Disclaimer: Again, I don't own anything or anybody except Tomoko, her family, and Nagareboshi Cafe. Any concepts/ideas mentioned in this fanfiction that seem to be borrowed from another media/piece of continuity - note that I don't mean to plagiarize anything or anybody in any way! This fanfic was made for entertainment purposes, not for pissing off others! So yeah!
The theme for this chapter is kuroto2000's piano cover of the third opening of the original Naruto anime, Kanashimi wo Yasashisa ni. The translated title itself was used for the chapter title, and I remembered how a guest reviewer wanted more Naruto music and incorporated their feedback. On the other hand, the original opening really stood out to me when I was in a tough time during middle school, and considering CP's themes, the song more than fit this chapter.
An alternative theme is the original full song or the version performed by PelleK and Raon Lee on YouTube, because they're amazing, no doubt about that.
For in-story stuff, Tomoko does actually sing the hymn in the first Red Like Roses piece from RWBY's Red Trailer. On the other hand, for the actual chapter setting, I would point you to the Volume 4 piece titled "Chapter 4 — Family, Pt 1". The soft piano track here really fits a lot that goes on here.
Finally, Tomoko does play one, dear song in the last act of the chapter. All I can and will do is point you to marasy's cover of This Game from No Game No Life.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 46: Sadness into Kindness
By the time everyone had their check-ups with Ayukawa-sensei, it might've been late afternoon. The sun wasn't setting, but it was still descending from its place in the center of the sky. Thankfully, the check-ups had also resulted in my friends getting cleaned up, so a lot of the dirt was gone. All they needed now was probably a good shower and a warm dinner, so that was something to inform Mama and Papa by the time we would get home to the cafe.
…Well, to be honest, I would've done that if not for one thing.
"Tomoko-chan, is it alright if you could accompany us to the mission office?"
Minato-san's question came out of the biggest left field I ever saw, and resulted in me nearly tripping over a nearby machine cord when heading out. "W-What?!"
Hisako nearly tripped over herself. What the fuck?!
To be honest, it was a completely adequate way to go about this whole thing.
I mean, a civilian girl, a teenage girl at that, stopping by the mission office to listen to one of the greatest mission briefings in Konoha's mission history? Not to mention, in the current war history? It sounded ridiculous, and to be honest, sacrilegious.
Obito was the first one to say something. "M-Minato-sensei, why? Shouldn't we be the ones giving the report since we did the mission?"
Considering Rin and Kakashi's judgmental stares in the Jounin's direction, they were feeling the same way. I was just caught looking between my friends and the only adult in the room like a sitting duck, unfortunately.
A confused, worried, and shaky duck. Haha. At least I'm getting better at jokes. I think.
No way was I going to voice it in reality though, considering how everyone was just staring at one another.
Minato-san ended up raising his hands in the air as a bead of sweat trailed down his face. "Normally, I would say yes. But Tomoko-chan actually needs to be there since she's important in the aftermath."
"…How important are we talking?" Kakashi said, and was it just me, or was I hearing a bit of venom in his voice?
Tomoko-chan, Tomoko-chan, Tomoko-chan. Hisako injected with a shake of her head and a long sigh. We need to work on the large rock that is your dense head.
…Is that an insult?
No, dear. Merely me stating a fact.
I don't know how to feel about that, Hisako.
Don't worry, I still love you, Tomoko-chan.
"Very important," Minato-san said, knocking me out of my mindscape. "She won't actually hear the mission report with the elders, but she is needed for something else. There is a reason why no one in the higher-ups complained about her attending most of our training sessions in the past."
Everyone on Team Minato continued to stare at him with narrowed eyes. If I didn't know any better, it was as if sparks were flying.
Ummmmm…
I have first dibs on kicking Minato's crotch! Hisako declared.
HISAKO!
Whaaaaaaat? Just saying it before Kakashi can!
Why are you even insinuating—
"It'll be fine," Minato-san interrupted with the same even tone as before.
I call 'bullshit'! Hisako continued to crow, as if I didn't interrupt her a few seconds ago.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow before sidestepping a tad bit, almost bumping shoulders with me while keeping his hand in close reach of mine without touching anything.
Internally, I found myself sighing. The idea of anyone kicking the Jounin didn't seem as bad anymore, considering the palpable tension in here. Ugh.
…Okay, Hisako, I think you have a point. On the Kakashi thing, I think.
Yeeeep. My other self said smugly. Glad to see you agree, dear.
…Eh.
"So, Tomoko-chan?" The Jounin then had to turn to me, therefore making all my friends' eyes go to me by proxy. Waah. Too much attention. "Will you be coming with us?"
Staring into those blue eyes for once said enough. Hell, I could tell that Minato-san was completely serious about his previous question.
I would have to come whether I wanted to or not. Whether his own team wanted to or not.
I found myself fingering my Wayfinder necklace before gulping.
"O…okay."
Here goes.
I call it on being about the whole 'vow of silence' fuck-mess, said Hisako.
If not for everything going on in his head, Kakashi would've been tempted to slug his Jounin sensei in the face for all his worth. Mission wounds and societal parameters be damned.
Why was Tomoko getting involved again?
Especially in this… This —
"Kakashi?"
He stood to attention at the sound of his name, only to glance at his right side and see her. Tomoko inclined her head, clear worry in her blue eyes as she stared at him.
Even though it was supposed to be a tense situation, why did it feel warm in here?
Probably going to ask if I'm okay or not…
Kakashi was already straightening himself and his back when she opened her mouth.
The last thing he was expecting, if at all, was for her to smile wryly and clasp her hands behind her back while looking at him. "I'm sorry about this," she mouthed quietly.
…Well, there's that too.
Mid-walk to the mission office, Kakashi made sure to stop and flick the girl's head before she could say anymore. As expected this time, Tomoko let out a loud squeak of protest before taking a step back to pout, hands going up to cover her forehead.
"Kakashi! Really? Was that —" Tomoko proceeded to throw her hands in the air as she continued to puff her cheeks. If Kakashi didn't know any better, it was as if steam was floating off her head as she continued to pout. "—Really necessary?!"
Yes. I haven't seen you in almost two months, so really. He hid a smirk to instead slow his pace and lurk behind his teammates for the sake of grabbing her hand and in turn stopping another rant. Obito and Rin's sidelong looks, be damned.
Those same blue eyes widened at the gesture before softening into a look that he was already smiling at in return.
I missed you, so there's no need to apologize. It's not your fault.
Hoshino Hikari wasn't sure of what to do after finishing her grocery run for the day. Work in Nagareboshi Cafe was particularly slow as of right now, and considering rush time for dinner hadn't started yet, she still had a few hours of what might've been pure boredom.
Not to mention her own daughter's absence for the past hour…
"…Honey, you're pacing more than me," And Hikari was already jumping a few centimeters in the air at the statement, only to turn and see Judai wiping down a table with a wry look. Even with the slightest air of sweat and a hint of shadow on his chin, he was still handsome while doing such a simple thing, and — was he grinning?
Hikari fumbled with her hands to find something to say, because blushing like a teenager was not in her agenda. "Well, that's, um."
Judai snorted before putting down his towel and standing straight up to look at her with warm brown eyes. "You're worried about Tomoko-chan too, aren't you?"
Right on the mark.
The last thing Hikari was expecting was for Judai to sigh before walking over and bumping shoulders. To anyone else, it would've looked like a simple passing-by while Judai was walking towards the bar, but Hikari knew better.
Judai was a former ninja. He wanted to keep his next words on the down low for some reason.
"Go to Minato's house then. You should be able to find Kushina," was the warm whisper. "I trust Kushina more than him, and since she does dote on Tomoko-chan and the others, might as well visit her." Before heading elsewhere, Hikari didn't miss the loving wink Judai sent in her direction. "She should help with your worries more than me right now."
Kushina. The name rang a bell in Hikari's mind almost immediately. She's —
It hit her almost as soon as Judai hit the bar up with another order from a customer.
Red flowing hair. Hikari shook her head with a fond smile before unfolding her kimono sleeves. Tackles more than Tomoko-chan herself. That is a good idea.
"Thank you, Judai," she said softly, already looking up in his direction with a smile.
Her husband didn't even turn to face her, but the thumbs-up in return was more than enough.
She passed by the bar of her own accord on the way out, pecking his cheek and whispering three words that no one else but her spouse could hear.
"I love you."
To anyone else, Judai didn't visibly react, but to Hikari, the faint red dusting his cheeks was real as he waved at her with a free hand.
"I-I love you too," was the whispered reply.
Pfft. Hikari held back a chuckle before heading out of the cafe and into the sunlight.
Uzumaki Kushina tried to hum her cheeriest song while stirring a pot of broth for ramen. Even if it had been almost two months, it was hard to deal with Minato's absence sometimes. Even if he was the Yellow Flash, the worry flooding her wasn't helpful in the slightest.
Where was he? Where was Minato? Hell, where was his team?
Everyone at the gates earlier had said they had already come home, so then why…?
Kushina couldn't finish that thought because the doorbell rung with a loud note.
"Yes?" she called.
A moment of quiet passed before the same doorbell rung, a bit more urgently.
Someone was eager, apparently.
Kushina wiped her hands on her apron before walking out into the hallway. "I'm coming, I'm coming!"
The doorbell rang again, more panicked and frantic this time as the single note was constantly interrupted in the last few seconds with another note. Because apparently, pressing once wasn't enough and the Uzumaki's mysterious visitor wanted to press multiple times like a curious kid.
"Okay, okay!" Kushina held back the urge to throttle something to instead grasp the doorknob. "Who is it—"
She took a step back. Hoshino Hikari froze and immediately turned red as her hand was halfway to hitting the doorbell button. Oooookay.
"…Hikari-san?" Kushina said incredulously. "What is it? I thought Nagareboshi Cafe would've been busy by now."
"It would've been," Hikari waggled the pointer finger that was originally facing the doorbell with a frown as she shook her head. "If not for one thing." The civilian sighed. "Could I come in? I was hoping if I could ask you something."
"Sure…" Kushina tried not to pursue her lip to instead step to the side for the woman to walk in and talk off her sandals. "What is it?"
Hikari looked up at her with blue eyes very similar to Tomoko's, narrowed in a way that drew a shiver from Kushina's spine.
"Do you know where my daughter is?"
Oh shit.
Outside the Hokage Office, I found myself sneezing loudly. Thankfully, I could feel the gesture coming before it actually happened, so I was able to use the crook of my elbow to cover the potential snot mess.
Didn't make it any less annoying when it happened, though.
"ACHOOOOOO!" was the resulting loud noise.
Bless you, dear. Hisako said.
"Bless you," The nearby ANBU added gruffly.
Oh, right, I forgot to explain. So, turns out that being a 'unique' civvie still equals being a civvie, because the mission hearing was off limits. I wasn't sure if I should've been horrified or grateful about that fact, but it didn't make Team Minato's glances in my direction earlier any less…what's the word? Worrying? Yeah, that works.
From the looks of things, Team Minato needed more rest than an actual "lecture" the higher-ups could give at the hearing. But then again, Kannabi was a success, so…
I'm just not sure. Didn't change the fact that Minato-san had to nearly shove my friends into the room before the large green door closed with an audible SLAM.
Leaving me to wait outside, fiddling with whatever I had to keep myself away from boredom. Alongside an ANBU agent keeping guard outside the door.
The privacy seals made it obvious that pressing an ear against the door wasn't an option. So, it was either sitting down and counting tiles on the roof, or…
Mom is so not going to be happy about this, dear, Hisako interrupted with a mournful tone. We've been gone for quite a while now.
Uh oh. I could already imagine the worried face Mama was making at the mere idea of my absence. And I had said I would be waiting for 30 minutes at the village gates. Shoot.
I-I can't exactly leave though, Hisako!
My other self sighed softly. That's the thing. The ANBU standing right next to you doesn't really help the situation. Either your Mom finds us, a ninja goes to inform her of everything, or she waits at home with Dad to be worried as all heck. I'm guessing the first choice considering her actions when your Dad was still in service.
…That's right, huh?
I glanced at the green door in an attempt to pass the time, only for the image of Papa's silhouette to grace my mind, grabbing the doorknob to open.
This is where Papa and Mama hit things off.
It felt both awe-inspiring and shocking all at once, to be in the same hallway I had walked through before in the past few years with that knowledge in mind.
Yep, Hisako added softly. The start of everything happened here.
And then my eyes landed on the ANBU. They looked like a man at least, with the muscular build. Along with the usual grey and black ANBU gear, the bird-inspired mask was certainly an eye-opener. Was it a Falcon? Or a Hawk? I wasn't sure, and without meaning to, I found myself opening my mouth.
"ANBU-san?"
The mask turned to look at me, and even without seeing any eyes stare back at me, I knew I got the guy's attention. I tried not to gulp and instead fiddled with my Wayfinder necklace. "C-Could I call you that, or is there any other way would you like me to refer you to as?"
A few seconds passed before an amused snort of, "Falcon," greeted my ears as an answer. "What can I do for you, Tomoko-san?"
He knows my name? I tried not to jump and instead scratched my cheek. "…Well," I said succinctly. "It feels like there were so many things I could've said, only to forget as soon as you said my name."
The ANBU straightened himself while turning back to look at the opposing wall of the hallway, but it was hard to miss the reply. "It happens, Tomoko-san. And even among the ANBU, you are…a household name."
That's it, ANBU are stalkers. Hisako declared eagerly. Called it, copyrighted it, trademarked it, got it.
Not sure if copyright even exists in the Naruto world, Hisako.
I still tried to keep pleasantries, even if words weren't my strongest point right now. "So…Falcon-san?"
A very patient, "Hm?", was my answer.
"I'm guessing I can't really ask why I'm a household name?"
The ANBU immediately shook his head, but the slight twitch in those gloved fingers showed that he was at least interested in what I was saying. "Confidential information."
Figures.
Would he mind singing, though… Hisako thumbed through a random memory book. A lot of your current thoughts point to music, dear, and there's no piano in sight… She tossed her current book away and over her head to grab another one, flipping through the pages. How about Mermaid Melody, or Kobato, or—
Hisako.
Whaaaat? Just some ideas to pass the time while the ninjas are doing their ninja thing!
I sighed, but ended up taking up my other self's idea anyways. Standing here for oh-so-long with no one but Hisako and Falcon-san for company could quickly become boring. I spoke up. "Then, Falcon-san?" The ANBU grunted. "Would you mind me singing a little bit? Standing out here for a while can be…"
I was surprised to see the ANBU shake his head almost eagerly in response, still not facing me while crossing his arms. "Not at all. Just not too loud," was the gruff reply.
Wooo!
I took a breath, leaned against the wall, closed my eyes, and started the first note with my friends in mind.
I had to go back to my roots, right?
"Red like roses fills my dreams and brings me to the place you rest."
Kushina-nee, with her long, flowing red hair. Also, Rin-chan, with her red hair band and pink skirt.
"White is cold and always yearning, burdened by a royal test."
Kakashi, my best friend, with his heritage as the White Fang's son and inheritance of the White Light Chakra Saber.
"Black the beast descends from shadows."
Obito, had canon gone its way, becoming Tobi and lurking from the darkness. Instead, one of the kindest people I ever got to know, who got to come home to the light like Blake did when becoming part of Team RWBY.
"Yellow beauty burns gold."
And Minato-san, the titular "Yellow Flash" with his blonde hair and Hiraishin kunai known to the ninja world over for his Thunder God Jutsu.
It was only when the last lyric left my lips that the sound of the door opening reached my ears with a quiet creak. Had I not finished the song just then, it felt like I wouldn't have heard it at all.
"…Tomoko-chan? Tomoko-chan?" Minato-san's voice. I glanced to the side where the door was, and with it ajar, it completely covered the Falcon ANBU's figure. "Can you come in? The Hokage wants to see you now."
I pushed myself off the wall to glance in his direction. "Okay…?" I didn't mean for my reply to come out like a question, but considering the door was open and absolutely no sound at all was coming out, I didn't feel that great.
Just…why was it so quiet?
I took a few steps closer to the door's opening, only to peek past the wood in the ANBU's direction. "Thank you, Falcon-san, for keeping me company," I murmured quietly.
'I hope you enjoyed the song,' was left unsaid. I couldn't say it. Red Like Roses was always important to me, and to be honest, I wasn't sure if anyone else aside from Hisako had the honor to hear it. I always reserved that kind of thing for early morning practice, when I would get up before everyone else to sing to the quiet world.
Today would mark the first time I had sang it, if at all, in front of someone willingly. Boredom be damned. I had to keep bits of my old life alive somehow aside from my clothes and piano.
Falcon-san didn't turn his head, but the small nod and wave was enough for me. I smiled one more time in his direction to return his wave before walking into the office and closing the door.
And, sure enough, the Third Hokage himself, Jiraiya-san, and Team Minato all turned their heads to look at me.
Aaah. The tense expressions they all were wearing didn't help my worries.
Hisako puffed. Jeez, what got their pants up a knot?
I tried not to mentally face-palm. Hisako. That was a bad way to sum up the situation, no matter how you put it. My other self being my other self…well, bleh. It just didn't sound right.
And, sure enough, Hisako went silent in exchange for Jiraiya-san to speak up. "Team Minato? You can wrap up your headbands and head back first. We have a bit of business with the ojou-chan here." The shooing motion with his hand seemed to be somewhat unnecessary, but considering the cold air in the room? Maybe.
Obito, Kakashi, and Rin all looked at each other with equally questioning frowns.
"Wait, Jiraiya-sensei," Minato-san spoke up, and all attention immediately turned to him, my own included in the group. His furrowed brow seemed to indicate deep thought, at least. "Could my team stay? They might need to hear this too."
Wait, wait, WAIT. Hisako took a few steps back in her part of the mind library before shaking her head. Now? He can't mean —
I tried not to gulp and instead fiddled with my Wayfinder necklace again.
It can't be…can it?
Unconsciously, I found myself touching my neck.
The Toad Sage glanced at the Third Hokage, and the two older men shared a long stare. They were probably communicating through a simple glance, and with the air dropping a few degrees Celsius, this was certainly serious.
The Third ended up sighing while putting the mouthpiece of his pipe in his mouth. "If that's how you feel, Minato, then they can stay." Obito, Rin and Kakashi immediately relaxed their shoulders, only to share another look between each other. Surprise? Befuddlement? I wasn't sure. With a puff of smoke, the Hokage turned to Jiraiya again with a questioning eye. "That is, if Jiraiya is okay with this?"
"As long as you're alright with it, Sensei," Jiraiya said immediately, a hand going over his chest. Then his black eyes turned to me, and I tried not to wince from the attention. "What about you, Ojou-chan?"
Minato-san's hand landed on my shoulder, and I found myself letting out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Tomoko-chan?"
The lack of saliva in my mouth quickly became apparent as I tried to find words.
How do you expect me to answer this —? You just put me up on a —
I turned my head and found myself making eye contact with Kakashi. My best friend in the entire world. That one silver eye softened almost immediately when staring at me.
What do you want to do? He seemed to say.
I tried not to gulp. Kakashi, I —
Tomoko-chan, Hisako interrupted quietly, a stark contrast to the outgoing persona I was used to. If this is what we both think it is, it is still up to you if you want to share everything now. Even if you were put under a vow of silence about all this, it still involves you. Your memories — our memories — are yours to share.
H-Hisako…
I took another breath to hang my head and look down at the ground.
I'll always support you, Tomoko-chan. No matter what.
I held back the first signs of tears with a quick shake of my head. My hand found its grip on my Wayfinder. The blue and green hues shined almost comfortingly in my hand, and my heart beat against my chest.
Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub.
Minato-san squeezed my shoulder again. "Tomoko-chan?"
"M-Minato-san," I croaked out, still focusing on my Wayfinder and the familiar star shape. "Before I answer, is…is this whole meeting about…about —"
The Jounin seemed to understand almost immediately and a warm arm wrapped itself around my shoulders to bring me into a side hug. "Your vow? Yes."
…I knew it. Hisako concluded mournfully. That's why the three guys are here, and why Minato asked for the Team to stay. Kannabi just finished, so—
Hisako. Even my mental voice was shaking. My other self closed her mouth.
I knew this was coming, but that didn't make the nerves running rampant in my system any less difficult to deal with.
How was this going to go? Should I even be that one person to shoo my friends out of the room when the adults were all fine about this? Hell, would I…
Would I even be okay with them knowing about my memories?
I didn't even realize I was looking into that one silver eye until it rang through my head that Kakashi was staring at me again. Even with his mask on, it was easy to see that my best friend was worried, and…ohmigod.
It was moist. That silver eye, the color I knew so well as Kakashi, was shaking.
My best friend was tired, probably exhausted, but looking into that eye said enough.
It's up to you.
But… But…
I shook my head and gently shrugged off Minato-san's arm before turning around to look up at the Jounin with a wry smile. "I-I would say yes to keeping Team Minato here, Minato-san. But…"
"But?" The Yellow Flash prodded, hand still in reach if I needed to grab it.
I ignored the piercing stares of the Hokage and the Toad Sage in order to steel myself. "I'm not going to talk today. It's been a long enough process helping my friends to the hospital and so on." Minato-san's blue eyes widened. I kept going, resolve filling my voice. "And I think everyone in here can all agree we need rest. Team Minato — no, my friends — just came back home from the mission of their lives. And I'm not talking until they all get a good amount of time to recuperate."
For extra measure, I turned around to give the other adults in the room the full extent of my visual disapproval. "Even if it means disrespecting authority. Physical and mental health matter more than this meeting."
A long silence followed.
All that was going through my mind was, Oh man. I just said that. I just said that.
Over and over.
The last thing I was expecting was for the Third Hokage to drop his pipe and start laughing.
…Huh?
Hisako started to whistle.
"S-Sensei?" Jiraiya-san said, inclining his head in clear confusion. "Err —"
"D-Do not worry, Jiraiya," the Third interrupted, bending over his desk as more laughter escaped his lips. The puffs of white smoke in the air had almost completely disappeared along with the cold atmosphere, and a part of me was wondering what I said wrong. "I-I was just remembering something."
Jiraiya lurched back with a clear frown, having a face that easily said "We'll-talk-about-this-later".
Huh?
I waited along with a silent Minato-san and his team for the Third to recompose himself. Thankfully, it only took a few moments before the Hokage looked up with his pipe back in hand, and I found myself taking a step back at the warm smile on his face. Why was he —
Hisako poked my head with a soft, Tomoko-chan.
"You just reminded me of your mother, Tomoko," the Third said, smile widening.
I blinked. Then my jaw dropped.
Mama?
Before I could even say anymore, the Third made a shooing motion with his right hand, ignoring the looming and worried Jiraiya-san over his head. "Go on then. You and Team Minato are all dismissed for the evening. We will reconvene another day. I'll be sure to send an ANBU when the time comes."
I found myself closing my mouth after exhaling once more.
Feels like you dodged a bullet, huh. Hisako said softly.
My memories were still a personal subject. And this day wasn't even over yet. All I wanted was to get home. Get my friends home.
Minato-san put a hand on my shoulder as soon as the sound of stomping feet approached.
…Huh?
As if the surprises had yet to stop, the door behind me immediately slammed open as new voices flooded my ears.
"M-Ma'am, you shouldn't be going in right now!" Falcon-san, talking to —
"Screw that! Where is my —" I froze up as soon as I turned around and made eye contact with blue eyes.
Misty, wide blue eyes.
All I could get out was a soft, "M-Mama—" before she proceeded to careen into me with a warm hug and lift me into the air. My legs were left flailing in the space between my new height and the ground, and words left me. "Mama—"
"Tomoko-chan!" Mama's voice flooded my ears almost instantly as I was swung back and forth. Waaaah. "Tomoko-chan, Tomoko-chan, Tomoko-chan…! My baby girl…!" The grip on me was tight and warm. I knew it had only been a few hours, but Mama was…
Wetness was starting to dot the shoulder of my shirt.
Oh dear, said Hisako.
I raised a hand to Mama's head while attempting to hang on. "M-Mama, I'm okay, I'm okay. I'm sorry for not coming home sooner."
"Y-You should be, you…you—" Mama shook her head before setting me back down and putting her hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look into her eyes again. "Don't ever do that again, okay? Next time you stay back, come back as soon as you can or at least tell us what happened before heading back out. Papa and I were waiting quite a long time for you, young lady."
"I-I'm sorry, Mama," I said reflexively.
She sighed, shaking her head once more to the point of her long black ponytail nearly whipping her face and tickling mine. Then, she smiled. "I-I'm just glad you're okay."
I found myself smiling back.
Nearby, I could hear Falcon-san's palm make hard contact with his mask as Minato-san's shaky chuckle reverberated in the air.
"…Hikari, this is the second time in my entire tenure as Hokage that you have barged into my office, could you at least get a sense of the situation?"
The Third's voice cut through the warm air like a knife, but strangely, Mama didn't react. Instead, she patted me down for a few moments before standing up at full height and turning to the older man, and judging by her clenched fists — oh no.
"If you didn't put my only daughter under an apparent vow of silence or send my adopted kids out on a mission that risked their lives, then maybe!" Mama said hotly, waving an angry fist. Despite the somewhat comedic gesture, the venom in her voice was definitely real. Past her back, I could easily make out the horror dawning on Team Minato's faces, Kakashi's included. Yikes. "Not to mention indirectly putting my husband through more stress than he ever needs when drafting one of his best friends back into the war!"
Jiraiya-san was outright gaping now. "H-Hikari, wait—"
Mama shook her head vigorously, silencing any attempt the Toad Sage had in interrupting. "And…and…" she clicked her tongue. "You had the audacity…the freaking nerve to not tell me or Judai of Tomoko-chan's situation. To not include us in her vow of silence. To not include us — her parents — so I think I have plenty to rage on to you about."
The Third simply raised an eyebrow at her.
Then, my hand somehow found its way up to grasp her sleeve. "M-Mama…"
Her hand reached over to grasp the one I was using to hold onto her, squeezing it tightly. "Tomoko-chan?" The venom in her voice had completely disappeared for warm honey to take its place, and I tried not to gulp. Mood swings — aaah.
"Mama, it's okay," I tried to smile as a way of placating the situation, but the tingle up my spine didn't feel great. "Hokage-sama just dismissed us."
Mama blinked those same blue eyes before inclining her head. "Really?" She squeezed my hand for emphasis, and when I squeezed back, light returned to those eyes in the form of a glint that I wasn't sure whether to trust. Then, she looked up only for her eyes to land on Team Minato, and I didn't miss how Obito flinched.
All Kakashi got out was an "Aunt Hikari—" before Mama was already briskly walking towards them, tugging me along and pulling them all into a one-armed group hug.
"You kids look like you've seen hell," Mama said flatly, still hugging them. Because of the short distance, I could make out Obito's shocked mumblings (in the form of various versions of "What?") and Rin's astonished face before joining into the hug myself. Group hugs for the win! "We're getting you all back home to the cafe."
And with that said, Mama let go of Team Minato to instead get behind them, and — wait. Was she…pushing them?!
Woo! Hisako whistled again, more appreciatively this time. Your Mom is a badass, dear.
And, sure enough, Mama was 'ushering' out Team Minato with both her arms, not even paying attention to Jiraiya-san and Minato-san's matching fish faces while walking out the door. Hell, even Hokage-sama's stare into her head didn't seem to faze her, because she only waved once before rolling her eyes and continuing her trek. Falcon-san was apparently caught between guarding the door and watching us, so I ended up waving at him while heading out with Mama.
…Go Mom. I'll try to never get on your nerves again. Or anger you. Either or.
Once we were out in the hallway, we ended up walking only a few steps before a familiar redhead showed up, and I tried not to jump at the sight of Kushina-nee's wide violet eyes when looking in our general direction. "H-Hikari-san?! Wh-Where's—"
Mama rolled her eyes yet again while continuing to push Team Minato out of the building, much to their vocal protests (consisting of "Hikari-san!" and "Aunt Hikari…" all at once). "Still in the Hokage's mess of an office, Kushina," she said dryly, glancing at me with a wink. "Just make sure to pick up your mess of a future husband before he starts choking on flies."
We were already out into the sunlight by the time the loud, Uzumaki-inherited shriek of "EHHHHHHHHH?!" graced our ears.
Kushina-nee was definitely Naruto's mom, alright.
Mama and Hisako coincidentally cackled in unison.
By the time we had all made it back to the familiar red doors that was the entrance to Nagareboshi Cafe, my eyelids were already drooping along with the sun. Barely any hint of red was left in the sky, and what was really keeping me awake was Mama's grip on my hand and Kakashi's presence on my other side.
Obito and Rin were the only "stragglers", per say. At least, they tried to be if not for Mama rounding them up.
Rin was the one to break the silence that had blanketed us with a raising of her hand. "H-Hikari-san?"
"Aunt Hikari, Rin-chan," Mama muttered, letting go of my hand to jiggle the doorknob. "Feel free to call me Aunt Hikari since you're part of the family now. You too, Obito."
The medic and Uchiha in turn flushed red. "A-Aunt Hikari then," Rin amended for them both, just as Mama got the door open. "But, are you sure about having —"
"Of course I am," Mama said flatly, pushing the door so that it was easy to see the wide expanse of the cafe I called home. "Tomoko-chan loves you all very much, so of course I'm okay with having you here." I didn't miss how Mama turned her head to smile warmly in Rin-chan's direction. And unlike the mood she had in the Hokage's presence, I knew that this expression was genuine. "This is your home too, Nagareboshi Cafe. And you need your rest."
Papa immediately walked over to us while putting an arm around Obito's shoulders first. "Welcome back, kids," he said, warmth filling his voice. "Let's get you in for dinner. Sakumo's already waiting inside."
"D-Dinner?" The word came out of Obito's mouth as if sawdust had filled his throat, and I found myself turning to him. That one black eye was considerably moist, and sympathy was already flowing through me at the sight of the bandages covering…well, what was left of his left eye. "You mean—"
Papa smiled while poking Obito's right cheek with his left hand. "Warm food that isn't food pills or rations. You're with us, Obito."
The Uchiha proceeded to turn away while holding his right arm up to his face, hiding a smile and glints of something else in the remaining sunlight.
I let the idea of tears politely drop in exchange for focusing on Kakashi.
Rin was already being cared for by Mama, anyways.
My best friend, Kakashi, was looking into the cafe before taking a step forward. The way he was looking around reminded of the first time he ever started living with the family, staring in awe. Then, he took another step. And another. I unintentionally ended up following him the entire way until I found myself standing in front of the piano as he took a seat at his usual spot.
At this point, the chair accompanying the right side of my piano bench was his chair. No one else's.
He looked up at me with that same silver eye, warm and prodding, as his left hand reached over to take my right.
"…Tomoko," he said finally, tugging at my hand.
I blinked before smiling at him. "Yes?"
Kakashi visibly frowned through his mask, eyebrows furrowing in thought with the gesture, before tugging at my hand once more.
Does he—
I moved along with the gesture to sit down at my old bench, never breaking eye contact with him. "Do you…" I paused, pursuing my lips for a second to help find a proper response. "Do you want me to play something?"
Finally, finally a smile was breaking out on my best friend's face, and Kakashi nodded, squeezing my hand one more time before letting go to lift the piano cover. "…The first song you ever played for me, please."
I couldn't stop myself from reaching over and wrapping my arms around his neck in a warm hug.
"Of course."
My other half was back. My best friend was back.
Team Minato was home. Kakashi, Obito, and Rin were all safe.
Sure, we had our losses and problems.
Obito…would certainly need lots of help. The tied-up left sleeve was solid proof of that. Rin and I had a lot of talks in store for the future. And Kakashi and I would have to talk eventually, whether about my feelings or memories included. Not to mention whatever the Hokage wanted me to reveal to all my friends (and hopefully, family too, considering Mama's reaction) in due time.
I wasn't sure if I was ready for all that.
Heck, if I was ready for the future in general.
For coming clean about my vow of silence. For letting my friends know that I already knew of the danger and yet never got around to telling them because I was scared. For unintentionally keeping Mama and Papa out of the loop, even though they had given more than enough reason for me to confess to everything about myself and Vy because they loved me.
For the possibility of Rin still becoming a jinchuuriki of the Three Tails. For October Tenth.
For Madara to do something.
But when looking at those piano keys and playing the song that started my entire relationship with my best friend, it was easy to forget.
It was easy to go back to Blank, [ ], that white space in which two gamer siblings filled in Vy's old life.
With music, it was easy to remember that Hoshino Tomoko could still be a civilian girl, helping her ninja friends find their way back home.
That was enough for me.
In a cave, far away from Konoha in and the depths of the forest, an old Uchiha grit his teeth.
He needed a successor. And fast.
He glanced at his hand, only to mentally wince because the bones were already palpable to the eye. The skin covering said bones appeared almost like worn leather, easy to break with the slightest movement.
"Madara~" A black blob crooned. "There is another chance. My counterparts are in Kiri as we speak."
"Good," he choked out, tapping his scythe-cane against the wooden chair that was his rehabilitation. "Work faster."
He needed to get Namikaze Minato out of the picture. Now.
Author's Notes: First up, a huge apology. I didn't mean for this chapter to take so long, but with school starting back up for me and my past self having not planned past Kannabi as a huge climax for CP, I found myself in a writing rut.
And, once again, I have the real Leo and Josh to thank for helping me. A lot of plot threads needed to be covered before any romance comes into the picture again, so I tried to do that and they helped immensely. This chapter was also the first time I experienced what Lang (any Catch Your Breath, Ocean Stars Falling, and The Sea and Stars fans should know who she is) has described as "characters metaphorically digging their heels in," since Hikari and Tomoko ended up taking this chapter by storm to where I wasn't even sure what I was writing until it came out onto the Google Doc. So, whoa.
Nonetheless, for future chapters, I would like to inform readers that it might take a minimum of 2-3 weeks for updates to come around. College can be tough, and with my own having the quarter system, don't expect too many miracles. I am not dropping this story, however, so updates will be around!
And, I have to thank you all again because this coming October 19th, 2017, will mark Civilian Pianist's 1st year anniversary. I never thought I would be putting so much love and time into Tomoko and her world, so everyone's support, from reviews to the occasional Tumblr ask (which I would like more, by the way), has been very much appreciated. As of today's publication, September 30th, 2017, CP has 920 reviews, 1,303 favorites, 1,557 followers, and 362,114 hits.
Thanks again for having me.
This is Writer-and-Artist27 signing out to focus on school work AND brainstorm the next few chapters!