"Well excuse me if it's so hard to believe," Naruto pouts.
Kurenai has to work hard not to make it seem like a lovers spat as she evenly states, "I'm sorry, Uzumaki-kun, I didn't mean to doubt you, it's just, the odds of a skilled shinobi defeating Momochi Zabuza is nearly 700 to 1, whereas a genin defeating him" Kurenai trails off as it seems like Naruto is ruffled by her rational objection.
Despite being analytical by nature, Kurenai ignores the statistics and simply states what's underneath it all. "I'm happy you're back Naruto-kun." 'More so now than ever,' she mentally adds, gasping like she only just dodged a strike to the heart.
With his, "Mnn," and his wide grin, she can tell that's all he wanted to hear as Haku explains what happened. Halfway to the Uchiha compound, they all hear a loud shriek that they discover belongs to one of Guy-sensei's students.
The black-haired kunoichi with two Chinese buns in a qipao-style blouse breaks from her team and rushes straight to Naruto, or rather the massive sword he's carrying over his shoulder.
"Kubikiribch! Kubikiribch!" she repeats in total amazement. The pretty girl is beside herself as Kurenai recalls her from the weapons shop, 'Ten Out of Ten.' Snapping away heart-shaped eyes from the sword to the blond genin, she has to ask, "where? Why?
When? Please!"
"If it isn't my most beloved rival, Kakashi of the Sharingan," Guy calls triumphantly, causing Kakashi to slink deflated.
"Guy," Kakashi lamely greets.
"Oooohhh," Guy yells with pumped up fists. "That's what I hate about you, my fierce rival! You're too cool! Kurenai-sensei, you're youthful radiance is as bright as the springtime sun!" He laughs proudly while Kurenai can barely chuckle politely.
"So this is Guy-sensei's eternal rival," Lee observes with bright, star-filled eyes before whipping around to Neji, likely itching to challenge the genius Hyga again. Neji simply sighs before walking away.
"Na, Guy," Kakashi starts. "We have an important matter to attend to, so bye."
"Wait," Tenten calls to Kakashi before turning to Naruto. "My family collect rare and valuable ninja tools from across all the nations. Kubikiribch is one of the legendary Seven Swords of Kiri with the ability to regenerate itself using the iron from its victim's blood! What do you want for it?!
"If you let me do all the talking, I promise to treat you to ramen at Ichiraku's," Kakashi bargains as the walk the empty main street leading to the largest residence.
"Really?!" Naruto eagerly hoots before his mind considers further possibilities. "Wait a minute, shouldn't you treat us for completing the mission anyway?"
"That does sound fairly standard," Kurenai adds with a bit of a smirk.
His shoulders deflate a bit but he agrees as they enter the grandness of the once populated Uchiha mansion. Naruto had never entered the Uchiha compound and was astounded to see how grand it was. Despite how deserted the old traditionally designed buildings are, it all looks regularly maintained.
Naruto and company just pass the third gate entrance when they meet Sasuke-teme in the open courtyard before the main mansion, wearing an informal yukata with the Uchiha crest on it. Kakashi takes the lead as Sasuke-teme eyes each of them.
"Sasuke-kun," Kakashi starts.
"Kakashi-sensei," the raven-haired avenger returns. "You know I don't like unannounced visits."
"We're here because your teammate would like your help," Kakashi starts but before Naruto could energetically correct him, he continues to add, "I know it's difficult for the two of you to accept one another, but I believe that's only because you're more alike than you realize.
You both know pain and more importantly, you're teammates. The conflicts you face together means something and Naruto-kun would help you just like I know Sasuke-kun would help you," the elite Jnin tells each boy.
"In the world we live in, you don't have to like each other to completely trust in one another. So, Sasuke-kun, the situation is Naruto-kun is now without a home. As his teammate, we thought you would like to help him."
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