Two
Why does everyone look so happy?
That was the same question that kept playing inside Naruto’s head the moment when he was led outside by someone who’s being called as Juugo and Suigetsu. Aside from the hundreds of question he’s itching to ask- if he maybe allowed because back then in Momoshiki’s guild, dare he not speak a single word – Naruto noticed the lack of rings from the other men in Akatsuki. It could mean a lot of things and would definitely be useful for them just in case Momoshiki wanted a revenge, and a retrieval operation- only because Naruto needs to be eliminated by no one except the guild leader himself. No man could ever leave a guild behind – alive.
And now that he was captured, and most likely being led to an interrogation room right now, Naruto never pitied himself more than he ever did than now. The only time he cried was when he was beaten by Momoshiki the very first time. He did not even cry when his mother died. He did not see her mother cry so he will not cry in front of her either- even at her death. But god, Momoshiki beats a guy like he intends to kill you, then skin you and hang it in his room to remind himself that he beat you, killed you and used you as decoration. He does it so slowly that thirty minutes of torture feels like a week of hell.
“Yo, how many bowls can you take?”
Naruto remembers him being referred as Suigetsu. He is wearing a purple tank top that matches the color of his eyes and hair is bleached in white (as what Naruto thought). Naruto thinks he’s too loud.
When he remained quiet and the man with a spiky orange hair looked back at him subtly, Naruto realized that the question is being directed at him.
Bowls? Naruto huffed in annoyance. This guild is no different from Momoshiki’s then.
Would it be ten bowls of boiling water being splashed to his face before he started begging for them to stop?
Maybe three bowls of tarantula for him to eat?
Or a bowl of molten metal to his legs?
Naruto shivered and bit his lips. He cannot be showing any signs of weakness or else the interrogation would definitely be dragged to hours.
“Shut up, Sui.” The one Naruto remembered as Juugo chided. He’s too tall for Naruto to be able to take him down all at once but with years of fighting, Naruto knows at the back of his mind that height sometimes does not equate to one’s strength. But he’s not going to test that realization right now. Naruto stopped contemplating whether to take them down and shot his self in the head because one, he is in another’s guild place. Taking these two men down is just suicide- it is just he needs to be beaten by everyone else before he dies. And second, there are no guns nor knife visible nor hidden in the body of the two men in front of him.
The said guy stopped in his tracks as they reached the end of the hallway. Naruto just then realized that they already passed several halls and they are now standing in a secluded area. The hallway was a bit narrow for three people to walk side by side hence only one was by his side while this Suigetsu leads their way.
A hand found his back and Naruto heard a click. He’s being released in his handcuffs. He learned earlier that detainees were not really subjected to “this” situation but he is too volatile and violent for the staff of Akatsuki so they have no choice but to bind him in cuffs.
Serves them right.
But still, Naruto wonder, how the fuck they all look so happy?Aren’t they supposed to be looking so serious?
When his sight took purchase of his surroundings, Naruto noted the cameras situated at every nook and corner of the area. Momoshiki doesn’t have this luxury in their guild except at the newly acquired warehouse. Not even the vault he was guarding has these cameras. Heavy double-door met his eyes, each handle was coated in gold and its opulence was evident in the crest that was engraved in it. Naruto had never seen such exhibition of wealth in one place as Momoshiki either lacks them or hides them. There was a line decorated in one of its ribbons but Naruto doesn’t bother knowing it. He can’t even read nor write, and he will be killed nonetheless. So there’s that.
Must be their brotherhood motto. Naruto thought.
Naruto was disturbed from his stupor when an arm was wrapped around his shoulders causing him to jump in shock. He was about to grip the said arm and locked it at the back of the owner when a hand stopped him and suddenly he was the one being subdued.
“Dang, not even a second into freedom and here he is harassing me.”
He saw Suigetsu nursing his wrist and Naruto felt the hand around his arms leaving. Naruto slanted his eyes towards Suigetsu. He cannot decide if the other man is joking or just testing his patience.
“It was your damn fault. Had you not invaded his fucking space, no one would be nursing a wrist right now.” Juugo said.
Naruto snickered as he dusted off his pants.
“Serves you right.” Before Naruto could even think of keeping quiet until someone electrocuted him (as he still thinks he’s on his way to the grand torture), his mouth already betrayed him.
“Oh now a kid learns to talk.”
“Stop it Suigetsu.”
Before Naruto could even retaliate, the heavy wooden double-door started opening very slowly. It created a sound similar to those eerie movies Naruto once watched at the house of the women. Oh right, here he is being readied for torture. How can he forget?
Naruto was welcomed by a pair of black coal eyes staring back at him, and a bunch of spiky hair that definitely looks like a duck. He recognized this guy. He was the one he saw back at the climic. If he remembers the word correctly.
He found himself being pushed inside by Juugo. He looked around and discovered that the place looks regal and immaculate to be actually considered as a torture chamber. Or maybe, this is how they do it here. Is an air-conditioning unit really necessary? Naruto first saw an aircon in Momoshiki’s private chambers. As a child, he never had the chance to welcome coldness in the middle of summer. Thus, he realized aircon is not for the rags, it’s for the carpets.
And here, the carpet feels good in his feet. Speaking of which,
“Why was he still barefooted?” Naruto watched the guy speaking behind the large oak table that was separating the four of them. Suigetsu and Juugo was standing behind him while Naruto was actually seated. And he does not know what to feel with that.
“Karin said they cannot find a size fit for him but she can send one later.” It was Suigetsu who answered but Naruto found the voice quite distant. And from the reflection from the window glass, he saw the man sitting at the sofa behind them. Naruto cannot believe he is allowed to sit near this man who seems to hold a high position in this guild while no one guards him at the sides.
“So you had him walked barefooted?” Naruto does not understand why the guy sounds so annoyed with that. Is he some kind of clean freak?
“Apologies, Sasuke-sama.” Juugo intervened and bowed his head.
Ah so it was Sasuke. Sasuke is the name.
“I have a pair of slippers at the shelf behind you, give it to him.” Sasuke ordered and Naruto has to bow his head in what he considers as shyness. God, he never thought he’d feel like a child being groomed for a party in the way this guy ordered a pair of footwear for him.
It was Suigetsu who stood up and Naruto was left under the scrutiny of Sasuke of took a liberty of staring at him.
“What job did you serve in your guild, Naruto?”
Naruto kept his head bowed down while he’s seated on the plush chair. Juugo beside him. He bit his lips as he collects his voice inside his head. It feels like his interrogation has already started but he traced not a single device for torture. Did they really underestimate him like that? As the seconds passed by, nothing eventful happened except with the soft mutterings of Suigetsu at the back who kept on looking for that pair of slippers.
Giving up like that, as he does not want to look like an idiot getting coward for no reason, Naruto decided to answer.
“Momoshiki’s personal protector.”
He saw Sasuke raised his brows before deciding to fix his eyes at the maroon carpet in his feet.
“Interesting.” Was the only answer he heard Sasuke said and Naruto found the silence immensely uncomfortable.
“Found it!” Naruto never thought that he could thank Suigetsu’s loudness. Sasuke has been staring at him without a doubt and he has no other way to respond to it. Naruto is actually a fan of stare down during an encounter but this situation completely lacks the adrenaline, and of course the guns and the blood, to completely compete with the other’s staring.
As he wears the slippers while still maintaining an eye contact with the carpet, Naruto heard Sasuke asking Juugo and Suigetsu to bring him to the pantry and then next to Karin’s place. He then heard Suigetsu cajoling his lungs out at Sasuke and Juugo blushes a little bit but soon straightened himself. Naruto wonders what these places meant for this guild.
Back then in their place, nothing seems exciting in a pantry. They only have potatoes and carrots and some curry powder they looted from the market every week. If Momoshiki is in the mood, he’ll give rice and ham and a tray of eggs. That sounds fine for a family of four but not for a group of 30 men and teenagers raging with hormones. Naruto likes to eat but sometimes, eating becomes an option between sleeping. And Naruto would always choose to sleep than to eat, that gives him more mental strength to his surprise.
“You know Sasuke-“And Naruto did not hide his surprise at the casual address made by Suigetsu to Sasuke. Although their rankings still remain unclear to him, Naruto is certain that Sasuke holds a higher reputation. If it were Momoshiki, Suigetsu will surely had his head chopped.
“-he still haven’t answered my question earlier.”
“Hn.” Naruto thinks Sasuke does not like talking at all. Too bad, his voice sounds sexy. At that sudden comment he said mentally, Naruto blushed. He found Sasuke looking at him so he averted his gaze. Sasuke then mistook the blush as an embarrassment for not having been able to answer.
“Just bring him there and report back to me immediately.”
Just like that, the two men lost the playfulness they once held and salute back at Sasuke. Naruto then found himself bowing and casually walked beside the two men. And Naruto must be dreaming to see the mirth in Sasuke’s eyes. As if the guy was excited for something.
“Say, kid-“
“Sui, stop calling him as a kid. Call him Naruto.”
“Say, Naruto.” Suigetsu corrected himself while putting his arm around Naruto. He found it uncomfortable and too close but he let it slide as he saw Juugo nodding his head in resignation.
Until now, Naruto still doesn’t know what will happen to him in this new guild. He let Suigetsu to blabber his mouth as he casually surveys the surrounding. And as they passed by along the hallways, Naruto noted the serenity of the place. If this is what they feel like home, this is the closest Naruto could get.
They entered an area where it feels stuffy and warmer compared to the winding hallways and Naruto was greeted with different smell wafting to his nose all at once. Chrits, he has never smelled a variety of aroma like this. Soon, he found himself gulping at the sudden thought of food. And when he roamed his eyes, there he found a group of people eating what it seems like a bowl of noodles.
Naruto knows what a noodle is but he had never tasted a single bit of it.
“And kid, this is the pantry.” Suigetsu excitedly introduced it to him but Naruto was busy looking at that sumptuous bowl being served at the table next to them. “In here, y’all know how many bowls can you eat. Wednesdays are for ramen and coke.”
“Ramen?” Naruto found himself asking and he saw how Juugo lightened up at that. “Coke?” He added.
“Jesus, what was Momoshiki feeding you all this time? Don’t tell me all you had were potatoes and carrots?”
Naruto wanted to paid no heed so he can keep looking at the “ramen” of the guy who was seating diagonally at the other table but Suigetsu’s comment earned his attention.
“Yes.”
Juugo, who was already bringing four bowls of ramen to their table looked pitifully at him. And to think the guy stood, as what Naruto estimated, more than 6 feet, and for him to express pity, Naruto can’t help but to feel miserable.
When Naruto was presented of what they call as ramen, all the second thoughts of manhandling Juugo finally escaped his mind. Christ, if he was mesmerized with the aroma earlier, this time, it totally captivated him. The smell of what they call as ramen up this close is heavenly. He remembered eating a piece of hotdog when he was a kid and Naruto thought that was his greatest discovery in life.
But this ramen proved him otherwise.
“Say Naruto-“
“Sui, let him eat.” Juugo handed him a pair of chopsticks and a glass full of ice. Of course, Naruto knows what an ice is. If he doesn’t Juugo thought even Kisame would shed a tear for this kid.
“Mean.” Suigetsu continued, “I just wanted to ask how old is he.”
Naruto who already had three mouthfuls of ramen still managed to put his head focused in the discussion. He realized there was no need to put his guard up to people who accompanied him in his out-of-this-world discovery of ramen.
“I don’t know.” He answered curtly. It might sound depressing to Suigetsu and Juugo but Naruto does not give a fuck because he was on his way to inhale this noodles. There were four bowls of it and the other two was taken by the men beside him. If Naruto would have to fight to whoever gets the extra bowl, he will do it right there and then.
“What?”
“Sui, let him eat.” Juugo repeated. “Sasuke will eventually ask him that.”
“But still-“
“Let him eat.” Juugo said in finality.
Two and a half bowls. Naruto got the extra and the half of Juugo’s bowl and he is yet to discover what coke is. Suigetsu insisted that they would just give it to him after they go to Karin so as not to upset his stomach. It was Naruto’s first time after all.
When he found his voice and won over his embarrassment, Naruto started conversing with the two.
“What do we do in Karin’s place?”
He felt shy afterwards so he chose to stare at the bruises forming around his wrist. It must be from the handcuffs.
“You’ll see.” Juugo answered. That does not excite Naruto, instead it gave him anxiety. He is not a man of emotions but this guild managed to change him in varying degrees in a span of 24 hours. “But nothing bad is going to happen.”
Oh, something bad is going to happen.
That’s what Naruto thought when he saw the pair of scissors being passed to Karin’s hands once he was seated to a barber’s chair. He saw Karin back in the clinic, Suigetsu corrected him, and thought of her as the nurse but then he was surprised to actually saw her here in the salon.
“Geez, when was your last haircut?”
Naruto chose not to answer. Because no one cuts their hair in their guild, they just give each other a pair of scissors and cut each other’s hair.
Karin washed his hair, trim his brows, cut a little bit of the bangs framing his face, the spikes in his hair did not escape from being snipped and soon Naruto is sporting a fresh, youthful haircut.
“Shower, you smell, brat.”
Soon he was pushed to a luxurious shower where Juugo had to teach him how to use. A warm bath, a set of new clothes – a blank t-shirt and a very tight-fitting pants that Naruto thought he could not reproduce an offspring later on.
He was scrubbed clean in thirty minutes.
“Karin, are you sure the overall black stuff will suit him? He’s tan.” Suigetsu commented good-naturedly and Naruto asked the same question.
“Oh shut-up ugly ass donkey, never question my sense of fashion.”
It was the same moment Naruto chose to open the curtains.
Juugo was the first one to react by clearing his throat then followed by a scream from Karin and a loud holy shit from Suigetsu.
“You looked hot.” Suigetsu whistled while Karin rummages something from her basket of whatnots. “Karin, you punk. I never knew black can complement a tan skin, shit now I wanna get that tanning lotion Obito was selling last week.”
Naruto does not know Obito so he realized he still need to meet a new bunch of people.
He wished he could actually read so he would understand the motto written in the crest of this guild. Maybe that’s the reason why everyone looks happier here.
“Look up,” Karin instructed and Naruto felt something is being smudged around his eyelids. A puff of something fragrant reached his nose and then Karin is facing him in front of the mirror.
Naruto has to double take. The person he’s seeing in the reflection is definitely NOT him. He looks clean, shaven, and youthful but
“Sexy! God, only if Sasuke knows how old are you then I would definitely show”
“What does his age and your aggressiveness to show something got to do with it Karin?”
Their ruckus was momentarily halted when Sasuke materialized out of nowhere behind them. Naruto made no move and instead met Sasuke’s eyes through the mirror.
“Sas, look, I made him hot!”
Itachi came walking behind Sasuke who looked back and forth to his brother and to Naruto. And he noted the way Itachi smirked and pat Sasuke at the shoulders. Naruto does not understand why but it seems like Itachi is meaning to say something.
“Say something brother.”
Sasuke did not leave his eyes at Naruto’s transformation.
So Naruto had to avert his eyes elsewhere.
If only Naruto can actually read minds, he’ll agree at what Itachi’s mind has been saying.
That Sasuke agrees Naruto looks hot.
“Itachi, I thought we are here to tell Naruto that he will be my personal protector?”