Disclaimer: Again, I own nothing except Tomoko, her family, and Nagareboshi Cafe. The main theme for this chapter is sillyrama's recommendation of PianoNest's cover of Ariana Grande's Moonlight.

On the other hand, there are quite a few other songs mentioned in this chapter, and those include marasy8's cover of God Knows from Chapter 4, Justin Boyd's cover of One Summer's Day from Spirited Away, All of Me from the Piano Guys, and Animenz Piano Sheet's cover of Brave Heart from Digimon Adventure. I would recommend playing these songs during the moments where they're mentioned in the chapter (since Tomoko does play all these pieces at one point) and then play Moonlight for the duration of the story. Please enjoy!

Edit (2/23/2017): So a lot of people have been noting in the reviews how my 'stage play' style of writing for some of the flashbacks didn't sound right, and honestly I have to apologize. When I initially wrote this chapter, I wanted to have a third person POV without actually describing the characters' various actions so that the reader could interpret it. But with so many complaints, I'll be going through each chapter and editing these scenes specifically. So yeah. I hope you enjoy the revised versions.

Chapter 11: Tomoko's Various Customers

It was around a couple days after Kakashi's Chunin promotion that I started taking note of the regulars that usually flocked to me. Whether or not I had 'main character syndrome,' apparently, I'm just taking from my memories of TV Tropes, a lot of ninja from the Canon verse continued to visit me for song requests, Kakashi included.

I'm honestly not sure whether or not to be surprised or grateful that I know so many future influential people.

There's Minato-san, the Yellow Flash and apparent former teammate of Dad's, usually coming by in the early mornings with Kakashi if he can, requesting God Knows or some other fast-paced tune to wake up.

"Hello, Tomoko-chan…" A yawn broke through his voice before he continued, "—Think I could get the normal wake up call?"

"Peaceful or really turbulent?"

"Eh, either works. Just surprise me."

…Honestly, I'm surprised that the fastest man alive has so much trouble trying to get up early in the mornings if not for Kushina-san.

Oh! Speaking of Kushina-san, she's been visiting a lot too! If not with Minato-san, then she comes with Uchiha Mikoto-san. Who if I didn't know any better, could pass off as Kushina-san's twin sister if not for the jet black hair and eyes showing her Uchiha status. They usually frequent the same table in the center of Nagareboshi close to the piano to converse with one another. I never really tried to overhear one of their conversations due to privacy sakes and the piano just drowning everything else out, but they almost always look in my direction at one point though. I don't even need to look away from the keys to know that they're staring at me.

"Tomoko-chan~! I'm back, ttebane!"

I found myself blinking before turning my head to see familiar red hair and a new face. "Ah, hello again, Kushina-san!"

I ended up pausing once the new black eyes turned to look at me. Er.

"…Um, and you are, ma'am?"

The new customer just smiled at me in a 'Yamato Nadeshiko'-like manner. Was that a good way of describing her? I wasn't sure. Still, she spoke softly, a huge contrast to her more extroverted Uzumaki friend. "Hello, Tomoko-chan, I'm Uchiha Mikoto, it's nice to meet you. Kushina has been telling me that you play wonderful piano. Is it alright if I could request a song from you?"

I tried not to blanch. Holy crap, this is Itachi and Sasuke's mom!

Outwardly, I tried not to stutter. "O-Of course it's fine, um…Uchiha-san? Or what would you prefer me to call you?"

The Uchiha woman just giggled into her hand before smiling at me. "Mikoto-san is fine, dear. Just try to surprise me like you did Kushina, okay?"

"And make it one of your best songs, Tomoko-chan! Everyone needs to hear your music, ttebane!"

I found myself giggling nervously. Don't blush, don't blush, don't blush…! "A-Alright, Kushina-san, I get the idea. Anyway, Mikoto-san, please take a seat in the chair next to the piano. I'll play something right away."

…Well, at least Mikoto-san enjoyed my rendition of Spirited Away's One Summer Day. I just hope I did Joe Hisaishi and Studio Ghibli justice.

…Yes, I miss my old life sometimes. I don't think that would ever go away.

But anyways.

Another customer I've noticed around in Nagareboshi every once awhile is a familiar sage with spiky white hair and red lines on his face…

"Oi! Minato~! You in here?"

The Yellow Flash blanched. "J-Jiraiya-sensei?!"

"I was hoping to show you a new technique so I came looking for — Oh? Who is this young lady?"

Oh no. Ero-Sennin. Naruto's future Perverted Sensei. Oh no. I found myself blinking rapidly in disbelief before squeaking out an answer. "Um…Hoshino Tomoko, sir?"

The Toad Sage just chuckled under his breath. "Well, Tomoko-chan, I imagine that in a few years, you'll be quite the beauty after you hit puberty~! You're sweet enough already! Maybe in the future, you'll be enough to warrant yourself as a character in my — GWAH!"

I nearly jumped at the sudden glint of a kunai. When did that get there?

Wait.

Dad?

"…Jiraiya-sama, I really don't appreciate you trying to appraise my daughter's growth. If you want to make such comments, please take it outside Nagareboshi please."

Jiraiya cowered and proceeded to yell out something I couldn't make out.

In the end, I just turned to the Yellow Flash for clarification. "…Minato-san, is this normal?"

A long sigh left his mouth. "Unfortunately, Tomoko-chan, it is. Just don't think too much on it."

"Okay…?"

I think Dad's becoming really protective lately though.

On another topic, Obito and Rin have been coming by a lot more often. Strangely, they seem to come by around the same time Kakashi leaves, always giving me company. Either they're together or they come separately, and I think I'm starting to become a therapist since they always seem to talk about their days at the Academy with me….

Or am I just the main civilian friend that just became a person to vent to about shinobi and/or life problems? I know I want to help, but…

Er. How to start.

"…The Clone Jutsu is just so aggravating, Tomoko-chan! No matter how many times I do it, they can't even stand! How did Bakashi make it look so easy?!"

I just chuckled slowly. Damage control, here we go. "Uh, Obito-kun, I honestly don't know how to answer that since I can't really access chakra, so I don't know what that's like."

Obito turned pale and fumbled with his hands. "ACK! I'm sorry, Tomoko-chan!"

I tried to hide a nervous giggle. "I-It's really fine, d-don't worry about it, and you really don't have to bow to me every time, Obito. We're friends."

"It's just…" The Uchiha sighed, slumping in his chair near me. "That Kakashi ended up graduating early and I heard he's already out on missions. If I want to become Hokage, then I need to work harder in order to surpass that guy!"

I tilted my head in confusion. This was new. "By chance, Obito-kun, why do you want to surpass Kakashi-kun so badly?"

A fist bump in the air was my answer. "He was actually the top ninja in our Academy class before skipping grades and graduating early. I was never able to match him, even when we were fighting together. I just…" Obito took in a deep breath. "I really don't want to lose to him."

Makes sense, but… I opened my mouth, hiding a shiver at the thought of Canon. Obito didn't deserve his Canon fate at all. "But Obito-kun, you don't have to always hold yourself up to Kakashi-kun's standards. Everyone grows differently, whether as shinobi or civilian. It's good to keep someone in mind as a goal, but if you get in a team with him, you have to put those differences aside to work together. The last thing you want is to butt heads with him while on a mission or something."

Obito blanched again. "Eh~? I don't even want to think about being on a team with him!"

Ouch. Disbelief was rolling off me in waves now. "…Obito-kun, do you really not like Kakashi-kun that much?"

Obito smiled at me wryly. "…Not really. He just seems so…" The Uchiha waved his hands in the air in an over-exaggerated manner. "Arrogant, blunt, and just an asshole!"

…I wonder if he realizes that he's talking about my best friend there. Probably have to address this before it grows too much.

Canon was a whole shitstorm because no one aside from a few select people tried to address rivalries like this.

I spoke honestly. "Obito-kun, you may think that way, but it's possible that Kakashi-kun might just act like that because he's been around a lot of other ninja who have been a lot more skilled. His behavior towards you might just be saying you need to work quite a bit in order to earn his respect, and I don't think he means everything he says."

The Uchiha's jaw dropped. "Really? Then I have to work harder to catch up to him!"

I just smiled fondly. There was that Naruto-enthusiasm I missed so much these days. "Just don't push yourself too hard, okay? Self-care is important too. And as any ninja would say: 'Look underneath the underneath,' alright? Don't just take everything at face value."

What I got was a big thumbs up in response. The large toothy grin was just icing on the cake for me. Woo. "Got it! Thanks, Tomoko-chan — you're always great to talk to about stuff like this!"

I couldn't help but giggle again. "Hai hai, Obito-kun, you're welcome. Now then, do you want another song?"

"Sure!"

I just can't help but wonder if I'm the only person Obito and Rin talk to about this kind of stuff…

Rin fidgeted in her chair. "...Neh, Tomoko-chan?"

"Hm? What is it, Rin-chan?" I politely ignored her gestures in favor of making eye contact.

The medic blushed. "By chance, you know Kakashi really well, right?"

I tilted my head. "I do…but why?"

"W-Well, I was just wondering how he's doing."

Oh dear. I smiled tentatively. Here was another potential bomb-shell. "Rin-chan, just note that I can't share a lot because of customer confidentiality and shinobi privacy, and from the looks of it, most of what Kakashi-kun's doing is his business."

"Oh…" The medic looked down to her lap in clear disappointment.

Oh great, now I just feel bad. I just sighed before smiling again. Why is it me when it comes to egg-shell walking? My reply ended up being honest."Well, he's been telling me a lot about going on various missions, and he's recently become a Chunin too."

Rin perked up almost immediately. And oh gosh, she was sparkling."W-wait, really?!"

"Yeah, he has. I just can't share anymore than that, though. If you want to know more, just go to Kakashi-kun himself, okay?"

"O-Okay…"

It was well about time to change the subject. I put on my brightest smile. "In the meantime, how about we talk about how you're doing? I can play something in the meantime and you can just talk — I'll still listen."

"Sure! Think you could play the song you did for Obito and I the last time we were here?"

A more sincere smile came across my face. "Of course I can."

I really think I'm just becoming an advisor to both Obito and Rin about their problems at this point.

On the other hand, one spring day, I found two new customers, both wearing green jumpsuits and orange scarves, come into Nagareboshi one day…

A loud, booming voice cut through the silence in mere seconds.

"Hello, wonderful citizens! Is this Nagareboshi Cafe, the place where such lovely piano music is coming from?"

Uhhhh.

I found myself turning to the only other person next to me in confusion. "Kakashi-kun, I wasn't the only one who heard that, right?"

My best friend just slouched in his seat, clearly unhappy. "…No, Tomoko, I heard that too."

I jumped at the sound of the back doors swinging open with an audible slam and Mom's sudden yell. "Yes, sir, this is Nagareboshi Cafe, and would you please use your inside voices?!"

…Well, there's Mom being angry for once. It's a nice twist to the normal routine — wait a minute.

The original 'ice-breaking' voice sounded a lot more sheepish after a few seconds of silence. "I-I'm sorry, wonderful owner, I was just looking for the pianist of Nagareboshi since my son, Might Guy, was able to show his youth and graduate the Ninja Academy at 7! I was hoping to get a celebratory song to act as a monument to his success!"

There was a long pause. Then, Mom sounded significantly calmer with her next words. The pause probably helped her with that. "Oh, well, sir, that pianist is my daughter Tomoko, and she's right over there in the center of the cafe. You don't have to come in yelling to ask for her — she's right in front of everyone here."

"Oh!"

Well, the two Green Beasts are walking over here now… And he was leaning down enough to breathe right in front of my face. "Are you the pianist here in this lovely establishment, dear?"

A-And does he have to get close?

Outwardly, I was already putting on my politest smile. "I-I am, sir. What can I do for you?"

Now I know how Kakashi feels when facing Guy and Lee in the canon timeline — those two are already…visibly 'interesting' in their own ways — but these two started it all!

Might Dai was already grinning brighter, and gosh, he was beaming like it was the fourth of July or something. Aaah. "Well, my beloved son Guy has finally graduated from the Academy today and I was hoping you could play a song to honor him!"

Looks like Might Dai is similar to Sakumo-san when concerning their sons - they both have the same 'sparkling, adoring father' look when pushing them forward.

Wait.

…And just why is Guy blushing?

Sure enough, the new Green Genin just looked down, ears a little pink, before raising his head and staring back up at me with a bright grin. Was it just shyness? That was all I could think of.

Then he spoke. "H-hello! I'm Might Guy, age 7! I graduated from the Academy today! And you are?"

Involuntarily, a soft giggle left my mouth. He was definitely Guy, alright. "I'm Hoshino Tomoko, and it's nice to meet you, Guy-kun. Your dad said you wanted a song to be played in honor of your graduation from the Academy, but what kind would you want?"

With the same grin, Guy shouted, "The most youthful one you have, Tomoko-san!"

...Well, I was expecting that kind of remark. Now what do I have in my memories that matches that—Oh!

"Coming right up then, Guy-kun. You and your dad can take a seat at the table near the piano and just listen, okay? Mom — I mean, Hikari-san, should be coming by to take your order soon."

Kakashi just gave me a blank stare. "…Tomoko, do you really have to?"

I shrugged at him. "Kakashi-kun, they're customers as much as you are. So, just let me do my job and enjoy the music, okay?"

He sighed. "…Just don't go to overboard on the volume, alright?"

I just hummed. "How long have you known me for, Kakashi-kun? 2 years should be more than enough for you to trust me on that~!"

Besides, Brave Heart more than fits both you and Guy-kun anyway!

Well, when looking back on it, they all enjoyed it! I was actually surprised to see Guy not try to challenge Kakashi right then and there when the song ended, but considering the fact that Mom was keeping a close eye on the green duo, that might be a factor in the whole thing.

…Let's see, who else has been coming by lately—Oh!

Sakumo-san has actually been frequenting the seat near the piano lately in the mornings, usually the times before Kakashi comes by in the afternoons, making small talk with Dad, Mom or me. Sure, he's come by before, but he's been silent a majority of the time.

But still. Why did he start talking now? And to me and my family of all people?

Right now, he was still the White Fang.

"So, Tomoko-chan, how have you been doing?"

I tried not to blanch at the sudden question. "I-I'm fine, Sakumo-san, but what about you? You seem to be going out a lot more lately."

The White Fang blinked before chuckling. "So, you've noticed, huh? I'm surprised that such a small civilian girl like you noticed that much about me."

I couldn't help but feel aghast. How humble could a man be? How gentle could a ninja be? "O-of course I would! You're one of my regulars Sakumo-san and I care about you — of course I would notice!" I found myself pausing because the intense stare he was now putting on me was, to be frank, kind of uncomfortable. When did he start doing that?

I ended up ducking my head to look away, trying to preserve what little modesty I had in the face of all the embarrassment. "…Not to mention, you're Kakashi-kun's father, Sakumo-san. He really loves you a lot and I think as a friend, I would want to make sure you're okay too, because whatever happens to you will affect him."

Another chuckle. "Goodness, you're really an interesting girl, Tomoko-chan. Thank you for the concern, but I'll be fine."

Um, judging by Canon? No. My disbelief came out through my voice. "…Are you sure? You've been looking a little more tired lately too…"

"Really, Tomoko-chan, don't worry." I tried not to jump at the sudden hand on my head, calloused fingers stroking my hair. "You're as much of a worrywart as my son says you are."

Another giggle left me as I looked up at the White Fang. "Well, I won't deny it."

Sakumo-san just smiled back before leaning back into his seat with a more tired stance. "... There's just been talk about tension brewing in Iwa right now Tomoko-chan. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell you, but basically in a few months, I might have to head out to handle a huge scouting mission to see if the rumors are true."

A lump found itself in my throat almost immediately.

Please don't tell me that this is the unfortunate mission that led to the disgracing of the White Fang.

"…How important is it?"

Sakumo took a deep breath. "Some of the higher-ups think it might be important enough to decide whether or not we'll be going to another war, Tomoko-chan."

"...!"

No…

The next thing I knew, Sakumo-san was waving his hands in the air, panicked expression on his face. "I-I'm sure it shouldn't be too bad, Tomoko-chan! Really!"

"But Sakumo-san…"

The White Fang just coughed into his fist and straightened his back in a semblance of composure at my response. "We don't even know if this is a confirmed mission or not. So, just don't worry about it Tomoko-chan — I'm sorry for scaring you about it. If you want, I don't have to talk about this with you." A sheepish laugh left him. "I just keep forgetting that you're 7 years old and not like Kakashi in behavior."

What, am I a prodigy like him now?

…Don't answer that.

"I-It's okay, Sakumo-san! Nagareboshi Cafe is originally here to give both ninja and civilians respite in their lives. If it means talking with me, then it's fine! I-I mean..." I took a deep breath. "I'm actually happy that you trust me because it shows that I'm doing my job right and helping you, Sakumo-san…"

The hand on my head slowly lifted itself off. "Tomoko-chan…"

I tried not to fumble. "S-so, don't worry about scaring me, okay? You face a lot of scarier stuff out there in the field, and it's good to talk about it if it gets to be too much! If I can't handle it, then you can talk to Mommy or Daddy!"

I wasn't expecting it. Another laugh, only louder this time, left Sakumo-san's lips. Eh? "Goodness Tomoko-chan, you're such an amazing girl." The same hand landed on my head again, this time ruffling my hair. "Konoha is lucky to have you."

I could feel heat spreading across my cheeks at the compliment. "I-I'm not sure about that…"

"How about you play me the usual cheerful classical piece then? Just to match the mood."

"A-Alright, then!"

Moonlight coming through!

…Honestly, when looking back on it, I think I've made a lot of ripples in the canon timeline already. Every person I've met through the piano has always left Nagareboshi looking a little happier. Heck, even the stoic Kakashi apparently respects me — at least, I think so.

I'm just happy knowing that my life so far as Tomoko has really helped out a lot of people.

I just hope that it will help temper some of the pain coming in the near future.

Author Notes: First up, thank you to sillyrama, LuanaS, Goldspark1, and all the others who reviewed Chapter 11! I really appreciate all the feedback and positive support you guys give me — it really helps when dealing with college classes!

Now then, for this chapter. Honestly, for the past 3-4 chapters, there has been a lot of Kakashi focus, so I wanted to take an 'intermission' of sorts to show that Tomoko does interact with more people than I can focus on in one chapter of content. Most of the time, it is Kakashi-focused though because those are usually her highlights of the day - but this chapter could be seen as something akin to a diary entry from Tomoko herself, reflecting on the various people she's met in the Naruto-verse and her relationship with each of them.

Aside from that though, thanks again to everyone who has followed and favorited this story so far! We've reached 177 followers and 125 favorites so far, with Civilian Pianist involved in 5 fanfic communities! I'm really honored to be writing this fanfiction now, since it really started as a small stray idea, but it's gotten so much support now! Thanks again to all you lovelies for reading and I hope you continue to enjoy Tomoko's story with the Naruto cast!

This is Writer-and-Artist27 signing out and see you next chapter!