Dancing Fireflies

Author's Note:

Hello all! This is my first piece written in the Naruto universe! It was a bit of a challenge and it was definitely exciting but I am pleased with what I had ended up with. I'm going to warn that this is set AFTER Boruto: Naruto the Movie. So if anyone hasn't watched it or doesn't want spoilers, then don't read this piece just yet!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Unfortunately.

Enjoy!

It was already late afternoon.

The sun was just starting to set upon the horizon, gently painting the sky with varying colors of pink, purple and orange against the previous hues of blue. It casted it's reflection against the tranquil waters of the quiet lake and the steady chirping of crickets further proclaimed that peace is what this area essentially holds. It was also the place where he had first met her.

The blond-haired boy simply sighed, leaning against his willow tree. Inojin came to this place, his special place, whenever he was feeling especially exhausted, frustrated or at a loss. It was just a few days after Konoha was abruptly attacked by Momoshiki and Kinshiki Otsutsuki during the third round of the Chuunin Exam. And now the destroyed parts of the city, especially where the stadium used to be, had to be repaired. All of the Leaf's Genin teams were busy contributing to the efforts of rebuilding; thus, the Chuunin Exam was currently called off at the moment.

Inojin inwardly groaned as he loosened his strained arms and slid down to the base of the tree to sit. He took off his sword from his shoulders and placed it besides him to lean back and enjoy the soft summer breeze.

He thought back to the immense panic and destruction. People shouting, debris flying everywhere, and blasts of powerful chakra filled the arena. It was shocking, as Konoha had acquired relative peace since the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War. Sure there were a few incidents from rogue nin from time to time and some rumors of political unrest from smaller countries, but that was all there was.

With a shake of his head, Inojin then wondered what they'll do about the disrupted third round. Would we all have to retake the whole thing again?

He had put in many months of preparation. Training and trying to perfect all he could know of both the mind and art techniques from the Yamanaka clan and his father. Inojin even had tried to influence his own teammates, Shikadai and Chocho to work just as hard. As much as they were supposedly lazy and unconcerned for the most part, they all did well during the first two rounds.

The corner of his lips lifted into a slight grin. His team worked well overall, despite the fact that his teammates didn't share as much interest for training as the Yamanaka did. But, he was sure that after the incident a few days ago, they'll come around and work hard to prevent something as dangerous as that from ever happening again. Though…ugh.

The thought of possibly retaking the whole Chuunin Exam bothered him. "All that preparation had gone to waste…" Inojin muttered, lowering his head down. Well, he can only hope that there was an alternative way the Kages would think of that would benefit his team. After all, they had made it into the final round!

He shifted away from his thoughts as he heard the parting of grass and soft pattering of feet behind him. Inojin turned his head and saw a girl with short dark hair wearing a light sweater and skirt with knee high stockings.

She didn't seem to notice him as she continued to walk past his tree. The young girl, probably from the academy, crouched down once she reached the edge of the water and laid her head on her knees.

The Yamanaka continued to look on in curiosity. He had never seen anyone around this lake since he had discovered this place a while ago. At least never when he was there. While he continued to ponder whether he should stay or silently leave, the genin started to hear soft sounds of…crying. Inojin stared at the back of the crouched girl, not knowing what to do.

After a few moments, he simply sighed, slung his sword back onto his shoulders and got up to slowly walk towards her. If he wanted to approach her, the blond-haired boy had to be cautious and not frighten her.

When he was close enough, he crouched down and gently touched her shoulder. The girl flinched and looked up at him in shock. Inojin gave her a small reassuring smile.

"I was sitting by the willow tree before and noticed that you were crying…" He paused. "Are you okay?"

The young girl sniffed and wiped away her tears with her sleeve as he sat down next her. Her clear blue eyes looked back upon his gentle green ones. He seemed like a friendly person. Her lips parted and the girl seemed to hesitate.

"If you don't want to talk about it, it's alright. We can just sit together if that will make you feel better."

She then smiled shyly back, "Oh…it's nothing really. I guess I was just scared of what happened to my brother and father…" Inojin frowned at this and ushered her to continue. "They went on a mission together and I was afraid. I thought of what could have happened if it went wrong."

He let the information sink in and then blinked in confusion. Wait, that sounds like…

"Are you Boruto's sister?" His face was struck in sudden understanding. The said girl smiled a little at his reaction and nodded.

"Hai. I'm Himawari Uzumaki. Daughter of the seventh Hokage…and sister of Boruto Uzumaki." She smiled with pride before asking his name. Inojin laughed lightly. She's a sunflower…literally.

"Inojin Yamanaka. Son of the Yamanaka clan leader. At your service!" Himawari laughed at this, her face brightening with happiness.

The Yamanaka warmly smiled before wondering, "So I guess you were really worried for them right? Those few days ago." Himawari blinked sadly.

"I've been having some nightmares…" He nodded carefully in agreement.

"I know that it can be scary at times…but your father's an experienced shinobi and Boruto is surely going to be a great ninja himself in the future. All shinobi have to go through such difficulties, as dangerous as they be." She hummed in acknowledgement and determinately huffed.

"I want to be strong too! To protect my home and everyone I care for." The blond-haired boy looked at her in amusement.

"So, that's why you must promise me that you'll work hard from now on and become the great ninja you will be." Himawari widened her eyes at his and then grinned.

"Hai! And you must promise me that you'll become an even greater shinobi that no one had ever expected!" He lightly laughed with a slight grimace.

"But first, I must pass to become a Chuunin. And who knows what the Kages will decide on what to do."

Himawari scrunched up her eyebrows and nodded sympathetically. She had heard that the exam was interrupted and called off. The kind hearted Genin seemed disturbed by the current circumstances and she wanted to cheer him up.

She then gently grasped his hand with one of her own, much to the boy's surprise.

"I'm sure you'll become a great Chuunin, Inojin-kun," Himawari softly encouraged with a smile.

For a few moments, Inojin had looked at their clasped hands. Never had any of his own friends given him encouragement when it was needed, but this young girl, whom he had just met, decided to do just that. He was touched.

"…Thank you, Himawari-san. It's nice to hear that from someone."

He gently separated their adjoined hands and proceeded to pat her head affectionately. Himawari cutely pouted at him and Inojin suddenly laughed.

"Hm, so I have the honor to be Inojin-kun?" He lightly teased. Himawari tried to give him a glare…before failing completely. The two had burst into laughter, filling the darkening quiet area with happiness.

As he calmed down, Inojin decidedly looked around and noticed that the sun had set a while ago. The fireflies were out, flickering gently from place to place like small flying lanterns, luminescing the waters and skies with their enchanting display.

"I wonder why the fireflies glow like that," She whispered in wonder.

The pair continued to watch the fireflies around them in awe. It didn't seem like they were still in the midst of Konoha. This place and this moment felt like it belonged to a whole other world. And he didn't mind sharing it with her.

"Maybe the fireflies are each trying to find something important to them."

After a while of comfortable silence, Inojin got up and patted down his clothes before extending his hand to Himawari.

"It's pretty late now. I can walk you home if you'd like." She took his hand and nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, Inojin-kun. My mother is still resting at home and Boruto is probably wondering where I am. I don't usually go off by myself." He waved it off nonchalantly before giving her a reassuring smile.

"I don't mind at all! Plus I'll get to talk to Boruto for a while before I head off. I haven't had the chance to talk to him today." Himawari gave him a warm smile and led the way.

"Thank you again for talking to me before when I was crying." She whispered back, after a brief moment of silence.

"Ah…don't mention it." The blond-haired boy gave her hand a friendly squeeze as she looked back and tilted her head in curiosity.

"So…are we friends now?" Inojin blinked at the sudden question before smiling warmly.

"If you want me to."

Author's Note:

So how was it? I'm open to thoughts and suggestions. Please, R&R! I love reading reviews~

Thank you for reading, my lovelies!