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. Also, tis mild SASUNARU so beware all ye who dare to read on.
"The Letters of Naruto Uzumaki to Sharingan Rooster-Head-sama"
Naruto hummed a little ditty as he entered his dormitory.
"Hey Naruto, you've got a package!" the manager yelled from inside the reception room. "It's in your cubby!"
"Thanks!" Naruto shouted back heading for the small lockers under the stairs where various mails and packages were kept for the dorm's occupants.
Since he rarely got anything besides bills and flyers, Naruto was surprised to see an official looking envelope inside his box. His eyes widened as a prominent magazine's logo jumped out at him. His body shook with anticipation. He didn't want to be too optimistic—he had already gotten a taste of rejection—but this envelope was big as if there was more inside than just a simple letter—
Naruto nearly burst a fiery path as he raced to his room. Once in his sanctuary he ripped the envelope open and took out a copy of a magazine and an attached letter. He unfolded the letter and skimmed through the words. The whole dorm shook at his piercing "Whoooohoooo!"
"Naruto? What happened? Are you all right?" Iruka asked, rushing inside Naruto's room only to find his friend jumping all over the place in glee, one hand clutching a letter while the other held a magazine.
Iruka laughed as Naruto, upon seeing him, seized his hands and enthusiastically waltzed him around the room.
"I'm a writer! I'm a writer!" Naruto announced at the top of his voice.
"Naruto! What's going on?" Iruka asked again in between chuckles.
After a few more dizzying turns, Naruto finally managed to calm down enough to explain, if not properly then semi-coherently.
"They accepted my short story Iruka! This summer I sent out some short stories to some magazines and this one accepted, although I really don't remember sending this particular story to that company, but, anyway I must've given it because they sent me a letter just now saying that they liked it and published my story and I'm an official writer and they sent a check with their letter and they also think that I have great potential and if I have any more stories I should send it to them because they have this scholarship for future writers that they think I should apply for!
Naruto gasped, finally running out of breath.
"Wow! Congratulations Naruto! What story did you send?"
"Well, it's titled "The Day the Leaves Began to Fall." I wrote it last year when I was feeling depressed and angsty. Remember that time?"
"Oh yes, then you got really sick after a few weeks."
"Yeah, that time. Never thought being that down would have benefits in the future."
"Congratulations! This calls for a celebration, don't you think so?"
The two friends grinned at each other.
"Ichiraku!" they yelled simultaneously.
"And this time it'll be my treat!" Naruto added as they walked out together.
September 20
Dear Daddy Sharingan Rooster-Head,I did it Daddy! I'm an official writer! Rasengan magazine published my story! I've included a copy of the issue with this letter so you can read it. The company also sent me a check and, you'll never guess, an application form for a college scholarship! It seems that they have this scholarship for young writers and they think I might just be able to get it when I enter college a year from now! Isn't that great? I never thought that so many good things could happen to writers!
And I'm awfully glad because there's a chance that I won't burden you so much when I finish high school. And now I'm confident enough in my abilities to really go and write and illustrate for many publications out there. I was a bit iffy before because some magazines returned my manuscripts and Sasuke-bastard said that I didn't know what I was writing about. Ha! This'll show him! But, come to think of it, this story was something that was really close to my heart and the bastard may be on to something—about writing things that I really know instead of just making things up straight from my imagination. I'll have think on those things further. Anyway, I'll begin a new story with some cool illustrations now that I'm really pumped!
Can't sleep because of excitement and raring to work on a new project,
Naruto, Rasengan Contributor
Dear Mr. Obsessive-Compulsive,
Will you please tell me one good reason why I shouldn't try out for Rasengan Magazine's scholarship? I don't even know if I will get it or not. And I want to at least give it a try. I don't want to regret not knowing if I could have managed to get the scholarship or not.
And what's with your need to control all of my actions? You may be my guardian and my sponsor but you do not own my life! Naruto Uzumaki is his own man! I will never willingly submit myself to anyone—benefactor or not!
Now, don't get too angry with me. I'm just telling the truth. You shouldn't control people. You have to allow them to make decisions for themselves and to make mistakes on their own so they will learn. How can I grow if you keep holding me back?
I am thankful, awfully thankful for all that you do to me, but I need to have some measure of freedom. You can give me suggestions and hints. I will listen to them but the final decision must be mine. Are we clear on that? Good.
I've followed your orders before but this time I am going to be FIRM in my decision. I will try out for that scholarship. If I get it, then good for me, and you should be happy for me too! If I don't get it then at least I tried.
By the way, why didn't Kakashi deliver your letter this time? Is he still afraid that I'll pound his head up because of last summer? Tell him that I've forgiven him already. Sheesh! That pervert should know that I don't hold grudges that long.
Dear Mr. Rooster-Head,
Are you still being stubborn about that scholarship thing? You're starting to act like a bastard Hyuuga-Uchiha! Stop it! Besides I've already filled the form out and sent all the stuff that they needed so there's nothing you or I can do about it. It's in the company's hands now.
What's with the line in your letter that says you prefer that I shouldn't accept a scholarship from strangers? What do you call yourself when you offered me this scholarship to Shinobi High? Is there anyone I know less? I swear I wouldn't recognize you even if you bumped into me on the street.
And will you please listen to me? Try to look at everything my point of view just once. I know you don't want me to return your money when I graduate but I would still want to, if I could. This scholarship, if I will get it, will help me a bit to get that goal because 1) I won't have to rely on you for college; 2) I will have some money that I can save on my own; 3) I will feel some sort of accomplishment by getting something that I really worked hard for.
I hope my explanations will come across to you. Also, where the hell is Kakashi? Is he sick? I'm not used to receiving letters from you in the mail.
With that said, good night daddy. Please don't be annoyed that your little scholar wants to prove his worth to the world by himself. He's growing up into a fine young man with a spunky attitude and a more sincere smile.
Naruto
October 10
Dear Daddy Sharingan Rooster-Head,
I guess my explanations did reach you. I'm glad. Also, I'd like to thank you—THANK YOU!—for the great gifts you gave me for my unofficial birthday. I didn't expect you to remember my rant last year. I've never gotten any birthday presents before and the clothes and books were really more meaningful because I had just given you a nasty letter but you still gave me presents. THANK YOU! Also thank Kakashi for me. He looked really bad when he delivered the gifts. He must've been really sick.
Anyway, on with this month's updates.
We celebrated Sports Day last Monday. We were all assembled in the quadrangle and the Principal said some things, which we didn't listen to because we were all so keyed up. I took part in almost all of the track and field contests—broad jump, pole vaulting, 50-meter and 100-meter dash, three-legged race (which I ran with Iruka, that was fun!) and the relay race. And, what do you know, I won all of them! Iruka says it's because I'm naturally agile and flexible. He doesn't know that I had great training when I kept escaping from Ebisu-sensei back in the orphanage. I also tried out basketball and football but my aim wasn't that great.
Whenever I finished a race I'd go back to our tent and my classmates would fuss over me, giving me water and towel. They also had a cheer for me but I won't repeat it here because it was a bit embarrassing.
Despite giving our all, we didn't win the athletic cup though. The seniors did. But I got a lot of prizes for my wins so I'm still really happy! And the organizers sponsored a dinner for all of the winners. I had soft-shell crabs and chocolate ice cream that night! I can't wait for next year's sports day! I'll definitely give it my all so that our year will win the Cup!
You athletic speedster,
Naruto
P.S.
I've attached a drawing I made during that event. I'm that blur racing around the track.
November 5
Dear Daddy Sharingan Rooster-Head,
Listen to this: stuck-up Neji Hyuuga has invited me, poor orphan Naruto Uzumaki, to go with him to Tokyo during the Christmas vacation. I wonder what bug bit him that he suddenly wanted to become chummy with me.
I'd rather go to Iruka's but Neji asked first. Do you think it would be too impolite to say no to Neji's invite? Wait, are you even going to allow me to go to Tokyo with him? I think my summer vacation fiasco has traumatized me so much that I'd rather know what you have in mind before I make any promises.
So, daddy, can I go this time or should I just stay at the dorm all by myself? Of course, if you'd rather I not go, I will follow your wishes with my usual docility.
Besides I don't think I have enough good clothes to wear if I stay with the great Hyuuga-Uchiha clan for a week. I mean your presents are okay to wear in their company, but those won't be enough. What if Neji's clan suddenly decides to hold a formal dinner? I don't think I have anything for that. Also, what do I say to them when we're just chatting around? I can hardly hold a conversation with Neji without wanting to beat him up. A cold shudder creeps across my spine as I imagine a whole room full of Neji Hyuugas. I don't think I'll be able to survive.
I wonder if Sasuke-bastard will be there though…
Waiting for your reply,
Naruto
December 1
Dear Daddy Sharingan Rooster-Head,
There's going to be a dance with the all-girls school where Sakura is studying. It will be some sort of socialization dance so there won't be people asking for "dates" or anything. All of us on this floor are going. I think I'll use that set of semi-formal shirt and pants that you gave me for my birthday. I haven't really used that. And I've practiced what I'm going to say to Sakura when I see her.
There is only one problem: I don't know how to dance! Do you know how to dance daddy? I bet you do. I bet you've charmed so many women in your whole life and you're probably laughing at me right now. Actually I'd be laughing too if I weren't so nervous. But there's got to be a way to overcome my handicap.
By the way, you haven't given me any notes telling me not to go to Tokyo with Neji so I'm assuming you're agreeable to the idea. You're really weird. You'll allow me to go with the jerk but not with my best friend, Iruka. I sense some bias here.
I'm too nervous to think about it though. Maybe Iruka will teach me to dance. I can't ask Neji because he's too much of an asshole and he'll probably laugh at me and say that I'm doing everything wrong, which will make me even more nervous. I can't ask Lee. I don't think he can dance either.
Yep, Iruka it must be. Wish me luck daddy.
Also, this may be my last letter to you for this year. I don't know if I'll be able to write another this month. If so, let me wish you a Happy Christmas in advance.
Naruto
Naruto tugged at his collar for the umpteenth time that night. It itched and he was beginning to regret donning the new shirt. He glanced across the expansive dance floor to the Other Side where all the girls were sitting. He really couldn't understand why the girls and boys' tables were on separate sides of the room. Why, if all of the students were supposed to "socialize", did the teachers deem it necessary to split up the participants as far away from each other as possible?
Blue eyes wandered over to the occupants of his table. Iruka was sitting placidly next to him and smiling softly at nothing. Neji was glaring coolly at everything else in the room (he reminded Naruto so much of Sasuke that the blonde boy couldn't help but scowl). Lee looked really nervous, smoothing out his clothes every few minutes in his anxiety. Kiba, a loud upperclassman whom Naruto had drawn once as a dog, was unusually quiet. Shino, another upperclassman who was Kiba's exact opposite, was sitting like a statue with his ever-present sunglasses perched on his nose (Naruto wondered if the boy could still see anything, what with the dim lighting of the room). Gaara was sitting quietly on Naruto's other side.
A teacher went up to the small stage where a microphone had been set up. Lee tensed up even more, listening intently. The teacher, Gai-sensei, was his favorite professor and he hoped to follow in the man's footsteps.
"Ahem! Is this thing working? Can you all hear me?" Gai-sensei said, tapping the obviously working mike. "Okay. In a few minutes we will be opening the floor for dancing. Let me remind you all, especially you precocious boys, that there will be no taking advantage of our young ladies tonight. You must show your true gentlemanly traits tonight."
He paused dramatically.
"I know that your youthful enthusiasm might be hard to handle, which is why your professors are here to make sure that you do not step out of line."
The man flashed a grin that blinded everyone in the room except Lee, and probably Shino.
"However, do not allow this to dampen your good mood for tonight's festivities. Dance the night away and be happy and young! Band, please start the music!"
He struck a pose onstage and Lee, who had been the only one listening, jumped to his feet and clapped wildly.
The music began and, one by one, the boys stood up to ask some girls to the floor. Some brave girls had also wandered over to the boys' side and approached Neji and Iruka.
Iruka, the friendly person that he was, said yes to the first girl to ask him to dance and politely promised to dance with the other girls later on. Neji, however, stared down at all the girls flocking around him. The nervous ones slowly left until only a brunette named Tenten was left. She matched his glare. Finally, after a few minutes of their wordless contest, Neji huffed and walked towards the dance floor leaving behind a suddenly confused Tenten. He stopped a few paces from the other dancing couples and looked back.
"Well? Didn't you want to dance?" he asked, still maintaining his haughty demeanor.
Shrugging in defeat and showing a small amount of smug success, Tenten followed him.
The other boys left around the table gaped at Neji.
"Real smooth," Kiba muttered.
"…" Shino said, agreeing wholeheartedly. He would never have the guts to something like that either.
Naruto gulped. He had to screw up his courage or Lee, who had recovered from his Gai-sensei-worshipping state, would ask Sakura for the first dance before him! He stood up. He was about to take a step forward when he felt a tug at his sleeve. He looked down then followed the hand attached to his cuff to Gaara's face.
"Uhm…"
Gaara let go of Naruto's sleeve then looked around. He seemed to be searching for something.
"Did you need something Gaara?" Naruto asked politely, remembering his ongoing plan to befriend the boy.
"Sakura-chan!"
Naruto whipped around to see Lee smiling broadly at an approaching Temari tugging along a reluctant Sakura.
"Hey Lee! Naruto! Gaara," Temari greeted. "Naruto want to dance?" she asked boldly, stopping in front of the blonde and grinning mysteriously at her brother.
Naruto opened his mouth to decline as he saw Lee sidle next to Sakura. Gaara, however, took that moment to stand up and offer a hand to the pink-haired girl. Startled, Sakura automatically accepted the proffered hand. This left Naruto with no choice but to follow Temari to the dance floor.
Lee tearfully let them pass, vowing to ask Sakura to dance next time. With this in mind, he watched Gaara and Sakura like as hawk as he tried to determine when his chance could be. As he stared he wondered briefly why Gaara seemed to have his eyes glued to the blonde couple instead of the pink-haired goddess in his arms.
"Maybe he's just worried for his sister…" he thought, dismissing the other reason his mind came up. "It's not like he's watching Naruto. That wouldn't be right."
Miles from the unfolding teenage drama, a lone figure opened a much-thumbed magazine and once again began to read The Day the Leaves Began to Fall, by Naruto Uzumaki.
"Kakashi?"
"Yes boss?"
Kakashi stood respectfully in front of his employer's desk.
"There will be some changes in my plans for Christmas. You'll have to deliver Naruto's presents early."
"As you wish."
"Make sure to tell him clearly that I'm allowing him to go to Tokyo."
"Yes sir."
"I think I'll go pay a visit to some relatives this December. Shake them up a bit."
"Very good sir."
Long fingers caressed the magazine spread across the desk.
"He wrote that he wouldn't be able to recognize me even if I bumped into him in the streets."
Kakashi waited silently. He had been used to his employer's tendency to jump from one topic to another as he mused out loud.
"Not recognize me indeed…we'll have to test that theory out, don't you think so?"
Kakashi's eye curved in an amused smile that mirrored his employer's.
ARC: Sorry for the delay. And sorry if this is too short and quite possibly pointless.
Anyway, a big thanks to all who reviewed once again! And gosh! I made Native Sakura so curious they she went and read the original Daddy-Long-Legs novel. Woah!
Dragon
