a/n: belated happy new year! i hope you all are safe, healthy and doing well! stay safe guys!
thank you all for the read,,i am very very much grateful!:))))

unedited

tell me what you guys think...? ehehe

Chapter iv: Augur

Augur (v.) to be a sign of especially good or bad things in the future

Blue crystalline eyes stared up at the pale blue ceiling as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked a couple more before she slowly sat up and perused her surroundings. She was inside the bedroom that the Nara had so kindly offered her. Once again as she has done the first time she woke up within that same room she pinched her cheek.

Her face scrunching due to the pain, she fully realized that this wasn't a dream anymore. A smile spread at her lips as she clutched her warm blanket, letting out a huff of breath she started to get up from her bed. Nodding to herself when she had deemed the bed tidy, she then headed out of her room towards where the nice smell was coming from. She watched as Yoshino prepared breakfast, leaning next to her and offering to help the woman smiled down at her sweetly.

"Good morning Naruto-chan!"

"Good morning Yoshino-san!", she greeted back and the woman handed her a bowl to place on the table. She no longer refused help from Naruto not when she insisted on helping out.

"Good morning.", a rough voice clearly just awakened from sleep echoed from behind both of them only for them to see Shikaku already prepared for the day but still looking like he was about to pass out. Naruto watched as Yoshino huffed and shook her head before handing her husband a cup of coffee to keep him awake.

"Naruto-chan, can you please wake Shikamaru up."

"Yes Yoshino-san.", she chimed before bounding up to Shikamaru's room. She didn't bother knocking knowing that the black-head wouldn't be opening it anyway. So, she slowly opened his door and tiptoed inside of his room. As she reached his bedside she stared down at the sleeping Nara who is cuddled by his side still clearly in dreamland.

She laid her hand on top of his arm and she began to shake him for a bit. She heard him groan and she chuckled finding Shikamaru's antic adorable. "Shikamaru, wake up.", she called out and her friend merely grunted once again but Naruto knew he was already awake.

She sat down by his bed as she waited for him to fully wake up. Brilliant blue met onyx before Shikamaru sat up from his bed. "Fine I'm up.", Naruto beamed at him before she nodded and stood up from where she sat before she left his room to allow him to start the day, she voiced out.

"Hurry, breakfast is almost ready.", she chirped. She then returned back to the kitchen where she helped Yoshino set up the table. A few minutes later and Shikamaru arrived taking a seat next to his Father as Naruto sat next to Yoshino. It was a quiet breakfast something Naruto didn't mind as much. She was just happy to belong.

"Naruto, would you like to join us all for today?", Shikaku broke the silence and Naruto could feel their eyes on her although Yoshino and Shikamaru tried to hide it.

"Where to Shikaku-san?", she asked as her head leaned to the side in question.

"To the Yamanaka household.", Shikaku replied and it dawned to Naruto what exactly what he meant. It was one of the things she had asked about Shikamaru when she was asking about the Genin teams and she often wondered if she would end up in a team with Shikamaru and Chouji. She also thought of teaming up with Kiba but those two were her first choices of teammates.

That was how she learned about the Ino-Shika-Cho formation that had been going on for years. Shikamaru explained it in a way that she could easily understand. She couldn't deny the fact that she was disappointed that she wouldn't get to be on the same team as both of them but Shikamaru placated her that anything could happen when it comes to the team formation. Naruto stared at Shikamaru who looked to be plotting something already in his brain during that day.

She was sucked back into reality when she realized she hasn't replied to Shikaku's question yet. "Oh uhm.", then she looked down at her food in deep thought then she looked up at Shikaku with an apologetic smile.

"Would it be alright if I declined Shikaku-san?", Shikamaru's eyes rested on her as his brows furrowed in question.

"Did you have a prior agreement?", Naruto nodded her head as she scratched her cheeks.

"Kiba offered to help me get a few of my stuff from the orphanage.", a single brow rose from Shikamaru who stared right at the side of her face as she replied to Shikaku.

"Oh, why didn't you tell me, Naruto-chan we could've gone together.", Naruto's eyes widened then as she waved her hands in front of Yoshino.

"No, no Yoshino-san its really okay besides there isn't much stuff there so.", there was a sudden change in the air within the room that Naruto swallowed, it was a mix of something akin to pity and suppressed anger and she felt bad for making them feel such things. It all easily dissipated when Shikaku smiled at her along with a reply.

"Well if you ever need something don't hesitate to tell us okay?", and there was it once again the warmth in her heart that seemed to have never been doused since she met Shikamaru.

"Thank you.", it was now a word she usually uttered how could she not, when she was feeling so thankful for everything that she has now.

Yoshino packed her a lunch which she greatly thanked the Nara Matron for. Yoshino pointing out that the door is always open to her when comes back from picking up her stuff from the orphanage. They were all prepared to leave the house, Naruto easily caught up to Shikamaru who was walking slowly waiting for her to catch up.

"So, when did you and Kiba made plans?", Naruto flinched and she knew that Shikamaru caught her lie, she was sure they all did. But she just couldn't find it in herself to join them, it would be like she would be encroaching into a territory only allowed for those who were part of the Ino-Shika-Cho formation.

She was sure they were alright with her going however that didn't stop her brain from overthinking of things like that, that she lied through it to avoid it as much as she can. A flick to her forehead brought her back from her mind and she covered her forehead with both of her hands. It didn't hurt much however the gesture caught her off-guard that she was about to protest to Shikamaru but the boy stopped her from doing so.

"Stop thinking too hard that's my job.", her eyes widened at Shikamaru's troubled expression and she giggled.

"Troublesome girl.", she heard Shikamaru mutter and before Shikamaru could pocket his hand she decided to hold onto it. Feeling the vibrant emotions all around her fade away into nothingness, what she didn't get to see what the slightly flushed face of Shikamaru nor the knowing glances of the two Nara's who were watching them walk ahead of them.

Feeling as if it was her lucky day, she spotted Kiba from one of the stalls. Releasing Shikamaru's hand she waved her goodbye towards the three Nara before she ran towards Kiba. Not wanting them to question the boy about her not well placed lie, she knew Kiba wouldn't be able to help her cover it up since the boy knew nothing about it.

"Kiba!", she called out to him and he smiled at her as she approached.

"Yo, Naruto. What's up?", he asked as soon as she approached him.

"Are you free?", the boy's eyebrow quirked up at this in wonder, then he shrugged his shoulders before he smirked.

"I guess I could spend a few hours with you.", Naruto scoffed and Kiba laughed before they both headed to one of the empty play grounds since the streets were crowded with people milling about with their children.

Kiba climbed at one of the monkey bars around as Akamaru then decided to run around whereas Naruto sat at one of the swings lightly swaying along with it. There was certain calmness in the silence between them but Naruto could feel the itching question coming from Kiba.

"So what's really up? Its unlike you to hang out with just me and without Shikamaru.", Naruto huffed not knowing where to start but she guessed she should just voice it out. Kiba doesn't seem like the type to blabber—no Naruto was sure he was the type but who else would she talk to this about. She could head to sensei but since Kiba was here it wouldn't hurt to try right?

"I didn't want to join them at the Yamanaka household.", even without looking at his expression Naruto knew he knows exactly what she meant.

"Ah, if I remember correctly the weekends were reserved for the Ino-Shika-Cho meet ups.", he pondered then he followed up easily. "But I'm sure you joining them wouldn't be a big deal for the Nara's though."

Naruto huffed frustrated with herself. "I know that but—", Kiba was silent, patient as if waiting for her to continue, it seemed so unlike him that even Akamaru looked up at his partner as to why, then Naruto continued.

"—I didn't want to intrude, I mean with everything suddenly happening, it's just a little bit too much but not in a bad way. It's like it all feels too good to be true and it's like I'm just waiting for the shoe to drop?", she tried to explain as much as she could but the jumbled mess of her own emotions were harder to deal with than other people's emotions.

"Man, Shikamaru would be much better to deal with this but since he ain't here I guess I'll have to step up.", Naruto rolled her eyes despite feeling like the sadness would once again rip her apart. The emotions bubbling up beneath her skin was like waiting to explode and she was feeling overwhelmed.

"Deep breaths Naruto, breath in then out slowly.", she didn't realize when it was that Kiba was next to her and helping her breath. She followed his instructions through the haze and soon enough her breathing evened out. Akamaru yipped as he snuggled by her feet giving her some kind of comfort something she was grateful for.

"How about try taking it one step at a time?", Naruto tilted her head in question and Kiba looked troubled at how he was going to explain himself that Naruto almost laughed.

"Uhh, ya know, like when you eat an onigiri right? You bite it bit by bit cuz if you eat it whole you wouldn't have the space to chew and you might even choke? Uhm, are you getting it?", Naruto chuckled at his explanation but she nodded her head in understanding.

She had never tried that before, identifying her emotions and slowly but surely naming them and understanding them. She does it unconsciously towards other people that when it comes to her emotions she never not once bothered to do it. Since learning when to run away from the sudden burst of anger from the villagers were what aided her from getting hurt.

"Besides the Nara's seemed to like you and you have us ya know.", he mumbled out blushing as he turned away from her. "You could talk to us about anything and well try to help ya, ya know."

"Thank you Kiba.", she gave him a smile and Akamaru yipped as if saying that it wasn't that much of a big deal.

"What did you say thank you for?", Kiba was flushed and Naruto can't help the laugh that bubbled from her.

"For cheering me up.", Kiba turned his head up as if it was only understandable for him to have been able to. A bark behind them interrupted them however and Kiba flinched, he clicked his tongue as she scratched the back of his head.

Naruto stared at the huge dog just in front of them, then he looked towards Akamaru then realized that the dogs were somewhat related. She guessed it must be someone from Kiba's Clan calling for him.

"What's wrong?", Naruto asked and Kiba picked Akamaru up from the ground and gave her an apologetic look.

"Sorry Naruto, my mom's calling me. Will you be okay?", the word 'alone' went unsaid between them and Naruto felt happy her friend was worried about her. But she would be alright, loneliness was something she was already used to.

"That's okay. I'll stay here for a while.", she beamed at him and he and Akamaru left with their apologies. Naruto stared up at the clear blue sky and thinking of doing what Kiba had advised her she decided to head to her usual spots to find some nice and quiet.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was growing weary. He stared at the carved-out statues through his window as he puffed out smoke from his pipe. He wondered when he should retire and who should he pass the hat onto. He was getting old for all of this. He wasn't as keen and as sharp as he had used to.

His thoughts were interrupted when a small white snake began to appear as if out of thin air and crawl up into his desk. The Anbu's who were tasked as his guards became wary of the small snake, they prepared to kill the creature should it bring any kind of harm towards the Hokage. He waved them all off knowing from whom the snake came from. He ordered the Anbu's with a simple signal to keep anyone out and cast a jutsu to keep all things within his office confidential.

The last time Orochimaru had contacted him with one of his Summons was when he informed him of Danzo's hand on the missing war orphans. He wondered what grim news one of his students was now about to bring to him. He wished it wasn't as grim as what he had previously heard. Making sure that the Anbu's within the room would keep away any and those who would try to contact him for a few hours he allowed the snake to reverse summon him to meet with his student by coiling on his arm.

He was summoned nearby the Ryuchi Cave just by the opening where the Great Snake Manda lives. He released a sigh when he sees his former student just coming out of the cave, bowing to him and showing his respect.

"So, what did you have to tell me that needs to be held here?", he blew off the smoke he inhaled from his pipe as he waited for Orochimaru to speak.

"The Jinchuuriki is in danger.", Hiruzen's mouth opened, his hands stopped halfway towards his mouth as his eyes widened. His eyebrows rose in question at Orochimaru's remark. Throwing a scroll towards his direction he caught it with one of his hands as he bit onto the pipe in order to open the scroll.

"Anko was only able to copy that from their records before she was almost found out.", Orochimaru uttered. As soon as he opened the scroll, he felt his knees buckle. Within the scroll was an intricate seal weaved into multiple chains shackled within a cage. The size of the cage was enough to host the Kyuubi if it ever returned to its original form. His blood ran cold as he looked up from the scroll to face his student, his face questioning and his student only answered with a name.

"Danzo.", he couldn't stop the way his shoulders slumped the fight in him seemingly lost. Now he understood why Orochimaru had to speak to him in this manner. This was something that no one must know about, they had no idea who would be under his service. No—not when even Danzo was able to convince one of his own Anbu's to attempt to kill him. He remembered the gaunt eyes of Kakashi Hatake as he faced him bearing the order to kill him, one, he calls friend.

"Then the Uchiha?", he asked his student and Orochimaru crossed his arms as he leaned at one of the rocks.

"Also orchestrated by him, you knew how influential he is especially when it comes to the Konoha Council.", Hiruzen could already fell the upcoming headache.

"However, even if I were to show this to the council this wouldn't be enough, you know, that right?", Orochimaru nodded as he replied.

"Yes, Danzo will reason out that he merely created such a prison in case the incident of the Kyuubi repeated once again.", Hiruzen nodded and the sudden memory of a girl with a wide smile, whiskered cheek and bright blue eyes flashed within his mind.

"He will not stop until he gets Naruto.", the scroll in his hand was now crumpled as he thought of a way to protect the child.

"You and I both know that he wouldn't. The military uses for the Jinchuuriki's are high and you know that he would do all it takes to take control of that, even disregarding that Jinchuuriki's are also human. It isn't uncommon even on other villages to treat them as weapons to be trained and used.", Hiruzen's fists turned white at the thought of them using Naruto as nothing more than a weapon. His mind whirred thinking of a solution, a way to keep the child safe and away from Danzo's reach.

"You should write to Jiraiya to take the child in, wasn't he her Godfather? Besides he planned on taking the brat as his student anyway what's the difference in taking her earlier than planned.", Hiruzen sighed as he looked towards his student who looked like he had given him the answer he was looking for. He nodded agreeing, it was a plausible answer. With Jiraiya who always travels and his location always unknown not even Danzo would be able to get to her.

"You would have to stay in Konoha for a while until he arrives then.", Orochimaru snorted knowing exactly what he meant by those words. Danzo wouldn't be able to make hasty moves not when he knows that Orochimaru would be watching him. Maybe he could even ask Orochimaru to watch over Naruto for him, while he stays in Konoha.

"The one you should be worried about would be in contacting Jiraiya. I will see you soon, Sensei.", after voicing that out he disappeared and Hiruzen found himself back into his office. The scroll no longer in his hands, they have to be very careful about setting things in motion.

His heart remained heavy, as his thoughts trailed back to a child with whom he tried to give a normal upbringing to. But as he recalled his past decisions he wondered when did it all go wrong. He wouldn't be able to visit the child as he had planned, after all not when he still has to deal with these two front plans that Danzo had started to brew behind his back.

Naruto sat down on the soft grass plopping her bag next to her. She released a heavy sigh she didn't know she was currently holding. She took out the lunch that Yoshino had packed for her and she smiled, who would've ever thought she would be eating a bento box made just for her. It warmed her stomach as she clapped both of her hands before she dug in to her food.

She suddenly placed down her food as she turned back noticing that she wasn't alone. Settling her lunch box next to her as she waited, her body rigid in attention but once she saw the figure that approached her, she somewhat let down her defenses. A small tentative smile formed from her lips.

Naruto recognized him easily, how could she not despite not being overly close with the man she recognized him as someone she could trust. He gave her food when she was feeling hungry and helped her out when it comes to dealing with a few of the adults who wouldn't sell her food or were just driving her away for just being there.

At first Naruto was reluctant in trusting him, he had an odd sense in him that rattled her oddly, however that didn't stop Sensei from trying to help her despite her clear avoidance of him before. As she observed him sometimes from afar or whenever they interacted soon enough the feeling of unease faded away and she could feel his sincere desire to aid her in his own small ways and for her that was more than enough.

Despite being busy with his work he tried to reach out to Naruto whenever he could. However, Naruto saw her influence on him when he outwardly showed that he was on her side and this caused her to somewhat stray away from him to avoid dragging him along with her.

She didn't want Sensei to be in the same boat as her not when he was living life so normally unlike her. Something she didn't particularly want to happen towards the Nara who have taken her in. Thus, added to her reluctance in joining them with their weekend family outings.

When she saw the clear frown on his face Naruto swallowed. She could feel the tiniest bit of anger on his person, along with a tinge of sadness and worry. Naruto felt guilty, she realized he must've been worried about her since she suddenly disappeared from the orphanage without telling anyone. Not like anyone from the orphanage wouldn't care where or what she was up to but she guessed maybe he went there to ask for her only to find out she was gone.

She realized she should've at least visited him the past few days but with everything that has been going on that were too fast for her to comprehend she couldn't deny that she had forgotten. She hoped she would be forgiven as she was excited to tell him everything that happened to her these past few days. She just knew he would be happy for her. She waved her hand towards the man slowly approaching her as she shouted out his name.

"Mizuki-sensei!"