Do you-!" He pulled away, shaking his hands. "Crap... It's not your arms, is it? I didn't mean to grip...so...so..."
She was staring at him.
No longer was she hard to read, but her face had softened considerably, her eyes wide with wonder.
She opened her mouth to speak but giggled instead. Naruto's heart fluttered at the sound, but he felt cripplingly self-conscious.
"Forgive me," she said as she calmed down. "I'm fine, but do you have any on you?"
"I..." He gestured behind him, walking backwards. "Yeah... Yeah, I do." He went to the bathroom and returned with a small white bottle.
"Thank you." She smiled, taking it from him.
She was smiling now...
Smiling.
"Uh, is there anything else you need?"
She shook her head, backing towards the door. She flashed him another smile, holding the bottle to her chest. "Goodbye."
"Are you sure?!" he blurted as she turned. "If there's anything at all, then I can get it for you."
Hinata paused, turning to him with a dampened mood. "Bring Sakura here tomorrow night."
"Sakura?"
"If you bring Sakura here, I'll come back."
He watched her go, but after she was gone, he wished he knew for sure if she had been there at all.