Chapter 21: Shaking Fate
Winter passed, a new year starts, and spring begins anew. Many things changed and many stayed the same, but of course anyone would be more interested on the changes.
Where to start...
For one, Izumi and I have started to get close. I didn't know her any better from my past life but I'm glad I got to know her more. She has a bright personality and what I love more about her...is that Sasuke doesn't like her.
Which is why inside my head I called her 'Sasuke Repellent'
The funny thing was, Izumi really wanted to get along with Sasuke so she felt heartbroken every time he went away for whatever reason he came up on the spot. "Wh...why does he always avoid me?" she wept sadly.
I instantly looked toward Itachi and yet no one seemed to notice that.
For two, rather than change I found out something...interesting at the New Year Festival.
It happened shortly before the fireworks with me playing around along with Naruto and Rikuo, we met up with the others but they were having their own family moments so we didn't stay long. It was at that moment I found Shisui holding hands with a girl.
Holding hands with a girl.
With a girl.
A girl.
"Hey Hiyori!" I broke out of my stuppor when I came face to face with said boy and forced myself a smile.
"Hey Shisui, hello Kiba's sister!"
"Call me Hana, Hiyori-chan"
"You two know each other?" He asked surprised at the revelation. We then explained how Naruto saved a drowning dog with Sasuke and me saving him then helped healing said dog.
"Ah so that's how Sasuke got his dog, I kept asking how he got the dog but he never answer" The two of us laughed yet I can't help but notice the dry laugh on my side. I tried taking a double take on Hana who wore her brown hair in a bun, her dark red kimono with gorgeous flower pattern that suited her. She was downright beautiful at her age and I began to realize how childlike my body was.
I mean even though I 'might' have a one-sided crush toward Shisui, there's no way he would think twice on a girl about 8 years difference with me right? The realization just damped my mood, unbeknownst by anyone.
'Oh come on...admitted Hiyori...you like him'said a voice that distinctly remind me of Ino enough for me to imagine a chibi version of her flying around like an annoying bug. So I mentally caught her, tied her up and threw her to the second star from the right, straight out till morning. I felt my shoulder being grip that pulled me aside from knocking into a pole "You should look at your surrounding more Hiyori" said the familiar deep tone. My mood slightly lighten at meeting with Itachi.
"Thanks, I was deep in thought when it happened. Did you came here with Izumi-san?"
"Yes, but after she met up with Hana-san, the two decided to explore the festival together, what about you?"
"Same with Rikuo and Naruto, though last time I saw them I coax Sasuke to compete at every booth against Naruto. Thankfully your parents aren't anywhere near, no offense"
"None taken" for a short moment, we both just looked at each other without anything to say. Me, because I wasn't sure what to talk about but refuse to stop the conversation short until Shisui called out the two of us. We turned to find he had meet up with Sasuke, Naruto (the two still bickering about who won the shooting booth) Kiba, and the snot-nosed bug eye...oh I'm sorry I meant Shino. The two of us locked eyes and spark flicker between us and despite hidden beneath his upturned collar of his gray jacket, there's no way he's not making the same scowl as me, I just know it.
"Shino"
"Hiyori"
Yup, that's how we greet eachother. It shows how much we reeeeally don't like each other.
"Oh come on, I already had to deal with these two" Kiba pointed out the two pair of brother from their past life. "Can't you just pretend to get along?"
"Huh, this is the first time I see Hiyori not get along with someone, she usually gets along with everyone everywhere, even between adults" Shisui mused as he eyed the two of us.
"Oh we get along just fine, I just express things differently with someone who loves abomination, don't you think so Shino?"
"Hmph, if you meant fine as in pitying you then yes, why? Because when you're afraid said 'abomination' as you call it that is less than tenth of your size, I can't call it anything but sad" he said in a dry monotone voice yet his stark was quite evident.
Wow, just wow. I never knew Shino could actually sass like that. Kishimoto really gave him too little credit to his personality. I almost feel flatter being the first person he outwardly dislike. Usually, I take offense to that, but oddly enough this is one fight I'm not backing down because clearly I'm not in the wrong.
That was the third change sadly.I had thought for sure I could get along with Mr. Bug Eye but clearly I was wrong. Yeah, I'm not a Mary Sue, don't expect I get along with all the canons.
It didn't flat out start that way, after admittingly admiring crickets and grasshopper in my hand without freaking out and asking tips on how to handle them properly, it would hell adding Shino on my friendbag.
He was only a shy and awkward child because of how he works with bugs that makes most kids uncomfortable, while kids from our group don't mind him at all. I can say with confident he was happy spending time with us. Then I overreacted when a cockroach appeared in class and ask someone to kill it, much to Shino's ire. I told him butterflies and beetles I could handle, but put a cockroach on front of me and I would even burn the house down to kill it. When I found out cockroaches happened to be his second...or third, whichever favorite bugs from how resilient they were and the fact we begin our argument how every bug deserved to live and all that crap,our relationship became much strained. The group now has an additional version of Sasuke-Naruto duo, but our fights are a lot more sassier because let's face it, Naruto and Sasuke don't have a single sass bone in their body.
"Whether it's a tenth or twice the size, an abomination is an abomination" I shiverd as the image of said bug crawled in my mind.
Before Shino could reply anything, Kiba used this chance to interupt us, "I already had to silent Sasuke and Naruto from putting tinitus on both me and Akamaru, don't force my hand on the two of you!" He said annoyed, with Akamaru barked in agreement. He then turned to his sister and asked why we're here and where we're going to see the fireworks together. To think getting Shino pissed would make Kiba the responsible one between us, albeit just so things would get less annoying.
Should I have acted more maturely?
...nah.
Cockroach is the ban of humanity and I ain't taking that back.
There are things I wish had changed though, Sasuke was still outwardly distant with us, but mostly to Naruto. I could never get him to admit the reson he never left the tree near 'our' spot. I asked him again and again yet he either dismiss me or said he's hiding from fan girls. He even denied noticing us sneak in to his house to play with Shiro, his new dog. Naruto on the other hand doesn't voice his thoughts at all, after the first prank in the Uchiha district, the place became one of his reguler pranking spot. He's favorite target is apparently the head of Uchiha clan. I bought 12 bowls of ramen for him when I found out. At least he got his revenge from getting kick out, my grin never fell when hearing Sasuke complained at his prank whenever I came by. Itachi though made no comment but the quirk of his lips was enough for me.
There's also a few annoying thing that hasn't change, namely Ami and her crew finding any chance to jab at me or Sakura. It's almost to the point where we turn a deaf ear to her.
Allright with that out of the way, how about I talk what I'm proud of.
I'm talking about my mad skills.
Suffice to say my progress is looking quite good if I do say so myself. My byakugan though had only reach 162 meters which is still a dissapointment how slow my progress is, it also help me realize how much of a prodigy Neji is with him seeing past 300 meters by the time he's 13 and 800 meters in 2 years since. I could finally also trained my sharingan out in the open now that I had trained to be aware with my surrounding through my Byakugan. It was disorienting at first and took time to to get used to out on the battlefield with my real body but I'm getting better.
My kenjutsu got better along with handling my precious umbrella, Funsaiiki, I wasn't sure what it was made of but it was damn durable from any sharp and blunt object alike without ripping the fabric like structure, making a unique style that switched between defensive and offensive style depending which weapon was on my dominant hand. Rikuo commented that the black umbrella was actually made of micro size chain linked together, making it flexible like cloth and as durable as iron. His geeky side was starting to show when he almost ended up in lecturing the process, as expected from being a grandson of a blacksmith. To top it off, I had him built in additional feature for my umbrella that made me squeal in happiness. Rikuo was also getting better at his kenjutsu and other skills and it was getting harder to catch up to him if it weren't for my sharingan. Which is why, I thought I gave him a traning menu I remembered from my world to make him even stronger.
"Hmm Hiyori, is it really necessary to push my training this far?"
"If here's one thing I learn from my vision, cruel and unusual pain in any form can push people past their limits. Don't worry this training has no chance of killing you" I tried to sound nonchalant as I practiced my shurikenjutsu and aiming bullseye 4 out of 5 everytime. I turn to find Rikuo half crouching on a plant with burning incense aiming at his ass, carrying two urns filled with rocks, hot burning coal sizzling at the bowl on top of his head and wearing a sharp band on his upper arm that would strike his side whenever he lowers his arm.
"...where the hell did you come up of this training, not to mention running 30 laps with a barrel tied on me, body lifting under a campfire...these training isn't humane!"
"Don't question me Rikuo! Just so you know, this training regimen though might be comparable as hell itself, it is also the fastest way for you to build up raw power and endurance which you lack most in the shortest amount of time possible. It might not be greatly needed in the ninja world since they focus on stealth, but you and I both know we can't be lax in any aspect of our training, understand?" There's also the fact he needs to push your body to the limit if he wants to learn Sage Mode.
Rikuo was silent for a moment longer and nodded until he looked at me with a deadpanned look, "but seriously where do you get this idea and why aren't you training the same menu as me?" What and get killed by my own training? No way, I know my limits and I'm certain I won't survive with that hell regimen. Besides, my style is more inclined to speed rather than strength. I turned my gaze away as I whistle away, not indulging him the info that I got that idea from a manga I used to read.
Afterall, if he gets stronger, there's no problem right?
"GODDAMN MY ASS BURNS!!!"
Moroever, the fact next year Rikuo will be graduating the academy and there's still no sign of that pervert sage. Although he can still teach us even after the both of us graduate but hell if I don't want to see Jiraiya trying to patiently teach what he called brats. Though if I were to give him the benefit of the doubt, he did teach Minato 'Yellow Flash' Namikaze so he might be surprisingly good at teaching.
There's also the reason me and Rikuo needed advice on a certain seal we devised together but we'll get to that once we react that part.
Son Goku is a pleasantly good teacher too with all the numerous jutsu, forbidden or not, stored inside his head. As happy as I am learning it from him, he has no restraint what's so ever the kind of jutsu he's teaching.
"Hey Son Goku-sama, don't you think it's still difficult for us to learn a jutsu that, oh I don't know, probably around A Rank...as tempting as it is to learn how to be as hard as diamond, we haven't even learned to release our elemental type chakra!"
"...really, it's that difficult? I don't really take notice the rank you humans like to classify, all I know is the lethal and non-lethal ones"
"Haa..." was Rikuo genius comment.
"As non-lethal as it may seem, please refrain teaching us jutsu that's still out of our capabilities, we don't want an incident like last week where I almost got chakra deprive because of it"
"...hmph"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'HMPH'? DON'T YOU DARE SULK WHEN WE'RE THE ONE RISKING OUR LIVES HERE!"
My cries were sadly not paid.
I also started practicing genjutsu as it turns out I'm quite verse at it, I was beginning to think I have as good control on chakra as Sakura. It might have been because of my past life body that doesn't have chakra, making it easier for me to recognize and control the foreign energy inside me. Said person who taught me that jutsu was surprised how quick I got so I now I knew three genjustu from the Demonic Illusions-Magen series Jutsu. It's all D rank but better than nothing I suppose.
How did I know where to learn genjutsu you ask? Well, you could say I have a new resourceful friends now joining the KDA. Speaking off them, I'm seeing the three future jonin teachers now at my favorite Dango shop. The green spandex wearing one happens to be the first to notice and greeted me at the top of his lungs. "WHY IF IT ISN'T THE GOOD LEADER OF KDA, HIYORI-CHAN! WHAT BRINGS YOUR YOUTHFULSELF HERE TODAY?"
"Good afternoon Guy-san, other than eating the newest available taste of dango? Nothing much, but I could ask for a few training tips while you're here Guy-san"
Asuma scoffed before he gulped down his own dango, "Cheeky brat, first you ask advice for genjutsu from Kurenai now Guy, you're really making use of us, aren't yoh?"
I shrug, "What can I say, I'm an opportunist, besides, Rule #3 of the KDA Charter, one is oblige to help a fellow member in need if said request is within his or her capabilities so you're helping me if you I need Asuma-san"
"What, since when there are rules anyway, and what the hell is KDA Charter?" Asuma asked incredulously.
Kurenai giggled at his surprise while I kept my own cheeky grin, "Just recently, here's the rule parchment read it and make sure you sign it too" and certainly Kurenai laughed out louder seeing Asuma gawking there was even a charter. It was something I made when I was bored, who would have thought it came in handy. "Besides Asuma-san, I really admire Guy-san so how could I not ask advice from him?"
That got a legimate surprise look from the two and a blush from Guy, "Y...yo...you do?!"
I nodded enthusiastically, "I thought your taijutsu skill is really cool and you never take back your own promise to yourself that made me really admire tou."
Asuma huffed out a smoke, "Well I'll be, who knew you get an admirer huh Guy?" Kurenai looked she was about to scold him but was cut off by the sound of bawling from the spandex man.
"GUUUOOOOOOOO, HOW YOUTHFUL FOR SUCH A YOUNG GIRL ASKING GUIDANCE FOR THE PATH OF BECOMING STRONGER FROM ME..." Guy-sensei cried out with anime years flowingdown his cheeks. All around us sweatdropped, used and exasperated from his antics. Before I could cut him off he continued with even more vigor, "WORRY NOT HIYORI-CHAN AS I, KONOHA'S BLUE BEAST SHALL PERSONALLY ASSIST YOU IN YOUR NOBLE ENDEAVOUR AS FELLOW KDA MEMBER" he striked his usual Guy Pose at me, still tring to cut him off, "IF I FAILED TO HELP YOU IN ANYWAY THEN I WILL HANDSTAND FOR THRE..." his words died out when I found his gaze was locked on something and turned to find it locked into someone.
Asuma and Kurenai followed our gaze as well and turned a bit solemn, "Kakashi..." Kurenai breathed out.
"I wonder how he's doing? I haven't seen him in a while" Asuma voiced out his thought with a tinge of worried. I would too with one look at the poor guy. He walks with his back slumped, his eyes dead with no spark of life, and he didn't gave us a second glance.
"OY, KAKASHIIIII" Guy-sensei promptly ran after his cold hearted friend. Despite, the 'go away' atnosphere around him, Guy completely and utterly ignored it, as expected of him. Despite sparing a glance to give him a death glare, that did not render Guy off his confident, heck he wouldn't be Guy if he weren't confident.
I turn toward the two adult ninjas...well young adults ninjas, "aren't you going to greet him too?"
Kurenai sigh sadly, "We would if he doesn't try to ignore us all the time, believe me this isn't the first we tried coaxing him out"
"So we decided to give him some space until he's ready to opened up a bit" Asuma continued for her.
"Guy is the only one who still try to connect him with us despite getting brushed away every single time but honestly? I envy his effort toward Kakashi" Kurenai piped up.
I complement their words for a while before buying my own set of dango and followed Guy out, just in time for Kakashi to ignore him and Guy feeling dejected. I pulled on his spandex so he would turn to face me and showed him my dango, "why don't we offer him some dango Guy-san? Who knows, there's a saying that sweet food can heal the sourest mood so let's turn his frown upside down" okay I made that up a little but Guy believes in anything i say so it's tempting to say bulls.
The smile was instantly back on his face, "You're right, a few sweets might actually lighten his 'cool' and 'hip' attitude of his, let's go Hiyori-chan!"
"Ah, wait, wait wait, wait, I need to tell Kurenai-san and Asuma-san something" I turned and ran back to the store, the two had their eyebrow raised, crious on what I'm about to say. "Kakashi-san is an idiot" That seemed to be the last thing they expect me to say because the next moment, Kurenai face plant her face to the table while Asuma roared out laughing. "That's why you shouldn't stop trying to close the gap between you guys, my mother once said a person's stupidity is infinite so don't give up trying...especially if he needs it" The two blinked at me and I wasn't sure what their thoughts were before I turned away once more as Guy took me on his shoulder and dashed to catch up with Kakashi. "Oh Guy-san, if Kakashi still plays stubborn do you want to go through a plan I thought of?" I whispered my idea to him when we turned to one corner to find his back and I suddenly felt it wasn't a good idea to suddenly touch his unguard back of an overstressed ANBU.
"Wait Guy-sa..."
It happened in a flash.
One moment he was reaching for his shoulder, the next Guy had a kunai inches from his throat and being glared down by Kakashi. I squeked involuntarily at the killing intent oozing out from him and held on to Guy tighter. It was only for a short moment but for the first time, I got a feel of what killing intent feels like, followed by the fear and helplessness by it. "Ka...Kakashi" Guy finally managed.
"Ah...Guy...it's you"
"What do you mean 'it's you' apologize for the kunai dammit! Your action is not the least youthful my eternal rival!"
"You shouldn't have sneak on me from behind me then, honestly how many times should I told you not to pester me when I said no. Frankly it's annoying" Kakashi deadpanned, his face was emotionless and his tone detached that made Guy flinched. He was nothing like the Kakashi I met few months ago at the Memorial Stone. Most of all, the person who I became attached and kind to me, has truly frighten me for the first time.
"Ka...Kakashi..." I managed to say his name but with an octave higher. His one eye widened, propably only now noticing me, jeez is my presence that small or is he just that tired? I jumped down and walked to his side and held on tightly to his hand. "Kakashi, you're tired so go home"
He blinked in paused, "what makes you think I'm not going home?"
"We both know this street leads toward the memorial and you're obviously tired, it won't go anywhere so please go home"
I couldn't tell whether he looked annoyed or angry with 3/4 of his face covered, "Where I go and what I do is none of your business" I was close to tearing up at his harsh word, not to mention it came from one of my favorite hero so it really stab me. That's why he also surprised me when he ruffled my hair and sooke with a soft tone, "Don't worry about me, go home Hiyori-chan"
At that moment I firm my resolve.
I cried.
Loudly.
The affect was immidiate, both Guy and Kakashi recoiled in shock at my outburst and exchange glances, hoping one another know how to deal with me. Their hand flailing around, not knowing how to approach me and making gesture like a weird chicken dance. It was hard not to laugh really. In the end, I jumped at Kakashi and locked both my arms and feets around his face. "Now Guy-san!"
Too shocked and possibly weirded out to react, Guy used this chanced to tied Kakashi up. "What's the meaning of this Guy?"
"Hehehe, Hiyori-chan said that leaving you alone is bad for your health, "how does that relate?" So we figured if persuating my dear stubborn rival isn't possible then we'll force you to join us!"
"And you think this is a good idea...why?"
"Because Hiyori-chan also made a point if I were to be your true rival then it would only be fair to test your skill in surprise and sneak attack, competing which one of us is better at getting the upperhand!"
Kakashi looked deadpanned at him then turn to me, "You're an e~vil little kid aren't you? You knew using the word 'youth', 'rival' and 'compete' in one sentence would make him agree on anything"
"Why thank you, I tried" I happily replied.
Sadly half the way to the store, Kakashi had substitte himself with a log despite having his hands tied behind his back. Oh well, there's still next time.
"Naruto, what are you doing now?"
"Sssshhh, someone's going to find us ttebayo"
Says the ninja that likes shouting.
I wasn't sure if Naruto is either a genius or stupid, watching him putting hidden seals at the Uchiha's Onsen's girls changing room where at designate time that it was most crowded, which he had observed when, and it will release the things inside said seal.
Bugs.
To be more accurate, rubber bugs since living things isn't possible to seal in. How he had gotten good making and using basic fuinjutsu in the most uncoventional way for pranks. "You know, not that I'm complaining. But you've been targeting the Uchihas a lot more lately. Any reason why?"
Naruto's hands stopped moving and decided it to be the last seal he placed before jumping down from the clothes shelf. He started to scratch his cheek shepishly and wore a nervous grin, "Hehehe so you noticed, as expected of Hiyori"
"Is it because of the Head Clan...you know..." I tried asking subtly.
"There's that but I've experienced worse so it didn't bother me long," Naruto seemed to think of the right word as he cock his head and his eyes turned fox like whenever he was thinking hard so he didn't notice the flinch I had when he said he had worse. "You remember the few times I tried sneaking in Sasuke's house just to see Shiro right?"
"Of course I do, I tag along everytime."
"Well...I don't know how to explain but most of the people here are weird" My heart skip a beat at his unexpected comment, Naruto might be an idiot and dense but he's a perceptive boy much more than most people, so the fact he noticed something weird is giving my thought screaming for alert.
"What part of them that makes you say that?"
"Hmmmm, well most of the Uchihas gave me thoselooks,no surprise there, but they don't say or do anything" what? What does he mean by that? "I mean...most of the villagers either say something behind my back or to my face, some tries to hurt me but thinking back I never once had an Uchiha try to hurt me, I even walk around and bought things without pranking and they don't try..." whatever he was about to say I didn't let him finished as I tackle him into a hug. It was sad and damn frustrating hearing him saying that and I couldn't bear hearing more. He had expected someone to hurt him and was beginning to get used to it and that...that isn't right. No one, not a child who barely knows anything, should get used to such a thing, shuld evenexpectsomeone tries to hurt him as if it was the norm.
"Don't think every people is out to get you dammit, you're annoying, loud, and brash but you're not a demon Naruto, don't you dare for a second think you deserve it"
Naruto smiled and laugh shyly, "I know, I'm not that stupid Hiyori, I don't care as much now that I have you and Rikuo-nii since...you guys have always been what I want"
"What's that?" I queried.
"A family...or something of the sort I guess" silence streches between us until I gave him one final firm hug before we went back to our previous topic.
"So what's this got to do with your pranks?"
That drew a wider grin on him, "Hehe well, after I noticed that I remember how Shisui-nii told me they were all stuck up like Sasuke-teme is and they were distant with the other villagers so I thought I make things lively a little bit. You can't tell me my pranks aren't funny right?"
That...surprises me more than one way, and mostly made me proud how despite his treatment from them, Naruto did not want a fellow villagers to feel isolated and brought prank to them. He might have not did this intentionally but his action, though small, might actually help give a new light to the clan. After all, they were accused to have released and control the Kurama, if said Jinchuuriki were to prank the accuser well...something interesting might come up from this.
"So...should we continue your prank?"
"Of course!"
"NOT!" The back of our shirt was lifted and we were met face to face with the mean looking eyes of ths Head Clan.
"Good afternoon Fugaku-sama, what brings you to the closed onsen alone on this fine day? Won't you get lonely washing yourself here without anyone to watch their beloved leader bathing among his clan men" I said cheekily at him.
The twitch on his eyes tells me he was far from amused, "An informant tells me someone has been sneaking around here so I had placed precaution when no one was around" he switched his angry gaze to Naruto who was annoyed at how he got found out before even pranking anyone. He then drag us outside and threw us lightly, "Listen well boy, I would suggest that you stop causing trouble and avoid our clan, there's no benefit in either of us getting involved with each other so get out!"
I was really holding back my leg from kicking him on the soft part of him nut looked worriedly on Naruto who didn't so much as flinch or saddened by him which was weird. He still looked down whenever someone insults him so what makea him different? "That's just stupid" he finally said, causing Fugaku and me to sweat dropped.
"Na...Naruto, I don't think you should..."
"Benefit or not shouldn't matter, I prank whoever I want to prank" he finished it off by sticking out his tongue that promptly asked to get hit in the head and I couldn't blame Fugaku for it.
"Hn, I shouldn't have expected anything from a child that knows nothing" Naruto scowled even more, "when one follows the path of shinobi, one must follow the path of sacrifice to use any means protecting their village as a whole even their lives." Oh wow, he's fullblown lecturing us, I'm beginning to regret following Naruto, especially from a hypocrite. "A selfish child like you wouldn't understand and would never amount to anything in the shinobi world"
Okay, now that's just harsh. I look to my side and found Naruto staring defiantly at the old man. He looked brave I'll give you that, but the shaking of his hand that held my own was enough answer for his feelings and so I squeeze back to show him my reassurance and gave him a little bit of strength.
"That's what you think!" Fugaku blinked, registering what he said, "Listen closely Old Man, my name is Naruto Uzumaki and someday, the whole village will know my name and respect me when I become Hokage. That means I'm prepared to take on anyone and anything to protect this village, believe it!" (AN: I can't help it, the moment is just too perfect instead of using 'dattebayo')
Fugake raised hsi eyebrows, "And you think you'll become one just because you want to?"
"I don't need to think, I know I will be one ttebayo!" Naruto stated with the upmost confident. It wasn't like any other time that he did to spite people as to prove them wrong. This time, his tone was more determine than ever before and he wasn't just talk, he's willing to pull through his words.
Fugaku must have noticed it if the slight wide eyes he had as if he had seen a shadow behind him was any indication. "The last time someone told me he'd be a Hokage, he had the skill and talent to back it up, what do you have?"
I frowned in confuse, not knowing what he was getting and turn to Naruto who still wore that confident smirk, "Determination and guts!" He said as a matter of factly. That broke the camel's strap because Naruto did what no one in his generation could.
He made Fugaku laugh.
And I meant a full blown out laughter that had him almost topple over to the ground with his back arched so much. I was left speechless by the scene while Naruto was annoyed at being laught at. "Hey I'm being serious, stop laughing!"
"I know, which is exactly why it's hillarious" he stiffled back a laughter to get enough air for himslef so he could stand with dignity once more but the smile never left him, "All I see right now is a loudmouth bad tempered kid that likes to make a fool of himself," the smirk stayed as he continued. "The Hokage is not a light title that governs the fate of the village and the clans within, in summarize those who held that title would mean acknowledging in putting the life of my clan...my family in their hands. I like to see when you're ever ready to take that burden if you can Naruto Uzumaki" with that parting word, he left us to ourself as we watched his back in gasp.
Did I just heard that right?
Did Fugaku-Motherofall-Uchiha actually...acknowledge him?
I turned to Naruto who was just as surprised as I am and began trembling from what I figure was excitement though I'm not sure he understood fully the magnitude of his speech.
"That was unexpected, wouldn't you agree?"
"Heck yeah, now I'll need to train harder if I ever going to gain that old fart trust!"
"Naruto, it's more than just getting stronger you know, he meant..." my voice trailed of at the last implication of his words. It felt like enlightment shone beneath the murky dark struggle I've endure as the most unpredictable crazy idea came down upon to me. "I...have...to go, sorry Naruto but something Important came up, see you at dinner!" I ran as fast as my leg can carried to find Rikuo, ignoring the shout from the Jinchuuriki, my mind rest on one thought.
It's time to play a gamble with fate