Naruto's POV (Medical Ward of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Naruto blinked as he realized he was somewhere else now. His eyes seemed open, yet Naruto could see nothing. The tense energy and violent emotions that seemed to surround Ku—the Kyuubi—were gone.
'THAT MOTHERFUCKER HUNG UP ON ME!'
Naruto tried reaching out to the beast with his mind but either could not or did not know how to do so properly. For nothing answered in his mind. Making the Blonde feel a bit ridiculous.
"His face is wincing!" A familiar female voice called out. Ino was here?
"My baby! Call for the medics!" Another female called. Naruto felt a small amount of humiliation but was happy to hear his mother was there.
"I doubt that will be necessary, Kushina-san." Kakashi's cool and airy response was with a small amount of amusement present.
"Indeed, the fool is likely having a nightmare. He has always been spineless." The smooth and snide voice of Neji closed off the group.
His whole team was here! He had survived! Why couldn't he see?! Naruto blinked before he realized he could feel a cloth on his face. He attempted to raise his left hand to touch it, only to discover it was being held by some weight. His right as well!
Suddenly, the room became much too bright! Naruto winced as light filled his vision; oddly, it seemed much more bright than Naruto had remembered!
"It's okay, son." Kushina let him know with a smile as she happily squeezed his right hand. "You were injured badly. If not for the Kyuubi and the aid of Lady Tsunade, you likely would've been out for days, if not weeks. You gotta be safer, ya know?" His mother explained with tears in her eyes. Naruto felt ashamed at having worried her, but he was saved by another shouting voice.
"You absolute ass! You just have to risk your life whenever Neji or I turn around! And for what, some stupid macho pride?!" Ino roared. Naruto glanced worriedly to his left, seeing a tear-stained Ino's face, who glared at him. Naruto, so alarmed by such, failed to notice his teammate's hand wrapped firmly around his left hand.
Naruto knew it would be wiser to stay silent, but he felt the need to defend himself.
"I had to Ino." Naruto replied simply. "For myself and Gaara, someone needed to make him see the ot-"
"Why not his dad, sister, or even creepy brother?! Why is it that every time you meet someone who's self-destructive, you drag yourself through hell to help them! I watched as my two teammates tore each other apart! Watched as you did the unthinkable and fought an S-rank ninja to save us! And now I watched some serial killer beat you within an inch of your life! Do you have any clue how that makes me feel? How useless and awful it leaves us? How about you consider your mom, or Neji, or Kakashi sensei, hell even me?!" Ino ranted, glaring into Naruto's face. Unknowingly mere inches away from the now fearful Blonde.
"Yo!" Kakashi sounded off happily, facing the group. Naruto felt joy at Kakashi attempting to break the tension, though based on the way Kakashi wilted once Ino glared at him, it was clear he would be no help.
Naruto's eyes darted to his mother. She was in protective mode; surely she would stop Ino! But to his horror and dismay, Kushina merely smiled humorously as she shook her head. Maybe Ne-, no. Naruto didn't bother to look at Neji; he always enjoyed their arguments and likely would agree.
He had been left to suffer by his loved ones! How cruel!
"Answer me, Naruto Uzumaki!" Ino ordered as she grabbed Naruto's face and made him face her sharp eyes. Naruto went to speak, but Ino roughly pressed her fingers against his face, silencing him. "You keep fighting for your beliefs, and that's fine. I get it and love that about you. It's your life, and I won't order you around; it's not my place. But I'll be damned if you keep tearing yourself apart for stupid reasons! At least let Neji and I help! I can't keep watching you treat yourself like this…" Ino finished, exhausted. She stood up and glanced around the room. She bowed to the others and faced Kushina with a grim smile. "I'm sorry to have dressed down your son like that, please recognize-"
"No worries," Kushina answered with a warm smile. "I thank you, in fact. Naruto needs someone other than me to tell him off. I'm glad you care about my son, ya know?" Ino nodded at this and left the room without so much as another glance at Naruto. Naruto attempted to rise, but Kushina lightly shoved him back down into the bed. "Give her a little time. She's frustrated and scared. She'll come around once her anger leaves her."
Naruto dumbly nodded before he glanced at his mother. "Did you think it was stupid?"
Kushina sighed, anger flashing in her eyes for a second before she managed to reign it in. "Franky yes I do son, I don't understand why it was necessary. Especially when Kakashi would've saved you should you have merely asked."
"It wasn't an option; I was there to win and failed. But I never even considered running away," Naruto answered readily.
"I would feel the same, but surely you recognize it was for nothing, right?" Kushina said lightly. "I'm not sure anyone could get through to him… and it's not because you're not good enough, but… some people are too far gone, son."
"Screw that!" Naruto responded immediately. "That attitude is what created him in the first place. He is one of the few people who understand what I'm going through, but he has no support. I can't just walk away from someone who so obviously needs help, not when I can understand their pain. I don't know why he calls me brother, but he's not wrong…"
"Of course he is." Neji chimed in confidently. "I won't pretend I don't understand your reason for fighting. I, too, would've likely done the same; however, risking my life attempting to get through to him would be wasteful. Gaara was an enemy of you with the intent to do you harm. You were better off attempting to do the same. Though I respect your wishes and admire your performance and determination."
"Don't encourage him!" Kushina snapped at the Hyuga. Kakashi seemed frozen at the tension, unsure how to interfere.
"I am not." Neji disagreed. "However, he is a man who made a choice. It does not matter how we feel about such, nor that it was foolish. Naruto had the choice and made it. Make no mistake. If I had realized just how astray the match would go, I would've interfered. But I will not shame him for acting in the way he believes was right." Kushina glared at the Hyuga openly.
"Maybe we should focus on the news we should deliver…" Kakashi objected with a nervous chuckle. "We know where we all stand and will have time to discuss it. But for now, we should focus on more important matters."
"Huh? How long was I out?" Naruto asked, confused.
"Nearly a full day." Kushina answered, calming slightly. "That final shock nearly killed you… your skin was burned all over. Even your eyes were damaged. You looked…" Kushina's voice broke slightly; the image was too much for her. But she recovered quickly, "Luckily, the Kyuubi kept you alive and, with the aid of Tsunade, was able to fully heal you. Thank Kami for that woman… Jiraiya also collected Riptide."
"Wait, who won the exams then?!" Naruto asked, shocked.
"Technically, no one!" Kakashi answered with joy. "The Kage had called the match over and even attempted to interfere. However, it seems the power of the Tailed Beast is something to behold."
"It was impressive Gaara somehow held back so many powerful shinobi. You say that is due to the Tailed Beast?"
"Undoubtedly." Kushina chimed back in. "While that feat is impressive, even infeasible for humans, the full power of a tailed beast is incredibly unique. They are rarely outclassed when it comes to power. Even multiple Kage would struggle to overcome that."
"So he was a perfect jinchuriki?" Neji asked. "I thought such was rare, especially for a mere Genin."
"It is indeed, from what I heard from rumors milling. It is apparently an ability unique to the One Tails. They are apparently calling it the "Perfect Defense." Gaara will become quite infamous…"
"He won't be the only one," Neji added. "The audience, half anyway, clapped not for the psycho but for you, Naruto."
"Unfortunately, not the Leaf civilians, but plenty of the others!" Kushina agreed happily. "My baby is a fantastic shinobi!"
"You've also been scarred." Neji taunting with a friendly smile. Before it softened slightly. "You may wish to examine it yourself. I know all too well how marks like those can make you feel…"
Naruto gasped as he raised the blanket. He was wearing no shirt, but attention was directed to his torso. Two lines snaked throughout his abdomen and abs, wrapping around his side. Each stood out on his tan skin, with a tinge of blue and purple throughout. Naruto prodded them, pleased to see they did not ache. But he was otherwise unaffected; he didn't run around without a shirt anyway.
"You did well to survive that final attack from Gaara. Or were lucky anyway." Kakashi nodded. "The technique was simple but powerful. Luckily, the Kage are discussing how to deal with him as we speak."
"Damn straight! Hope that bastard gets what's coming to him!" Kushina roared in approval. "He's likely to fry! The samurai are infamous for their unforgiving nature.
The group all flinched, however, when Naruto suddenly stood. Luckily, he was somewhat dressed under the blanket, briefs covering his modesty as he stretched and seemed utterly focused.
"How to deal with him?" Naruto asked seriously as he glanced at Kakashi. The idea of Gaara being cordoned off and treated like a monster frustrated the Blonde. His efforts would be for nothing if they killed him!
"Yes. After you passed out, the samurai and assorted shinobi subdued Gaara. It was easily done with him being exhausted. Shortly after, the Kage assembled to discuss how to proceed. The two issues being addressed are the results and promotions from the exam, as well as the fate of Gaara."
"The fate of him? Why would he be punished just for beating me?" Naruto asked.
"Attempted Unauthorized Murder, Endangerment to the Public, Disregarding the orders of a Kage, times at least two by the way, and being a damn creep." Kushina listed angrily. Obviously, his mother will not forgive Gaara soon.
"If the rumors are to be believed, such is going incredibly poorly." Neji chimed in. "The Sand accepts the blame but refuses to accept any punishment geared towards Gaara. The Leaf and Iron are determined to make Gaara pay Hokage-san due to his attempt to slaughter you. Though the samurai seem just as upset as he, they do not take treachery lightly on their grounds."
"What's the punishment?" Naruto asked nervously.
"That is the complication; I can count the previous cases with international influence on one hand. The Sand insists it is an internal matter, and they will appropriately reprimand him, offering compensation but not the perpetrator himself. The Leaf would be agreeable to such but seemed particularly offended by an ally nearly costing them such a resource," Kakashi started. He nodded at Naruto to show he meant no offense and continued. "The Iron insists the perpetrator must be punished to settle the matter. They are severe when punishing perceived slights. It is why all Five Great Villages tread lightly around them." Kakashi explained. "They've been arguing nearly the entire time you've been unconscious."
"But surely they won't execute him?" Naruto laughed.
"I wouldn't be so sure, son…" Kushina warned. "As useful as Kage finds jinchuriki, I'm not sure Rasa can risk a no here. To do so could potentially stir up the Fourth Great Ninja War…" Naruto heard such and made up his mind. As he stomped toward a close he grabbed his pants, shirt, and jacket hastily dressing himself.
"Naruto?"
"Son?"
"Naruto?"
The three sounded off in unison.
"I gotta go," Naruto informed them as he prepared to set off.
Neji merely nodded, standing by the side of the blonde.
"I will go with you, injured as you are it would unwise to go alone."
"Normally, I don't mind your can-do attitude Naruto." Kakashi said softly as he walked toward the two. "But this is a no-go; you've done enough for Gaara, and this wouldn't be forgiven if you were to intrude. Hell, the samurai would likely kill you before you reached them."
Kushina ignored this, shoving past Kakashi and facing Naruto. "Son, are you sure about this? He isn't worth it."
"Maybe, but I just feel like I need to. Someone needs to do it for him." Naruto answered plainly. "He needs a friend…"
"And if they say no?" Kushina asked sharply.
Naruto hesitated, unsure what to say.
"I'll help you, son, but don't act out if we fail." Kushina told Naruto, who nodded grimly, glad for the aid.
"Kushina!" Kakashi yelled, shocked.
"I agree that it's stupid, Kakashi. But I also recognize that look in my son's eye. No matter what we say or do, he intends to stop that meeting from going poorly for Gaara. If I can't stop him, I'll help my son. Besides, we Uzumaki are a stubborn bunch, ya know?"
Kakashi sighed but nodded. He walked in front of the group as if walking to his death. They followed him. The group was conflicted about their goal but determined anyway.
"I disagree with this course of action, but as both your sensei and your coolest Uncle." Kakashi said, his light tone of voice returning.
"You're an Uncle?" Kushina asked with a raised brow.
"I will accompany you. Hopefully, a group won't be instantly detained or killed!" Kakashi plowed forward with false cheeriness. Silently continuing on toward their destination. Naruto wasn't proud of putting Kakashi in a position he didn't want, but he was determined to see things through with Gaara.
Though Naruto heard Kakashi mutter to himself mutter a saying to himself.
"In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, true. But those who abandon their friends are worse than scum…"
Naruto was sure Kakashi thought they didn't hear him, and Naruto could tell the others didn't. It was an odd saying, one he agreed with but not one that would be popular with most shinobi. But he liked the quote; it made him respect his sensei even more…