XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX

Summary:
There is this someone who is the most important person in her life. She misses him… remembers him… and she intends to find him. No matter what happens. Regardless of how far he is from her… she will see him again. Marco. Female Naruto.

Author's note:
And because this is FanFiction, what do we expect? And because I'm a bit lazy, I did this and that… so yeah. Haha! A reincarnation fic set in the modern world explored in Naruto's point of view. Enjoy!

.

.

Ever since she 'woke' up, she couldn't stop thinking about those dark bluish-indigo colored eyes that even in her waking hours continues to hunt her.

Menma already caught her off guard several times since that 'day'.

Giving him the stink eye with additional threats to his existence conveyed mentally thru their 'connection' lest their mother will freak out if voiced out loud, she slammed the door of her studio into his face… to stop his teasing (and avoid the pity in his eyes).

Breathing a sigh of relief and jammed the volume of her music player up, she faces her latest project and ignored the rest of the world.

A variety of sculptures in several sizes made using various materials of her choosing are placed randomly on every flat surface. Her work table is littered with rough sketches and sample materials she tends to use on her next project.

Her biggest one is placed in the middle of her personal haven. The wood stands tall, made of the finest timber she can find in her mother's (technically her grandmother's) property. Fully removing the linen that covers it, she took her tools and climbed on one of her ladders. Gently cradling 'his' cheek to greet him for that day's session, her hands started working automatically to even out the rough edges.

Where are you?

The appendages she added the day before spreads like angel's wings and that the said man was sent down from above to watch over her.

I will protect you with my life…

Her mother (who is the only person welcomed inside this place) looks in awe for her new creation while her father expertly hid his worry, kept his distance and stays out of her studio unless invited verbally. Minato Namikaze did gave her a proud smile when she decided to became more productive of her time (she pointedly ignored the rebellious stage of her life that continues to flare in the background of her mind).

A time when she wanted everything to end. Even her existence.

Then that night happened.

Everything changes and yet it wasn't noticeable from someone else's perspective. But the people close to her all felt that she's no longer the same.

It was then Naruto started to see a face. And a memory of her previous life.

I will find you again… I promise.

She never mentioned it to her parents knowing how they'll both fret for her even more. So she asked Menma to keep it quiet that her brother agreed on but decided to be the bane of her existence by constantly bugging her to seek help professionally. And along the way tried to match her up with his friends including that weird athlete with the bowler-styled haircut similar to his trainer or the dog fanatic that is way too feral for her tastes.

Her bestfriend Hinata (who Menma really likes but was too scared to make a move and couldn't get his wits gathered when the said woman is in the same vicinity) is a great help in her own inconspicuous way. However she was also cajoled by her twin and recommended a few guys of her own including her snobby cousin Neji and her younger sister's psychiatrist, the infamous Trafalgar Law.

That particular guy will probably gave her father a heart attack if they did take things seriously (the tattoos itself are his own bout of rebellion and she happens to know the tale about those markings) but disregarding the reason why they were brought together, she happened to like the man and they became very good friends.

"I know you're there, blondie-ya! So pick up the damn phone. We need to talk…"

Ignoring her phone (eventually wondering why she gave the doctor her personal number), she carefully scraped the excess wood from 'his' chin and answered dutifully after a few minutes of contemplation (or he'll bug her until she eventually gives in), tapping the earpiece on her ear to answer the call.

"What's up, Torao-kun?"

Trafalgar responded with a grunt and even if he's not here, she can immediately guess that the man rolled his eyes in response to the pet name she adapted from Luffy, another mutual friend they both share.

"My client happened to invite me to this particular event. And I need someone to show off to my uncle. And since this is your father's first public appearance under that billionaire's name, it is your duty to accompany me."

"Huh? That is today?"

Huffing exasperatedly, the man acknowledges the question and added that he'll pick her up at 7. With that bossy tone of his demanded to move her ass out of her imaginary world and reminds her to wear the pretty dress he had sent the day before. If it wasn't for the color, she will never ever wear it.

With a despondent sigh, she placed her tools down and take a look at him. The sculpture is almost lifelike and if one looks closely enough, can see the adoration on its expression.

It was always the same look from her memories and Naruto felt that she is never alone.

I miss you so…

.

.

It was one of those boring days when she is required to attend one of her father's campaign. Though it felt different from whatever reason. Her twin's eyes sharpened curiously when she muttered it seconds before they are greeted by their host.

Edward Newgate is a large man whose presence outweighs everything she had heard about the billionaire. With his peculiar crescent shaped moustache, his expression upon seeing her did gave her the chills when he was introduced to them. The reaction of his adoptive daughter, Izo, also makes her want to bolt out of that place at once. If it wasn't for Trafalgar's firm grip on her back, she might have run away and not look back (regardless of her mother's disappointment).

During the night, she meets several men that was enthusiastically introduced by her father and if it wasn't for Torao's presence, she'll be dragged into another insufferable night. Sadly enough, her 'shield' stumbled upon both his lovers (surprised to see them in his uncle's domain) and left her apologetically in haste promising to make it up to her.

"Don't worry about it. I already shown my face tonight, so I'll probably escape in a few minutes or so," Waving away his concerns, she pushes him towards Sabo and Koala (the three of them looked so good together) and smiled in response to the brunette's shy greeting. Not even wondering how Torao complemented each other making their triad work so well.

Taking a flute of champagne and drank it in one gulp (much to the waiter's surprise) she steadily makes her way out after giving him a polite smile. As she is in the opposite direction of the only exit, she decided to spend a few more minutes until her father's sponsor will came upfront to acknowledge him publicly in front of all these people. She did find a low tree which she can use to hide outside.

Knowing that Torao wouldn't mind if she rips this dress, she climbed the tree carefully (still mindful of her skirt) and sat on the thickest branch she can find. Too bad she no longer smokes (just to kill more time), so she decided to gaze at the stars for the rest of the night and mentally prepared her next project.

Perhaps it is time to start planning how to find 'him' using her sculptures. Hinata even suggested posting them on social media.

"What are you doing here?" Menma asks and effortlessly climb the same tree and sits beside her. She had this urge to push her twin away but knowing how persistent the redhead is, she begrudgingly allowed his presence and snorted in response. Then there is this other not-so-intruder that went to the farther side of the garden as if he or she has business of their own so she ignored them and focuses her attention to the current bane of her existence.

"What do you think?" Laughing amusedly upon seeing her disgruntled reaction, Menma gave her a few desserts he pilfered from one of the waiters as a sign of apology. It was her favorite so she forgave his interruption in this temporary solace of hers.

But just the same, she tried to shove him off. He did nudge her back. How annoying.

"Don't push me. I'm gonna fall…"

"You're the one who's pushing me, idiot. Go down and stay inside…"

"Mom wanted to introduce you to somebody. So let's go already. And it's dark in here. Creepy even…"

"The more reason for me to stay here then. Tell her you didn't see me…"

"I'm not gonna lie to her! She'll definitely know…"

"Ugh! Stop hanging out with Hina-chan. You will definitely corrupt her innocence…"

"Don't drag Hinata into this, you wench!"

The unknown from earlier who remained quiet during their squabbling (probably just started to notice the 'monkeys' arguing on top of the tree) couldn't stop themself from laughing out loud and surprises the both of them. Because of that, she may have tugged Menma down and they fell with a loud thump.

Thankfully enough, the surrounding area under their tree are littered with dry leaves that cushioned their fall. But she did dug her elbow beneath and her twin brother groaned painfully in response (serves him right).

Approaching them quietly, the shadow (it was a tall man) held his hand to assist her upright. The light coming from the hall didn't gave her enough visibility but she did notice a nice set of shoes and an expensive looking three-piece suit. The stranger does have a shaved head with blonde hair on top that reminds her of those Native Americans she watches from her youth (and a certain tropical fruit).

And then… time suddenly stopped as she finally saw his face up close. And then she saw his eyes.

Her breath hitches up and the hand that took her own tighten involuntarily as if he knows (recognizes) her too. The night breeze was faint but it was like a caress of familiarity and joyful reunion.

Finally…

Studying his face, Naruto felt his thumb tentatively caresses the skin on top of her knuckles and she returned it with a firm squeeze of her own… Naruto felt ecstatic (and ignored her brother who looked questioningly towards the two of them).

And then she smiled in wonder as he returned her touch. His eyes told her everything she needed to know. She felt…

…I finally found you.

…whole.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX

Author's other note:
Yay! A special chapter dedicated to our heroes! Well… not really connected to the story but I wanted to include them anyway. So that's that.

Thanks for reading!

The continuation of our story is up next. So hang tight. Cheers!

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX