Disclaimer: This is a fanfiction based on the novel Daddy-Long-Legs using characters from the series Naruto. I own not the novel nor the series so, if you please, do not sue me for I own nothing but my computer. Future SASUNARU. Thank you.
"The Letters of Naruto Uzumaki to Sharingan Rooster-Head-sama"
Dear Daddy Sharingan-sama,
Kakashi just came by with a note from you saying that I shouldn't accept Iruka's invitation and just go to the Chidori Farm this summer.
Why? Why? Why?
You know I've been looking forward to this vacation for so long. You know all of my plans. You know that I desperately want this because this is the first invitation I've received from a whole family since I was born. The Umino family is the first household that's actually liked me–me! orphan Naruto.
And I'll be learning a lot. Mrs. Umino will teach me how to cook other food besides ramen and onigiri. Mr. Umino will show me how to ride horseback and paddle a boat. Sakura will teach me how to dance. And Iruka and I are going to do our homework together.
I won't be trouble for them. I'll be good.
It'll be a nice and fun and exciting and learning experience for me so please won't you reconsider? If you won't allow me then I'll have to break my word to Iruka and you know how I hate to break my promises. So please, please, please let me go.
Begging you,
Naruto
Naruto stared blankly at the scenery speeding past as Kakashi's car rushed onwards. He had waited frantically for any news until the Friday before his vacation. When no word or secretary arrived, he finally had to concede defeat. He knew he had to follow Sharingan-sama, but it just hurt so much.
Slowly, sorrowfully, with many sobs in between, he had apologized to Iruka and explained that he couldn't join the Umino family during the vacation.
Naruto remembered Iruka's reply clearly: "I have to admit that I'm really disappointed. I was looking forward to this. But we have to respect your guardian's request. Ever since that white-haired guy came two week ago, you've been so sad. Now I know why. Don't worry Naruto, there will still be other summers that you can spend with my family. Meanwhile, don't be sad anymore. Enjoy your vacation. I'm sure your guardian has a god reason for this and something good will happen to you while you're there. Now stop crying, Naruto."
"Naruto? Naruto?"
Blue eyes snapped open.
"Huh? Wha–"
"We're here, Naruto."
The blonde boy looked out of the car to behold the Chidori Farm main house. He couldn't believe that the previous year he would have given anything to come to the farm, but this time…
Jiraiya and Tsunade ambled out of the house and grinned at him. He tried to muster a smile in return but failed miserably.
"Hey brat!" Jiraiya greeted.
Naruto only managed a whispered "Yo" and a wave of his fingers. The married couple looked at each other in surprise. Then they both turned piercing glares at Kakashi.
"Naruto, why don't take your bags to your room," Tsunade suggested. "We've cleaned up the room you used last year."
Naruto complied, dragging his bag inside. The three adults stared at his slumped retreating back.
"What the hell happened?" Tsunade growled when she was sure that Naruto was out of earshot. "Explain. Now!"
Kakashi did.
"That boy's not meant to be down and gloomy like this," Tsunade whispered then glared at Kakashi. "Your boss should know better than to manipulate people like puppets!" she said sharply.
"Hey, hey, enough of that," Jiraiya interrupted. "We just have to do our best to cheer up the boy."
"Well I'll leave you to it," Kakashi said, turning back to his car.
"Aren't you staying?" Tsunade asked.
"Nah. I'm not tired. We didn't do anything during the stopovers so we made good time. I can still manage to get back to the house before midnight." Kakashi looked back. "Besides, I don't think I can stand it if I see Naruto's sad eyes again."
The two old couple watched Kakashi get into his car.
But before he could leave Jiraiya hurriedly walked over to the car and whispered something to Kakashi. Tsunade saw the man's one eye widen then curve into a happy arc.
When he came back, Jiraiya was smiling smugly. Tsunade raised an eyebrow at him.
"What're you so happy about?"
"I've just thought of the perfect way to get back the Naruto we've come to know."
"Oh?"
"Yep," Jiraiya rubbed his hands together in glee.
Tsunade smacked his head.
"Well? Are you going to make me wait all day before you tell me your plan?"
"You could've just asked! You didn't have to turn violent."
Tsunade raised a fist.
"Okay, okay! Remember that note you received last year?"
Jiraiya explained the details of his plan. Slowly, a smile appeared on Tsunade's lips.
"Yes, that just might work…"
"Hey brat! Oi!" Tsunade shook Naruto roughly as the boy played with his dinner. "I don't know why you're moping around—"
"Sharingan-sama—"
"I don't care why either," Tsunade cut him off. "You're here now and you're going to keep your work schedule just like last year."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest but the hard glint in Tsunade's eyes stopped him.
"Whatever," he mumbled.
True to her words, Tsunade woke him up early the next day to do chores. Naruto lethargically went about cleaning, weeding, feeding the animals, and completing all of the tasks that Tsunade gave him. When he had finished he escaped towards a small hill where he stared up at the clouds for the rest of the day. He didn't feel like training with Jiraiya or talking to Shikamaru and Chouji. He didn't even have the enthusiasm to write or draw anything. He also hardly talked to anyone, which was the most unsettling thing about him. He was too wrapped up in his misery that he didn't see the worried glances the others gave him.
This routine went on until the third day of his vacation. On his fourth morning, he was surprised to see Ino cleaning the room across his and everyone else bustling around the house when he went down for breakfast.
"What's going on?" he asked Tsunade as she piled his plate high with food.
A peculiar expression passed over Tsunade's face for a moment. It was gone before Naruto had a chance to comment on it.
"Didn't I tell you? We're having another visitor this year?"
"Puh? Phoo?"
Tsunade hit the back of his head.
"Don't speak when your mouth's full." She turned away to get the tea. "And it's Master Sasu-chan. He's coming here today."
Naruto spit out all of the food in his mouth onto Jiraiya who was quietly eating in front of him. A vein ticked on the man's forehead.
"WHAT? SASUKE-BASTARD IS COMING HERE?"
"Today," Tsunade nodded then gave him another smack on the head. "And don't call him bastard."
"Even if he deserves it," Jiraiya muttered while cleaning his face.
"But–but–but he can't come here!"
"Why not?"
"Because–because I'm here!" Naruto's arms flailed.
"Numbskull," Tsunade gave his head a third strike. "If you've forgotten let me remind you that he used to own this place."
Jiraiya stood up, effectively cutting off any more of Naruto's protests.
"Come on boy, hurry up and finish your breakfast. Just because the master is coming," Jiraiya choked, "doesn't mean that you can escape your regular chores."
Naruto gulped down the rest of his food and hurried after the old man.
"Hey! Hey! Old pervert!"
Jiraiya slowed down enough to let Naruto catch up to him before delivering the fourth abuse on Naruto's cranium for that day.
"What is it brat?"
Naruto rubbed his throbbing head, practically jumping up and down in his distress.
"Why's Sasuke-bastard coming here? Huh? Huh?"
"For vacation of course!"
"But–but he's rich right? He can go anywhere he wants to right? Anywhere in the world!"
"Well, apparently he wants to go here." Jiraiya held up one hand to stall Naruto's next outburst. "Before you say anything else, find those eggs that the black hen hid again. Tsunade will need them for lunch today."
Naruto scampered away, grumbling about Uchiha-bastards ruining his perfect vacation. He didn't see Jiraiya smirking at his back.
As he performed chores, Naruto tried to formulate plans to make Sasuke's stay a miserable one. Pranks after pranks were thought up and discarded. He was so intent on his musings that it came as a shock when he saw a sports car parked near the gates just as he was carrying in a basket full of fresh vegetables.
"What! He's here already?" he cursed.
He charged inside the house. After dumping his load in the kitchen he rushed towards the main hall. Just as he was skidding around a corner, he bumped onto a hard body and ended up sprawled on the floor.
He shook his head and looked up to lock eyes with—
"Aah! It's Sasuke-bastard!"
"It's the idiot."
"Don't call me an idiot you jerk!" Naruto jumped to his feet, finger pointing threateningly at his enemy.
"All right—Neanderthal."
Naruto paused, his face scrunched up in confusion.
"It roughly means a prehistoric monkey-man," Jiraiya explained helpfully.
Naruto blinked, realizing that Tsunade, Jiraiya, Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji were behind Sasuke. Wait a minute—
"Aah! I knew it! You're mocking me again!" Naruto screeched, lunging forward in an attempt to punch Sasuke. A fist landed on his head before he could throw a punch out.
"Stop being such a brat!" Tsunade roared.
Naruto pouted at her then glared at his nemesis.
"Why're you here anyway? We don't want you here!"
"That's not true!" Ino suddenly interjected, glaring at the blonde. "You're very welcome here Master Sasuke," she simpered at the Uchiha much to Shikamaru's disgust.
Sasuke ignored her, smirking at Naruto.
"Ever since I learned that you came here I wanted to see how much you've polluted the place."
"Wah! I'm not a pollutant!"
Mass choking occurred from the others.
Sasuke looked haughtily down at Naruto. "I have to see that for myself. While I survey everything, take my bags to my room," he ordered.
"Wha—why do I have to? I'm not a servant here! Besides you have hands and feet to do it!"
"Naruto…" Tsunade growled in warning.
Naruto yelped. "Okay, okay I'm going! You don't have to be so violent!"
"I'll show you violent!"
Naruto muttered curses and threats of bodily harm to all Uchihas as he lugged two bags up to the second floor. Once he reached the landing he looked right and left, puzzled. No one had told him where Sasuke would be sleeping. Then he remembered Ino cleaning the room across his. He groaned.
"First he comes here. Then out of the many rooms here, he gets the one near mine! There is no justice!"
He reached the room and flung the bags inside. He stopped to catch his breath, surveying the room. His eyes finally settled on the bags he had just carried. A mischievous sparkle lit up in his eyes. He snickered as he tiptoed inside and bent over one bag.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that it's rude to open other people's belongings?"
Naruto meeped and scrambled away from the luggage he had been about to open. Sasuke walked into the room, scowl firmly on his lips.
Naruto squinted up at him defensively. "I was just checking if you have bombs there or something."
"Idiot! Why would I carry things like that with me?" Sasuke bent over his bag and opened it. "There! See for yourself."
He shoved the bag towards the blonde. Naruto peered inside. His eyes popped open.
"Uwah! Canned loquats and peaches! Manju cakes from the last train station while coming here! Candies like those I ate at the festival Kakashi and I went to last year! And all flavors of Pocky!"
He began pulling snacks after snacks out.
"Stop that!" Sasuke said, tiring of the blonde's enthusiastic babble. "They're just snacks I thought I would eat while traveling."
"Nuwah! You should share!"
"Leave those things and hurry up. They're about to serve lunch and I'm starving."
Sasuke stood up. Naruto looked longingly at one pack of strawberry Pocky. Sasuke sighed and snatched it up while walking out of the room. Naruto followed him like an eager puppy.
"Come on, this will tide us over until they finish preparing the table," he said while opening the packet. He popped one stick in his mouth and grimaced. He shoved the whole thing towards Naruto.
"What's with that face?" Naruto asked, happily munching two sticks at a time.
"I hate sweet stuff."
"But why'd you buy this if you hated it?"
"I didn't know it would be that sweet. The coconut isn't that bad."
"I like the chocolate-flavored sprinkled with crushed almonds!"
Sasuke shuddered. By that time they had reached the main hall. Naruto immediately turned left.
"Where are you going idiot?"
Naruto looked back to see Sasuke facing the right side of the hall.
"I thought you said we're eating lunch. The dining room's over here."
"I know that but the weather's good so I said we should eat outside, under that big tree in the backyard."
"Oh!" Naruto turned back and scowled at Sasuke, matching his strides. "Jeez! You're really stuck up. You just have to say a word and everyone practically falls over just to follow your orders."
Sasuke sneered. "Jealous because I have that much power and all you get are hits on the head?"
Naruto scoffed. "Yeah right! You wish! I just don't want to be rude but I can handle anything that Tsunade gives me!"
"Oh really…"
"Of course!"
"I'd like to see you try."
"Just watch me!"
"Watch what? Can't I leave you two alone without hearing you fight?" Tsunade suddenly appeared behind the two with plates in both hands, causing them both to jump a little.
"Naruto was saying something about defeating you," Sasuke said, smiling evilly at Naruto.
"Wah! Sasuke-bastard!"
"Hey! Stop that!" Jiraiya interrupted. He and the rest of the household were already settled down in front of a steaming sukiyaki pan. "Naruto, leave him alone for a moment or we won't be eating any time soon."
Naruto huffed and sat down on a chair beside the old man. Everyone sighed in relief. But the tension increased again once the meal started. It seemed that the two boys found even the smallest of reasons to antagonize each other.
"Hey that's my beef!"
"Loser. You have to be faster than me if you don't want your food to disappear."
"Master Sasuke—"
"Naruto chew your food once in a while."
"Master Sasuke how do you like—"
"Wah! Stop you mushroom thief!"
"You must really be hungry Sasu-chan. I've never seen you eat so much."
"I think that beef's burnt."
"Hey if you're not going to eat the leeks, can I have them?"
"Sasu-chan I didn't see you eating your vegetables."
"Yeah, Sasu-chan, you need vegetables to grow!"
"So says the midget."
"Hey!"
"Tsunade, I'm 21 already! Stop bossing me around. And stop it with the -chan!"
All in all it was the liveliest lunch everyone had had in a long time.
After lunch, the chaos continued.
"Jiraiya, spar with me," Sasuke asked, walking over to the white-haired man, who was trying to take a nap under a tree. Tsunade had managed to coerce Naruto into helping with the dishes.
Jiraiya opened one eye. "Aren't you full? You should rest a bit after all that food."
Sasuke shrugged. "I'm not feeling—"
Naruto came rushing out of a side door. He was heading at full-speed towards the hill beside the farm, clutching a big notebook to his chest.
"Where is that idiot going?" Sasuke muttered.
"Why don't you follow him to find out?" Jiraiya suggested with a grin. "You might even want to spar with him. He's got some good moves that might surprise you."
Sasuke scowled but made no other comment. He quickly followed Naruto. He found the other boy sitting on a branch of the big camphor tree growing on the hillock, doodling something on his pad. Sasuke tilted his head to the side, sighed, and settled down on the roots of the tree. It was a few minutes later before Naruto realized that he wasn't alone. He had stopped his work and was just staring off into space when Sasuke spoke.
"You look even more idiotic staring blankly like that."
Naruto lost his balance and fell off the branch. He quickly regained his feet and screamed at Sasuke.
"You bastard! Tsunade's not here to save you now so prepare to die!"
The blonde lunged at the brunette. Sasuke's lips quirked. Guess he didn't have to ask Naruto to spar after all.
The two exchanged blows until the sun set. They would have continued on had Tsunade not found them and given them identical bumps on the head.
"What the hell are you two doing? Look at you covered in bruises and leaves and dirt!"
"Tsunade I—"
"I don't care if you've grown up Sasuke!" Tsunade roared. "If you continue to act like a little boy then I'll treat you like one! Now march! Go! Back to the house, now!"
The two obeyed. Once inside the house, they were ordered to clean up and eat dinner quietly. The two managed to comply until Naruto accidentally kicked Sasuke under the table. The brunette glared and kicked back. Their eyes burned with promises of bodily harm. Yes! Foot fight!
Naruto gratefully lowered his body to his bed. It had been a long and eventful day. He blinked at the ceiling as he slowly relaxed every aching muscle in his body. He was just drifting off to sleep when he heard a knock on his door. He groaned.
"Go 'way," he mumbled.
The soft knocks continued. Cursing whoever it was on the other side, Naruto stood up and opened the door. He blinked owlishly and saw Sasuke looking at him funny. He growled.
"Whatcha want?"
Sasuke thrust something to his chest. Naruto looked down to see his notepad and his pencil.
"The morning dew would've ruined it. Good night."
By the time Naruto had collected his thoughts, Sasuke had already closed his door. The blonde was rooted to his spot for a while, blinking at the suddenness of everything. Then he shrugged and closed his door. He slowly went back to bed, opening his notebook to see if any of his sketches had been damaged. As he caught sight of an illustration of Iruka, a thought suddenly hit him. He had not moped or even thought of his unsuccessful vacation with the Uminos even once during that day!
He settled back into his bed and flipped to his last drawing—the Chidori Farm with the sports car parked at the side and people scurrying about. Naruto closed the pad and placed it on the table beside his bed. He pulled up his thin blanket and snuggled into his pillow. As he drifted off to sleep, his lips slowly curved into the first true smile he could produce since he arrived at the farm.
ARC: I'm beginning to see an unexpected pattern to my chapters…hmmm. Oh well, there you have it, another chapter haphazardly brought to you as soon as I was able.
Thanks be to all who reviewed! To Wowie and Lili-chan who pointed out my grammatical errors. I can only plead sleepiness for that. To Kyuubi-kun, yes Iruka's the one Kakashi saw in the dorm's hallway near the end of the previous chapter and yes, I wanna own a theater too! And to all the others who like how the story is shaping up and who wanted me to Update! Update Soon! This chapter is for you. Bow
Dragon
