A/N - I HAVE AN ORIGINAL STORY CALLED: Dare To Be Different!
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It's a secret fanfiction of this book, just set in a high school setting. Think of it as Konoha High edition. Please make sure to follow and hit the vote button when you read the chàpters. I update every Wednesday and Saturday

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Chapter 38: Free

"Nia, you okay?" Naruto questioned as the two still sat down within the cell.

"I don't know," The girl answered, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I already told you that you're safe, ya know?" The blonde comforted her.

"Yeah, I know... I just need a hug right now."

With that, Naruto gave her one.

"This is really stressful, but I promise we'll be back home sooner than you know it."

"Throw them in," The cell suddenly opened as Naruto and Nia witnessed Kiba and Hinata along with Akamaru being placed in.

"What the?" The blonde reacted. "Aren't you guys supposed to be waiting outside?"

"They snuck their way in here..." One of the guards informed the two.

"And we spotted them, so their doing time in that cell with you two," The other guard added.

"Of course Kiba would find a way in here, but you Hinata? What're you doing sneaking around with that guy and Akamaru?"

"U-Um..."

"Well whatever the case, you're all going to be set free," Kakashi suddenly appeared with Shikamaru.

"What? Really?" Naruto stood up as the Raikage approached the cell.

"There was a misunderstanding, so you're all free to leave," He told the young adults.

With that, they all came out of the cell as Nia quickly locked arms with the blonde, slightly afraid of the Cloud's kage.

"You were under the Akatsuki's control and thus will not be punished for your actions, Nia," He would then speak to the kunoichi.

"Thank you, Lord Raikage," She gave a small bow. "I apologise for any misdeeds I caused."

"C'mon sweetie," The genin took her wrist and ran elsewhere. "We're getting out of here."

"Naruto, wait," Nia said but was dragged away anyway.

When they left, Kiba, Akamaru, and Hinata followed behind, leaving Kakashi and Shikamaru behind.

"Im surprised he didn't ask about Sasuke," Shikamaru pointed out.

Kakashi replied, "He's just extremely worried for Nia. Trust me, he'll come around to asking about Sasuke when he's calmed down over the situation with Nia."

"What Sasuke has done is unforgivable. You two know that..." Raikage stated. "I want him executed as soon as possible."

Outside, Naruto met up with the others.

"Oh thank goodness you're okay," They would all approach the Nia as she remained bewildered about everything.

Meanwhile, Yamato frowned at Kiba as he walked behind the couple with Hinata.

"Sneaking behind my back?" He made a face that frightened the two.

"We were just worried about them, all right?" Kiba excused he and Hinata.

"We got Nia, so let's get moving," Naruto exclaimed, holding Nia's hand and moving forward.

"It's so late out right now though," Ino spoke. "We should try staying at an inn here till morning."

"I am a pretty tired from all that we had to do for the past few days," Lee replied.

"Yeah. Same here," Sakura said.

"I guess that leaves us with no choice," Yamato listened to their pleas. "We'll be resting here till morning."

Naruto glanced over at Nia.

"Are you okay with staying here for the night?"

"...Yeah." She nodded then leaned toward him. "But let's take an evening stroll before we go to bed."

"Yeah sure," The genin nodded before once more speaking to the others. "Listen guys, Nia and I are gonna stay out here for a little while longer. Go on ahead and find a place, we'll catch up with you all later, ya know."

And so, Naruto moved forward, interlocking his fingers with Nia's.

"So what gives? How come you wanna take a walk out here right now?" He then asked, the darkness of night made his blue eyes appear grey.

Nia lowered her eyes.

"I need to clear my mind of this whole thing."

"Right... About that though... None of this was your fault. Everything that happened was because of the Akatsuki, ya know?"

"I know, but still... I..."

"Look at me," The genin halted Nia and cupped her face. "You were just under genjutsu. It's not like you actively and intentionally did what you did. All of that stuff happened against your will."

Nia heaved a sigh.

"I'm sorry for causing you guys so much trouble."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're safe."

"Naruto..."

"It's just like I said back when we were in that crazy cave. I'm not leaving you behind. There's no way I was going to let those bastards take you away from me. I was going to find and protect you no matter what."

"And I'd do the same for you," The girl blushed.

"Yeah..." Naruto nodded and resumed holding her hand. "Anyway, my concern right now is about Sasuke. What was his reasoning for snatching you? Where is he right now?"

"I wish I could tell you, but I just have no memory of ever following him around."

"Don't apologise; it's totally fine."

"The only thing I can remember is that moment after you left to chase after one of the Akatsuki guys. That's when I was captured by Sasuke and his group then everything went black afterward."

The blonde sighed and shook his head.

"I just can't figure out why he was associating with the Akatsuki of all people! Did he join them or had they threatened him about something and forced him to work with them?!"

Naruto quickly rubbed his face.

"Argh, what am I saying?! Of course he didn't join the Akatsuki! Sasuke would never do something like that!"

"Maybe we really should head back and get some rest?" Nia suggested. "You've all had a rough few days. Maybe resting will help you calm down and think more clearly tomorrow?"

Suddenly, the girl found herself being pulled back into an embrace.

"Kya!" She shrieked at the unexpected affection.

"The only reason you were abducted was cause of me..."

"I-It's okay," The girl reddened. "You were just trying to protect me from the other guy that was with Sasuke. We were tricked."

"Don't give me any excuses. I totally put you in a dangerous position."

"You don't have to blame yourself so harshly. It's seriously fine. I'm still alive, aren't I? Let's just look on the bright side."

"..." The blonde only held her closer.

"Naruto," Steam poured out of Nia's face. "Was I really missing for that long? I still feel like I just saw you."

"We were looking all over for you... I was really scared that I was gonna lose you again."

"I feel so bad for making you worry so much, but you can relax now cause I'm doing just fine."

Naruto brushed down her head.

"Listen... there's something I need to confess to you," His voice croaked.

Immediately, Nia sensed what he had to tell her wasn't going to be pleasant.

"What is it?" She inquired.

"Promise me you won't be angry with me..."

"I'm not promising anything. Tell me what's going on," Nia attempted to move out of the hug, only for Naruto to move her back into it.

"Just... try to understand my side of things when I tell you at least, okay?"

"Yeah, sure... Just tell me what's going on, please."

"The truth is..."

---

A/N - That's the end of that. I'm not sure how long this book will be going. I'm kinda losing motivation quick and may have to either put this story on hold or end it. So don't be surprised if this is the last chapter you see in a while or even ever see.

I need some more time to think about what I wanna do. I would like to finish this story, but it's sorta discouraging to write it when I'm not sure if any of you guys are really reading it like you were back then.

Anyway, thanks for reading. Please check out my original story: Dare to be different on my TheQueen923 account. I would appreciate it if yall could check it out. Like I said countless times, it's a secret fanfiction of this story lol I'm trying my best to get noticed so we can have it sold worldwide.

Please remember to vote when you read it and follow that account. As for this, please comment and vote and have a great rest of your day.

QOTD:

1. Fave Part?

2. Fave Line?

3. What do you think Naruto has to say to Nia?