Knots

By xannychan

Disclaimer: Not mine.

A/N: A small snapshot of a normal morning for the Hokage.

Warnings: NaruSaku goodness.

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Naruto puts on his headband without hesitation. It is a symbol of hope, honor, and peace, and it is as much a part of him as his ninja way, his body, soul, spirit, heart, mind, and demon.

But sometimes, when he looks into the mirror, he reconsiders.

Even after all these long years, he's still looking at his reflection, and he still blinks with surprise at what he sees. (He still swears on his ninja way that there's something in the mirror that hates him.)

When he looks now, he stares long and hard (and perhaps thinks too much like that, as well).

Because, today, his eyes are red

…like the Sharingan (Blood betrays blood and hatred overcomes the love of many dear friends).

…like blood on a kunai (It is guilt, indiscriminative and all-consuming, and it is absolutely terrifying).

…like the Kyuubi.

His fingers fumble with the knot until it slips clear out of his hands, metal clattering against the tile floor, and he touches his face.

(Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?)

A knock on the door makes him jump.

"Naruto?" Sakura's bleary voice filters through the door. "Honey, hurry up. The Hokage can't be late for the Chuunin exam in his own village…"

He picks up his headband once more. Brushing it off, he replies, "I know." His voice rings, clear and steady.

He ties the knot, tight and secure, and takes a good look.

"Good morning, Naruto," his reflection smiles. Blue eyes crinkle at the corners.

He grins and shuts the door on his way out.

The rising sun, hot and swirling red, melts into an endlessly blue sky.

( Sakura's hair is the perfect shade of hope today.)