Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Author's notes: Just another short story that's been in my head for a long time. Hope you like it.
The Gift
"Is that all?" Sarutobi asks, standing wearily.
Seeing the orphans at the shelter is always a difficult thing for him, a painful reminder of the shinobi the village has lost. He can't help but feel sad and guilty, viewing these children whose parents should have been safe under his command, yet will never come home. That is one of the reasons he personally delivers presents every New Year's Day.
The director of the orphanage nods, looking over her list. All have been accounted for, tallied neatly.
There is a disturbance in the hall, and a door slides open. A little girl, freshly scrubbed and with her hair in two buns, is pushed inside.
Upon seeing her, Sarutobi smiles and sits down. "Ah, Tenten, how are you?" She's the newest of them, and that's how he remembers her name. That, and her strong brown eyes, which remind him so much of his missing female student.
The little girl blushes, toying with the hem of her dress. "Fine, Lord Hokage." Her voice still holds a hint of an accent. Slowly, she approaches him.
Sarutobi reaches into his sack, only to find it empty. He experiences a moment of panic as she clambers into his lap, and sits patiently.
What to give her? The only thing he has on him suitable for a child is a ninja magazine, pages detailing new weapons and a biography on Tsunade.
He presents it to her, and they spend the rest of the afternoon reading it together.