Disclaimer - I don't own Naruto
2. Push and Pull
Naruto squinted at the morning sun, surprised that dawn had arrived so suddenly. The azure sky beamed down at him, and a gentle morning breeze whistled in his ears.
Through the window, the scene looked like a pictorial. Naruto appreciated the surrounding sights and found the pride inducing views of his village healing. The dawn of this particular day was so unrealistic that Naruto felt disappointed that he couldn't enjoy it the way he wanted to.
He looked back at his wife, sleeping peacefully against the cushion. Her midnight hair was disheveled, few strands covering her small face. Hinata looked like her teenage herself in this moment. So pure and full of innocence.
Naruto realized he was staring and left the room in a hurry, as he didn't want to be later than he already was. He descended into the kitchen with slow and gentle steps, careful not to wake his children. Boruto and Himawari were seeing their grandfather and aunt today, something they hadn't done since Boruto requested their help to awaken his Byakugan.
Checking the wall clock near the door, Naruto let out a grunt. "Damn..." He muttered, making a beeline towards the front exit.
Naruto broke into a run, racing down his residential street. He knew Shikamaru would give him a hard time for being late, as there wasn't any reason for him to be.
He had woken up on his own this morning, but didn't move an inch after his eyes blinked open. Hinata's arms and legs were intertwined with his, and Naruto found the position to be quite comfortable. He had decided he could spare a few minutes like this.
Building up speed, Naruto wanted to kick himself for being so careless. He was positive Shikamaru was waiting for him at the train station, which made Naruto feel childlike.
The Hokage broke into a sprint when he reached the main roads, attempting to ignore the waves of embarrassment that flared within upon seeing the quizzical expressions the villagers wore.
The buildings and billboards became a blur and the early morning sounds became a steady buzz he could easily drown out. With every step he took rubble spewed into the every direction.
Seeing the Orange Hokage so suddenly caught many off guard. It was uncommon to see him like this on the streets, especially in the early hours.
His temples glistened with sweat as he reached the A Train line. It struck Naruto that the weather has been inconsistent — especially during December. Konoha doesn't snow annually, and lately it's been quite humid during the day. He was itching to peel off his Hokage robe, his body became increasingly sticky under his many layers.
The seating area was outdoors on a hill, and it shone a brilliant shade of brown. The benches gleaming brightly under the harsh sunlight. There were trees surrounding the station, the wet leaves dancing in front of the villagers as gentle breeze shook the branches.
With a quick scan around the lobby, Naruto spotted Shikamaru off to the side. His head was hunched over, strands of hair sticking out of his usually sleek ponytail.
"Oi!" Naruto frantically waved his hand at his advisor and made his way over, ignoring all of the annoyed glares and sighs he received from sleeping villagers.
Shikamaru cracked an eye open. "Hm, you're late," he grumbled. Naruto let out an airy laugh, taking a seat next to him.
The advisor gave the Hokage a once over. "Hm...you're sweating," Shikamaru noted, giving his friend an unimpressed look. His voice was dreary.
Naruto gave a short nod, wiping his forehead with his prosthetic limb. "I was running 'ttebayo," Naruto said. He saw Shikamaru's lips tug as if he was itching to make a comment, but he rolled instead rolled his head back against the bench.
The adviser leaned into his seat, resting his eyes. "How was your night?" He asked.
Naruto noticed the bags under his eyes and felt a spark of guilt. It would be uncomfortable for Naruto to tell him about his comfortable evening. Shikamaru seemed so exhausted and miserable, it didn't sit well with him.
Shikamaru broke the silence with a groan, as if he could read Naruto's thoughts. "Don't let it bother you..." he said, "...you pull all nighters often while I'm home with my family. There's no reason to pity me."
Naruto blinked, "Well," he began, "I mostly spoke to Hinata. She had saved some stew for me, but I wasn't hungry at the time."
"Oh?" Shikamaru looked up at him, "You didn't eat dinner?" He asked. Naruto shook his head and frowned at Shikamaru's twitching mouth, as if he were fighting back a smile.
"I'm sure you didn't eat breakfast as well." Shikamaru teased, and Naruto reluctantly nodded once more. He never saw Shikamaru as the condescending type.
Shikamaru reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small bag of potato chips. "I knew you would run late, so I saved this for you."
Shikamaru handed the bag over and Naruto immediately devoured its contents. He didn't want to think about how Shikamaru could've predicted this would happen, deciding to be grateful to have a good friend instead.
Yeah, that saves his ego.
Naruto was curious to see what this day entailed. He was aware it wasn't going to be eventful, as he will only be assigning ANBU positions. It was more so what happened when he finished his shift that he was curious about.
He heard rumors going around that a local toy shop in the Old Village is selling the limited edition Kura-Maa dolls. He was sure Himawari would be thrilled.
The humming of an engine roared behind his back, and a loud stream of steam whistled behind him — which interrupted his train of thought. The two ninjas joined the crowd of villagers and boarded the train.
Naruto gazed longing at the direction of his home. He found himself beginning to dreading today, wishing he could've tagged along with his wife instead.
Hinata felt her brain thump hard against her skull. She glanced lifelessly at the two purple duffle bags she had packed for Boruto and Himawari, curious how long it will be until she loses patience.
Hinata usually isn't like this. She loves her sister deeply and thinks highly of her family. They are her steady support. However, she cannot help but feel disheartened by how little they view Naruto.
Hinata understands that her family is looking out for her and she is internally grateful, but she believes they should also understand the bond she and Naruto share. She cannot simply leave him and take the kids with her. It's selfish.
The situation lingered in her thoughts to the point where she lost sleep over it. Hinata just didn't understand.
Thundering footsteps interrupted the quiet home, the sound from up above traveling from one end of the hall to the other. Hinata watched in alarm as the furniture shook, and the vase Himawari had made for Hinata was threatening to tip over. Hinata hurriedly steadied it, gritting her teeth.
"Boruto! Himawari! Get down here!" Hinata's voice echoed throughout the house, and a brief moment of silence lingered in the air. Eventually the staircase began to creak, and Hinata saw two little faces peak their head in the doorway.
"Mom? Sorry if we were making noise-" The sudden air change cut Boruto off. Hinata stared down hard at her kids, a vein popping out of her skull. She always tried not to lose her grip, but she was riding on stress. Especially since this is the first time she has seen her family since the incident at the bathhouse.
"Why were you making so much noise?" Hinata asked the two troublemakers. B
Himawari looked up at her brother, but Boruto only shook his head at her, "Hima was in my room while I was combing my hair and she took my forehead protector 'ttebasa!"
Hinata's eyes widened. She was sure Himawari would've grown out of teasing her older brother by now, "Himawari? Why did you take it?"
"I wanted to try it on, mama!" Her big blue eyes pleaded for forgiveness and Hinata struggled maintains her composure, "Brother kept saying no and chased me out of the room-"
"-Eh?" Boruto furrowed his brows, "the wording works against me!"
Hinata realized the situation and held back her smile, "Ah, alright."
Hinata knelt down, strapping on her heeled shinobi sandals. "Did you get it back Boruto?"
"Hm? Oh yeah, I took it back. It's kept it in my drawer."
"Alright, now go put on your shoes. We're leaving now..." Hinata called.
She didn't want to give her family anything to nitpick, as they seem like the type to do so. Hinata hoped in her heart everything would go the way she wished for.
"Okay mom," Boruto gave a cocky grin, "I'll be sure to watch over Himawari."
Hinata opened the front door and raised a brow, "Boruto, can you handle that?"
"Hul?" Boruto frowned and shouldered his duffle bag, "Waddaya mean? I've looked over her before..."
Hinata nodded, "Just be sure to behave. I would like to talk with my family without having to worry..."
Boruto laughed, earning a curious look from his mom. "Don't worry about it! We will stay out of your hair."
The trio headed out to the Hyuga complex. , and Hinata grew increasingly worried with each step. It felt as if the world was holding in a breath.
Stepping out into the defoliate area, Naruto let out a breath. In the distance six shinobi were lined up shoulder to shoulder. They watched on as the Hokage and his advisor walked up to them at a slow pace.
As the distance grew rapidly shorter, Naruto made out the details. The shinobi wore black cargo pants and a matching top - with a Jonin forehead protector as their only accessory.
Naruto smelled something odd in the air - iron. He couldn't tell if he was imagining it but it was unbearable nonetheless. Naruto fought back the urge to wrinkle his nose, since he was in plain sight of the shinobi and he didn't seem rude.
Naruto scanned the familiar faces. He had been testing their strength for a while now, as these shinobi were training to join the Anbu Black Ops. Though Konoha was at a time of peace, Naruto still couldn't take a risk.
He believed it was good to train and nurture these young shinobi so they were prepared to fight and protect the Leaf. The Five Kage agreed that there may have been a war brewing if they weren't careful with their actions, so Naruto decided that monitoring these training sessions himself would be best for his village.
It took a few months of struggle and hard work, but he ultimately decided the three who shined the most in his eyes.
As the distance between the Hokage and the Shinobi closed in, the six shinobi bowed deeply to their Hokage and muttered quick words of praise.
Naruto drew in a breath, "I have been playing close attention," he began, "and had analyzed every attack you executed as well as how well you performed as a dedicated shinobi and as a citizen of Konoha. The three who will be picked to be apart of the Anbu are three who have shown their skills and have what it takes."
Naruto looked over at Shikamaru who in turn handed him the three profiles. Naruto began to read off the list, "Araki Jun, Nakata Ayuko, and Ono Raiden please step forward. You have been chosen by the Seventh Hokage to join Anbu Black Ops. Please be sure to see me tomorrow to discuss your position and to meet your team.
The three shinobi nodded vigorously, fighting back smiles. Naruto turned to the remaining ninjas who stood emotionless, an expected reaction. "For those who weren't chosen, you will continue training with the Jonin assigned to you. I will be meeting with you once a month for three months. You must show improvement by March. I look forward to seeing you again."
Naruto gave the shinobi a grin to ease the tension. The Hokage and his advisor looked on as the six shinobi ran towards the forest in the distance, disappearing into the trees.
Letting out a sigh, Naruto turned to his friend. The two exchanged strained expressions. "That went by quickly..." Naruto muttered, kicking over a rock. Shikamaru nodded, itching to head back to the tower.
Hinata heard Hanabi before she saw her. While closing the gate, a pitched squeal rang from within the estate. Himawari's eyes widened and she looked up at her mom, "Is that-" her voice trailed off when Hinata nodded, pressing her palm behind her daughter's back gently leading her forward.
Boruto bit back a groan, remembering how his aunt could get.
"Ah! Look at you..." Hanabi stepped out into the open and rushed forward, arms extending.
Hanabi wore her everyday wear with her hair in two loose ponytails. Himawari ran towards her aunt with a toothy grin. Boruto's mouth twitched as he watched the warm sight in front of him. Hanabi picked up her niece and let out a grunt, "You're getting so big! Stop growing…" she nuzzled her face in Himawari's neck and spun the girl around, Himawari laughing joyously in the open air.
Boruto felt awkward and was about to join in but a loud gasp caused earned everyones attention. An old man in night clothes stepped into the clearing, clasping his hands together.
"Boruto! It's so nice to see you again..." Hiashi leaned down to wrap his arms around his grandson, holding him against his stomach. Boruto smiled to himself as it's been a while since he's seen them. Hanabi and Himawari made their way over to Boruto, joining in on their hug.
Hinata laughed gently to herself, absorbing the moment.
As she stood in the sticky air, Hinata felt the heat swarm her body. In her peripheral, she noticed beads of sweat dripping down Boruto's temples.
"Sister, you're just standing there..." Hanabi laughed. Hinata waved at her and casted a smile to her father, who was too busy playing with his grandchildren to notice. Hinata took it upon herself to go prepare something sweet to drink.
The temperature dropped significantly upon stepping inside the mansion, the cool tile floor against her bare feet cooling her body. The cold air tickled her exposed neck and she shivered from the sudden chill. The interior was traditional and well kept, and she noticed familiar staff walking in and out of rooms. They greeted Hinata with a friendly smile and a wave, which she easily returned.
Hinata strolled leisurely towards the Commons area, making her way toward the kitchen. She reached into a cupboard, grabbing a tray and a few glasses.
"How are you?"
Hinata jumped, caught off guard. Standing behind the tan tabletops, her sister was looking at her with an inquisitive stance. Her dark blue hair looked black under the dim lighting, and her eyes took a faded shade of violet.
"I'm well." Hinata gave Hanabi a short nod before turning back to her task.
She reached for the jar of sugar and began to thoroughly sweeten the honey tea. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Hinata decided to get ahold of her emotions. The last thing she wanted is more strain in their relationship.
"Do you like being a team leader?" Hinata asked with her back turned towards her sister, dropping wet ice cubes into the drinks. She remembered Naruto mentioning in passing that Hanabi was working alongside Konohamaru.
She heard Hanabi draw in a breath, "I hope I can create strong bonds with my teammates. I just want to be a sensei they could rely on..."
Hinata looked at her sister, shocked at her dull tone. Hanabi isn't one to show weakness so easily. "Is something troubling you?" Hinata asked her. Hanabi winced at her sisters concerned voice, feeling vulnerable. "No, they are a good team. I have trust in them," Hanabi said.
Just then a shaky voice echoed in the mansion, followed by laughter and joyous squeals. Hiashi seemed to be having fun with Himawari, which eased some of Hinata's worries. Hanabi laughed at her sister's expression, "Father has been wishing to see his cute grandchildren for weeks...he must be overjoyed."
Hinata nodded and picked up the glass tray. She walked out of the kitchen with a careful grip, gesturing with a nod to Hanabi to follow her out.
"Ah, thank you Hinata." Hiashi smiled at his oldest daughter as she set the tray on the table. They sat on the side of the house under the shade.
Boruto and Himawari were little ways down. Hinata noticed that their hair looked greasy and Himawari was coated in grime. They were busy drawing on the pavement with neon pink chalk to hear Hinata calling out to them.
Seeing Hinata's expression, Hiashi let out an embarrassed chuckle. "I remember you mentioning how much Boruto likes pink..." Hiashi gave Hinata a grin, "so I decided to put that information to good use."
"You're spoiling him!" Hinata laughed. She can only imagine how much more smitten Boruto will be with the color pink from now on. Of course, what color he liked didn't concern Hinata... but she would never forget the night where she checked on Boruto and instead saw his pink underwear glow in the dark. It looked like a lightning bug. She had immediately shut the door, and couldn't decide whether the situation was humorous or disconcerting.
"Spoiling him is my job," her father insisted. Hinata took a seat, taking a sip of the Honey tea. Hinata noted Hanabi's troubled expression, but when Hinata tried to take a closer look Hanabi's face quickly became emotionless. "Hinata, how is everything?" she asked.
Taking a deep breath, Hinata thought about how she should answer. She didn't come here to argue. "I'm a lot happier these days." She smiled at her sister. Hiashi beamed at his oldest, but stilled when he saw Hanabi's facial expression.
Hanabi knew Hinata like the back of her hand, and she knew without a doubt Hinata was tip-toeing around her. She took notice since she visited her in the kitchen.
"Are you sure?" Hanabi asked. Hinata stiffened, side eyeing her sister. What was she up to? Observing Hanabi's calculating expression, Hinata found herself beginning to regret coming here. "Is there something you want to say, Hanabi?"
Hinata noticed her father's expression hardening, no doubt feeling the tension grow. Hinata shifted in her seat.
Hanabi looked at her elder sister, "You are talking and behaving very carefully, it just seemed unnatural. I was asking what's the matter..."
Hinata had the urge to let out a bitter laugh. She knew that her sister was just being nosy, but there had to be an unspoken reason why she kept prying. "Hanabi..." she began, "...there's no reason to be worried. I'm just a bit tired, that's all. I'm not used to waking up early."
"Oh?" Hiashi stiffened, "Should we have scheduled at a later time?"
"No, it's my fault. I went to sleep late." Hinata lied. She knows their intentions are good, but she also knows how far they are willing to go in order to make her happy.
That usually ends badly.
Hinata wished that they wouldn't stick their nose in her life and tried to understand her position instead. Sometimes they can go too far.
"I hate to ask..." Hanabi began. At that moment Hiashi had wordlessly gotten up and strolled over to where Boruto and Himawari were playing.
Hinata stared hard at his back, feeling like she had just been slapped.
"Uh..." Hanabi fidgeted under her sister's gaze, "...ever since we had that talk, I was thinking about what you said and something was on my mind since then..."
Hinata blinked, "What is it?"
Hanabi blushed and played with her thumbs, "I know that you will continue to support Naruto and he manages to keep you happy, but I always wondered how you dealt with his absence..."
"Oh?" Hinata wondered if this is why Hanabi wasn't acting as vibrant as she usually does. Also, how long could this have been bothering her? Hanabi seemed to have just wanted to get straight to the point. Hinata found herself appreciating her father's gesture and leaving the two of them alone. That is what needs to be done.
"Is there a reason why you ask?" Hinata questioned her sister. She wasn't sure why Hanabi was worrying like this.
"There's no reason other than trying to understand you a bit more." Hanabi gave a sheepish smile, "I know how much you love him... but I cannot imagine accepting this type of circumstance so easily. You lived together and raised a family together since you were teenagers, and now you rarely see him. How much are you willing to let go?" Hanabi said.
Hinata thought for a moment. She never really thought about how their relationship looks on the outside. Hinata wondered if she looked pitiful to some.
"It wasn't easy in the beginning, because I wasn't used to it. However, I never said anything to him. Naruto finally achieved his dream, and I cannot see myself complaining to him about how I never see him..." Hinata shook her head at the thought, "...it isn't right. As for right now... it's been a few years since he was made Hokage. I've grown used to it, but there are times where I long for him. I miss him always, and whenever he calls my heart begins to jump-"
"Okay...okay...I get it. Skip the mushy stuff, I've been hearing it for years."
Hinata held back a smile and looked out in the direction of the Hokage Tower. She tried to picture him in his precious robe at his desk. His head in husband palms...his eyes closed. Surrounded by ramen cups and stacks of paper. Hinata felt heat rise to her cheeks.
"There are times when I do get sad." Hinata broke the silence. Hanabi looked up at her sister, and noticed her wistful expression. "It gets lonely sometimes..." Hinata continued, "...I've grown used to him always being next to me. Seeing him nowadays is more of a bittersweet feeling rather than a depressing one. I always bring him lunch, and whenever I enter his office the way he shows me how much he longs for me as well."
Hinata didn't shift her eyes away from the Hokage Tower, occupied with picturing him up there. "He must feel lonely at times..." she continued, "... but it's also something he must endure. Whenever I see him packing an overnight bag, his expression is always remorseful. He sometimes doesn't know I'm watching him, and he still looks so...wistful? Irritated? I can't explain it, but it seems like a lot goes through his head."
Hinata took a pause, looking down at her sandals. Hanabi listened to her sisters thoughts, but it only tugged at her conscience more. "Hinata, do you and Naruto ever talk about this?" Hanabi wondered how they could both miss each other, yet still not try and negotiate. The Hokage can take time off whenever he wants too, so she didn't understand why this situation was so difficult.
"We didn't... because there is no reason too. It's not something we need to say, because it is so obvious whenever we d-do see each other." Hinata twiddled her thumbs, an old habit she never quite broke, "His aura always glows whenever he is home, and the both of us often give each other brief smiles while he is occupied with Boruto and Himawari. It's a happiness I can't describe..." Hinata found herself smiling, thinking about the memories. "...sometimes we share the bed together and talk about our days... sometimes he comes home too late and passes out in his office...
"He sleeps separately?" Hanabi asked.
"Not always. He only sleeps in the office when he comes home late. Those nights don't bother me since we always see each other for breakfast. In fact, it makes the nights that we do spend together more memorable."
"Oh, I knew you were like this..." Hanabi looked down at the ground, smiling. Hinata widened her eyes at her sister, "Hanabi, don't think like that," she said.
Just then Hinata felt a tap on her shoulder, and looked up at her son. His hands were stained with pink, and there was a line of chalk dust on his forehead. "Mom, can we eat lunch?" Boruto asked.
"Lunch?" Hinata's eyes widened when she checked her phone, surprised it was already ten o'clock. "A-Ah... sure. You don't need to ask me..."
"Are you hungry?" Hanabi asked her nephew. Hinata noticed Hanabi fighting back a smile, but her eyes gave away her excitement. 'She must have cooked,' Hinata thought.
Hanabi led the children inside, and Hinata allowed herself to smile at the image. Hiashi nudged his daughter on the shoulder, holding out a glass.
"Father..." Hinata took the tea, but his appearance threw her off guard. His night clothes were ragged and torn, with dirt and chalk dust coating the fabric. Hiashi's face had markings all over it. He never looked happier. "Thank you for coming, Hinata."
Hinata registered his words, not sure how to react.
"Oi, can you read these over for me?"
The Seventh handed over his sheet of paper to his advisor. The man read it over twice... three times. Naruto watched as his advisors eyes moved quickly and sharply, scanning every word.
"Here you go, you misspelled a few things..." Shikamaru handed the looseleaf back to his friend, who now held his face in his hands.
"Damn..." Naruto sighed.
Shikamaru looked at him worriedly, "This isn't like you. You're working under an emotional state." Shikamaru slapped his hands on the Hokage desk, earning a weak glance from Naruto, "How about we take a lunch break, I haven't seen you make a spelling error in a long time..."
"Lunch sounds good 'ttebayo." Naruto leaned back in his chair. He swiveled his seat, looking out into his village. The sun has already risen, casting a hazy glow over the Leaf. Though it was winter, everyone sported breezy clothing. Suddenly, his Hokage cloak felt heavy on his shoulders.
"Is Hinata bringing you lunch today?"
Shikamaru asked Naruto, who was heading towards the closet. "No, she's visiting her family..." Naruto remembered how worried she looked when he had asked her about them. He hoped everything was going smoothly.
"So, should I call someone to pick up Ichiraku's?" Shikamaru asked. Naruto was in deep thought, it's so obvious to him. He winced when the Hokage stumbled a little before sitting back at his desk. 'Naruto needs a break' Shikamaru thought. Upon further inspection, he noted that Naruto's usual bright blue eyes were beginning to lose their vibrance.
"Don't look at me like I'm an old man, Shikamaru..." Naruto gave his advisor a grin before leaning back into his chair. Just then a loud knock interrupted the silence. Shikamaru and Naruto exchanged glances before inviting the person in.
"Ah, Hokage-sama!" An old man stumbled into his office, bowing diligently. He didn't have much hair, and his clothes looked old fashioned. He bowed once more...twice before looking up at the Seventh Hokage. He was missing a few teeth.
"What is the issue?" Naruto asked the man. He closed the door behind him and took a seat in front of Naruto's desk.
Naruto felt an eyebrow raise.
"Ah..." the old man clicked his tongue, "I saw on that television screen in my house that everyone who wanted to participate at the parade is to see you by Thursday...I would like to join..."
"...Okay..." Naruto reached into his drawer, pulling out a filing folder. He reached into it and pulled out three forms. "Do you want a pen?" Naruto asked him. The man nodded sheepishly and took a pen from Naruto's desk.
"So this is what you need..." Naruto began, "Write clearly and fill these out forms over there..." Naruto pointed to a corner of his office with a single desk and a plastic chair. The man thanked him twice before walking away.
"Well, I'll order us some Ichiraku's" Shikamaru got up from his seat.
"Pork Miso...with extra bamboo shoots... and red pickled ginger!"
"Got it!" Shikamaru shut the office door behind him.
Naruto gave a long, content sigh. He almost forgot about that old man, "You need any help there?" he asked.
"No, no no." The old man turned his head the the Seventh, smiling a gummy smile. "I believe I can handle some paperwork..."
Naruto glanced at him, "Ah...alright then."
Realizing there wasn't much to do, Naruto quickly realized the situation he was in. Usually he would take a nap when he is alone on a slow day... but he didn't want to seem unprofessional in front of a visitor. He couldn't call his wife because he had company. Naruto also didn't want to make easy conversation with that old man, as he was loudly humming a tune to himself. He seemed to be occupied.
Naruto powered up his computer, deciding to pretend he was incredibly busy. Ever since he got these laptops shipped in, the only thing he could figure out was how to send and receive e-mails. That alone was embarrassing to say out loud, as it correlates with his son's predicament of him being an outdated old man. Naruto tried not to think too deeply about it.
"Hokage-sama?" The man called out. Naruto looked up at him, "Hm? Do you need something?" Naruto was about to get up until the man shook his head, "Yes! Would you keep it down? You are typing very loudly, I can't focus."
Naruto felt like he had just been slapped. The nerve of this man. "Ah, I see. I'm sorry." Naruto bit his tongue and sat down in his seat with a loud 'ptuff'. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but he was itching to kick him out.
That bold man could very well sign his documents in the first-floor lobby and annoy the guests there instead. Naruto cursed himself for being such a forgiving person.
He used to be much more lenient during his first years of duty. Being a new Hokage, he wanted to build his reputation properly and gain the trust and hearts of his village. He swore never to use his authority to his advantage. However, looking at this shameless man in front of him, Naruto desperately wanted him out.
'Damn... I'm beginning to sound like the fifth.' Naruto was positive Lady Tsunade would have kicked him to the wolves. She didn't enjoy people lingering in her office, much less treating her with no respect. Watching the man loudly him his tune, Naruto was ready to kick him out. It's already been a dragging ten minutes.
Just then, Shikamaru popped his head in. The smell of broth wafted through the air, pleasuring Naruto's senses.
"Ah, it's still fresh..." Naruto muttered to himself. He smiled despite his past inner turmoil, his irritation replaced with content. Happiness. Comfort.
"If it's taking too long, you would want to wait in the lobby. Naruto and I are going to take a break." Shikamaru told the old man.
Naruto gave a subtle smile before grabbing a pair of chopsticks from his drawer.
The old man smiled politely, "Oh, go ahead. You wouldn't bother me."
Shikamaru blinked, then gave the man a small smile. "Hey, you should listen to orders. The Hokage is taking a break and we would like you to leave."
The old man frowned, "Eh? There's no need-"
"Sir, don't be so difficult. This is an order."
Naruto looked up from his broth, "Old man, how much did you fill out?"
"The first page."
"...Oh, then please wait downstairs. This room is going to get crowded and it will be hard for you to focus-"
"Ah, you're right! Thank you Hokage-sama. Enjoy your lunch." The man bowed before closing the door behind him.
The two ninjas looked at each other. Naruto gave a small smile and a shrug before turning to his ramen. Shikamaru pulled up a chair. They both wore incredulous expressions, as if they found the situation humorous and didn't know how to deal with it.
"Mhm, did you fix the mistakes you made?"
"Hul?" Naruto looked up at him, "Oh... the letter?" He then took a bite before responding. "...Gaara never gave me a due date. I was planning on sending it before the Rinne Restival."
Shikamaru nodded, "speaking of which, did you finish making schedules for the registered participants?"
"Yeah, but I don't think it matters... people are still signing up." Naruto gave a long, drawn out sigh, "I don't know how I'm doing this..."
Shikamaru looked at his friend, who sat back in the chair with his eyes closed. He was exhausted.
It was painful to watch.
Shikamaru turned back to his meal, "I'll do the rest tonight."
Naruto opened one eye and looked at Shikamaru skeptically. "You're exhausted," Naruto said.
Shikamaru shrugged nonchalantly, "...So are you, what difference does it make?"
Looking at the ceiling, he thought about what kind of friend he could be to accept
Shikamaru's offer. Little does he know, Shikamaru knew what his friend was thinking. He let out a bitter laugh, earning Naruto's attention. "What's the matter?" Naruto asked him.
"I know you want to go. It's fine, I can take another night here."
Naruto sat up a little to quickly, "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Ah! Thank you, Shikamaru!" Naruto's expression turned wary after seeing Shikamaru's eye bags. No doubt what he received the night before. "I appreciate it, 'ttebayo."
Shikamaru cleaned out his bowl, leaning back into his seat. It was silent for a few moments, a comforting silence.
"Hey, Naruto?"
"Hm?"
Shikamaru sat up and stared at the Seventh in amusement, "You really let that old man walk all over you."
Naruto looked at him for a few seconds before a smirk enveloped his face. Naruto laughed, "He made me apologize for doing my work."
Shikamaru raised his eyebrows, "Oh really?"
"Yeah," Naruto glanced at Shikamaru, "he said my typing was too loud."
"Heh heh!" Shikamaru rolled his head back, laughing loudly
R+R