AN: I was trying to wait until I could get caught up in my reading, but that ain't happening, so here we go. Also:
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Konoha Legends 4
Uzumaki Naruto sat on the bed of the young boy who was his namesake. He had been at the house for the last hour, and in that room for at least half of that time. A small dark haired child had his face buried in his pillow, crying. "Naruto, if there is anything I can do-" started the older blond.
"C-could you sob tell sob tell me a story like . . ." The child trailed off. It was a little muffled anyway considering he had said it into the pillow.
"Sure," he said gently. "How about I tell you the story of one of the greatest men to ever live?" The small child nodded into his pillow. "He was average height, strong, skilled, and one of the nicest people you would ever meet. Most called him 'sensei.' He was looked up to by nearly the entire village of Konoha. He was a master of the basics. He had no clan jutsu's and no move that he became known for, but he knew the basics inside and out. And would willingly teach them to anyone who was willing to learn, and even many who weren't . . ."
The Hokage stood before hundreds if not thousands of people. "This is why he chose to teach at the Academy. And a great teacher he was. He had more patients and put up with more crap than anyone should ever have to. Including the crap of several of Konoha's jounin, anbu, and even one stupid Hokage." There were a few grim chuckles from the crowd.
"Nearly an entire village regarded him with the greatest respect. They trusted him with their own lives, as well as the lives of their children. Iruka made it his goal to protect all of the children that came under his charge, and even some that were not. H-he gave his life on his last mission, saving the life of an enemy child.
"Iruka . . . Iruka-sensei was a great man." Tears were starting to fall from the Hokage's face. "If it weren't for him I would not be here today. I owe him my life. He could see the best in people even-even when they couldn't see the best in themselves. The two of us had a special relationship. I would screw up . . . he would punish me . . . then we would make up over ramen. He was the only f-f-father I ever had." The tears were now streaming down Naruto's face.
"Iruka . . . never made sob much of a name for himself outside of this village . . . but inside, he was known to all. He will forever be the sensei of Konoha. He has earned the status of one of Konoha's Legend's. May he rest in peace."
Throughout Konoha, not a single sound was heard. No shops were open, no children were playing ninja, no ramen was being cooked. Everyone in the village was at the service observing a moment of complete silence. From the perch on one of the buildings near the memorial service, two figures watched in silence. The man stood expressionless, forehead protector symbolizing the Cloud upon his head. A child stood next to him, tears silently falling from his eyes, saying goodbye to the man who saved his life.
Author's Notes: All right everyone, here is the final part of my challenge. The television show Stargate SG-1 is known for their "Trapped In a Box" episodes (TIB). This is where 1 or 2 people become trapped, deserted, or in some other way cut off from all or nearly all outside contact, and the story is made interesting (MASH did this with a language barrier). This is not the type of thing like beings lost in a forest, either. The area must be small, confining, a "box" (Stargate has used ships, small caves, and other such things). This is my challenge. Anyone can be trapped. All other pairings aside from Naru/Hina are up to the author. One shots and shorter stories are preferred, but all will be read and reviewed at least once with an honest opinion (Warning I am about a month behind, but I will get to it). Happy writing all.