The Sharpest Edge
Chapter II – Different Outcome
"So, Uzumaki-kun," began Ino's father as Naruto happily slurped noodles, "Ino-chan tells me you want to become Hokage one day."
Naruto quickly drained the broth before sighing contently. "I don't want to become Hokage, Yamanaka-san," he said, drawing looks and gasps of confusion and shock.
"What are you saying, Naruto-san?"
"Naruto-kun?"
Naruto smirked. "I will become Hokage."
Ino let out an excited giggle and nodded approvingly. Hitomi laid a hand to her breast in relief. Meanwhile, the Yamanaka patriarch was studying the boy in front of him. He didn't seem as bad as everybody made him out to be. Naruto had proven himself to be respectful to his elders; he was friendly to both himself, his wife and his daughter; and he enjoyed Ichiraku, which his good friend Chōza had assured him meant that a person could not be bad.
Certainly, Ino's father was prone to erring on the side of caution rather than outright hostility. He would observe the boy for a while before making his final assessment. "Is that so? You do know that the path to becoming Hokage is very challenging. It is not for the faint-hearted."
"I know," said Naruto, tapping his used chopsticks against the counter. "It doesn't matter what gets thrown my way. I won't ever give up. To become Hokage is my dream." He faced the Yamanaka patriarch and met his eyes. "Nobody will stop me from making it come true."
To say Ino's father was impressed would be an understatement. The determination shining in those eyes belonged to somebody much older; somebody who had a much more achievable goal in mind. Just by looking into those eyes, he had the older man half convinced that it could actually happen. "Well, Uzumaki-kun, I sincerely hope that you make your dream a reality."
Naruto's face shone with unrestrained happiness. "Thank you so very much, Yamanaka-san!" he smiled, giving all three of the Yamanaka family the biggest smile he could muster.
Hitomi laughed in delight. She could tell that this was a true smile that Naruto was giving them. There was no forcing it; she could tell that he was truly pleased by what was happening. "Well, Naruto-kun, if you want to become Hokage, you need to get stronger first."
"I will! I'll be the strongest ninja in the world. I'll protect everybody," he beamed.
Naruto's grin was infectious. Pretty soon, everybody was smiling brightly. "Here you are," said the ramen shop owner, passing a large bowl to Naruto. "This one is on me. Can't have the next Hokage getting hungry, now can we?"
The owner's daughter grinned at Naruto as well, her hands deftly creating more soba noodles. "Go on, enjoy it, Hokage-sama," she giggled.
Naruto looked between the five people around him. There was Ino, smiling brightly, her teal eyes shining; Hitomi, nodding slightly in approval of something; the Yamanaka patriarch, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders; the ramen shop owner, whose booming laugh filled the room; and his daughter, who grinned mischievously at Naruto. "Ino-san; Hitomi-san; Yamanaka-san; everybody, thank you all." Naruto bowed his head so they wouldn't see the tears of happiness trickling down his cheeks.
"Naruto-san?" started Ino, before Hitomi beckoned her with her finger.
"Don't worry, Ino-chan," she said in a whisper. "Naruto-kun is fine."
The look in Hitomi's eyes kept Ino from speaking further, although this was another thing she now had to get to the bottom of. Naruto had said to her that crying didn't change anything – although he had tried to deny what he said – yet here he was, crying while trying to conceal that fact, and poorly at that.
"Naruto-kun?" said Hitomi, her eyes anxiously peering at the boy. "If you don't hurry, your ramen will end up going cold, Hokage-sama."
Naruto gave a choked chuckle. Wiping at his face with the sleeve of his jacket, he beamed at the room. "That's right! Uzumaki Naruto, the next Hokage!" With the declaration made, he attacked the bowl of ramen before him.
xOxOx
"It's time for bed, you two," said Hitomi as she entered Naruto's impromptu bedroom. He and Ino had been talking since they returned from Ichiraku, and neither seemed like they would stop any time soon.
"Can we not stay up a bit longer?" whined Ino. She had been listening to Naruto's rendition of the time he had painted his face onto the front door of every building in the marketplace. To hear him tell it, a dozen ANBU were hot on his heels the entire time. It may have been a fantasy, but it was enjoyable to listen to nonetheless.
"Ino-chan," warned Hitomi in the tone only a mother can use.
"Fine," huffed Ino as she jumped to her feet. "You'll tell me what happened next later, won't you, Naruto-san?"
"Of course!" he exclaimed, having enjoyed an audience for the tales of his adventures. With a satisfied nod, she headed towards the door. Turning as she reached it, she waved goodbye before heading out of the room.
Naruto held his hand up in farewell, even though she couldn't see it. He suddenly seemed to notice as he looked at his upraised arm in surprise. He let a small smile light up his face and Hitomi had to stop herself from hugging the boy. It simply wasn't fair that Naruto had to suffer so much and receive so little in return. Even something as small as a friendly wave goodbye was a foreign gesture to Naruto.
She reined in her emotions as best she could. "It's time for you to sleep as well, Naruto-kun. You have to see the Hokage in the morning, remember?"
"I know, Hitomi-san," agreed Naruto, stifling a yawn with the back of his hand. Sliding down under the sheet, Naruto relaxed his head against the pillow. He waited until he heard her walk to the doorway. "Hitomi-san?"
"Naruto-kun?"
"...Thank you," he said in a whisper before squeezing his eyes shut.
Hitomi gave him a warm smile. "You're welcome, Naruto-kun. Goodnight," she said as she turned off the light and pulled the door closed behind her.
She stood still for a moment, steadying her breathing. With every new thing she learned about Naruto, her entire perception of the village kept changing. For things that someone would take for granted as normal – such as a wave of farewell or a kind word – to be looked upon as total surprises only proved that the village as a whole had done a wonderfully terrible job of ostracising him. Perhaps the monster they kept declaring Naruto to be applied to themselves much more accurately.
Shaking off the thoughts for the present, Hitomi crossed the hallway, stopping at a door with a wooden placard showing the name 'Ino-chan.' She knocked lightly before stepping in. Ino was sitting on the edge of her bed, her brow furrowed in deep thought. It was an unusual expression for her daughter to be hosting. "Is something wrong, Ino-chan?"
Ino seemed to not hear her mother at first, for she continued to maintain her position, occasionally tapping a finger against her cheek. "Where does Naruto-san live normally?" she asked finally, looking her mother in the eyes. Ino noticed the look of surprise flit across Hitomi's face before she managed to school her features. "Why is he always getting hurt? Where are his parents?" By the end of her questions, her voice was close to breaking and the starting of tears were blossoming.
Hitomi knelt by her daughter. Taking Ino's hands between her own, she chose her words carefully. "I can't answer those questions, Ino-chan, because they aren't my answers to give."
"I would ask Naruto-san himself, but I don't want to put him in an awkward situation where he feels he has to answer," replied Ino. "I'm not sure how to ask him without hurting him."
Hitomi felt pride rush through her veins as she looked at the fierce determination on Ino's face. It was an uncommon trait for her daughter to express, but one which was rapidly becoming more prevalent whenever Naruto was mentioned. "Perhaps he will tell us when he's ready," she said vaguely.
Ino stamped down the rapidly rising frustration. She wasn't trying to be nosy, or intrude upon Naruto and his secrets; she just wanted to make sure that he would be okay once he left their home. What had her concerned was the simple fact that nobody had come to visit him, not once. No parents, relatives or friends. Perhaps if it had been a day she could overlook it, however, he had been unconscious for three days. Surely somebody must be worried, or wondering where Naruto was?
And not only that; when he was first brought to their home, Ino had gasped at the deep-set bruising and pale skin of Naruto. Even if he had started training early, there was no reason she could think of as to why he should have been so very hurt. "...I just don't want to see him hurt like that again," she said quietly.
Hitomi could see the emotions running through Ino's mind quite clearly. Her eyes always reflected the feelings within, so she was glad to see that Ino had taken a liking to Naruto. It would not hurt either of them to be able to call one another friends. "Come here, Ino-chan," she said, opening her arms to her daughter. Ino immediately took the invitation and snuggled against her mother, resting her head against Hitomi's collarbone. "Naruto-kun is fine now, right?" Ino nodded sleepily. "From now on, we'll make certain that he stays that way, if you'd like?" Another nod from Ino, this time accompanied by a yawn. Hitomi placed her lips gently against Ino's forehead and allowed them to linger.
Ino yawned again, covering her mouth with her hand. She was so tired, but she wanted to make sure that she said what she was thinking before she possibly forgot. "If he doesn't have anywhere to stay, can he stay with us?"
Hitomi blinked in surprise. "If that is the case, Ino-chan, yes, if he wants to, okay?"
Ino sighed happily against her mother before allowing her tired eyes to close. Within a few moments, her breathing levelled out and she was asleep.
Hitomi looked upon her daughter's sleeping form and couldn't help but smile. "Oh, Ino-chan. You make me so proud everyday," she breathed, before gently laying Ino in her bed.
xOxOx
"Are they asleep, Hitomi?"
Hitomi gave a soft nod to her husband before settling next to him. He easily wrapped an arm around her and hugged her close to him. "Ino-chan is such an amazing child, Inoichi-kun," she said as he idly twirled his fingers through her hair.
"I know," Inoichi easily agreed, a smile blossoming on his face. "We couldn't have asked for a better daughter."
"She wants Naruto-kun to live here with us, you know?" she said conversationally.
"She does?" he asked, surprised. "When did she say that?"
"A few minutes ago, when I went to tuck her in. She wanted to know whether Naruto-kun has parents and where he lives. What was I supposed to tell her, Inoichi?" Her hands were clasped tightly together in front of her.
"What did you tell her?" he asked gently, placing his own hands over both of hers.
"I told her that the answers were his to give. I know it was a weak reason, but is it right for us to tell her about that night? About Naruto-kun and the sacrifice of his parents? Is it okay for us to tell her that nearly everybody she knows has hurt Naruto-kun at some point in his life?"
She began shivering, her body suddenly feeling cold. "Hitomi," began Inoichi, wrapping his arms around her back, pulling her flush against his chest. "You were asked difficult questions. I'm not certain I'd have been able to think of any better response if put in that situation." Pulling his head back, he kissed her lips softly, a lingeringly gentle contact.
Hitomi felt herself warming, thanks to her husband's soft touch and calming voice. Her shivering slowed to a stop. "Thank you, Inoichi," she murmured, enjoying being comforted. His only response to her thanks was to hold her a little tighter. "Inoichi?"
"Hmm?"
"Did you mean what you said?"
"About what?"
"When you said you believe in Naruto-kun and his dream. Do you really think he can achieve that goal?"
He thought about it for a few seconds before replying. "Honestly, I think that he has chosen one of the most difficult things to achieve in this world as his dream. In the history of our village, there have so far been only four Hokage, out of any number of shinobi which have been born. You know that the Hokage is the strongest, most respected ninja in the village. For Uzumaki-kun, his chances of achieving his dream have already taken a heavy beating because of people believing him to be...well, you know. On top of that is the fact that his chakra control will likely prove nearly impossible for him to master because of the sheer amount he will have, thanks in part to...you know, again. A betting man would never take an opportunity on him."
Hitomi nodded at her husband. His words were what she had expected to hear. They were what she would have said herself if asked the question. "I understand," she said.
Inoichi then did something she didn't expect. "Luckily, however, I am not a betting man." Hitomi looked up at her husband, shocked by what he seemed to be saying. She searched his eyes for any hint of deceit, but found nothing. "I saw something when I looked in his eyes, Hitomi."
"What was it?"
"Determination. The drive to do whatever is necessary to achieve whatever goals are set. If anybody can do what they set out to achieve, that boy can. I honestly believe he can become Hokage, as long as he gets given the help he will need. If he continues to be ignored by the villagers, we will end up losing a valuable asset. Still, if that were ever to happen, I may find myself with a little free time. Perhaps I could show him a few basic skills." Her eyebrows raised at his suggestion, and he smiled brightly at his wife.
Hitomi latched herself onto Inoichi, her lips crashing into his. They stayed together for a span, each showing just how much they cared for the other through the intensity of their kisses and the fierce way their hands clutched onto one another. "You, Yamanaka Inoichi, are a wonderful man," she said, her eyes shining with belief.
"I love you, Hitomi-hime," he said seriously, kissing both of her closed eyes with deliberate care and softness. Hitomi's lips provided Inoichi with all the response he would ever need.
xOxOx
"Now, Naruto. I suppose you're wondering why I've asked for you to be here?" asked the aged Hokage, peering at Naruto over the brim of his pipe.
"You've finally realised that you aren't able to be Hokage anymore, so you need to pass the job onto somebody else, and who better to become the next Hokage than me!" replied Naruto with a beaming grin.
The Sandaime chuckled at the response. It was thoroughly arrogant and yet innocent at the same time. It was so typically Naruto. "While I'm certain you'd make an excellent Hokage one day, Naruto, I'm afraid I have to inform you that I don't feel like giving up the job any time soon." He had to stifle another chuckle as he watched Naruto visibly deflate. "No, what I needed to speak to you about was something very important." He watched Naruto's face brighten, his interest piqued.
"What is it? What's very important?"
"While I know you are not yet a registered shinobi, I know that your desire is to become one, correct?"
"Of course! I'm going to be Hokage, and don't you forget it!" exclaimed Naruto boisterously.
"Well, since that's the case, I have an important, and ultimately secret mission I can assign you."
Naruto shot to his feet. "A mission, really?"
The Sandaime nodded his head. "Yes, Naruto, however, this is not a mission for one person. This is for two people, and I have just the right person in mind." He snapped his fingers and a tall man with silver-grey hair and a face-mask entered the room. "Naruto, meet Hatake Kakashi."
Kakashi stood calmly, his one visible eye focused on Naruto. "Yo, Naruto-kun. Sandaime-sama tells me that we are going to be team-mates for a while."
"This will be an infiltration mission," supplied the Sandaime. "Naruto. Along with Kakashi, the two of you will be travelling to Sunagakure. I have been hearing some troublesome rumours from there recently. Your mission will be to assess the situation in Suna and report back anything suspicious. This will be a B-Rank extended infiltration mission. Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto straightened subconsciously. "Hatake Kakashi. Do you both understand and accept this mission?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama," said Kakashi easily.
"Does this mean that I'm a shinobi now?" asked Naruto, a giddy grin on his face.
"You cannot be an officially registered ninja of Konohagakure until you graduate from the Academy, Naruto." Naruto's grin turned into a frown of despondency. "However, I have a feeling that Kakashi may be willing to help you with some basic training while you travel together. I feel that whatever he may choose to impart would prove beneficial."
"Why would Hatake-san want to train me?"
"This mission will require the two of us to be able to work together as a two-man cell, Naruto-kun," said Kakashi, fielding the question. "If we were to come under attack, Naruto-kun, I would much rather have you able to not only protect yourself, but also be able to potentially provide me with assistance, than for you to be unable to do anything." When Naruto stayed quiet, Kakashi decided to play upon what he knew of Naruto. "You don't have to train with me if you don't want to," he said wistfully, fully expecting Naruto to take the bait.
"No, no, I want to!" said Naruto quickly, making Kakashi smile behind his mask. Naruto was predictable to a fault. He knew the boy would never turn away a chance to achieve his dream, and becoming strong and dependable was certainly a prerequisite. Learning ninja skills from somebody older than himself in a one-on-one situation would no doubt allow Naruto to learn a great deal. Add to that the fact that Naruto would not be allowed to enter the Academy, much less graduate from it, for at least one more year, and he knew that Naruto would leap at the opportunity. "It's just that...can I tell Hitomi-san where I'll be going?"
"Hitomi?" said the Hokage slowly. "Naruto, this is a B-Rank mission, one that requires the utmost secrecy."
"I know that!" Naruto blurted before closing his mouth and breathing deeply. "It's just...she's been so nice to me. Can I just walk away without telling her what I'll be doing?"
With a sigh, the Sandaime studied Naruto closely. The boy looked truly upset at the thought of simply leaving without so much as a goodbye. It seemed as though Hitomi had had a positive effect upon Naruto and his fragile psyche if he thought so highly of her. His decision was made. "I will make one small allowance, Naruto. You may tell Hitomi and her family that you will be leaving for an extended training trip. You may not tell them you are on a mission, who you will be travelling with nor where you will be going. This is very important, Naruto. A vital part of being a shinobi is being trustworthy. You could be the strongest ninja in the world, possessing the most destructive arsenal of jutsu, yet if you are not worthy of other people's trust, you will not go far. Can I place my trust in you, Naruto?"
Naruto beamed at the Hokage while nodding his head vigorously. "Yes, you can! Thanks, Hokage-jiji!"
The Sandaime smiled, despite the different nickname he had been given. "Very well, then. I expect the two of you to be on the road to Suna by nightfall. Dismissed." With a nod, Kakashi led Naruto out of the Hokage's office.
"Say, Hatake-san," began Naruto as he and Kakashi walked along the main street leading from the Hokage's office.
"What is it, Naruto-kun?"
"What kinds of things will you be teaching me?" He was bouncing as he walked, a sign that his excitement was reaching untold heights.
Kakashi put a hand on Naruto's shoulder softly, and closed his visible eye. "I'm not telling."
"No fair!" pouted Naruto, while Kakashi gave a short laugh.
"You'll find out what I have planned to share with you as we travel, Naruto-kun, and not a second before. I will let you know that this training will definitely give you a platform from which to begin your pursuit of becoming Hokage."
"Really?"
"Really," said Kakashi simply. "Now, Naruto-kun, I will meet you at the main gate at sunset. Do not be late. You don't need to worry about supplies. I'll make sure we're well equipped. Just bring yourself, alright?"
"Okay, Hatake-san," replied Naruto brightly. With a brief wink of his eye, Kakashi waved goodbye, taking a leisurely stroll through the marketplace. Naruto gave a brief look to the Hokage Monument, specifically the head of the Yondaime. He smiled as he imagined his own face atop there one day. "Uzumaki Naruto, Godaime Hokage!" He grinned gleefully before heading in the direction of Ino's home.
xOxOx
Arriving at the Yamanaka residence, Naruto stopped, suddenly feeling apprehensive. While he had been revelling in the opportunity to go on a mission despite his not being an officially recognised shinobi, he had forgotten that he would be leaving the village, and possibly for a not inconsiderable length of time. How was he to tell Hitomi who had been so very kind to him? How could he possibly repay her for her generosity? What of Ino? Although they had only known one another for the majority of a day, he liked to think that they could possibly become friends. How could that happen if he was never going to be around? Would she forget about him? Would things just return to the status quo?
"Naruto-kun? Is everything alright?" Hitomi's soft voice roused Naruto from his introspective thoughts. She peered at him, her eyes conveying her concern.
Naruto put on his biggest smile. "Everything is great!" he exclaimed brightly, leading Hitomi to narrow her eyes.
"Naruto-kun, what aren't you telling me?" When Naruto remained quiet, but his whole head seemed to shift towards the ground more, Hitomi continued her line of questioning. "Did something happen during your meeting with Hokage-sama?"
Naruto sighed inwardly. He knew that he would have to tell them what was going to happen. He just didn't know how to word it properly. "Hitomi-san, I...I have to go."
"Go? Go where? What are you talking about, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto took a deep, steadying breath before beginning. "It would be easier if I only have to say it once."
"...I understand," said Hitomi. "Wait in the kitchen, Naruto-kun. I'll fetch Inoichi and Ino-chan."
Naruto nodded, already feeling numb. As excited as he was, he felt like he was going to be letting Hitomi down, the first person to acknowledge him, even if it didn't truly make any sense. Still, he wasn't going to back out on this chance. To become Hokage, he would endure any and all trials. This was what he had sworn. It just so happened that this particular trial was not one he had ever had in mind.
With a resigned shuffle, Naruto headed for the kitchen and settled himself. He waited in the near silent house, his loud breathing the only noise to be heard. He used the time to think about what he was going to say. He wanted them to know just how grateful he was for their kindness. He needed to let Hitomi know that he would always be indebted to her. She didn't have to help him, nor allow him to stay in her home. She was, and would always be, his first precious person.
He wanted to thank Ino for taking the time to speak with him, to make him laugh. He wished they had more time to talk together, but for now, that wish would have to remain such.
He had to let Inoichi know how thankful he was to have met him, if only for a short time. He wanted to make sure the older man was aware of just how much his belief in Naruto and his dream meant.
"Naruto-san? Is everything alright?" Ino spoke from behind him, causing him to whirl on the chair.
"Oh, hello Ino-san. I'll...well...I'll explain what I can in a minute, okay?" He spotted Inoichi entering. "Hello again, Yamanaka-san."
"Uzumaki-kun," nodded Inoichi, coming to take a seat next to the blonde boy. "What is this all about? Hitomi wouldn't say."
"That's because she doesn't know, Yamanaka-san," said Naruto, rising to his feet as Hitomi entered the room, her usually bright eyes now dulled a little in concern. "Hitomi-san," Naruto said earnestly.
"Naruto-kun, what is going on? Will you tell us now?"
Naruto took several deep breaths, trying to calm his erratically beating heart. "I went to see Hokage-jiji today," he began, feeling as though it might be easier to simply list everything that happened, rather than try to make a long-winded speech out of it. "He has offered me a chance."
"Chance?" repeated Ino, her mind digesting what she had heard thus far. "What chance?"
Naruto breathed deep once more. "I'm leaving the village," he blurted out. "Not permanently!" he continued, noting the looks of shock on the faces of the Yamanaka women. "I'm going to be on an extended training trip."
"A training trip," said Inoichi, his mind already figuring out that the 'training trip' as Naruto put it was nothing more than a cover for something else. "How long is this for?"
"Honestly, I have no idea," admitted Naruto sheepishly.
"You have no idea how long you will be gone, is that right, Naruto-san?" asked Ino, having to repeat the words since they seemed so outlandish.
Naruto's eyes met hers, aquamarine to cerulean, and he nodded solemnly. "That's right."
"You won't be going alone though, right, Naruto-kun?" questioned Hitomi, already feeling queasy. If he wasn't safe in the village, defending himself against common villagers with no skill, what chance did he have against potential rogue ninja and bandits? "Someone will be going with you, right?" When Naruto didn't answer, but rather looked away, Hitomi repeated her earlier statement. "Right?"
"Hitomi," cautioned Inoichi, taking a hold of her hands. She lowered her face, but Naruto felt certain he could see tears falling from her eyes, and the sight of that hurt him far more keenly than he could have ever expected.
"I'm sorry," Naruto said, forcing himself not to run away. He hated this. He hated making his precious people feel sad, but he had a task to do. A task appointed to him specifically by the Sandaime Hokage. He knew that he would not betray the old man's trust.
"You won't...forget about me...will you, Naruto-san?" asked Ino, so quietly, so hesitantly. Her hands were tightly clenched at her sides and her entire body seemed to be shaking. Her eyes were shining as she pointedly looked at him, never allowing her gaze to wander.
Naruto felt his throat constrict painfully. Is this what having a bond is like? It's more painful but wonderful than I ever imagined. He met her gaze solidly, though, not allowing himself a moment of not looking upon his precious people. He would use these moments to memorise every detail he could, so that when training became difficult and he felt as if he could no longer continue, he would be able to remember them, remember those precious in his heart, and carry on.
Ino continued to look at him expectantly, clearly waiting on his answer. He cleared his throat, trying to ignore the horrible tightness. "How could I forget you, Ino-san?" he said loudly, breaking the air of tension that had descended upon the room unnoticed. She visibly brightened at his confident declaration. "A Hokage never forgets about his precious people, and you are one of the most precious people of all." He grinned brightly.
Ino felt her face warming as she listened to Naruto. Her lips twitched upwards, ever so slowly, until a shy smile accompanied by brightened cheeks could be clearly seen. "Thank you, Naruto-san," she said gently, her smile becoming further pronounced. "I won't forget about you either. When you come back, I expect you to have lots of stories to tell me, understand?" She tried to sound stern, but her smile made it seem far less threatening.
Naruto, nevertheless, took her words at face value. "I will! I'll have lots of stories! Hey, we'll have to go for ramen, all four of us."
"Yes, we will," agreed Inoichi, who was now holding Hitomi in his arms. "When do you leave, Uzumaki-kun?"
"Tonight."
"I see," said Inoichi, helping Hitomi to a chair. Naruto watched as Inoichi walked to his side before the older man placed his hands on both of Naruto's shoulders. "You will always be welcome here, Uzumaki-kun. Never be afraid to come here if you ever need our help, a place to stay, or even just to talk about your problems."
Naruto felt himself tearing up at the kind words. It seemed ironic and cruel that he should finally find people who accepted him, only to willingly give them up to further his dream. He forced himself to smile. "I promise that when I come back, I'll be so much closer to becoming Hokage. Just you wait and see!"
Ino nodded in complete belief. "I know you will!" Naruto beamed at her.
"You have my complete support, Uzumaki-kun," said Inoichi seriously. Naruto gave a polite nod.
Hitomi rubbed her hands against her eyes. "How silly..." she mumbled, before she stood, crossed the few steps of distance there were between she and Naruto, and pulled him into the first hug of his life. "I believe in you completely, Naruto-kun. Just, please be careful, okay?"
Naruto's eyes began to sting, yet, somehow he managed to speak. "I promise, Hitomi-san." Hesitantly, he placed his own arms around her back before he gripped her as tightly as he could. Their shared comfort lasted a few seconds longer before Naruto relinquished his hold and stepped back. "I have to get ready," he said in a breathy whisper, grinning at each of them. "I guess this is goodbye."
"It isn't really goodbye, Naruto-san. It's more like a promise to meet again," said Ino succinctly.
"I'd like that," said Naruto fondly. He took one last look at all three of them, before steeling himself. "See you soon!" he cried as he ran out the door.
There was a sudden silence after Naruto's departure as the Yamanaka family came to terms with their feelings. Ino smiled as she thought of how Naruto would have changed by the time she saw him next. Inoichi was curious as to whether Naruto would be any closer to achieving his dream by the time he returned to the village. Hitomi was silently praying that Naruto would be safe. "See you soon, Naruto-kun."
xOxOx
"So, Naruto-kun, is everything settled?" asked Kakashi as Naruto approached the main gate leading from Konoha. "Did you say your goodbyes?"
Naruto nodded, not yet trusting himself to speak. The farewells had been far more emotionally draining than he'd imagined possible, and he felt weary.
"Alright, shall we be off?"
Naruto nodded again, but not before turning his head to look at the Hokage Monument. The four heads of the Hokage looked down imperiously upon the village they had sworn to protect. "One day, my face will be up there as well," he said strongly, causing Kakashi to smile.
"That day will be a long way off if you continue to dawdle like this, Naruto-kun. Let's get going. We have a lot of ground to cover and not a lot of time in which to do it." That said, Kakashi waved a farewell to those he considered important in the village and turned his back on his home.
Naruto lingered a second longer before following Kakashi.
Unbeknownst to Naruto, but not Kakashi, they had been observed as they said their farewells to the village. Hitomi was standing atop a roof near the main entrance, one where she could see all, but not be seen by onlookers.
"Does it put your mind at ease, Hitomi?" Hitomi jumped as the gravelly voice sounded at her back. Whirling, she turned to face the leader of the village.
"Forgive me, Sandaime-sama," she said contritely, bowing her head to the old man.
"It's quite alright, Hitomi. In fact, it lightens my heart to know that you care for Naruto quite so deeply. He has been starved of affection for such a long time. Perhaps it was fated for you to be called to help Naruto that night," he mused out loud.
"Sandaime-sama?"
"...Nevermind. I must ask, Hitomi, that both you and your family keep word of Naruto's trip to yourselves. It would not do for potential spies to learn of his leaving the village."
"I understand, Hokage-sama," bowed Hitomi as the Hokage took his leave. Hitomi stared at the main gate, watching the speck that was Naruto disappearing into the darkness surrounding the village. "Stay safe, Naruto-kun."