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 and GAARANARU so beware all ye who dare to read on.
"The Letters of Naruto Uzumaki to Sharingan Rooster-Head-sama"
"Oi, small blonde idiot!" an old man with a goatee and a receding hairline greeted Naruto who lugging his bag out of his dorm's main doors.
"Why you! Stop calling me an idiot old man! Otherwise I might just decide to teach your grandson all the wrong answers!"
"Do that and I'll skin you alive!"
"Oh yeah? Well not before I pull out your remaining hair!"
"Leave my hair out of this!" the old man retaliated, self-consciously running his hand over the thin fringe of white hair on his head. "Come on then brat. Let's see if you really know anything besides insulting your elders."
Naruto dumped his bag inside he van and settled down beside the old man. It was a three-hour drive to Mr. Tazuna's house. Along the way the two had a great time insulting each other. However, Naruto's attention was directed elsewhere when they reached the long bridge that they needed to pass.
"Wooow! Is that the sea?" the blonde boy scrambled partially out of his window to take a good look at the blue waters. "It's so cool!"
"Jeez! if you lean any further you'll fall out of this van! Get in here you idiot!"
Naruto complied but he was so keyed up he was bouncing on his seat.
"This is my first time seeing the sea and the beach like this. I've only seen it in pictures. Why is it so blue? Are there many fishes in there? How long is this bridge? Are we there yet?"
Mr. Tazuna groaned and sped up the vehicle. They arrived at the seaside house soon after they left the bridge. Mr. Tazuna's daughter greeted them at the door.
"Did you have an enjoyable trip?"
"Yes ma'am! I saw the sea and it was big and blue and—"
"You're so stupid," a small voice interrupted.
Naruto scowled at a boy three years younger than him.
"What did you say you brat?" he growled.
"Hey, that's my grandson you're talking to."
"I said you're stupid. Who would be so excited about seeing the sea. It's nothing but a big body of water."
"Just because you've lived near it your whole life you don't have to say that," Naruto defended himself. "The sea's wonderful and so beautiful with sparkling water and sooo blue and I bet a lot of animals live in it. I'd love to swim underneath and see everything and find out what I can learn about it."
"You're stupid! Grandpa shouldn't have wasted his time and money on taking a stupid person like you as my tutor!"
"Inari!"
The little boy into the house. Mr. Tazuna and his daughter sighed. They ushered a puzzled Naruto into the modest living room where a small snack had been laid out.
"Sorry about that," Inari's mother whispered. "I supposed father hasn't told you about Inari's dad…"
She looked Mr. Tazuna who shook his head mournfully.
"What happened?' Naruto prompted when the two lapsed into silence.
"Well, you see Inari's father died last year," Inari's mother explained. "He was a marine biologist and loved the sea so much. He and Inari would often take out a small boat and spend the day investigating the deep. But during an expedition, my husband's team ran across a violent storm. Their bodies were washed ashore after several weeks. Inari was very close to his dad so you can imagine his devastation when we learned about the news. He began to hate the sea that took away his dad."
"You were so happy about seeing the water that I forgot to warn you not to mention anything about it to Inari," Mr. Tazuna said.
Another uneasy silence reigned.
"Uhm…," Naruto piped up, "can I use your bathroom?"
The two adults chuckled, the tension dispelling a little bit. Inari's mother gave directions and Naruto swiftly went to relieve himself. But before he got there a noise coming from the farthest room along the hall stopped him. Curious, he went to investigate. He opened the door slowly and saw Inari crying out for his dad while holding a picture in his hands. Naruto's shoulders slumped and he quietly closed the door. He went to the bathroom and quickly returned to the living room where the two adults were talking softly.
"Look, you must be tired," Inari's mother said when she saw him. "Why don't you rest for a bit? You can start tutoring Inari tomorrow."
Anyone who truly knew Naruto would have been shocked to see him quietly comply with the suggestion. He obediently went to his room and stayed there until he was called for supper. During the meal Inari kept glaring at him but he ignored the boy and chose to converse with the older people, telling them about his life in high school. Twice he caught the boy trying hard to stifle a laugh at one of his funny anecdotes.
The next day, Inari was less hostile but still stubborn especially when Naruto got carried away with playing "teacher" during lessons.
"You're not a real professor anyway! You're just a stupid boy so stop pretending to know so much!" Inari said.
Naruto thrust his face close to the boy's and grinned nastily. "But I still know more than you," he sneered. "So shut up and do your exercises, squirt."
Inari opened his mouth to reply but he was interrupted by an energetic barking. A few seconds later a brown puppy careened into the room, enthusiastically yapping at the two boys.
"Pochi!"
Inari scooped up the puppy and hugged it tightly. The dog returned his affections by licking his face.
"Pochi!" Inari's mother rushed into the room. "Come out right now! You're not supposed to disturb Inari!"
Naruto looked at the happy boy.
"Hmm…maybe you should let Pochi stay," he said.
Inari and his mom looked at Naruto.
"I can teach him a trick or two…then let's see who will learn their lesson faster, Inari or Pochi."
"You're putting me up against a dog?" Inari yelled.
"I dunno…I think Pochi is quite intelligent and would learn faster than you."
"That's stupid! I'll prove that you're wrong!"
Inari put the puppy down and grabbed his notes again. Naruto and Inari's mom exchanged a triumphant grin.
The next two days passed much like the first tutoring session. Naruto's fifth day, however, dawned dark and stormy.
"Gee, do you guys always get freak storms like this?" Naruto asked over breakfast. "I feel like the whole house will get blown away."
Mr. Tazuna laughed. "Don't worry, this house has withstood a lot of storms and will be able to fight a few more. I should know, I designed it!"
"Good. Where's Inari?"
Inari's mom sighed.
"He's in his room and won't get out of bed."
"But wha—" the question died in Naruto's throat. "Oh. I guess this means lessons will be canceled today—"
"Mom! Grandpa!" Inari dashed into the dining room.
"What is it Inari?"
"Pochi! Pochi, he ran out of the house! I was scolding him and he just ran away and out of the flap on the door! You have to look for him!"
Naruto didn't waste any time. He raced out of the room with the rest of the Tazuna family trailing behind.
"Wait Naruto!" Mr. Tazuna yelled. "He could be anywhere! He could be near the sea!"
"He can't have gone very far!" Naruto shouted back. "Don't worry I'll find him!" he flashed a confident smile. "Inari won't lose a loved one to the sea anymore!"
He wrenched the door open and faced the gale not even bothering to put on any jacket. He forced his way against the wind and rain, shouting out the pup's name.
"Pochi! Pochi!"
"Pochi!"
Naruto looked back and saw Mr. Tazuna in rain gear.
"I can't let you become the only hero in front of my grandson, now can I?" the old man quipped.
The two moved on, their steps leading them to the raging sea.
"It's no use!" Mr. Tazuna yelled.
"Wait! What's that?"
Naruto held up a hand. A far-off barking could be heard faintly. Naruto jogged to the left, trying to find the source of the yelps.
"He's in the water!" Mr. Tazuna said, pointing to a distinct bobbing object.
Naruto immediately bolted into the sea. Swimming sessions with Jiraiya came to the fore. However, he was not a good swimmer and the force of the waves kept holding him back. His arms and legs where beginning to feel heavy when a dark object swam pass him. He was shocked to see Inari grimly heading out towards the dog. Since the boy was brought up near the sea, he managed to save his dog and paddle back to shore despite the raging water.
It was a triumphant trio that came back to the Tazuna house. Inari's mom fussed over him so much that Inari snapped at her to, "Stop it mom! I'm not a kid anymore!"
The next day, Naruto suggested that he and Inari have a field trip since the sun was shining again. After some hesitation, Inari nodded and his mom happily packed a small basket of food for them. The two headed out with some fishing gear and notes for lessons with a recovered Pochi happily tagging along.
When they reached a special cove, Naruto tried unsuccessfully to show off his fishing skills. Inari showed him how to snorkel. They spent half of the day looking at the fish, corals, clams, and other underwater things.
After lunch, Inari studied his noted while Naruto turned his attention to the piece of paper he had brought with him.
March 8
Dear Daddy Sharingan,
This is the hardest letter I ever wrote but you must know by now what my decision was. I hope you received the note that I left at my dorm for Kakashi to pick up. I'm really sorry if I caused you any pain by not accepting your invitation. I was really confused when you gave it. On the one hand I knew that being given the chance to tour Europe is only once in a lifetime. But on the other hand, I had already given out my word to a family who needed me. I was seesawing with my decision until that bastard Sasuke came and insulted me. He called me an "ungrateful, foolish, irrational, stubborn child who shows clearly that he doesn't know what's good for him". Those were his very words. I was just so angry that I had to go away. There I was so confused and lost and he had the gall to call me so many things and dictate my actions as if he owned me! You know daddy how much I hate being trapped into situations that I don't like.
Anyway, I called Mr. Tazuna right away and told him to pick me up early. Then I left a note care of Kakashi explaining to you that I had to keep my promise.
Well, daddy, I'm here now and I'm glad I kept my promise. I know Europe would have been a great experience but I'm learning a lot of things here too. Inari (that's the kid I'm teaching) just showed me how to snorkel and pointed out lots of stuff that I never knew about the sea. Mr. Tazuna is an engineer so I pick up stuff from him like how bridges are built and what to put in your house to make it strong. Inari's mom has told me some folktales that fishermen have been narrating since long ago. I can use those stories for my future projects.
So, don't think too badly of me, okay? I do appreciate your efforts to show that you really care for me. And look at it this way: I'm helping to educate a young man, someone who might become a great person someday. In my own small way I'm imitating what you're doing for me. And you better believe that Inari has the potential to become great. He used to hate the sea because of a traumatic experience but yesterday, during a really bad storm, he went out and saved his puppy from being drowned. He conquered his fears and hatred. Now, doesn't his bravery remind you of a blonde, blue-eyed boy you reached out to two years ago?
I'm becoming a Very Useful Citizen, daddy, and it's all thanks to you.
Naruto, the Tutor
March 15
Dear Daddy Sharingan,
Lessons are still progressing. Inari continues to be a brat but he has a sharp mind. I always have to double-check my facts just to be sure I have them right. See, daddy, I feel like I'm also reviewing my past lessons.
I've also finished several sketches of this place. I'll attach one with this letter. It's a view of the sea from my window. I never knew that drawing the sea could be so hard! It changes all the time and so fast that I have to really memorize a specific scene that I like before I can draw it.
I've also received two letters forwarded from my dorm. The first one is from Sasuke, that bastard, saying that he still thinks I made a stupid mistake. He also says that if his hectic schedule will allow, he might pass by Chidori Farm, and I might go there too. He says that Jiraiya and Tsunade wouldn't turn me out even if I were an idiot. Jeez! that guy has an ego the size of the whole Japan! Gah!
Anyway I won't go to Chidori Farm because the other letter I received is from Iruka and he's inviting me to visit their vacation house so that he and I can go back to school together. Do I still have to ask your permission to go or haven't I proven that I can make sound decisions on my own? I'm sure you'll agree that I'm old enough to decide things on my own. So. I'm going to pass by the Umino vacation home on my way back to school. I'll stay there for a week, have fun, talk with Sakura-chan, then proceed to Shinobi High with Iruka.
There, I've decided. I wish Sasuke, the great jerk, would go to Chidori Farm and find out that I'm not there! Ha! He can be bored there with just Shikamaru and Chouji and that Ino. I'm sure he'll miss my great company and rethink his hurtful words towards me! Hmp! I won't forgive him until he apologizes and brings me those foods that we ate at the festival we stopped by last year.
A boy with a mind of his own,
Naruto
Umino Summer House
March 20
Dear Daddy Rooster-Head,
Your letter didn't come in time. If you wish your instructions to be obeyed, you must transmit them instantly. Inari and I traveled from his house two days ago. I got permission from Iruka to bring him along. I figured allowing him to mingle with high school students would be a good way to let him adjust to high school life. He and Iruka's younger brother, Haku, have hit it off nicely so I guess my good idea has paid off. Inari will not enter high school alone but will be with a best friend. That's more than what I had when I started.
Anyway, Lee is here also so it was a good decision to pass by. Who knows what that guy has been doing to Sakura-chan. Then again, he's starting College this coming school year and this vacation is his last chance to be with Sakura-chan. Speaking of, I think I hear her calling for me. We're going canoeing. I'm going to enjoy what's left of my vacation now.
Naruto
April 2
Dear Daddy Rooster-Head,
Back at school and a senior—also Editor-in-Chief of the Monthly. When I entered this school I never expected to be acknowledged this much. It's a great feeling, daddy, to have your peers recognize your talents after working hard to prove them.
Also, guess what? Inari and Haku have taken over Lee's old room! I was really surprised when I accompanied him to the manager's office and she told us that he would be rooming with Iruka's bro at the fourth floor. Iruka is his same old, mommy self. Haku is just like him, friendly, thoughtful, and intelligent. Even Neji can't be cold to him for so long. Me, I'm being a proper upperclassman, of course. I'm secretly teaching the kids how to get food from the vendo machine at the first floor without putting in any money. You see what a great sempai I am? This year will be a lot of fun!
Preparing for a great year,
Naruto
"Hurry up Neji and Irukaaa!" Naruto whined as he herded Inari and Haku down the stairs.
"We're coming! Hey wait for us!" Iruka said, dashing after the trio with Neji not far behind. "The stadium would still be there even if we're a few minutes late."
"Yeah, but, but we'll miss seeing the start and everything!" Naruto yelled back, bouncing down each step.
"Why do you think we're running late anyway?" Neji grumbled.
"Shut up you!" Naruto said. "Why are you coming with us anyway? You hate football."
"Hmp! I'm only going with you to stop Iruka from pestering me."
"Neji. I keep telling you that staying all alone and angsting so much is not good for you. You need to get out more."
"Iruka you should know by now that Neji is a lost cause."
"So says the idiot who still gets lost in the school grounds."
"Hey Narutooo!" Inari yelled, interrupting the verbal match.
He and Haku had sprinted ahead and reached the main doors first.
"You have a visitor!" Haku added.
Naruto walked faster and squinted against the light.
"Who—" his eyes widened and he stopped on his tracks.
Iruka and Neji bumped against him.
"What's the matter Naruto?" Iruka asked.
Neji just followed Naruto's gaze.
"Oh. Sasuke."
Sasuke nodded at the assembled boys.
"Going somewhere?" he asked, looking at each one.
"Oh! we're going to see a J League game," Iruka explained, bowing to Sasuke. "My dad got us all tickets."
"Yeah," Naruto finally piped up. "And we're late already so we should go."
"I see…well then I hope the game will be enjoyable," Sasuke stepped aside.
"Come on guys!"
"But—uhm, Uchiha-san would you like to see the game too? I mean I can uhm…" Iruka trailed off. He only had tickets for five people.
"Iruka!" Naruto protested knowing that Iruka was willing to give up his ticket for Sasuke.
"No, it's quite all right," Sasuke said. "Go. Or you'll be late."
Naruto grabbed Iruka's hand before his best friend could say anything more and dragged him outside. The others followed except for Neji.
"Too bad you didn't ask for his schedule in advance," he commented once the others were out. "Maybe next time, cousin."
Sasuke glared at him. Neji just smirked and sauntered out.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. The game was exciting. Naruto's hyperactive attitude was so intense that the other boys were carried away in his enthusiasm, even the cool Neji. They were all hoarse and tired from cheering when they returned to their dorm.
"Hey Naruto a package was left for you," the manager called out just as they entered.
Naruto waved the others on as he waited for the manager who left for the office and returned with a big box.
"A guy came and left this for you."
Naruto took the box and slowly opened the lid. His eyes widened at the array of food carefully packed inside. On top of a box of pocky was a note.
I didn't get to finish my snacks again. I figured that bottomless pit you call a stomach would be able to eat everything in here. Sasuke
Naruto looked up to find Neji studying his face and smiling smugly at him.
ARC: I'll never tire of saying this: big, BIG thanks to all who reviewed! Wow! I never expected this fic to generate so much interest. Anyway, any of you guys have chapter 85 of the manga? All I can say is look at the cover. I swear I didn't base my fic on that picture. It just popped out at me now that I'm reviewing the chapters to check my Naruto facts. If you don't have a copy, put your email addy in the review and I'll give you a look-see.
Dragon
