Inoichi
Inoichi can read others like books. He can hear their thoughts as if they're speaking to them. He can delve into minds and feel and breathe and taste what they are, who they are, why they are.
Inoichi cannot be lied to. Inoichi knows everything. He knows what they think, what they mean, what they plan, what they fear. He knows, essentially, what makes them…them.
He can delve into minds. He can know everything about everyone he has ever known.
But he does not.
There are two people, two people he cannot bear to read. There are people that, even with the Hokage's orders, he would not even touch with his mind.
Chouza and Shikato sit in front of him. They laugh loudly at a joke he just told. He smiles and laughs with them and feels the familiar tug at his heart when he does, the relaxation of his mind as he lets himself go. He catches Shikato's eye and his heartbeat mellows.
Inoichi does not read their minds because, quite simply, he does not need to. They are closer then brothers. He knows everything they are thinking, everything they are about to say, even without his powers. He takes a sip of his drink.
"My wife is pregnant."
Inoichi sprays out the liquid and stares at his friend in horror. Chouza looks at Shikato in surprise, "Really? Mine is too!"
Inoichi looks from one friend to the other. They smile at him and crinkle their eyes. Well…maybe he doesn't know everything they're about to say.
"So is mine," he replies and watches with appreciation as Chouza choked on a chip.
He didn't know everything, but then again, neither did they.
And that's what makes their friendship so rewarding.
