Hello, everyone! So, this is my first Naruto Shippuden Fanfic. . .
The story revolves around a new character from my own figment of imagination named Haru Akimoto who made friends with Naruto and everyone else.
Meanwhile, behind all the fun, The Hokage found an interesting case in which no one else but the Jounin are informed about. . . Subscribe in my story to know the rest!
PS. this is not a romance fanfic genre but rather action/adventure.
-START OF CHAPTER-
"I'm giving you a month." Ordered an old man, hiding in the shadows. "Take all the information you can get."
A young ninja about the age of 16 nodded. "Understood, Jiro-sama."
"Make sure you wont fail. I put my trust on you. Go." Dismissed the old man.
The shinobi nodded once more and shunshined out of the hideout.
Even in the dark, You can sense the old man suppressing an evil grin. It can be said that something is terribly wrong here.
"YOSH! Home sweet home!" Naruto stretched his arms as he made his way to Konoha's main gate with Sakura, Sai, Yamato and Kakashi behind him.
Sakura nodded. "It's been a month, huh? I missed Konoha, too."
"Well now, atleast we can sleep knowing Princess Ayano wont be killed by several missing nins." The jounin noted.
"She was rather hard to work with..." The jinchuuriki injected.
"She is?" asked Sai innocently.
"How can you not notice! She landed a kick right in my face!"
"Now now, Naruto." said Yamato, flashing his haunting face towards the impatient Naruto. "Just because the princess we're supposed to escort ended up to be such a brat doesnt mean you could gush out on your comrade." He lectured with his creepy eyes sparkling.
Naruto froze in fear, his teeth chattering. "H-h-hai!" was all that he could manage to say while Sai gave a honest smile.
"Oh hey, Guys!" Izumo called from the main gate as they pass by.
"Izumo, Kotetsu. . . How's the village?" asked Kakashi to the duo who guards the gate.
"Everything's okay, Kakashi-Senpai. And it seems like your mission went well."
"It did." He let out a sigh in exasperation "That's a relief... Well, time to report everything to Tsunade-sama."
Kotetsu smiled at them. "Later."
They were just about to pass by Ichiraku when Naruto's feet came to a halt automatically.
"What's wrong, Naruto?" inquired the Kunoichi.
Naruto inhaled the sweet smell of his all time favorite food.
"RAMEN!" He skipped with full joy to Ichiraku's but Sakura quickly pinched his ear.
"Are you a shinobi or what? You do know that the Hokage's office is the first to attend after finishing a mission!"
He continued to reach Ichiraku with his hands as if it's possible while Sakura does her usual nags.
Unconscious of what's happening and only focusing on ramen, a snow-white haired girl suddenly passed by him, making him snap out of it. He froze there, trying to make sense of what he just felt. It's like he have known the girl for a long time now and strangely felt connected to her.
Naruto turned his head towards the girl's direction, hoping to see her and maybe come up with a valid reason for feeling that way but unfortunately, there was no trace of this young lady.
"Naruto? Are you okay?" asked Kakashi.
Everyone in the group looked at him with concern. Obviously, something is definitely troubling the dear orange shinobi.
"I-uh. . . Yeah. I'm okay. . . Let's go."
They made their way shortly to the Hokage's Office and Kakashi informed Tsunade everything about their mission.
"Naruto?" asked Tsunade as the young lad digs deeper in his thoughts.
She slammed her fist impatiently on her desk making everyone jump as well as Naruto.
"Something seems to be bothering you, Naruto."
"Ah- uh. No. I'm okay, Tsunade baa-chan."
"Still, I'm assigning all of you to relax until I receive a new mission that will suit Team Kakashi. So you should all be on stand-by."
"Hai!" The team answered in chorus.
"That is all... Dismiss." Ordered the godaime as they left the building.
"Anyone for some ramen?" Naruto asks cheerfully once everyone stepped outside, despite the fact that he's still troubled.
"Your treat?" The pinkette gave him a hopeful smile.
"Uh... I've been kinda low on-"
She promptly rolled her eyes and walked away before he can even finish.
"Ehhhhh" was all Naruto could say as he went gray.
The wood user slips out a laugh. "Right, Naruto. Maybe you and Sai can have a bonding moment. I have to go and finish some papers." And he vanished in his shunshin, before anyone can even react.
"What's the hurry?" He thought to himself. Naruto glanced at Sai, eyes drawing sparks. "I'd rather skip dinner... How about you, Kakashi-sen-"
"Kakashi!" Shizune ran towards the group with Tonton in her arms. "Tsunade-sama summons you. It appears to be something sudden have caught our eyes."
"I see... Well then, Naruto. Looks like Sai is the only one who can accompany you. Better with someone than alone." He scratches his head sheepishly and followed Shizune back inside. "Maybe next time."
The Uzumaki groaned in frustration.
"Now what? I sure hope you dont have anything to take care of." He tells Sai with a hint of sarcasm, contrary to his knuckle-headed self.
"Nope. None at all." He beams. "So, where do you want to go, Naruto-kun?"
Not wanting to offend his feelings or anything, the blonde let his comrade tag along.
"Say, it looks like you're improving on your fellowship, huh." The jinchuuriki notes while they make their way to Ichiraku's.
"Uh. . . Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?"
"A good thing, ofcourse!"
"Really?" His companion beams. ". . . I'm starting to remember more about him."
"Huh? Who are you talking about?"
"My brother." He informs under his breath.
"Oh." Naruto smiled genuinely and he lays a hand in his comrade's shoulder. "There's hope for you afterall."
And with those five words, The ink-user instantly felt relieved. What they say about Naruto were true afterall. That he has powers to change people.
The two shinobi sat side by side in the restaurant. The stools are almost filled with costumers, not surprising at all. Ichiraku is the best place for ramen in the world afterall. The hypnotizing scent of noodles waffled through their noses, thus making the Uzumaki drool even more, excited for what his old man has put up for him tonight.
"Oh hey, Naruto! Long time no see!" greets Teuchi as the two reaches the counter.
"That's right, Ojii-san! I've longed for your ramen for days!"
The old man laughed. "And you brought a new costumer!" He turned to the black haired next to Naruto.
"He's Sai. I guess I'm stuck with him... but it's okay. He's a friend."
Sai was amused with him being called as a 'friend'. Although he didnt show it, he simply smiled in return.
"Ah. Welcome to Ichiraku, Sai! I'm guessing your friend will order a large bowl of miso with an extra pork, isnt that right, Naruto?" The blond nods gleefully. "So yours will be...?"
"Uh. Hmm... It's my first time dinning here so I guess I'll have what Naruto ordered as well?"
"Good choice." Teuchi approved and left to prepare their dishes. "Ayame, Two large miso with extra pork on the double!"
A girl appears inside the restaurant as the two waits silently for their meal. She sat on a stool a seat away from Naruto. Eyeing around the place to avoid Sai's awkward silence, Naruto saw the girl immediately almost after she sat, causing him to freeze in shock.
It was the girl who he have imagined passing by him earlier. But by the looks of her today, actually existing, confirms that she's no less than his hallucinations.
She wears a white fitting qipao dress with red accents while her long, hip-length snowy white hair falls loosely on her back. Her fair looks never doubts any man but Naruto knows there's something more than looks towards her, if only he can lay his hands on.
Noticing his stares, She snaps her head to the shinobi's direction, her black eyes glinting.
"Yes?" She asks him with a faint smile.
"Uh-I-I'm sorry." Naruto stutters. "It's just that, I've never seen you around before."
She giggled. "I've only been to Konoha about a week. I dont look so foreign, do I?"
"A little." He admits, scratching his head. "Snow whites arent really usual around here."
"Snow white?" She asks, dumb founded. "Oh! My hair? It's genetic."
"Ano..." injects Sai. "Kakashi-senpai's hair is white."
A tick-mark appears on Naruto's forehead. "Kakashi-sensei's hair is more gray-ish! Get your facts right."
"Then why is he called 'White Fang'?"
"I dont know. He doesnt even have a fang. Really, who cares, Sai."
"Maybe it's bad lighting." Sai adds.
"Yeah. Could be."
"Come to think of it, Naruto-kun. Akamaru's white, too."
"AKAMARU IS A DOG!" argues Naruto.
The enigmatic lady simply laughs at their conversation.
"So you're Naruto, then? And he's Sai?" She asks.
"Huh? How did you-" the blonde raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I'm not the type of person who skims. Specially on a conversation." She grins cheerfully.
Teuchi appears later, giving Naruto and Sai's meal while they converse with the unknown lady.
"Welcome to Ichiraku, Miss" He smiles.
"Oooh, Naruto. Did you return to Konoha with a new girlfriend?" Teuchi teases with a rather audible 'whisper' to Naruto.
The girl simply looked down and blushed.
"AH! ERR. NO, NO, NO, Ojii-san!" Denied Naruto who turned beet red. "Where did you get that idea?"
"No?" Teuchi scratches his chin. "Then..." He looked at Sai.
Sai smiled and shook his head.
The old man rather laughed at himself. "Oh! Sorry! Sorry for jumping into conclusions."
"Eh. Old man, Sai and I just met her. She's new to Konoha. Her name is. . . . yuki."
"Yuki?" asked Sai in confusion.
"Yeah. Her hair is so long and white and sparkly. It has to be snow." Kid the blonde. [Author: PS. Yuki means snow in japanese.]
She giggled. "Haru. Haru Akimoto." She bowed her head in respect.
Placing her order on Teuchi's list, the three continued talking as they ate.
"So Naruto-kun, Sai-kun, based on your forehead protectors, you two must be shinobis?" Haru asked
"Hai." Naruto adjusts the metal plate on his forehead. "Stay in Konoha for a while and you'll witness the 'Naruto Uzumaki; Hokage in the making.'"
"But you're still a Genin, Naruto-kun." busts Sai.
Naruto waved his right fist at him. "The strength of a ninja isnt defined by his rank!"
"I guess you're right. . . Anyways, Haru-chan, what village did you come from?" the dark haired shinobi asks.
"Ah! uhm..." She taps her chopsticks on her lips while she looked up as if finding out where she came from is a hard work. "How can I say this. . . Uh. I dont have a village or hometown." She admits.
"What?" Naruto raised one of his eyebrows.
Haru laughs. "I mean, I never had a permanent home. You see, I'm a traveler. But I've learned a few nin-jutsu on my own from time to time. Ofcourse, it is needed because you never know what you might run into." She let out a sigh. "Although, sometimes my basic ninjutsus doesnt work on a stronger opponent."
"I can teach you a couple of defense jutsus, if you want." He grinned. "I've also traveled one time in my life with my Ero-Sennin. Gah. I sure miss that old man."
She gasp due to excitement. "Really? You would do that for me? Who's Ero-Sennin?"
"Yeah, sure!" He sticks his thumb out. "Oh. Ero-Sennin. . . he's my master. He thought me the ways of being a shinobi, you know."
"He sounds like a great ninja." Haru smiled.
"Oh!" snapped Sai as if realizing something out of nowhere
They stared at him for a moment.
"Jiraiya-sama's hair is white, too." He explains.
Naruto fell off his chair. "Let it go, Sai!"
Haru laughs softly in the backgroud. "So, your master is Jiraiya?"
"Uh-huh."
"He sounds familiar. . . But, nevermind!" She beams.
After their dinner, three stood idly by outside the restaurant. Stars came out to play in the night sky.
Naruto stretches his arms and lays both of his hands with intertwined fingers on the back of his head.
"Sai-kun. Naruto-kun." She bowed her head. "It was really nice to meet both of you." She smiled at the two.
"Ne. You've been a good company too, Yuki-chan. Atleast I didnt have to put up with Sai alone."
"I see." She laughed softly, her cheeks having the shade of read.
"Huh? Why are you turning red?" Naruto crept closer and poked her cheek.
As a part of defensive instincts, Haru jumped at Naruto's touch and used her palms to push him away. Never expecting any brute force from a lady as such, Naruto flew five meters away and had his back hit a lamp post full force.
He let out a groan as his body twitched from the impact.
"Eh? Naruto-kun!" Haru rushed to his side to see if he's alright. Sai's eyes widened in disbelief.
"I-i-i'm O-o-kay"
"I am so sorry."
These are the times when having a tailed beast inside you is convenient. He recovered in a matter of seconds and stood straight, not minding the wincing pain on his back.
He cleared his throat. "I'm Okay." He repeated to assure her.
"What was that, Haru-chan?" Asked Sai.
She shook her head. "Reflexes, I guess."
"She's just like Sakura-chan, right, Naruto?"
"No no. Sakura's scarier."
"Yeah. By a long shot." agreed Sai.
"Huh? Sakura-chan?" asked Haru.
"Uh-huh. Sakura's one of our friends and comrades."
"She can beat anyone into a pulp." added the blonde.
Haru smirked a little. "Wow. that is scary."
"You bet. But dont worry, Yuki-chan. She's soft when it comes to girls. You're safe."
"Well, that's a relief." She smiled.
A crow suddenly appeared in the night sky. Sai offered his arm as a branch and as expected, it landed on his.
"Looks like I'm summoned. Crows doesnt usually go out at night." The bird left in an instant as if it knows that Sai understood.
"Summoned by who?"
"Maybe the foundation." He unrolled a scroll and drew a bird. "Chōjū Giga" Almost automatically when he spoke the words and weaved a hand sign, a large bird came out of the paper scroll.
He jumped on the bird's back and looked down on the two. "See you guys later." He smiled.
The bird flew away carrying Sai on its back.
"That guy. . . " Naruto let out a sigh. "Ne, Yuki-chan. What now?"
"Uhmm..." She placed her index finger on her bottom lips in a form of thinking. "I dont really know, Naruto-kun. What do you usually do in Konoha at these times?"
"I'm on stand by so I wont receive any missions yet. . . Kakashi-sensei, Sakura-chan, Yamato-taicho and Sai are all busy." He groans.
Haru laughs and took his hand. "Well then. I'm not busy. And there's still a lot I havent seen in Konoha. Stop whining." She smiled at him.
Naruto turned red automatically with her touch. He looked up and can do nothing but gaze at her radiance. The way the moonlight hit her face and how her hair waves gently in the wind made him move.
"Shall we?" she flashes a genuine beam and pulled Naruto's hand as he tags behind her.
"Takara?" repeated Kakashi.
Tsunade handed him a folder.
"There was once a clan that always desperately climbed to be on top. Although we are all aware that the Sage of Six Path's descendants are the Senju and Uchiha, A clan once called 'Takara' family always ranked third as it struggles to catch up." Explains the Hokage as Kakashi read what's written inside the portfolio.
"They are expert in Fire and Earth Release and they once held their own Kekkei Genkai called 'Scorch Release'. Although they only fell behind the two major clans, Scorch Release itself is a very effective nature that causes the wielder's victims to dry to their own bones and thus results to mummification. They grasps hard on planning to dethrone the top two clans, one in each night, but when the Uchiha and the Senju agreed to join forces and built Konoha, their army-attack plan was shattered. They shifted their outlooks and planned on destroying Konoha instead, so they started an intense research for years and after the hard work payed of, they came up with a fairly destructive machine that helps them to enhance their kekkei genkai to a maximum that even any Senju or Uchiha should fear." She looked up with her cold eyes.
"One specific person, called Jin who is the clan leader's son, held an opposition to their plans. He firmly believes that civilians have nothing to do with Uchiha and Senju clans so he tried to talk for some ways out of it. But the clan's leader wasnt moved by his opinions. He was ordered to leave the clan in cause of betrayal and ended up in the verge of dying with his wife in a deep forest.
Jin and his wife was found by the Nidaime Hokage in a mission and welcomed them to reside in Konoha. Feeling the sense of gratitude, Jin leaked everything he knows about Takara clan and their recent supreme weapon called 'Kawaita'."
Kakashi felt a chill run down his spine once he heard the weapon's name. Certainly, this is no joke.
"Kawaita. . ." Tsunade continued. "Kawaita can only be used very very rarely because it is in need of the Black Comet's pure, natural power which only passes the Five Great Shinobi Nations once every 75 years. It may be unnoticeable to normal Shinobis but somehow, Takara Clan has figured out how to harness its energy and convert it into a powerful arsenal. . .
The night before the comet's arrival, Nidaime managed to infiltrate the insides of the clan. He and Konoha shinobis annihilated Takara successfully."
"I never knew any of these." was all Kakashi is able to say.
"You were never meant to know. It was a top secret and Nidaime somehow managed to wipe them out of the history. It was never to be spoken of again."
"But why are you telling me these, Tsunade-sama?"
"Three days ago, two ANBU were found dead. Not an ounce of blood was found in their autopsy." revealed the Hokage.
Kakashi and Shizune couldnt believe what they just heard.
"T-Tsunade-sama! You dont think it's reanimation jutsu, do you?" asked Shizune.
Tsunade shook her head. "I dont know. Reanimation Jutsu is one of the reasons why Nidaime never wanted anyone to speak of them ever again. It's too dangerous for them to live once more, knowing how to work their Kawaita. Takara or not, I need you to find out the bottom of this, Kakashi. I've also ordered the ANBU to find some details."
The white fang nodded. "Should I tell Team Kakashi about this?"
"No. Not yet. Not until we unveil more details. Up to then, the Takara-clan will still remain as a SS-Jounin secret. I need to respect Nidaime's decisions of keeping this case a secret. Besides, I agree to his intends. Fear will rise before we even know it. Act fast, Kakashi. We're dealing with a person in the shadows."
"Shodai, Nidaime, Sandaime, Yondaime, and the Godaime." explained Naruto. "Those are all the persons who became a Hokage at the present history."
Both of them gazed at the monument under the moonlight.
The blonde pointed Minato's carved face. "Yondaime. . . was particularly the strongest." He smiled at his father's stone face. "He kept the kyuubi from destroying Konoha."
"The yellow flash of the leaf. " Haru mumbled.
"He is. . ." agreed the blonde. "Yondaime-sama."
Wind blew gently on Naruto's face as he closed his eyes. He's perfectly aware of his father's guidance, at any time, any place.
'Despite all those reputation of his, He's also the best dad.' He thought.
"Naruto-kun. . . Can I ask you something?"
"Huh? I guess. What is it?" He blinked.
"You said that Yondaime-sama kept the kyuubi out of Konoha, right? Did he kill the beast?"
He shook his head and put his hand upon his belly. "No."
Haru, who is waiting for more details, eventually gave up asking. "I see." She gave him a warm and comforting smile. "I understand now. . . You're just as great as Yondaime, Naruto."
Thinking if his ears are playing tricks on him, He looked at her with a surprise painted on his face.
"Yes. You kept nine-tails from shredding the village. You deserve atleast half the credit." She let out a giggle. "Ofcourse, dont let it all go into your head, Hero." She winked at him playfully.
"Yuki-chan."
"Alright. It's already late. Maybe I should go home, Naruto-kun."
"Home? Where do you live? I thought you travel?"
"Nope. I'm not gonna leak where I reside at the moment. It's for you to figure out." She laughs.
Haru turned and started heading home. Leaving Naruto standing on the middle of the dirt road, dumb-founded, gazing at her till she disappeared in the shadows.
'Haru Akimoto. . . Who are you?' He thought
Later that night, Naruto headed home.
He turned into a plain, comfortable shirt and his boxer. He put on his sleeping cap from the drawer and laid silently atop of the bed. He was just too intrigued to sleep.
'You kept nine-tails from shredding the village. You deserve atleast half the credit' Haru's words kept on ringing inside his head.
It's not that he resents her. It just so happens that he felt fairly attached to the enigmatic lady. It's like he have known her for quite a while now. The energy she releases was very familiar. If only he can tell.
'Why?' He asked himself. 'Why, Yuki-chan? I need explanations.'
Sleepiness started to kick in. Finally, he let it go and dozed off.
It was 10 in the morning but Naruto is still fast asleep in his room, not minding the rays of the hot, bright sun glimmering on his face one bit.
Minutes later, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Naruto mourned and covered his head under a pillow as if he could escape the loud banging on the door.
"Oy! Naruto!" called Kiba impatiently. Knocking even harder.
Feeling like a walking dead, Naruto stood and headed towards the door.
Kiba with Akamaru and Choji waited outside.
"What do you want?" he let out a yawn and scratched his eye.
"What's with the attitude!" Kiba hooked an arm around Naruto's neck. "I just heard you came back. Go change if you wouldnt mind going out with that boxer."
"Where are we going?"
"Just tag along, Naruto. And hurry up. I'm hungry." said Choji.
The three shinobis went out once Naruto has changed.
"Say. . . What's going on, really?" he asked the two who ushers him.
"Will you quit asking. Really. It's annoying. You'll see when we're there." said Kiba with a bark of approval from Akamaru.
Naruto rolled his eyes in reply.
Halfway towards their destination, The Uzumaki noticed a familiar figure on the magazine stand. Her flowing white hair gorgeously fell on her back.
"Ah! Yuki-chan!" he called.
She turned around and saw the blonde shinobi.
"Naruto-kun!" she giggled. "Goodmorning!"
Kiba couldnt help not to ask. "Who is she?"
Naruto chuckled. "Yuki-chan, meet Kiba and Choji. Guys, meet Yuki-chan. She's a friend I met last night. A traveler."
"Ano. . . My name is Haru, really. He just likes teasing me Yuki because he said my hair looks like snow." She brushed her hand over her hair and looked down, somehow embarrassed.
"What? There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I like your hair." The Inuzuka grinned before flashing a you-made-a-girl-upset deathly stare at Naruto.
"Uh. T-Thank you!" Her cheeks turned pink.
"Hmm. Your hair may be paper white but you sure blush a lot." Naruto noticed.
Choji laughs. "You notice too much, Naruto. . . Say, why not let her tag along with us? The more the merrier. Everybody's welcome."
"Yeah, but I still dont know where you're taking me."
"I dont care. Let's just hurry. I'm hungry. Oh. How about it, Haru? Will you be able to join us? We would love to have an addition."
Haru smiled. "Really? Yes, if any of you wouldnt mind."
"Ofcourse not. Everyone in Konoha is family." Assured Kiba.
The ninja dog nudged Haru's hand with his nose in form of agreement. "See? Even Akamaru wants you to come."
She grinned and scratched Akamaru's neck, which he was delighted. "I guess I have no choice."
It seems like Kiba and Choji ushered the two to that old Barbeque restaurant. Inside, everyone was there. From Team Kurenai to Team Guy. They were all having a get together.
"Everyone! Our last guest of honor is here." called Kiba. The crowd cheered as they saw Naruto.
"What is this celebration? Is it my birthday?"
"Baka. It's in the middle of June. How can it be your birthday? It's Team Kakashi's 100th mission. Lady Tsunade has set it up. Dont tell me you dont know!" Sakura informed.
"Eh? 100th already? That's great!"
"Uh-huh." She smiled. "Oh! By the way. . ." She looked at Haru.
"Oh. right, right. I forgot. Sakura-chan, this is Yuki-chan. Yuki, Sakura. She's a friend. We bumped into her earlier and we invited her, if that's okay."
"No. My name is Haru. He just likes calling me Yuki." she corrects.
"Ofcourse!" Sakura cheered. "A friend of Naruto is a friend of everyone. Come, come. Let me introduce you to them." She grabbed Haru's wrist, dragging her away from the jinchuuriki.
"W-wait. . ." He called from behind but the pinkette ignored him as usual.
"Eh. You gotta let go of your girlfriend sometimes." Kiba teased, watching Sakura, Hinata, Tenten and Ino across the room, crowding Haru to meet a new friend.
"She's not my girlfriend!" He waved his fist to protest.
"She sure cant take her eyes off you, Naruto-san. You're so lucky." Agreed Lee who came out of nowhere.
The boys noticed that Lee was right. Out of the corner of her eyes, Haru took chances to catch a glimpse of the blonde shinobi from the crowd around her. But tears off her gaze almost automatically, knowing that the boys from afar watches her.
"Hey hey." The copy nin waved a hand as he approached the guys.
"Oh. Kakashi-sensei!"
"Hello, Naruto, Kiba, Lee."
"Kakashi-sensei, congratulations for your 100th successful missions! Team Gai wont be far behind, but I'm glad for you guys!"
"Thank you, Lee." Kakashi smiled under his mask. "Oh yeah. Naruto, who's your friend?"
"Uh? Oh. She's Yuki-chan. . . oh. . . no. Her name is Haru. I met her last night."
The masked jounin felt a hint of suspicion. "Oh? Last night? Where? I've never seen her until today."
"Yeah. She said she's a traveler and she only arrived in Konoha last week. Which makes sense because we've been away for weeks."
Kakashi's eyes. . . or should I say, eye, narrowed. "Okay. That explains."
Out of the blue, Naruto looked down.
"Sensei. . . There's only one person I cant help not to look for at times like this. He was on Team Kakashi afterall. . ." He mumbled numbly.
His Sensei placed a hand on his shoulder. "It will be okay, Naruto." He smiled.
Somehow, his words were enough to cheer him up. But ofcourse, Naruto know better than to mourn for Sasuke on a party set up for them. While across the room, the group of Sakura and Haru were joined by Sai, Choji, Kurenai and everyone else. They were already starting to grill some barbeque, surrounding a long kotatsu table most likely built for a heavy number of groups.
"ALRIGHT!" boomed Naruto. "Save some for me!" He rushed to mess with the group.
Kakashi beamed and followed from behind him.
"Itadakima-!" They sang in chorus before the door slid open aggressively. Tsunade walked in with Shizune tagging behind her.
"Are you all planning to start without me?"
"N-n-no, Hokage-sama. It's just that. . . we thought you'd be busy." explained Guy.
"But she was! Tsunade-sama! The paper works are-"
Shizune trailed off, noticing that her master covered her ears.
The Hokage sat with the group. She slammed her fist impatiently.
"THERE'S NO WAY I'LL BE LEFT OUT OFF THE PARTY LIKE THIS. SCREW THOSE PAPERS. I HAVENT HAD A BREAK FOR WEEKS!" She grabbed the bottle of sake and drank straight from it.
Everyone smiled at her awkwardly as Shizune let out a sigh. "How can you drink Sake at high noon, Tsunade-sama? But. . . I guess I have no choice." She took sat down with the rest.
Tsunade automatically finished the quarter of her bottle. She wiped her lips with the back of her hand. "Oh please. You're just as relieved as I am, being able to take a break." She eyed Shizune suspiciously.
The girl just chuckled and scratched the back of her head. Guilty as charged.
"Whatever! I'm hungry! Itadakimasu!" Yelled Choji as he dug in. The others second motioned.
"Wait." Tsunade called in the middle of the meal. "Is she a friend?" She asked immediately after laying her eyes on Haru.
"Oh. Yes, Tsunade-sama. Her name is Haru Akimoto. She's a traveler. Actually, Haru just arrived in Konoha last week and bumped into Naruto." Sakura explained.
Haru automatically bowed her head in deep respect. "I am honored to meet you, Hokage-sama."
The Hokage closed her eyes. But then, she shook her head to her own self to forget her senseless accusations. Still, she felt hesitant towards this Haru.
"Where were you from?" She asked.
"Ah. uhm. I dont have any hometown village, Hokage-sama. I was raised by my grandfather who is constantly travelling."
"Yuki-chan. How about your parents?" Naruto injected.
"Ano. . . I dont have any parents. My grandfather is all I have." She smiled to mask her pain.
"I'm sorry." Naruto frowned at himself for asking.
"Nah. It's okay, really." She laughed.
"So, Haru. . . You traveled in Konoha with your grandfather?" Tsunade asked.
Haru shook her head. "No. Jii jii-san is gone, too, Hokage-sama."
"I see. I'm sorry as well. But it's good to have you here in Konoha." Welcomed Tsunade half-heartedly.
"Arigato, Hokage-sama" Haru smiled.
Naruto felt a gush of pity.
Kakashi and Shikamaru were intently listening, catching ever word over their conversation. While others are oblivious, both of their minds ran twice as fast, making all the puzzle pieces fit together. But there were not enough pieces to come up with a sensible conclusion.
With their spirits uplifted and their tummies filled, everyone dismissed after a long day of hanging out.
"Yo, Team Kakashi! It's already dusk. We've been a little carried away there. We should probably part for now... Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Yamato! Congratulations again. Keep your youthful spirits free and gain even more missions for Konoha!" Guy flashed a sparkling smile before walking off along his team.
Tsunade moved a little tipsy form drinking.
"Tsunade-sama!" Called Shizune while she grabbed her master's arm, ready to support her. But Tsunade pulled away from her help.
"Give me some credits, Shizune! I know my limits!"
Shizune rolled her eyes in reply.
"Alright! I'm off. Keep up the good work, Team Kakashi." Dismissed the Hokage.
Her dark haired secretary bowed her head towards the successful team. "Arigato, Kakashi-san, Naruto, Sakura, Yamato and Sai."
Naruto snickered as they walked off. The group of teams started to dissolve one by one, leaving the celebrated team behind.
"Oh. Guys, I'll probably need to go now as well. I still have some errands to take care of and a couple of researches as a traveler." said Haru.
"Already, Haru?" wondered Sakura as she nodded in reply.
"That's sudden. . . See you later then, Yuki-chan?" Naruto rubbed his upper lip with his index finger.
"Yes." She smiled brightly. "See you later, everyone. Take care." She waved them goodbye as she disappeared in the street crowds.
"She's a mysterious lass, isnt she?" noted Sai.
"Unmistakable. . . " Agreed Yamato. "Well, I'm going now. I'm afraid I'm getting a little tipsy just like Hokage-sama." He reached his forehead.
The silver hair jounin slips out a chuckle at his friend.
-ENDOFCHAPTER-
Reviews are appreciated! There you have it. I hope you guys had fun as I had making it.
PPS. I sure hope fandoms of Saku-Naru or Naru-Hina wont hate me. haha.
Oh yeah. And Sasu-Naru too. But dont worry, guys. As I have said, I have no solid plans of making this a romance. I honestly think the anime is best without romance. . . But, that's just my opinion :D
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