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 KAKAIRU so beware all ye who dare to read on.

"The Letters of Naruto Uzumaki to Sharingan Rooster-Head-sama"

"Chief!"

Naruto looked up from the page of the Monthly he was proofreading. One of his subordinates was bearing down on him with an official looking package.

"This was dropped at the school's admin office!" the boy said cheerfully, handing the parcel to the blonde. "I was passing by there so they told me to give it to you. Looks like it's from a publishing house! Did you send them anything? Are you going to be published again? It would be great if you were! I bet you are—I bet our Chief will be so popular and—"

"Ah! Right!" Naruto interrupted impatiently. "Why don't you hunt down our Features Editor and ask her about her page?"

"Right-o chief! I'm on it!"

When he was left alone in the staff room once more, Naruto heaved a sigh of relief before tensing up once again. No matter how many times he received mail from the various publishing companies he sent his works to he still felt apprehensive about opening each one.

Slowly he tore the envelope open. His face fell when he saw that his manuscript was inside. A letter was attached to it. He already knew its content. He took a deep breath and pulled it out.

Mr. Uzumaki,

We regret to inform you…

Naruto's eyes scanned the paper before his hands automatically grabbed the parcel and his body propelled him out of the room.

"Hey Chief, our Features Editor said that she will–Chief? Chief! Where're ya going?"

Naruto didn't bother to answer. He rushed out of the hall, out of the building, out of the school. He let his feet lead him to where they wanted to go.

I have noticed that your address is that of a prestigious school for boys. If you would heed a piece of advice…

Naruto's steps quickened, lengthened. One hand fisted the letter while the other gripped the manuscript so hard that his knuckles became white.

I gave a copy of your manuscript to a test reader. He returned it with these comments…

Naruto stopped. He blinked. He found himself standing in front of the incinerator at the back of his dormitory.

Take this from someone who has seen many works of famous writers…

"WHAT THE HELL DO THEY KNOW! THEY DON'T KNOW ME! THEY DON'T! THEY DON'T!"

In one burst of frustrated energy, Naruto opened the incinerator's door and hurled the manuscript and letter into the roaring fire.

"They don't…"

May 17th

Dear Daddy Rooster-Head,

I've experienced another setback in my literary career. I don't know whether to tell you or not…oh well I'll tell you anyway, I need to tell someone. Iruka's not an option right now since he's busy doing student council stuff, so you'll have to do—not that I mean that Iruka's better than you or I like Iruka more! Of course not. I just meant that I usually tell Iruka my problems more because, well, because he listens and actually has some deep advice to give. You don't respond at all! Anyway, where was I? I'm rambling like the idiot that I am, huh?

Okay, here goes. I've been writing this novel since last winter. I finished it during my spring break and sent it to a publisher. He kept it for more than one month so I thought he was going to publish it. But yesterday I received a package from the guy and there was my manuscript, back again with a very formal letter suggesting that I put all of my energy into my lessons first since he saw that I was still in high school. He said that I would have all the time in the world after I graduated from college and pursued a literary career. He even had someone else read my story. Here is that person's opinion:

'Plot highly improbable. Characterization exaggerated. Conversation unnatural. A good deal of humor but not always in the best of taste. Tell him to keep on trying, and in time he may produce a real book.'

Not really flattering is it, daddy? And here I was dreaming of surprising you with a great novel before I finish high school. I collected material for it during my stay at the Hyuuga mansion. I guess the editor is right. Two weeks really isn't enough time to observe the manners and customs of a snob family.

At first I was so angry that I took the manuscript back to the dorm with me and I went to the incinerator and chucked the whole thing into the fire. I felt like crying! It was like cremating my only child!

I went to bed totally depressed. I thought I was never going to amount to anything and that you wasted your money for nothing.

But you know what? When I woke up this morning, the sun was shining, the weather was great and I had a whole new plot running in my head! I was so excited that I started writing an outline before I went to class. Then I spent the whole day (in between classes and during breaks) planning out my characters. Hehe! A little rejection won't put the great Uzumaki down! I'm gonna come back up and write, write, write! That publisher doesn't know what he's talking about! I won't waste my time on my lessons when there's so many stories out there that I can write and draw!

So, daddy, don't worry about your money. It's in good hands. After all, it's in the hands of

Naruto Uzumaki, Author and Illustrator

June 5

Dear Daddy Sharingan Rooster-Head,

Our school president made a speech this evening about the "modern generation" being "flippant and superficial." He said that the youth of today are losing the old ideas of "earnest endeavor and true scholarship particularly shown in the disrespectful attitude towards organized authority." It seems he thinks that young people "no longer pay deference to superiors."

I tried tuning him out because I thought he was talking nonsense again but his words got me thinking, am I being too familiar with you? Should I treat you with more dignity? Ebisu-sensei reminded me to be Very Respectful. I think I told you what he said before I came here.

So, I'll begin again.

Dear Sharingan-san,

You will be pleased to hear that I continue to enjoy high grades in all of my subjects, especially those concerning Literature and the Arts. Physics is my hardest subject now, however, my good friend Umino-kun continues to guide me along the rocky path to making sense of our lessons.

My extra-curricular activities are flourishing as well. I have just been named captain of the Kempo club. I must now balance my time between my scholarly pursuits and my duties to this noteworthy organization, of which I hope to lead into the Nationals this year, and to our student newspaper, of which I am the editor-in-chief, as written in my previous letter.

The weather as of late has been ideal—bright sunshine with a touch of summer in the air. I continue to create stories of valor and humor during those moments where my abilities and skills are not wanted.

All in all, I continue to grow, with your constant guidance.

I remain,

Most cordially yours,

Naruto Uzumaki

P.S.

After writing all that shmuck, I really need to add this postscript. I hope you don't mind, daddy, but I think I'll just continue writing my letters in my own way—funny, intelligent, cheeky, but definitely me. I don't think I can write another letter like this one. It's too much like what a letter from Neji would sound like. This is me shuddering from that thought. picture

July 15

Dear Daddy Rooster-Head,

I dreamt something funny last night. In my dream I went into a bookstore and the clerk brought me a new book entitled "The Life and Letters of Naruto Uzumaki." I could see the cover so clearly. There was a picture of the Konoha Home with a portrait I made of myself with "Yours truly, Naruto Uzumaki" written below. I flipped it open and almost every page had small illustrations with my initials on them. Just as I was turning to the end to read the inscription on my tombstone, I woke up. It was really annoying! I almost found out when I was going to die and if I would marry Sakura-chan and have kids!

Don't you think it would be interesting if you really could read the story of your life—written by an all-seeing author? Hmmm…I wonder, let's suppose that a book like that exists, would you read it so that you'll know what would happen to you in the next instant? You can't change anything though. You have no choice but to act out what will happen in the book. Or would you ignore it and just live like normal, being surprised by all the events that will happen in your life?

I think I'd ignore it. Life's already monotonous sometimes—eat, study, sleep. It would be even more boring if nothing unexpected happened to you. Uh oh, there goes a blot. Hmmm…my pen seems to have developed diarrhea.

So anyway, Physics is really getting tougher and tougher. We had a surprise quiz today and I barely made it. I don't know how Iruka can understand the concepts so much and translate it so that I can understand them. He now tutors not just me and Neji but some of our classmates too. And he still manages to find time to go over Haku and Inari's homework. He's really something. I'm glad he became my best friend. I bet he'd make a great teacher one day. He really has that caring and teacher-y personality.

We're all starting to think of the future now. Even Neji has started to talk about courses he wants to take for college. He's going to take over some family business when he graduates with his degree so he's thinking of going into either business administration or entrepreneurship.

We'll be graduating really soon and also entrance exams for colleges are coming up already. Everybody's studying hard nowadays and cram schools are becoming really popular again. I don't think I'll be able to enjoy my summer like my previous two.

By the way, daddy, speaking of summer, is it okay to invite Iruka to the Chidori Farm this August? We're studying for a lot of exams and he won't be able to get any peace and quiet in his house if he stays there during vacation. Do you think Tsunade and Jiraiya will mind another guest? I don't think they'd mind, do you? I mean they allow me to stay there even though those two geezers always shout at me and hit me and I shout and hit back. Iruka will be really quiet and I bet he'll be really happy to help around. I'll write old Tsunade a letter after I finish this.

I wonder if Sasuke will come again this summer. I hope not. But, did I ever tell you that he came to the dorm last April? I didn't tell you about it, huh? Well, he came but we were rushing out to see a soccer game. Thank the gods that Iruka only had five tickets or that bastard would have gone with us and then everything would have been ruined. I didn't want to face him then so I dragged everyone away as fast as I could. When we returned, the manager gave me a package. Sasuke left a big box of goodies for me. Che, that guy has so much money that he buys so many snacks even though he knows he won't be able to eat them. But, anyway, the point is Sasuke gave them to me with a note as if I hadn't been mad at him or anything. It was like…I dunno, remember what I wrote to you about forgiving him? Remember I said I would only do it if he apologizes and gives me food? I know hell will freeze over before that guy says sorry, but the food…was it his way of apologizing? What do you think daddy?

And Neji has been acting really weird, well weirder than usual. I don't know what he's trying to prove because he keeps saying things like 'an Uchiha is very stubborn', 'an Uchiha is notoriously possessive', and 'once an Uchiha sets his eyes on someone he will do everything to pursue that person'. Now are you as confused as I am? I will really never understand Hyuuga-Uchihas. They're crazy people.

And this letter has been longer than usual. Enough. And all my pens seem to have diarrhea. They all keep blotting! I need to go to sleep now.

Good night daddy,

Naruto

"Are you sure that Kakashi-san is competent enough to accompany us all the way to Chidori Farm? Will it really be all right for me to stay with you at that farm? You don't think I'll be intruding too much? Is one box of dried squid enough as a gift? Maybe we should buy more gifts along the way? Or maybe I can ask my mother to send something for Jiraiya-san and Tsunade-san?"

Naruto stopped looking at the road and turned amused eyes to his fidgeting best friend.

"Relax will ya? I told you I got a letter from the old folks saying you're welcome to stay at the farm. And your gift will be enough. I don't know if Kakashi is competent, he is lazy and perverted after all, but he's never gotten the two of us into an accident before. And if he tries anything to you, he's going to regret the day he was born. Now if he'd just show his face, lazy bastard—"

The blonde growled and scanned the road once more.

He had received letters from the owners of the farm and his benefactor. Tsunade had welcomed the idea of Naruto bringing a friend with him. She even reported that she had drilled everyone in the household to respect Naruto's friend or else they would feel her all mighty fist-of-doom! Sharingan-sama's letter had said that bringing Iruka would be fine. Kakashi would accompany him as usual. What made Naruto smile was the postscript saying that Sharingan-sama was giving Naruto the right to pound Kakashi to the floor if he tried to hit on Iruka during the trip. And if Naruto didn't manage to exact revenge on his friend then the blonde only had to write and Sharingan-sama would do the rest.

Finally Naruto saw a glint of silver in the horizon.

"I think that's his car coming."

This statement threw Iruka into a worse state of frenzy.

"Are you absolutely sure that that man is trustworthy? Are you sure he's not some psycho with pedophilic tendencies? Does he truly have a driver's license?"

Naruto just laughed at his friend. The car stopped perfectly in front of them and Kakashi got out.

"Yo!"

Iruka looked suspiciously at Kakashi. Really! Who would trust a guy who wore a turtleneck during summer, had three-fourths of his face covered, and was named after a scarecrow? But Naruto was already loading his bag into the car so Iruka had no choice but to follow.

"Hi Kakashi! This is my friend Iruka! He's coming with me to the farm this summer. Don't do anything perverted to him or else!"

Iruka blushed as he felt the man appraise him. He stowed his gear into the compartment then bowed before Kakashi.

"Uhm…pleased to meet you."

Kakashi bowed in return although his one eye was curved mischievously into an arc.

"And it's a pleasure to finally know your name without you glaring at me!"

Iruka stuttered, his blush covering his whole head.

"Er…that is…before…I thought you were..."

Kakashi flapped a hand in dismissal.

"Don't worry, don't worry. I'm sure you were only looking out for your friend."

He opened the rear door for Iruka as Naruto skipped to the passenger's seat.

"Besides," Kakashi whispered close to Iruka's ear as the boy got into the car, "I can't be angry at a guy as cute as you even if I tried."

"EH!"

Kakashi happily closed the door and got into the driver's seat.

"Huh? What's going on?" Naruto squinted at a red-faced Iruka and a beaming Kakashi. "Hey, did you just say something perverted to Iruka."

"Of course not!"

"Then why's he all red?"

"I was just saying that he's cute!"

"Kakashi-san!"

"You old lech!"

They rolled out of the dorm's grounds. Throughout the trip Kakashi found ways and opportunities to tease Iruka. He found out that it didn't take much to make Naruto's friend blush so adorably—

—in the car

"But then Iruka doesn't really need to study much. I mean he's got the brains and all. So this means he'll have more time to teach me," Naruto babbled on.

"Hmm, Iruka-kun must be a really patient person then," Kakashi commented.

"Eh? Why do you say that Kakashi-san?" Iruka asked, meeting the man's eye in the rearview mirror.

"Either that or you're a saint. Getting an idea into Naruto's head must be hard work."

The car erupted with protests.

"Hey! That's a lie!"

"Naruto is a very intelligent guy!"

"Hmmm, patient and loyal. Plus he's intelligent and good-looking as well. Iruka-kun," Kakashi's eye curved with glee, "how did you become so perfect?"

"Wha—"

Blush.

—on the train

"So you want to take up education in college?" Kakashi asked.

Iruka nodded. "I believe that educating the youth is the key to our nation's future."

Kakashi stared. Iruka stuttered.

"We–well, it may sound cliché but it's the truth," Iruka smiled softly. "I really believe that with all my heart and I want to be able to contribute something to make that into a reality."

"Hmmm…"

Kakashi scratched his chin as he scrutinized Iruka.

"Wha–what is it?"

Iruka looked around. Why was Naruto taking so long in the loo?

"Yep. I can just imagine you being surrounded by brats as you try desperately to teach them some lessons. And no one would call you Umino-san."

"Uhm…"

"To everyone you would be Iruka-sensei—great teacher, close confidante, provider of knowledge and values to little kids around!"

Blush.

—during mealtimes

"I'm hungry!" Naruto announced.

"Okay, we'll eat lunch at the next stop. What do you want to eat Iruka-sensei?—"

"Please stop calling me that!"

"I'm not asking Naruto anymore, I know what his answer will be."

"But I know what Iruka wants to eat! Ramen!" Naruto bounced on his seat.

"Ramen?" Kakashi asked, looking from one boy to another.

"Yeah, yeah. Iruka was the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of rameeeeeen! It's all thanks to him that I got to know the Greatest Food in the World!" Naruto jumped on his seat and raised one fist in victory.

Kakashi gazed from the blonde to Iruka. His eyebrow quirked up.

Blush.

By the time they reached Chidori Farm, Iruka was beyond mortified. He wished he had never agreed to Naruto's invitation. He—

He got his first look of the farm and a genuinely happy smile bloomed on his face. The place was perfect! He was glad he had accepted Naruto's invite after all. He—

He met Kakashi's amused glance.

Blush.

ARC: There you go, a smidgen of Kakairu for those who asked. Tis short. Forgive me. SasuNaru goodness coming up in the next chapter. And most importantly, THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS.

Dragon