Prologue

A petite child with red streaked blonde hair ran through the village. She had gotten a small bit of money and was going to take her brother to his favorite place to eat, Ichiraku Ramen. Deep blue eyes sparkled in excitement despite the whispers and looks directed her way. She bolted up the stairs to their small apartment and burst in. Naruto looked up at her from where he was laying on the floor. "Oi, I have money so let's go eat," she gave him a small smile.

He just stared at her for a bit dully. Kasai sighed and headed to where he was laying. "Ne, Naru, come here," she sat down and crossed her legs.

After a moment Naruto laid his head on her lap. Kasai lazily ran her fingers through his spikey hair, and didn't say anything when tears started to hit her skin. They sat there for an hour with Naruto crying and Kasai comforting him as best she could. Something two five-year-olds shouldn't have to do. Finally, Naruto's tears stopped and he sat up. His eyes were red, puffy, and raw. Standing, Kasai went to the bathroom and wet a washcloth. She carefully covered his eyes with it and leaned her shoulder against his. "Naruto, I'm giving you a job," he tilted his head a bit to show he was listening. "From now on you have to be my sunshine. I want to always see you smiling. Your smile makes everything better. Don't let anyone bring you down, they're just jealous of how awesome you are."

He was quiet for a bit, before a beaming smile split his face. "Believe it!" he shouted, giving her a thumbs up.

She couldn't hold in her laughter and he soon joined her. Eventually her laughter turned to giggles. "Thanks, Naru, you're really amazing."

Naruto's big blue eyes sparkled with delight and he kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Kasai."

Together they left their apartment and headed to the best ramen place ever. Teuchi greeted them with a smile and asked them what they wanted. "Pork for me!" Naruto shouted.

"Beef, please," Kasai said in her soft voice.

Teuchi smiled at his two very different customers. They were twins, but their personalities were very different. Naruto was normally loud and smiling, Kasai was more of a silent presence and her smiles were for special people. "So, what's new with my favorite customers?"

"We're starting the academy soon, believe it!" Naruto exclaimed with a sunny smile. "I'm getting closer to being Hokage!"

Frowning, Teuchi turned to face them. "Both of you?" he asked with furrowed brows.

Kasai nodded with her eyes shut. "Mmhmm, I can't let Naruto go by himself now can I?"

His frown deepened and he returned to his cooking. Kasai watched him for a bit before her eyes softened. "Teuchi-jii jii, you don't need to worry about me. Naruto will be there with me."

Teuchi sighed before smiling at the observant little girl. "Alright, Kasai. You know I can't help but worry about my favorite customers."

"Hey, where's Ayame-nee?" Naruto made a show of looking around for the kind brunette.

"She's sick today," Teuchi explained, placing the ramen before the two.

They both frowned at that. "Please let her know that we wish for her returned health," Kasai said.

Together they broke their chopsticks. "Thanks for the food!" the two called together.

Teuchi watched them with a smile and laughed at their antics. They truly were something else.