IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ ENTIRE AUTHOR'S NOTE!

A/N - Hi guys! Nice to be back after more than a month or two. I've been dating someone this whole time and a bit before I took a break and that sorta distracted me from writing this for a moment but I ended that relationship for some pretty serious reasons (I didn't get cheated on so it's not that lol in case you're wondering) lol rn though I'm currently talking to someone else and I can almost go as far as saying we're dating but not quite yet at the same time 😂

Anyway, that ain't the point. I MISSED THE HELL OUT OF THIS STORY LOL! This chapter is actually a chapter I wrote when I was 16 and was meant to be chapter 20, but I had to change my mind as I wanted to keep Naruto's and Nia's feelings secret for a longer time and because I didn't put those flashbacks of the moments while they had when they were with Jiraiya prior to this in earlier chapters. I knew it wouldn't have made ANY sense to you guys so I decided to keep this until I explained those flashbacks in future chapters I eventually got to so now y'all are ready to read this.

Just to be clear with you all, THIS IS 100% CANON TO THIS STORY! This happened! This chapter had originally 20 THOUSAND WORDS, but of course I had to chop this into TWO parts. Trust me, you guys will be SHOOK and you WILL have questions, but I PROMISE you this will ALL make sense once you read what happens at the end of the second part I'll be posting this weekend hopefully. So please, just trust me with what I'm writing.

Everything will be explained next update. Also, chapter 80 will be posted after the second part to this but I just HAD to show you guys this as this is canon lol But was not ready to be shown and read till now.

Also, please comment lol I remember putting a lot of effort into this and waited THREE YEARS to post this. I'd really appreciate it. I'll just call this chapter 22.5

Anyways, enjoy ❤️

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Chapter 22.5 (The Lost Chapter)
Nia's Forgotten Confession Of Love Part One

A subtle breeze swayed the leaves and flowers of the trees as well as the grass and water on the ground. Standing atop a high branch off one of these trees with one hand resting against the bark of it to better balance herself was Nia, who let out a soft sigh as she gazed at the blonde who was near a stream and splashing water on his face.

"It may be nearly impossible right now but... One day, I think I might be able to get her to fall for me, ya know?"

The kunoichi pouted as Naruto's words from earlier bothered her, 'Geez.... he really likes that Sakura girl... even though I was with him and gotten to know him for a while, no matter how hard I try to get him to notice me, his feelings are always directed towards that girl even though he hasn't seen or spoken to her for a good minute...'

With yet another disappointed sigh, Nia closed her eyes and shook her head.

Maybe I should get over him? The guy was ecstatic about returning me to the Cloud anyway... he totally doesn't want me around. He must've finally gotten tired of me. I don't blame him...

As she continued thinking to herself, she didn't notice as three others who were also assigned with the mission of bringing her back to her village were hiding behind a large bush below her watching the girl as her eyes were fixated on her crush from a distance who was then talking to whom he had a crush on: Sakura.

"See you guys? Take a look." Tenten pointed upwards as Neji was to her left and Lee was to her right, "She's totally staring at Naruto. I told you something was going on with those two."

"You brought us all the way over here to point out something as ridiculous as that?" Neji frowned as he looked at his female companion.

"Well excuse me for noticing something romantic..."

"Do you think she may like Naruto, Tenten?" Rock Lee seemed curious about the situation.

"Lee, don't tell me this captures your attention too?" Neji replied, "Our attention should be put into this mission, not on gathering intel on who likes who."

Lee only kept his eyes glued on Nia's yearning expression, "I must admit I am most intrigued. I am curious to know on whether or not I may have my shot with Sakura if I can get Naruto to hook up with that rogue girl instead."

"No chance. We all know Naruto's everlasting crush on Sakura isn't going away anytime soon. Nia should just get over it before she gets hurt by the truth. Plain and simple."

"Ouch, Neji... as true as that may be, you can try to at least feel a little sorry for her," Tenten said, "Just look at the yearning in her eyes. You can tell she obviously has feelings. Naruto just doesn't seem like he feels the same way."

As the three continued to mumble amongst themselves, Nia just took a moment to sit on the thick branch and rest her head against the tree itself.

'My heart hurts...' She thought to herself, 'I want him to notice me... but he's so focused on that girl because she's so attractive. I mean, that girl slapped him across the face three times in the last half hour. And just maybe an hour ago before that, she legit punched him so hard I thought he died or something.'

Nia sighed and frowned.

I swear... I'm starting to think Naruto's shallow. I mean, it's one thing to be attracted to someone, but being attracted to them when they treat you like crap is just... ugh! I should just give up already! The guy is never gonna love me for crying out loud.

Still watching as her crush was preoccupied with that of his own crush, the kunoichi jumped down to the ground and watched the two teammates for a moment before turning around and walking with her head down as she sulked over knowing her feelings weren't reciprocated.

If I were pretty, he'd be in love with me by now... no doubt about it, but... I'm not so... I have no chance...

"Wow... what a sad look on her face." Lee spoke quietly as Nia walked passed the three as they remained undetected.

Tenten sighed and shrugged, "Well, unrequited love can be tough, but there's nothing we can do about it. It's not like we can force the guy or anything."

"Exactly," The Hyuga agreed, "So why waste our time on something as little as this? Getting Naruto to get over Sakura is like trying to convince Guy-sensei to quit training. Simply impossible."

"You've got a point..."

"Though I agree with your statement, I must say that I am tempted to get those two together so that Naruto will no longer stand in my way and continue to be my rival in love. I must win over Sakura no matter the cost, everyone!" Lee declared as he tightened his fists.

Tenten sweatdropped, "Don't you think that's sorta a wrong motivation to bring two people together, Lee?"

"Why of course not! If Naruto falls in love with her, then he will no longer be a problem in my pursuit to achieve my dear Sakura's heart! Neji, you are with me on this, are you not?"

"You two do whatever pleases you. I have no interest in these matters." The long-haired boy replied as he stood and jumped away to gather around the adults of the mission—Guy, Kakashi, Yamato, and Iruka.

"All right then, I guess it's just you and I, Tenten."

"Huh? I never said I wanted to do any of this stuff. I only said I felt bad that it seems like she likes Naruto but he doesn't like her back."

"Well I say we change that once and for all for the sake of love, my friend!" Rock Lee gave a thumbs up and flashed his signature grin while Tenten just facepalmed herself.

"All right, all right! But only because I feel bad for her." The kunoichi gave in.

And so, as the group eventually continued on their way to the cloud, Nia was forced to be restrained as Kakashi, Iruka, and Guy were the main ones who were to make her return a success. Her hands were held tightly behind her back with a strong rope made of chakra.

She watched from the back as Naruto continuously made advancements towards Sakura right in front of her.

I understand that he hasn't seen her for a while, but doesn't he at least care about the fact that once I'm settled in the Cloud, we'll never be able to see each other again... is he happy about that probably?

Seeing as Nia was walking with her head down, Tenten exchanged nods with Lee before the boy went over to Guy.

"Guy-sensei, do you mind if Tenten and I ask a huge favor from you, sir?"

"Sure, my great student! I shall offer my help and aid you in your troubles. What is your request, Lee?" Guy replied.

"It's a bit complicated, but here's what we would like for you to do..." Lee then began to whisper his and Tenten's idea in their sensei's ear.

After hearing it, Guy replied, "Why would you two like for me to do that?"

Again, Lee whispered the reasoning in his ear as Guy listened then stroked his chin as he looked back and forth at Nia then Naruto.

"So you're saying those two have a thing for each other?"

"We're not exactly sure. We believe Nia is the one who has feelings for him, but Naruto doesn't seem to feel the same way for her and just has his eyes on Sakura. Tenten and I would like for them to get closer so I can get my chance to win over Sakura."

"LEE!" Tenten came running to where he was and quickly shook him, "Lee, look at Naruto! We might have it all wrong! See who he's looking at!"

"See who Naruto's... AH! He's staring at Nia from the corner of his eye!" The black-haired boy gasped as he and Guy had their eyes glued onto the blonde.

"Looks like he's smiling too..." Guy noticed along with the stare.

Tenten giggled, "Who would've known? Maybe we do have a chance at getting those two together. We know Nia looks interested and even though it didn't look like it at first, Naruto kinda seems like he could possibly like her."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Neji interrupted as he was walking behind Guy, "Naruto is probably just trying to make her feel more comforted seeing as she's been quite upset with this whole ordeal. He's just being a nice guy is all it is. There's nothing more to it so stop reading so much into the situation."

"If that were so, then wouldn't it make more sense for him to be smiling at her while making eye contact so she would feel more calm and relaxed? She's looking at the ground, but he still is smiling at her." Lee replied.

"Not only that, but that sorta smile isn't a very friendly one," Kakashi joined in the conversation as he had been eavesdropping while to Neji's right causing everyone to sweatdrop as they realized they were speaking too loudly, "He might indeed fancy her. Two and a half months is a long time to be spending time with someone practically alone. I wouldn't be surprised if either one of them developed feelings for the other or if they both like each other at this point."

"Two and a half months with just each other?" Team Guy gasped as they heard the news.

"That's according to Master Jiraiya. He told me he and Naruto bumped into Nia back in June, some things happened to where Nia was allowed to travel with them, and he'd leave them with one another constantly so he'd could either focus on his work or go to a bar to flirt with women. That would mean they would have had spent countless hours and the summer getting to know one another and getting better acquainted."

"And all that time together would eventually spark some hot, burning, flaming, PASSIONATE feelings of YOUUUTH!" Guy finished dramatically as Tenten hushed him.

"Guy-sensei, keep your voice down. Iruka-sensei is right over there." She pointed with her thumb as the academy teacher looked their way curious as to what they were talking about.

Lee sighed in disappointment, "It will be difficult bringing those two together seeing as Iruka-sensei is very protective of his cousin."

"That would pose as a challenge." Kakashi agreed as he continued to read his book as they all walked, "but like every challenge, you'll have to work your way through it."

"I still feel you all are being a bit too invested in this. Who cares about who likes who?" Neji commented with his arms crossed, "We're here to escort her to her village, not to play Cupid with Naruto and her."

"Though I agree completely, I don't see why we can't have a little fun every now and then. Personally, I'd like to find out myself if Naruto has a crush on someone other than Sakura. She did always like Sasuke after all... and I'm sure even though he's no longer with us, she won't be able to truly move on from him and learn to love Naruto with all her heart. It'd feel like he'd be more of a replacement as sad as that is."

Guy nodded to Kakashi's words, "Naruto is still gazing at Iruka's little cousin... I'll go ahead and do Lee and Tenten's request..."

"Guy-senseiiiiiii!" A river of tears came waving down Lee's eyes as he was thankful his sensei agreed to help, "As a token of my gratitude, I shall do one hundred laps around the next village we make a pit stop at!"

"That's the spirit, Lee! But for now, save your energy so we could make those two fall in loooove!"

"LOVE!" Lee repeated dramatically.

"Yes, my friend! LOOOOVE!" Guy said even more absurdly.

"LOOOOOOOOVE!" The two then hugged it out as a waterfall of tears streamed down their eyes.

Tenten sweatdropped, "Would you two give it a rest already?"

"Absolutely ridiculous and a waste of time." Neji kept walking forward with a nonchalant attitude.

"What's all the ruckus over here about?" Yamato joined in as he was intrigued by what was going on.

"Apparently, Nia likes Naruto and Naruto might like her back to everyone's great interest." Kakashi answered as Yamato only sweatdropped.

"You mean to tell me you guys are interested in whether or not two teenagers like one another...?"

Kakashi, not taking his eyes away from his book, just pointed over at the genin, "Take a look yourself, Yamato."

Upon seeing what the jonin was pointing too, the brown haired man sighed.

"Can we forget about how Naruto's smiling and staring at the girl and focus on the mission instead? You all must be bored to be paying attention to that if you want my honest opinion."

"My point exactly." Neji agreed as everyone else just kept their opinions to themselves.

Kakashi however, turned a thousand shades of red when he had read something that was very sexual in nature and didn't hide his more intense giggling from the rest of the group and as soon as the opportunity arose, Guy stopped the group as he had an announcement to make.

"All right everyone, gather together cause I got an important decision to tell you all. From here to when we get all the way to the Cloud, we will be lined up in a different and more suitable order."

"Is that really necessary?" Iruka asked as he was next to Nia.

"Why of course, Iruka. The formation I came up with is the most safe and reliable one we can take in case an enemy may appear or if Nia there may try to escape like she has done before."

"Well what is the formation you suggest for us to take?"

"Here's how things will be: Iruka... you, Sakura, and Neji will be in the front while Kakashi, Yamato, and I will be in the middle, and Lee, Nia, Naruto, and Tenten will be in the back. This will be done as we will be guaranteed of our safe trip to the Cloud, my friend."

"Naruto walking next to Nia? I don't think so." The chunin immediately dismisses the idea.

Kakashi placed his hand on the guy's shoulder, "No need to worry. You just go up there and us other adults will keep watch of the two for you."

"I guess I shouldn't be worried if you're near them Kakashi. All right then, I'll take a break from watching Nia and will allow you guys to do so until we reach our destination."

Hearing this, Lee and Tenten excitedly fist bumped one another as their plan was slowly going into action.

As the group began to rearrange their spots, Nia began to get incredibly nervous as her crush made his way over to her.

"Hey, Curly Brow." He greeted her with a smile before walking on her right side while also having Tenten to his right, "How you holding up?"

Though she can feel her mind racing and her heart fluttering st the sight of his smile, she replied with a coy tone, "Hi and I'm doing okay, I guess. I'm glad... we're able to talk right now. I haven't spoken to you in a while."

"No kidding. Iruka-sensei really doesn't want me by you for some reason." He chuckled as he walked with his hands behind his head, "I think he's worried there's something going on between us or something, ya know?"

Hearing this, Tenten giggled.

"I don't know, Naruto. I don't blame Iruka for thinking that seeing as you were staring and even smiling at Nia just moments ago before we changed formation." She teased.

"WHA?!" He became embarrassed as he began to deny everything, "No, I don't remember doing all that. I was talking to Sakura the whole time."

"Naruto, you were... really doing that?" Nia asked as she felt extremely moved and flattered, but was also in disbelief.

Instead of answering the question however, Naruto only looked away and reddened as he was being put on the spot.

Meanwhile, Lee was pleased as Tenten's quick thinking had seemed to bring the two in a position to possibly begin to flirt.

"Hey everyone, why don't we play a little game to pass up the time?" He suggested as the three were confused, "It's a pretty competitive one and it's also a friendly one too. It's called: Who can compliment the best!"

"Who can compliment the best?" Naruto sweatdropped, "What kind of kiddy game is that, Bushy Brows?"

"The rules are as follows: Whoever can outdo the other in compliments wins! Naruto you will face off against Nia until one of you cannot think of anything else to say. The first person to run out of compliments lose."

"That's kind of a weird game, but okay I guess I'm in. You ready to lose, Curly Brow?"

Not really understanding the concept behind Lee's decision, Tenten went over to his left side and whispered, "Lee, what the heck is the point of this game?"

"Just think, Tenten. Naruto is a man who loves to have his ego stroked. If we can get Nia to stroke it well enough in a natural way, he might fall for her fairly quickly. They would be telling one another what they like about the other and it may cause them to fall at an even quicker pace."

"Oh, I see. This game will allow them to naturally do that and it won't be awkward seeing as out complimenting your opponent is the objective of the game. That's actually a pretty good idea, Lee! I'm impressed!"

"Well, let's get this started already then! Naruto, you're first." Lee started the game.

Seeing as he isn't shy, a compliment from him first might relax Nia enough into doing the same for him and take less pressure off her!

As he was thinking that, Nia could only think, 'What's the point of this stupid game? I can't even name one thing I like about myself so how the heck is Naruto supposed to compliment me? If anything, he's probably wondering how he's even supposed to compliment someone as hideous as me... he'll just compliment my personality and not my looks at all. He could never like me... why can't I have been born pretty or normal?

"Um... I don't know you guys," She spoke up, "I don't think this game is really necessary."

"Why is that so? You do not wish to take part in the game?"

Nia answered Lee, "It's not really that. I just... I don't wanna have Naruto burdened by thinking of good things to say about. It must be extremely difficult for him to think of one right now."

Hearing this, Lee, Tenten, and Naruto all sweatdropped.

'She's so insecure...' They all thought at once.

Right after however, Naruto had spotted something that captured his interest and went away for a bit as Nia was awkwardly left with the two escorts she didn't know well.

"So um... can one of you please take this chakra rope thing off my hands so I can let my wrists breathe?" The younger girl out of the three asked as Tenten gave a response immediately.

"Well since you're being kept under watch, we can't really-"

"Very well then!" Lee sliced through the rope with only the side of his hand.

"LEE!" Tenten scolded him as Nia thanked him and stretched her arms and also rubbed her wrists as they were a bit sore, "What the heck are you thinking? She's supposed to keep those on until we reach the Cloud, you idiot."

"She looked uncomfortable."

"That doesn't matter."

"It matters to me," Naruto finally came back as he had a pink flower in his hand, "Curly Brow, here. You told me a while back you like flowers and since I saw a few of them just back over there, I picked one for you. I thought you might like one, ya know?"

"Naruto..." Nia began to go red in the face as she placed a hand over her face to cover the smile that was forming on it because of him, "This is really for me? You sure you don't wanna give this to Sakura?"

"I haven't really seen you smile since we even ventured out here. I like seeing the dimples you have when you do smile or laugh. I think they're cute to be honest."

'Oh my goodness!' Nia completely covered her face this time as steam poured out from it, 'I completely forgot he told me he liked them before back when we were with Jiraiya! I felt so happy and now he's telling me that again AND he gave me flowers! I'm surprised he didn't give them to Sakura. I wonder why?'

"Thank you," She couldn't stop smiling as the blonde handed the flowers to her, "I like this a lot. It made my day."

Astonished by what they had just seen, Tenten and Lee began to whisper to one another once more.

"Did that really just happen?" The girl asked as Lee nodded.

"That was a brilliant move on Naruto's part. Even I forgot the most simplest thing a man can do to please a woman."

"If he's giving her flowers, doesn't this just further prove our point that he may have feelings? I mean, look at them right now, they're smiling at one another." The kunoichi pointed as Lee turned to his right to see she was telling the truth then turned back toward her.

"You are indeed correct Tenten, but we can never be too sure. We all know just how much Naruto is willing to do for Sakura and to have her for himself. It's a bit far fetched to say that he may have feelings for a new girl so soon though I wish it was so. We're just gonna have to keep crossing our fingers and pray that our friend will move on from my dear Sakura sooner rather than later." He responded.

"I should give Sakura an even more beautiful flower than yours, Curly Brow." They suddenly heard the blonde say as their heads snapped in his direction, "Sakura is really pretty after all. She deserves everything just for being beautiful, don't you think?"

Nia's heart cracked as soon as she listened to that statement come from out his mouth. Immediately she lowered her eyes to the ground and pushed her hand against the boy's chest as the flowers she received from him fell from out of it and in seconds she had made her way to the front of the group as she walked near Iruka with her hands covering her face as to hide the sadness she was feeling at the moment.

"What the- Curly Brow?!" Naruto tried calling out to her as Tenten face palmed herself while Lee sweatdropped, "Why'd you go up there? Did I say something wrong?"

'Haaaah...' Tenten sighed heavily as she shook her head, 'Leave it to Naruto to mess everything up super quickly. I mean, we were getting somewhere with this and now Nia moved all the way to the front and right back next to Iruka-sensei.'

'NOOOO!' Rock Lee fell to his hands and knees in disappointment as if the world was coming to an end, 'We were so close to getting them to fall in LOVE! MY PLANS WITH SAKURA IS RUINED! I HAVE FAILED, GUY-SENSEI! PLEASE FORGIVE ME, SIR!'

'Lee...' He seemed to hear Guy's voice in his head as in reality, his sensei rested a hand on his student's shoulder as Lee looked up to see him in tears, 'Lee, you did all you could for the sake of love, my precious student. Don't let this failure drag you to a point of no return.'

'But Guy-sensei... Naruto... Naruto, he...'

'I know what Naruto did sabotaged our conquest at setting him up with Nia, but we must move forward, Lee. We must keep getting them to run into the sunset with one another and be bonded for liiiiiife!'

'GUY-SENSEI!' Lee screamed in his head as he and guy hugged each other once more with their cheeks rubbing up and down on the other and tears dropping down their eyes.

'LEE!'

'GUY-SENSEIIII!'

'LEEEE!'

"You two should hurry up or we'll leave you behind." Kakashi warned the two as he was looking over his shoulder as he walked, "What's done is done."

And with that, the group continued on though Naruto was feeling a little bad for seemingly upsetting Nia though he didn't know what he did wrong.

"I just don't get it," He vented to Tenten and Lee, "Why'd she move to the front like that? Does she not wanna be by me? I wanted to talk to her some more."

"Naruto, you can't just give a girl some flowers then tell her you wanna give another girl even more beautiful flowers because she's prettier. Of course she'd get hurt by that." The kunoichi explained.

"But I don't get it."

Tenten sighed, "You're hopeless, you know that?"

The genin crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow as he tilted his head a bit while pondering about the mistake he made.

Why does she seem so bothered every time I bring Sakura up?

As he kept thinking to himself, the group eventually made it near a bridge that was stretched many yards onto another ground of land. However, a few pieces of wood were missing from the bridge and the ropes appeared to be very thin. Below the bridge was a raging river that was hundreds of feet below and dangerous to fall into.

"Once we cross this bridge, the Hidden Cloud will just be a few miles ahead." Neji told the group as he had his byakugan activated.

"I'll be right back," Naruto told everyone as he suddenly ran somewhere else, "I gotta pee real quick!"

"Geez, did he really need to be that blunt about it?" Sakura was embarrassed for him before turning her attention back to the bridge.

Meanwhile, Nia just began to back away as her fear of going back was beginning to overwhelm her once more.

'We're already practically here?' She thought to herself, 'No... No, I can't go back. I can't go back! This is my last chance of getting away!'

"Nia, what's wrong?" Iruka asked as he noticed her strange behavior.

Quickly she came up with a half-truth, "The bridge... the bridge looks unstable for all of us to cross it at once and... I'm afraid... to cross it."

"The bridge does look a bit dangerous and it stretches really far..." Yamato agreed, "To be safe, we should cross it one by one."

"Or maybe you can use your wood to construct a new bridge for us to walk across on?" Kakashi suggested.

"I would but building that large house for us to spend the night in really took a toll on my ability. I'm still exhausted from it." He answered.

Due to this decision, Iruka turned to his cousin and said, "Listen Nia, since I know just how much you're afraid of heights and deep water, I'll allow you to cross the bridge last so you can take a moment to prepare yourself, all right?"

"Yes, I understand. Thanks, Iruka." She nodded with a smile.

However, in her mind... she had other plans. Plans that would ensure her freedom from the group.

For the next several minutes, the ninja would cross the bridge one by one as they would each make it across safely and onto the other side. Being as he was the second to last, when Iruka finished, he turned and gave Nia a thumbs up as it was her turn to cross.

"Okay!" She raised her hand with a smile while another hand reached behind her and raised a kunai from out her pouch.

"You can do it!" He cheered her on though he was too far for her to hear him.

Suddenly however, as Nia approached the bridge, her smile turned into a smirk and with a swing of her blade, she sliced the ropes that was tied around a thick piece of wood stuck into the ground

"NIA!" Iruka yelled from the other side as soon as he witnessed her sneakily cut the ropes that cause the bridge to completely collapse and swing violently to the other side of the land with a loud SMACK.

"Oops, I guess the ropes got loose. Ah, too bad." Nia then waved with an attitude and apologized with an insincere tone, "I guess there's no way in hell you guys can get me to the Cloud now being as far as you are and having nothing but death waiting for you if you even dare try to leap from your side to my side. That raging river will swallow you alive. Haha, nice try though. Nothing nor anyone can get me to be forced back into that damn village!"

As Iruka began screaming at her furiously for her action, Nia just kept smiling as she knew she was finally able to escape.

"I DARE... ANY ONE OF YOU TO CATCH ME!" She spread her arms eagle in a cocky manner, "ANYONE!"

That escape... was fleeting however as she felt her back hit against something while she had been walking backwards.

"What you did was wrong, ya know?" She heard Naruto as he seemingly was the only one besides her out of the group that had yet to cross the bridge as he had spent his time using the bathroom elsewhere before coming back to witness what Nia had done, "Why would you cut the rope like that?"

Nia's heart stopped when she realized she actually forgot to check and see if her own crush had crossed.

The girl sighed then groaned as she turned to face the blonde, "Great! This is just great! Of course you're the only one who didn't get across. Of course it had to be you. Out of everyone. I'm just cursed, aren't I?"

"Curly Brow, how are we supposed to get across now?"

"I don't. You find that way for yourself because you're not taking me back to that place."

"You're coming with us so stop acting up and let's find a way across already."

Hearing this, Nia just started to walk past him, however, the blonde cut her off.

"What?" The kunoichi groaned.

Naruto only tried to keep his cool, "Just take a deep breath, all right? I know you're scared, but you're gonna be all right, okay?"

"I'm gonna be all right? You have no idea what you're setting me up for. I did whatever it took to get the hell away from that place and there's no chance in hell you're going to take me back. So move aside, Naruto."

Again Nia tried to walk pass him but the genin blocked her way again.

"I thought about what Pervy Sage told me and now agree with him. It is wrong that you ran away. You ditched your team, your friends, your family... don't you think they're worried about you? I mean you've been gone for almost three months now, right?"

Nia scoffed, "My team? You mean the team that kept threatening me if I didn't do something they wanted and would leave me behind most of the time and save themselves? Friends too, huh? What kind of friends talk crap about you every chance they get and doesn't defend you behind your back whenever someone insults you and instead laughs and insults you along with them? Didn't you tell me a long time ago yourself those people weren't my friends?"

The blonde kept quiet as Nia continued.

"Hell, the only thing I agree with you on is the family part. I do feel bad I left them, but you know what? Everyone will have to go their separate ways and live their own life anyway eventually which will ultimately lead me to be completely alone right then and there. I don't even like being around people all that much either. They're absolute trash. Some people are okay, but most of them should just shove a stick up their heartless insensitive ass."

With that, she lightly pushed the genin aside and tried to jump into the trees only to have him grab onto her ankle and practically trip her though she was able to regain her balance before she fell. With a glare, she also frowned at the boy.

"You're really starting to piss me off. Please leave me alone. I stuck around you long enough. It's time for me to leave now. I learned some ninjutsu and got some lessons for my writing from Jiraiya-sen..." The girl then remembered the old man turning her over to the Leaf and being the reason she was behind bars, "Jiraiya. That means I am good now. It was nice knowing you all right? Goodbye."

"You're going back whether you like it or not, ya know!" The genin yelled as he finally got annoyed.

"And just what're you gonna do about it, huh? Beat me up? If so, you'd have to beat me so bad I won't be able to move."

Nia then pointed behind Naruto at Iruka, "Just remember, Iruka is right over there haha. You're scared of him, right? Touch me and you're over."

"Curly Brow, just cut it out already, would ya?!"

"No! YOU cut it out! I'm sick of you always somehow showing up whenever I'm trying to be on my own. It's annoying as hell! I don't know how I wasn't paying attention to see if you crossed the bridge!"

"It's your fault for not paying attention."

"It was," Nia agreed before chuckling, "but that doesn't matter. It's not like you can do anything about it haha."

"Oh yeah? Then I'll force you to go back then!" The blonde then attempted to summon some shadow clones to restrain the girl.

However, just before he could, Nia had quickly made a more simple sign and activated a jutsu that was able to temporarily paralyze the blonde from making any movement at all. Suddenly finding himself unable to move, Naruto began to try to break out of the jutsu as Nia only began to laugh once more.

"What's wrong?" She taunted him, "Can't move? Aww, you poor thing. You're so predictable. I knew you were going to result to your clones cause you can't restrain me by yourself."

With a flip of her hair, Nia then claimed, "After all, I am the better taijutsu user out of the both of us and even though you could still beat me overall, I at least can make you stop moving, haha. It's so useful to use when you're trying to run away. Oh yeah, that reminds me... I remember using this same exact technique to save you from that crazy lady trying to kidnap and practically kill you while you were asleep during that whole cave situation. And when I did, I don't ever recall getting a thanks from you at the very least."

Wanting to speak his mind, Naruto attempted to speak but soon figured out, that was no longer something he could do.

"Cat got your tongue?" The kunoichi noticed his lips trembling, "It sucks when you got something to say but no one cares or ignores you. Now you know how I feel with a majority of people. I don't get a say and when I actually do, no one cares. By the way, I literally risked my life to try and help you when you transformed awhile back even when I practically just MET you! I could've died back there and honestly, normally I'd run from that level of danger but I chose to try and save you because well... I guess I'm just a good person or maybe it was because I thought you were too kind to die."

'Man... how long will this stay in effect?' Naruto thought as he kept trying to move around, 'Curly Brow is losing her mind right now. She's really scared about going back. Is it really that nerve wrecking that she has to resort to this?'

Fixated on the blue necklace around the genin's neck, Nia took the tip of her index finger and balanced the end of the blue jewel atop of it.

This thing was glowing when he was transformed... why?

"You said your hokage gave this to you? Well guess what? I'm taking this from you." The kunoichi puller the item over the boy's and held it by the tips of her fingers as it slowly swayed side to side.

Next, she began to untie his headband.

"This means the world to you cause you worked hard for it, right? Well I'm taking it from you because despite my effort of trying to get you to realize I care about you and how I treated you better and how I'm the one who has feelings for you, you wanna only keep your eyes on Sakura just cause she's pretty and nothing else. You can't even describe one thing you like about her personality so I'm definitely taking this from you since you're so ridiculously shallow."

'WAIT WHAAAAA?!'  Naruto screamed in his head as her confession finally was said out loud, 'WHAT SHE SAAY?!'

"I'm sick of you talking about her all the damn time about how pretty she is! I don't care if she's pretty! I want you to notice me and everything I try to do to make you feel happy! I want you to think I'm pretty! I mean I like you so much it's ridiculous! You never notice anything I do or say! You always act like you're so confused about why I act so bashful and strange towards you when it's so damn obvious I wanna be your girlfriend, be in your arms, kiss you, be protected by you, be everything you ever dreamed of, hold hands, go on dates and all that other good stuff."

Nia paused as she felt her heart feel as if it were down in the dumps.

"I don't... know what to say. I... never felt this way before, it's my first time feeling this strongly for someone. I mean this level of care is more than I can handle. I just... you have me completely speechless. Sakura may not think you're all that but I think you're absolutely incredibly. I don't know how she doesn't see it but I sure as hell do. That's why I'm asking if you could just give me a chance to show you how I feel...?"

Realizing she wouldn't get an answer from out the blonde as he was paralyzed, she decided to free him as she kept her eyes low and a hand rubbing her arm for comfort.

"FINALLY!" Naruto began stretching and smiling as he relieved to be able to move and talk, "Man that was torture! Ahhh, it feels good to be able to do this!"

Moments later, his gaze went on Nia as she had her head down and was avoiding eye contact with him.

This caused him to sweatdropped as she appeared to be too afraid to say anything, 'I guess I should say something...'

"You said you... like me? Like... like me, like me?"

Nia nodded as her cheeks began to go red, "Mhm. I like you. I wanna be with you and I wanna see you again. If I go to the cloud, I'm afraid you won't bother to come and visit me. I'm afraid I won't ever get to see you again. It scares me to death! I really wanna see you a lot."

"Uhhh..."

The blonde couldn't tell if she was being sincere or not. It surprised him that she had liked him the whole time despite being a bit conservative about it.

"You're not lying, are ya?" He cupped her chin gently and forced her to look at him.

"It's not a lie!" Nia saw her chance and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head on his chest in a loving embrace, "I love you, Naruto. I wanna be your girlfriend. Please stop asking Sakura out and ask me instead. I'm the one who likes you in this way. I really like you! I can't get you out of my head no matter how hard I try! I got it bad for you!"

"Hold on a second!" The blonde only began nervously shifting around as Nia kept ahold on him, "When'd all these lovey dovey feelings awaken in you?!"

"When we were with Jiraiya. We spent so much time together cause he kept leaving us to go to those bars and the more I got to know you more, the more I began to like you. At first, I thought you'd be mean like everyone else, but you were always kind to me and I fell for who you are eventually. I really like you!"

"Does that mean you'd go for any guy who's nice to you?"

"What?" The girl lightly pulled away and placed her hands on his chest, "No, of course not. If that were true, I would've left you for Akihiko. He gave me way more attention and compliments and told me I'd be rich and a queen if I went with him but I turned him down because I loved and wanted to stay with you. You're the only one I'd ever be with to be honest. You're amazing."

Hearing this, Naruto began to run his fingers through his hair as Nia watched him do so with a blush still evident on her face.

"I... I'm attracted to you also... in case you're wondering. I think... you're handsome." She told him awkwardly.

However, he kept running his fingers through his hair as she told him this then began to smooth his jacket and pulled his pants up a bit as his face began to get a little warm.

Man, why is she telling me all this now? She should've said something while we were with Pervy Sage? Am I really that intimidating?

"Naruto?" Nia called him again as this time she received a warm smile from him.

"Hmm?"

"I know you don't like me, but will you keep me in your thoughts when you leave? Will you miss me cause I'll miss you... my heart hurts at the thought at not being able to be with you. It really hurts."

With a grin, the genin placed his hand on his heart, "I promise to keep you right here forever, okay? And... I guess it kinda would be a bummer to not see you as often. I sorta got used to you."

"So then... you will miss me?"

"Yeah, but to be honest Curly Brow, you'll be really surprised when we go to the Cloud."

"Kay... does that mean we can go on a date when we get there?" The girl asked bashfully yet hopeful.

However, Naruto only avoided her question and turned his back toward her, "Erm... We should really get going now. We gotta find another way across, ya know?"

Because of this, Nia's heart shattered as she took this as a sign of rejection and began to slowly back away from the blonde before squatting down and placing her hands over her ears and squeezing her eyes shut.

'Please no...' She began to panic as she did this, 'I don't wanna feel this again. I don't wanna be told I'm not loved again... I can't take hearing this all the time. It's killing me!'

"Man..." The blonde continued to walk around as he didn't notice Nia was practically having a mental breakdown, "A jump across is too far and too risky. The water below looks really dangerous to be walked on. Damn, I really wish you didn't cut the rope, Curly Brow."

When she didn't reply to him, he turned to see the ball she curled herself into as she was too overwhelmed with negative emotion. Thinking she was just afraid to go the Cloud, he kneeled down in front of her and rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, I get that you're scared, but we've gotta get going now, okay? I wasn't kidding about how surprised you're going to be when we get to your village. You're gonna completely die of excitement, ya know?"

"Don't touch me!" Nia warned as she aggressively adjusted her shoulder so that the genin's hand would be brushed off from it.

He only raised an eyebrow, "Why are you upset, Curly Brow? You're gonna be okay. I told you a thousand times already."

"I'm not upset about that anymore!"

"You mean you're upset about something else already? Man, now we really should get going so I can tell you what the big surprise is. That'll make you smile!"

"No it won't because I'm upset about something way more important than how I feel towards my village!" Nia told him as she was now trembling.

"Well, what's making you upset then?"

"...You." She replied.

"Me?" Naruto was a little in disbelief, "What did I do?"

Nia took a little time to find the courage to tell him how she was feeling then said, "You always... reject me. You always ignore the way I feel about you and never address how you feel. It hurts me when you don't say anything or try to avoid the situation."

"Oh... that's right... you wanna know how I feel since you told me how you feel. That's to be expected I guess. Do you really wanna know how I feel?"

Nia shook her head as she tried her best to prepare herself for his answer.

"Stand up and give me your hand." He spoke softly as Nia gave her left hand for him to hold onto while she used her right hand to cover over her eyes as she still continued to cry silently to herself as she stood up, "Take a deep breath real quick because you look like you're having trouble breathing cause you're super scared, anxious, and nervous."

Again Nia nodded and did as he said as she felt her heart beating rapidly from him holding onto and brushing his thumb against her fingers so gently.

"This is how I feel so listen closely, okay?" The blonde told her as Nia once more agreed.

He gave her a moment to collect herself before saying, "The truth is... I like having you around. I like being the one that you can rely on. I like that you see me so positively and that you even have those sorts of feelings for me. I like that deep down you're actually kind and understanding and really sympathetic and try really hard to prove yourself. I like that you try. I like a lot of things about you even though there are some things I wish you would improve yourself on."

Nia continued to tremble as Naruto felt her fingers  being unable to relax in his hand and squeezed onto it a bit tighter causing Nia to go red in the face as she felt electricity shoot around her entire being.

"Curly Brow, I need you to look at me so you can see how serious I am." He told her as she only shook her head.

"I can't. I'm too scared. I'm shaking so badly. I'm sorry, Naruto."

"Okay, that's fine. I'm sure you already know I'm being serious anyway, so here's how I feel. The truth is-"

At this moment, Nia's anxiety shot through the roof and her knees gave out on her as she quickly lowered down into a very low squat and began balling her eyes out as the anticipation was just too much from her. She was too afraid to listen to how he felt. Seeing this, Naruto sighed heavily though he was still holding onto her hand.

Oh man, she's really crying hard right now... I haven't even said anything yet... I feel bad, but still... I should tell her how I feel even if she doesn't like it. She has to know or she'll never get over it.

"Curly Brow, I don't want you to be sad over me, all right? I want us to still be friends and-"

"S-Stop," The girl whimpered as her sobbing intensified, "I can't... I can't hear no more. Please stop. It hurts... s-so bad."

"Curly Brow... I'm sorry, ya know? I don't want to hurt you. I really don't wanna say this to you but I have to. The only girl I've ever truly liked was and is Sakura. I wanna protect her, cherish her, and only have her as my girlfr-"

"I SAID STOP IT!" Nia then got furious as she couldn't keep her emotions in check any longer, "Stop it already! This is too much for me! I can't keep hearing how the person I like like always likes someone else! I can't take it anymore! The only reason you don't like me is because you think I'm ugly! The only reason you like Sakura is because you think she's hot and that's LITERALLY IT! You can't even name five things you like about her other than her appearance! Stop torturing me about how pretty you think she is! You always talk about it and now I'm starting to think you do it on purpose so you can let me know I could never have a chance with you!"

"That's not true!" Naruto became offended quickly and bent down to her level so he could look her in the eye while still holding onto her hand, "Im stupid, all right?! I had no idea you liked me until you told me just now! And maybe you're right, I can't come up with five things I like about Sakura besides her looks at the moment right now, but that doesn't mean I don't like her!"

"Naruto, just admit it! You like her cause she's hot and that's practically it! You basically have only a crush on her and nothing more! I mean, you guys might be close but after spending all these few days watching you two interact, you seem more like siblings or something if you count out the asking her out parts."

The blonde frowned, "You're just jealous, ya know?"

"Nooooo, you think?" The kunoichi replied sarcastically, "Admit it, Naruto! I know I couldn't be the only one catching feelings that whole time we were with Jiraiya and he kept leaving us to ourselves so we can talk and get to know each other more so we could get along better! You're telling me after all the late night hour upon hour conversations we had at night when that guy would go to the bar, the cuddling you'd give me when I was cold or upset, the stupid arguments, the way I worried or cried for you when I thought something bad happened to you, the funny times, the good times, just EVERYTHING! None of it mattered to you?"

She then used her right hand to wipe her tears for a moment before they were replaced with a fresh new set.

"Not even my confession touches you? Not even this moment right now makes you see me any differently than before?"

At this point, Naruto had already gone silent as his head was lowered and his bangs casted a dark shadow over his eyes as he slowly stood to his feet.

"Let's... get moving, Curly Brow. I really wanna find a way to get across to the other side so we can regroup with the others and get you to the Cloud already, ya know?"

"You go do that," The girl also stood as the headband and necklace she held in her right hand fell to the ground as she did so, "I'm done and I'm leaving. I'm exhausted and now I'm starting to regret the fact that I didn't just leave with Akihiko when he thought I was beautiful, would make me queen, and make sure I'd be at a village where I'm being treated with respect."

The genin didn't say anything and just kept his head down.

"Naruto, I still have feelings for you but... I'm going to the Hidden Steam to be with the feudal lord and to start a new and happier life. You can visit anytime you want if you'd like. Until then... goodbye."

Before she would go though, Nia needed a sense of comfort and leftover feelings to get rid of and slowly approached the boy, wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug as she squeezed out the last tears out of her eyes. Though she wasn't hugged back, she released the ninja and courageously yet quickly gave a quick peck to his cheek before taking off into the trees in the opposite direction as she was afraid Naruto would become disgusted or angry with what she had just done and like that, she began her escape although she was torn to shreds inside.

Meanwhile, where everyone else was, they watched as Nia was escaping further and further from the group and despite their calls, Naruto wasn't paying any attention to them as he was still overcome with emotion he didn't know how to deal with properly.

"NARUTO, YOU KNUCKLEHEAAAAD!" Iruka shouted at the top of his lungs as the ninja was able to hear him, "CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING?! NIA IS ESCAPING! GO GET HER RIGHT NOOOOW!"

However, he did nothing as a couple of tears slid down his cheeks and his fists slowly curled into a ball.

"NARUTOOO!" Iruka once more yelled.

"Why is he just standing there?" Lee asked as there was nothing anyone could do at the moment.

"Don't tell me he's actually letting her get away?" Sakura wondered as she was just as curious.

"Looked to me like they were either having a huge argument or a really deep conversation." Kakashi resumed to reading his book before giggling about a certain line he read.

Iruka gave his throat a break as his yelling had caused it to be a little sore.

What is going on with those two? Could Master Jiraiya have been right about one of them liking the other or maybe actually sharing the same feelings? Whatever the case may be, there's no way I'd let those two fancy one another...

"Huh? Looks like Naruto's giving us a thumbs up..." Guy pointed out as everyone took notice of it.

Back where he was, the blonde, who already had his back turned towards the group, did indeed give them a thumbs up from behind his back with his right hand while he used the sleeve of his left arm to wipe his eyes. After then placing his necklace over his neck and tying his headband around his forehead, he took off into the trees as he decided to find and catch up to Nia before it was too late.

'I should've just told her how I really felt instead of telling her what I did so if the plan wasn't to work out at the Cloud, she wouldn't go crying to herself and keeping those feelings for me even after we wouldn't be able to see each other anymore...' He told himself as he kicked off a branch, 'But I totally just made everything worse right now...'

————

A/N- All right guys, that was the end of part one. Just remember, part two will explain all the questions you have. ALL OF IT 😂

Anyways, thanks for reading! Please comment and vote and have a great day ❤️

QOTD:

1. Fave Part?

2. Fave Line?

3. What do you think will happen in the second part to this? Lol