A/N: Another chapter has arrived!

Nope, don't own Naruto.


Chapter XXXII: Petrichor

"So, she's in her designated room?" Tsunade prompted, her brow furrowed.

"Yes, Lady Hokage. I have as many ANBU agents as I can spare posted on guard duty," Yamato answered.

The Hokage turned her attention to her pseudo-grandson. "And you all took care of the problem?"

Naruto simply gave a thumbs-up, which Tsunade received with a nod. She turned to Anko.

"And what of the girl's recollection? Did she remember anything?" Tsunade queried.

"She remembered hearing one of her teammates go down before she was knocked unconscious. Per the medical report that Haku gave you, she was knocked out with a heavy dose of sedatives. One thing that bugs me is that she said she heard one of her teammates talking to one of the Akatsuki before she completely blacked out—Kakuzu."

The Hokage cocked an eyebrow as Sasuke chimed in. "It sounds like an inside job to me, Lady Tsunade."

The legendary medic nodded before turning to Konoha's most reliable blue-haired informant. "Any ideas?"

Konan let out a defeated sigh. "My best guess is Kakuzu must have salvaged Sasori's spy network and taken them on himself to scrounge up more information on the jinchūriki." She turned to Team 7. "You said you found her unconscious, but what about her teammates?"

"Dead. Both of them," Sasuke replied.

"I see. Must've wanted to tie up loose ends," Konan thought aloud.

"There aren't any more that'll be coming, are there?" Naruto asked.

"There shouldn't be. Members were sent in pairs to capture one jinchūriki at a time. The only exception that I've heard of so far is the fact that Kisame and Itachi were sent to capture two jinchūriki instead of just one. Though, I won't be surprised if they send whoever's left to finish the job," Konan reasoned.

"What are the odds of that happening?" Tsunade asked.

The azure-haired woman brought a hand to her chin. "Fifty-fifty, I'd say."

The Hokage nodded, turning to everyone she addressed. "Then we'd better err on the side of caution. Yamato, keep the ANBU posted until the exams are officially over. The last thing we need is someone else infiltrating. As far as Team 7 is concerned, just be on standby for now. If you don't mind, Sakura, I want you to be available to help Haku and Shizune. Heaven forbid we have any serious injuries, but we can't be too careful. Naruto and Sasuke, be on standby to help Genma with the final round."

"So is she supposed to stay there and not go outside or something?" Naruto wondered aloud.

"Not necessarily. ANBU would be watching her, but she's free to move about the village, within reason," Tsunade answered. She eyed the younger blond, sensing an ulterior motive behind his query. "You want to visit her, don't you?"

"I mean, it's not every day I get to talk to another jinchūriki, y'know. So yeah, of course I wanna visit her! Plus, I kinda already told her I'd be her friend." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

The Hokage hummed pensively. "Well, I suppose there wouldn't be any harm in it."

"Sweet! Thanks, Granny!"

A vein bulged on the Hokage's forehead before she let out a huff and waved her hand dismissively. "Sure, sure. Just make sure I have your official report by the time the exams are through. You're all dismissed. I have to prepare for the arrival of the Mizukage and the Kazekage—"

"Gaara's coming?!" Naruto blurted out.

Tsunade leveled a half-annoyed look at her pseudo-grandson. "Yes, Gaara will be here within the next day or so. After all, Suna does have a couple of genin teams that qualified for the finals. Now, like I said, you're dismissed. I have preparations to make."

"Ah, yeah, right. Sorry. I'll see you around, Granny," Naruto stammered with a nervous chuckle. With that, Team 7 left the Hokage to her duties.


"Huh? You want me to go get tea with you guys?" Despite her surprise, Fū's wide orange eyes were a dead giveaway of her excitement.

"Yeah! There's a place that has good tea not too far from here, actually. You wanna come?" Naruto beamed.

Sasuke and Sakura stood off to the side. A hotel that had been reserved for the foreign genin teams was surrounded by ANBU, all under the direction of Captain Yamato. It was no luxury suite, but it was nice enough that visiting shinobi would have a good impression of Konoha's hospitality.

The mint-haired kunoichi answered without missing a beat. "Sure! Right now?"

"Yep! C'mon, let's get going."

"Wow. This place is pretty nice. We don't really have places like this back in Taki." Fū couldn't help but crane her head at the simple elegance of the Jasmine Dragon.

"What's Taki like? I've never really heard of it, much less been there," Sakura asked as she waited for her order.

"It's nice. There's a huge tree in the middle of the village that's surrounded by a lake. The village gate is pretty much just a huge waterfall. We have some local shops and stuff, but we get a lot of imports from other villages. We're not too far away from Kusagakure, though. So sometimes we get merchants from there."

"What about the people?" Sasuke wondered.

"Well, I guess they're nice enough. We're kind of a small village, so lots of people know each other. The ninja were nice to me, I guess," Fū answered as she absently twirled a minty lock between her fingers.

Finally, Kozu and Asuka arrived with everyone's orders: onigiri for Naruto and Sakura, savory dango for Sasuke, and a cake topped with fruit for Fū.

"Did you go to a ninja academy?" Naruto asked after taking a sip of his tea.

"Sort of. Shibuki assigned someone to teach me one-on-one who was from the academy, but I didn't really go to school, if that's what you mean." Her face dropped slightly at the memory.

Naruto shot a glance at his teammates. "Can I ask you something, Fū?"

"Sure!"

"Were you an outcast in your village?"

The mint haired jinchūriki cocked her head as she chewed on her bite of confection. "What do you mean?"

Naruto scratched his cheek. "I mean, did people treat you any differently? Like, were they maybe mean to you for seemingly no reason at all?"

Fū remained silent as she stared at her new friend. After what felt like an eternity, her gaze dropped to her half-eaten cake, her voice lowering along with it. "Yeah, I was. People used to call me names, kick me out of shops, avoid me, and overall, just look at me funny. Shibuki even told me that the ninja academy flat-out just…didn't want me there. He wouldn't tell me why."

"What about your parents?"

The Taki kunoichi let out a sigh as she picked at her pastry. "They died when I was really young, so I never really knew them. I lived at an orphanage for a while, at least until they sorta kicked me out."

"You lived by yourself?" Sakura asked, floored at the uncanny similarities to Naruto's own story.

Fū nodded as she finally took a bite of her cake. "The village at least gave me a place to stay and paid for rent and stuff. They gave me a little bit of money every month to pay for food and stuff, even if it wasn't much."

"Does Takigakure have a kage or some kind of hierarch?" Sasuke asked.

"Kind of, but not really. There's no kage, just a village head. My friend Shibuki is the village head right now. His dad was the head before him, but when he died Shibuki took over. He's a little older than me, and he's been my friend for a while. He tries to watch out for me, even though some of the other ninja don't really like that he does that."

Naruto hummed. "You said you had the Seven-Tails sealed into you when you were five?"

Fū shrugged. "Something like that. I don't remember it super well—I might've been closer to four-and-a-half. I was told that it was sealed into me a couple of years or so after my parents died. I was still living in the orphanage, and I was just kinda told that I was picked for something important. I was excited, at first, but once I got back to the orphanage, I remember everyone acting differently. I had a feeling it was because of the important thing that I was selected for, but I didn't find out until later that it was because I was turned into a jinchūriki."

The blond nodded pensively as he chewed on a bite of onigiri. "Ya know, your story sounds really similar to mine."

The mint haired girl blinked; her curious orange gaze locked on her fellow jinchūriki. "It does?"

"Yep. I'm an orphan, too. Hell, so is Sasuke here." Naruto pointed to his friend with his thumb. "I never knew my parents, either. I've had the Nine-Tails sealed in me since I was a baby. The Fourth Hokage sealed it into me just before he died. I've been through that whole situation, too: orphanage, getting kicked out, living on my own, getting funny looks from people. I won't lie and say it didn't bother me, but I tried to stay positive and make a name for myself."

"How'd you do that?" Fū asked, her eyes filled with almost childlike curiosity.

"Whiskers here was a prankster when we were kids," Sasuke answered. "He wanted people to notice him, so he'd play pranks on people. They were harmless, for the most part. But at one point he vandalized the Stone Faces."

"The faces that are carved into the cliffside? How?"

"He painted them with a whole bunch of graffiti," Sasuke replied.

"Hey! Don't you mean we painted them?" Naruto fumed.

Fū snapped her attention back to the raven-haired young man. "Wait, you helped him? You don't seem like the kinda person who would do something like that. I mean, I don't know you all that well, but just first impressions, ya know?"

Sakura hummed as she finished a swig of her tea. "Sasuke doesn't like to admit that he helped Naruto with his pranks when we were kids. They've been best friends for as long as I've known them."

"I met Naruto when I was about four or five. At first, I thought he was kinda weird, but as we spent more time together, we grew closer. He's been my best friend for pretty much my whole life," Sasuke added.

Naruto nodded, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "It's true. Sasuke was my first friend ever."

Fū's brows shot up. "Wow. I wish I had a friend like that. Well, I mean, I kinda do have someone like that. Shibuki is probably the closest thing I have to a best friend. But it sounds like you guys have something that goes deeper than that."

"You could say that," Sakura remarked.

"So what's the Seven-Tails like? You said you're friends with him, right?" the blond asked

The Taki kunoichi's mint locks danced as she nodded furiously. "Yup! It was kinda strange. I don't really remember when we first became friends, but he was really nice to me. He says his nickname is 'Lucky Number Seven,' whatever the heck that means."

Naruto felt a sense of déjà vu as he blew a small raspberry. "Man, must be nice actually being able to cooperate with your Tailed Beast. I've tried to get the Nine-Tails to work with me, but he's kind of a dick every time I try to talk to him."

The Seven-Tails' jinchūriki hummed. "Have you tried being nice?"

The blond cocked his head. "I mean, yeah, of course! At least I think I have. Last time I tried talking to him, I tried to be reasonable."

By now, the group had finished their impromptu lunch, and were only nursing their respective teas. Fū was busy processing what Naruto said, the gears clearly turning in her head. Meanwhile, Sakura and Sasuke were each pondering how one went about befriending a Tailed Beast, along with what such a feat would entail.

Finally, Naruto broke the ensuing slightly awkward silence. "I tried asking for his name already. He wouldn't tell me anything."

"Huh. That's weird. The Seven-Tails told me his name right away," Fū remarked.

"Can you tell me what it is?"

"Well, normally I dunno if he'd be okay with someone else besides me knowing his name. But, since you're a jinchūriki, I don't think there'd be a problem. His name is Chōmei."

"Chōmei. That's a nice name. I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but I just don't really get a chance to meet any other jinchūriki, y'know?"

"That's okay! I don't mind at all. We're friends, after all." Fū flashed a full-faced, toothy smile. "Have you met others?"

"Yeah. I met two in Kumo; they were cool people. And the Kazekage—" Naruto chose his next words carefully. "Well, the Kazekage was a jinchūriki, at least."

Fū cocked her head. "Was? What happened to his Tailed Beast?"

The blond scratched his cheek. "Well, I'm not sure if I'm really—what's the word—at liberty to say. I'd have to ask him first."

"Are you friends with him or something?"

Naruto let out a chuckle. "Actually, yeah, I am. Funny enough, we met during our first Chūnin Exams. We've been friends ever since."

"Man, I wish I was as good at making friends as you are," the mint haired girl said with a pout.

Sakura leaned over to Sasuke, cupping her hand over her mouth. "Doesn't she kind of remind you of Naruto?"

Sasuke hummed in agreement as Naruto let out another chuckle. "I mean, kinda seems like you're pretty good yourself. You met me once and already wanted to be my friend. Not that that's a bad thing, but you're willing to make friends, at the very least."

Naruto paused for a moment as Fū finished her tea. An idea hatched in his brain. "Do you wanna go for a walk? I was hoping to talk to you a bit more about, well, jinchūriki stuff, y'know?"

"Normally I'd be all for it, but given that the exams are still happening, why don't we head back to our place?" Sasuke suggested.

The blond shrugged. "That works for me if it works for Fū." The mint haired girl gave a single nod with a smile, which was returned wholeheartedly by Naruto. "You wanna join, Sakura?"

"Sure, we're on standby, anyways," she responded with her own smile.

Naruto flashed his signature grin before leaving payment for his order. The others followed suit before they set off for Naruto and Sasuke's apartment.


Konan sat at the counter of Ichiraku Ramen, enjoying a bowl of shio ramen when she heard a shuffle and a familiar voice behind her.

"Well, never expected to see you here."

She didn't turn to look at him, knowing full well he'd sit down next to her. "I'd heard about this place from your student, so I figured I would give it a try. I have to admit, it's quite good."

Kakashi hummed in response as he sat down. After downing a mouthful of noodles, she turned to the silver-haired jōnin. "I thought you only came here with your students?"

The man shrugged. "I indulge in the occasional bowl of ramen. I might not like it as much as Naruto, but I know good food when I taste it."

Konan hummed as Kakashi placed his order. A comfortable silence settled between them as she ate and he waited. After a few moments, his food arrived. After offering his gratitude for the meal and separating his chopsticks, Kakashi broke the silence.

"So, is it over?"

Konan turned her head slightly, eyeing the jōnin. "Are you asking about what I think you're asking about?"

Kakashi shrugged. "Depends on what you think it is."

She paused for a moment. "After these exams, I should be free of any prying eyes."

"Your advice has certainly proven invaluable, I must say."

"The Hokage seems to think so, as well."

"Have you already asked about whether you can stay?"

"I have. She agreed to let me stay in the apartment I was provided."

"That's good to hear." Kakashi paused as he dipped his chopsticks into the appetizing bowl, fishing out a portion of noodles. "I don't mean to be a nuisance, but what do you think you'll do while you're here?"

Konan hummed as she finished a sip of water, pondering his question. "I haven't quite decided. Though, I will admit that the thought of returning to the life of a shinobi has crossed my mind once or twice. I can't imagine the Hokage would allow it so easily, especially considering my past."

Kakashi picked up a subtle wistfulness in her tone when she mentioned the slim chances of being accepted as a shinobi of Konohagakure. While he'd never seen her abilities firsthand, he could imagine that she was no pushover by any means. "That's true. But, by that same token, your track record could also help your case. That is, if you're looking to be a shinobi," he reasoned.

The azure haired woman arched an eyebrow. "Elaborate?"

"Despite your previous affiliations, you've been a great help to the village, and to Naruto especially. To be frank, I'm not sure how much he would have progressed if you hadn't been here to help him hone his abilities."

He was clearly trying to be subtle, but she knew what he meant when he mentioned Naruto's "abilities." Konan chalked it up to not wanting to reveal too much about the blond, especially considering the presence of other villages. She let out a hum after downing another portion of noodles. "I suppose that's true."

"Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"That depends on the something."

"I was briefed on the situation shortly after we met, but I can't help but wonder: did you come to Konoha of your own accord?"

Konan set her water glass down and stared at the counter. "Yes, but I had a very good reason to."

"Something besides Naruto?"

"In a manner of speaking."

"Can I ask what that something is?"

The azure haired woman idly stirred her bowl of broth with her chopsticks. "The dying wish of my best friend."

Kakashi hummed. "I see. Did they ask you to help him with his training?"

"He did. I can only hope that I honored that wish."

"I may not have known this friend of yours, but from my perspective I'd say you've done a rather good job. Like I said: I'm not sure how much he'd have progressed if I was the only one helping him. Your knowledge has proven invaluable for him."

"Do you always speak so highly of strangers?"

"Not at all." Kakashi glanced at the azure haired woman. "You're hardly a stranger, either, you know."

"What makes you say that?"

"You said so yourself," Kakashi responded coolly.

The memory of what she said reemerged in Konan's mind. He was right—she did say that she counted him among her friends. Though, she'd be lying if she said there wasn't anything hidden underneath that. Try as she might to suppress it, something about this man caught her attention.

She let a small smile grace her lips. "I suppose that's true, isn't it?" Konan decided to glance at Kakashi's now empty bowl of ramen, wondering just when he'd cleaned it out. She couldn't help but marvel at his ability to eat and drink without even so much as a hint of his face being shown.

If she could see it, she would no doubt be wondering if he had come down with a fever. Despite his stoic exterior, Kakashi Hatake was on the verge of having a heart attack. His heart was pounding, and he was having difficulty keeping his breathing in check. Not only that, but his mask threatened to catch fire at how hot his cheeks were. He'd been planning to ask Konan to dinner—or something of the sort—since their last conversation, but between the Chūnin Exams and simply not seeing her, the opportunities were slim at best.

'Nothing ventured, nothing gained,' Kakashi reasoned internally. He took a deep breath. "You know, I was thinking."

Konan hummed as she took a sip of water. "That so?"

The silver-haired jōnin cleared his throat awkwardly. "I was just thinking. Once this is over—the Chūnin Exams, I mean—and once you get things sorted out with the Hokage, would you, erm, would you like to maybe have dinner sometime?"

"Are you asking me on a date, Mr. Hatake?"

The man in question chuckled nervously. "Well, do you want it to be a date?"

Konan let a smile tug at her lips. "Firstly, I believe I asked first. Secondly, that depends on whether you intend it to be or not."

"I do," Kakashi blurted. He cleared his throat awkwardly, trying his best to contain the blush that threatened to creep above his mask as he lowered his volume. "If it's alright with you, then yes, it'd be a date."

A small giggle escaped the azure haired woman. "Dinner, then? That sounds nice. Just as long as it's not fried food."

"Not a fan of the stuff?"

"Not at all. Makes me sick to my stomach. Far too much grease."

"Not to worry, I feel the same way."

"Ah, well that's good to hear. I think. How about we plan for, let's say…two days after the exams are over? That way I can have a day to finalize things with the Hokage."

Kakashi fought to contain his excitement as his heart threatened to pound out of his chest. "That sounds good. I'll pick you up at, say, six o'clock?"

Konan finally let her small smile shine through, accented by a light dusting of pink on her cheeks. "It's a date."

"It's a date," Kakashi echoed.

With that, the two paid for their meals and amicably parted ways. Despite their best efforts, neither could keep from smiling as they went home. Kakashi's face was at least hidden by his mask.


A/N: Ah, some nice fluff. I really truly believe that Naruto and Fū would have been best friends if they ever met, and I wanted to give them some interactions to springboard that friendship. Also, she seems like the kinda person who would enjoy sweets, hence the cake. I decided to give Kakashi and Konan their own little moment here because they deserved it. Thanks so much for reading! Chapter 33 is in the works!