Just a little drabble I thought up in the shower. I don't own anything.
The day after Team Seven gets back from the mission to Wave, Sakura gives Naruto a book. The tome is titled The Elemental Countries for Dummies and the smile Sakura receives is so wide and fake she almost notices it. Alas, the pinkette is not yet as well versed in the art of masks and fake emotions as she will be with time, and so shrugs it off as just another quirk the blond possesses. She leaves the boy there at the training field, confident in herself at having helped her teammate's obviously lacking intelligence. Had she turned around, Sakura probably would have noticed the smile turn into a grimace and Naruto's face become clouded.
The next day, Naruto could be found with the book open in his lap, idly turning pages at an even pace. His teammates are surprised, but make no mention of it, happy that the boy is starting to take his education seriously. Sakura even gives him a sort of encouraging smile. The day continues on as normal, D-ranked missions in the morning with training in the afternoon as they get back into the rhythm of Konoha.
And so it goes. Everyday, Naruto brings the book with him, always just a little bit ahead of where he was the day prior. His team starts to make little comments such as "good job, Naruto" or "it's about time, Dobe." With each word, the blond smiles just a little bit more before getting on with the day. When he finally finishes the book, Kakashi surprised him with another one, this one titled Tactics for the Tactless. Once again, Naruto accepts it with a too-large smile that seems just slightly short of sincere. But Kakashi, for all that he prides himself in being observant, doesn't dig deeper and just accepts it as Naruto not liking that he is expected to read more.
The pattern continues until soon Naruto has gotten at least two books from each of his teammates. They watch him read them all and are proud, perhaps a bit grudgingly for some, that he's taking his education seriously. And throughout it all Naruto continues to smile at each well-hidden bit of praise. The newest book from Sasuke, Taijutsu for the Street Brawler, is left open on his lap until training starts. When the day is over, Naruto picks up the book and places it under his arm as he walks back towards his apartment.
As he walks through the front door, the jinchuuriki makes a beeline for his bedroom. He opens the floorboard closest to his bed and places the gift inside where five other books lay neatly between the wood. The boy runs his finger gently over each spine and sighs. As much as he loves these books, he hates them too. They make him a liar and he hates that. Maybe someday he'll be able to tell his team the truth, but not now, not yet. He can't let them know he lied.
After all, how can he read something when no one taught him how?
Thanks for reading! Have a great night!
