Naruto Fan Fiction!

Adventure! SI-OC!

(Title)

"A Song for Them"

A/N: OVER 1200 views, 60 follows and 30 fav's! That is so incredible! And WAY more than the three or so people that I was expecting to read this! You guys are too amazing!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Naruto' or any of the cannon characters! If I did, Naruto would've always been loved.

WARNING! RATED M! There will be swearing! Though all that other stuff is later...

New Leaf Arc,

Chapter Four: "About a Blonde..."

"Friendship is so weird... you just pick a human you've met and you're like 'yep, I like this one' and you just do stuff with them." -The Internet

Don't do it... do NOT look. It has already been a month since you started living here, you do not have to do anything. Just keep sweeping Sky-girl. It'll-

"Haha! That's what you get you demon!"

I look up and see four of some of the bigger kids standing over a blonde who'd just been shoved into the dirt.

And then I see the hurting expression on the little whiskered boy's face.

'Oh. Heck NO.'

I ran over and swung my broom up before beginning my onslaught.

"Ow! Ow!"

"Wha-STOP IT!"

"WHHHHY?!"

KILL THEM! cried the voice of the brunette in my head.

'Terra... please stop being so dramatic. And weren't you just saying not to interfere?' I chastised.

I just go with the flow, Sky-girl! Onwards! That one is getting away! Git'em! Muwahahaha! she cackled.

Ignoring the voice in my head, I finished chasing the boys away with the soft end of the broom and tucked some of my loose orange hair back behind my ears. Though they were some of the older of the orphans, I was seven to their six. Meaning I ranked higher than them on the playground hierarchy.

That, and I had like eight inches on the twerps.

Ha-Ha! That one was crying! Ooooh!

'You have issues.'

Says the girl who's talking to the voice in her head. Terra retorted, as dry as Suna's desert.

I paused, '...point taken.'

And whatever! It's not like they'll seek revengance on 'ya. I mean, I didn't see any Uchiha...

'That's really not-'

-there's someone tugging on the back of my dress.

I blink. I turn around.

There's a sniffling Hero-to-be holding onto the hem of my peach sundress.

Uzumaki Naruto in all his chibiness-ess.

OH MY GOSH! HE SO CUTE! ibF*IRB&!

'...uh, please don't do that again...'

HE'S SO A#IO^BI-ING CUTE! LOOK AT THOSE WHISKERS!

"W...-Sniff- why did you help me, 'ttebayo?" he mumbled.

I opened my mouth and...

Wait, what in the cattywampus are you doing woman?! That is PLOT in chibi form! Terra yelled. RUN! FAR AWAY!

I felt a sudden surge of panic and ran.

Leaving a bewildered blonde in my wake.

It was mean, yes. But... I had a life plan and I wasn't about to get any further involved with the Hero. He'll turn out just fine without me. Naruto will save the cheerlea-I mean Sasuke, and then save the world. It's all good.

This was just a one time thing.

Promise.

It'll be fine.

...he'll be fine.

'Right?'

Righty-o Sky-girl.

It's dark. I can barely see with the waning moonlight.

...

The air is cold. I'm freezing.

...

Kaa-chan is crying. Sobbing.

Neko-san is looking down on me with sad eye-holes. He's holding me with warm hands. I wouldn't of guessed he had such warm hands.

Kaa-chan is saying something but-

-TarManIsALIVE-

-AndHeJustCUTNeko-SanInTWO-

-NowFiveMenWithMELTINGFACESAreTakingKaa-ChanAWAY--

-There'sASHADOWMANIDon'tKnow-

-He'sTheBADMAN--

-AndHe'sGotKAA-CHANAndNowHeWantsME--

-FoulMouthIsHereAndHeHasAKNIFEAndHe'sCOMINGCLOSER--

-AndANDAnd-

-CAN'TBREATHCAN'TSCREAMCAN'T--

Gasping. Panting. -Need air- I search around for any sign of Foul-Mouth or Tar Man or -Breathe- the Bad Man but, I... I...

I'm in the Orphanage again.

I'm in Konoha.

'Just breathe.'

It was another nightmare... just another night of no sleep.

I calm my pounding heart and unwind my fists from the sheet. I can feel the cool night air blow across my forehead. I'm covered in sweat... ew. My eyes scan the room and the numerous other occupied beds, it doesn't look like I'd woke anybody up with my nightmare.

'Not that I'd be able to...'

Mmn...? -Yawn- ...'nother bad dream Sky-girl? came the sleepy voice of Terra.

'...yeah.'

Was it about Them, oooooor...?

'No. It was... That night.'

Ah. Well. It's a bit early, but, what do you want to do now that you're up?

'I... I want to play.' I decided.

Mm. Well, grab your stuff and head out back already...

I slid out of the bed obediently and reached under my bed for my woolen satchel and slung it around my body. I slipped my feet into my sandals and manuvered through the rows of sleeping children. I snuck out of the common room, then out through the back door of the kitchen. The night air was cool and fresh. Even though it was late November it was surprisingly warm for the season.

That's the Land of Fire for 'ya.

I padded across the hard dirt and made my way to the dingy swing set in the playground on the other side of the road. The night sky was clear and the moon was high tonight, making it easy to walk safely. I sat on the wooden seat and just enjoyed the fresh air for a moment. Listening to the sounds of the cicada chirping in the background.

It still trips me out that the skies are just so, clear here. Terra whispered with slight awe.

I glanced up and I had to agree. It was a sea of stars. Something you could only see in pictures in my first world.

'I wonder if He still stargazes... he would've loved to see this.'

A pulse of chakra filled the air.

Soft, easy, yet sturdy and reliable. A feeling like our old house. Safe.

My head snapped to my far left and a familiar shadow in a dark cloak appeared on the grass.

NEKO! Terra cheered.

I smiled and waved to my -hopefully- friend. He nodded and came to stand next to the tree a little ways away from me, he was technically still on the job. Even though I know he's not supposed to be seen, he still makes sure that I know he's watching over me.

He's such a sweetie like that. she cooed.

I reached into my bag on my hip and pulled out the notebook and the mechanical pencil Neko-san had gotten me a couple weeks back, so I could save my ink for my calligraphy practice.

It really was thoughtful of him. I sometimes forget that he's an elite killer with probably some mental issues considering his chosen profession.

'Hush you. He's nice...'

Elite killer~

I flipped to a page I used all too often, "Good morning, Neko-san."

He messaged back in Konoha standard hand signals, 'Trouble, Sleeping?' It took me a second to recognize the movements but I eventually nodded.

I haven't heard his voice since That Night, and he only ever wrote on the notepad to talk to me in the hospital. Neko had been teaching me a bit of the military sign language over the past month, so he wouldn't have to talk and I could start communicating without paper. When I asked if it was okay for him to do this, he wrote that it was mandatory for all Academy students to learn it, and as they continued on in their careers they would learn new signs depending on what jobs they choose or where they get assigned.

So, it was fine.

Not that we'll ever be attending the Academy, but it was still nice of him. Shame it only works with ninja. Leaf ninja at that.

'You take what you get.'

'Attempt, Communication.' he signed.

I let out a quiet sigh and couldn't resist a small pout. It was darn tricky getting my little fingers to bend the right way. I still tried though, if only for Neko, 'Apologize,' I signed.

Neko's chakra wafted in amusement before he raised his hands and folded them in a slightly different fashion than mine, 'Apology. Correct.' I mimicked him correctly and he nodded, then signed, 'Plans?'

Instead of signing I rummaged through my bag and pulled out my shiny metal instrument. He walked back and leaned against the tree as I wiped off my ocarina. I thought about what I wanted to play but paused, I turned back to Neko-san and signed, 'Options?'

He crossed his arms over his chest and appeared to think about it, but I already knew his answer. It was the same answer every time I asked him, 'Taichou's, Decision.' he would say. And he did yet again. I smiled shyly at him.

I chose one of the songs that my Mother had taught me. One that my Grandmother had loved to listen to when Kaa-chan would play for her. Even now I could still hear Kaa-chan's soft voice singing the words...

'Cherry Blossoms, Oh Cherry Blossoms... Cherry blossoms, oh cherry blossoms... In the spring sky~ As far as eyes can see~ Is it fog or is it a cloud?'

By the time I finished my song I was completely at ease. My nightmares not forgotten, but didn't have their hold on me anymore. Well... for the moment at least. I glanced over to Neko-san only to find he'd disappeared. When I closed my eyes to find his chakra I found it quietly perched in the tree he was leaning against, but I also sensed why he hid.

There, behind a gangly tree towards the Orphanage was a little fuzzy ball of soft blue light...

Warm... and so, so Bright... and cool like a breath of fresh air...

...well. Smack. Terra summarized.

'Mm.' I concurred.

I opened my eyes and looked towards the tree. I saw a spikey head of blonde hair with blue eyes and I heard a little gasp of surprise. He immediately ducked behind the tree again. The little Hero then proceeded to pretend like he hadn't just been seen.

I almost facepalmed. Almost, because I didn't need to amuse Neko any further. From here I could feel the amusement in the elite ANBU's chakra, I sent the spot he was perched on a withering look and his bemusement increased ten-fold.

Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go back to bed? Terra suggested.

I huffed at that.

'Really, Terra? Do you even realize who we're talking about here?'

I know... I feel stupid now...

It was worth a half-hearted try anyways, so I kicked off the ground and started swinging. I kicked higher and higher until I was in full swing. Hearing the creaking of metal, the little Hero decided to cautiously pop his head out again. I continued to ignore his presence even when he creeped out from his hiding spot and slowly made his way to the swing one over from me.

I ignored him when he sat down.

"...hi."

I tried to ignore him-

No you didn't, 'ya little liar. You have no willpower. Terra said dryly.

'Shuddup.' I mumbled.

I looked at the blonde and gave a little wave, still swinging.

He watched me go back and forth with big, curious blue eyes. "How are you going so high, 'ttebayo?" he asked with a spark of light in his eyes.

I skidded to a stop. 'Write? Demonstrate?' I wondered, 'Demonstrate.' I decided.

I started slowly, I kicked off a little bit and watched him. He didn't move. I stopped again and pointedly kicked off again. Naruto blinked and something clicked behind his blue eyes. He sat straight in the seat and kicked off, he didn't go very high. I was still going slow so when his eyes landed on me again I kicked my legs out in a exaggerated movement. He did the same, and soon enough he was going full swing.

Then he started giggling.

And, Kami-sama, it was the sweetest sound I'd heard in a looong time.

No! You are NOT ALLOWED to get sucked in by the cuteness!

'I am no-'

Don't lie to me girlie!

'But... Terraaaaa...' I whined.

NO! Getting too involved will only cause us trouble. Now go back to bed! she ordered.

I let out another sigh and stopped swinging. I dusted off my nightgown and headed back towards the Orphanage, ignoring the sudden clattering of chains behind me.

"Hey! Wait up, dattebayo!" called a squeaky voice behind me.

I kept walking even when Naruto caught up to me, sparing him only a glance. We made it back to the common room and I headed straight for my bunk and flopped down onto it. I closed my eyes and focused on my own chakra instead of the bright fuzzy one awkwardly standing in the room. Eventually the Hero headed back to his own bed and fell back asleep.

I didn't sleep.

Instead, when the blonde had conked out I slipped out of bed again and crawled underneath. I pulled out my nightlight tag and fed the chakra recycle Kanji string -a new feature, it took me two weeks to figure out all the technicalities- to reuse the same chakra and keep the tag lit until I 'unplugged' it. With a decent light I pulled out my dictionary -a gift from the Sandaime- and begun practicing a new set of characters.

I did that until sunrise, then stowed my papers and ink and crawled out. I stripped out of my nightgown and pulled out a clean sundress -a soft maroon one- from one of Kaa-chan's storage seals. I put my nightgown in my bag for washing later.

Time to brush that rat's nest you call hair, Sky-girl. Terra said with extreme amusement.

I grimaced. I then pulled out a comb and began the painful process of untangling the orange monster.

Yeaaah... get it goooood.

'Would you hush. It's too early for your idle commentary.' I snipped.

...meanie. she mumbled petulantly.

I stuck my tongue out at her even though... yes. I know she wasn't really there...

Put up your hair and re-tie your scarf dummy.

'That's what I was going to do...'

Reluctantly, I pulled all my hair into a hightail and tied it up with my red ribbon. I could feel the ends of the ribbon and my hair tickle my shoulders. I then pulled off my orange scarf and begun re-tying it around my neck, effectively hiding my ugly scar. I looked down at myself and was satisfied. I then headed outside to the yard to do the stretches my Mother had taught me so long ago.

The dawning sunlight was a refreshing feeling on my skin. By the time I finished doing the Cobra pose I felt as the day truly began.

C'mon Sky-girl, I'm HUNGY! Terra cheered.

'No. No you're not.' I deadpanned.

Says you!

'Yes. Says the one with the stomach.' I retorted dryly.

JUST GO TO THE KITCHEN OR I WILL POSSESS YOU!

That caused me to pause.

'Can... You can't actually do that... can you?'

...wanna find out?

I walked to kitchen.

If it seemed liked I hurried, Terra made no comment on it.

When I arrived, I was met with the unpleasant sight of one Kobu-san. He was one of the caretakers -Child herders- that worked at the Orphanage. Middle child of some fancy merchant, who likes to make others felt small to feel bigger himself.

Kobu-san and I do not like each other... whatsoever.

That's 'coz he's a pig who uses his job to get dim-witted girls, even though he SUCKS at it! He doesn't care about us kids and even encourages bullying poor Naruto. And that STUPID 'happy' mask he wears is an affront to all happy people!

'It kind of reminds me of Sai actually.'

How dare you say that! Sai is ADORABLE! This punta-himejabi is a fakey-faker!

I sighed at my other half as Kobu finally took notice of me. I could've sworn that I saw a nasty gleam in his eyes before he fixed his face into 'pleasant', his small civilian chakra swirled with something dark. I haven't been around the dark emotions long enough to recognize each of them in chakra yet, but, I'm learning and I've found that Kobu is a good subject.

I looked at the barely-adult dispassionately which he returned with a too-bright grin, "Morning, Eri-maki-chan!" he said with false cheeriness. I stared at him with a blank expression until he shuffled uncomfortably. Then he clapped, "Well! You can get started on cooking the rice then, and I'll prep the Soup." he chirped.

I walked over to the usual counter but soon found that the bag of rice was on the highest shelf in the kitchen.

I sent Kobu a withering look.

He only tilted his head, "What's wrong Eri-maki-chan, aren't you going to start the rice? Maybe... do you need my help? Are you too small to get the rice yourself?" he said innocently. My look turned into a glare as I turned to find a stool. "Are you looking for the step-ladder, Eri-maki-chan? Oh, I'm sorry, but Sawano-san borrowed it yesterday." he cheerfully informed me.

One day... One day, I will end him.

'You're being melodramatic again. It's just a stool.'

He's a bully Sky-girl. Are you saying that you'd miss him if he were to suddenly... disappear? Maybe if he went on a forever vacation?

'...I suppose... I wouldn't be too opposed to that.'

That's my girl...

I eventually found an empty crate that allowed me to climb the lower shelves like a monkey and reach for the bag. It was heavy but I applied a little chakra to my hands like I'd practiced with the leaves and steadied myself as I climbed back down. I pulled the crate along with me as I walked over to the stove, I stood on it again and began preparing the rice for breakfast. Without turning around I could feel Kobu's glare on the back of my head.

When I'd finished he patted my head condescendingly, "Well done, Eri-maki-chan!" he cooed with that too-big grin. "Now why don't you run along and make sure everyone else is awake?" he then none-too-gently ushered me out of the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes as I walked back to the common room. There were already some sleepy-eyed kiddies slinking out of the covers. I padded over the cow bell we had -why? I'll never know- and began ringing it like a madwoman. There was a collective sound of groaning and some mumbled curses from the older kids. Everyone eventually trudged out to the dining room, Fumie-chan -another caretaker, a bit of a nervous wreck but a real sweetie pie though- and I carried out the smallest kids and sat them at the table. Then Kobu came out carrying the pots of rice and... whatever that is he calls soup.

Bowls were filled and passed out, there was soon energetic babbling and conversations filling the air.

But, apparently, today just wasn't my day.

As I was spoon feeding baby Suzume I noticed that Kobu had -'accidentally' I'm sure- skipped giving someone their breakfast.

Three guesses as to who.

I'll kill'im.

Kobu must of felt my glare in the side of his head because he turned to look at me and I pointedly nodded to Naruto. He glanced at Naruto then back to me, back to Naruto again and when turned to me once more he had a poo-eating grin on his face.

He. Will. Rue this. I swear it upon our scarf.

'First, we feed the boy.'

Agreed Sky-girl.

I handed the spoon to Fumie-chan and walked up to Kobu, he was still grinning, "Is there something wrong, Eri-maki-chan?" he asked me. I glared at him before looking for another bowl. "Oh? Are you looking for a spare dish? Sorry, but this is all we have left. It seems that we're missing some of the bowls today." he said with a malicious grin, his 'pleasant' mask cracking just enough for me to see what he truly was.

My eyes narrowed angrily, I glanced over at Naruto as he watched longingly at everyone else while they ate. I turned back to Kobu and mustered up all my seven year-old strength and swung my foot into his shin. His grin turned into shock then pain as he let out a cry and hunched over.

MY GIRL!

I nodded in satisfaction as some of the other kids 'oooh'd' and cheered like the violent little bunch they were. I walked back to my seat and picked up my own breakfast, passing a very shocked Fumie-chan, and made my way towards the little Hero.

Naruto was staring at me with a look mixed with awe and disbelief. When I placed the bowl in front of him he just stared at it, mouth slightly agape. When he switched from staring at the food, he stared at me with an uncomprehending look. I motioned eating to him.

'This really shouldn't be so... shocking to him. This place is so, so messed up.'

When he made no further move I grabbed the chopsticks, picked up a gob of rice and stuffed it into his mouth. He made a 'Hurk' sound and began chewing furiously. I handed him the chopsticks, when he obediently took them I patted his head, ignoring how incredibly soft his hair was.

Do it again... pet him again. Terra urged.

'No!' I quickly denied.

It was sooo soooft... it was, like, plush. HE'S LIKE A HUMAN PLUSHIE SORA! she pleaded.

I chose not to respond to my other half insanity any further and walked back over to continue feeding baby Suzume, ignoring how Naruto was still staring at me while he ate and how Kobu glared daggers at me all through the rest of the meal.

'Do I have a problem with ignoring my problems?' I asked myself.

Terra ignored me.

I helped Fumie-chan settle the babies in the playroom -it was really just a room with a few toys in it- and headed out to lay in the sun until I felt the motivation to practice my calligraphy or something.

But that obviously wasn't going to happen.

"Hiya."

Sigh.

I was lying comfortably on the grass when a fuzzy, warm chakra came to stand next to me. I cracked one violet orb open to gaze at the nervous looking blonde.

I waved.

He sat down.

I opened my other eye to stare evenly at him.

"What's you're name? I'm Naruto, dattebayo!" the blonde said with grin.

I blinked at him, then pointed towards the sky.

He blinked at me, then looked towards the sky.

"Kumo?" he asked with a cute tilt of his head.

I shook my head and stuck my hand out and waved over the whole blue expanse.

"Oh! Sora! Then, is your name Sora?" he asked excitedly. I nodded and he grinned so widely my cheeks began to hurt just look-

Oh.

...oh.

Soft blonde hair. Clear blue eyes and a smile like a... a...

Well, would'ya look at that... Terra said in awe.

"Hey, hey, Sora-chan, why're you so nice to me?" he asked so innocently that my heart broke a little.

Okay I can't deal with this... I just... Can. Not.

I opened my mouth thoughtlessly and was bitterly reminded of my... issue. Even after a month I still forget. Instead I sat up and pulled my notepad out of my bag and wrote, "It's the right thing to do. They shouldn't treat you so badly." I turned the notepad around for him to see.

He looked between me and paper a few times before his eyebrows furrowed and his face screwed up adorably as he focused on the paper. Then he turned those pretty baby blues towards me and spoke, "Can't 'ya talk, 'ttebayo?" he asked bluntly.

I blinked.

'Does he not...?'

I wrote down more, "Can you read this?"

He looked between me and the page a couple times with an increasingly embarrassed look on his face.

'Has no one taught him how to read before?!' I cried inwardly.

It's not all that surprising actually, he is the village pariah at the moment. Naruto probably didn't learn until he entered the Academy. He's like, what? Five now? So, he's still got another year of being an illiterate urchin. Terra summarized.

'...'

Sky-girl... no. Terra growled.

'But-'

No. I know he's as cute as a button but, no. We have a plan. Grow up, leave trouble magnet Konoha and live this second life to the fullest!

'But... look at him...' I pleaded.

And there was Naruto, he looked so thin and boney! And he was so, so heartbreakingly hopeful. I couldn't turn my back on him now! Not when he thinks he's finally found a friend.

Oh fudge... go ahead! Just know I'll tell you 'I told you so' when this comes back to bite you in the derriere.

I smiled wide and grabbed the little blonde's hand. He made a noise of surprise as I thought up a plan to establish communication on my way to the main room.

Okay so... I'm not all too happy that you're going to go through with this but... this is a goooood plan. Terra said maliciously.

I sweatdropped at her attitude. But, 'You really think this'll work?' I asked hesitantly.

Ye-ah~ Stupid-face SO has had this coming...

I turned the corner and found my target. Kobu was in one of the backrooms, cleaning up toys apparently, he didn't notice me come in. I'd left Naruto in the main room and motioned him to wait there, I hoped he would wait until I came back.

'Oooh-kay... I can do this... I can do this.' I said like a mantra.

You can do this Sky-girl! Terra cheered.

I took a deep breath, took out my notepad, walked up to Kobu and tugged on his shirt. The young man glanced backward and did a double-take. His face turning into a snarl, "You." he spat.

I nodded and held up my pre-written page, "Hello Kobu-san. I need a favor from you." he snorted, "I've just found out that Naruto doesn't know how to read and I'd really appreciate it if you would teach him." I smiled at the annoying man.

He let out a bark of laughter, "Why in the hell would I teach the demon bastard for?" my eyebrow twitched, "And do it for you? You're the worst of all the little shits here! Always acting like you know better than me and al-" I cut him off by raising my hand.

The fact he stopped when you wanted, says way too much about him. Terra observed.

I frowned upon hearing his foul language and flipped to the next page. 'I did try the easy way first...'

It's his own fault.

I held up the notepad again and he looked over it, his face contorting into something nasty.

It read; "If you don't teach Naruto how to read and write I'll tell the Hokage how you mistreat the children. I'll also make it my personal mission that every girl in the entire village knows just what kind of person you really are. You will never have another woman come even close to you again."

I smiled sweetly.

Kobu looked murderous now, "You little, bitch!" he snarled, red faced and all.

I tapped the page.

"If you actually think that I'll be threatened by little girl then you'v-"

Fumie-chan walked in, "K-Kobu-kun! There you are, what are you doing back here though? Hokage-sama has arrived to visit the children."

Kobu paled and my smile was suddenly not-so-nice.

He made a lunge for me and I ducked under and through his legs -Shorties RULE!- and made a dash past Fumie-chan out into the hallway. I could hear Kobu stream curses behind me, then I heard the heavy footsteps of someone running. Kobu may have had longer legs but I could make the turns faster than him and dive through the crowd of children at the door trying to get a peek at the Sandaime.

I made it through the children and ran to the Sandaime's side. He chuckled when he saw my ruffled appearance, "Hello again Sora-chan." he said. I smiled at him and pulled out my notepad-

-only for an out-of-breath Kobu to snatch it out of my hands.

"There -huff- you are, -huff- Sora-chan. Now, now... we can't have you bothering Hokage-sama with a silly little thing like this." he huffed out faux charmingly.

I glared and I then jolted like ice-cold water was just poured down my back as I felt someone leak intent towards Kobu. I saw the merchant's son freeze and watched as his eyes took on a panicked look, his chakra going into a frenzy.

I turned back to Hiruzen but he was just looking on passively, if anything with slight amusement, I could feel that it wasn't coming from him. So I closed my eyes and felt for the path of the malicious chakra. I followed it all the way back to the source.

There, in the shadows of the Orphanage's roof was Neko-san.

I felt a sudden rush of affection for the man.

That he would send KI towards Stupid-face makes him my favorite person of all time. Terra gushed.

I opened my eyes and gave the shadow of the building the warmest, most grateful smile I could manage. I felt as Neko's chakra swirled in embarrassment when he noticed me. He then stopped terrifying the ever-living heck out of Kobu. I turned back and held my hand towards the frightened man, he very reluctantly handed me my notepad back.

I think he was quite tempted to eat it at that moment.

"What did you want to show me Sora-chan?" asked the Sandaime.

I felt the fear radiate off of Kobu's chakra as I flipped to a page I wrote earlier, I plastered on a cheerful smile and held up my paper, "Kobu-san has agreed to teach everyone at the Orphanage how to read and write! Without any extra pay! He also promised to buy all the supplies with his own money."

Kobu made a funny choking noise.

The Sandaime's own chakra wafted with amusement, "Is that so, Kobu-kun?" the old Hokage asked the caretaker.

Kobu's chakra felt really conflicted, he was furious, relieved and terrified all at once. He hastily nodded and squeaked out, "Y-Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Plan: 'Blackmail Stupid-face into being our lackey!' is a HUGE Success!

I quickly wrote down with my pen, "In fact, I think Kobu-san wanted to start today! Won't you watch for a little while Hokage-sama?"

The old Hokage chuckled and patted my hair affectionately, "Of course Sora-chan. I'd be delighted to."

I beamed as Kobu paled once again.

I quickly scanned the crowd of rowdy kids and found a particular head of spikey blonde hair and rushed over to him. He was startled by my sudden appearance but I grabbed his little hand and pulled him back over to the Hokage's side.

A gleam entered the Hokage's eyes as he spotted Naruto but it was gone just as fast before I could properly read it, "Hello Naruto-kun. I see you've met Sora-chan." he said.

The blonde already recovered from my impromptu kidnapping, nodded eagerly, "Yep! Sora-chan is really nice! The other day she chased some bullies away and today she gave me her food when we ran out of bowls and she showed me how to swing reeeaaallly high on the swings, dattebayo!" he chattered excitedly. I don't think he took a breathe during all that.

The Sandaime nodded patiently, unfazed by the blonde's abundance of energy, "I see... so, you're friends now?" he inquired slyly.

Then both pairs of eyes were on me.

A dark pair were measuring me, and a blue pair were looking at me with cautious hope.

This is SUCH a bad idea. Terra warned.

'Probably.' I allowed.

I nodded firmly.

And then Naruto latched onto my waist, giggling. "Wahoo!"

I woke up with a start. Panting and clutching my throat desperately.

'...nightmare...' I realized numbly.

It was several minutes before I calmed down enough to acknowledge that I was not in the forest anymore. That I was not in the hospital. And that I was not home. I was in the Orphanage. Back in the common room, surrounded on all sides by bunk beds and children of all ages, dreaming their sweet dreams.

But... there was something off tonight.

It took me a long moment to realize that something warm was curled up against my side.

I lifted my sheet and I found a cute blonde in my bed.

You made that sound bad. Terra said with a smirk.

'Please, you're the one who thinks dirty stuff like that.' I dismissed easily.

Naruto was clutching onto the side of my nightgown, breathing slowly, eyes shut blissfully. Looking so peaceful.

That is too cute. It's not fair actually, things shouldn't be that wu#fbo*lu adorable.

I smiled softly at the sight.

Blonde, blue eyes and a smile like the sunrise.

What were the odds?

This kid is gonna bring us SOOOO much trouble...

'Maybe.'

...you could still back out 'ya know.

I looked back down on the sweet little boy who's heart will always be bigger than he'll know what to do with...

'Not a chance.'

New Leaf Arc,

Chapter Four: "About a Blonde..."

END

A/N: The song Sora played was 'Sakura, Sakura' I wanted her to play something that Ikari -Kaa-chan, if you've forgotten- would've known.

A love-love-LOVELY Thank You to EmmieSauce, Girl-luvs-manga, LadyWilliams, Shashabux, iluvfairytail and xenocanaan your reviews! It makes my day hearing from you guys.

Author Question!

"If you could choose ANYONE in the Narutoverse to be your best friend, who would you pick?"

Me? I'd pick... Shikamaru. I think he would be an awesome BFF to have! We'd just laze around all day and play shogi. Awesome!

Wuv yew! See you next time!

-Nanami