~Chapter Four~

(The Energetic Boy & The Man in the Silly Hat)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything within the anime/game/tv series, but I take responsibility for changing the plot/storyline and my OCs (Original Characters).

Time is drawing closer and closer for me to enroll into an academy. I have chosen the Shinobi Academy, but I need to talk to the Hokage beforehand. The Hokage is the equivalent of the President residing over both political and military powers. Thanks to Tamamo. I am able to find the place without getting lost which is a blessing and a curse. I am terrified because this man pretty much controls my future in this matter. I take a deep breath and walk inside the building known as the 'Hokage Office'. Upon entering it, I see a blond haired boy bugging the secretary for some reason. The secretary is glaring at the boy with such hatred that is scary.

"Um, excuse me, is the Hokage available?" I ask the secretary nervously, but I was very polite about it. The blond haired boy looks at me confused while the woman sighs.

"As I keep telling the boy, the Hokage is in a meeting and will not be done until noon." The secretary says emphasizing the word 'boy' negatively. The boy flinch a little, but it appears he is getting used to it. It saddens my heart to see people treated like this.

"What?! But Jiji-san (Old man) said he would play with me!" The blond boy shouts in disbelief wanting to spend some time with the 'Hokage'. I am guessing he has a close relationship with him since he calls him 'Jiji'. Before the secretary can say anything, I speak up.

"That's alright. I can wait. My name is Satō, Ami. It is a pleasure to meet you both. I will be sitting over there. Would you like to join me?" I ask the boy. I did not miss the look the woman's face. She is torn on relief and fear for me. I am guessing she does not want me to be with the boy after all. The boy becomes energetic and nods his head sitting next to me while I pull out a book.

"This is a story book. I can read it to you, but first, may I have your name?" I ask the boy who soon looks shock and awe at me. I am to believe he never had someone treat him nicely like me. He seems to debate making me certain that he has been betrayed before. I am not going to lie. It twisted at my heart harshly, but I manage to keep it hidden behind a gentle closed eyed smile.

"My name is Uzumaki, Naruto, and I'm going to be Hokage one day!" Naruto says, and I smile patting him on the head. In the background, I hear the lady scoff, but I ignore her. Naruto smiles at my affectation patting.

"I'm sure you will. Now, how about we pass the time with a story, neh? It is called The Shinobi Who Dare to Dream. I believe you will like it." I say noticing how starry eyed Naruto is. He carefully positions himself next to me wanting to see the pictures. I did not mind this and begin to read. As I read, I occasionally glanced around the room secretly. I have already memorized the book front to back and worn it down. It is my favorite book by far if only for motivation. I observe Naruto is blatantly hypnotize my story telling skills and soon to follow the secretary. Both appear to be wrapped up in my reading of the book. Before anyone knows it, it was noon, and the Hokage comes out of his office with other members of the political field. The secretary and Naruto are wrapped up in my reading. They do not seem aware of the people inside the lobby area. The people stay quiet listening to me read the story until I am finished.

"What a beautiful story being wonderfully told by a lovely girl. The author would be happy to know his story is being told in such a way." The Hokage says snapping the two from their hypnotic state of mind. The secretary quickly apologizes for being distracted while Naruto rushes up to the Hokage.

"Jiji-san, this is Ami-chan. She's really nice! Ami-chan also wants to see you." Naruto says excitingly making giggle before putting the bag in. Hokage smiles and looks at me.

"I see. Well, do you want to come into the office and talk?" Hokage asks making Naruto pout, but I nod my head. I really do not want my dirty laundry out for the world to hear. All three of us walk into the office, and he sits behind his desk. Naruto is sitting next to me looking at me curiously.

"Alright, now Ami-chan, what is it you want to talk about?" The Hokage asks me giving me the grandfatherly smile. I look down with my hands in my lap feeling nervous.

"I want to be sponsor by the Village. I-I know this plan is for orphans, but…my home situation isn't good for my academics. M-my mom is unstable working long hours and drinking… I-I would be more focus on my mom's condition than my studies… I-I know I will still worry, but…maybe this will be good for her." I say mostly to myself feelingthe tears threatening to flow and shaking from the emotions. I can feel their eyes train on me. I didn't look up because I fear for exposing my weakness to them. I feel a hand on my shoulder causing me to look up and see it is from the Hokage. Naruto looks teary eyes feeling bad for me.

"I can't do anything before you register, but once you register, then you are eligible for the finances. Sadly I will have someone to investigate just to keep the other councilors at bay… Now, why don't we go out to eat? It might be good for all of us to have a break." The Hokage says grabbing both of our hands and lead us out. I smile thankful for him to change the subject. Naruto is excited for some lunch and chants 'Ramen, Ramen, Ramen'. I giggle at his enthusiasm. I can feel oddly enough bloodlust or hatred but not towards me or the Hokage. It was towards Naruto oddly enough. This makes me worry for Naruto safety. I have a feeling the secretary will be the kindest villager to Naruto compare to the rest excluding the Ramen shop owner, his daughter, the Hokage, and me. I can feel Tamamo growl at the villagers who have hatred towards the child. I will ask her more later after lunch.

2