Chapter 7: The Protector of Konoha's Great Love

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

dotwiper

AnimeAshley

TheGirlWhoIsInLoveWithJapan

SweetAngels123

Itstimetowakeup

mednin

ghie-chan

ImmaBeForever

Morte Cacciatore

Evil-Chibi-Tiffy

Claudette14

Pookie Boo

You guys guessed it right! The rest just have to read to find out! Because so many of you got it, the hints will now be harder ( I hope LOL). Anyway, enjoy!

By the way, if anybody ever needs a visual interpretation for the new characters, I set up a deviantart account and draw them all. They're only sketches, nothing fancy. I really did them in just one go so the proportions and shading are not up to par since I'm no artists; it's just a hobby. I plan to use it to do a full biography on the characters like it's a wikia page or something in the future. I have a lot of information on the characters that I doubt I can put into the story, so the deviantart account works perfectly! My account name is Nakoujou again so if any of you guys are interested, check it out!


It had been hours since Sousuke and his team began patrolling the borders of Konohagakure, yet he had yet to feel tired at all. Evening had already dawned, but Sousuke refused to stop the mission until night came. He still felt in full energy, barely wasting any chakra for a simple run-through of the village. His teammates had probably circled around the village at least five times, yet everything was too quiet. Something was definitely not right.

And then, it came.

Sousuke landed lightly on the ground, his hand immediately grabbing his sword. He pulled it out and with a swift turn, twirled it in front of him. The wave of kunais thrown at him didn't even reach his face; his sword deflected them all. The kunais fell to the ground weakly.

As his sword stopped spinning, Sousuke glanced behind him, ducking a punch. He flipped himself around, throwing a kick at the enemy in the process. The enemy cursed loudly, but before he could make another move, Sousuke had already hit his neck, knocking the enemy unconscious. As the enemy fell down to the ground, Sousuke took a closer look at his forehead protector, recognizing the infamous music note etched into the metal.

"So Sound is here..." Sousuke grunted to himself.

He could feel more presences of chakra coming. Probably five others at the max. He wasn't surprised at this. It made sense to sneak up on him after a long day of just jumping around, hoping he would waste his chakra. Unfortunately, those spies had no idea what they were expecting.

All five of the enemy spies charged at Sousuke, surrounding him in the middle. But the young Uchiha did not even bulge. Rather, he smirked. When the five spies closed in on him, they immediately rebounded as a sphere of lightning surrounded Sousuke. Sousuke scanned at his enemies, each and every one of them paralyzed. He noticed one attempting to escape, but Sousuke was one step ahead.

At the slightest movement of the enemy, Sousuke immediately brought his hand up, causing all the spies to fling backwards against a tree trunk. The spies gasped in shock at the appearance of steel strings strapping them to the tree, something that hadn't noticed until then. Sparks of blue lightning trailed from Sousuke's fingers, down the strings, and to the enemies, electrocuting them. They all screamed in pain until falling unconscious.

Realizing that he had defeated his enemies, Sousuke stopped the chidori flow in the strings. He peered to his radio, turning it on.

"Makoto, Shisido, get over to the western side immediately. I'm in the forest, 600 km from the border, and I have five Sound spies with me. We need to take them in for interrogation," Sousuke stated calmly through his radio.

Before he could even get a response, he heard a sly, haunting voice. As if from a nightmare.

"You really do live up to your reputation...Sousuke-kun..."

Sousuke's eyes widened, pulling up his sword in front of him. Before him appeared a cloaked figure, his hood covering half his face. However, Sousuke could easily see this person was wearing a white mask, covering his true face. The mask was the form of a snake head, the eyeholes slit to appear sinister. The figure wore metal gauntlets, unusual for a standard ninja. Each step he took was loud and heavy and for some reason, Sousuke believed this was not the first time he came face to face with this person. But he couldn't pinpoint where.

"A child of an Uchiha...refusing to kill his enemies, even when his life is at risk..." he hissed evilly. "So strange for that to happen...considering who your father is..."

Sousuke's grip on his sword tighten. "Maybe it's more fun to torture than kill."

"Ah...but we all know that's not who you really are, Sousuke-kun...My, you haven't changed..."

Sousuke felt his heart stop, his eyes realizing the inevitable. In a second, he had rammed the figure straight into a nearby tree, his sword directly against his enemy's neck. "Who the hell are you?" he snarled, activating his Sharingan.

The mysterious ninja only chuckled, not even threatened by Sousuke's gesture. "What's this? You don't remember me? Well, you were only a little boy...a scared little boy...who had no idea what potential his sharingan carried..."

Sousuke deepened his sword into his neck, spilling tiny drops of blood onto the cloak. "Stop making up this stupid crap before I have to really kill you."

"Do you expect anyone to believe you, whose ninja way is to never take a life? Very ironic," the enemy taunted. "But...hearing that you had your first kill in Snow Country...I believe I should be more careful with my words..."

Sousuke threw a punch at the enemy, but his hand went straight through, as if in a blur. The enemy chuckled. Sousuke cursed.

"Genjutsu," He muttered under his breath. He should have expected this.

The figure disappeared into a warp, only to reappear across from Sousuke. They were surrounded no longer by the luscious green trees or the bushes; instead, it appeared as if a red sky had appeared around.

"Now tell me Sousuke-kun..." the enemy's voice echoed, his figure appearing behind Sousuke. "...what could possibly force you to break your way?"

The masked figure immediately found himself ensnarled by black vines sprouted from the ground. The vines wrapped around him, trapping him within. The vines grew larger as the enemy struggled out of it. Tiny thorns began to prickle into the enemy's skin, causing pain even by the tiniest scratch.

"Oh...so you tricked me, setting up the genjutsu the moment your sword touched me," he commented. "Very clever...Even for an Uchiha..."

Sousuke did not even turn to look. "What the hell do you want with me?"

And out of nowhere, Sousuke felt the metal gauntlet reach for his head, tightening into a death grip.

Impossible! He can't touch me in my genju- Sousuke couldn't finish his thoughts, for his mind quickly went blank.


Armed with only his bunny toy and a picture he just drew, Uchiha Kenji wandered around the village, looking for his friend. He had been looking all afternoon for his friend, even at the place she was staying. The sun was nearly setting, and Kenji knew he always had to be back home before dinner or else his siblings would eat all his food. He shivered at the thought of his worst fear. Then, his stomache growled. Kenji pouted.

"Ah, I want food..." He groaned innocently, pulling up so that his bunny faced him. "Ne, Pochi, what should I do? I want to go home for food but I want to find Chihiro-chan to help me color."

And just in time, his eyes blinked at the sight before him. A couple feet away was a small girl, around his age, with flaming red hair and big green eyes. She wore a peach sundress and pale sandals. She was backed up against a wall, crouching slightly as she looked up slightly terrified. In front of her were two boys, probably a few years older than her, towering over her. They grinned tauntingly, cracking their knuckles.

"What's wrong, princess? You look a little lost," the tall, skinny one teased.

"Yeah, you look like you need directions for a beat-up!" The short, fat one taunted.

The little girl brought her hands up to her face, covering her eyes. "P-P-Please, d-d-don't hurt me."

"CHIHIRO-CCCCHHHHAAAANNNNN!"

The three of them all turned, surprised, at the sight of Kenji running to the girl. Instantly, the two bullies panicked.

"Ack! T-T-T-T-T-That's-"

"The ANBU C-C-C-Captain's s-s-s-son-"

"D-D-Darnit, i-i-if he t-t-tells on us-"

"W-W-We're d-d-doomed-"

"Ne, ne, Chihiro-chan, how come you didn't tell me you made new friends?" Kenji asked excitedly, oblivious to the actual situation. The two bullies nearly fainted in shock, not believing how dumb Kenji could be.

Chihiro stared at her friend, horrified. "U-Um, K-K-Kenji-k-kun, they're not-"

"Doing anything WRONG! Right, Chihiro-chan?" The tall one finished quickly, growling out the last part. Chihiro squeaked, scared of what would happen.

"Yeah, yeah, we were just uh, going to take her to buy candy!" The fat one continued the lie, laughing nervously. "I-I-it's not like w-w-we were bullying her or going to b-beat her up or anything! Hahaha!"

Kenji stared at them curiously. The two bullies backed away slightly, scared of what was to come or if he would call their bluff. Chihiro, too frightened to get involved again, didn't say anything. She only hid behind Kenji.

Then, Kenji broke into a huge smile. "Okay!"

The bullies' jaws dropped to the ground. They turned to stare at each in other in disbelief, the same thought running through their mind: Stupidest Uchiha EVER.

"Ne, ne, Chihiro-chan, when you're done getting candy, do you wanna help me color? I don't know how to color inside the lines and neechan's shopping and niichan's on a mission so they can't help me," Kenji rambled on, shoving the picture right in front of Chihiro's face. "Oh, and we can go to my house because otouchan bought me a huge box of crayons and we can have dinner! Oh, can we go to your place? I wanna see it! Oh, how was shopping with your Aunt Tem yesterday? Was it fun? Did you buy anything cool? Oh, I'm hungry, can you buy me some sweets too? Actually, can I come with you-"

"Hey, Kenji! Let's play a game! It's called 'Count to 100 and Close Your Eyes!'" suggested the tall bully nervously as he grabbed Chihiro's shoulder fiercely.

"Y-Y-Yeah! W-Whoever gets to 100 first wins!" continued the fat one, the two of them slowly backing away.

"Ah, K-Kenji-kun..." Chihiro spoke up nervously.

"OKAY!" Kenji replied eagerly, his hands blocking his eyes. Before he even realized the actual situation of about to be taken away to a secluded area for a good beat-up, he started counting loudly. "1-2-3-4-5-6-"

"FLYING LOTUS KICK!" screamed a loud, hyper voice.

Kenji immediately uncovered his eyes upon hearing the familiar voice. Shocked, he saw the two boys on the ground, unconscious, and bruises growing on their foreheads. Chihiro stood to the side, her hands covering her mouth in shock. They turned to stare at the arrival of a boy, no older than ten, in a green jumpsuit and orange leg warmers. He had dark hair, the shape of a bowl cut, and giant eyebrows. He whipped around to face the two kids, flashing a bright smile and a thumbs up.

"I will always be here to protect the youth of Konohagakure!" Proclaimed the young boy.

Kenji had a giant smile on his face. "Gaito-senpai!"

Kenji ran up to Gaito, followed by Chihiro. "Ne, ne, Gaito-senpai, why did you beat up those boys?" Kenji asked curiously.

"Kenji-kouhai, as much as I despise violence, I had to use it to protect your friend! She was in danger of being bullied and I could not step aside and just witness!" Gaito exclaimed, pouncing his chest. Kenji's eyes widened as turned to stare at Chihiro.

"You were being bullied?" Kenji asked, horrified. Before Chihiro could even reply, Kenji screamed. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?"

Chihiro blushed. "I-I'm s-sorry, Kenji-kun, I-I-I was too scared that you were going to get hurt too..."

"Do not ever fear, miss! I shall always be around to protect my young kouhai from harm, right?" Gaito declared, looking down at Kenji. Kenji only nodded excitedly.

"Yep! Yep! Ne, Chihiro-chan, can you help me color?" Kenji asked innocently.

"Sure!" Chihiro agreed, smiling. "But I can't go back; otouchan's in a meeting right now."

"WHAT'S THIS? MY YOUNG KOUHAI IS IN A SITUATION?" Gaito gasped. "NEVER FEAR FOR I WILL HAPPILY OFFER MY HOUSE AND CRAYONS TO HELP YOU, KENJI-KUN!"

"YAY! Thank you, Gaito-senpai!" Kenji cheered, jumping up and down in joy.

"Anything for you, kouhai!" Gaito exclaimed, tears threatening to burst from his eyes.

And so, Gaito led Kenji and Chihiro all the way to his home. He opened the front door and all three stepped in, kicking their shoes off. as they made their way to the living room, they saw a tall male figure standing by the window. He was practically the adult version of Gaito, with bowl-cut dark hair, bushy eyebrows, and a green jumpsuit. The only difference was this man wore a flak jacket that all the jonins and chuunins wore.

"Lee-sensei!" Kenji greeted loudly. "Konbanwa!" Kenji knew that Gaito's father was one of the jonins in charge of the new genin teams. Kenji always hoped that one day, after he graduated from the Konoha Academy, he would either have Lee-sensei for his teacher. If not, he was more than okay with Tenten-sensei, his other brother's teacher.

Rock Lee turned around, flashing a brilliant smile. "Kenji-kun! What a surprise to see you in my house! And who is this new girl?"

Chihiro smiled, bowing politely. "Konbanwa, I'm Chihiro."

"Pleasure to meet you, Chihiro!"

Gaito bowed. "Otousan! I have brought them over to help accomplish their task to color! Am I allowed to lend them my crayons?"

"Why must you ever ask! Of course you can! You must help them with anything that promotes the springtime of youth!" Lee proclaimed, throwing a fist in the air.

"Yay! Thank you, Lee-sensei!" replied Kenji cheerfully. Gaito ran upstairs to retrieve his crayons, leaving him and Chihiro to sit on the couch with Lee. Kenji pulled out his picture, showing it to Chihiro. On that piece of paper were two figures standing next to each other, a woman and a man.

"Ah you're really good, Kenji-kun!" Chihiro commented.

"Thank you! It's my otouchan and okaachan! They're having their annivercakeries soon!" Kenji replied. "You can draw my okaachan! She has pink hair, which is weird because we all have black hair like my otouchan! Oh, she has green eyes too! I dunno why we don't have it, but otouchan said that okaachan has the prettiest eyes he's ever seen, so make it extra sparkly! And and-"

"What's this? Kenji-kun is drawing a picture for your parent's anniversary?" Lee asked, suddenly interested.

Kenji nodded quickly. "Hai! Niichan and neechan are going to buy something, but right now, I'm going to draw them a picture!"

Lee started to tear up. "THAT'S SO BEAUTIFUL OF YOU KENJI! IT IS THROUGH YOU AND YOUR SIBLINGS THAT THE LOVE BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER SHALL GROW AND GROW! NOW I CAN FINALLY PASS DOWN THE TORCH AS THE PROTECTOR OF KONOHA'S GREAT LOVE!"

"Eh? Protector of...Konoha's great...love?" Chihiro repeated, blinking in confusion.

"What's a torch?" Kenji asked, dumbfounded. Suddenly, Lee latched his hands onto Kenji's shoulder, catching him by surprise. Lee stared at him sternly.

"Kenji-kun," Lee started. "As I am now growing old and losing my wonderful youth, I can no longer protect your parents anymore. I must leave the job to you now as their son."

"W-Why? What do otouchan and okaachan need protecting for?" Kenji asked, slightly frightened.

Lee gulped. "Kenji-kun...there are people trying to break your parents apart."

Kenji gasped, his jaw wide open. "NO WAY!"

"YES, KENJI-KUN! IT IS A TERRIBLE TRUTH!" Lee cried. "That is why you must take it up! They had entrusted me to the task, and I do not believe I have the strength anymore!"

"B-B-But, how can this be? What happened?" Kenji asked. "TELL ME! PLLLEEEAASSSSSEEEE!"

Lee sighed hesitantly. "Very well, little Kenji-kun..."


It all started when I was on a mission with your parents. We were attempting to extract information from a very well-known criminal for a drug ring. Your mother, Sakura-san, was tasked to confront the criminal directly in a bar. Your father, Sasuke-kun, was the team leader and he said other things about the mission. But it did not matter, because he gave me the most important task that was not just for the mission, but the mission I carried on throughout my whole life.

I will never forget his words:

"Watch over Sakura."

I could not believe it. I had not realized how clever your father was, hinting the underlying meaning of his words. He may have suggested it was just for the mission, but in reality, I knew he tasked me with it for life. For even though I had long given up my feelings for your mother after she dated your father, it was still my duty to heart that I shall protect the cherry blossom of Konohagakure forever.

And the fact that your father appreciated it and understood me so well...I could not ask for a better man to be with your mother! He was incredible! So inspiring! A role model to the men of our village!

So that night, I had honored my promise to Sasuke-kun. When Sakura was at the bar, trying to get information from the criminal, I saw the terrible man lean a hand to your mother's hair. And I knew I had to act that instant, for your father was inspecting from the roof; I, in the club. How dare this man try to touch the woman your father loved dearly! I could not step aside from this! Only your father was allowed to touch your mother like that!

I acted fast and immediately used my famous Lotus Kick straight into the criminal's face, knocking him unconscious. I had did it! I protected your mother from the horrible man who threatened to break your parents apart! And even when they just started dating! I was appalled!

And I did not care for the fact that your father was bursting in anger at the fact that I ruined the mission because I had caused a scene and invited all his henchman to attack us and that he had put me to be in the same room as Sakura because I was least likely to act jealous and because your mother was the only one capable of extracting information from the criminal without looking suspicious (Oh, I nearly started tearing up when I saw how much faith your father had in me. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!). Nor did I care for the fact that your mother's argument that she was intentionally seducing the criminal for information or that even Sasuke himself supported the idea of seduction.

But it did not matter whether your parents were angry at me or not; all I wanted was their love to survive into the happiness they deserved! I could make any sacrifices so they could enjoy their youthful time of love. It was so inspiring! It brought me to tears when I realized their anger was not because of the mission failing, but because they loved each other so much and didn't know how else to thank me! Your father was never good with emotions, so I could endure him blaming me for the failure of the mission for the rest of my life.

I had thought my mission to protect the love between your parents was over. But I was so wrong!

I saw your mother exiting the grocery one day. And a man following behind her. With bags of groceries. Goodness! They were even stalking her! Sasuke-kun's words echoed through my mind, and I knew that my life mission was not complete.

So I took the liberty to punch the man in the face, banning him from even contacting her at all again! But your mother wasn't thinking straight. She didn't understand why I had to beat him up, as he was merely the bag boy helping him take her heavy loaded groceries to her house that was only a five minute walk. I could not your mother the truth, for she couldn't know the horrible truth! As much as I wanted to tell her the truth, I couldn't for I knew Sasuke-kun would never let me! He works so hard to protect her, even if it has to hurt her and make her angry! IT'S SO ROMANTIC OF YOUR FATHER! HE'S SO GOOD TO YOUR MOTHER!

But apparently, your mother was not the only victim. You would not believe when I saw your father at the mall...WITH YOUR AUNT INO! I was devastated! Why would your father betray your mother for her best friend? I couldn't believe it! Maybe Ino had tricked him or manipulated him with her mind techniques! Yes, that was it! No way would Sasuke-kun leave Sakura for Ino! He was the one who trusted me to protect your mother! Now, I also made it my duty to protect him!

But because I could not let myself hit a girl, I had only dragged Ino away from your father for only a few minutes. I had confronted her on how she could be so cruel to go between her best friend and love, how it was not wrong, how to would damage her beautiful youthful skin! But your Aunt Ino was really defensive! She tried to convince me that she was helping your father find an anniversary gift for Sakura. I don't even know why I had let her defend herself, or pretend to! I couldn't even stand it! I would have freed your father from Ino's manipulation, but I didn't know any ninjutsu. I thought I had failed! HOW COULD YOUR FATHER EVER TRUST ME AGAIN WHEN I COULDN'T EVEN PROTECT HIM FROM THAT PIG WOMAN?

Nonetheless, I continued my task. Plenty of boys were still after your mother. And every time, after I defeated those wretched boys who tried to come between Konoha's greatest love (your parents), your mother would still defend them. But I didn't want to listen to her excuses; she was simply being too modest. She did not have to defend them by saying this boy was merely helping her carry textbooks or she had to discuss their future missions with that boy or she was tipping the mailman or anything. Couldn't she tell that these men were after her? THEY WERE TRYING TO BREAK THEM APART! I COULDN'T JUST STAND AND LET IT HAPPEN!

But girls were just as difficult to Sasuke-kun. My goodness, they were after him like hotcakes! And I could not believe Sasuke didn't do anything! Sure, maybe half of them were our close friends, but did he not realize the threat girls are to his everlasting love to Sakura-san? Instead of hitting those girls, I only did the favor of loudly declaring into a powerful love speech that Sasuke-kun was Sakura-san's boyfriend and hers only; not other girls would be allowed to be even near him.

Of course, you father always got mad at me for making such a scene. He said it embarrassed him and annoyed him to no end. He didn't understand why I was making such a big deal out of it. I was perplexed. How could he not realize the girls' true intention? He brushed it off, saying that either the girls were just asking him for direction or their pets kept annoying him or Tenten sending a message to him from the Hokage or some naive ideas that those girls were up to nothing.

I can live with your parents not appreciating my efforts, for in the end, it had succeeded. Because your father proposed to your mother, promising eternal happiness for her. I knew then that I finished my task. It was a success!

Because when I was at their weddings, I listened to their vows very, very carefully! IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL AND HEARTWARMING AND LOVELY AND TEARJERKING!

Your father said how he will now do everything in his power to protect her! To make her happy! To make her smile! To fall in love with her again everyday! And then I knew it was that moment, it was your father implying that he was releasing me from my duty to protect their great love, because they have reached their goal and defeated all the enemies against their powerful love!

But even if your father released me from my duties by marrying your mother, I still believed it was my life mission to fully continue it! By then, I have vowed to protect all their children, Sousuke, Kimiko, and you, Kenji, because you are the symbols of the great love your parents have endured and fought for through time and battle! You are the reason for why their great love continues as it shall span for decades and decades, even in their spirits!

THEIR LOVE WILL NEVER, EVER DIE! IT SHALL PREVAIL ALONG WIT THE POWER OF YOUTH!


"And that is why, Kenji-kun, you must take on the task to protect your parents' love!" Lee declared, his eyes bursting in tears. "An old man like me can no longer hold the power of youth! You, Kenji, have so much potential! You must carry on the task!"

Kenji stared at Lee in awe, his mouth wide open. Suddenly, he stood up from the couch, stopping his coloring project, his back straight and proud.

"I will! I will! I will Lee-sensei!" Kenji agreed excitedly. "Nobody gets to hurt my otouchan and okaachan and gets away with it!"

"THAT'S THE SPIRIT KENJI-KUN!" Lee cried.

"Ah, Kenji-kun," Chihiro spoke up, putting her crayon down. "I have to go back for dinner. Do you wanna come over? We can finish coloring!"

Kenji nodded. "Yep! I wanna meet your dad and aunt and uncle!"

Kenji, Chihiro, and Gaito cleaned up all the crayons on the table and packed them into the box. Kenji rolled up his picture neatly so that it didn't crumple. He bowed politely to Lee and smiled.

"Thanks for letting us come over!" Kenji said. "And thanks Gaito-senpai for your crayons!"

"No problem, my little kouhai!" Gaito replied. "Remember to finish your task!"

"Hai!" I will!" Kenji exclaimed. He grabbed Chihiro by her hand, causing her to blush. The young Uchiha was oblivious to her reaction."Come on, let's go to your place! I wanna see it!"

Chihiro nodded nervously, before breaking into a small smile. "H-Hai, Kenji-kun! It's this way!"

They said their goodbye to Lee and his son Gaito, running down the street. The sun was setting soon, the sky slowly becoming purple. They ran quickly throughout the village, Kenji following Chihiro closely behind. Onlookers watched them curiously as they passed by, a bit shock of the two's actions. The children laughed all the way, as if in a game of tag or a race.

But soon it ended. They had stopped at a large mansion near the Hokage Tower. Kenji looked at it, amazed by its grand size and pearlescent color. Chihiro knocked on it twice, before the door opened. It revealed a woman, probably in her early 40's, with dark blond hair and blue eyes. She wore strange, white robes that Kenji had never seen anybody wore in the village before. The woman smiled brightly, scooping down Chihiro into a hug.

"Ah, Chihiro-chan! You're just in time for dinner! How was exploring?" The woman asked cheerfully, kissing the girl on cheek.

"It was fun. Where's otouchan?"

"He's at a meeting with the Hokage. He'll be back shortly."

"Ne, baachan, can Kenji-kun stay for dinner? He needs help coloring," Chirhiro asked sweetly.

"Why of course Chihiro! Now, where is that famous Kenji I hear you yapping about this whole trip?" The woman asked, leaning to the side to catch a glimpse of Kenji. He smiled in return.

"Konbanwa! I'm Kenji! It's nice to meet you!" Kenji introduced himself.

The woman's eyes instantly widened in shock. She gasped.

"Y-Y-You..." She whispered. Kenji looked at her curiously.

"Hm?"

The woman was at loss of words. Suddenly, a man behind her appeared. He had purple paint on his face and brown hair. He also wore the same robes as the woman, but with black detailing on the collars.

"What's wrong, neesan?" He asked the woman before realizing what she had seen. He soon had the same expression as the woman.

"Oh my god..." He stated, staring at Kenji up and down.

"He looks just like Uchiha Sasuke!"


Naruto closed the door gently behind him as he returned to his seat. He took off his Hokage robes, bundling it neatly in his arms as he reached his desk. There was a certain freedom he felt when he took off those robes so that he was relaxed, just in his blue turtleneck and trouser pants. He threw his robes on the desk lazily as he leaned back against his chair. Naruto sighed loudly.

"Damn meetings get longer and longer, even if I did get to see him after these years. God I'm hungry," Naruto moaned, noticing the new stacks of papers on his desk. He pouted.

"Man, why can't Shizune just retire? Maybe then she won't have to give me so many papers," Naruto complained under his breath, taking a piece of paper into his hand. His eyes scanned it up and down briefly. Within a few seconds, he threw it back on the desk. It was nothing urgent, anyway; he could always deal with this tomorrow.

He opened his drawer, revealing stacks of cup ramen within. He licked his lips deliciously, taking one of the boxes into his hands. He stood up from his desk and walked up to the hot water maker. He ripped the cover of the cup ramen, pouring hot water into the contents. Steam came up from the cup, Naruto blowing on it gently. With his bare hands, he covered the cup to let the heat sink it, the steam warming up his tan skin. Naruto sat back in his chair, relaxed. This was basically his mini spa for his hands.

He glanced over to the corner of his desk, smiling as he saw a picture of his only daughter Nanako. She was only five in the picture, but she had the biggest smile he had ever seen. She was standing on top of the Hokage Monuments when Naruto took that photo, yet she wasn't even scared of falling. She was such a brave little girl. And now, that she was a teenager...

"WHY AM I SO OLD NOW?" Naruto cried to himself. He really did feel like an old man. In fact, he found some white hair in his head just this morning.

Suddenly, the door burst open. A ninja, probably a jonin, had entered. Naruto stared at him curiously, noticing the panicking expression on his face. Naruto's face immediately hardened. It was the same ninja he assigned to the scouting mission under Sousuke's lead.

"What happened?" Naruto asked, suddenly not interested in his ramen anymore; he was now in Hokage mode.

The ninja breathed heavily, his eyes continuously blood-struck.

"Uchiha Sousuke is missing."


COMMENTARY TIME!

Well in case you guys didn't get Lee's story...it's supposed to be him overreacting to the events. Remember, these are stories that the characters themselves tell, so some of them can be unreliable narrators and it's from their point of view of how they see it happen. There's not much romance in here really; I found it more as a story that entertains Kenji since he's a little boy. The romance will resurface though!

For the Sousuke subplot, it's developing faster than I anticipated. I think in a few chapters, hopefully by the next one, you guys will finally discover what happened between him and Shikana (I probably pissed half of you for not revealing it in this chapter teeheehee). There's also more to Sousuke than you're going to expect, so don't be surprised when I throw something like that makes you go "WHAT?"

Yeah, that's all I really have. It's shorter than usual. Anyway, I was supposed to update this earlier but my best friend told me to wait until I reached 140 reviews, which made me go "...WWWHHHYYY? IT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN!" She told me to wait and see how it goes, and I guess it did! I'm glad this story is getting popular pretty quickly! I usually never have more than 10 reviews per chapter but this story just breaks it! Every morning I wake up to like 30 emails of story alerts, favorites, or reviews for this story only and it makes me wanna cry sometimes.

I mean, I see other people get like 100 reviews for chapters and here I am, ready to burst by just getting more than 10 the next day. I really do appreciate all the support. It makes me super happy and proud of myself. I cannot ask for better supporters, especially the ones that continously read my story from the very beginning. When I see the reviews, I recognize some names because they have constantly reviewed my stories since I started fanfiction. I can't think of them of the top of my head, but I know who they are. It just makes me proud to have a few loyal reviewers for my stories that to me, even when I didn't write for over a year, it doesn't even matter if I never make it to 1000 reviews. I'm just happy that people still believe and love my stories.

Again, thank you for always reviewing, even enduring my grammar mistakes. It means so much for me since I went through a lot this weekend.

So continuing the game! Shoutouts again to those who get it correctly! Here's the hint: Love